Monthly Archives: March 2023

Travel/Food

Top 10 Jelly Belly jelly beans

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By: Caden Kipfmueller

Jelly beans. Who doesn’t love ‘em? Jelly beans have been around for a while, and though their exact origins are lost in time, they have been a staple in candy stores for as long as anyone can remember. Kicking off in popularity during the 1930s, these beans have been a favorite of many famous people, including Ronald Reagan. In honor of the jelly bean, we will be going through the top ten flavors out there.

10. Juicy Pear
Perhaps one of the most accurate-tasting jelly beans, Juicy Pear is well known for tasting exactly like what it sounds like. It’s an acquired taste, but many appreciate it for its authenticity and accuracy.
9. Piña Colada
If you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain then this jelly bean is for you. The Piña Colada jelly bean is fruity and proud of it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t taste great if you eat too many, which is why it isn’t higher.
8. Chocolate Pudding
One of the most underrated jelly beans, Chocolate Pudding has a deep, rich flavor. Unfortunately, it looks exactly like a variety of lower quality beans, and so jelly bean enthusiasts often mistake them for other types.
7. Strawberry Cheesecake
Known for its distinctive pink and red speckle, Strawberry Cheesecake is the type of bean everyone, young or old can enjoy. If only there were other cheesecake flavors!
6. Kiwi
There’s not much to say about Kiwi. It’s just good. 9/10 would recommend.
5. Buttered Popcorn
Easily the most controversial bean on the list, Buttered Popcorn is a savory choice even though most other jelly beans are sweeter. It’s not for everyone, but you may be surprised if you give it a chance.
4. Coconut
One bite of this bean transports you to the beaches of Hawaii, surrounded by palm trees. Perfect for any occasion.
3. French Vanilla
So good it makes you actually believe it’s from France.
2. Blueberry
This bean is so good it might as well actually replace the blueberry.
1. Caramel Corn
This bean is mind blowing. Many claim eating it is an out-of-body experience. It’s a travesty you can’t buy it individually, because the rest of the beans taste bland compared to this.

Science/Nature

Why shoebills are the most menacing birds

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By: Mae Skold

Shoebills are human sized birds native to Africa. They can have up to a 7 foot wingspan and be up to 4 feet tall but their most distinctive feature would have to be their beak that can grow up to a foot long. The call, this bird’s beak, allows them to make is what considers them the most menacing bird of all.

The machine gun-like sound these birds emit terrorizes those who come across them in their native land of central Africa. They can often be sighted on the riverbanks of the Congo River hunting for fish. This complicates fisherman’s lives as the birds are very territorial. Locals warn people about their aggressive tendencies and advise that when hearing their bill-clattering sound to leave the area.

When spotted, they are known to look almost statue-like. If approached too intimately their statue-like character will break and they lunge with the beak. Because they have such long legs and beaks, their lunge is very powerful and people can be reached from farther away than you may think. Because of this, shoebills are responsible for 2-3 human deaths every year.

When left alone, these birds lead a normal life on the riverbanks of Africa. They feed on catfish and lungfish which are mainly fed to the young.

Laying season is in the spring, so after laying 2-3 eggs, the parent’s babies can be independent by the following fall. It takes the babies about 3 years to reproduce and continue the cycle of life.

Though shoebills can be a menace to their native African communities, when left alone they are a thriving species that contribute to the native wildlife of Central Africa. As long as their habitat is undisturbed, shoebills and humans can live in harmony.

For more information, please visit:

  • “Shoebill Stork.” biologydictionary.net/shoebill-stork/
World

Deadly earthquake takes aim at Turkey and Syria

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By Aeden Evenson-McDermott

In the early hours of February 6th, the 7.8 magnitude quake occurred making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in the history of the region, and worldwide, while being the deadliest in years since the 1939 one.

Many aftershocks occurred after, with the deadliest one to be a 7.5 magnitude aftershock. The main concern of this is that despite the damage already caused, the aftershock occurs with quite a large force which also cripples buildings and poses great structural damages.

