All posts by HPSH Plaid Line

Advice/How To

Teen exercise

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By: Maya Breininger

When you think of teenagers, if you’re reminded of moody homebodies who prefer to spend their day inside, you wouldn’t be wrong. Many teens today find it a struggle to stay active considering their busy school schedules, their after school activities, and their yearning for sleep.

Although it seems as though teens will never have time to incorporate physical activity into their daily schedule, I have composed a list of alternative exercises that are easy to complete, and fun ways to get your blood pumping.

Firstly, it is imperative to understand – what is the importance of exercise in teens specifically? How does it affect them? Why is it important to incorporate it into the daily routine of a teen?

Well, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles at a young age promotes the same behavior as an adult. A busy schedule is something that will persist even in adulthood, so for teens to find the ability to incorporate exercise into their day will be a helpful life skill to have.

Another positive aspect of daily exercise for teenagers, is that 60 minutes of raised heart rates have been scientifically tested to improve moods and mental state, prevent serious conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes.

Some ways to enforce these healthy habits with busy schedules can include joining an after school sport, such as hockey, swimming, skiing, soccer, gymnastics, dancing, basketball, or any high activity sport that gets your blood pumping. School sports are easy to apply to, they’re fun activities to engage in with your friends, and they’re fun clubs that can fit in within your schedule and improve chances of scholarships for college.

Along with the reasons I have already provided on why to be active as a teen, it also prevents bone loss, boosts energy levels, helps with your ability to fall asleep, helps manage stress, and fights anxiety and depression. As said, it is in a teenager’s best interest to get moving! Put down the electronics and head to your local gym! The results will be incredible!

Fashion/Make-Up

Fashion Week stays on New York

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By: Yumna Abajebel

The New York Fashion week took place once again on February 10-15th with chic and ionic looks.

Fashion week isn’t just runway shows, there are charity events, gala dinners, and launch parties. Over 125,000 people attend New York Fashion Week.

Fashion week isn’t a place where you can just buy a ticket and go, you have to either be invited or be a designer, stylist, etc.

New York first started fashion week 1993, then started in London, Milan, and Paris. Its first ever week was held in one location, the Plaza Hotel. 53 designers showcased their fashion that year.

There were high production shows all over Brooklyn and Manhattan this year, from NYC Public Library to the Guggenheim Museum. Most of the time big couture designers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel don’t participate in NYC fashion week. They only participate in Milan, London, and Paris fashion week.

This year, celebrity runway moments kicked off with Alexander Wang launching his menswear 90s street wear during fashion week. Alexander Wang is known for being the first to host a summer show.

One of this year’s runway shows had a unique theme of “Goth Fairy Beauty” after the hit Netflix show ‘Wednesday’. From big luxury brands of Tom Ford, Tory Burch, to Micheal Kors, fashion week gives people an opportunity to express their passion for fashion and modeling. Fashion week gives everyone a chance to see what designers have to offer and what they have been working on.

Stylists and makeup artists get an opportunity to style and get models ready for the runway, which for them in their career is a big deal. It also gives people a chance to create their own brands or ideas from inspiration after looking at other designs.

Badminton, Scoreboard/Schedule, Tennis, Track & Field

Sports schedule for: Mar 27-Apr 1

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  ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE: MARCH 27 – APRIL 1  
MONDAYMARCH 27 
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
3:15pm Boys Tennis BeginsTennis Courts
TUESDAYMARCH 28
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
4:45pm / 5:30pm4:00pm | 6:15pmBadminton Triangular vs. Harding and North St. PaulHarding High School
WEDNESDAYMARCH 29
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
    
THURSDAYMARCH 30
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
4:00pm3:15pm | 4:45pmBadminton vs. WashingtonWashington Technology Magnet
FRIDAYMARCH 31
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
4:00pm2:20pm / 8:00pmBoys/Girls Track and Field Griak Indoor ClassicUniversity of Minnesota
SATURDAYAPRIL 1
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
    
Getting To Know/History

The evolution of Bigfoot

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By: Nagad Omar

The Bigfoot legend first hit newspapers in 1958 when Andrew Gonzali wrote what was supposed to be a funny article on hikers in California finding unusually large footprint tracks in the snow.

