Monthly Archives: April 2018

Editorials/Student Voice, Tech/Games

Pros and cons of social media

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Everyone knows how efficient social media can be for contacting friends and family, and learning of news of all kinds. It has been momentous for creating a platform for awareness of political and social issues. Social media is also helpful for building business relationships and connecting with customers. However, social media has unfortunately become a viable platform for cyberbullying, which has increased vastly over the past decade.

Mental health issues, and lapses in focus, that come from the overuse of social media, are unknown to quite a great extent. The majority of the problem is seen in teens. With the overuse of social media comes a constant need to be on social media, and with that, a toll on one’s psychological well-being can be a side effect. Extreme, heavy use of social media has even be linked with suicidal thoughts. It may be the fact that these teens are having these thoughts because of the cyberbullying and disgusting things read on Twitter, Facebook, etc. According to Dr. Hugues Sampasa-Kanyinga of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, “It could be that teens with mental health problems are seeking out interactions as they are feeling isolated and alone.”

More and more studies are being conducted to prove a correlation with direct evidence and data supporting the claim that these mental health issues are a result of excessive use of social media. Dr. Hugues Sampasa-Kanyinga states, “Or they would like to satisfy unmet needs for face-to-face mental health support.”

I myself know of kids that are dealing with depression, and I know two be heavy users of social media. I do think these kids, from my observation, do not have much going on in their lives, not many friends and not enough things to keep them busy, which is the main cause, but who knows. The extreme overuse of social media and constant need of attention from others through technology may feed their desperation even more so.

There would be no reason to rid humanity of social media because of all the good it does for our society, but there are definitely disadvantages that need to be paid attention to, and somehow fixed or toned down to a bearable level.

Advice/How To

Study tips for 4th quarter!

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Here are some tips to help you study and turn in work on time!

Do your work when you get it.

I get it. It’s not always easy to do your work in a timely manner especially if you’re prone to procrastinating. But if you do it when you get it, you can relax and do whatever you want without the looming feeling of that homework you’re supposed to be doing hanging over you!

Flash Cards or a Quizlet!

Flash cards are a great way to help memorize vocabulary words and you can bring them anywhere! But if you’re not a fan of flash cards the app Quizlet provides many great ways to memorize the information you need to. They provide a flash card function, a matching function, and even a way to learn your vocab words!

DON’T cram for a test.

Cramming may help in the short term but it won’t help you retain the information for a later time and test. Studying for your test in small increments leading up to the test day is much more beneficial for your grades.

Get a planner.

If writing down what you need to do will help you then get a planner! However, even though some people don’t necessarily need a planner to remember to do their work, it’s still a good idea to plan out your work and studying on a calendar to keep you on track.

Start small.

If you have a large project coming up, do small parts of it spaced out so you stay motivated and it doesn’t feel so looming and overwhelming.

Take notes in class.

This may seem obvious but taking notes can help you retain the information and you can also look back at them when you’re working on your homework.

Pay attention in class.

Chances are if you’re taking to your friend during lecture then you’re not paying any attention to what the teacher is saying which is detrimental to your learning and your grades.

Study groups!

If you have a friend in your classes, ask them to study with you! Often studying with others can be beneficial to retaining and learning information. Also, if there’s something you don’t understand they might understand it and vice versa. If not, you guys can figure it out together using your individual knowledge.

Write in blue pen.

A study has been done that not only writing notes down helps you retain the knowledge but also writing in blue helps more!

Tech/Games

The usage of Bitcoin

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Bitcoin, is a cryptocurrency created by Satoshi Nakamoto that uses no banking system for transactions, marketing, or currency. Bitcoin, enables payments to be sent between users without passing through authority, such as a bank, or payment gateway. Bitcoin can be bought by people, used as a trading/bargaining item, and can be used to buy items. Bitcoin was one of the first examples of cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin is used through the Internet and technology; it can also be transferred with a micro-chip. The micro-chip contains the Bitcoin, and it’s worth and can be traded physically. People use Bitcoin as a way to obtain money through the Internet and technology. People who own a Bitcoin can price the coin at any price, however they deem it. This is because of how Bitcoin gains interest or currency. People “mine,” and solve problems, to increase the Bitcoins price.

Bitcoin was made as an easier way to make money through technology, and asa way for people to make money using their skills and intelligence with technology. Anyone can use it, and people who are interested with the stock market, trade business, and other goods that can be affected by Bitcoin, such as purchasing stocks with Bitcoin, paying certain bills, items, etc. with Bitcoin use it for transactions.

