Category Archives: Entertainment

Travel/Food

DIY Christmas treats

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One of the best things to do is eat. But it’s a lot more fun when you get to eat holiday snacks and treats, because making them is even more fun, and surprisingly easy. During these past two days I’ve made a handful of treats that I’ll share with you.

Everyone loves chocolate, and almost everything goes good with chocolate. One of the simplest treats you can make are chocolate covered pretzels. All you’ll need is chocolate melts, pretzel rods or regular pretzels and anything you want to use to decorate them; I used white chocolate. All you need to do is melt the chocolate in either the microwave – mixing it every 30 seconds – or in a double boiler. Once you have your chocolate melted you want to dip your pretzels in it and set them on a cookie sheet covered in either wax paper or aluminum foil. If you choose to decorate your pretzels, you can add sprinkles or white chocolate to create stripes, but remember that you want to do it before the chocolate completely dries. I think these are the easiest and quickest treats you can make.

Something else you can make is Christmas tree Rice Krispy treats. They take a little more time but the end result is worth it. You’ll need the rice cereal, marshmallows, butter and green food coloring. First you need to melt your butter on the stove, and once the butter is completely melted you want to add your marshmallows and mix it until the marshmallows have been completely mixed in. Then, add the green food coloring and take the mixture off the stove. Start adding the cereal to the marshmallow mix and mix until well combined. Let it cool a little, but not too much, and then put a little bit of butter on your hands and start forming the mix into the trees. If you want a little extra something, you can add red M&M’S to act as ornaments. Let them cool for about an hour, or less if you put them in the fridge.

These are just a couple of the treats you can make for the holidays, and if you wrap them up in a cute bag and twist tie, or a Christmas box, you can also give them as a little present.

Links to the full recipes with measurement :

http://www.rachelcooks.com/2015/12/16/easy-christmas-tree-rice-krispie-treats-recipe/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/chocolate-covered-pretzels-with-sprinkles-recipe2.html

Advice/How To, Entertainment

Stocking stuffers for teens 2016

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As your teenager gets older, their interests may tend to differ from yours. Shopping is harder because you don’t know what to get them, or you might have a tight budget, or you don’t know if they will like it, and maybe you aren’t sure if what you want to get them is “in.” This article is a guide to small gifts (perfect for stockings) that are popular to the current teenage generation.

Earphones/Earbuds

Earphone/earbuds are a perfect gift, with technology, electronics, and music being at a societal high. The cost varies, however, the most efficient brands seem to be Sony or Apple.

Gums and Mints

A common essential for teens in school are gums and mints. Some claim it helps them focus, others just enjoy being able to pop something flavorful in their mouth throughout the day. It is a common stocking stuffer and is inexpensive as well.

Junk Food

Teens love junk food. Chips have been around for years and have maintained their status as one of the most popular types of junk food. Along with that, candy, pop, and sugary treats like doughnuts are consumed with great pleasure.

Caribou and Starbucks Gift Cards

Sleepy, hardworking high school students love to indulge in coffee drinks, whether or not they have much coffee actually in them. Specifically, Caribou and Starbucks are the more popular chains people go to.

Gas Gift Cards

If you have a teen, they are probably driving or will be soon. This is a resourceful way to give your kid money for gas in order to secure they will use it on gas.

Elites/Socks

Socks are a good way to go. Providing warmth and style, they are convenient to receive in the winter. Elites would be a good gift for the sporty type of teen. Another popular alternative is fuzzy socks.

Chapsticks

Chapsticks are the perfect stocking stuffer. It is an essential that everyone loses before it’s gone. This is the perfect opportunity to help your teens stock up.

Lotion

A good stuffer to ensure your kid/s stay moisturized throughout the winter is lotion.

Video Games

Video games are perfect for gamers who always want the newest games released.

Ornaments

Gifting an ornament is a good gift for your teen who will soon move on to live in their own place with their own tree.

Nail Polish

An inexpensive gift for someone who loves being creative with their nails and making them their own personalized accessory is nail polish.