Although it was not supposed to be taken seriously, the article startled the Pacific Northwest which gave Bigfoot his name: Bigfoot. Readers became very fascinated with the idea of Bigfoot; although, this isn’t the first time everyone has heard about the legend. Native American nations have records of Bigfoot 10 years before Gonzalis’ article. They gave him the name Sasquatch.

As the years passed, Bigfoot’s reputation grew and continued to change; he became known as an environmentalist and was used for commercials on keeping our forests clean in the 80s, but as sightings grew Bigfoot came back as this big scary creature.

As Americans continue to push into untouched forests the legend of Bigfoot grows.

One sighting of Bigfoot was when one night in the backroads of Oregon police got a call about a massive hairy creature running across the highway yelling in agony. At first police thought they were being pranked, but as over 20 calls came, police went out to investigate, but by the time they came the creature had already ran back into the forest.

Bigfoot has now come back to be the environmental justice staple he once was because of the lack of recent sightings. He sort’ve lost this scary, unknown demeanor he had 20 years ago. We haven’t had a real investigated Bigfoot sighting in almost 10 years, so it’s expected that the persona of Bigfoot will change.

So, as the legend of Bigfoot lives on, the speculations will continue, and maybe we’ll get some hardcore evidence. But as of right now, Bigfoot is just a fairytale myth.

Travel/Food

Crumbl Cookie review

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By: Audrey Smith

This week I tried the Crumbl Cookie flavors. I tried 4 different flavors in total. The theme this week was Saint Patrick’s Day, with a gold coin cookie, a green mint cookie, and Lucky Charms cookie.

The first flavor I tried was Lucky Charms flavored. It had a marshmallow cream cheese frosting and it had Lucky Charms on too. Inside the vanilla cookie, there was white chocolate chips and more marshmallows. This cookie was served hot. I would have to say this was one of the best Crumbl Cookies I’ve had. I would rate this a 10/10.

The next flavor I tried was the mint chocolate cookie. It was a chocolate cookie with green mint frosting and a chocolate ganache on top. This cookie was served cold. I thought this tasted sort of like a thin mint but leveled up. Although the flavor was good, I don’t really like mint so I would have to rate this cookie a 5/10.

The cookies and cream cookie was next. It was a vanilla cookie mixed with an Oreo cookie in marble. It had Oreos on top and was drizzled in white icing. This cookie was served hot. It was a good cookie, but I feel like I could have made it at home. I would rate this cookie a 7/10, it tasted good, it just wasn’t that impressive.

The last cookie we tried was the French Silk cookie. This cookie was a dense chocolate cookie, almost like a brownie, and it had a milk chocolate silk frosting with whipped cream. I really didn’t like the texture of the cookie, I thought it was too dense. Along with this, the flavor wasn’t that good at all. I would rate this cookie a 4/10.

Overall, this week was okay, and the Lucky Charms cookie was one of my favorites. I’d give this week a 7/10.

Science/Nature

Venus and Jupiter conjuction in the sky

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By: Trump Vang

On March 1st and 2nd, the Venus and Jupiter conjunction happened. Within the clear night sky, onlookers could see both planets with only a pinky finger distance between them each. It was the closest that any of these two planets reached during their conjunction.

For those who don’t know, an astronomical conjunction is when two objects, either a moon, planet or star appear close together within the night sky. They don’t have any influence or scientific value, rather just being nice to look at and admire. These astronomical events happen rarely, but often more than once a year.

In this conjunction, both planets are relatively bright, in fact being the brightest in Earth’s night sky out of all the solar system’s planets. Although between Venus and Jupiter, Venus shines brighter. This allows for their conjunction to be easily viewed, even with some city skyline trying to outshine their brightness.

