It is to be expected that this wide range of subgenres possess their own unique style of metal. Thus beginners can have immense difficulty in finding out where to start listening to the genre. Metal can, however, be broken down into levels of sorts, each becoming progressively heavier and more complex. 

Level One: Introductory 

The first level of metal music is introductory metal, demonstrated perfectly by the record “Meteora” by Linkin Park. “Meteora” is a relic from the peak of the nü-metal genre in the early 2000s. Nu metal was pioneered in the 1990s by bands such as Korn, Limp Bizkit and Slipknot and peaked in terms of both popularity and quality with Linkin Park’s first two records, “Hybrid Theory” and “Meteora,” released in 2000 and 2003 respectively.

“Meteora” contains the hallmarks of its subgenre: shorter songwriting almost completely devoid of solos, elements of electronic music rather than the traditional instruments of a metal band, although all of those instruments are still present, and a vocal style with elements of rapping,screaming and growling. 

Although almost every track on “Meteora” is legendary in its own right, three standout tracks are  “Faint,” “Figure.09” and “Numb.” “Faint” begins with its instantly recognizable electronic beat, which dominates the instrumental portion of the song. Percussion and guitar only enter around the chorus. As with almost every Linkin Park track of the time, the talent of rapping vocalist Mike Shinoda is elegantly mixed with the voice of lead vocalist Chester Bennington. 

“Figure.09” trades the electronic sound of “Faint” for guitar-led instrumental more reminiscent of traditional metal. 

“Numb” is a deeply emotional ballad with electronic beats intermixing perfectly with guitar riffs and percussion for the entirety of the track similarly to the harmonizing of Shinoda’s backing and Bennington’s lead vocals, which together create an unforgettable sound.

Level Two: Standard

The second level is standard metal, where the record “Painkiller” by Judas Priest is a perfect example. The musical style of “Painkiller” is a perfect evolution of the first metal played by Black Sabbath, with evolution brought on by changing musical capabilities. The album was released in 1990 along with other legendary metal records such as “Rust in Peace” by Megadeth and “Cowboys From Hell” by Pantera. 

The standout tracks of “Painkiller” are the titular track “Painkiller,” “Metal Meltdown,” and “One Shot at Glory.” “Painkiller” opens with its signature aggressive drums which are shortly joined by guitar and vocals, telling the story of the painkiller, a mechanical avenging angel who has come to save mankind from its devastation.

The complexity of “Metal Meltdown” is on full display from the instant the track opens with its masterfully technical guitar play, and although drums and vocals also make up a large part of the song, the guitar remains the most memorable part of the track. 

“One Shot at Glory” is a glorious anthem of courage and heroism, completed by inspiring vocal delivery and energizing instrumental.

Level Three: Experimental

The third level is experimental metal, and with it comes “Leviathan” by Mastodon. “Leviathan” is a concept album which melds the story and literary themes of “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville with the monstrous riffs of Mastodon. Mastodon blends the quas-classical complexity of progressive metal with the slower downtuned riffs of the sludge metal subgenre to create a sound that is almost wholly unique, and “Leviathan” is their masterpiece.

Each one of  the record’s tracks is a beautiful composition of its own, as goes with all of Mastodon’s work, but the best of the best are “Blood and Thunder,” “Naked Burn” and “Hearts Alive.” 

In “Blood and Thunder” the commands of Captain Ahab to his crew as they hunt the white whale who is Ahab’s “holy grail” make up the majority of the lyrics, with the riffs of guitarists Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher completely dominating the instrumental.

“Naked Burn” is in my opinion the greatest metal track of all time. The chugging riff is a wondrous demonstration of Mastodon’s prowess, and the protracted cries of “save yourself, don’t wait on me” which are barely audible beneath the guitar are quite simply haunting. One must listen to this track to truly understand its beauty. 

“Hearts Alive” is the nearly 14 minute penultimate track of “Leviathan,” composed of mostly instrumental passages. The song is an unforgettable testament to Mastodon’s ability not only to craft beautifully technical music, but also to impart complex themes and stories through that music. 

Level Four: Intricate  

The fourth level includes some of the most complex and heaviest subgenres and albums metal has to offer, including “From Mars to Sirius” by the French band Gojira. “From Mars to Sirius” is a record of the technical death metal genre, or tech death, for short, which is a subgenre of death metal which focuses on instrumental and songwriting complexity.

