All posts by HPSH Plaid Line

Science/Nature

Humans are returning to the Moon!

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By: Reed Morris

NASA is currently working on returning American astronauts to the Moon. The Artemis Program is the follow up to the Apollo missions that first landed Neil Armstrong on the moon. The primary goal of these upcoming missions is to learn more about the geology and history of the moon, as well as to start treating the moon as a passageway for the human race to reach much farther into space.

The first launch of the Artemis program will take place in mid May 2022. NASA is sending the new crew capsule ‘Orion’ on an unmanned test mission to circumnavigate the moon once and return to earth as a safety test.

Assuming the launching and return of the spacecraft is successful, the following mission will be essentially the same except it will have a crew on board. The final launches, will be manned missions to the surface of the moon to establish surface living bases, and finally give humans a strong foothold on the lunar surface.

The next big step will be the construction of ‘the Gateway’. The Gateway will essentially be a smaller version of the International Space Station, but it will be orbiting the Moon, as opposed to Earth. The Gateway will allow an extremely efficient and repeatable way to execute missions on the moon.

The station will have two main purposes. The first is that Astronauts will be able to live and work on the station, allowing more detailed exploration of the lunar surface from above, and secondly it will act as a gateway (hence the name) for astronauts traveling from Earth to the Moon and back.

Finally, by 2024, Artemis will have landed it’s first missions on the moon. These missions mark the beginning of mankind’s colonization of our solar system, and a huge leap forward for human based space exploration.

Movies/TV/Theaters

How does the show ‘Shark Tank’ affect entrepreneurship?

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By: Abdihakim Mohamoud

The famous entrepreneurial themed reality show ‘Shark Tank’ is notorious for enhancing some of the biggest businesses out there. But what exactly does being on the show do for entrepreneurs?

Landing a deal with one of the sharks can obviously lead to tremendous exposure for your company. However, even appearing on the show at all is extremely beneficial marketing-wise. TJ Hale, producer of the ‘Shark Tank Podcast’, reportedly said that even an appearance on the show results in $4-5 million in marketing exposure.

Another former ‘Shark Tank’ appearance, Derek Pacque, is a perfect example of not needing funding to succeed. He turned down a deal from billionaire Mark Cuban for 33% of his coat business, claiming his company wouldn’t grow after the deal. The “Shark Tank Effect” worked its magic, and Pacque ended up at Fashion Week for his first gig.

In recent studies, a mind-boggling 94% of ‘Shark Tank’ appearances were successful after their feature, solidifying that the most obvious reward from appearing is sales. PostureNow and The Bev Buckle did $50,000 and a whopping $300,000+ after they were featured on the show.

Appearing on ‘Shark Tank’, not just produced thousands in sales for entrepreneurs, but also attracted investors who watched the show. However, it is required that business owners must give up 5% of their company just to appear on the show—without guaranteeing traffic to their company.

Not every entrepreneur leaves the show better off than when they arrived. An example of a relatively bad deal is Jay Kriner, who took the shark’s deal, giving up half of his company for $50,000, seemingly undervaluing his equity, and basically giving his company away.

All in all, the majority of entrepreneurs believe that an appearance is very well worth it and beneficial. However, business owners must be aware of the risks that can come with it, and be mindful of the deals they are being offered, and whether it’s worth it or not.

For more information, please visit:

Getting To Know/History

What is Women’s History Month?

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By: Grace Blumer-Lamotte

Presidents have been issuing yearly proclamations for certain months ever since 1995. Women’s History Month is in March of every year. 

According to the official Women’s History Month website, “Celebration of contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.” 

Some of the well-known women that made contributions towards Women’s History Month include: Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Abigail Adams, and Sojourner Truth. 

Rosa Parks deserves a major role in women’s history because she helped initiate the Civil Rights Movement. According to History.com, “She refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955.” She was one of the first woman, of African American descent, that stood up against racism on public transport. 

Susan B. Anthony is another woman that deserves considerable recognition. According to History.com, “Anthony was a pioneer in the Women’s Suffrage Movement in the United States and president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.”

Abigail Adams is yet another woman that also deserves better recognition. I personally have never heard her name. I also asked a couple of other students and they didn’t know who she was either. According to History.com, “Adams was one of only two women to have been both wife and mother to two U.S. presidents (the other being Barbara Bush). This all happened starting in 1774. 