With one of the deadliest quakes to strike, it posed many humanitarian calls for aid and support from around the world.

With the event occurring in southern Turkey and northern Syria, it decimated large cities and made matters worse with the countries already experiencing a refugee crisis. Furthermore, it was an overall wide ranging event that would lead to an all out search and rescue with teams scouring through the rubble for many hours.

As of February 24, the death toll neared 49,000 according to the United Nations. With much of city’s and town’s infrastructures destroyed, it left many homeless and exposed to the elements in the night time.

Much of the rescue operations resulted in many of thousands saved from being pulled from the rubble but it left many stranded and in the evenings, folks had bonfires in order to stay warm.

As the quake spanded 200 miles, the desperation was wide ranging with Turkey declaring a national emergency for the near future; the health care system is crippled and overwhelmed with the influx of patients receiving aid. Syria is currently grappling with the recurring civil war, divisions within territories, and tense relations between president Bashar Al-Assad and much of the West.

The United Nations’ Secretary General, led by António Guterres, proposed near $400 million in aid to help with the humanitarian crisis in Syria as well.

With much work to do in both countries, it will take awhile until cities can try to be rebuilt and aid comes more free flowing to help with the devastating crisis of circumstances.

Clubs and Activities

The spirit and history of FFA week

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By: Truman Vang

What is FFA week? For those who don’t know, FFA week is a holiday that happens on the last week of February annually. During this year, the event occured from February 18th to the 25th. This is the time where local FFA chapters help celebrate their pride with the National FFA Organization. Often, students will hold events for the community to indulge in. Whether it be having an Ag Olympics, or doing some community service, FFA members are always at work during this week.

FFA stands for Future Farmers of America, or rather being known as the National FFA Organization. The organization puts students through an immersive experience to learn about agriculture and develop leadership, communication and critical thinking skills. First founded in 1928, the organization has been pushing these values ever since.

Within its youth, FFA decided to create a day for itself, known as the “National FFA Day.” Through its existence, members celebrated their chapters and the organization as a whole. Eventually, in 1947, the day became the week we know it as today.

Its placement within the year also followed George Washington’s Birthday, after the organization had purchased land from him that he owned. In 1948, FFA week officially started, giving us the holiday we know today.

Through its many years of existence, FFA members have pushed themselves to have wonderful FFA weeks throughout. Our own Highland Park FFA Chapter has been doing many things for this week. For instance, through the past few weeks, members have held an appreciation breakfast for hard working teachers and staff alike. Along with this, we’ve been providing prizes to anyone that’s been able to properly answer trivia questions, as well as being able to find our scavenger hunt emblems.

FFA week stands as a certain period of time that we can celebrate FFA for what it is, whilst promoting it to new students. It’s also a time within the year, just to have fun whilst celebrating something we’re a part of.

Entertainment, Science/Nature

Fun facts about gophers

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By: Daniel Kendle

Here are some fun facts you probably didn’t know about gophers (Geomys Bursarius). Gophers are animals within the family Rodentia, and are mammals. They are small, prairie dog-sized creatures that are primarily herbivores, living in long complex tunnels. But now, here are some more interesting facts.

