Monthly Archives: December 2018

Entertainment

5 fun Christmas activities to do with your family during the holidays!

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By: Maggie Alarcon

1. Gingerbread houses:
Making a gingerbread house creates a magical moment with your family I recommend you try this.

– Start from scratch and take inspiration from your favorite places. When rolling out your dough, make sure it is of even thickness before baking. This helps with construction later.
– Build your house on a cutting board or serving tray so it can be moved easily if needed.
– Trim baked gingerbread with a serrated knife.
– Use royal icing. Just make sure it’s the right consistency, not too stiff, neither too runny. Put in piping bags.
– Get creative with candies. Incorporate your family’s favorites and create your windows, the roof, etc.

2. Go sledding
Sledding is a fun wintertime activity for adults and children.

– Get the right sleds. Make sure they have brakes to slow them down. Avoid sleds that can’t be steered.
– Dress appropriate for the weather, and avoid wearing scarves or any clothing that can get caught in a sled and pose a risk of strangulation.
– Choose the right hill/place to go sledding. Not all hills are safe.
– When you are in the sled be very cautious at all times.
– Keep your arms and legs within the sled at all times.
– If you find yourself on a sled that won’t stop, roll off it, and get away from it.
– Have fun and enjoy your time sliding.

3. Go ice skating
Ice skating is one of the best ways to enjoy the season.

– Have the proper gear. You’ll need a pair of skates for everyone.
– Have a good set of winter clothes (thick socks, hat, jacket, gloves, scarf).
– Make sure when you get to the skating rink that you warm up and take it easy the first time you go in unless you already know what you are doing.
– Start with basics until you’ve mastered skating without falling.

4. Christmas movies with hot chocolate.
There’s nothing quite like Christmastime. When the cold, snowy season comes, what better time to curl up on the couch and watch some Christmas movies with your family. Here are some Christmas movies to put on your to-do list this holiday season.

– The Nightmare Before Christmas.
– A Charlie Brown christmas.
– The Polar Express.
– Home Alone.
– The Grinch.
– How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

5. Build a snowman

Get outside this winter and spend some quality family time building a snowman.

– Get outside in the cold.
– Get a snowman kit or just simply get a top hat, a scarf, sticks for the arms, eyes, a nose and mouth.
– After you’re done getting the things you need, start rolling the snow and making 3 big balls of snow for the body.
– Start getting creative outside in the snow and start building your snowman.

I hope you guys enjoy this suggestions!

Fashion/Make-Up

How to put on a full face

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When preparing your face for your next make up look, the first thing that needs to be done is to start on a clean face. Remove any makeup, cleanse your face, and make sure you prime your face as well; primer is really great at enhancing makeup and making it last longer.

Next, add on foundation. Make sure it’s the right color that matches your skin tone, more so your neck. You could apply foundation with a beauty blender, or a brush, making sure to pat it on, not dragging it.

After the foundation, you want to apply concealer. The purpose of concealer is to brighten and conceal (covering up any dark marks or scars). Apply concealer underneath your eyes, on your forehead, and also on your chin. Concealer is suppose to blend in with your foundation.

Next, you want to do your eyebrows. Fill them in and shape it to your liking with a brow pencil or powder. Set your eyebrows with a jel.

You want to set your face next. If you want long lasting, crease free makeup, set your face with a translucent powder, or a powder that matches your skin tone. It’s better to use a brush to apply your powder.

These next things are pretty optional:

  • Add contour to give you that “chiseled” look, applying it to your cheeks.
  • Add highlight to make you shine, by applying a small amount on your cheekbones.
  • Next of course, is to apply lipstick, lip gloss, chapstick, anything you prefer.
Basketball, Gymnastics, Hockey, Nordic Skiing, Scoreboard/Schedule, Swimming & Diving, Wrestling