Sojourner Truth is one of the many women that have an amazing story also.  According to History.com, “Truth was an African American evangelist, abolitionist, women’s right activist and author who was born into slavery before escaping freedom in 1826.” 

I asked two freshman girls, one freshman guy, and one junior girl these questions: 

  • Do you know what Women’s History Month is? 
  • Do you know why we celebrate Women’s History Month?

One of the freshman girls answered, “I know of it.” She then answered, “I don’t know why we celebrate it but I feel like I might have a big idea of why.” She explained that there are important women in history.

The other freshman girl answered, “I know what Women’s History Month is.” She then proceeded to answer, “I really don’t know why we celebrate it.”

The freshman boy answered, “I have heard of Women’s History month but I don’t know anything about it.”

The junior girl answered, “Yes I know of Women’s History Month. I think it is a month to celebrate the women that did good things in history. Such as Rosa Parks and other women.”

Seeing as how most know about Women’s History month’s existence, but not its significance, it’s important to enlighten people as much as possible.

School Life

Scots Square

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By: Carla Tizcareno

Scots Square is the great school coffee shop in Highland Park Senior High. It has been developing greatly over the past few months. They have a wonderful and caring staff.

There are new systems being put in place to make everyone’s experience is more efficient and kind. New products are rolling in like: new creamers, chip varieties, fidgets, hot chocolate, and more. With the good prices and helpful staff it’s really coming together nicely.

Now, there’s a google form QR code so any customer can leave a review or form a complaint in a convenient place to see. New regulations and rules are also helping to make it more useful. Tape has been set up so a line can be formed easily and creates more direction.

Don’t forget, you can also buy school merch like sweatshirts, sweatpants, headbands and more.

The coffee shop is open almost every morning from 8 to 8:30 am and every afternoon from 3 to 3:15 pm.

After a rough couple of weeks after winter break, when their profits got stolen, they are stronger now than ever. Ms. Somerville is working hard to see that all staff members are listened to and understood.

The coffee shop staff is always open to new ideas and suggestions to make the shop better. As long as you bring a good attitude and money; we’ve got you. Some of the staff are working to pool tips to buy quality display stands for the products and to buy new items.

With a long list of things to do that is still growing, the coffee shop staff is ready for the punches. Everyone is welcome and appreciated!

COVID-19

How has COVID affected poverty in the USA?

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By: Caelyn Hippen

As you can see, COVID-19 has affected our world in many ways, such as the school systems, the economies, social interaction has lacked for many people, the amount of people with depression and anxiety has increased, material shortages across the world, effects on hospitals and health care systems, and on top of that, over 6 million deaths worldwide.

But many don’t think of the way that COVID has affected the amount of poverty in the USA. So you may be wondering, what is poverty? Well, poverty is the state of having few material possessions and/or little to no income. Poverty makes it hard for people to eat, and take care of themselves and/or their possible siblings or children. People who have lived in poverty for a longer amount of time find it harder to find jobs, leading to even less income and amount of luxury than before.

Poverty got really bad over COVID, and a contributing factor of that was another downfall of COVID: the spiking amount of unemployment. Over 18 million people were left unemployed, and 14 million of them couldn’t work because their employer closed their business altogether.

Unemployment is such a big factor in people living in poverty. About 20% of people who make minimum wage live in poverty, because the demands for all survival needs are high (food, clean water, a place to live, etc.).

In 2019, the poverty rate in the USA was 13.4%. This means that 13.4% of America’s population lived below the poverty line.

But, as of 2021, that number has been raised to a pandemic-era high of 17.3% of people. In Minnesota, over 500,000 people live in poverty. That’s 1/10 of the population!

So, for that reason, knowing how many people are struggling with finance and buying necessary items, donate and volunteer to help these people around you. You can make a big difference in your community by donating food, money, or just 1 hour from your day!

For more information, please visit:

  • PBS.com
Science/Nature

Environmental taxes and their effects on air pollution

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By: Abdihakim Mohamoud

Environmental taxes, also known as carbon taxes, are fees companies are charged for every ton of emissions they produce in hopes of lowering emissions. The first country to implement these taxes was Sweden in 1991, and they have been very successful in doing so.