Phone Case

A new way to accessorize is alternating your phone case and/or having more than one. This is a good gift for both genders. A good way to find a nice variety of cases to choose from is to go to a phone accessory kiosk located in most malls.

Keychain Lanyards

More of a practical gift, keychains are a good organization tool for teens with keys for their houses, cars, etc. You even have the option of buying one or making a lanyard on your own.

Wallet

Another practical gift, to help organize money and cards, is a wallet. No more money falling out of pockets accidentally.

Compact Mirror

A compact mirror is a useful tool when on the go to check and make sure your appearance is up to par, or to re-apply any makeup you may have on. Directed traditionally towards females.

Face Wash/Creams

Teens = Hormones! Acne is highly common among teens who are growing into adults. Help them maintain hygiene by getting them something to wash their face with or additional help from acne creams, etc.

TV Show/Movie DVDs

Entertainment plays a major role in mainstream teen society. If your kid has shown interest in a tv show or any movies, buying it is a good gift idea so they can have a permanent copy to watch at their leisure.

Mini Tool Kit

A mini tool kit is a good gift for older teens who will soon have to fix things on their own when in college and later on in life. This is a good starter kit, providing the essentials to make minor repairs.

Perfume/Cologne

If you smell good, you feel good. Gifting your teen with a nice scent can help them step up their charm and give them character. Once people are older they tend to be defined by their “scent” usually provided by their perfume/cologne of choice. This gift would be the start of that.

Advice/How To, Entertainment

Fun things to do this winter

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So many people each year stay inside during the winter. Turns out that it can be very unhealthy for you. Getting outside, especially in the winter, will help you so much in the long run. Being indoors all day everyday in the winter can cut off your healthy bacteria and make you sick while we are already so far into cold and flu season. So why not get out, find some stuff to do, and have fun!

Sledding Hills:

There are so many places you could go sledding this winter near Highland Park. There is of course the Highland Park water towers, and also the recreation center which is also connected to the library. Also some other hills near Highland Park is the Meriam Park and Baker Park hills both are very steep. If you don’t see the hill closest to you try this website: http://www.visitsaintpaul.com/things-to-do/winter-fun/sledding-hills-in-saint-paul/

Highland Park Community Center

1978 Ford Pkwy. Saint Paul, MN 55116

Highland Park (behind water tower)

1400 Highland Pkwy. Saint Paul, MN 55116

Baker Park

209 W. Page St. Saint Paul, MN 55107

Merriam Park Recreation Center

2000 St. Anthony Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55104

Ice Skating:

A very popular activity for the winter in Minnesota is ice skating, as we are the famous state of hockey. There are many places you can go ice skating, or play some games of hockey, or just boot skate on a rink all around the Saint Paul area. The biggest rink, and most popular outdoor rink, is the Wells Fargo Winterskate. That takes place downtown Saint Paul in front of the Landmark Center. There are many other rinks outdoor as well. The closest outdoor rink to Highland Park is the Palace Recreation Center or the Edgecumbe Recreation Center. If none of these rinks are close to you can refer to the website below to find yours: 

https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/activities/winter-spring-activities/ice-rinks

Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt:

While most of us are eagerly awaiting 2017 for new years revolutions some are exited for 2017 for the annual Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt. The treasure hunt is a tradition for some people since 1952. The hunt is for a medallion that you can go search for all around Ramsey county starting on Sunday, January 22nd. The medallion, if found, is worth $10,000 and until found, there are clues in the Pioneer Press Newspaper everyday or on the  Twin Cities Website. The treasure hunt actually has its own hotline so when the hunt starts the hotline will let you know the current status of the hunt.

So have a fun winter and get out and do something!

Travel/Food

Top Ski resorts in the U.S 5-1

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Skiing is a hobby popular all across the globe. With Colorado bringing in $4.8 billion annually from skiing, the skiing industry is big and is only growing. Today, I will be continuing my discussion of what I think are the best ski resorts in the U.S, covering every region (#5-1).

