The Quill #3: Video Games #1

March 17, 2025

Paleo Pines

Paleo PinesWhether you’re into farming simulators, crazy about dinosaurs, or just looking for a relaxing game, Paleo Pines has got you covered! In this single-player game, you play as a farmer on an island inhabited by both humans and dinosaurs. That may sound scary at first, but these dinosaurs prefer to eat treats, not humans. Are you a fan of the hit indie game Stardew Valley? Then this simulator may be up your alley.

You kick off your adventure with your Parasaurolophus friend Lucky and roam the island together in search of materials to fix up your abandoned ranch. Along the way, you meet fun and quirky locals, discover the secrets of the island, and of course, befriend dinosaurs! You can completely customize your ranch to your liking and plant crops to feed your newly tamed companions. They aren’t just lawn ornaments either. The dinosaurs that you get can help you out around the farm, too! They all have their own special skills, which can make ranch life easy.

Paleo Pines is visually beautiful, as well, sporting more of a cartoonish style and a complete day/night cycle. The map isn’t very big, but there are a few different biomes for you to explore. I treat it as more of a collecting game versus a farming simulator, since all the different species have a common to ultra-rare variant system (It’s like Pokémon — gotta catch ‘em all!). It’s such an exciting moment when you can finally bring home a dinosaur that you’ve searched for hours to obtain.

Since I’m a dinosaur lover, this game has been one of my favorites since release. I typically play competitive games, but Paleo Pines is always right there when I need to take a break. I recommend it for any skill level, and a free demo is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch if you want some new prehistoric friends!

Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/XS, and PlayStation 4/5.

—Katie Frank, Video Games Editor

The Quill #3: Video Games #2

March 17, 2025

Noita

Noita is a roguelike game made by Nolla Games. Roguelike is a genre of video games mainly defined by procedurally generated levels and permanent death. This means once you die, you start the game from the beginning, and the levels are randomized once again. This game is a bit different in gameplay than a regular roguelike, as it’s not as straightforward as it seems. You start as a wizard delving into a large, multi-floored dungeon, the first level of which is the Mines. After completing each “level,” you have the opportunity to grab some power-ups! These are found in two forms, spells and perks. Perks are things such as buffs to spells, being immune to damage types, gaining more gold, etc. Spells are your main weapons and vary from a simple damaging bolt of magic to a black hole. The ultimate goal of this is to beat the numerous bosses scattered around the world. However, this is where the similarities in the genre end.

Noita is nonlinear, meaning there’s more to do than simply mindlessly delving deeper and deeper into the dungeon. Outside of the main dungeon, you’ll find numerous puzzles to solve and even another dungeon to delve into altogether! There’s much more content off the beaten path, and it requires a lot of trial and error to encounter. Additionally, spells, and the wands to cast them, are randomly generated with their own stats. This ensures there’s no “best loadout” to shoot for with perks and spells. The worst loadout you have may use the same spells as your best; the difference often comes down to your wand’s stats and how you load the spells into the wand.

The most important part of this game is how the environment works. While spells are your main weapon, they’re certainly not your sole lifeline. The world of Noita is fully simulated in pixels. This means liquids, solids, and gasses are made up of individual pixels that interact with each other. Oil floats on water, water solidifies lava, etc. This can be used to your advantage by picking up whatever liquids you please in a bottle and causing reactions to further your progression. Further, there’s an in-depth alchemy system that you may not ever run into if you aren’t aware of it. When you mix certain liquids in the environment, it may make a new liquid! This is especially helpful with potions, allowing you to brew new concoctions. There’s no way to figure this out in the game other than trial and error, so without a wiki by your side or hours of testing, it’s extremely difficult to make use of this effectively. That isn’t to say this feature isn’t useful, though. Alchemy may be your saving grace when exploring the ever more cruel biomes that lie beneath the Mines.

The thing that drew me to Noita the most is the freedom it gives you. You may find yourself saying, “I can’t do that.” But more often than not, you can. Every wall you think unbreakable, every path you think mandatory, and every enemy you think undefeatable all have solutions; you simply have to figure it out. Noita is a journey of pain, discovery, and (eventual) triumph.

Available on Steam and other PC platforms. 