  1. Gophers generally go about their tunnels backwards, not forwards. This is because they can then use their small tails to help find their way throughout their tunnels, mainly because they live solitary lives most of the time. Their tails are only 3-4 inches in length.
  2. Gophers have poor eyesight and hearing. They instead have an acute sense of touch, using both their paws and whiskers in tandem in order to navigate their way around.
  3. Gophers can operate human technology with relative ease. Gophers are secretly possessive of 2 thumbs, one on each of their hands. This allows them to be able to hold various objects, such as a knife, doughnut, or stolen wallet. When one sees a gopher holding something with an opposable thumb, alerting a SWAT team is important.
  4. Gophers can smell blood from up to 200 miles away. It is common knowledge that some sharks can smell blood in the water from a good distance away. But gophers also have this trait, and they have a much more refined sense of smell. Whenever trekking in a place known to have gophers, it is common sense to bandage-up any cuts.
  5. Gophers are known to use their lips to clear out dirt. More specifically, their lips have evolved to close behind their incisors in order to prevent dirt from entering their throat and mouth.
  6. Gophers have the ability to understand human speech. Specifically, English. Through hearing many a talk from passing humans whilst they reside in their tunnels, they’ve begun the process to speak to humans. Of course, the only language they’ve been able to master is Klingon.
  7. Gophers love playing video games. Specifically, their 3 favorite games are ‘God of War: Ragnarok,’ ‘Halo ODST,’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ for the Wii.
  8. Gophers can be milked. The act of doing so is quite complicated, almost deserving of its own article (I will never write this), but to summarize, holding 2 fingers to its back and gently petting it will cause it to regurgitate Gopher MilkTM, which can be made into various dairy products. While this is an endangered practice nowadays, those who’ve taken part in consuming some cheese of this substance remark that it tastes much like Whale MilkTM. This is because, obviously, gophers and whales are very close cousins on the evolutionary tree.
  9. Gophers are incapable of digesting Taco Bell. While some may think this is a disadvantage, the trait proves to be beneficial to them. In fact, it is proven that this is a case of convergent evolution alongside humans.
  10. Gophers are incapable of doing the laundry. Hey, I think my mom wrote this…
  11. Gophers are rumored to exist on another plane of reality than us. This is a likely theory due to the fact that gophers often exercise the practice of dark magic, what with drinking goat blood and whatever.
  12. Gophers are mammals. If you didn’t know this before, then I’m concerned for your wellbeing.

Well, I hope you’ve learned something new about gophers! Tune in next week where we talk about the world’s hottest, most attractive mammal around, the naked mole rat.

…

[THIS WRITTEN DOCUMENT HAS BEEN SEIZED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION.]

*Note: If you didn’t pick up on the sarcasm in this article, we need to inform you that yes, this was a satirical article.

Advice/How To, School Life

How to deal with school stress and mental health at the same time

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By: Mya Olson – Williams

As all Highland Park Senior High students know, mid-quarter grades are coming out and many are dealing with seasonal depression during this long lasting winter. There’s several assignments and projects due at this time, as well as a new formative grading policy. How do you deal with the stress and pressure of school at the same time as your own mental health?

Taken from experience, never procrastinate your work. Yes, it takes a lot of energy, and yes, it’s boring to do. Unless you work great under immense pressure, starting assignments right before they’re due will cause way more stress. Work on them in class, or set time aside to do them so you don’t have to worry about it later.

Focus on one thing at a time. For example, try to focus on what you’re doing at school while you’re there, and take care of yourself when you have downtime at home. With too much going on in your head, you can get easily overwhelmed.

Talk to someone. If you need help with school work, HPSH is full of adults willing to help you, along with parents or other mentors. Same thing goes for mental health. If you think you need help and support, don’t be afraid to reach out. Having someone there for you is always a good way to feel more secure.

One of the best things to do is take breaks. If you have the time, take some time to do the things that make you happiest. Whatever it is, relax and focus on yourself for a while. It always feels good to disconnect from the world, especially with so much going on around you.

This time of the school year can be more than stressful. Make sure you’re staying healthy and paying attention to the things needed to be done at school. It can be very very hard, but don’t forget to learn about all the resources that are available to you!

Getting To Know/History

But where are the aliens?

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By: Ren King

One of the biggest recurring questions in human history is whether aliens really exist. You would think that with the amount of attempted contact and searching we’ve made throughout the years for more life, we would have found some sign.

Today, we’ll cover the top four theories of why we haven’t found other life.

The first, and most unlikely popular theory, is called the Gaian Bottleneck. This theory holds the idea that life needs very specific conditions in order to survive, and that all other civilizations have ended before they had the chance to begin.

