Category Archives: Arts & Entertainment

Supernatural Pilot Overview

By: Adrianna Raile

Supernatural is a 15-season long show, averaging about 21-22 episodes per season, totaling 327 in the whole series. The show first aired on CW in 2005 and ran until 2020, staying consistent with their releases and cast. Supernatural stars Jensen Ackles as the older brother Dean Winchester and Jared Padalecki as the younger brother Sam Wincheaster.

The show begins in 1983 when mysteriously the brothers’ mother, Mary Winchester, died tragically in a house fire. However, it wasn’t a normal house fire, because she was pinned to the ceiling of Sam’s nursery and the fire started around her with only baby Sam in sight. From then on, John Winchester became a hunter, searching for the supernatural species that killed his wife. As time went on and the brother grew older, they hunted by their dad’s side as well.

22 years later, Sam is in college and away from the hunting business until his brother Dean breaks into his apartment, telling Sam, “Dad’s on a hunting trip, and he hasn’t been home in a few days.” That quote was the entire base of the show, and is what brought Sam out of his “monster free life.” Sam infact did not want to go hunting again, but his dad was in danger and he can’t say no to his older brother Dean. They go on the hunt, with no luck in finding their dad. When Sam gets back to his apartment, he comes to find his girlfriend Jessica on the cieling, burning just like his mother 22 years ago. From then on, the boys began hunting together again for the next 15 years, trying to avenge everyone they have lost because of the supernatural.

They endured many deaths, injuries, heartbreaks, and losses due to hunting monsters and demons. The biggest death due to a demon was John Winchester, who died from a deal with the same demon that killed his wife, Mary.

If this pilot rundown interests you, the head over to HBO Max and see for your self why Supernaural is worth the watch.

For Democracy: Helldivers2 The Introduction

Helldivers 2 is one of the most explosive and chaotic co-op shooters to emerge in recent years, blending fast-paced action with teamwork, strategy, and a surprisingly satirical tone. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game was released in February 2024 for PlayStation 5 and PC, later expanding to additional platforms. It serves as the sequel to the original Helldivers, but instead of simply repeating the same formula, it reinvents the gameplay experience in bold and exciting ways.

At its core, Helldivers 2 is a cooperative third-person shooter set in a futuristic universe where humanity is governed by a regime known as “Super Earth.” Players take on the role of elite soldiers called Helldivers, whose mission is to spread “managed democracy” across the galaxy. While this may sound heroic at first, the game cleverly uses exaggeration and humor to poke fun at propaganda and blind patriotism. The tone is intentionally over-the-top, creating a mix of serious combat and comedic storytelling that makes the experience feel unique compared to other shooters.

One of the most noticeable changes from the first game is the shift in perspective. The original Helldivers used a top down, twin stick shooter style, but Helldivers 2 moves the camera behind the player in a third person view. This change brings players closer to the action, making battles feel more intense and immersive. Instead of controlling a small character on a distant battlefield, players now experience the chaos up close, with explosions, enemy attacks, and environmental hazards always surrounding them.

Gameplay in Helldivers 2 revolves around teamwork. Players can form squads of up to four and drop into hostile planets to complete objectives such as destroying enemy nests, defending areas, or retrieving important resources. Each mission requires coordination, as enemies are numerous and often overwhelming. One of the game’s defining features is its use of “stratagems,” which are special abilities or tools that players can call in during combat. These can include airstrikes, supply drops, defensive turrets, and more. However, using these abilities requires precise inputs, meaning players must stay calm under pressure to avoid making mistakes.

Another key element that sets Helldivers 2 apart is its use of friendly fire. Unlike many other games where teammates are immune to damage, this game allows players to accidentally harm or even eliminate their allies. While this might sound frustrating, it adds a layer of realism and tension. Players must constantly be aware of their surroundings and communicate effectively to avoid costly errors. In many cases, the most dangerous threat is not the enemy, but your teammates randomly setting off a Hell Bomb.

