How to: Finish your senior year strong

February 13, 2018 fatuma Leave a comment

The end of our last year of high school is slowly coming to an end. It’s no surprise that the majority of the seniors have been hit with a mild case of “senioritis.” After four long years, it’s definitely time to say goodbye to high school. Here are some simple steps you can follow to help you feel motivated to finish the year strong.

Step #1: Keep your eye on the prize

Picture yourself walking across the stage and receiving your diploma for your four years of hard work. Graduation is not far away, and for those excited for college, the gap is quickly shortening, but there is no need to panic. Whether your goal is graduation, college, or just summer, you need to keep your eye on the prize. The biggest challenge during senior year is finding motivation. By remembering what your goal is, and how soon you’ll be there, you’ll find the excitement and energy needed to complete the year strongly.

Step #2: Failure to plan, is planning to fail

Senior year is by far the most important year of high school; falling behind is not an option. Although, all four years are crucial toward your academic future, you want to make sure that you’re completing your senior year with strong grades rather than barely getting by. Also, make sure that you do not overcompensate, balancing out school with extracurriculars, and/or a job is extremely difficult, don’t bite off more than you can chew folks! The goal here is to be able to complete all your activities and school work, while still having enough time to yourself.

Step #3: Have fun

Reward yourself for working hard, attend events e.g. Prom, senior field trip, senior lock-in. Having events, or activities to look forward to, can help you pass the time between now and graduation. It can also motivate you to get through the days. It’s highly recommended that you not only attend these events, but also to make as many memories as you possibly can before we close this chapter in your life.

Step #4: Use your resources

Highland is filled with resources, and it’s your job to make sure that you are exploring all these opportunities while you still have time. Make sure to stay connected to your counselor, and stay informed on what you need in order to graduate. Also, while you’re busy staying connected to your advisors and teacher, make sure to stay connected to your peers as well, because they’re also living through this experience. You can use your peers as resources to help you with your school work; study dates are such an easy and fun way to spend time while learning.

Ultimately, it’s your senior year and you want to make sure you make the most of it. You’ve worked so hard for this, and you deserve it; continue to give yourself small rewards for overcoming the challenges throughout this year. For those seniors continuing to higher education, use this time to practice locking in those good habits and self-motivation. Get a jump start on better study habits or organization, because you’ll definitely need it for college.

Entertainment

Anticipated movies coming out in 2018

February 13, 2018 jamiesblog670 Leave a comment

By Aicha Minoui and Jamie Zarn

So far, 2018 has had its ups and downs but, in the section of movies, now that is a different story. 2018 is bringing forth new sequels, or ending movies to a franchise, such as: The Maze Runner: The Death Cure, The Incredibles 2, Pacific Rim: Uprising, Wreck It Ralph: Ralph Breaks The Internet. Even new single movies like Winchester, a horror movie, and Ready Player One, an action movie.

One of the listed franchise movies such as, The Maze Runner: The Death Cure finishes off the Maze Runner series in a way which leaves the audience wanting more, and missing forgotten characters, as well as answering some unanswered questions from the last two movies. The movie also sets the series to rest in a way where you can leave the theatre astonished, and be assured that the series has ended, which is usually never the case but, this time, it does seem like that is the case.

Wreck It Ralph: Ralph Breaks The Internet, is a new and upcoming sequel from a favorite movie released in 2012. In this film, not much has been said about the plot except that it’s set six years after the previous movie, and that Princess Vanellope Von Schweetz (or just Vanellope) and Ralph go to find a replacement part for the game Sugar Rush after a Wi-Fi router is connected to the arcade. What that replacement is, is still not known but, it’s said that an algorithm Yesss, which is another version of Youtube called Buzztube, will be included, as well as an appearance of the Disney Princess line-up (voiced by the original voices), Stars Wars characters, and Marvel characters. This is something to look forward to.