The three greatest tracks on “From Mars to Sirius” are “Ocean Planet,” “The Heaviest Matter of the Universe” and “Flying Whales.” “Ocean Planet” features a short but technical guitar riff, which repeats for most of the track, sometimes accompanied by vocals and always followed by a moment of respite. This riff is quite enchanting and is alone enough to make a more than memorable track, despite amazing vocals and drumming. 

“The Heaviest Matter of the Universe” is an aggressive joyride, never slowing down and never giving the listener a moment to catch their breath, and is all the better for it. Unlike other tracks, which are dominated by one aspect, the vocals, guitar and drums all perfectly balance one another out, creating a listening experience to remember. 

“Flying Whales” showcases the intermixing of slow, almost melancholic instrumental passages with the aggressive weight of tech death music, taking the listener on a journey for the duration of the almost eight minute track.

From the simplest nü-metal track to the most complex progressive metal, there is a beauty that can be found in metal and nowhere else, and if I’ve managed to impart even a fraction of this beauty on my readers, then I’ve done my job well.

The post A Beginner’s Guide To Metal appeared first on Obsidian News | Oregon Youth Voices.

This change has come at the same time as titans of traditional metal rest their laurels. The rising stars of modern metal are not remotely similar to, for example, the legendary band Megadeth, who released their final, self-titled album on Jan. 28. 

The band was formed in 1983 after guitarist and vocalist Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica due to his issues with substance abuse. The current lineup of the band includes the aforementioned Mustaine on vocals and guitar, James LoMenzo on bass, Dirk Verbeuren on drums and Teemu Mäntysaari on guitar. 

Megadeth’s discography began on May 17, 1985 with the release of “Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good.” Megadeth then went on to release seventeen records including hits such as “Rust In Peace”in 1990 and “Countdown to Extinction” in 1992, ending in 2026 with the record “Megadeth.”

The record contains 11 tracks, which are as follows: “Tipping Point,” “I Don’t Care,” “Hey God?!,” “Let There Be Shred,” “Puppet Parade,” “Another Bad Day,” “Made To Kill,” “Obey The Call,” “I Am War,” “The Last Note” and “Ride The Lightning (Metallica cover).” 

“I Don’t Care” opens immediately with Mustaine listing the things he does not care about. The tough guy act coming from a more than 60-year-old musician is many things; pleasant is not one of them. The instrumental is still enjoyable, but the lyrics are borderline painful to listen to, making this the worst track on the record.

Although a sonically pleasant track, “Hey God?!” could have been much better. Even as Mustaine calls out to God, saying “[he’s] had a lot of things on [his] mind” it feels as if he has nothing of importance to say. 

“Puppet Parade” is easily a standout track of the album. The instrumentals, vocals and lyrics are all well done and enjoyable to listen to.

“I Am War” speaks to similar militaristic themes as many Megadeth tracks, but with a different tone. “I Am War” seems to almost revel in war and all that it brings, providing a shakeup to the usual anti-war commentary one would’ve come to expect from the band. Overall this track is good enough but relatively forgettable, aside from the unique perspective.

“The Last Note” is a more introspective track than any other on the record. Here, Mustaine takes a moment to reflect on his storied career before lamenting its end with a bittersweet mix of pride and regret. Mustaine certainly has a lot to be proud of and he knows it, and he also recognizes that his legacy will outlive him, his “last note [will] never die.”  

Contrary to the band’s storied career, the record has been a disappointment to many. Bennett Ardeljan, a Summit sophomore and Megadeth fan said “If I saw [the album] in a record store, I would probably hide it behind other CDs and records so other people wouldn’t have to listen to it.”

Scathing as this review may be, it isn’t wrong. The majority of the album’s tracks are average and the standout tracks, good or bad, balance each other out, leaving a record which is mediocre. 

“Megadeth” is not just the end of a popular and influential band, but the end of an era. The once-dominant forces of metal are beginning to fizzle out, and there are almost no true, deserving successors to succeed them. For example, Sleep Token, a rising star in the modern “metal” scene, isn’t truly a metal band, let alone a band which produces quality music. 

Take Sleep Token’s song “Caramel,” which is the most streamed track of their most recent record and according to The New York Times, the single best song of 2025. The track is described to contain elements of “rap-metal, dream-prog, pop-reggaeton, backpack hip-hop, cosplay rock, metalcore.” 

