Category Archives: Entertainment

Movies/TV/Theaters

Fields of Hair

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Fields of hair is a beauty/barbershop located in St. Paul, on Minnehaha and Hamlin. It’s a beauty shop and barbershop combined into one, and was started by a women named Marcie S. Fields. She runs the hairstyle department, and was joined by her loved one. Together, they made a simple building into a succesful shop that they can gladly call their own.

I asked Marcie some questions based on how things are going, and the methods she uses to keep the success going. The questions I asked her were to help me get a better understanding on how she created a fascinating business, and ways she kept it stable. Some of the questions I asked her were:

  • What is “Fields of hair?”
  • What are some business techniques you used to keep the business going?
  • What made you want to start your own hair company?
  • What are some advantages and disadvantages about your company.

“Being on time, that’s the biggest thing” says Marcie. She keeps things in order and keeps her appointments and calls in order. Another answer from Marci about what techniques she uses to keep the business going is: “You have to be able to be dependent on time. Customer service skills are important especially making your customers happy. Customer service skills, make your clients happy which falls under the category “customer service skills”. When the customer lets you know what they want, that’s when the listening comes in. You need to get a visualization on what they want and you can’t get that if you’re not listening.” Her response about the customers relates to the saying “The customer is always right”.

One thing she cherishes the most about her shop and how she started her company is the freedom, which to her means that anyone is welcome.

Some advantages and disadvantages I asked her about her shop and the way things are set are listed below:

Advantages

  • Being my own person makes the moments stronger.
  • Spending time with my family matters the most, so I can make my own schedule when I work and when I don’t.

Disadvantages

  • No paid vacation since I set my own schedules. If you don’t work, you don’t eat.

My experience at Field Of Hair was nothing but sensational, positive, and well-mannered. The service was great, and the job was finished in a matter of time. I feel as though she listens and focuses on what the customer wants. She keeps things flowing, and gets people in and out with no hassle. I am satisfied every time I walk in there, and I hope to continue visiting such a pleasant shop.

Entertainment, Movies/TV/Theaters, School Life

Choir concert

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Highland had its spring pop concert on May 12, 2016. Ms. Mendenhall had three of her groups performed. It started with her Treble Choir. They performed “Safe and Sound”, “Bella’s Final”, and “Landslide”. The last choir performed “Stitches”, “Let it Be”, and “Viva la Vida”. At the end of the choir concert they recognized all the seniors that are graduating.

A lot of the solos had good songs and made good choice with their picks. Of course, honors choir had the best set, also the best soloist. In the end, the choir concert was good and had good songs and choices.

The choir will take a big hit with most of the seniors leaving. Overall, I would say that it was a good choir concert.

Entertainment, Movies/TV/Theaters

Movie review: Captain America Civil War

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I recently saw the movie Captain America Civil War.

This movie is about how Captain America (Chris Evans) leads a newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to defend and protect humanity. But after another altercation involving the team, government pressure leads to install a system of accountability for the Avengers, when the actions of the team results in some collateral damage.

The new decision divides the members of the Avengers, resulting in two teams—one team led by Captain America (Chris Evans) and his goal for the Avengers to remain free to defend and protect humanity without any government interference, and the other team led by Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) who strongly disagrees and supports oversight.

As the debate escalates it leads to an all-out feud with the others members of the Avengers, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) must pick a side to be on, and the others follow Tony Stark’s shocking decision to support government.

Overall, the movie was great. On a scale from 1-10 I would give it a 8.5 because it was in 3D and it was filled with nonstop action, and fun. This is a must see movie.

I recommend this film to people who like action movies and super hero movies.

Entertainment, School Life

Boat Dance

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It’s here again the annual Boat Dance at HPSH!

The Boat Dance is a dance that is put on by our student council. This dance takes place on a big luxury boat on Harriet Island. The dance is like a regular dance but it’s on the Padelford Packet Boat. It has been the most popular dance among all of the students here. This dance is where students go to socialize and have fun as a way to celebrate the end of the school year.

The students attending the Boat Dance will meet at Harriet Island located Downtown Saint Paul for boarding. After all the hard work we students have been through, this is a time where we can be stress free, have a  good time, and meet new people.

