Monthly Archives: December 2016

School Life

Give to the Max

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Every year our school holds a fundraiser to help raise money for supplies and equipment for the students of Highland Park Senior High. Give to the Max is the fundraiser’s name, and last year the school raised a total of $13,000.

On Thursday, November 17, our school did a parking lot rally! The school’s cheerleading team was there to help, along with parents and students who sold doughnuts and coffee, all while waving signs that reminded people to donate to the school. Along with the parking lot rally, the school also had a website up where you could go on and donate money to the school as well.  

Some of the things that the money will be going to are: school supplies, gift cards for students/families who are in positions of need, equipment for the athletic teams, demonstration materials for the math department, and so much more. With all of the online donations, and donations at the school, Highland Park Senior High raised a total of $13,382.50, though the amount may go up in the next couple of weeks. Highland is sure that the money will be put to good use, and that it will help make great things happen for its students.

Advice/How To, School Life

J.A.M. – How to pass your permit test

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Hello, this is Jane, Alandra,  and Michelle and we have recently received the question: “I’m about to take my permit test what will help me pass ?”

We have all gone through drivers ed, and have gotten our permits, so here are some great methods that can help you out. We would like to say that the permit test is fairly easy and mostly based on common sense, a few laws, and signs.

When teens go to driver’s ed, the first thing they receive is a manual. Many overlook this essential tool, tossing it on their bedside table and completely disregarding it. If you’re smart, you won’t do this though, as it’s like the study guide for your permit test, and along with notes taken in class, looking over your manual is key to acing your permit test. Reading helps information process thoroughly in our minds, helping the jumbled words from instructors come together to make sense. When looking over your manual, take it in as if it is a textbook for one of your academic classes, memorizing key points and phrases. The manual gives you headings, which helps you when taking your own notes. Use this valuable tool to your advantage.

Along with your manual, one thing that really helps is studying with good and specific notes. During drivers ed, you are supposed to be taking in everything the instructor tells you, so notes are really helpful. You should go over the notes you receive and highlight the important things (measurements, traffic laws, signs, and symbols). After you have highlighted what you think is important, then you should look over them, maybe make a game with them, have someone quiz you, and anything else that you will think will help.

Another method to use, besides reading, is observing things as you’re in the car with an experienced driver. It is extremely crucial to ask questions and get comfortable with certain signs, intersections, and proper driving etiquette. Many of the questions on the test are easier to remember once you have asked and/or discussed the laws and scenarios that come with driving. Talk with your parents, go over your quizzes from drivers ed, and you’ll be ready to get your permit!

Overall, the permit test isn’t something you should overthink. With these helpful strategies you’re basically guaranteed to pass. Once you arrive at the facility to take your test, stay calm and try remembering everything you’ve worked so hard to learn. If you’ve studied enough you’ll be out the door and ready to drive!

Travel/Food

DIY Christmas treats

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One of the best things to do is eat. But it’s a lot more fun when you get to eat holiday snacks and treats, because making them is even more fun, and surprisingly easy. During these past two days I’ve made a handful of treats that I’ll share with you.

Everyone loves chocolate, and almost everything goes good with chocolate. One of the simplest treats you can make are chocolate covered pretzels. All you’ll need is chocolate melts, pretzel rods or regular pretzels and anything you want to use to decorate them; I used white chocolate. All you need to do is melt the chocolate in either the microwave – mixing it every 30 seconds – or in a double boiler. Once you have your chocolate melted you want to dip your pretzels in it and set them on a cookie sheet covered in either wax paper or aluminum foil. If you choose to decorate your pretzels, you can add sprinkles or white chocolate to create stripes, but remember that you want to do it before the chocolate completely dries. I think these are the easiest and quickest treats you can make.

Something else you can make is Christmas tree Rice Krispy treats. They take a little more time but the end result is worth it. You’ll need the rice cereal, marshmallows, butter and green food coloring. First you need to melt your butter on the stove, and once the butter is completely melted you want to add your marshmallows and mix it until the marshmallows have been completely mixed in. Then, add the green food coloring and take the mixture off the stove. Start adding the cereal to the marshmallow mix and mix until well combined. Let it cool a little, but not too much, and then put a little bit of butter on your hands and start forming the mix into the trees. If you want a little extra something, you can add red M&M’S to act as ornaments. Let them cool for about an hour, or less if you put them in the fridge.