Music/Concerts

NCT album

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The group NCT relesed a new album called empathy, with a total of 14 songs distributed between 3 groups within NCT. The track list is:

INTRO: Neo Got My Back
BOSS – NCT U
Baby Don’t Stop – NCT U
GO – NCT DREAM
TOUCH – NCT 127
YESTODAY – NCT U
Black on Black
Timeless (텐데…) – NCT U
The 7th Sense (일곱 번째 감각 (第七感)) – NCT U
WITHOUT YOU – NCT U
WITHOUT YOU (Chinese Ver.) – NCT U
Dream In A Dream (梦中梦 (몽중몽)) – NCT U / Ten
OUTRO: VISION
YESTODAY (Extended Ver.) (Bonus Track)

A few of the songs were released early with music videos, those being: “The 7th Sense” by NCT U, “Boss” by NCT U, and “Baby Don’t Stop” sung by Ten and Taeyong. This comeback also introduced 3 new members Jungwoo, Kun, and Lucas, making the member total 18. They will continuously add members as NCT is a constantly expanding group. They are still releasing music videos for the songs they have already put out.

Because the group is always expanding, they have multiple groups within the group, these include: NCT 127, NCT U, and NCT Dream.

They put out the music video “Touch,” by NCT 127, with a very different concept than what NCT usually goes for, so it was surprising. NCT most of the time goes for an edgy concept, but this time it was really soft with them playing tug-at-war and smiling a lot! The music video “Go” for NCT Dream was also a different concept, making this a very good album because of all the changes. They have made NCT Dream more mature and adventurous. Another song they made was “Yestoday,” mainly sang by Taeyong, but this music video is really new and not a lot of information has been released by them about it.

The album is released for sale, and it includes 2 different versions, Reality and Dream version. These different versions basically give more options to the fans; a lot of groups do this so fans don’t have to just have one option. These albums provide a lot of content for fans, and they come with a poster, photo book, cd, photo card or multiple photo cards, etc.

Travel/Food

Places to travel in the summer

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According to the U.S News Travel, these 10 top attractions are right for you and your family, and they include many fun activities and entertainment.

New York City, US
New York City is a popular place to go to because it includes arts, food, and fashion. Broadway is a popular place in New York, especially the shows and performances. NYCs main attractions are the Statue of Liberty and the museum about 9/11.

Paris, France
For first time visitors, the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are great places to go to when going to France. Also, they have nice malls and restaurants like Forum des Halles and Carrousel du Louvre, and restaurants like Pierre Gagnaire and Ze Kitchen Galerie.

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has famous museums like the Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum. They have places for families like Vondelpark and NEMO science museum. Leidseplein has night clubs, movie theaters, and concerts.

Florence, Italy
Florence’s attractions include art like visual art and architect. There are works hung in the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia, and also Duomo and the Palazzo Pitti. Also, they have Boboli Gardens which is a big attraction that includes arts and a huge garden.

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has many unique art and architecture and has museums, churches, and parks. Some include: Casa Batllo, La Sagrada Familia, and Parc Güell. The main attraction is La Barceloneta beach and the FC Barcelona’s headquarters.

Singapore, Malaysia
In Singapore, they have both urban and natural attractions which include Orchard Road and Little India showcase. They also have Gardens by the Bay,  and the Singapore Botanic Gardens that provide fresh air. They have a huge playground for adults and children including Sentosa and Merlion Park.

Kauai, Hawaii
This island has so many outdoor activities including: hiking, kayaking, swimming, or just relaxing at the beach. The most popular attraction is Napali Coast which includes hiking and adventure. It is known as number 2, in the Best Romantic Getaways in the U.S. Also, Tunnels Beach is considered as one of the best places to go snorkeling.

Sicily, Italy
Sicily has so many attractions and adventures which include the Valley of the Temples, and the Segesta Temple. It has a Volcano, called Mount Etna, which has top activities such as hiking and a tour around the mountain. They also have the Valley of the Temples which includes Ancient Roman temples.

Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has historic areas which include Mercer Williams House, and the home of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scout Cookies. They have Bonaventure Cemetery and the City Market. They also have Tybee Island which includes a huge Light station, and a Marine Science Center.

Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is known for their museums and castles. Some include: the Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, the Museum of Scotland, and more. If you visit Holyroodhouse Palace then you’ll see Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. They have annual festivals like Military Tatto, the Fringe festival, and the Edinburgh festival.