—Shane Ewig

The Quill #3: Video Games #3

March 17, 2025

Hades

Hades coverAre you a fan of challenging video games with high replay value? What about Greek mythology? If those questions seem unrelated, then chances are you’ve never heard of Hades, a roguelike action role-playing game developed by Supergiant Games. Released in 2020, Hades is a game of repetition, progression, and mastery of the controller.

The premise is quite simple. Players take control of Zagreus, the resentful son of Hades who desires to escape the restrictive Underworld. He chooses to leave not only due to his turbulent relationship with his father, but also to track down his long-missing mother. However, Hades is not willing to let his son walk away so easily and goes out of his way to ensure that Zagreus remains in the Underworld forever. Even the assistance of famous Greek gods, such as Zeus, Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Hermes, will not be enough to secure Zagreus’ freedom. That will instead depend on the skill of the player, whose level will inevitably increase with each time they die. These efforts will lead the player through several famous locations across the Greek Underworld, battling iconic mythological figures along the way. And of course, the game culminates in a climactic battle against Hades himself, but be warned: the god of the Underworld is no pushover.

While I admittedly have yet to finish Hades, it’s a game that has given me countless hours of enjoyment regardless. If you’re someone like me and live for the thrill of the challenge and the mythological references, then this may be the game for you!

Hades is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, so consider giving it a shot. And if you like it, make sure to check out Hades 2 as well. At the moment it’s only available on PC, but a console release is expected at a later date.

—Noah Spellich

The Quill #3: Video Games #4

March 17, 2025

Open Worlds Aren’t Open or Worldly

Elder Scrolls ArenaOpen worlds have been a staple of ambitious video games since before the turn of the century, with games like Elder Scrolls: Arena and Fallout: A Post-Apocalyptic Role-Playing Game debuting in the ’90’s and growing into franchises that dominate the genre. Even in these early days of the gaming subculture, gamers had concerns about just how much nothing there was.

“Open world” is more of a feature of a game than a true subgenre. An open world in the context of video games is where the player character can pursue objectives and side objectives at their leisure in an open environment. This is opposed to a level-based system familiar in games like Super Mario Brothers. At first, these games were considered revolutionary for the freedom given to the player, reminiscent of Dungeons of Dragons, all without the need of a game master.

However, even one of the greatest examples of open worlds, Elder Scrolls: Arena, fell for a basic trap. Procedurally generated content is the bane of open-world games. Part of the reason open-world games were so revolutionary was that they allowed the player to explore a world. After a while, a procedural environment starts to feel samey and uninteresting. On the other side, wide tracts of empty land that were made by hand can be beautiful, but in contrast to parts of the game with more content, can feel very obviously like a forgotten or unfinished area.

StarfieldGames have struggled with this balancing act for a long time. There are precious few examples of games that can pull it off. Recently, a game called Starfield drew in players with promises of hundreds of real-sized worlds to explore, only for almost all of those worlds to be completely barren or filled with curiously omnipresent wildlife. Open worlds are not a box to check but a commitment to uphold to your players.

 —Aiden Gervais

The Quill #3: Sports Center

March 17, 2025

How Equipment in Sports has Evolved to Provide Better Protection

hockey equipmentSafety in sports has come a long way, specifically in terms of what equipment players wear during a game. The equipment we see in today’s games is a far cry from what players used to wear (or not wear) in the early development days of sports. There have been massive changes to the gear worn by players in sports leagues like the NHL and MLB. This piece will look deeper into how their equipment has changed over time.

Since its inception, the National Hockey League (NHL) has seen a massive upgrade to its players’ equipment. Nearly every piece of equipment a hockey player puts on for game day has seen some sort of improvement, to better its overall functionality and level of safety. The most shocking changes to the equipment, though, come in the form of their pads and helmets/masks, both of which are incredibly different from what players wear today. During the early days of professional hockey, no player on the ice wore a helmet, including goalies. The only “helmets” even seen on the ice were introduced to goalies in 1927 and looked exactly like the mask worn by Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th franchise. Helmets and masks were not made to be mandatory until 1979 for offensive and defensive players, and 1959 for goalies. Hockey players also didn’t always compete with the same style of pads that we are used to seeing in today’s game. In the early days of  hockey, the only pads players wore were those fashioned from leather and canvas and shin guards made from wood and leather. It wasn’t until after World War II concluded that players began wearing pads made from more “protective” materials like plastic and fiberglass.