Earth is the only exception. Pretty geocentric of a theory, huh?

Close to this theory, but not so self important of humans, is the Great Filter theory, which is said to be one of the most likely out of most alien theories.

It says that civilizations develop while at the same time destroying their environment, and before they can reach the stage of technological advancement where other civilizations are contacted, they self-destruct. This builds on the idea that though we are making leaps and bounds when it comes to space technology, all of our effort is creating global warming which will kill us in the near future.

Now, the next two theories are a little more disturbing, so let’s start off with the less unsettling one.

Have you ever gone to the zoo as a child and watched the animals through the glass and realized that they probably don’t understand the fact that they are being gawked at as entertainment or an experiment because this is how they’ve lived their whole lives?

This is the essence of the Zoo theory. Either we don’t understand that we are being watched because it’s part of our normal life, or we are secretly being observed for some greater reason. Unnerving, right?

The final theory we will cover today is called the Dark Forest theory, quite possibly one of the scariest, as you continue to think about it.

Imagine yourself in a Dark Forest, you are a hunter with a gun, and you know that somewhere in the woods, there are more people like you. You creep along, paranoid, trying to make as little sound as possible and watching out for any other signs of life.

If you were to see another hunter, frantic and holding a gun out, the safest thing to do in that situation is to shoot them before they can possibly hurt you, right? Eliminate the threat before it becomes one.

Now, imagine you’re a small child, not understanding the situation and crying out “Is anyone there?” broadcasting your location to all these hunters. These hunters are out there, both silent and paranoid, untrusting and ready to shoot.

There are a lot of theories out there, but the question is, which one is correct?

Music/Concerts

Taylor Swift Debut Album

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By: Rose Ramadan and Thea Berg

This article, which examines one of the greatest musicians to exist, will discuss Taylor Swift, her least-listened to album, as well as the details and opinions around it.

Taylor Swift’s debut album, which has 780 million Spotify streams, has received the least attention. That is around 4.3 billion fewer streams than the Taylor Swift album with the highest listening volume which is her album ‘Lover’. Even though other albums have a lot more streams, this is not surprising.

Taylor’s debut album, which is also her first, doesn’t contain many hits or the most well-known songs. This album was also one of her only country ones. The most played song, “Our Song,” was a huge hit in the late 2000s but is now virtually unknown to listeners of contemporary music. This album consists of 11 songs and is a total of 40 minutes long. Each song is around 3 minutes long.

In 2004, at age 14, Taylor Swift signed a music publishing deal with Sony/ATV, which made her the youngest signer in the company’s history.

In 2006, she then signed with Big Machine Records and she scored her first top 40 with the song “Tim McGraw”.

Taylor Swift moved to Nashville Tennessee when she was 14 years old which led her to release her debut album 2 years later. She released ‘Debut’ on October 24, 2006, when she was 16 years old.

Liz Rose, an experienced song writer co-wrote 7 out of the 11 songs on the debut album. Her first hit-single that was released on ‘Debut’ – “Tim McGraw” – was one of the songs co-written with Liz Rose.

Taylor Swift did not go on an individual tour with her debut album, but she went on a 6-month country music radio tour in 2006, and she was an opener during 2006-2007. She opened for other country music artists and she became more well known. She was an opening act for Rascal Flatts in 2006, George Strait in 2007, Kenny Chesney in 2007, Brad Paisley in 2007–08, and she opened for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s joint tour in 2007.

The song “Tim McGraw “ is about a personal experience from when she dated a senior in high school during her freshman year. Once he moved away, she was inspired to write it. The song was funny and cute to him, but not to his new girlfriend who wasn’t necessarily a fan of Taylor. This song means a lot to Taylor which is why she made it the first track on her album.