Adapted Bowling, Adapted Softball, Badminton, Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Scoreboard/Schedule, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field

Sports schedule for: Apr 23-28

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**GAMES AND MATCHES MAY CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS**

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

Spring Sports: Baseball, Softball, Boys Golf, Girls  Golf, Adapted Bowling, Adapted Softball, Boys Tennis, Badminton, Track & Field

Activities the Week of April 23-28

Monday Apr. 23:

JV Boys Golf @ Highland Park Nine-Hole GC 2:45pm Varsity @ Stillwater Invitational 1:30pm

Varsity Tennis @ Humboldt  3:15pm  (Bus 2:30/5pm)   JV @ HP 3:15pm

Varsity & JV Badminton @ Washington Tech. Magnet 3:30pm (Bus 2:45/4:30pm)
Varsity & JV Baseball @ Central 4:30  (Bus 2:45/5:15pm) B-Squad @ HP TBD
HP Middle School Track Meet @ HP TBD
Softball @ Harding 4pm (Bus 2:45/5:45pm)

Tuesday Apr. 24:
Girls JV Golf @ Cedarholm GC 2:45pm

Co-Ed Track & Field @ Roseville Area HS Invite 3:30pm (Bus 2:15/6:30pm)

Varsity & JV Badminton @ Johnson 3:45pm (Bus 2:45/4:30pm)

Adapted PI Softball vs. Dakota United @ Humbildt 4:30pm

Girls Lacrosse vs. St. Croix Prep @ Central 5pm

Boys Lacrosse Scrimmage @ Robbinsdale Cooper 5pm

Wednesday Apr. 25:

Boys Varsity Golf Conference Match @ Highland Nine-Hole GC 1pm

Girls Varsity Golf @ Cedarholm GC 2pm

Varsity & JV Badminton vs. Humboldt @ HP 3:15pm

Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Washington Tech. Magnet @ HP 4pm   JV @ Washington Tech. Magnet 4pm (Bus 3:15/6pm)

Varsity & B-Squad Baseball vs. Humboldt @ HP 4:30 (Bus 3:15/6pm)   JV @ Humboldt 4:30pm

Thursday Apr. 26:

Co-Ed Track & Field@ Harding 3:15pm (Bus 2:15/5:30pm)

Adapted PI Softball @ Lakeville Kenwood Trail Jr. Hi. 4:30pm

Girls Varsity Lacrosse @ Hopkins HS 5:30pm

Boys Varsity Lacrosse @ Hopkins HS 7:30pm

Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Johnson @ HP 4pm  JV @ Phalen Courts 4pm  (Bus 3:15/6pm)

Friday Apr. 27:

Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Eagan @ HP 3:30pm

Co-Ed Track Elite Meet @ Hamline 5:30pm

Softball vs. Humboldt @ HP 4pm

Adapted Bowl @ Sun Ray 2:30pm (Bus 2:10/4pm)

Saturday Apr. 28:

Baseball @ Richfield  JV & B-Squad 12pm  Varsity @3pm

Go Scots!

Basketball

NBA Playoffs

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The NBA playoffs are starting. We will see round one matchups of: Rockets vs. Timberwolves, Thunder vs. Jazz, Warriors vs. Spurs, Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers, Raptors vs. Wizards, Bucks vs. Celtics, Cavaliers vs. Pacers, and Heat vs. 76ers.

This year’s playoffs should be much more interesting than last year’s. Last year, the playoffs were made up of predictable series, and a very predictable finals. Some series this year are very exciting. The Heat should be able to force the 76ers to 6 or 7 games, and New Orleans should have an interesting time trying to slow down Damian Lillard. I personally believe that we will see the Rockets play the Warriors in a very exciting 7 game Western Conference Finals series.

This may be the first time in four years where we will not see LeBron James in the NBA Finals. The Cavs will have a very difficult time trying to reach the Finals. They will likely have to face Indiana, Philadelphia, and a Toronto team that looks ready to redeem their last few playoff losses. We seem prepared to see Houston play talented teams such as Minnesota, Oklahoma City, and Golden State.

NBA fans are gearing up for an interesting and unpredictable playoffs. With any luck, injuries will not ruin the postseason as they have the regular seasons. Injuries cost teams like the Timberwolves, Warriors, and Spurs, who were hampered by injuries. The NBA Playoffs will be very fun in 2018, and NBA fans will have a lot of fun watching.

Track & Field

Highland track meet canceled

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By: Tray Garner and Mason Ferguson

Track & Field.

There was supposed to be a relay track meet, last Thursday, April 12, but it was canceled due to the remaining snow on the Central track field. The head coach of the track & field team decided that since the meet was canceled, we should prepare ourselves for the outdoor season. It was going to be Highland’s first track meet outdoors, but it also was canceled.

image courtesy of Arrieal

Highland hosted a relay meet just for the Highland track team. The events included all the relays except the 4 x 100 or the 4 x 200 relay teams, because of a few lanes that still had a bunch of snow on them. So, we only had 3 lanes cleared that could be used, but the 4 x 400, 4 x 800, 4 x 1600, long jump, triple jump, and discus throw still happened.