Major League Baseball (MLB) is another sports league that’s seen a significant upgrade to their equipment. Athletes in this league did not start playing with baseball gloves until 1860, after catchers began wearing them. However, they were nothing like what we’re used to seeing in today’s league. Back then, a “baseball glove” was nothing more than a typical leather work glove that usually had the fingers exposed. Catchers also did not wear any type of mask to protect their faces. The first instance of a catcher wearing a mask didn’t happen until May of 1876. Having said that, the next time you go out to play a sport, think about how far the game has evolved to provide you with the protection that it does today.

For more information about how hockey has changed, refer to this article from the NHL’s own Pittsburg Penguins.

For more information about how baseball has changed, refer to this article.

 —Seth VanEss, Sports Editor

The Quill #3: Self-Care Corner #1

March 17, 2025

Grounding Techniques

young woman breathingWhen people think of anxiety, they don’t usually associate physical symptoms with it. But for those who do experience anxiety attacks, these physical symptoms are a struggle some days: the heart beating faster, the sweaty/clammy palms, the stomach aches and pains, etc. They were for me!

I was so nervous about messing up at work when I first started in my position. I left the floor before fainting a handful of times. My heart would be racing, the production line would get blurry, and I would feel the emergent need to sit down. A therapist explained grounding techniques to me, and one of our fellow classmates reminded me of them just recently.

Grounding techniques! They are great for managing anxiety and helping you focus on the present and attempt to reduce the feelings of panic. Here are just a few effective examples:

    •  5-4-3-2-1 Technique: This involves using your senses to bring you back to the present. You need to identify:
      • 5 things you can see
      • 4 things you can touch
      • 3 things you can hear
      • 2 things you can smell
      • 1 thing you can taste
    • Deep Breathing: Take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale through your mouth for a count of four. Repeat this a handful of times.
    • Physical Grounding: Focus on the physical sensations of your body. You can press your feet into the ground, feel the texture of an object in your hand, or even take a walk and pay attention to how your body moves.
    • Count Backwards: Start at 100 and count backwards by threes. (100, 97, 94, etc.) This can help distract your mind from those anxious thoughts.
For me, personally, grounding techniques were great at reminding me that I am here, now. Ever since my therapist told me about them, I’ve used them a handful of times, and I can say that they work! Most of my anxieties are rooted in social interactions, so focusing on what’s real around me calms me down about how little the person I’m talking to cares if I stumble over a word, if I’m wrong, etc.
—Jenna Fintelmann, Self-Care Editor

The Quill #3: Self-Care Corner #2

March 17, 2025

Anxiety-Calming Tips

Person meditating
Photo by Kaboompics.com / Pexels.

Anxiety can be overwhelming, yet simple techniques exist that help you cope and remain calm. One of the simplest methods is deep breathing: inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, and then exhale for four seconds. This helps your body recognize that it’s safe and encourages relaxation.

An incredible way to manage anxiety is through progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). This gentle technique guides you to systematically tense and then slowly relax your muscles, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. By tuning into the difference between tension and relaxation, PMR effectively helps release physical stress and creates a lovely sense of calm. Not only does this method reduce anxiety, but it also enhances your awareness of your body. It’s particularly useful before bedtime, alleviating restlessness and promoting a more restful sleep.

If you struggle with racing thoughts, journaling can be highly beneficial. Writing down your concerns transfers them from your mind to paper, making them feel more manageable.

Additionally, engaging in movement — such as taking a short walk, stretching, or dancing to your favorite song — can alleviate built-up tension.

Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of self-compassion. Remember that anxiety is merely a feeling, not a definition of who you are. Be gentle with yourself and tackle things step by step — you’re doing better than you think!

—Cheyenne Shull

 

The Quill #3: Today’s Trends

March 17, 2025

The Rise of Socks and Sandals

Person wearing socks and sandals
Photo by Amar Preciado / Pexels.

Socks and sandals, once thought to be the ultimate fashion faux pas, have made a delightful arrival in 2025! What was previously seen as a dad-on-vacation look is now proudly embraced by fashion-savvy Gen Z and millennial trendsetters alike. From celebrities to influencers, people are enjoying the fun of pairing everything from sporty slides to chunky platform sandals with vibrant, patterned socks. This trendy combination has transformed from a style mistake into a celebration of comfort, individuality, and that effortlessly cool vibe we all love.