Sports schedule for: Dec 17-22

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MONDAY DATE:   Dec. 17th
TIME BUS DEPART EVENT DETAILS BUS RETURN
 5:30/5:30/7pm   Basketball: Boys C/JV/Varsity Game  Vs. Minneapolis South @ Highland Park
TUESDAY DATE:   Dec. 18th
TIME BUS DEPART EVENT DETAILS BUS RETURN
5pm 2:45pm Swimming: Boys JV/Varsity Meet Vs. Hopkins @ Hopkins North JR High 7pm
5:30/5:30/7pm Basketball: Boys C/JV/Varsity Game VS. Academy of Holy Angels @ Highland Park
3:30pm 2:30pm Nordic Ski: Boys & Girls Team Meet Skate Mass Start Meet @Theodore Wirth Park 5:30pm
7pm 4:30pm Hockey: Boys Varsity Game Vs Mora @ Mora Civic Center 9pm
5/7pm Hockey: Girls JV/Varsity Game Vs. Simley @ Vet’s Arena (IGH)
4:30pm 3:30pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game Vs. Brooklyn Center @ Highland Park 7:45pm
WEDNESDAY DATE:   Dec. 19th

 
TIME BUS DEPART EVENT DETAILS BUS RETURN
 4:30/4:30/6pm 3:30pm  Basketball: girls C/JV/Varsity Game Vs. Columbia Heights @ Columbia Heights 8:30pm
6pm 3:15pm Gymnastics: Gils Varsity Meet VS. Minneapolis Southwest @ Johnson 8pm
6pm Wrestling: Varsity Match Vs. Como Park @ Highland Park
THURSDAY DATE:     Dec. 20th
TIME BUS DEPART EVENT DETAILS BUS RETURN
5/7pm  3pm  Hockey: Boys JV/Varsity Game  Vs. River Falls @ Wildcat Center  9pm
6pm 3:45pm Wrestling:  JV/Varsity Meet VS @ Hopkins High School 7:30pm
5/7pm Hockey: Girls JV/Varsity Game Vs Hastings @ West St. Paul Ice Arena
FRIDAY DATE:    Dec. 21st
TIME BUS DEPART EVENT DETAILS BUS RETURN
 4:30/4:30/6pm  3:30pm  Basketball: Boys C/JV/Varsity  Vs. Fridley @ Fridley High School  7:30pm
SATURDAY DATE: Dec. 22nd
SUNDAY  
Music/Concerts

New Music: released and coming soon

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Every year, in November and December, a lot of music is released by many different artists. One of the main reasons music is typically released at this time is because of the Grammys coming up in early 2019. This is where awards are presented for best new artist, best album, best song, and many more.

Here’s a look at a few of the most popular artists, with new music that has been released, and that are slated to be released.

One popular new song that was just released is “Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande. This is an upbeat pop song and so far has pretty good reviews from her fans.

An album that was just released is Everythang’s Corrupt by Ice Cube. Cube is an old school hip hop artist who was part of the famous Los Angeles rap group, N.W.A. Cube hasn’t released a new album in 8 years so his fans must be excited he is coming out with new music.

Another album that has just been released is SKINS by XXXTENTACION. Despite his passing six months ago, multiple new albums have been released with his recorded music, and SKINS is no different. This album captures more of X’s themes about anxiety and depression.

A few more artists with new music released are: Gucci Mane, Shoreline Mafia, Brett Young, Chief Keef, Coldplay (live album), and more.

There are also new albums being released soon by the following artists: Meghan Trainor, ZAYN, Cody Johnson, Backstreet Boys, Papa Roach, and many more.

School Life

2019 school start times

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Throughout the different grade levels you have been through, you have most likely been through a lot of different start times and ending times for school.

In elementary school, it started a lot later, meaning you would get out later as well. But for middle school and high school, you would start a lot earlier and end earlier.

As of fall, 2019 though, SPPS has decided to change the start time for high, and middle, schools to 8:30 a.m. because of studies that have shown that teens wake up later naturally.

In these studies, it basically showed that students were having trouble with sleep schedules because typically, they would sleep later. I know that with me being a senior, I can say that I struggle with waking up early because I either can’t sleep at a reasonable time or else I am up doing homework. I know that a lot of students do this too. This can just have students not be able to focus in class and feel sleepy all day. With this later start, students will get the chance to sleep in a little longer.

So, you maybe thinking, “Would that cause after school activities to run later?” and yes, it would, because of the later ending time.

But at the end of the day, students are getting the chance to sleep longer, which will hopefully increase a better performance in school. Students will feel more energized and ready to learn. At the end of the day, this change will hopefully see an improvement in students.

Clubs and Activities

Debate Season and how Debate helped me

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JV and Varsity with Coach Malik

This year Highland’s debate season was very good; 3 of the divisions won this year at the Minnesota UDL Championship.

