Category Archives: Entertainment

Baseball, Entertainment

MLBaseball is right around the corner

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With spring training starting up mid-way though February we know baseball season is right around the corner. The 2016 Major League Baseball season is tentatively set to begin on April 3, 2016. The season is going to start with a Sunday night World Series rematch between the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. The regular season is scheduled to end on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The schedule was released in September 2015.

At the start of spring training, there’s been movement in the World Series futures as the Toronto Blue Jays now have the best odds of any American League team to win the World Series. Slow down though before placing a wager on the Jays, as history isn’t on their side. Over the last 20 years, only two teams who’ve lost in the ALCS or NLCS went on to win the World Series the following year. That’s only two of 40 teams, giving the Jays a whopping 5% chance based on the results since the Wild Card era began in 1995.

Entertainment

Plane spotting

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Don’t you just hate getting stuck seated next to that guy on the plane? The person who can take one look at a jet and knows right away which company manufactured it and which family it belongs to, but can also throw in some random facts about its performance. With so many online resources allowing aviation fanatics to track planes and share their favorite photos and experiences, plane-spotting has become a more alluring hoby than ever. Ready to grab your binoculars?

Here are some tips and tricks to get you started.

Identifying an airplane from a distance is a skill that comes with familiarity and the only way to gain that is to be around airports and ogling at airplanes as regularly as one could. According to planespotting.com “There is of course the overall shape of the airplane to note, but there comes a point where one plane looks like another. So there are other details that one could look to for clues.”

Where to begin?  

Matt Falcus, founder of the web site airportspoting.com, and author of World Airports Spotting Guides, says it can get tricky because many airliners do indeed look similar, especially those built by Airbus and Boeing, the two main manufacturers. However, you can start to distinguish airliners by the number of engines they have, or by whether they are a large long-haul aircraft which travel long distances, or a short/medium haul aircraft which travel on domestic or regional fights.

There are also clues in the shape of the nose, tail position, wing shape, number of doors, the landing gear, the position of the horizontal stabilizer near the tail and even the shape of the cockpit windows.

If you’re close enough to see the registration number, located on the side of the plane near the tail, a quick online search will give you plenty of details on the aircraft, including when it was made and by which manufacturer, which airlines have flown it and the type of engines it’s fitted with.

At the end of the day plane spotting is an interesting hobby, and I feel as if everyone should at least try it and see if they like it.

Travel/Food

Shamrock shake

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It’s that time of year again, when people start looking forward to drinking green frosty drinks. I looked at three shamrock shake recipes, a regular shake, a diet shake, and a lactose free shake.

The first recipe I wanted to look at was the traditional shamrock shake. It looks super easy and you might just have the the stuff to make it in your home. Here is what you need:

  • 3 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1 3/4 cup whole milk
  •  1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • green food coloring
  • whipped cream and cherry (if wanted)

In a blender put in ice cream, whole milk, peppermint extract and food coloring.

Mix until smooth.

When adding food coloring add just a few drops.

In this case a little goes a long way.

The next recipe I looked at was a diet shake. What you will need is:

  • 3 1/2 bananas
  • 5 spinach leaves
  • 1 tablespoon mini chocolate
  • 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 tablespoon low-fat wiped cream

Put all the stuff in a blender and mix it up. With the food coloring a little goes a long way. If you feel that you are having a hard time hiding the spinach leaves with the amount of peppermint extract just add a little more at a time to hide the taste.

The last recipe I looked at was a lactose free shamrock shake. What you will need is:

  • 2 cups vanilla soy milk ice cream
  • 1  1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond breeze
  • 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
  • 8 drops food coloring

Mix in blender until smooth.

Books/Art, School Life

Highland Winter Arts Show

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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.


Advice/How To, Entertainment

March horoscopes for Zodiac signs

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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.

Entertainment, News

Making a Murderer

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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. 

Entertainment, Movies/TV/Theaters

My experience with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

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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.

Advice/How To, Entertainment

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

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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.

Entertainment, News

Virtual Reality

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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/