Category Archives: Entertainment

Highland Winter Arts Show

Highland Park Senior High is having a Winter Arts Show at Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church (2149 Edgcumbe Rd, St Paul, MN 55116).

The art show will take place from February 14th to March 14th, Tuesdays through Wednesdays, from 1pm to 4pm, and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm

This art show will be showing paintings, photographs, sculptures, and anything artsy. The art show is to represent Highland’s art department, and to bring Highland into the community. Also, it is for connecting and promoting the accomplishments of students. Everyone is welcome: parents, children, and anyone who knows about this can come.


March horoscopes for Zodiac signs

Capricorn (12/22 – 01/19)

March is the month of health for you. Focus on your physical and mental health. Make a beneficial change in your routine. Go to the gym or incorporate healthier alternatives in your diet. Better yourself, and accept love. This is a good month for romance, with feelings blooming around the full moon on the 23rd. Open your heart while making sure that these new beginnings are healthy for you.

Aquarius (01/20 – 02/18)

March is the month to recognize your power. Realize the role you play in situations and the effect you have on others. Take responsibility for your part in conflicts this March and try to make peace in a stressful situation that may arise.

Pisces (02/19 – 03/20)

March is the month to find balance. Instability may become a problem this month for you, do your best to find a way to cope and steady these outside stressors. Focus on your goals and find a balance in order to accomplish them.

Aries (03/21 – 04/20)

March is your month for self-control. Urges and impulsive behavior will be your biggest self conflict. Focus on the positives and remember that feelings and emotions aren’t always reasonable. Remember to use your logic and common sense. Keep level headed and you could do big things this month.

Taurus (04/21 – 5/20)

March is the month to focus on your career and goals. Work for what you want in life and earn what you receive. However, make sure while doing this you don’t isolate yourself and get consumed within your craft. In your spare time, spend quality times with understanding friends. People who accept your newly busy lifestyle are the ones to keep around during this time.

Gemini (05/21 – 06/21)

March is the month of new beginnings. Take risks and try new things. Find new hobbies, interests in career paths, and social atmospheres. Go new places and reach new levels in your life. If you have a dream this is your time to chase it. Run on your ambition this month.

Cancer (06/22 – 07/22)

March is the time to find your inner peace. Complications will overwhelm you. The little things may begin to add up and you will feel as if all the weight is on your shoulders. You may need to find a source of relaxation. Try things like working out, meditation, a musical instrument, a painting class. Find your outlet. This is a time of acceptance for what things truly are.

Leo (07/23 – 08/22)

March is the month of insight. Listen to yourself and process your observations on a deeper level. This will help you when having to read the people around you and making judgements on their intentions. Protect yourself but make sure not to come to conclusions too fast. Insight is not factual.

Virgo (08/23 – 09/22)

March is the month of good vibrations. Within yourself and those around you. Release a good aura and it will influence those around you to as well. There will be some complicated situations that may arise near the end of the month. If you don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed, these issues will soon resolve themselves.

Libra (09/23 – 10/22)

March is the month of expression. Share your thoughts and feelings, show your true personality, be bold with your moves, and make positive statements. You have a voice and this is your time to use it. You may find that people in your life have more of an interest in your opinions than you once thought.

Scorpio (10/23 – 11/21)

March is the month to follow your dreams. Whatever you set out in life to do should be pursued. You have the determination and drive. Make your dreams a reality. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Just be sure that it is a healthy decision and will benefit your life. Avoid making reckless moves that will throw you off track.

Sagittarius (11/22 – 12/21)

March is the month to embrace things. You can’t control everything around you and some things won’t change no matter what you try. Acceptance is key for a content life with moments of happiness. It is okay to be proactive, but sometimes you just need to go with the flow and see where it takes you.

Making a Murderer

Making a Murderer is new Netflix television series based on the trials of Steven Avery. 

Avery was originally imprisoned for 18 years by the State Wisconsin for rape, a crime he did not commit. Because of his false imprisonment, Avery was planning to sue the Manitowoc police department for $36 million dollars, but was accused of the death of Teresa Halbach before his case could be resolved.

Avery was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of photographer, Teresa Halbach in 2005, though he says he is not guilty and that “The murder is still out there.”  

On Halloween, 2005 Halbach went to Avery’s property to take photographs of cars for sale, when she was mysteriously murdered. Avery’s nephew, Brendan Dassey confessed that he helped his uncle kill Halbach, but later confessed that he was lying. Dassey was also sentenced to life in prison.