If you missed their conjunction this year, don’t worry! The conjunction event between the two planets often happens every year, being roughly 13 months. The next conjunction between the two planets shouldn’t be until May 23rd, 2024. Don’t miss out on seeing the two planets in the sky together next year!

Along with this, it’s not just Venus and Jupiter who are coming together in the night sky.

On March 28, onlookers will be able to see the smallest planet, Mercury and largest planet, Jupiter in the sky together.

Following that, Venus and Uranus will be seen together in the night sky on March 30th.

Many conjunctions follow this one between Venus and Jupiter.

Take some time to admire the night sky, and its many shining lights. Although snow is still throughout the landscapes outside, it’s nice to view the upcoming conjunctions, and enjoy what you see.

Football

Releases, re-signings, and requirements for the Minnesota Vikings

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By: Abby Altman

At the beginning of free agency, it appeared as though the Minnesota Vikings were looking to rebuild, which is more than rare for a team coming off of a 13-4 season. 

The Vikings have released several key veteran players, including Adam Thielen, Eric Kendricks, and Cam Dantzler in the last few weeks, and have 11 free agents they have not yet re-signed. Free agents Patrick Peterson and Dalvin Tomlinson have joined the AFC North with the Steelers and Browns. 

Minnesota has re-signed 7 free agents, including first-team all pro long snapper Andrew DePoala and kicker Greg Joseph on special teams. The Vikings also re-signed backup QB Nick Mullens and RB Alexander Mattison for offensive skill positions, and Austin Schlottmann and Garrett Bradbury on the offensive line. Jonathan Bullard is the only re-signed defensive player so far. 

Second round draft pick TE Irv-Smith Jr is one free agent the Vikings will likely not resign. After the week 7 trade for TJ Hockenson, the Vikings filled in the gaps Smith Jr was leaving at the TE position. Even with a top 5 TE, Minnesota signed TE Josh Oliver from Baltimore. 

Oliver is best known for his blocking abilities, so combined with Hockenson’s routes and hands, the TE position should flourish without the need for Irv Smith Jr. 

Free agency is far from over, and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings should be looking at signing some more players before the draft. Here are some of Minnesota’s biggest needs this offseason. 

Positional Needs

Cornerback: One of the most important additions the Vikings need to find is cornerbacks. Minnesota released CB Cameron Dantzler Sr, after he failed repeatedly in coverage. The Vikings signed Byron Murphy Jr from Arizona on a 2 year deal. Murphy is a top man-to-man coverage defender. 

Chandon Sullivan and Duke Shelley are both unsigned free agents as of now. Duke Shelley started 5 games at the end of the season, and exceeded expectations. Shelley is currently asking for more money than the Vikings are currently able to offer him. 

Center: The 2022 season showed lots of issues for Minnesota at center. Starter Garrett Bradbury had struggled in past years, but showed real potential last season, before a car accident re-aggravated a back injury and took him out for the end of the season. Backup Austin Schlottmann started behind Bradbury, but suffered a season ending fibula fracture in week 17. Guard Chris Reed was forced to start at center, causing many issues and several delay of game calls. 

Minnesota has re-signed both Bradbury and Schlottmann, but finding a new center to ensure stability is key for the Vikings offensive line. 

Linebacker: The Linebacker position for Minnesota is appearing to look like a waiting game. Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter held down the position very well this past year, recording 20.5 total sacks between the 2 of them, however, Za’Darius Smith has recently requested to be released. It seems unlikely that the Vikings organization will release him, but a trade may be an option for the veteran outside linebacker. Danielle Hunter is injury prone, after undergoing multiple shoulder surgeries in recent years. Brian Asamoah III, coming off of his rookie season, shows ample potential to be the future for Minnesota’s linebackers, but that is yet to be known for certain. 