The enemies in Helldivers 2 are varied and dangerous, ranging from creatures like insects known as Terminids to advanced robotic armies called Automatons. Each faction requires different strategies to defeat, encouraging players to experiment with weapons and tactics. Some enemies are heavily armored and require explosive weaponry, while others overwhelm players with sheer numbers. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging, as no two missions feel the same.

Beyond individual missions, Helldivers 2 features an ongoing galactic war influenced by the actions of players worldwide. This means that every mission contributes to a broader campaign where entire planets can be won or lost depending on the success of the community. This system creates a sense of shared purpose as players feel like they are part of something bigger and encourages replayability, as the state of the galaxy is constantly in flux.

The game’s story is not told through traditional cutscenes or a linear campaign. Instead, it unfolds dynamically through gameplay, environmental details, and updates from the developers. Players might encounter logs, propaganda messages, or mission briefings that reveal more about the world and its conflicts. This approach allows each player to experience the story in their own way, making the narrative feel more personal and immersive.

Visually, Helldivers 2 is striking, with detailed environments and explosive effects that bring its battles to life. Planets vary from barren deserts to lush alien worlds, each filled with hazards and obstacles. The sound design also plays a major role, with booming explosions, intense gunfire, and dramatic music enhancing the overall experience. Together, these elements create a game that feels both cinematic and chaotic.

The success of Helldivers 2 has been significant, with millions of copies sold and widespread praise from critics and players alike. Many have highlighted its addictive gameplay loop, strong emphasis on cooperation, and unique tone as reasons for its popularity. However, like many online games, it has also faced challenges, including technical issues and balancing concerns. Despite this, ongoing updates and support from the developers have helped keep the community engaged.

Ultimately, Helldivers 2 stands out as a game that understands the value of teamwork and shared experiences. It is not just about shooting enemies or completing missions, but about working together, adapting to unpredictable situations, and sometimes laughing at the chaos that unfolds. Whether players are carefully planning their next move or accidentally calling in an airstrike on their own squad, every moment feels memorable.

In a gaming landscape filled with competitive titles and solo adventures, Helldivers 2 offers something different: a cooperative experience where success depends on communication, coordination, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Its blend of action, humor, and strategy makes it a standout title and a perfect example of how games can bring people together even in the middle of an intergalactic war.

The Rise of Carnival Cruising

With temperatures averaging 30 degrees and lower and lots of cold precipitation this spring, many North Dakotans search for spring vacation destinations that are warm and worth their well-earned dollars.


From Florida to tropical islands, people factor in their personal budgets, want for a vacation, as well as flight costs to get to their beloved location.


Weighing in pros and cons of tropical spring destinations, Carnival’s cruise line can’t help but be taken into consideration.


With budget-friendly prices, tropical destination ports, and lively guests, a Carnival cruise would love to see you coming its way!


Aimed at average working American people and families looking for an accessible, and budget friendly cruise line, Ted Arison, creator of Norwegian Cruise Lines, started up Carnival Cruise Line in 1972.


At the time, cruising was not a popular vacation option for the “regular people,” and was mostly reserved for the wealthy vacationers looking for a relaxing vacation destination.


Recognizing an opportunity, Arison envisioned a cheaper alternative which would appeal to a different type of audience than other cruising lines.

With its first ship “Mardi Gras” departing from Miami, FL in 1972, Carnival started off strong! Gaining mainstream popularity, Carnival Cruise Line already inherited the nickname, the “Fun Ships.”


Seeing what major growth this line had already produced, Arison purchased two more ships in 1975 and 1978, naming them “Carnivale” and “Festivale.” With the success of the three ships, Carnival decided to do something out of the ordinary and build new ships to be able to compete with other rival Miami cruise lines.


Shocking the whole cruise line industry, Carnival revealed its newest ship “Tropicale” in 1982. With increased fuel prices at the time, people were shocked to see Carnival’s risky move in building their very own ship.