There are four divisions in debate: Rookie, Novice, Junior Varsity, and Varsity. Rookies are if the debater has just begun to debate and is usually a new debater who has no prior experience before. Novice is someone who had experiences before of debating, but is still new to the debate world. Junior Varsity and Varsity are the top division in debate and usually have at least 3-4+ experience, but even if a person does not have 3-4+ experience, they can easily move up a division if they are able compete at a JV or Varsity level.

One of the things that being in debate had helped me, as a debater, is that it has allows me to work on public speaking. In a round, you have to be able to state your impact and why the judge should vote for your side to win. Public speaking is something that no one can avoid, and being in debate has allow me to be able to work on my stutterings and has helped me be more confident in my speech. It also helps with presentation skills, such as how I present myself to my audiences and gain their attention onto me.

Rookie team

Another thing that debate helps with is being a more critical thinker. It allows a person to be able to construct their own argument while being able to question the opponents’ views and impacts. The duo partner would have to work together to construct points that will eventually lead to their main statement of their impact. It helps you to think outside the box and be able to identify loopholes in the opponents’ arguments. Also, debating really helps one to be able to keep their emotions in check, and to stay calm as debates do get really heated sometimes.

Coach Malik

Overall, for me, debate was a great experience and has helped me learn a lot of new things and experience new things. Another thing that debate helped me with more is with  speed reading. Speed reading is very useful when you have a lot of evidence but are under a time limit to be able make a point with it.

The debate team is a very close group and is made up of debaters who have had more experiences that are always there to help with questions and teach new debaters about debating. The coaches are always helpful and willing to help out with the packet. Though debate season had ended for now, debaters cannot wait for the next debate season and hope that next year all divisions will get win at the Minnesota UDL Championship!

Events

Holidays in December you might not know about

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Christmas. Hanukkah. New Year’s Eve. Are these the only three holidays in December? Many might forget that there is more to the month than menorahs and mistletoe. To shed some light on forgotten festivities, we curated a list of lesser known holidays this December.

Kwanzaa began being celebrated in the late 1960s. After the Watts riots, Kwanzaa was formed as a celebration of harvest: similar to Thanksgiving. In fact, the title “Kwanzaa” comes from the term “first fruit.” The holiday includes: meals, dancing, singing and storytelling. It spans seven nights.

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26. It originated in the UK, and is the day where church collection boxes are opened. The money is given to the poor, and workers are given the day off to spend with their family.

World AIDS day takes place on December 1. It is used to spread awareness on aids and mourn the loss of those who have died from it.

Saint Nicholas Day is on December 6. It could be considered a Christmas holiday, and it is considered a day to focus on giving rather than receiving. The holiday tells the story of a Catholic saint and his morals.

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is a yearly event on December 2, organized by the United Nations General Assembly. The day was first celebrated in 1986. The Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others was approved by the United Nations General Assembly on December 2, 1949. Also, by resolution 57/195 on December 18, 2002, the Assembly proclaimed 2004 the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. It has been observed with varying degrees of success around the planet. The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. It was originally called “International Day of Disabled Persons” until 2007. Each year the day focuses on a different issue.

Each year, on December 8, brownie lovers across the nation enjoy one of their favorite baked goods on National Brownie Day. Brownies were created in the United States at the end of the 19th century. A cross between a cookie and cake, they soon became very popular across the country. Though it is unclear of who created this holliday, would you miss an opportunity to eat you’re favorite treat?

International Migrants Day is observed on December 18, in accordance with Resolution 55/93 of the United Nations General Assembly which was adopted on December 4, 2000. On December 18, 1990, the General Assembly had adopted a resolution on the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (resolution 45/158). This day is observed in many countries, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations through the dissemination of information on human rights and fundamental political freedoms of migrants, and through sharing of experiences and the design of actions to ensure the protection of migrants.

Bacon Day is observed annually on December 30th. Everything’s better with bacon. Someone said that once. Within our research, we have found very little to dispute this assertion. In the United States and Canada, bacon is made from the pork belly. Elsewhere in the world, the side and back cuts of pork are used. The meat is cured in either a salt brine or in a salt pack. It is then either dried, boiled or smoked. Bacon is a very popular food in the USA. You can find many items also flavored or scented with bacon including popcorn, soap, candles, air fresheners, and much more. Tthe proper way to celebrate it is by surrounding yourself with bacon!