We took the time to talk to Ms. Hedwall, one of the leaders of student council, and here are a few of her comments:

What is the reasoning behind Boat Dance?

It’s a way to celebrate the end of the school year.

Who exactly is in charge of putting Boat Dance together?

All of student council.

Why should someone go to Boat Dance?

The weather is going to be amazing this week. There is going to be a DJ and karaoke. It’s on a big paddle boat and by the time we get back downtown, the view is amazing.

What makes Boat Dance, Boat Dance?

Its on a boat! The whole thing is fun on itself. The more people there are, the more fun. People have a good time hanging out. There are many different options to do on the boat.

Ticket prices has been set at $20 dollars, and the last day to retrieve your ticket is Thursday, May 18th. There will be food provided, music, and smiles. My fellow writers and I recommend to attend the dance having an open mind, and a positive attitude.

Entertainment

Cinco de Mayo

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First, before I talk about Cinco de Mayo in Minnesota, here is some basic history about it. If you look into Cinco de Mayo history you will find out that the French did eventually take over the Mexican army. However, Zaragoza {Mexican general} did win the battle on May 5, 1862 against all odds. It was two heavily armed French army soldiers for every one Mexican soldier with few weapons, yet Zaragoza and his men won. Ever since this battle on May 5,1862 each year they celebrate this memorable day.

Here in St.Paul, MN, they celebrate this day with style. They have a half an hour long, and sometimes a full hour long, parade on Concord Street in  West St. Paul. They invite the whole community to participate in the parade.

Following the parade there are fun events you can do for the rest of the day. Bouncy houses for the kids, concession stands for the whole family, and of course there are adult zones. They also have a bunch of food stands selling Hispanic food.

At the end of the day, everyone should leave the celebration tired but happy knowing they had a good day.

If you have never been to the celebration I suggest going. You won’t regret it.

Music/Concerts, School Life

Selling raffle tickets for Vans concert

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At Highland Park Senior High, for the following 2 weeks, students from the school newspaper class are going to be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win 2 Vans Warped Tour concert tickets. The festival will take place in Shakopee, MN, on July 24th. Tickets will be available during both A and B lunch, for $2 each. They can also be purchased in Ms. Lingofelt’s room, 2205.

This is a great way for the newspaper students to build team work while also being a fun activity. This will help raise money for the newspaper  so they can possibly print copies in the future. This is also a rare opportunity because the class doesn’t always get access to tickets, so this is a great thing.

Please help with the newspaper’s fundraising effort! Buy a raffle ticket today!

Movies/TV/Theaters, School Life

Prom 2016

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Prom was on Friday, May 6th, at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul. Not everyone went, so here’s pretty much how Prom 2016 turned out for those who were wondering about how everything went.

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photo taken from the Highland Prom Dropbox

The doors opened at 7 o’clock, but a lot of prom attendees were all outside around Rice Park taking pictures before going into the Landmark Center. Around 8 o’clock the room was packed and the doors were closed. It wasn’t crowded, there was more than enough room. Against one wall there were beverages and snacks, towards the back of the room there were many tables for people to sit and stand around, there was also a photo booth – with funny accessories that were Gatsby themed, and in the middle of the room was the dance floor with a DJ on stage. Prom didn’t start to die down until around 10 o’clock.

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photo taken from the Highland Prom Dropbox

I personally think that it was very fun and was worth the money my parents and I put into it. The overall night made it all well worth it. The venue was beautiful and really made me feel like I was somewhere fancy and important, and there was more than enough space. The music was good because there was a little bit of everything, so everyone at one point was dancing or singing along. The photo booth was a lot of fun, when people were just sitting around, instead of being bored they got up and went in line for the photo booth with their friends. I had a lot of fun, because my group and I didn’t leave until around 10:30, we weren’t ready to leave.