As at least three of these subgenres are of either rock or metal, this song is in large part metal, yet its runtime of four minutes and 51 seconds, contains, by my count, only 104 seconds of guitar. In contrast, a track of comparable success, “The Heart From Your Hate,” by metalcore band Trivium contains four minutes and four seconds of guitar in its four minute and four seconds runtime. 

Guitar is undoubtedly a core part of metal and all its variants or subgenres, so to see it cast aside in a track hailed as the greatest of a year long period is a clear demonstration of what metal is coming to, and what is being lost of traditional metal. 

Now do not mistake me, I have no problem with innovation, but watching the genre that I grew up listening to, and will continue to listen to for all my life, be warped beyond recognition is without a doubt saddening. And make no mistake: This is no swan song, but a last gasp. Although even if this is the end of an era, Megadeth, and metal as a whole, had a good run, and for that I am eternally grateful. 

The post “Megadeth”: Swan Song or Last Gasp? appeared first on Obsidian News | Oregon Youth Voices.

This is not a gothic movie. It isn’t the Dust Bowl, nor heavily-industrialized India. This is Oregon in 2025, grappling with the perpetual drought and disaster brought on by climate change. And according to experts, the Trump administration’s policies will only worsen the problem.

In July, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a proposal to void the endangerment finding, a crucial decision that granted the government authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Issued in 2009, the finding established that certain greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, “threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations.” 

This finding, which was largely backed by the scientific community, has fueled the agency’s actions in the years since, paving the way for policies such as the regulation of tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions in American vehicles.

Opponents have long claimed that the finding is an overstep, granting the EPA far too much power over industry. However, its legitimacy has been supported by the U.S. court system: In a 2010 case, the Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. ruled in favor of regulations imposed under the finding, and the Supreme Court declined to review the case.

For members of the climate advocacy community, a rollback of the endangerment finding is not only distressing, but a perplexing negation of the scientific consensus.

“I think it’s very disappointing to see the rollback on what was very well-supported, scientifically-supported policy that’s been in place for a long time, almost 20 years,” said Neil Baunsgard, Climate Policy Manager at the Bend Environmental Center.

Baunsgard, who has worked in the sustainability field for over a decade, described the EPA’s actions under the Trump administration as a “vibes-based decision-making process” rather than one informed by scientific fact.

Dr. Erica Fleishman, a professor at Oregon State University and director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, shared similar concerns.

“Climate change is creating warmer and drier conditions in general in Oregon and across most of the Western United States,” Fleishman explained. “It’s important to clarify that it’s not what I think. It’s what there’s overwhelming evidence about: that wildfires are becoming larger and that they are becoming more frequent.”

These risks have been felt acutely in Central Oregon, a region that has in recent years been wracked with destructive wildfires. In fact, a recent study conducted by the University of Washington Bothell named Bend the third-smokiest city in the nation. Two other Oregon cities, Medford and Grants Pass, ranked first and second, and Klamath Falls, Roseburg and Eugene were situated in the top 10.

Overturning the endangerment finding would only worsen this problem, allowing manufacturers to resume the production of inefficient and high-emission vehicles. This projected jump in greenhouse gas emissions would be felt globally, but especially in the vulnerable and water-starved West.

“The effects of climate change are likely to happen faster, and they’re likely to be more severe,” Fleishman said of a post-endangerment finding future.

This accelerated progression becomes even more concerning when one considers a recent study on the deadly nature of wildfires. The researchers, who hail from universities nationwide, found that if climate change continues on its projected path, wildfire smoke is expected to kill 70,000 Americans by the middle of the century.

According to experts, studies such as this one support the assertion that the endangerment finding has enshrined for over a decade: Climate change, if left unregulated, will elicit a public health crisis of unbelievable magnitude.

Moves to dismantle the finding are not the only controversial shift in climate policy since President Trump’s inauguration in January. In fact, on the first day of his second term, the president issued an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement, an international treaty dedicated to climate change mitigation (Trump also removed the United States from the pact during his first term; Joe Biden revived the country’s involvement immediately upon his inauguration in 2021).

Trump has also vowed to expand fossil fuel production in the United States, carrying out a pro-oil agenda that can best be described by its rallying cry: “Drill, baby, drill.” In October, the administration drew rancor from environmental advocates for its decision to open Alaska’s Arctic Wildlife Refuge, a swath of historically-protected land, to fracking.

“I think a lot of people are rightfully feeling disempowered with some of the rollbacks and actions on the federal level,” said Baunsgard.