  1. Vail

Vail is one of the most known skiing resorts in the U.S, being the key destination for tourists and out of towners. However, it deserves this reputation, because of its land area and terrain suitable for those of all ages and skill levels. When someone thinks of a ski resort, they likely think of Vail, due to its vicinity to Denver and accessibility to all types of skiers and snowboarders.

  1. Alta/Snowbird

Located in the Wasatch Range in Utah; Alta and Snowbird are in the same valley. What’s special about Alta, however, is that it does not permit snowboarders to ride on their runs. This is one of the only resorts to have a rule like this, and has been the target of much dispute from snowboarders and lawyers alike. These mountains host some of the most famous skiers and terrain, attracting expert skiers to see how they can contend with it’s dangerous slopes.

  1. Big Sky

Being the largest ski resort in the U.S, this resort has no shortage of runs for everyone. From some of the steepest runs in the whole country, to the mellowest of slopes perfect for a young child to learn on.

  1. Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley is full of skiing and snowboarding history. Located on the California side of Lake Tahoe, it’s one of the most well known and visited ski resorts in the United states. It has some of the biggest cliffs, the steepest runs, and the famous skiers. Skiing legend and adrenaline junkie Shane McConkey called it home as well as many other amazing skiers.

  1. Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is my personal favorite ski resort in the U.S by far. I’ve never visited, but it has the the best terrain for an avid skier such as myself in the world. Having the runs like Corbet’s Couloir, the steepest run in the US, makes it what it is.

Entertainment

December holiday traditions

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In the United States we are lucky to be a very diverse country. With so many different cultures and religions, December is full of celebrations. These are the three most widely celebrated holidays in the month of December.

Christmas is a holiday usually celebrated by Christians. The meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the day that Jesus Christ was born. People celebrate by decorating Christmas trees with colorful ornaments, giving gifts, and having big meals with family and friends. The iconic symbol of Christmas is, of course, Santa Claus. The idea of Santa comes from the monk St. Nicholas, who was, in his time, admired for being religious and kind hearted. Over the years Santa has changed, and now is said to bring gifts to good children. Another symbol is the tree. Some people say the Christmas Tree is a symbol to represent God’s everlasting life. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th. The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in the year 336.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday lasting eight days; this year, from the night of December 25th to the 1st of January. A long time ago, the Jews wanted to rededicate the desecrated Temple, but only found one container of the sacred oil needed. The menorah was required to burn throughout the night, every night, for eight days, but there was only enough oil for one day. Amazingly, the candles stayed lit for all eight days, which was the time needed to collect a fresh supply of kosher oil for the menorah. This event became known as “The Miracle of The Oil” and is now marked with the celebration of Hanukkah. Jews celebrate by lighting one candle, on the nine candle menorah, each night, also spinning a dreidel and having family meals. In the United States some Jewish families also give gifts during Hanukkah.

Kwanzaa lasts 7 days. It starts on the 26th of December and ends on the first of January. Unlike the other holidays, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not religious. Created in 1966, Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American values and gratitude. The holiday includes reconnecting with family, thanking and honoring who they consider their creator, remembering their ancestors, and celebrating the all the good in their lives.  People celebrate by having big meals with family and close friends and giving gifts to show gratitude.

Some things all of these holidays have in common is that they all are celebrated with family and people who are important to you, and involve showing gratitude towards each other.

Travel/Food

Top 10 Ski resorts in the U.S: 10-6

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Skiing is a hobby popular all across the globe. With Colorado bringing in $4.8 billion annually from skiing, the skiing industry is big and is only growing. Today, I will be discussing what I think are the best ski resorts in the U.S, covering every region (#10-6). 

  1. Mount Bohemia

Mount Bohemia, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is not known for the land it covers, or its wide access to land. It’s known for its steep runs, backcountry territory, and the legendary bus that brings you back to the base. It may not compare to some of the resorts out west, but it’s the best of the best in the midwest.