After countless studies and investigations about the impacts of environmental taxes, data shows that environmental taxes have positive effects on reducing emissions among companies. Research from Sciencedirect.com stated that sulfur dioxide, dust, and nitrogen oxide were significantly reduced from fossil fueled power plants when the environmental taxes policy was implemented.

After China implemented the Environmental Protection Tax law a few years ago, research began estimating the effects of environmental taxes and air pollution in China’s provinces. Compared to the pollution discharge fee policy (which was the previous law in place), pollutants decreased by 4.8 tons after the new policy was introduced.

While having a positive effect on city-level pollutants, environmental taxes were proven to have limited effects on larger, state-owned coal power plants. While the implementation of them may be beneficial for local firms, it is recommended that local governments seek other measures.

The main reason for environmental taxes being controversial is that individuals against them claim they would hurt countries GDPs. Although the tax would come back to consumers in the form of lower income taxes or a reimbursement check, others argue it would benefit bigger businesses rather than lower to middle class people.

In the end, multiple data statistics show environmental taxes having positive effects on a global scale. However, heated debates and controversy about what to do with tax revenues are still prominent. This leaves us with some questions—Should environmental taxes go back to the consumer? Or should it help us progress towards a bigger economy? These questions are yours to ponder upon.

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Science/Nature

Turner syndrome

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By: Ava Bleifuss

What is Turner syndrome?

Turner syndrome is a genetic condition that only affects females. According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases, over 70,000 women and girls in the United States have Turner syndrome, which is about 1 in 2,500 female live births.

How does someone get Turner Syndrome?

Turner Syndrome occurs when one or part of an X chromosome is missing. An X chromosome could be missing from all, or only some, of a female’s cells. In a normal situation, a female child receives one X chromosome from the mother and one X chromosome from the father, meaning she would have all of the genes needed. However, since people with Turner Syndrome are missing part, or all, of the X chromosome, some of their genes are missing. Usually after finding a chromosomal error the body would not allow that cell to continue in the process, but in very rare situations somehow the cell does continue and eventually leads to Turner Syndrome. 

What are the symptoms of Turner syndrome?

The majority of babies with this syndrome are lost to miscarriages or still births. However, some babies with Turner Syndrome do survive. For them, the symptoms of Turner Syndrome are physical features revolving around development, because some of the genes are missing from the DNA, which is the genetic makeup of humans. People with this have slowed growth as well as developmental problems. Studies have often shown that people with Turner Syndrome have heart problems or if they don’t, have higher risk of heart disease. 

What is the history of Turner Syndrome? 

Turner Syndrome was first discovered by Dr. Henry Turner who was a physician based in Oklahoma. Turner was a pioneer endocrinologist who spent his whole life studying endocrinology. It was first described in 1938 in his manuscripts, but the cause was not identified until 1959. He presented his observations describing seven patients with the same developmental and physical features. These symptoms had never been reported before. Turner later wrote over 30 publications discussing Turner Syndrome. 

What is the treatment for Turner Syndrome?

While there is no cure for Turner Syndrome yet, there are ways to help control the symptoms. Turner Syndrome affects a lot of the body’s growth. Most of the treatments are there to help make up for what was lost. Common things to use as treatment are growth hormones to help with height, and estrogen therapy which helps with starting puberty. Surgeries and medications are also common treatments for Turner Syndrome, but only when needed or a problem occurs. 

For more information, please visit:

Editorials/Student Voice

Why I think the death penalty shouldn’t be abolished

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By: Abdirahman Ege

I believe that the death penalty should not be abolished worldwide because some people just deserve it.

The death penalty is completely justified if someone commits a crime like murder, however, I believe that if someone does a little crime such as robbery, I believe prison time is reasonable.

The death penalty can ensure that justice is being served.

The death penalty can also be tricky because some people could be completely innocent but still face the death penalty. Since 1973, 186 death row prisoners have been wrongfully convicted which put them on death row in the United States.

According to deathpenaltyinfo.org, Carlos DeLuna was convicted in 1983, and was executed in 1989. A ‘Chicago Tribune’ investigation released evidence in 2006, that Texas may have executed an innocent man. The evidence that the ‘Chicago Tribune’ released pointed towards another man, Carlos Hernandez.

This is why I think there should be increased measures to regulate and restrict the sentencing of the death penalty. The decision should be made on hard concrete evidence and a confession.