These are just a couple of the treats you can make for the holidays, and if you wrap them up in a cute bag and twist tie, or a Christmas box, you can also give them as a little present.

Links to the full recipes with measurement :

http://www.rachelcooks.com/2015/12/16/easy-christmas-tree-rice-krispie-treats-recipe/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/chocolate-covered-pretzels-with-sprinkles-recipe2.html

Advice/How To, Entertainment

Stocking stuffers for teens 2016

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As your teenager gets older, their interests may tend to differ from yours. Shopping is harder because you don’t know what to get them, or you might have a tight budget, or you don’t know if they will like it, and maybe you aren’t sure if what you want to get them is “in.” This article is a guide to small gifts (perfect for stockings) that are popular to the current teenage generation.

Earphones/Earbuds

Earphone/earbuds are a perfect gift, with technology, electronics, and music being at a societal high. The cost varies, however, the most efficient brands seem to be Sony or Apple.

Gums and Mints

A common essential for teens in school are gums and mints. Some claim it helps them focus, others just enjoy being able to pop something flavorful in their mouth throughout the day. It is a common stocking stuffer and is inexpensive as well.

Junk Food

Teens love junk food. Chips have been around for years and have maintained their status as one of the most popular types of junk food. Along with that, candy, pop, and sugary treats like doughnuts are consumed with great pleasure.

Caribou and Starbucks Gift Cards

Sleepy, hardworking high school students love to indulge in coffee drinks, whether or not they have much coffee actually in them. Specifically, Caribou and Starbucks are the more popular chains people go to.

Gas Gift Cards

If you have a teen, they are probably driving or will be soon. This is a resourceful way to give your kid money for gas in order to secure they will use it on gas.

Elites/Socks

Socks are a good way to go. Providing warmth and style, they are convenient to receive in the winter. Elites would be a good gift for the sporty type of teen. Another popular alternative is fuzzy socks.

Chapsticks

Chapsticks are the perfect stocking stuffer. It is an essential that everyone loses before it’s gone. This is the perfect opportunity to help your teens stock up.

Lotion

A good stuffer to ensure your kid/s stay moisturized throughout the winter is lotion.

Video Games

Video games are perfect for gamers who always want the newest games released.

Ornaments

Gifting an ornament is a good gift for your teen who will soon move on to live in their own place with their own tree.

Nail Polish

An inexpensive gift for someone who loves being creative with their nails and making them their own personalized accessory is nail polish.

Phone Case

A new way to accessorize is alternating your phone case and/or having more than one. This is a good gift for both genders. A good way to find a nice variety of cases to choose from is to go to a phone accessory kiosk located in most malls.

Keychain Lanyards

More of a practical gift, keychains are a good organization tool for teens with keys for their houses, cars, etc. You even have the option of buying one or making a lanyard on your own.

Wallet

Another practical gift, to help organize money and cards, is a wallet. No more money falling out of pockets accidentally.

Compact Mirror

A compact mirror is a useful tool when on the go to check and make sure your appearance is up to par, or to re-apply any makeup you may have on. Directed traditionally towards females.

Face Wash/Creams

Teens = Hormones! Acne is highly common among teens who are growing into adults. Help them maintain hygiene by getting them something to wash their face with or additional help from acne creams, etc.

TV Show/Movie DVDs

Entertainment plays a major role in mainstream teen society. If your kid has shown interest in a tv show or any movies, buying it is a good gift idea so they can have a permanent copy to watch at their leisure.

Mini Tool Kit

A mini tool kit is a good gift for older teens who will soon have to fix things on their own when in college and later on in life. This is a good starter kit, providing the essentials to make minor repairs.

Perfume/Cologne

If you smell good, you feel good. Gifting your teen with a nice scent can help them step up their charm and give them character. Once people are older they tend to be defined by their “scent” usually provided by their perfume/cologne of choice. This gift would be the start of that.

Advice/How To, Entertainment

Fun things to do this winter

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So many people each year stay inside during the winter. Turns out that it can be very unhealthy for you. Getting outside, especially in the winter, will help you so much in the long run. Being indoors all day everyday in the winter can cut off your healthy bacteria and make you sick while we are already so far into cold and flu season. So why not get out, find some stuff to do, and have fun!