So what can concerned citizens do in this era of policy upheaval? According to Baunsgard, the answer is simple: Get involved.

“We’re really lucky in Central Oregon that we have a lot of great nonprofit advocacy organizations,” he explained.

Involvement is especially important for young people, he said. After all, this world of smoke and struggle is in the younger generations’ hands. However, in a political climate where the average age of U.S. senators is 64.7 years and the average age of representatives is 57.9, their voices are often absent from the policymaking process.

With this in mind, Baunsgard emphasized the importance of seeking out groups that support one’s environmental interests and contacting political representatives with concerns.

Today, the proposal to repeal the endangerment finding remains in review. In the meantime, there is no doubt that Central Oregonians are living in a changed world: one of wildfire, warming and the everpresent risk of natural disasters. And so, as fires crackle across the West and a snowless winter serves as an omen for summers to come, Central Oregonians wait for the EPA to decide their fate.

The post How an Altered EPA May Impact Central Oregon appeared first on Obsidian News | Oregon Youth Voices.

While some people appreciate the new growth added to Bend, others aren’t too fond of the situation, creating tension among the town. 

Many of these newcomers are arriving from states including California, Washington and Arizona, with the majority of Bend’s growth coming from these areas with major cities according to Common Sense Institute of Oregon. It’s no surprise there has been plenty of backlash. Although some have been bothered, newcomers just strive to find a nice place to raise family and experience new culture and community. 

“We just moved here from California,” said Jordan A., who arrived in Bend just in time for her son to start school. “We love it. It is such a diverse environment perfect for my son and I really like his teachers in school.” 

Bend’s public education system has definitely gotten quite the recognition, as staff and school administrators pride themselves on making a welcoming community fit for each student. Yet even with positives Jordan’s family has found so far, adjusting to the community has had its challenges.

“There have been times when going out that we’ve received snarky remarks or micro aggressions concerning our character and recent migration,” said Jordan. 

Stereotypes and typecast labels have been used on those coming in from bigger cities for many years, and as Bend grows in population so does its schools, shops, restaurants and living space, creating challenges in expanding appropriately for everyone. 

With over 100,000 people now in Bend, personal troubles and preferences have risen. 

“It has definitely been a struggle for me with this past new growth to Bend.” Said longtime local of over 30 years, Hayley Albin. She expresses her feelings towards the new attitude migrants have brought forward, explaining, “People never smile anymore.”

The small tight nit community that Bend once was definitely has had some changes in not only people but their mannerisms too. Once a place where everybody knew everybody now it’s hard to even make conversation with people. “This is not the Bend I grew up in”. Hayley states. Comparisons of how lively, communicative and unreserved Bend used to be seems to be affecting people more than you would think. 

Though without this growth, you could argue Bend wouldn’t be as diverse as it is today. Showing off its undeniable widening of cultures and practices, uniting those with similar belief groups. Especially with Bend’s newest high school of five years, Caldera. A dual immersion school, focused on incorporating academic activities in both Spanish and English for native and learning speakers. The major attraction to Caldera’s amazing performance in administration, with Caldera’s principal, Chris Boyd, receiving the title of Bend-La Pine Schools’ 2025 Administrator of the Year, has only made people, including exchange students, want to join the pack.

While “Old Bend” is gone, a wider, expanded community has arisen, creating more opportunities for newcomers arriving both from the states or other countries. Nationwide, small towns will evolve into transforming cities, new people will come in as construction makes room for apartments, office buildings or stores for new shop owners. Though Bend 30 years ago might not appear the same as today, those moving into the small city are simply striving for a better way of living.

The post Is Trying to Protect “Old Bend” Worth the Spread of Hate? appeared first on Obsidian News | Oregon Youth Voices.

Camp Fire, a century-old nonprofit dedicated to community-based learning and outdoor leadership, is responsible for a broad base of educational programs nationwide. But for the children of Central Oregon, it is associated with one program in particular: Tumalo Day Camp.

For 36 years, Camp Fire’s local branch has hosted three weeklong summer camps at Tumalo State Park, providing local youth with an opportunity to forge relationships, learn new skills and connect with both their community and the outdoors.

Supported by a dedicated group of volunteers, campers explore the Deschutes River, sing traditional Camp Fire songs and participate in creative activities.

A group of campers participate in a craft project at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald

For volunteer Kari Szukalski, the most valuable part of Camp Fire Camp is “watching the kids get more independent as they grow.” 