I think everyone can agree that Incredibles 2 is the movie everyone is looking forward to. The sequel to the favorite animated superhero movie, released in 2004, is finally being released. Not only are children excited, but people who grew up watching the Incredibles over and over again are super excited for the sequel as well. Regarding the plot, the movie is about Mr. Incredible taking care of Elastigirl and his kid, Jack-Jack, while she is out saving the world.

Two movies I’m personally excited for, are Pacific Rim: Uprising and Ready Player One. Pacific Rim: Uprising is the sequel to Pacific Rim, which was released in 2013. Pacific Rim was about mecha robots, called Jaegers, fighting Kaiju that are trying to destroy the world. Uprising is about Jake Pentecost, whose father was Stacker Pentecost, abandoning Jaeger training and getting caught up in the criminal underworld. Suddenly an even greater threat than the Kaiju come and Jake Pentecost gets one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy, given to him by his estranged sister, Mako Mori. This movie stars John Boyega, well known for his role as Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Ready Player One is an action movie about the creator of a virtual reality game called OASIS who dies and challenges every OASIS player to find his Easter Egg. Whoever finds it will win his fortune. Wade Watts finds the first clue and starts a race for the egg. To me, this movie just seems like a fun action movie, and I’m pretty excited for it.

Winchester is a new horror movie about one of the most haunted houses in the world, on an isolated stretch of land outside San Francisco. It follows Sarah Winchester, as a prison for the vengeful ghosts that have a score to settle with the Winchester family. It is currently pulling 10% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Travel/Food

Treats and gifts for Valentine’s Day.

February 13, 2018 sunthanyvang1 Leave a comment

It’s that time of the year again, when the stores start putting out heart shaped everything and love is in the air. Another Valentine’s Day is coming up quickly; a time of year to show your loved ones just how much you appreciate and love them. So, here are some treats and gifts that’ll show just that!

Treats:

Sweetheart Cherry Pies:

If you’re looking for an easy but very delicious treat, this is the thing for you! It only takes about 25 minutes to prepare and bake. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pie dough (you can usually find this in any grocery store)
Fresh Cherries
Ricotta cheese
Sugar
1 tbsp of butter, melted
Heart cookie cutter

Step 1: Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees and make sure to line a baking sheet with some parchment paper.

Step 2: Take your pie dough and roll it out to about an inch thick and then take your heart shaped cookie cutter and press them into the dough. Make sure to use all of the leftover scraps to make more!

Step 3: Take all of your cherries and make sure to remove the pit, an easy way of doing that is by using a straw to help push it out. After you’ve removed the pit, chop up the cherries into small little pieces.

Step 4: In the bowl of cherries add a small pinch of sugar, or more if you have a sweet tooth.

Step 5: On the lines baking sheet, take the heart shaped pie dough and lay them on gently. After you’ve placed all of the pie dough out, take a spoonful of the ricotta cheese and place it into the middle of each heart, doing the same with your chopped up cherries.

Step 6: Lay down the top dough and seal the edges with a fork. After you’ve sealed the dough together, take your melted butter and brush it over top.

Step 6: Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure to let the little pies cool down before serving!

Step 7: Enjoy the sweet treat with your friends and family or with your significant other!

Candy Heart Bark:
This chocolate dessert is one of the easiest treats to make! All it takes is about five ingredients; here’s what they are!

White chocolate
Canola or vegetable oil
Semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Conversation heart candies
Food coloring of your choice

Step 1: Take a baking sheet and like it with parchment paper or a silicone mat if you have one.

Step 2: Using a double boiler or a microwave melt down your white chocolate, taking it out every 20 seconds to stir it thoroughly, adding about a tbsp of your oil into the chocolate. After melting the chocolate you can add any color that you want.

Step 2: Melt your semisweet in the same exact way that you did with the white chocolate. After the semisweet chocolate is melted, pour it onto the lined baking sheet, spreading it out evenly.

After you finish spreading the chocolate, use a spoon to scoop up your white chocolate/colored chocolate and randomly pour it into different spaces on top of the semisweet chocolate.

Step 3: Using a tip of a toothpick or even a fork, to drag the white chocolate into different shapes, creating a water marble effect. Before the chocolate hardens up, take your heart candies and place them all around your chocolate.