Sledding Hills:

There are so many places you could go sledding this winter near Highland Park. There is of course the Highland Park water towers, and also the recreation center which is also connected to the library. Also some other hills near Highland Park is the Meriam Park and Baker Park hills both are very steep. If you don’t see the hill closest to you try this website: http://www.visitsaintpaul.com/things-to-do/winter-fun/sledding-hills-in-saint-paul/

Highland Park Community Center

1978 Ford Pkwy. Saint Paul, MN 55116

Highland Park (behind water tower)

1400 Highland Pkwy. Saint Paul, MN 55116

Baker Park

209 W. Page St. Saint Paul, MN 55107

Merriam Park Recreation Center

2000 St. Anthony Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55104

Ice Skating:

A very popular activity for the winter in Minnesota is ice skating, as we are the famous state of hockey. There are many places you can go ice skating, or play some games of hockey, or just boot skate on a rink all around the Saint Paul area. The biggest rink, and most popular outdoor rink, is the Wells Fargo Winterskate. That takes place downtown Saint Paul in front of the Landmark Center. There are many other rinks outdoor as well. The closest outdoor rink to Highland Park is the Palace Recreation Center or the Edgecumbe Recreation Center. If none of these rinks are close to you can refer to the website below to find yours: 

https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/activities/winter-spring-activities/ice-rinks

Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt:

While most of us are eagerly awaiting 2017 for new years revolutions some are exited for 2017 for the annual Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt. The treasure hunt is a tradition for some people since 1952. The hunt is for a medallion that you can go search for all around Ramsey county starting on Sunday, January 22nd. The medallion, if found, is worth $10,000 and until found, there are clues in the Pioneer Press Newspaper everyday or on the  Twin Cities Website. The treasure hunt actually has its own hotline so when the hunt starts the hotline will let you know the current status of the hunt.

So have a fun winter and get out and do something!

Travel/Food

Top Ski resorts in the U.S 5-1

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Skiing is a hobby popular all across the globe. With Colorado bringing in $4.8 billion annually from skiing, the skiing industry is big and is only growing. Today, I will be continuing my discussion of what I think are the best ski resorts in the U.S, covering every region (#5-1).

  1. Vail

Vail is one of the most known skiing resorts in the U.S, being the key destination for tourists and out of towners. However, it deserves this reputation, because of its land area and terrain suitable for those of all ages and skill levels. When someone thinks of a ski resort, they likely think of Vail, due to its vicinity to Denver and accessibility to all types of skiers and snowboarders.

  1. Alta/Snowbird

Located in the Wasatch Range in Utah; Alta and Snowbird are in the same valley. What’s special about Alta, however, is that it does not permit snowboarders to ride on their runs. This is one of the only resorts to have a rule like this, and has been the target of much dispute from snowboarders and lawyers alike. These mountains host some of the most famous skiers and terrain, attracting expert skiers to see how they can contend with it’s dangerous slopes.

  1. Big Sky

Being the largest ski resort in the U.S, this resort has no shortage of runs for everyone. From some of the steepest runs in the whole country, to the mellowest of slopes perfect for a young child to learn on.

  1. Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley is full of skiing and snowboarding history. Located on the California side of Lake Tahoe, it’s one of the most well known and visited ski resorts in the United states. It has some of the biggest cliffs, the steepest runs, and the famous skiers. Skiing legend and adrenaline junkie Shane McConkey called it home as well as many other amazing skiers.

  1. Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is my personal favorite ski resort in the U.S by far. I’ve never visited, but it has the the best terrain for an avid skier such as myself in the world. Having the runs like Corbet’s Couloir, the steepest run in the US, makes it what it is.

Entertainment

December holiday traditions

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In the United States we are lucky to be a very diverse country. With so many different cultures and religions, December is full of celebrations. These are the three most widely celebrated holidays in the month of December.

Christmas is a holiday usually celebrated by Christians. The meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the day that Jesus Christ was born. People celebrate by decorating Christmas trees with colorful ornaments, giving gifts, and having big meals with family and friends. The iconic symbol of Christmas is, of course, Santa Claus. The idea of Santa comes from the monk St. Nicholas, who was, in his time, admired for being religious and kind hearted. Over the years Santa has changed, and now is said to bring gifts to good children. Another symbol is the tree. Some people say the Christmas Tree is a symbol to represent God’s everlasting life. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th. The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in the year 336.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday lasting eight days; this year, from the night of December 25th to the 1st of January. A long time ago, the Jews wanted to rededicate the desecrated Temple, but only found one container of the sacred oil needed. The menorah was required to burn throughout the night, every night, for eight days, but there was only enough oil for one day. Amazingly, the candles stayed lit for all eight days, which was the time needed to collect a fresh supply of kosher oil for the menorah. This event became known as “The Miracle of The Oil” and is now marked with the celebration of Hanukkah. Jews celebrate by lighting one candle, on the nine candle menorah, each night, also spinning a dreidel and having family meals. In the United States some Jewish families also give gifts during Hanukkah.