  1. Stowe

Stowe is located in the northern part of Vermont, and boasts a vertical drop of 2,360 feet. Vertical drop is from the base of the mountain to the top. This number is comparable to those out west, and averaging 314 inches of snow every year makes this a prime place to ski.

  1.  Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is located in Colorado, and is a very famous skiing destination, with around 100,000 visitors every ski season. Known for its famous tree skiing, Champagne Powder, and family friendly accommodations, Steamboat is great for the old or the young, and anywhere in between.

  1. Aspen

Aspen is also located in Colorado, but what is special about it is that it is 3 mountains in 1, providing a huge number of runs compared to other ski mountains in the area. A great choice for beginners as well, with one of the mountains devoted to mellower runs that are great for learning.

  1. Silverton

Silverton is different than any other skiing resort in the U.S. With only one actual chairlift, it isn’t easy to access a lot of the terrain. Most of the good terrain requires hiking, bus ride, or a helicopter – depending on your budget. Silverton is a bad place for beginners and intermediates, and only really worth your time if you consider yourself an expert.

Entertainment, Movies/TV/Theaters

TV shows

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Are these T.V. shows worth the hype?

The X Files:

The X Files is a show that started in the 1993, and is still playing today. This T.V show is a sci-fi thriller that follows the lives of two FBI agents, Dana Scully and Fox Mulder. These two agents are best known for their work on cases that showed signs of non-human forces at play, aliens, god, monsters, ect. While agent Mulder was a strong believer in such forces, agent Scully had her doubts.

Now that you know what the show is about you may want to know is it really worth watching? Well we are here to tell you YES!! This show is definitely worth watching. In this show everything is real and committing crimes from God to werewolves to aliens to psychics and much more. The X Files brings to light many thing that you may or may not believe in; whether you do or don’t, in this show, it does exists, which is why it’s so good.

This show combines real world work like the FBI, with extraordinary phenomenons like shape shifters. The X Files is thrilling, funny and a bit steamy and romantic all at the same time. If you have never seen The X Files or are contemplating watching it, then our suggestion to you is GO FOR IT, you won’t be sorry and if you are, well then we don’t know what to tell you.

Another great thing about this show is that it has an abundance of seasons, so you won’t watch it super quickly. The X Files is a show that is 100% worth watching.

Scandal:

Scandal is another interesting show that began in the April of 2012. The show revolves around a character by the name of Olivia Pope. Pope is a former White House Communications Director who starts her own organization to solve the crises of the wealthy and well known. Olivia and her team of gladiators are so good at what they do that people hurry to them, before the police. Olivia can bury someone’s deepest secrets and ultimately solve any chaotic problem placed in her path.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this series is the dirty political vendettas among the people of Washington D.C., along with the continual backstabbing that comes with them. The series is undoubtedly alluring and quite addictive. If, and only if, you’re prepared for a road of enormous secrets and uncanny events, Scandal is the show to watch.

Gossip Girl:

As the show that gave actress Blake Lively her rise to fame, Gossip Girl (2007-2012) has gotten an array of reviews from its audience, and is labeled by many as a “must watch” show. The series centers on the socialites of the Upper East Side of New York, following the scandalous lives of Serena Van Der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf, Nate Arichbald, Dan Humphrey and fan-favorite Chuck Bass.

Going into the show, we expected plain, annoying rich kids arguing over popularity, but was greeted with a much different tale. We can’t reveal too much, but, the twists and turns make the seemingly boring plot interesting. With several different storylines regarding each character, it’s hard to get bored of the same old thing.

The comedy throughout, gives watchers a break from the intense hardships the group faces. We are into binge watching shows, as it takes a lot to keep us interested, but Gossip Girl had us staying up all night waiting for the next ambush. We would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a Netflix binge session.

Entertainment, Movies/TV/Theaters

The Space Between Us review

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We all love going to the movie theater to enjoy a good movie, some popcorn and spending time with people you like, even though you do have to be quiet during the movie. Evelyn, a couple of our friends, and I had the great opportunity of being able to see an advanced screening of The Space Between Us directed by Peter Chelsom.