Step 4: Put the tray into the refrigerator and let it harden for about 2 hours. After its hardened, take the chocolate and break it into pieces as large or as small as you’d like!

DIY gifts:

Heart Bath bombs:

Baking Soda
Citric Acid
Fine Epsom Salts
Jojoba Oil
Love Potion Essential Oil
Red food coloring
Witch hazel
Mesh strainer
Spray bottle
Silicone heart mold
Plastic gloves

Directions:

Take your mesh strainer and place it over a large bowl, pour in 1 cup of your baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid and 1/4 cup of fine epsom salts.

Stir baking soda, citric acid and epsom salts until well blended, making sure there are no lumps.

Next, slowly add 1/2 Tablespoon of jojoba oil to the dry mixture. Add 10 drops of Love Potion essential oil and 1-2 drops of food coloring.

Wearing plastic gloves, mix the oils and food coloring through the dry mixture, until it is well incorporated and pink.

Once mixture is blended, slowly add witch hazel, one spritz at a time, until the bath bomb mixture sticks together when squeezed.

You’ll need about 8 to 10 spritzes of witch hazel to get the right consistency. The mixture should not be crumbly. It should stick together when squeezed, but you don’t want it too wet or it may begin to fizz.

Pack the slightly damp mixture tightly into the heart shape molds. Be sure to pack the mixture well, fitting in as much as possible into each mold. (This recipe should make 5 to 6 heart-shaped bath bombs.)

Allow to dry for several hours, or ideally overnight, then remove the homemade bath bombs from the molds.

They should be very hard when you remove them from the molds. Wrap bath bombs tightly in plastic wrap and store in a cool, dry place, away from any moisture.

Strawberry Sugar Scrub:

This perfect, and easy little gift is perfect for anyone who loves smooth skin! This strawberry sugar scrub is made in a few minutes, and smells absolutely amazing; here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup cane sugar
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
3/4 cup organic virgin coconut oil, room temperature
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Step 1: Take a big ziploc bag and place your freeze-dried strawberries in them. Make sure to seal it real tight, taking all of the air out to make it easier to smash it. You can use a rolling pin to smash the strawberries into almost a dust like consistency.

Step 2: place your strawberry dust into a bowl and add your cane sugar. After you’ve added your sugar, take your coconut oil and place it into the bowl as well, along with your vanilla.

Step 3: Combine everything together!

You can put this scrub into any container that you’d like, big or small! Enjoy using this while showering or while taking a nice hot bath! This will do wonders for you skin.

I hope you take your time to make these wonderful little treats and gifts, whether that be for your loved ones or even just for yourself! Have an amazing Valentine’s Day this year, spend it doing something fun!

Movies/TV/Theaters

Starbucks Blonde espresso review

February 12, 2018 Riley Lumpkin Leave a comment

By: Riley Lumpkin and Gabe Mattick

In early January, Starbucks launched a new espresso. This is called the Blonde espresso. This new espresso is different because it is a mix of Latin American beans and East African beans, which is what creates the drink’s sweet flavor. The vice president of Global Coffee, for Starbucks, stated, “By taking a lighter approach to espresso which created a bright taste with sweet citrus notes and a smooth body.” So, after hearing the hype about the new espresso we gave it a try.

First, we tried an espresso shot; the blonde espresso shot was pretty good. We thought that it was still a little strong, although you could taste the smoothness and a little bit of citrus. It wasn’t as bitter as a regular espresso shot; it was smoother and sweeter. Neither of us is a big coffee drinker though, so we would not get the plain blonde espresso shot again.

Starbucks features a few drinks as well, probably as a recommendation, one of the drinks was the Blonde Vanilla Latte. This was the second drink we tried. It consisted of milk, vanilla syrup, and espresso.

Riley’s review: This drink is my favorite, you can still taste the coffee flavor, but it doesn’t have a burnt bitter taste. It was a little sweet because of the vanilla flavoring but I personally thought it was very good.