As this ship gained major popularity as well, it also stood as the trademark and base for what other Carnival ship models would be based off of, including its distinctive red, whale like fin.


After Carnival created their first ship, it was all gas from there. Purchasing their first three ships in the 70s, creating a total of three of their own ships in the 80s, the 90s brought around a new wave of change for the cruise. Launching its new “Fantasy Class Line” in 1990, Carnival wanted to change the whole layout of normal cruises at their time.

From 1990-1998, Carnival released a total of eight ships, all of which were extremely massive for this decade. Large pools for kids and adults, themed bars and lounges, and lots of space to move around and mingle, this embarked as a vital rounding point for Carnival.


The 2000s didn’t stop Carnival from creating and revising their own old ship plans and was now the birthplace for three new classes, the “Spirit Class,” the “Conquest Class,” and the “Splendor Class.” With a total of eleven ships taking voyage from 2000-2008, Carnival put major emphasis on space and an improved amenities list for its guests.


With a total of 14 ships and 5 new classes from 2009-2024, carnival has now introduced to us its biggest upgrade, “Jubilee.”

Jubilee is Carnival’s biggest and most anticipated ship yet! With 9 additional cost fine dining options, 13 included dining options, countless pools, a waterpark, spas, gameshows, clubs, mini golf course, basketball court, gym, ropes course, a casino, stores, and the only roller coaster on sea, this ship will have all ages entertained for hours on end.


Departing from Galveston, TX, its port is about an hour drive from Houston’s airport, and sails along the Western Caribbean.


With a worth of 10.75 billion dollars, Carnival Cruise Line has established its name in the top cruise lines around the world. For vacations made fun, book your next Carnival Cruise for loads of fun, relaxing sunshine, and a getaway from this bipolar spring weather!

The Neighbourhood

By: Allison Ambuehl

The Neighbourhood is an incredibly popular band with over 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and their most streamed song ‘Sweater Weather’ has a little over 2.1 billion streams! To put these numbers into perspective, Mozart, the child prodigy who revolutionized western music in the 1700s, only has 7.6 million monthly streams on Spotify.
Part of the reason The Neighbourhood is so popular is due to their eccentric combination of hip-hop beats with indie rock guitars to create pop music with a unique “dark” twist to their music. They are especially beloved by the younger generation, and although their fanbase is a diverse group, they are predominantly females ages ranging between 13–25.

Behind their success in the music industry is the individual band members who made it happen. First, we have their vocalist Jesse Rutherford, then the guitarists Zachery Abels and Jeremiah Freedman, the bassist Micheal Margott, and finally we have the original drummer Bryan Sammis, who Brandon Fried later replaced.
All the members considered themselves to be co-founders of the band, as most of them met through the local music scene in Newbury Park, California and bonded because of it. Eventually, the group decided to merge their talents to create the iconic sound we recognize them by today.

They started out recording in Bryan Samis’s parents’ garage and then released their first singles such as Sweater Weather and Female Robbery in 2012. Then, in 2013 they started recording through Columbia records and released their first album titled I Love You in April. The album was almost an immediate success, and peaked at #14 on the billboard 100 chart, while also including two double platinum hit singles.
Although it was a commercial success, some critics claimed it was ‘too dreary’ and the album had a mixed response from the public. Despite the mixed critical reception of their early work, The Neighbourhood proved that audience connection can outweigh initial skepticism.

Their ability to blend genres and create a distinct emotional atmosphere has allowed them to remain relevant in an ever-changing music industry. Songs like Sweater Weather continue to resonate with listeners years after their release, solidifying their place in modern pop culture.
They have released more albums and singles since then, while still following their unique style of music, and are currently on a completely sold-out world tour. Ultimately, their success highlights how authenticity and innovation can capture a generation’s attention, showing that even unconventional sounds can leave a lasting and powerful impact.