The Manitowoc police department found a lot of evidence that pointed towards Steven Avery being guilty of the death of Teresa Halbach, but he is still fighting for his freedom.

This series will take you through the trial of Steven Avery, and go further into the details of the Teresa halbach case. 

My experience with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is released on February 5, 2016 in theaters across America. The film stars Lily James, Douglas Booth, Matt Smith, Sam Riley, and Bella Heathcote.

The Jane Austen novel of young love and pride takes place in 19th century England. This film, directed by Burr Steers, honors Austen’s original story, only Buur adds one more complication to the love story-an army of hungry zombies.

Highland Park High School was contacted by a producer from the film offering the Plaid Line staff two tickets to see the premiere of the film at MOA as well as the opportunity to participate in a nation wide conference call with the cast. Excited, I, and another writer, John Edwards, accepted the invitation and saw the premiere.

The movie was exactly what you think it might be, a strong and independent woman who falls victim to prejudice daily but somehow falls in love with the same man that oppresses her, all the while fighting the never ending war against zombies.

The day after the premiere we were told that we could participate in a press conference where we could ask the cast questions about the movie. The press conference was scheduled to take place at 2:30 and last till three. My fellow writer and I racked out a few questions we were eager to ask and report back to our fellow readers. Patiently we sat next to the phone listening to the smooth jazz that reminded us we were on hold; for half an hour. It wasn’t till after four “thank you for waiting”’s and a few minutes after three did the press conference begin.

We were instructed to press a pattern of buttons and wait for an operator to ask our questions. If we did that, we couldn’t listen to the cast answering questions from a few writers who were fortunate enough to be able to ask a question. A few questions later, we thought we finally had our turn; the operator had our name and we had our question ready. That was when the host of the conference said “Thank you for participating in the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies press conference…” and that was it. Fifteen minutes of listening to redundant questions, struggling to figure out the procedure to ask our own, all the while the holding-jazz-music was laying in the back of our heads.

So overall, we would give the movie itself, 3.5 stars out of 5 due to its cheesiness, and lack of originality.

As for the conference call, we would rate that experience 0 out of 5 stars. Overall, not worth the time invested.

Things to do if you’re single on Valentine’s Day

Valentines Day is known as the day you spend with the person you love. However, if you don’t have that special someone, here are some ideas to show and express your love for yourself or friends/family in your life.

Hit the clubs

Go out and party with some friends and give yourself the opportunity to even other singles doing the same as yourself.

Go out to dinner

Spend the evening with someone in a different position in your life that you love, like a family member or some close friends.

Binge watch chick-flick movies on Netflix

Get a bucket of ice cream or a comfort food of your own and watch a bunch of sappy romance movies.

Ask someone on a casual date

If you don’t feel like being lonely on this special day, ask someone that you have interest in on a friendly first date. Who knows, there might be potential.

Treat yourself

Splurge on something that you’ve wanted for a while. Maybe go to a spa, get your nails done, or take a nice warm bath along with a bath bomb. Do what makes you feel good.

Have a singles party

Throw a little get together with other single friends and ask them to bring a snack. Be sure to have a combination of activities, like movies or interactive games.

Get out of town

Go on a spontaneous, quick, getaway trip to somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit.

Share the love

Send a cute sentimental gift, big or little, it doesn’t matter. Perfect for friend or family member that you have love for.

Appreciate the single life

Recognize the benefits of being single and independent at this time in your life.

Volunteer

Nothing spreads love more than some volunteer work for those in need. Giving back in your community is important.

Virtual Reality

The next big step in electronics is planned to be released this year in 2016. Virtual Reality (VR) headsets are headsets that allow the user to feel like like they are in a variety of situations. At the moment there are few companies that produce VR headsets. The main VR headsets include the Oculus Rift which is produced by Facebook, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, and Sony’s Morpheus.
While most of the VR headsets will be quite pricey, Samsung Gear VR offers a cheaper form of VR. Samsung Gear VR is priced at around $99. Samsung Gear VR allows the user to use their Samsung smartphone as the screen for the headset, however not all Samsung smartphones will work with the Samsung Gear VR.

At the other end of the VR spectrum you have Facebook’s Oculus Rift. Oculus Rift focuses more on quality. Oculus Rift is not yet out in the market, however on its website, you can pre-order the Oculus Rift for $599.