Gabe’s review: I am not a fan of coffee, therefore this drink was not one of my favorites. Although, I did prefer this over the plain espresso shot. It was much sweeter, and smooth. I thought you could still taste a bit of a bitter taste, but it isn’t as strong as a normal cup of coffee.

The final drink we tried was an iced caramel macchiato, and we substituted the regular espresso with the Blonde espresso. This drink consisted of milk, espresso, vanilla syrup, and a caramel drizzle over the top.

Riley’s review: The original caramel macchiato is my go-to drink in the summer; I always get it iced and it is very refreshing. Without the blonde espresso, you can’t really taste any bitterness from the espresso. After trying it with the blonde espresso I thought it was way too sweet. I couldn’t taste a coffee flavor at all; it also tasted a bit watered down.

Gabe’s review: I just recently started drinking the caramel macchiato. I think it is pretty good. It is a good drink for someone who does not like a strong coffee flavor. After I tried it with the blonde espresso I also thought that it was too sweet, although, I liked it a little bit more because it wasn’t as bitter. If I got this again I would probably ask for it without caramel, which would eliminate some of the sweetness.

Overall, we liked the Blonde espresso. If you are new to coffee, or don’t like that strong bitter taste, we recommend asking for the Blonde espresso.

For more information, please visit: https://news.starbucks.com/press-releases/starbucks-blonde-espresso-launches-in-u.s.-stores

Local, News

Teachers vote to possibly go on strike

February 12, 2018 Nathan Kristiansson Leave a comment

The teachers of St. Paul have spoken. The St. Paul school district will be attempting to prevent, or potentially endure a teacher strike. The teachers are asking for a 2.5 percent pay raise, along with more non-teacher staff, and smaller class sizes. SPPS (St. Paul Public School District) has had a hard time coming to meet the needs of our teachers.

On Wednesday, Jan 31st, our teachers voted to authorize a strike. This means that we have ten days before the strike possibly begins. This “cooling off” period ends Monday the 12th, and the potential strike will begin on Tuesday the 13th. If the strike has not ended after four school days, then we will have to add more days to the end of the school year.

Some teachers and non-teacher staff in the district do not believe that this argument will result in a strike; however, their opinion is becoming less and less likely every second that ticks by. The clock has started, and it seems to most that this clock will run out well before the teachers and school district come to an agreement. The thought of adding more days to the end of the year could be difficult for students and families, as some may have vacation plans, or plans for their children to work over the summer. It could be time consuming and potentially expensive for some families to shift their plans back farther into the summer.

One thing is for sure, the teachers, staff, and (most) students do not want to take a couple weeks off, and push their plans back into summer. This strike could shorten our summer break, were most of us relax, enjoy some free time, and work to make some money. With any luck, our teachers and school board can come to an agreement that would make a strike unnecessary. We all know how bad a strike could be for our students and staff.

*UPDATE: It was announced Monday morning, Feb 12th, that the union and district had come to a tentative agreement, thus preventing a strike.

Entertainment

The art of EDM

February 9, 2018 Victor Chikong Xiong Leave a comment

Electronic Dance Music, more famously known as EDM, is a genre of music that uses technology and electronics to create music. Such components are electric instruments, MIDI contollers, synthesizers, and other electronic components to create sounds that are interpreted as music. EDM originated back in the early 1980’s and slowly continued to evolve as technology grew and changed overtime. EDM back then wasn’t famously known or used, as the complexities in technology, and the challenging steps of creating EDM music made it difficult to produce. Even today, the most famously known EDM artists take weeks to create tracks and albums.

For EDM, there are branches of genres for people to take a liking to. The most famous type of EDM, that present artists create, is called: Electronic House Music (EHM). One famously known artist of this genre is Steve Aoki. Steve is one of the most highly acknowledged EDM creators, and DJ producers, and he’s earned many awards including two Grammys for his EDM creations.