Luxury brands and streetwear designs are bringing socks and sandals into the spotlight, showcasing them in their fabulous runway shows. Brands like Balenciaga, Prada, and even Crocs have given this trend a stylish, high-fashion twist. Plus, athleisure culture is in the mix, as more people are embracing that comfy, casual vibe that socks and sandals deliver.

Social media platforms like TikTok are really embracing this trend, with users proudly displaying their stylish looks featuring colorful, logo-emblazoned socks peeking out from their sandals. This change shows a larger movement in fashion where comfort and self-expression are taking center stage over strict style rules. What was once laughed at is now a shining example of carefree confidence, showing us that in fashion, even the most surprising trends can emerge into the spotlight!

—Cheyenne Shull, Trends Editor

The Quill #3: Nerd Zone #1

March 17, 2025

Wandering Wikipedia: Hot Dog Buns

hot dogs
Photo by Ball Park Brand / Unsplash. 

This week I was hungry, so I went to the lunch room and ate a hot dog. I thought to myself, “This would make a great article, the classic hot dog.” Then I thought, “The hot dog would not be complete without the humble bun, to keep one’s fingers from being covered in grease or burnt by the hot dog.” So, I pulled up Wikipedia and looked up hot dog buns.

While the term “‘hot dog”’ was coined in the late 19th century by Americans joking that German sausages looked suspiciously like their dachshunds, the bun itself was invented slightly before that. Interestingly, one man on Coney Island during the 1870s claimed to have invented the hot dog bun, but the earliest evidence we have comes from 1904, at the St. Louis World’s Fair. Here, a German concessionaire1 started a sausage stand that sold hot sausages called “Frankfurters” after his hometown of Frankfurt, Hesse.2

At first, the man loaned gloves to his customers to hold the sausage in order to protect their hands., However, his gloves were not being returned after customers had finished their sausages. Thus, the man went to his brother, who happened to be a baker, looking for a solution. From there, his brother made some rolls that were longer, thinner, and able to be easily be split down the side for easy insertion of frankfurters. This was the earliest evidence we have of hot dog buns.

And that’s all the random knowledge we have for you this week. Tune in next issue for another edition of Wandering Wikipedia.

Footnotes

1. One who sells concessions.
2. A state in central Germany.

—Sylvie Cavros, The Nerd Zone Co-Editor

The Quill #3: Nerd Zone #2

March 17, 2025

Meme of the Week: The Life and Death of Duolingo

DUolingo OwlWhen you learn a new language, it can be hard to keep up with lessons without proper motivation. Thankfully, Duolingo has you covered. With over 100 million monthly users, Duolingo has helped many people all over the world. One of the major reasons was because of the insane characterization of Duo’s Keyshauna Renee Lingo, otherwise known as the Duolingo Owl.

Usually, a language app is nothing special, but Duolingo has a unique way of connecting with its users. There have been plenty of screenshots of the Duolingo Owl casually threatening the app’s users when they haven’t done their lessons. Sometimes the threats are passive, like “You know what happens now,” but other times they are direct, such as “Do it, you vermin.” The threats became got so popular that the official Duolingo account made an announcement on April 1st, 2019 to their Twitter and Instagram accounts saying that they will start offering “in-person notifications,” meaning that someone will physically tell you to do your lessons. All of these threats have helped the app to grow.

But on February 11th, 2025, the official Duolingo account announced that their lovely bird mascot has passed away. He was hit by a Cybertruck and died from his injuries. As the users of Duolingo were mourning his death, a few weeks later on February 26th, the Duolingo Owl came back from the dead. He explained that he faked his death because he was trying to impress his crush Dua Lipa and to grab the attention of the app’s users. While many people are thankful the Duolingo Owl is alive, a handful of them are upset at him for lying.

I was sent an Instagram reel about this whole situation, and all of a sudden, the Duolingo Owl was all over my feed. A lot of people are drawn to the shenanigans of this owl and how he knows every single language under the sun. Most of the Duolingo memes come from how unhinged the lesson reminders are, making the Duolingo Owl a force to be reckoned with. If you see this green owl plastered on your screen, please pay attention to it … because you never know what he may do next.

—Julia Hahn, The Nerd Zone Co-Editor