The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The re-release of 1989 featured a new album cover, symbolic of the rebirth of Swift’s image and artistry. The cover features Swift surrounded by seagulls, which were previously contained to her shirt in the 2014 album cover.

A Nostalgic Reclamation: Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” brings back the fundamentals of pop

Ayah Alsheikha, Lede Editor November 13, 2023

On Oct. 27, exactly 9 years after its original release date, Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” made its debut as the fifth re-recorded album in Swift’s discography. The highly-anticipated...

Choir director Meg Byrne has worked her entire career at the PV choral program, helping students to improve their vocals.
Photo credit to Meg Byrne

PV Choir Director Meg Byrne nominated for GRAMMY Music Educator Award

Grace Schmidt, Student Life Editor November 3, 2023

Pleasant Valley choir director Meg Byrne has spent 29 years leading PV’s choral program and is being recognized for her substantial contributions. As PV’s lead director, Byrne has been named one of...

Student senior Kai Hartley after his interview on lampshading in writing.

Lampshading’s attack on storytelling authenticity

Roger Weng, Copy Editor October 26, 2023

Lampshading’s effect on storytelling authenticity Marvel is a mainstream movie franchise that has captivated and entertained countless people, leaving a mark on pop culture. Part of Marvel movies’...

Senior Robert Curtis expressing his appreciation and connection for country music and its Southern background.

Country music is the next globalized style of American music

Roger Weng, Copy editor October 26, 2023

Country music has become a staple of American culture since its humble start in the rural areas of the American South 100 years ago. It takes much of its influence from the people living there.  The...

A Samsung smart TV displaying popular streaming services. Many new streaming services, like Disney+ and Peacock have sprung up in recent years.

The unending fragmentation of streaming services

Troy Tomson, Site Manager October 23, 2023

Back in 2013, the biggest streaming services were Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Now, dozens of monthly subscriptions are required to get the same amount of shows, movies and content that these three...

Drake released his eighth studio album on October 6, 2023. For All the Dogs debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200. 
Courtesy of OVO Sound and Republic Records

REVIEW: Drake blends old flows with new styles in his newest album, “For All The Dogs”

Armaan Bhagwat, Photo Manager October 23, 2023

The words ‘old Drake’ bring fans into a state of reminiscence, longing for his somber melodies about failed relationships or upbeat raps about increasing success early in his career. In his most recent...

Thousands attend a live concert by popular rapper and songwriter Drake.

Concert ticket prices have soared in past year

Alex Blunk, Classroom Manager October 23, 2023

Concerts and music festivals allow people all over the world to experience their favorite music and to have a chance to see artists up close. Recently, many popular artists such as Drake, Taylor Swift...

“Suits” characters Harvey Specter and Mike Ross cross examine a witness in Season 5, Episode 14

Netflix’s latest addition “Suits” breaks viewership records

Ashwin Parab October 22, 2023

Currently, Netflix has 238.39 million subscribers spanning across 190 countries. These subscribers get access to over 6,621 movies, series and specials, including 3,657 ‘Netflix Original’ titles. Recently,...

The cover art for “ESQUINAS” features a young Becky G; the album title written in her child-like handwriting marks it as a tribute to her roots.

Courtesy of Kemosabe Records/RCA Records

REVIEW: Becky G embraces culture, community and the self in “ESQUINAS”

Margil Sanchez Carmona, Arts & Entertainment October 13, 2023

“Ni de aquí, ni de allá.” It is phrase every Mexican American is all too familiar with. It means to be “neither from here, nor from there.” But it holds nothing against global music sensation...

Colleen Ballinger playing the ukulele in her apology video. Photo credit to Colleen Ballinger.

The increasing phenomenon of bad apology videos

Gabi Ragins, Multimedia Manager October 7, 2023

Before social media, celebrities were held accountable by journalists. Now, with the easy accessibility of social media, celebrities and influencers are getting called out for their actions by fans. Many...

The advancement of artificial intelligence has spread to entertainment, leaving writers and actors to fear for their jobs.

Dystopian future ahead- AI may replace actors and writers

Nikhil Behere, Opinion Editor October 5, 2023

Recently, AI seems to be taking over everything, including entertainment. The latest technology in film production can take body scans of individuals and paste them into multiple different places and positions...

 By “undoing” decisions, viewers of the interactive film “Choose Love” are exposed to an unconventional narrative style--one where the story is under the control of both the writer and the viewer.

Newest interactive Netflix film, “Choose Love,” presents an unaccounted medium for writers

Margil Sanchez Carmona, Arts & Entertainment Editor October 3, 2023

Though it’s still in development, the Netflix interactive film model may already be overdue to make its own interactive decision: whether or not it will emphasize the writer’s efforts. The studio’s...

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