Electronic House Music uses average instruments to create a baseline of melodies, drums, basses, and beats, but EHM also uses vocals and other instruments that the artist can create on their own. Electric Dance Music allows an individual to create sounds and beats virtually, and then place them on a track that they can then alter to create music. The creation of EDM music is really complex and challenging; many artist struggle when they try and create new tracks.

“If I could play it, I would, but since I can’t I have to ‘draw’ it.”

-Deadmau5, Joel Zimmerman

Deadmau5 is another artist who creates EDM. He has uploaded many videos about EDM, and streams for viewers to see and watch how he creates tracks. After the 21st century, MIDI control pads; also known as Musical Intrument Digital Interface, were created with more advance complexities and diverse controls, from sound tuning to octave levels for a sample or track.

Entertainment, Movies/TV/Theaters

Grammys review

February 9, 2018 Dejra Leave a comment

On Sunday, January 28th, the 60th Grammy Awards occurred. This award show is to honor the biggest artists of 2016. According to the Grammys official website, in order for an artist to be nominated, they have to release their album between October 1, 2016, and September 30,2017. Besides the show itself, Grammy nominations are always anticipated. It’s exciting to see which artist will represent each category.

This year, the show was hosted, for the second year in a row, by James Corden, the host of the Late Late Show with James Corden. His experience with music includes roles in musicals such as Trolls and Into The Woods, and a continuous segment on his show, Carpool Karaoke. The show included great segments of Cordon’s Carpool Karaoke on a train in New York, a skit of various celebrities auditioning for the audiobook of Donald Trump, and he even included his parent in the fun. Overall though, even though he was a great host, the night was all about the music.

Because the Grammys is all about music, the performances were not lacking. Sam Smith, U2, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Kesha were just a few of the performers. Billboard created a list deciding who had the best performance of the night, and amongst the twenty artists, the top three performances of the night were:

3. Kesha, “Praying”

2. Bruno Mars & Cardi B, “Finesse” (Remix)

1. Kendrick Lamar feat. U2 & Dave Chappelle, “Medley”

To view the complete list, click the link:

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/8096816/grammys-2018-every-performance-ranked

When it came to the awards, some artists were more successful than others. The most nominated artist of the night included Jay-Z with 8 nominations, Bruno Mars with 7, and Kendrick Lamar with 6. Even though he had the most nominations, Jay-Z walked home empty-handed. Bruno had the best night, winning all 7 awards he was nominated for, including Album of the Year (“24K Magic”) and Song of the year (“That’s what I Like”). Kendrick won five out of the six awards he was nominated for.

For the full list of the winners in every category, click the link:

https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2018-grammy-awards-complete-winners-list

Overall, the Grammys was a great show this year. Everything, down to the visuals, was amazing. From Kesha being joined by various artists, to U2 performing on a moving platform on the New York Upper Bay, the 2018 Grammys weren’t one to miss.

Adapted Floor Hockey, Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Cheerleading, Dance Line, Hockey, Nordic Skiing, Scoreboard/Schedule, Sports, Swimming & Diving, Wrestling

Sports schedule for: Feb 12-17

February 9, 2018 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

For a full calendar of events please refer to: http://www.stpaulcity.org

Winter Sports: Boys Swimming, Co-Ed Adapted Floor Hockey. Girls Basketball, Girls Hockey, Co-Ed Nordic Ski, Wrestling, Gymnastics, Boys Hockey, Boys Basketball, Alpine Ski

Activities the Week of February 12-17

Monday Feb. 12

Adapted PI Floor Hockey vs. South Suburban @ Bloomington Kennedy 4:30pm

Varsity Boys Hockey vs. Bloomington Kennedy @ Highland Arena 4pm JV @ Bloomington-Kennedy 3pm (Bus from rink 1:30/5pm)

Co-Ed Nordic Ski @ Phalen 3pm (Bus 2:30/4:30pm)

Tuesday Feb. 13:

Girls Basketball @ Harding C-Squad 4 JV 5:30 Varsity @ 7pm (Bus 2:45/8:15pm)