The death penalty can also act as a sense of fear into potential criminals. They might not want to do the crime after they know they can receive the death penalty for their actions.

Some people argue that giving the death penalty as a punishment, isn’t a punishment at all, but instead, it is giving them a sense of escape with no time to reflect. Since I’m a person of religion, I believe that they will not escape, but will also pay in the afterlife.

Getting To Know/History

What is genetic counseling?

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By: Grace Blumer-Lamotte

According to JACC Journals, genetics counseling is “The process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.”

The mode and risk of inheritance is clinically assessed with the family history. Some diseases may be genetic while others are not. According to JACC Journals, “Establishing the mode of inheritance identifies relatives who are at risk of disease development. Most CMPs are typically inherited as an autosomal dominant trait as a result of a single gene defect capable of causing the trait (i.e., monogenic origin). Thus, there is a 50% risk for first-degree relatives to be affected by the same condition.”

Genetic counselors help by identifying families that could be at a possible risk of a genetic condition. They provide a space for families to understand and analyze family history/inheritance patterns. They also assist with making the hard decisions. 

If you are interested in becoming a genetic counselor out of high school, you have to complete an accredited master’s program in genetic counseling. You also need to have a masters degree in genetic counseling. According to FNU, “To earn a master’s degree you usually need to complete from 36 to 54-semester credits of study (or 60 to 90 quarter-credits). This equals 12 to 18 college courses. Students typically spend between two and three years studying to earn a master’s degree, but it is possible to earn some degrees in just one year.” The master degree’s program is definitely harder than getting an undergraduate degree. 

There are also many influencers that have gone through genetic counseling. They may not openly share their experiences with their followers but some promote it. A certified Genetic Counselor that’s on Instagram @ dena.dna. I have explored her page a bit and it is very educational and purpose filled. Dena DNA has 2,720 followers. Another person that has gone through genetic counseling is a person on Snapchat. Their Snapchat is called, ‘Born Different’. They have 6.50 million followers.

One thing I learned from the dena.dna Instagram page is answers to commonly asked questions. Such as, “When should I start colon cancer screening?”. This is answered in her most recent post. There are also a lot more posts answering questions about genetic counseling.

‘Born Different’ is about people as they challenge stereotypes, break down barriers and battle to prove they have what it takes to succeed. The stories are all about how they have overcome something that some people didn’t think is possible. There are 23 seasons, with around 10 episodes per season. One of the most recent stories (March 21st, 2022) is about how this girl’s boyfriend helped cope with her severe Tourette’s. I have watched a couple of episodes myself, and I find them very breathtaking and addictive to watch.

Getting To Know/History

Lin-Manuel Miranda bio

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By: Mila Hart

Lin-Manuel Miranda was born on January 16, 1980 in New York City. His parents immigrated from Puerto Rico. He grew up in a Hispanic neighborhood in northern Manhattan called Washington Heights.

Lin-Manuel went to a public high school around Washington Heights, and it was in high school where he found his love for theater arts. All throughout high school Lin-Manuel was a part of his school’s plays and musicals. In high school he started to write the play ‘In the Heights’ at the age of 17. Later he went on to go to a very prestigious college for theater arts called Wesleyan College.

In 2002 Lin-Manuel worked with other directors and playwrights to put on ‘In the Heights’. After premiering in Connecticut, in 2005, and opening at the 37 Arts Theater off-Broadway, in 2007, ‘In the Heights’ went to Broadway in March of 2008.

After performing ‘In the Heights’ on Broadway, the musical went on a North American tour from 2009-2011, and later went on to be performed all around the world. In 2018 Warner Bros acquired the film rights for ‘In the Heights’ and set a release date for June 26th, 2020. For the next year, actors were casted and filming began in June of 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the film was not able to be released until June 10, 2021.

Aside from ‘In the Heights’, Lin-Manuel Miranda has worked on a number of award winning projects and movies. Lin wrote, composed, and starred in the ever so popular broadway musical ‘Hamilton’. It’s the story of Alexander Hamilton and his contributions to history, told through the music styles of rap and hip hop. It has won numerous awards including a Tony, Grammy, and the Pulitzer Prize for drama.

Lin wrote the music for the latest Disney hit ‘Encanto’. The song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” has broken records including becoming the first Disney track to top the U.S. chart since ‘Aladdin’s’ “A Whole New World” back in 1992.