Aside from my own thoughts, I asked some people what they thought of Prom:

Did you think prom night was worth the money?
“I didn’t spend that much money, and I am glad I didn’t because I had a lot of fun and spending more money wouldn’t of made it any more fun.” Jocelyn Chavez (11)

“Yeah. It was a lot of fun and wasn’t too expensive for me.” Larissa Lopez (10)

“No, but it was a lot of fun and I personally didn’t spend a lot of money but for the people who did, I don’t think so.” Victor Minefee (11)

Did you have fun?
“Yes, so much fun. Dancing was a lot of fun.” Jocelyn Chavez (11)

“Yeah, it was fun.” Larissa Lopez (10)

“Yeah.” Victor Minefee (11)

What was your favorite part of the night?
“The music and dancing.” Jocelyn Chavez (11)

“Being with my friends and dancing.” Larissa Lopez (10)

“Being with my friends.” Victor Minefee (11)

For more pictures from prom night check out Highland’s twitter https://twitter.com/highlandprom_ (@highlandprom_) and https://www.dropbox.com/sc/dg5f92j3b34vw1d/AABdSdqhCo35iPP-8vXcHgo1a

Entertainment

5 upcoming concerts

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Minnesota is home to a lot of great music, and this summer you can experience music from both local and international artists. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see some noteworthy artists!

Soundset (May 29th):

Soundset is an annual national hip hop festival that has hosted some amazing artists. This year, Soundset features popular artists like A$AP Rocky, Future, and Machine Gun Kelly. Soundset changed its location in Minnesota this year from Shakopee to the State Fair Grounds in St. Paul

Beyonce, the Formation World Tour (May 23rd)

After Beyonce’s critically acclaimed performance at the Superbowl this February, and her recent album Lemonade, that was originally exclusively on Tidal and Itunes, Beyonce has proved that she’s not only an amazing singer and dancer, but also can convey more important themes in her music. Lemonade centers around themes like race and infidelity.

Rock the Garden (June 18th):

Rock the Garden is sponsored by the Walker Art Museum and the Current. Rock the Garden is featuring Hippo Campus, a band from St. Paul, and all of the members have attended SPCPA in downtown. Chance the Rapper is from Chicago, has received a lot of national acclaim, and is becoming more of a national artist.

Drake (July 24th):

This tour is following the release of Drake’s new album Views from the 6. Since the Excl Energy Center is a little more pricey, the tickets are around $50-130. Future will also be a special guest. Drake has had several successful albums, including If you’re reading this it’s too late, What a time to be alive, and Nothing was the same.

Warped Tour (July 24th):

Warped Tour is an annual tour with a host of different bands sponsored by Vans. This year, bands include Against the Current, Real Friends, Bullet for My Valentine, and Waka Flocka Flame. The genres that are popular on this tour are rock and screamo.

Entertainment, School Life

Spring Musical: Lucky Stiff

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The Highland Park Spring Musical: Luck Stiff is taking place this month. There are over 50 students involved in this year’s production. Lucky Stiff is a musical comedy that’s appropriate for all ages. I did some interviews with some of this year’s participants in order to gain more knowledge of it. Here are the questions and responses:

What is the Spring Musical?
Soren: Lucky Stiff.
Max: It’s called Lucky Stiff.

Who’s the director/ teacher?
Soren: Steven Houtz.
Max: Steven Houtz. Kate Mendenhall.

How is the spring musical different from being in a regular school play?
Soren: It’s full of dancing and singing, as well as acting.
Max: More commitment. It’s a lot harder since you get to collaborate with musicians and a lot of other people.

How do handle mistakes during performances?
Soren: I cry myself to sleep and binge watch Gossip Girl.
Max: If you forget you part you can call out for line. Stop and correct yourself. You just Improvise.

How often and for how long do you practice?
Soren: Every day after school until 4:30.
Max: Everyday 2:15-4:30 and this week we did 2:15-8:00.

Do you perform in public/ outside of school?
Soren: Yeah, in community theater but it doesn’t really count.
Max: I do solo singing. It’s been long since I did community theater.

What advice would you give to beginners that might be nervous?
Soren: Don’t worry about it. You have a lot of fun.
Max: Being nervous is good. It shows that you care.

Anything else you would like for us to know?
Soren: Come to the musical and support Highland theater! We need your money!
Max: Come see the show.

Lucky Stiff is being performed April 21st-April 23rd at 7:00pm in the Highland Park Senior High auditorium. Tickets are $6 for students and seniors and $8 for adults.