Did you know some of these? What was your sore out of 9? Share with your friends and find out if you got the best score!

Local

Ice rink is coming to the Mall of America this holiday season

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On December 8, 2018, an ice rink will open at the Mall of America, and it will be free to the public. It is a custom built ice rink, and it is a 12,000-square-foot oval rink. This ice skate rink will be called “Skate the Stars” and it will be located near the Bloomington shopping mecca’s north entrance. The rink is being presented by UCare, and will be around for those planning on making holiday returns.

In a press release, Jill Renslow, SVP of business Development at Mall of America said, “An ice rink has been an experience we have always wanted to bring to life for our guests who visit Mall of America during this cherished time of year, we want our guests to experience the unexpected when they visit each year, that is why adding this ice rink is such an exciting addition to our holiday line-up,’’ she added, ‘‘We look forward to seeing visitors from all over the world enjoy Skate the Star at Mall of America.”

If you plan on going you can bring your own skates, or you can rent skates for $5, with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. Before skating, all skaters must complete waivers. Minors under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

The skate rink will be there until January 27, 2019, and from December 8-23, it will be open from 3 p.m to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday. It will open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and Sunday it will open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Starting Christmas eve, the hours will change onwards.

Images are posted on the Mall of America Facebook page, and it shows the rink as a circular track with a station in the middle.

For more information visit these sites:

School Life

Library Read Down

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By: Vivian S

‘Tis the season of giving, and right now, our library is giving us a huge deal! Kicking off this month, December, you can go to the library during lunch, study hall, or after school to read down your fines. For every 15 minutes you read, $2 will be taken off your fines.

To participate, go to the library and check in at the desk. You will be given a slip of paper. On it, write down your start time and your end time, and then turn it in at the front desk at the end.

The read down does not extend to fines you have for equipment, such as iPads.

This is the second year of the read down here. Last year, students only received $1 for every 15 minutes. Not a lot of kids took advantage of this event last year, and we are hoping more will choose to this year.

Another way to read down your fines is during English class. If you have free choice reading time in your English class, you can go up to your teacher and ask them for the slip of paper so you can read down your fines! You hand in the slip of paper with your times on it to the teacher at the end of class.

Other libraries also offer programs like this. Some only offer it for particular months or days. At the Ramsey County Library, you can come in on the first Saturday of every month to read down your fines, for every 15 minutes you will get $1.

The read down is an incredible way to promote reading while allowing students to reduce or eliminate their fines.

I urge everyone to take advantage of this offer to read down any fines they might have.

Events, World

2018 G20 Summit

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By: Daniela Fernandez

This year, the G20 Summit was held on November 30 – December 1 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The G20 summit has been going on since 1999. The summit is where the world’s countries, that lead in the economy, meet every year. Heads of state, or governments, attend the summits to discuss ways to help the world’s economy stabilize. They also talk about financial markets, trade, and development. There are 19 countries, and the EU, that participate in the G20 summit according to G20 Argentina 2018. These countries are Argentina, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Brazil, South Korea, Turkey, South Africa, Germany, China, India, Indonesia, France, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Australia.

This year, they discussed technology, and how they could guarantee that everyone has access to technology. Also, how technology helps to resolve problems in the world, and to make sure that technology won’t create a backlash in the world.

They also talked about finances, and ways that they can guarantee that money is shared with everyone. This included ways to ensure that the IMF and the WB have enough resources to help countries, and prevent economic loss.

They also discussed agriculture, and the loss of sustainable land because of global warming, and unfair access to land.

Another topic they discussed was international trade, access to markets, globalization, and fair trade.

The final topic they discussed was anti corruption, and helping developing countries fight governmental and industrial corruption, according to G20 Argentina 2018.

This year, at the G20 summit, the US, Canada, and Mexico signed the updated NAFTA agreement. This agreement is about including more products in the free trade market, and guaranteeing that the US won’t force tariffs. This agreement has Canada open its milk market to the United States.

The new agreement says that starting in 2020, to have no tariffs, cars and trucks have to be made with 75% of its parts from the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It is currently at 62.5% parts made from the US, Mexico, and Canada. The new agreement won’t take action until 2020 according to the Washington Post.