Minnesota and LB Jordan Hicks agreed to a restructured contract, allowing him to avoid joining Eric Kendricks on the list of released MN linebackers. 

Safety: Veteran Harrison Smith is still very active as a safety, tied for 1st in the league in interceptions among active players. Smith is 34 years old, and is no longer in his prime, although he’s still an asset to Minnesota’s defense. 

Smith restructured his contract this past week, taking over a $10 million pay cut in order to stay in Minnesota. One of the most beloved players in Minnesota history has earned himself even more respect by taking such a massive pay cut, but one does have to question whether a player of his age will be enough on the field. 

Defensive tackle: Minnesota’s most recent re-signing is DT Jonathan Bullard. Bullard was big at stopping the run game in 2022, but he will most likely not be enough for Minnesota to succeed at DT. Harrison Phillips has been the starter for Minnesota as DT, but drafting a new defensive tackle late in the draft may be necessary for the Vikings. 

Wide Receiver: The Vikings main goal should be to build this franchise surrounding Justin Jefferson. The elite WR needs a wide receiver 2, after Adam Thielen aged out of his position on the MN Vikings. KJ Osborn is a solid WR3, but trading for, or even drafting, a WR2 should be a high priority. Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State is a good fit for the Vikings offensive scheme, but it is unlikely he will still be available when the Vikings draft at pick 24. 

Quarterback: It’s no secret that QB Kirk Cousins is getting old. Cousins has been the Vikings quarterback since 2018, and finished the 2022 season 4th in yards and T-5th in touchdowns with the Lions’ Pro Bowl QB Jared Goff. Cousins led the team to a 13-4 season, and was hindered by his defense in the first round of the playoffs. Cousins is 34 years old, and expensive. 

The Vikings announced a cap conversion on Kirk Cousins’ contract that will allow them about $16 million in cap space. Cousins’ contract was going to cost the Vikings $36.25 million in 2023. With the conversion, that number goes down to just over $20.25 million, pushing dead cap money into 2026 and 2027, which are added void years in his contract.

It seems likely that Minnesota will allow Cousins’ contract to expire at the end of the upcoming season. 

The NFC North is expected to turn a new page in NFL history next season. The Green Bay Packers are likely without a franchise QB for the first time in decades, and the Chicago Bears appear to continue their rebuild attempts. 

The Detroit Lions, however, are the favorites take the NFC North for the first time in years. Minnesota and Detroit will likely go head to head for the NFC North title, but Detroit’s offseason has been far more successful than Minnesota’s, thus far. 

Editorials/Student Voice, Tech/Games

What is Securly?

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By: Tasha Cudinsky

What is Securly? Securly is the tool that the Saint Paul Public School System uses to restrict internet access. For years this system has just been used to restrict what things students can search and what websites we can visit. This year SPPS has changed how they use Securly.

Starting in fall of 2022, all parents and guardians of SPPS students started receiving weekly updates that showed them what their students had searched that week. Additionally, if parents download the Securly app they can view their students search history at any time that they want.

All parents or guardians of SPPS students were automatically signed up for the weekly Securly emails. According to the SPPS tech department, this system was implemented because of the requests of some parents, though it is not clear how many parents requested this.

When this system was implemented, all parents were sent an email explaining what Securly is, and encouraging parents to download their app to be able to view the search history at any time.

Students were not informed about the implementation of this system despite the fact that it is their search history that was being given to parents or guardians.

While parents and guardians having the ability to see their students search history may seem harmless, some groups have raised concerns about this new system. The concerns about this system are that not all students come from a safe and accepting home and may end up being harmed by this new system.

Abuse is not an easy topic to talk about, but it is something that happens, and we need to remember to watch out for those who are going through it. The concern with Securly is that an abusive parent or guardian might catch their student searching something along the lines of, “How do I escape an abusive situation?” Or looking into an abuse victim shelter. If a student ended up in this position, they could end up being put in danger because of a system that was put in place by their school, which was supposed to help them.