Photo credits: Merchbar

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Digital Illustration

Cristina Rana is a sophomore at Sheyenne High School and is currently in her second year of art classes.

She enjoys experimenting with both traditional sketches and digital pieces and develop her personal style.

Her art style is inspired by an anime-influenced look, with soft coloring and stylized character features that help give her drawings a warm and lively feeling.

GENSHIN IMPACT: THE GAMEPLAY

Genshin Impact has a fun adventure-like gameplay. When you first begin, you learn the basic controls such as how to walk, sprint, dash, climb, and fight. After you learn the basic controls, you learn how to resonate with an element, and then you progress in the game via story mode.

As you progress in the story mode, you gain XP, known as experience. This XP helps you level up your adventure rank and claim rewards.
As you level up your adventure rank, you unlock more things in the game, such as co-op, commissions, and wishing.

When you unlock wishing, that is how you can get other characters such as five-star characters and four-star characters, and weapons. you can also get specific four-star characters from certain events that miHoyo releases into Genshin.

You unlock co-op at adventure rank 16, this is where you can go into other people’s world. but, their world level, which the difficulty of monster level in a world, has to be either lower than yours, or the same. So, if your world level is 5, and your friends is 7, you are unable to join their world because their monsters would kill you instantly, but since your world level is lower than theirs, they can enter your world.
In co-op your friend can help you defeat bosses and steal your materials if you let them.

When you defeat a boss, you claim rewards with resin. Resin is a way to claim rewards from bosses, domains, and something in Genshin called the ley lines.

Another thing you can get from completing quests is character level up materials. They come in the form of books, or paper. You use them to level up your characters as you progress.

After you level up your character to level 20, you have to ascend them so they can level up to level 40. You have to ascend your character at level 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 so they can get to level 90.

Leveling up characters makes them able to do more damage and have more health. When characters with different elements use their elemental abilities together, it can cause an elemental reaction.

These reactions are known as the following freeze, overload, swirl, melt, burn, vaporize, and crystallize. Depending on the characters on your team, the reactions can buff certain characters damage.

Most characters are made to do certain things such as be a healer, sub-dps, main-dps, or supports. Adding one of each of those characters to a team with elements that give good elemental reaction can give your damage a huge buff.

Genshin impacts gameplay is very interesting and fun, it has alot of exploring, interacting with other npcs or characters, playing story quests, and fighting bosses.

It is free-to-play friendly and has consistent updates that add in more fun puzzles and quests. Genshin also has a ton of diverse characters with fun mechanics and different types of weapons.

The visuals in the game are stunning, there are mountains, rivers, oceans, cliffs, and many more beautiful sites to see. Players enjoy climbing, gliding, and sprinting across the diverse regions.

You can play across many platforms such as PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Android, and iOS. The quality remains amazing on whatever you decide to play on.

Overall Genshin impact is a fun, free-to-play, exploration game with amazing quality and fun challenging puzzles.

KING OF SINS- GUILT. SECRETS. POSSESION

By: Savannah Swanson

King of Envy is the fifth book in the King of Sin series where the main character Vuk Markovic is consumed by jealousy and longing for supermodel Ayana Kidane.

Vuk Markovic is a powerful, ambitious, and isolated billionaire. Who loves control and hates vulnerability. He is consumed by his jealousy and longing for the women he has been watching for years Ayana Kidane.

 Ayana Kiane is intelligent, composed, and independent. As a supermodel and a social media content creator she tries to keep calm and collected composure. But as she is going to get married to Vuk’s best friend Jordan Ford, a deal her and Jordan made to get his heritance money from his grandmother the tensions rise between her and Vuk.

As continued force proximity is forced because Vuk is best man for Jordans wedding, Vuk’s jealousy and possessiveness only becomes worse. Their chemistry grows when Jordan leaves for a business trip and leaves Vuk in charge for making sure Ayana’s safe.