The camp curriculum is designed to build on itself over the years, and Szukalski said that this concept is particularly striking when it comes to the campers’ paracord bracelets: Each year, as the children advance their knowledge of knot-tying, the bracelets become more complex.

A Counselor-in-Training demonstrates tie-dying techniques to his group at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald

Though the camp’s programming ends when campers reach eighth grade, participation is still encouraged. The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program enables dedicated campers to assume leadership roles, guiding younger attendees through activities with the help of adult volunteers.

According to Camp Director Cece Valceschini, it is the CITs who make Camp Fire Camp special. Serving as role models for young campers, they encourage continued involvement and contribute their own unique flavor to the camp’s culture.

“I wanted to stay involved in it because I thought the CITs were really cool people,” said Mars Thiel, a recent graduate of the CIT program who served as a counselor this summer.

Counselor Mars Thiel shows off their wood cookie, a Camp Fire tradition, at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald

Like many who return to camp, Thiel was drawn not just by tradition, but by the energy, friendships and memories that make it feel like home. From skits and campfire songs to arts and crafts, the fun is what keeps kids coming back.

However, for many, Camp Fire offers more than summer entertainment: It’s where lifelong bonds begin.

“New friendships are built here,” said Valceschini, who met her best friend at camp 34 years ago. Now, she helps new campers find connection, encouraging them through silly songs and skits. The goal of Camp Fire Camp, she said, is to provide a space where all participants’ voices are heard and even shyer children have an opportunity to forge friendships with their peers.

“My favorite part of summer camp is hanging out with my friends,” said 9-year-old camper Alta.

Campers make mud pies at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald

However, as Bend’s population continues to grow, the camp faces increasing challenges in securing space. Valceschini noted that Tumalo State Park, where the camp occurs, grows “fuller and fuller” each year, making it increasingly difficult to reserve the site. 

Yet, despite more construction, higher demand for public spaces and limited access to outdoor facilities, Valceschini is optimistic about continuing traditions. After all, she said, the camp runs largely on community support, and as long as there is a need in Central Oregon for Tumalo Day Camp, she trusts that volunteers will step up to keep the camp alive.

“Come to camp,” Valceschini said. “New volunteers are always welcome.”

Camp Director Cece Valceschini and Counselor-in-Training Director Cayden Jones celebrate pajama day at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald

Over 30 years have passed since the inaugural Tumalo Day Camp, and over that period, little has changed. It has seen generations of children pass through — including Valceschini’s three children and her grandchild — and the camp’s relevance to Central Oregon youth hasn’t waned. Instead, it continues to encourage connection, allowing campers to experience nature, friendship and fun in a way that, for many, is all too rare.

The post Community, Connection, Camp Fire: Tumalo Day Camp Makes Lasting Impact on Bend Youth appeared first on Obsidian News | Oregon Youth Voices.

The answer is no. In recent years, prom has morphed into something even bigger. Students invest heavily in everything from extravagant “promposals,” transportation and fashion to the actual ticket itself. The increased prevalence of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok likely contributes to this pressure on prom attendees to show a picture-perfect evening. The desire to impress others and document the night online has led to heightened expectations, often turning what should be a joyful experience into stress. 

Originally, prom was a formal dance organized by schools to represent the societal norms of becoming more polished and mature as students made the journey from childhood to young adulthood. Schools would use the opportunity to teach social etiquette to students and to celebrate the end of the school year. It was often held in school gyms and was much more focused on the celebration of coming together as a community. In recent years, however, schools have shifted away from holding dances in the gyms and towards nicer facilities. For example, Bend High held its prom at the Riverhouse this year. This change is just one reflection of the wider shift towards extremes, where people feel like they either need to present perfection or nothing at all.  Over time, prom has dramatically evolved past any resemblance to its origins, as societal norms changed and pressure grew on students.

Overall, this is not to say not to enjoy your prom night. However, taking the time to remember why we celebrate this time of year can take some of the pressure off and remind students that it is ok to not go all out for this one night of your life. No matter what you do, we can all keep in mind that this night is truly about making lasting memories, having fun with your friends, and celebrating the end of this important chapter in your life!

The post The Pressure of a Modern-Day Prom appeared first on Obsidian News | Oregon Youth Voices.

“It’s less pressure than texting because you don’t feel like you have to keep up the conversation for hours a day,” said Bend High senior Samara Bristol, who has been sending letters for two years. Through this form of communication, she has made new friends and stayed in contact with family members. 

 “It’s an easy way to connect with people in other parts of the world,” added Bristol, who has learned about different cultures, religions, and traditions while making new friends. Nowadays, what people know about other countries, cultures, and people is based on what they hear on the internet and the news. However, by taking time to learn about these things from someone who lives and experiences them firsthand, you have the opportunity to learn how another person sees them and not have bias by what you have seen in the media.

Another plus to sending letters is that it can be a form of artistic expression; scrapbooking together stickers, paper, photos and other things can show the receiver a glimpse into a different culture and daily life. 

“Getting a letter in the mail is actually super fun,” said Bristol. Compared to an email or text message, receiving a letter feels more personal; it’s something that you can look forward to and enjoy.

The post Importance of Letters in Modern Life appeared first on Obsidian News | Oregon Youth Voices.

Inspiration strikes everywhere we go. Maybe you’re walking down the street and see someone’s cool or experimental outfit which strikes your fancy. Or you watch a TikTok that makes you yearn for the clothes someone has on. To what avail? The chokehold that new fashion and unique styles has on us young women is dangerous, especially when you consider our very low or nonexistent income. But is it too much to ask to at least look stylish while school drains us of energy and will? Fashion is a way to show personality and be confident in what you love as well as what you are on the outside. It shouldn’t be a negative thing to shop, should it?

There are many ways to combat or at least lessen debt by shopping so that we can continue doing this thing we love, guilt free.

The most common way this generation overcomes shopping cravings is by thrifting. The realization that all trends come back around brings the reminder that the new clothes and online brands you see “following the trends” are making and selling apparel that already exists. For instance, in 2024, cheetah print made a huge comeback, and folks fail to realize that this is not a new idea. You can find something cheetah print at practically any thrift store considering it has trended over and over through the decades. So why buy new items, which use new materials for a higher price, when you can buy the same thing for cheaper while simultaneously helping the environment through repurposing?

For those who really want to take control of their shopping habits, another helpful activity is to make a pact with yourself. This means that you can still shop; it just has to be conditional. If you struggle with self control, it can be valuable to tell yourself that you have to accomplish something you’ve been putting off before you buy that item. It could be something school or work-related, but it could also be personal, such as removal of an unhealthy habit like a social media app or binging. This self-trading system allows the reward of shopping while also preserving your mental and financial health. It is also important to note that when something becomes less frequent, it becomes more special. If Christmas was once a month, it just wouldn’t be the same. 

If it’s not the clothes themselves that we crave, but rather the novelty of acquiring or experiencing something new, you could consider cutting out the act of shopping entirely. This can be achieved through many different hobbies that differ from person to person. If you want to stay up with what’s trending, watch a new movie or read a new book and engage in active community chatter. Maybe reading’s not your thing and you’d be more interested in a crafty activity such as learning how to sew and make your own clothes. Whatever the choice is, it’s the personal outcome that matters more than the activity itself. 

Within every high school, there is a lot of unique style and fashion expression, so sometimes it’s not the clothes itself, but how they are styled. A challenge that everyone should take on is to change their mindset and perspective about the clothes they already own, for an accessory can really make all the difference. Maybe your friend group could make fun outfits and ideas out of each other’s items, as a fresh eye can create something that may have been overlooked countless times. 

If these ideas don’t really appeal and it sounds better to just keep shopping, there are also many ways to make extra money. Side hustles may be the way to go! Everyone knows how difficult it is to have enough time in the day for a traditional job, and for many, working those hours is simply not realistic. Luckily, it’s incredible how many niche side hustles you can find if you look hard enough. Even if time and location is an issue, there’s most definitely something in your community you can do to make money. You could sell old clothes and accessories on Depop, Vinted or Poshmark instead of donating. Small things add up, so even babysitting or yard work for your neighbors and family makes a difference. 

This generation is ever-changing and full of individuality, attributes that allow flexibility within daily life. My hope is that these tips help those who’ve read this to continue living your creative lives. A community full of artistry and innovation really can bring people together, and this can be achieved without emptying your wallet. 

The post A Shopaholic’s Guide to Saving Money appeared first on Obsidian News | Oregon Youth Voices.

It is frankly a bit boring and not what I expected from Ke Hu Quan. But it makes sense considering that the main character is a real estate agent. It does set up Quan’s motivations well, along with conflict later in the movie.