Boys Basketball vs. Harding @ HP C-Squad & JV 5:30 Varsity @ 7pm

Wednesday Feb. 14:

Girls Basketball @ Mpls. Southwest C-Squad 4 JV 5:30 Varsity @ 7pm (Bus 2:45/8:15pm)

Adapted CI Floor Hockey vs. Dakota United @ Eastview HS 4:30pm

Co – Ed Nordic Ski to State Tournament @ Giants Ridge, Biwabik ( Bus 7:30am)

Thursday, Feb. 15:

Co-Ed Nordic Ski State Tournament @ Giants Ridge- Biwabik (Bus return time 8:30pm)

Girls Basketball vs. Humboldt @ HP C-Squad 4 JV 5:30 Varsity @ 7pm

Boys Basketball @ Humboldt C-Squad 4 JV 5:30 Varsity @ 7pm (Bus 3/8:30pm)

Friday Feb. 16:

Boys Hockey vs. Henry Sibley @ Highland Arena JV 5pm Varsity @ 7:30pm

Saturday Feb. 17:

Boys Hockey vs. Johnson-Como @ Phalen Arena JV 5 Varsity @ 7pm (Bus 3:30/9pm)

Go Scots!

School Life

Snow day 2018

February 5, 2018 sunthanyvang1 Leave a comment

On the 23 of January, 2018, Saint Paul Public School (SPPS) had their first snow day in almost seven years. On Sunday morning, January 21, people got news that we would be getting nine inches of snow in St. Paul. Once schools got this news, many of them shut down for the following day, giving their students a snow day to keep them safe and warm from all of the snow.

Though there were schools that did give their students and teachers a snow day, there were also many schools that didn’t. Saint Paul Schools were one of the schools that didn’t close down to try and prepare for the snow storm heading our way. Instead, SPPS sent their students home early, trying to beat the snow storm.

While some students made their way home safe and sound, there were others that were stuck at school. During the night of Monday the 22, many parents received a call, telling them that there were many late buses and that some students, mostly elementary students, had not been picked up. This was meant to let all parents know that if their child was not home, that they were safe and being fed at school. During this night, many teachers had stayed back to ensure that the kids were going to do alright and that they were properly fed.

Many kids did not get picked up until almost midnight, the last child being dropped off at 12:05 AM. Many parents were not happy about what had happened, and were also very disappointed in the school board for not canceling school that day. On the same day, SPPS sent out an apology, saying that they would make sure that they would never ever let something like this occur again.

So, a big thank you to all of those who stayed back to help the students who had no way to get home on that snowy night. Make sure to stay bundled up and warm for the upcoming cold days!

Adapted Floor Hockey, Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Cheerleading, Dance Line, Hockey, Nordic Skiing, Scoreboard/Schedule, Swimming & Diving, Wrestling

Sports schedule for: Feb 5-10

February 2, 2018 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

For a full calendar of events please refer to: www.stpaulcity.org

Winter Sports: Boys Swimming, Co-Ed Adapted Floor Hockey. Girls Basketball,
Girls Hockey, Co-Ed Nordic Ski, Wrestling, Gymnastics,Boys Hockey, Boys
Basketball, Alpine Ski

Activities the Week of February 5-10

Monday Feb. 5:

Boys Basketball @ Washington Tech. C-Squad 4, JV 5:30 and Varsity @ 7pm (Bus 3/8:30pm)

Girls Basketball vs. Washington Tech. @ HP C-Squad 5:30 Varsity @ 7pm

Adapted CI Hockey vs. Suburban South @ Bloomington Jefferson Activity Center 4:30pm

Tuesday Feb. 6:

Co-Ed Nordic Ski Sectional @ Theo Wirth Park(Bus 7:30am/4:30pm)

Adapted PI Floor Hockey vs. Dakota United @ Humboldt 4:30pm

Wednesday Feb. 7:

Gymnastics @ North Star 6pm (Bus 3/8pm)

Wrestling Twin Cities match @ TBD Mpls. Site

Adapted CI Floor Hockey @ Humboldt 4:30