When their relationship turns physical and passionate, he continues to struggle with jealousy and possessiveness over Ayana whenever she is around others. Ayana demands respect and refuses to lose herself in the relationship.

When Ayana finds out about Vuk’s stalkerish past with her, it drives them apart, Ayana’s chooses self-respect instead of staying in the toxic fling. Vuk’s pride and envy nearly destroys everything.

Several weeks apart and Vuk nearly lost his job, went to jail, and spent a fortune on things trying to distract himself with. Ayana, also trying process things, tries to consult in Sloane and her sister Liya. Ayana keeping away from Vuk as he can’t be trusted in her eyes.

After Vuk finally breaks he finds Ayana and demands he listens to her and begs for another chance and claims he will give her space but give him time to show her that he truly cares. As Ayana grudgingly agrees she still sets boundaries that he can’t cross and they both come to an agreement.

As weeks pass Vuk gives up his violent past, starts to soften up, and open up to Ayana about his vulnerabilities about his rough childhood. Ayana takes the opening up and slowly starts to trust him again.

Vuk continues to try and control his possessiveness and lets Ayana reclaim her career and decision to go freelance modeling rather than keeping her controlled. When Vuk paid off Jordan and Ayana’s debt, Ayana finally starts to full trust Vuk which leads to a new start in there relationship.

If you want to read more about Vuk and Ayana’s future check out the book in local bookstores and grocery stores.

TERRARIA: DO WE NEED THE WIKI AFTERALL?

Terraria has always been a game about creativity, exploration, and endless possibility, but the introduction of modding—especially through tModLoader (often called “TMod”)—has taken that experience to an entirely new level. Mods transform Terraria from an already expansive sandbox into something that feels almost limitless, adding new content, mechanics, and ways to play that go far beyond the base game. For many players, modded Terraria isn’t just an extension of the original—it becomes a completely different adventure.

At its core, tModLoader is a framework that allows players to easily install and manage mods without needing to alter the game manually. This accessibility is one of the biggest reasons modding has become so popular. With just a few clicks, players can load dozens of mods at once, each contributing something unique. Some mods are small quality-of-life improvements, while others are massive expansions that rival or even surpass the base game in scale.

One of the most exciting aspects of Terraria mods is the addition of entirely new worlds and biomes. While the original game already includes a variety of environments, mods introduce areas like crystal caverns, abyssal depths, or even alien landscapes. These new biomes often come with their own enemies, music, and resources, making exploration feel fresh again even for experienced players. Instead of knowing what lies beneath every layer of the world, players are once again faced with mystery and danger.

Another major feature of many mods is the addition of new bosses. Terraria is well known for its challenging boss fights, and mods expand this aspect dramatically. Some mods introduce dozens of new bosses, each with unique attack patterns, designs, and strategies. These encounters often require new gear, better preparation, and quick reflexes, pushing players to improve their skills. In many cases, modded bosses are more complex than those in the base game, featuring multiple phases and visually impressive attacks that fill the screen.

Weapons and items are also heavily expanded in modded Terraria. Mods add hundreds—sometimes thousands—of new tools, armor sets, accessories, and crafting materials. This greatly increases the number of possible playstyles. Players can specialize in new classes or hybrid builds, combining different abilities to create something unique. Some mods even introduce entirely new combat systems or mechanics, such as energy-based weapons, advanced magic systems, or summoning styles that go far beyond the original game’s design.

Quality-of-life improvements are another important part of the modding scene. While large content mods often get the most attention, smaller mods can make a huge difference in how the game feels to play. These additions might include better inventory management, faster crafting systems, improved map features, or helpful UI changes. While they may not be as flashy as new bosses or weapons, they make the overall experience smoother and more enjoyable, especially during long playthroughs.

Multiplayer is also enhanced through modding. Playing with friends becomes even more dynamic when everyone has access to new abilities, challenges, and content. Teams can coordinate strategies for difficult bosses, divide roles based on new classes, and explore expanded worlds together. The unpredictability of modded content often leads to memorable moments, whether it’s barely surviving a chaotic boss fight or discovering a hidden area no one expected.

One of the most well-known aspects of tModLoader is how it allows different mods to work together. Players can mix and match mods to create a customized experience tailored to their preferences. For example, someone might combine a large content mod with several quality-of-life mods and a few cosmetic changes. This flexibility means no two modded playthroughs are exactly the same, giving the game incredible replay value.

However, modding also introduces new challenges. Balancing multiple mods can be tricky, as some additions may conflict with others or make the game too easy or too difficult. Performance can also be affected if too many large mods are installed at once. Despite these issues, the community surrounding Terraria mods is very active, often providing updates, fixes, and support to keep everything running smoothly.

In the end, tModLoader and Terraria mods represent the creativity of both the developers and the player community. They show how a game can continue to grow and evolve long after its original release. Whether someone is looking for a small improvement or a completely new experience, modded Terraria offers something for everyone, turning an already beloved game into a constantly changing world of endless possibilities.

ALSO TRY TERRARIA

Terraria is a colorful and creative 2D sandbox game developed by Re-Logic that has captured the attention of players around the world since its release in 2011. At its core, the game is about exploration, creativity, and adventure, all wrapped together in a vibrant pixel-art style. While it may look simple at first glance, Terraria offers a deep and rewarding experience that continues to grow as players spend more time in its world. From the moment a new world is generated, players are placed into a lively environment full of possibilities, where every tree, cave, and mountain can be explored and transformed.

The world of Terraria is filled with a wide range of colorful biomes, each with its own unique look and challenges. Players might begin in a peaceful forest with bright green trees and open skies, but as they travel farther, they can discover glowing underground caves filled with sparkling crystals, deserts with shifting sands, or even dangerous corrupted lands with dark purple tones and eerie enemies. These environments are not only visually interesting but also important for gameplay, as each biome contains different materials and resources. Exploring these areas encourages curiosity and rewards players with new crafting opportunities, making every journey feel exciting and worthwhile.

Building and crafting are some of the most important parts of the game, allowing players to shape the world around them. Using materials gathered from the environment, such as wood, stone, and ores, players can create tools, weapons, and structures. Some may choose to build small, cozy houses, while others might design large castles or detailed underground bases. The game also includes non-playable characters, known as NPCs, who can move into player-built homes and offer helpful items or services. This adds another layer of creativity and purpose to building, as players are encouraged to design functional and attractive spaces for their growing community.

In addition to its creative elements, Terraria is also known for its action and combat. As players progress, they encounter a variety of enemies that become more challenging over time. The game features many powerful bosses, each with unique attack patterns and abilities that require careful planning and strategy to defeat. These battles are often intense and rewarding, as defeating a boss unlocks new items, abilities, and areas to explore. This balance between creativity and challenge keeps the gameplay engaging and ensures that there is always something new to work toward.

Another reason Terraria remains popular is its ability to appeal to different types of players. Beginners can enjoy simple exploration and building at their own pace, while more experienced players can focus on mastering combat, collecting rare items, or completing difficult challenges. The game also supports multiplayer, allowing friends to work together, build shared worlds, and take on tough enemies as a team. Over the years, updates from Re-Logic have added even more content, expanding the game and keeping it fresh for both new and returning players.

Overall, Terraria stands out as a game that combines creativity, exploration, and action into one colorful and exciting experience. Its detailed world, filled with different environments and endless possibilities, allows players to express themselves while also challenging their skills. Whether someone is building their dream home, exploring deep underground caves, or battling powerful bosses, the game offers a sense of adventure that is both fun and memorable. This combination of features has helped Terraria remain a beloved title in the gaming world, proving that even a simple-looking game can provide a rich and lasting experience.