Many skeptics believe Virtual Reality will not become a big part of the future of technology due to the high prices, and because VR companies mainly target gamers. However, despite popular beliefs, VR headsets have a variety of uses other than games. Other than feeling as though the user is in a game, VR users can watch movies and television, visit significant landmarks, ect. Virtual Reality also can be used for purposes other than entertainment, such as military training, construction, education, medical purposes, and more.

For more virtual reality uses visit: http://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality-applications/

Movie review

I recently saw the movie The Forest at Regal Brooklyn Center Stadium 20.

The movie is about a girl who goes to Japan after her twin sister disappears. Sara (Natalie Dormer) becomes determined to find out what happened to her sister. Sara’s investigation leads her to the legendary Aokigahara Forest (suicide forest), located at the base of Mount Fuji. Accompanied by expatriate Aiden, she enters the mysterious wilderness after being warned to “stay on the path.” Her investigation brings her into a dark world where the angry and tormented souls of the dead prey on those who dare to explore the forest.

Overall, it’s a good movie. On a scale from 1-10 I give it a 8.5 because it has slow parts and is sort of boring in some parts but overall it’s a great film filled with scary scenes that will make you jump.

I recommend this film to people who like paranormal movies.

Valentine’s Day treats

Valentine’s Day is a day meant to be spent with the people you love, but it could also be spent with the sweets you love. With typically red and pink colors, Valentine’s Day has inspired many unique and delicious treats that you can make. Below is a list of some ideas, with links to the recipe:

Red Velvet Heart Sandwich Cookies

These are a creative yummy way to make heart shaped cookies with shortbread and cream cheese icing.

Recipe: http://www.raspberricupcakes.com/2011/07/red-velvet-melting-moments.html

Valentine’s Day Sorbet Sandwiches

Icy, tart, and refreshing. A delicious treat with chocolate outsides for you chocolate lovers.

Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/873348/valentine-sorbet-sandwiches

Red Velvet Milkshakes

A thick, rich, flavorful dessert drink, perfect for those sweet sugar cravings.

Recipe: http://pizzazzerie.com/recipes/drinkscocktails/mini-red-velvet-milkshakes-for-valentines-day/

Conversation Heart Cheesecakes

An extravagant way to show your love to that special someone.

Recipe: http://hungryhappenings.com/2012/02/sweet-valentines-day-dessert.html/

Pecan and Cherry Linzer Cookies

A delicious and rather simple cookie to show cute Valentine’s Day spirit.

Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/354785/pecan-linzer-cookies-cherry-filling

New television shows In 2016

Are you sick of old boring shows, or are just looking for something great to watch? From adventure, crime, reality, comedy and suspense, here is a list of new attention getting T.V. series in 2016!

Shadowhunters  Shadowhunters is an upcoming television series based on The Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare. It aired on January 12, 2016 on ABC Family. Starring: Matthew Daddario, Katherine McNamara, Isaiah Mustafa, Alberto Rosende, Dominic Sherwood. With such an interesting cast and plot this series will have you on the edge of your seat throughout all the shocking adventures that are sure to come. http://www.shadowhunterstv.com/Cast

Zoe Ever After is a sitcom series starring Brandy Norwood, Ignacio Serricchio, Dorian Missick, Haneefah Wood, Tory Devon Smith, and Jaylon Gordon. It’s about a woman (Brandy Norwood) who was recently divorced, and starts her own cosmetics company. It aired on January 5, 2015 on BET! http://www.bet.com/shows/zoe-ever-after.html

The Shannara Chronicles is an adaptation of The Sword of Shannara Trilogy books by Terry Brooks. With the amazing cast of Manu Bennett, Poppy Drayton, Aaron Jakubenko, Ivana Baquero, John Rhys-Davies,  and Austin Butler this adventurous series is one that you won’t want to miss. The Shannara Chronicles aired on January 5, 2015 on MTV. http://www.mtv.com/shows/shannara

American Crime Story is an American T.V. series that is based off true crimes that happened in America. This suspenseful show aired on January 6, 2015 on ABC. Starring: Felicity Huffman, Timothy Hutton, Regina King, and Richard Cabra. These twisted actions will have you counting down the days till the next episode! http://abc.go.com/shows/american-crime

The Real Housewives of Potomac follows the upscale lives, Gizelle Bryant, Katie Rost, Karen Huger, Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, Robyn Dixon, and Ashley Darby, all of whom have fought for their places in this society by way of legacy or marriage. In a town where entry is granted only through class, pedigree, and lineage, how far will these ladies go to secure their spot. Aired on Bravo on January 17, 2016.  http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-potomac