It was a very good practice meet. We were able to get outside for the first time this season, and run or do our field events. As a team, we looked pretty good. There are some events we do need to improve in though. Long jump is one of those events. Many people did long jump, but honestly, not many put up good numbers. In order to go to state in long jump for boys, you need to jump 20 feet or longer to make it to sections/state. Many boys jumped about 14-18 feet, which isn’t bad, but it also isn’t good enough. You get points in long jump the farther you jump, so in order for us to win Conference again (5 years in a row) we need to improve on our long jump event.

Overall, the Highland track team is improving as a whole. Sprinters are getting faster, distance runners are getting better, and the jumpers are getting better too.

This track season is going to be worth coming to watch. Everybody is going their hardest.

Advice/How To, School Life

The 4-1-1 on prom

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Prom is right around the corner and everyone’s anxiety has surpassed capacity. Whether this is your first or second time going to prom, this article will: provide a few helpful tips you need to know for prom, hopefully ease your anxiety, and put some common misconceptions to rest.

First and foremost, comfortable shoes are a MUST!

This goes for everyone, but mainly the ladies. You’re going to be dancing a ton, and you don’t want to cramp your style and not be able to show off those moves. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential to prevent you from having a stressful and painful evening.

Eat before coming to prom

Make sure not to overstuff yourself, but do remember to eat before coming to the event. There is no open buffet. In terms of snacks, there will be cookies, cheese, crackers, and more snacks. You want to make sure that you aren’t overeating before you start dancing for hours, but you also don’t want to go hungry for the night.

Just have FUN!

Don’t stress out about getting everything right, prom is not a wedding. You don’t want to over plan and not have prom live up to your expectations. Try to enjoy the moment and not control it! Dance with your friends and eat a crazy amount of cheese!

It is perfectly fine to not have a date!

This goes back to over planning the perfect night with the perfect date. Truthfully, the majority of the people who have dates are already couples, therefore, you shouldn’t stress and just go with your friends! Going with a friend is not lame; it will only increase the amount of fun you will be having. Think of the prom pictures!

Common misconceptions of prom

Prom is nothing like the movies. First of all, in terms of prom king and queen, everyone has an equal chance of winning, everyone is Blair Waldorf and Nate Archibald. Highland uses a vote system, therefore, literally any senior could win.

Another misconception is that prom is all fancy slow dancing. FALSE! Prom is fun, full of excitement and no one is that uptight. It’s all about having fun and looking great.

All-in-all, don’t over stress about making prom the perfect night because you’ll forget that it is meant to be a night of fun with your friends!

Travel/Food

Best spring break experiences

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By: Riley Lumpkin and Gabe Mattick

Spring break this year was great; we both had amazing experiences on our vacations. Gabe went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and I went to the Big Island, Hawaii. These are our best experiences.

In Mexico I had a great time, I traveled with my family and we did lots of fun activities. My top two favorite things from spring break were the food and swimming in the ocean. The whole trip, I never had a bad meal, I also ordered something different every time we went out. One of my favorite meals was at Joe Jacks in Old Town, I had fish on top of rice and beans.

My second favorite meal was at a fancier restaurant. I had sea bass on top of rice with shrimp, mussels, and calamari. This was on Easter, so the restaurant was packed with tourists.

My second favorite experience was swimming in the ocean. It was great because we could go whenever we wanted. Every day we were there, it was warm and sunny; perfect for swimming. We found a beach with waves that were great for boogie boarding. Other than swimming, we woke up to beautiful sunrises and dolphins in the morning, and sunsets at night.

My spring break vacation, to Hawaii, was my favorite trip I’ve been on. I have never been to a more beautiful state. My two favorite experiences were going on a helicopter tour and going to a luau.

The helicopter tour was my favorite for many reasons. First, because I have never been on one before and it is fun to try new things. Secondly, because we were able to see parts of the Island you can’t see by foot. From the helicopter we saw many waterfalls; my whole family lost count. We also saw the jungle where the wild pigs live. On the North West side, there was a sharp drop, that was from land that fell off the island because of an earthquake. The pilot was also very nice; he was a former pilot for the Airforce. Although I did many fun things, the helicopter tour was definitely the best.

My second favorite experience was the luau. Luau translates to “feast.” In the Hawaiian culture, families put on luaus to acknowledge and celebrate their past. There was hula dancing, which was very entertaining, and really good food. We went to a luau at the Fairmont Orchid, apparently, this was the best luau in the area. My favorite part about it was watching the dancers. They tell a story from their past through dancing; it is very clear what the message and story are even though they weren’t talking. Unfortunately, I was not able to take pictures of the dancers. I did take a picture of a little message written out in dry coral on top of lava rock.