On this album, a lot of the other tracks spoke to different listeners. Many feature lyrics that are profoundly moving, such as “Tied Together with A Smile.” Many listeners may give into their pain thanks to this song, which eliminates the need for them to pretend their troubles don’t exist. This song may touch the emotions of many listeners and maybe alter the way they perceive their own reality.

“Mary’s Song (Oh My My My)” is a wonderful song and love story about two lovers growing up together, getting married, and taking place in a country setting. Many listeners believe that it is the most underrated song on this album. It is well regarded and a really pleasant listen. The song is worth listening to and might even engage you in her music, especially her country music.

‘Taylor Swift’ was a sleeper success in the United States. It debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart, dated November 11, 2006, and within the first-week had sales of 40,000 copies.

Though we covered this album on a small-scale, there are still many more songs that are highly praised by fans and listened to everyday. This album, though her least listened to album, is one of the cutest and most underrated albums in the history of Taylor Swift lyrics.

Football

Top 7 quarterbacks of the 22-23 NFL season

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By: Nagad Omar

With the end to a very entertaining NFL season, I’ll be ranking my top 7 quarterbacks of the 22-23 season. This list is based strictly off of this season only. Honorable mentions go to Tom Brady, Brock Purdy and Jared Goff.

1.

Coming in at number 1 is 2x MVP, 2x Super Bowl champion, Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes display of pure athleticism and quick decision making puts him at the top of this list. Mahomes has demonstrated this season exactly why he deserves to be at the top of this list including winning the Super Bowl on a bad ankle. Throughout the season Mahomes has been a great leader on the field and led his team to Super Bowl victory. Mahomes has also had amazing stats this season. He threw for 5,250 yards with 41 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and rushed for 358 yards and 4 touchdowns.

2.

At close second is Joe Burrow. Joe Burrow has been starting in NFL games for only 3 seasons but took the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl last year all though they did not win. Burrow showed the league what he has with an arm that can throw both quick darts and deep passes. Burrow’s stats can also speak for themselves. Burrow threw for 4,475 yards and 35 touchdowns (second only to Mahomes) and rushed for 257 yards and 5 touchdowns.

3.

Coming in at number 3 is the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles who happened to lose the Super Bowl this year. Jalen Hurts is an insanely talented quarterback who can throw with amazing accuracy to his very talented wide receivers. Jalen Hurts played at a different level this season, not to mention his amazing story of getting benched during the college football championship then a couple years down the road leading his team to the Super Bowl. Hurts threw for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns and rushed for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns.

4.

Although he has fallen just short of the Super Bowl for two years straight, Josh Allen still deserves to be put at the number 4 spot. His flashy, yet effective, throws give him just the confidence he needs. When he’s playing at his best, his passing and rushing is unreal. But his red zone interceptions are what slow him down. Although he didn’t have his best season, Josh Allen still had some great stats to back up his effectiveness at the quarterback position. Allen threw for 4,283 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also rushed for 762 yards and 7 touchdowns.

5.

And at number 5, who happens to be my favorite on this list, is Justin Herbert. A team riddled with injuries, Herbert still makes do. With no top 10 WRs and no top 10 running backs Justin Herbert still put on a show. He also had the highest completion percentage when outside the pocket which goes to show his ability to scan the field and make changes when needed. Herbert has the arm of a beast and took the Los Angeles Chargers to their first playoffs since 2018, despite their terrible loss. All in all Herbert is really a threat and I think we can expect to see him holding the Lombardi trophy within the next 5 years. Herbert threw for 4,739 yards and 25 touchdowns. While having 147 rushing yards and 0 rushing touchdowns

6.

Coming in at number 6 is the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Not much needs to be said about Trevor besides that he took a dying, poverty, franchise to the 2nd round of the NFL playoffs along with overcoming a 27 point deficit to the Chargers. Lawrence has really proved himself, and with more consistency, he really will be a force to be reckoned with. Lawrence had 4,113 passing yards and 25 touchdowns along with 291 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns.

7.

