Italy’s second rise to fascism

March 3, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Charlie Boone

Image taken from: https://www.gettyimages.no/detail/news-photo/fratelli-ditalia-leader-giorgia-meloni-attends-a-political-news-photo/1235342183

In the spring of 1919, a group of Italian nationalists, including Benito Mussolini, burnt down the offices of a local socialist newspaper called ‘L’Avanti!’, killing four people, and halting production of the paper for several days. This was the first of many attacks on left-wing institutions from the fascist movement. This violence, often helped by colluding nationalist law enforcement, would grow the influence of paramilitary fascist groups, eventually culminating in Mussolini gaining power in 1922.

Almost exactly 100 years after the first violent rise of fascism in Italy, it’s happening again. This time, draped in the aesthetics of modern neoliberal politics, while the actual message being sent is one of nationalism and white supremacy. The current figurehead of this movement is Giorgia Meloni, and she was elected prime minister of Italy on October 22, 2022.

The party she belongs to is called Fratelli d’Italia or “The Brothers of Italy”. They are a far-right neofascist political party and by far the most extreme to govern the country since Mussolini’s dictatorship. The fact that this is Italy’s first woman prime minister is also no coincidence. Far-right movements have had a lengthy history of picking select white women as figureheads to forward patriarchal and regressive ideas through the thin veil of progress.

Aesthetics have always been intertwined with fascism and other far-right movements. Historically, as an intense focus on uniform and conveying power, strength, and purity; so much so that the wolf in sheep’s clothing approach that Meloni is using is working better than it ever should have.

In September of 2022, before Meloni was elected, Hillary Clinton was quoted as saying, “The election of the first woman prime minister in a country always represents a break with the past, and that is certainly a good thing,”. I don’t think that this means Clinton actually supports the hateful, racist, anti-immigrant politics that Meloni and her party are pushing for, but it’s this sort of attitude that dismisses the genuine harm that these ideas cause, opening the door wide open for another rise to fascism.

With Meloni’s administration already targeting journalists critical of her ideas, it seems clear that anything short of genuine condemnation simply isn’t enough.

For more information, please visit:

Travel/Food

What to do over spring break

March 3, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: G. Johnson

Image taken from: https://daytripper28.com/5-minnesota-spring-break-trip -ideas-the-ultimate-guide-to-planning-your-trip/

Spring break is approaching fast and a lot of us are looking for something to do. This year spring break is April 1st to April 9th. We go back on Monday the 10th. That’s 9 days of break this year.

A lot of people don’t know what to do over break since it’s usually still cold, but I think it’s a great time to be productive and also have fun. If you’re looking for something productive to do you can clean, catch up on school work, or go through your closet and get rid of things you don’t need. This is good because you are cleaning and getting ready for summer – which is actually closer than we all think. Some other productive things you can do is work extra hours if you have a job. This would be great because you would make some extra money over the break.

If you’re looking for something fun to do over spring break here’s some ideas. You could, of course, hang out with your friends or family, cook or bake something, go on a day trip somewhere, go to the mall with friends, go for a walk or even do some winter activities for the last time like sledding, skating or skiing.

If you’re looking for something more spring friendly you could get outside, go for a hike by the river or walk around one of the nearby lakes. The weather might be a bit cold but it will be nice to be outside after the long winter.

If you’re looking for some indoor activities you could always rewatch your favorite TV show or movie, or watch a new one.

All of these things will hopefully help you have an enjoyable and fun spring break. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a good spring break!

Movies/TV/Theaters

Who I would cast for the upcoming movie: ‘It Ends With Us’

March 3, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Mya Olson – Williams

(Image credit: today.com)

As many book lovers know, an announcement was recently made about the cast list for the film adaption of Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, ‘It Ends With Us’. It’s caused lots of controversy and received much criticism. Casted as the main characters, Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid, are Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Although both are great actors, here’s who I would cast for the main roles, as well as the others.