Despite the fact that concerns have been raised about how this new system may actually harm the students more than help them, little to nothing has been done to either inform the students, or protect those who are at risk. So far, there has been one announcement about Securly during advisory, and only in Highland Park Senior High, not the other SPPS schools. Other than this, there have been no notable changes with the Securly issue.

For more information, please visit:

Editorials/Student Voice, Getting To Know/History

HBCU Colleges

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By: Maya Breininger

As a junior, it is time to invest in possible colleges that will allow me to carry out my career.

As a black student, one thing hindering my educational experience has been the constant surrounding of students who don’t look like me. By the deduction that being immersed in similar cultures to my own would improve my academics, the colleges that I now apply to are mainly HBCU colleges.

First, in order to understand what HBCUs are, you must understand their history. People of color constantly deal with oppression and acts of judgment. Their communities, which are supposed to be uplifting and accepting, are cruel and derogatory. Their work environments, which are supposed to be creative and inclusive, barely meet the bare minimum of kindness, and the stigma still exists. HBCUs, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities, are safe harbors and communities where its members uplift and support each other.

HBCU colleges are forgiving with their grade acceptance, and turn those with low GPA scores into succeeding students of the world; ready to take hold of their education. They have many different categories of HBCUs, and they are spread all throughout the United States. The schools all offer different programs, they have multi-meaningful backgrounds, and they are built on the belief that everyone deserves a fair shot at genuine education.

After the deaths of both George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the application of African American students in HBCUs spiked. As the world seemed a divided place full of harm towards African Americans, they found peace of mind in HBCU colleges. There are many successful graduates from HBCUs, such as Kamala Harris, Oprah Winfrey, Wendy Robinson and many more.

HBCUs offer a kind space with a loving community of high-paced, go-getter students who know how to support each other. For this reason, I have chosen that the college I apply to will be a Historically Black College or University. And hopefully, this will inspire many other teens to do the same.

For more information, please visit these websites:

● https://www.essence.com/celebrity/celebs-who-graduated-hbcus-2/
● https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/a-guide-to-hbcus

Travel/Food

Pizza Hut decline

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By: Joseph Nelson

We all know that building with the weird roof on the top of it. The same roof that draws thousands of customers into the building to order the now well known pizzas that Pizza Hut offers.

But there’s a problem, the yearly sales for the franchise have only gone down in the years! What does this mean? How has this happened? Has someone finally out pizza’d the hut?

In 1990 Pizza Hut had the reputation of having some of the craziest pizza ideas like the Bigfoot, that was a 2 foot wide and 1 foot long pizza, where at one point made a total of 18% of Pizza Huts total revenue. But that wasn’t even close to the sales of their stuffed crust pizza that totaled around 1 billion dollars worth of sales in its first year.

Along with all these ideas, Pizza Hut served as a more modern and fancy pizza restaurant where families and friends could come together to dine in instead of the now very popular delivery service that Dominos has pioneered. But, like all good things, they must come to an end.

Pizza Hut had finally started to cut down on quality and started raising prices with many critics calling out the change in Pizza Hut sauce as the start of its downward spiral. With this new sauce came new pricing with now a large pizza costing $8.49 instead of $6.49.

With the new pricing came new problems with the teen audience (who was their main audience they attempted to appeal to) being in outrage that their after school hangout spot just got a little more expensive.

The competition didn’t help either, with places like Dominos and Papa Johns making compelling and appealing prices to old Hut customers, with more bang for their buck, with a small Domino’s pizza almost costing only half of a small Pizza Hut pizza.

Now, finally Pizza Hut is seeing the downsides like in 2019 when they were forced to close more than 500 restaurants due to underperformance and lack of finances.

Pizza Hut has been a staple to many with the iconic saying “You can’t out-pizza the hut” but it truly seems like the hut has been out-pizza’d for a long time.

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