And at my number 7 spot, I have the controversial QB Justin Fields. I think what Fields has done this season with no wide receivers, no running backs and no good coaching staff is impressive. Although his stats might not show it, and his record doesn’t either, Justin Fields is a very dynamic quarterback with an amazing show of situational awareness. Fields isn’t scared to use his legs when he feels the pocket collapsing. Fields had 2,242 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 1,143 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns.

Tech/Games

YDSC 2022 Nationals story

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By: Joseph Nelson

Tearing a remote control drone around a series of obstacles in a race against the best pilots in the nation can be pretty nerve-wracking. Now imagine those obstacles are the accumulated Golden Gloves, Cy Youngs, and Silver Sluggers of the two-time World Series Champion Minnesota Twins.

That was the scene May 1st, 2022, at Truly On Deck – the elite clubhouse fan space at the Twins’ Target Field. Drone racing. At a baseball stadium?

The Youth Drone Sports Championships was pleased to have the Twins host their second annual National Championships, featuring 19 of the nation’s most elite drone pilots, under the age of 18, facing off head to head. It is a brand new sport taking shape and making history amid the trophies of one of our nation’s oldest.

These young pilots came from all across America to fly against the best of the best with their drones. Nationals was the place to be to make a name for yourself in this very young and growing sport, with everyone flying for the title of 2022 National Champion.

But how did we get here? How did this young sport come to be? And how do you race drones?

First-person-view (FPV) drone racing is the child of video gaming. Pilots put on goggles that connect to a camera centered on the drone allowing them to see what their drone sees. These drones aren’t bigger than a deck of cards and weigh no more than one ounce, making them agile enough to rip around race courses like a hummingbird. Imagine getting to be one of the pilots in ‘Star Wars’ attacking the Death Star, but doing so safely indoors without fear of injury.

Apple Valley hosted the first ever YDSC event in 2019 (before it was called the YDSC). The home flyers faced St. Louis Park in the first ever Minnesota State High School Drone Racing Tournament, which saw tiny drones built by students pushed to their limits on a course through Apple Valley High School’s expansive atrium. St. Louis Park soared to the first ever state team title, while Apple Valley 11th grader Andrew Martin (pilot name “AND E”) was crowned the first individual state champion.

Continuing to pivot with the pandemic, the YDSC added pilots around the country all competing online in the simulator. When vaccines made in-real-life (IRL) racing possible again, they held their first National Championship event at the Mall of America in June of 2021 where Apple Valley sophomore Cody “Viper” Anderson narrowly beat senior Haven “Vanadium” Gurka from Phoenix, Arizona to become the YDSC’s first national individual champion.

Fast forward to Spring 2022 with new stars emerging in a combined season of simulator and IRL racing. Apple Valley senior Brock “BRO F” Martin won the simulator individual crown and then followed in his older brother Andrew’s flight path, taking the latest Minnesota State individual title, racing through the big gym at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield.

YDSC 2022 Nationals Story

That set up the YDSC’s return to Target Field for their 2nd Annual National Championships event, again made possible by the innovators at NCAT who support all of the STEM skill building happening in this exciting new tech sport.

At the end of the bracket, four pilots remained, Reigning National Champion Cody “Viper” Anderson (11th grade), his Apple Valley teammate Brock “BRO F” Martin (12th grade), Lakeville North’s Jack “Happy” Postlewaite (9th grade) and Joe “Boomer” Nelson from St. Paul Highland Park (10th grade).

When the rotors stopped turning, Viper retained his YDSC national title, outflying Happy who finished strong in second. Boomer followed close behind in third, and BRO F was fourth after experiencing technical difficulties that drone pilots know all too well.

Viper will be flying to keep the national crown, only he has worn, for one more year before he is bumped up to the collegiate level. That’s where his teammate BRO F is headed to fly with his brother AND E. Meanwhile, Boomer and Happy and a cast of other contenders will be aiming for Viper like Vader chasing Skywalker.