Image taken from: https://stealherstyle.net

Lily Bloom – Elle Fanning

Lily Bloom has an innocent, sweet, and delicate character. Elle Fanning shows that in her appearance and voice. Lily is a natural redhead and also quite young in the book. Elle is extremely close in age, just one year older. If the actress playing Lily was older, that could change people’s perception of the plot and character development. Elle also looks amazing with red hair, so much so that it looks very natural. Although Blake pulls off the new hair color, you can tell that it’s dyed.

Ryle Kincaid – Theo James

In the novel, Ryle comes off as this intimidating, powerful, and uptight guy. Theo James has a defined resting face that can almost give you chills. He has a soft and sweet smile, but also a straight face that makes me a little bit uneasy. That’s how I imagine Ryle to be, someone with deceiving looks. I bet Justin Baldoni can totally play his character, but he looks super sweet and gentle, somewhat unlike Ryle.

Atlas Corrigan – Dylan Minnette

Atlas Corrigan is the definition of a gentleman. He cares about his loved ones very much, and protects them with everything he can. Dylan usually plays sweet and innocent characters in movies and TV shows, which is why I think he’d fit Atlas’ character perfectly. He’s really good at wearing his heart on his sleeve while acting, and that’s one of the most important things needed from the actor who plays Atlas.

Allysa – Sarah Hyland

Allysa is your stereotypical fun, outgoing, gossip loving, supportive best friend. She’s always encouraging Lily to do what’s best for herself and have fun at the same time. I wanted to find an actress who resembles my vision of what Allysa looks like in my head, and she is exactly that. Sarah Hyland looks just like she’s fun and confident, like Allysa.

Marshal – Joel Courtney

Marshal is super funny and sweet. He’s the guy who makes you laugh when you need it after a rough chapter in the book. Joel Courtney is the exact same way in the movie ‘The Kissing Booth’. He plays a great friend and a fun, loving guy, which I think is absolutely perfect for Marshal’s character.

Although I’m sure everyone casted for this movie was chosen for a reason, these are who I imagine as a cast for the main characters. I can’t wait for the real cast list to come out, and see if the movie does justice to the book!

Science/Nature

An overview on 2022’s space launches

March 3, 2023 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Trump Vang

Image taken from: https://www.accuweather.com/en/space-news/- 3-must-see-rocket-launches-blasting-off-in-2022/1123746

For astronomers world-wide, 2022 was a blastful year for its space launches. Within this year, there were a multitude of accomplishments and achievements reached.

Throughout 2022, 180 rockets were properly launched, with SpaceX leading most of them. There were 7 launch failures, but it’s clear to see the success within these launches, with the fact that 180 is the most ever within human history.

There were also a few highlights during the year, showing the potential of our technology within the environment of space.

Firstly, the mission of Artemis 1 launched on November 16th, 2022. Its mission was to prepare to create a safe environment for future crewed missions to the moon and Mars. These places, as of now, still hold many unknown dangers to us. At the end of this mission, it would successfully set up the premises for a human crew for another space launch.

Along with the Artemis mission, China was able to complete its very own space station, called the “Tiangong space station”. As of right now, this is the second fully crewed space station, creating new opportunities with the new build. Just like the other space station (ISS), this station strives for the same goals of experiments and research on life within space. With a whole new space station, the opportunities seem almost endless.

As space launches become more prominent in these upcoming years, it’s important to see what’s up next on the launch board.

With views of Mars becoming our next home, researchers have had their eyes on this planet. Recently, they’ve announced the production of a small robot by the name of Moxie. Its purpose is to generate breathable oxygen for the foreseeable future within Mars. This idea, although still floating, has been tested, giving an eventual launch date somewhere in the 2030’s.

Throughout the decades of space exploration, technology has developed way past what we had before. Looking at the first space launch ever, Sputnik 1, it’s clear to see the improvements within our goals and technology. As we continue, it will keep on improving, adding and developing our knowledge on the vastness of space. We are just a step in this process, but it’s necessary to further space exploration and its many future launches.

For more information, please visit: