Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
By Lynn & Kat Every December since 2017, Disney has produced a new Star Wars movie. Since their takeover of the Star Wars franchise, Disney has killed off quite a few beloved characters (Han Solo and Leia), raised a new villain (Kylo Ren), and given us a similar saga of space fights and underdogs. However, in the newest movie, fans believe they will be resurrecting an insidious past villain. At Rossview High, we have a few teachers and students who love the franchise, and we want to see what they think of the finale to the newest trilogy. QUESTIONS How do you feel about the return of Palpatine? Do you feel as if a company other than Disney could have done better? Which one and why? What are your feelings about the new trilogy? What do you like about the recent trailer? What do you dislike? Based on the trailer and other promotional materials, what/who do you expect to see in the movie? What would you like to see happen? Ryan Vinson Latin I-III and AP Latin Teacher How do you feel about the return of Palpatine? Vinson: We don’t need no Palpatine! I feel like bringing him back might just be trying to rake in those nostalgia dollars, but there’s some precedent for it in the old Extended Universe (now Legends) where Palpatine cloned his body and transferred his soul repeatedly. Do you feel as if a company other than Disney could have done better? Which one and why? Vinson: Disney’s got the biggest name, and therefore the most clout/power to bring in big names. So I don’t know if anyone would’ve done better. What are your feelings about the new trilogy? Vinson: I like the new trilogy so far. The Force Awakens was basically A New Hope redone, but I really loved The Last Jedi. I know that’s an unpopular opinion but I’m right and you can’t convince me otherwise. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ What do you like about the recent trailer? What do you dislike? Vinson: I’ve actually avoided the trailer so that as much as possible is new to me! Based on the trailer and other promotional materials, what/who do you expect to see in the movie? Vinson: It looks like maybe they’ll be returning to Kamino, what with all the rain? That would tie in with Palpatine cloning himself since that’s where the clone troopers were created! And I’m sure Rey will face a strong temptation to fall to the dark side, while Kylo may redeem himself. Gavin Gabrysiak 12th grade How do you feel about the return of Palpatine? Gavin: I hope they don’t make it where he “just so happened to survive” because that’s realistic. I hope he comes back as a force ghost instead. It’s more of a cash grab on nostalgia from the old movies. It's kind of a cheap attention grabber. Do you feel as if a company other than Disney could have done better? Which one and why? Gavin: Definitely. The first problem is that George Lucas isn’t writing these. They’re just trying to make money off it. If anyone should’ve done it, it should be Lucas Films. What are your feelings about the new trilogy? Gavin: It has a lot of Disney characteristics (cute characters), but other than that it’s a good story. I like how they brought the old characters back. What do you like about the recent trailer? What do you dislike? Gavin: It’s aesthetically pleasing. I don’t hate it, but it has no plot. Based on the trailer and other promotional materials, what/who do you expect to see in the movie? Gavin: Resolutions on the old characters, maybe a few deaths. What would you like to see happen? Gavin: A definite ending to the saga. Madison Kovsky 12th grade How do you feel about the return of Palpatine? Madison: I think it’ll be interesting, I’m really excited. The trailer gave me chills. Do you feel as if a company other than Disney could have done better? Which one and why? Madison: I think Disney has actually done a really good job, although episode seven was better than episode eight. What do you like about the recent trailer? What do you dislike? Madison: There’s nothing I dislike, but I like seeing Kylo Ren. Actually, I don’t like that the saga is coming to an end. Based on the trailer and other promotional materials, what/who do you expect to see in the movie? Madison: Other than Palpatine, nothing shocking or really unexpected. You never know what they’ll throw at you. What would you like to see happen? Madison: I’d like to see the Jedi’s come out on top. I don’t want it to end, but I’d like a happy ending. John “Cooper” Holt 11th Grade How do you feel about the return of Palpatine? Cooper: It doesn’t seem very original. It feels like they ran out of ideas and didn’t know what else to do. Do you feel as if a company other than Disney could have done better? Which one and why? Cooper: I feel like Paramount could’ve done better, because all of the Indiana Jones movies were from them and so was the first Iron Man. They have all of these classic series’ to their name. What are your feelings about the new trilogy? Cooper: I like to think of the trilogy: The Force Awakens was on top of a ledge and then The Last Jedi is when the trilogy yeeted itself off the cliff and fell down and The Rise of Skywalker is when it faceplants. What would you like to see happen? Cooper: Something new that I haven’t seen before. Opinions on the newest trilogy are mixed. Even more so for the latest movie. Some love it, others hate it. But no one can deny the effect Star Wars has had on pop culture, along with all of the references that stem from it. Whether you’re hyped or waiting in dread for the upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker remember that there’s always The Mandalorian to fall back on. Kat Franklin Looking for a job can be confusing, challenging, and even disappointing. There are many pitfalls and traps to fall into, even when you find a job. It can be dangerous, low paying, or just not what you’re looking for. Here’s what to look for and how to find a good job! Look for: Retail- Jobs in stores, rather than jobs in fast food or entertainment centers, are likely to pay higher wages and to have less stressful working conditions. When working in retail, you can sometimes earn a commission based on how good you are at your job. Hours usually end at nine, so you won’t be asked to give up large amounts of sleep to work there. Self-employment: One of the best jobs to have as a teenager is to find something you’re good at and monetize it. A self-employed job can be anything from raking leaves to designing websites for local, tech-challenged companies. If you’re self-employed, you keep all profits, set your own hours, and do something you enjoy doing. Small Businesses- Small businesses have a track record of treating their workers with respect and fair wages, and it’s really easy to meet and connect with your managers or bosses, making promotions much more likely. Small businesses also function with something akin to a family dynamic, where everyone knows everyone, and a long term job is likely. Beware of: Seasonal Jobs: Especially if you’re applying now, in December, a seasonal job is not what you want. As the winter holidays draw closer, many stores are looking for extra employees to help with the rush. However, these stores will also let you go when the holidays are over, leaving you right where you were before: looking for a job. Be careful when applying, ask if the position is seasonal or permanent. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with accepting a seasonal position to hold you over before you find a better job, but don’t expect to work there after the New Year. Dangerous work environments: Most of the restaurants or labor-centric jobs in Clarksville are safe and fair; however, every now and then a business won’t comply with the federal laws that state a minor can’t work in hazardous conditions. Burning grease, metal machinery, and other dangers can harm a worker who gets stuck in the wrong job. Again, most of Clarksville’s jobs are safe, but it’s best to find a worker of the job you’re applying to and ask them about their experience there first. Low Pay/Bad Management: There is a minimum wage in America; however, some companies get around it if their workers get tips. They’re allowed to give a smaller minimum wage (around 2 dollars) as long as their workers can supplement with tips. In some businesses, customers tip well, and this program works. In others, workers earn very little. Another pitfall is bad management, where managers give inconsistent instructions, lose their temper easily, or do not promote from within. The best way to find either of these out, once again, is to ask a worker about their experience. First Home Game for Rossview Basketball
By: Vasundhara Singh and Leilani Luca The Rossview Boys Basketball Teams and the Varsity Girls Teams played against Station Camp on November 22nd, 2019. This was Rossview’s first home game this season. The players played with great enthusiasm, and there was a good turnout for both the visiting team and Rossview. JV started well and tied with Station Camp 25-25 in the last 5 minutes before halftime. However, soon after half-time, Rossview fell behind station camp, ending the game with 37 points to Station Camp’s 51. After the Boy’s JV game, the Varsity Teams for both Rossview and Station Camp flooded the floor, and there was competitive tension from the beginning of their warm-ups. The Girl’s Varsity Team won against Station Camp by a considerable amount: 56-25. Both boys' teams lost, as Rossview’s Varsity Team lost to the Station Camp Varsity Team 40-56. Despite the losses, the Rossview Cheer Teams were ever-enthusiastic and charmed the crowd with their skills during the game and half-time. The plans for battle advance with a speed that I would not have thought capable of the formerly weak and frightened animals I first met. Every creature, down to the tiny grasshopper, has found a job they can do to protect us. All animals capable of fighting, anything with teeth or claws, have begun to sharpen them in preparation for the confrontation.
When I first asked people to fight with me, I was afraid no one would say yes. What I didn’t account for was the anger of the animals who had lost their friends or family to Wolf- either by force or willingly. There’s no doubt that Wolf knows about our plans now, and he’s most likely amassing a force of his own. We each have our advantages: I have more in numbers, and my brother has the stronger creatures. Many of the hawks, rabbits, and deer who feel like they deserve power have gone to get it from him. The forest cats are sticking with us, but the bears are split half and half. There’s no clear winner in this fight. “Fox!” Crow’s caw pulls me from my strategizing. “You know this is crazy, right?” “What do you mean?” I ask. I know what he’s going to say, but I don’t want to hear it. Crow’s been the only one so far not pitching himself into the planning. “These animals, our friends, are going to get hurt. Even if we win, and Wolf is banished forever, there will be those who will not survive the fight. Are you willing to give up the lives of our brothers and sisters so easily?” His feathered head tilts in what I assume to be judgment. If he weren’t so fast I’d grab one of his black wings in my mouth and shake him. “They know the risks, and besides, what else can we do? You were the one who brought me back here to fight Wolf. You can’t fault me for doing it.” “I didn’t bring you back here to fight!” He growls. “I brought you back to reason with Wolf, to reason with your brother.” “Don’t remind who he is!” I hiss. “Wolf is beyond reason now. All he understands is blood. His followers are bought and sold with blood, our blood. I will not let him take all of us.” “Look at you,” He spits, “When I came to find you, you were all about moving on and leaving us behind. And you know what? I think that was better for you! Now that you’re back, you’re becoming everything your brother was before he turned on us. Are you next, Fox?” I meet his stare with cold eyes. “Get out, Crow,” I tell him, “If you’re not with us, you’re against us.” “I’m not with anybody.” He shakes his head in disgust. “And I’m not going to stick around and watch you turn a peaceful community into your vendetta army.” With a flap of his long, dark wings, Crow disappears into the night. We don’t need him. We have enough fighters of our own. Crow, with his pacifist cowardice and his inability to wage war will be no use in our battle. I remember how he told me he was the only one who escaped the battle with Wolf unharmed, and now I know why. Crow is a coward, and nothing more. I cross the clearing to where Mouse lies in her nest, almost finished healing. “How close are we to being ready?” I ask. “A week, two at most,” she replies. “Good.” I grin. “Tell the other animals, and let them make their final preparations. Wolf’s reign of terror is coming to an end.” |