After the Valentine’s Day party, the plot finally starts. It does do quite a bit of information dumping at the beginning through monologue and if it wasn’t Quan, I wouldn’t have cared for the information dump. Most of the movie was otherwise great. The plot is a little clunky and not very unique, but most action movie viewers aren’t there for the most plot intensive film. 

Its combat scenes were amazing and well-choreographed. It was creative and honestly made me feel like a kid watching Jackie Chan movies. At one point, this movie was creative with using giant utensils as weapons in one of the real estate properties that Quan’s character was selling. You could tell that the choreographers and actors put their heart and soul into the combat.

Speaking of the actors, the casting was excellent. I could tell that they had fun with the movie but still worked hard. Their type cast was done wonderfully. The character costuming was also very well done. The outfits highlighted the character archetypes well and the outfits still made sense for their environment. 

However, the CGI was off. It was unnerving and not implemented well. There was a scene in particular where the main characters had someone in the trunk of a car, and the car was clearly too small for the actor and it just looked uncanny. 

The humor was good for the most part, some jokes didn’t land but humor is subjective. For example, some of the suspense that builds up in Quan’s storyline is that there are mustaches drawn on all of his real estate ads. There was plenty of comedy centered around one of the antagonist’s love life problems which I enjoyed. I also enjoyed some of the comedy that came from the violence. Additionally, I think that it was quite funny how the main antagonist loved boba to a ridiculous degree throughout the movie.

Overall, the ending was solid and decently sentimental for a comedy/action movie. I think it was a nice refresh for Hollywood since most of Hollywood is frankly stale releases. It was a pleasure seeing well known, established actors do well while bringing in new talent and new ideas.

The post Love Hurts, but This Movie Doesn’t appeared first on Obsidian News | Oregon Youth Voices.

On Jan. 17 and 18, Bend High Theatre presented a series of 10 minute plays, performed in Summit High School’s black box theatre. Ranging from a comedic and inspiring story about a group of superheroes with untraditional “powers” to a profound commentary on life and death, the short scenes bridged a variety of topics and themes. The seven cast members delivered a high quality show, particularly impressive in light of the extenuating circumstances.

For Bend High’s performing arts programs, this year has been unusual to say the least. Following the destruction of the auditorium and theatre classroom, theatre classes, auditions and rehearsals were held in the choir room, a much smaller space than the students and cast members were accustomed to.

The 2024–25 school year represented a period of change for Bend High Theatre in yet another crucial way: This fall marked the beginning of theatre teacher and director Madeline Williams’s time not only at Bend High, but in the profession. Starting out as an educator and taking over a theatre program would be difficult no matter what, but the lack of performance space presented an unanticipated challenge.

“It’s been really, really weird,” said Maddie Taylor, a junior who played Carol in the production. “We use the auditorium every single day. For class, we would go in there, and obviously for productions and rehearsal.”

However, Taylor and her fellow cast members recognize Williams as a guiding light in these dark times, fostering positivity and making the process as smooth as possible. The students involved in the production came armed with passion and determination, and Williams’s leadership helped them turn this into something extraordinary, regardless of the challenges faced along the way.

“I think it just really shows what we can do and how we can adapt,” said Bend High freshman Avery Brown, who played Wabbit Woman, Jessica and Teddy.

But for the program to grow and improve, continuing without designated performance space is not a viable option. Their latest production was impressive, but much smaller-scale than the plays they could put on prior to the loss of their auditorium.

Although members of the theatre department hope that a new auditorium will be built quickly, they recognize that this day will likely not come before they depart Bend High. As it stands now, the reconstruction of the auditorium is slated to occur between June 2026 and August 2028, long after Taylor’s graduation this year and potentially after Brown graduates in 2028.

“If [the Bend High Theatre] were to do something well-known, like a musical or a more well-known play, then I would really hope that they would have a proper auditorium for that,” said Brown.

However, as uncertain as Bend High Theatre’s future remains, they are here to stay. Having successfully executed the series of 10 minute plays, Williams hopes to direct another production this spring. Although plans are not yet set in stone, Williams and her students have made it clear that they will continue to make their mark on the local performing arts community, with or without an auditorium.

As Williams put it, “When the time comes that we do have [an auditorium], it’ll be a great celebration of what we’ve accomplished without one.” An auditorium is important of course, but Williams and her cast of actors have proved that it is not what makes or breaks a theatre group. Passion is the heartbeat of the arts, and as long as dedication flows through their veins, Bend High Theatre will remain, stronger than ever.

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