Kwanzaa lasts 7 days. It starts on the 26th of December and ends on the first of January. Unlike the other holidays, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not religious. Created in 1966, Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American values and gratitude. The holiday includes reconnecting with family, thanking and honoring who they consider their creator, remembering their ancestors, and celebrating the all the good in their lives.  People celebrate by having big meals with family and close friends and giving gifts to show gratitude.

Some things all of these holidays have in common is that they all are celebrated with family and people who are important to you, and involve showing gratitude towards each other.

Local, News, World

Trump protests

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This year has been a significant year. The United Kingdom left the European Union. Celebrities like Alan Rickman died. And then we had the political chaos of our election. Against all odds, Donald Trump was elected president.

This obviously sparked some outrage. Protests have been going on across the nation, with several here in Minnesota, such as the protests on I-94.

In Minneapolis, on Thursday November 11th, 2016, hundreds of anti-Trump protesters marched down Interstate 94. They managed to close it for more than two hours. Police stopped them from marching any further into Minneapolis. It was organized by a Facebook group called Socialist Alternative Minnesota.

Previous protests, like the one on Wednesday the 10th, were mostly peaceful, with the only bad thing caused by it being loud noises, probably hindering people’s sleep. 100 people were arrested.

Sports

College Football Playoffs

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The college football scene is alive and well at the end of November. With teams approaching their final games, the stage is set for another great bowl season. Coming into the third year of the College Football Playoffs, teams are waiting for the final poll to decide if they’re “in.” The final poll comes out on Sunday, December 4, and will decide the games played on Jan 1, and 2, of 2017.

The College Football Playoffs have been in place since the 2014-2015 season. The system has a specific way to choose who makes it to the playoffs. First, a committee chooses the top 25 teams. They choose these teams based on their record, their schedule, and overall talent of the team. From these 25 teams, the top four are chosen to go into the playoffs. The four teams play two semifinal games, and the winners play each other in a final championship game.   

The 7 teams in contention to win the championship this year have all had rollercoaster rides to get where they are now. The Alabama Crimson Tide are this year’s favorite to win it all. Coming off a great win against the Clemson Tigers in last year’s championship game, the Tide has kept rolling and finished the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record. Led by a stout defense and a more than capable quarterback in Jalen Hurts, Alabama is a sure bet to win it all as they haven’t moved from the No.1 ranking since 2015. Alabama plays No. 15 Florida this Saturday for the SEC Championship.

The next team with the most mojo coming into the College Football Playoffs is the Ohio State Buckeyes. Finishing with an 11-1 record the Buckeyes look to claim their second championship in 3 years. Led by their head coach Urban Meyer, and Senior quarterback J.T Barrett, the Buckeyes are on fire. Winning all of their games against ranked opponents, at the time of the game, the Buckeyes have a good resume with wins over #14 Oklahoma, #8 Wisconsin, #10 Nebraska, and #3 Michigan.  Ohio State is currently ranked No. 2 in the latest Playoff Poll.  

Runner up last year for the championship, the Clemson Tigers look for another shot at glory. Led by Heisman candidate Deshaun Watson the Tigers finished the regular season with a 11-1 record and are currently ranked No. 3 in the latest Playoff Poll. Clemson plays Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game this Saturday which could decide if they’re in or out of the playoffs.  

The last team currently ranked in the top 4 is the Washington Huskies. Finishing with an 11-1 record as well, the Huskies have had a magical season, but their playoff hopes might come to a close come Saturday. Washington plays Colorado on Saturday for the PAC-12 Championship. With a fairly weak schedule, Washington needs to win this game to get into the playoffs. If they don’t, three other teams might take their place.

The other three teams in contention all hail from the BIG-10. The Wisconsin Badgers, Penn State Nittany Lions, and Michigan Wolverines all are looking to sneak into the playoffs. The committee will have to make a tough choice if Clemson or Washington loses in their respected games this weekend. To increase their chances, Penn State and Wisconsin play each other in the BIG-10 Championship Game this Saturday.

This weekend will be a big weekend to decide the 2016-2017 College Football Playoffs.