This movie is about a boy named Gardener, who was born on Mars, who starts talking to a 16-year-old in Colorado named Tulsa. They have an online friendship until Gardner finally gets the chance to go to earth. While he is on his way to earth, he stops talking to Tulsa because there is no way to contact her. She thinks his story is crazy because she doesn’t believe he’s really from Mars.

Once they meet their connection only grows. While Gardener is having the time of his life on earth scientists discover that his organs can’t withstand the atmosphere and he has to go back to Mars. He and Tulsa are on the run from the scientists so he doesn’t have to go back.

While they are on the run from the scientists, they are also trying to find Gardener’s dad, because all he has of him is a picture, and his mom is dead.

“I really enjoyed the movie, it was romantic and cute. I also hated it because it made me cry!” said our friend Michael.

“I liked it because it showed how just because someone is completely different from you that doesn’t mean you just deny them.” said Manuel Perla.

Evelyn and I talked about our thoughts and we really enjoyed it. We both liked how you kinda knew what was going to happen, but it turned out to be something completely different, which was good. We both enjoyed the movie and we both cried.

Overall, we all really enjoyed this movie and would definitely recommend it to anyone! Make sure to check it out on December 16th 2016 when it’s out in all movie theaters.

Movie trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AFjJ7Itetgk

Entertainment

Minnesota Public Radio visit

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Last Friday, on October 21st, me and my good buddy Harley, both aspiring writers, went to the MPR headquarters in downtown St. Paul. I had realized that I probably wouldn’t be able to support myself as a fiction writer, so I thought about being a Political Scientist or a Journalist. My Uncle, Dave Kansas, invited me to a tour. He is the Vice President of MPR, and has published several books.

After being dropped off, me and Harley went through was apparently the back entrance. We went into the lobby, where we met the greeter, a man named Abdul. The lobby was an interesting mix of modern architecture. My Uncle came down to get us, and I introduced Harley to him.

We went up to his room, and offered us some candy from a huge bowl. There was a huge selection, including brands I’ve never seen before. While I did not take any I severely regret it now.

Up in his office, he showed us some metaphorical trophies before the real tour started. He had a political cartoon of himself, several famous articles he wrote back when he worked for the Wall Street Journal, a few posters. He then gave us a copy of one of his books, “The End of Wall Street as we know it.”

We then walked around, and he showed us the offices of many important people, and his army of researchers. I chatted with a few, desiring my interest in politics and fiction. A journalist told me that “it’s hard to tell the difference between the two in this day and age.”

Then we met Tom Weber, and watched live as the editing team worked on an interview. Due to a bureaucratic blunder, we were called down to the lobby to wait for my Uncle, who came 20 minutes later asking where we were. When that cleared up, we went to talk to Jade and later a woman in charge of a reading program, snagging a few books. After that we left.

I would have to say it was a pleasant experience. I am lucky to have connections in the industry I plan to go into.

School Life, Tech/Games

iPad handout

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This week was iPad handout week where students got their iPads during their Social Studies class. Since the district is controlling the iPads this year, some things were changed.

If a student wanted their iPad, their parents had to go on Parent Portal and fill out the form (iUpdate) online. Last year, students were given printed forms to sign which made things easier for those who had no access to Internet.

There were a few complaints about going on Parent Portal. One thing, is that people say the form was hard to find. At max, it took them about 10 minutes to find the form. Another complaint was that the access to Parent Portal was sent in the mail to the person’s residence during the summer. The complaint was that some people didn’t keep their mailing, or that the parents didn’t know they were supposed to keep it for future use.

For those students who didn’t get their iPads, there was a mailing sent to everyone about the iPad makeup day. Students would get another chance to get their iPad once their parents filled out the iUpdate form.

This year’s iPad handout went by surprisingly fast. Hopefully, everyone uses their iPads appropriately.