Category Archives: Entertainment

Pumpkin Spice lattes: Which ones are worth it and which ones aren’t?

September 25, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Norah Hogland & Lily Sheldon

Fall is here; you know what that means! Leaves changing color, Halloween, fall treats, and best of all: Coffee shops have released their fall menus, and we’re here to test them out. We went to three different chain coffee shops to try out the most popular fall drink: the Pumpkin Spice latte.

Starbucks is the most well known stop for the iconic fall drink, selling approximately 20 million Pumpkin Spice lattes every year. But as the drink’s popularity has grown, more coffee shops have started adding the drink to their seasonal menu. People wait all year for this drink, as its popularity has skyrocketed over the last few years. Other coffee shops have started releasing their version of this fall staple, and we are here to see which one is the best.

First, we tried a Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice latte. Some things to note about the Starbucks latte: the pumpkin flavor was not very strong, but still noticeable. It also had a strong coffee flavor, which appeals to some people depending on their taste. It came with whipped cream and spices on the top. The cost of this drink was $6.25, and it was the smallest amount of the 3, though we ordered the same size from each place. Even so, it was a good drink. Overall, we rate this drink a 7.8/10.

Then, we tried an Iced Pumpkin latte from Caribou. This drink had a larger cup than Starbucks, and the cost was only $5.89. Unfortunately, there was no whipped cream or spices on top of this drink, it was just the coffee itself. There was a larger amount of ice compared to the other drinks as well. The latte from Caribou had a stronger pumpkin flavor, and less of a coffee flavor. Another thing to note was that it also had a bit of a fake, artificial flavor to it, which was not exactly pleasant. Overall rating of this drink was 4.66/10.

Lastly, we tried the Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice latte. This drink had the largest cup for a small sized drink. Dunkin’s drink cost $5.89, the same as Caribou. This drink came with the most whipped cream, and it included caramel drizzle, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. This drink was the sweetest tasting of the three, tasted more like pumpkin than Starbucks, but not more than Caribou and was more milky than the other 2. This drink is very sugary and sweet, which some prefer and some don’t. Overall, we rate this drink a 6.8/10.

If you are still wondering which drink you would like most, here are our thoughts:

If you like to stick to the classics, and if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor and a less sweet drink, we would recommend the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte. It is a tasty, solid option for coffee lovers to be in spirit during the fall season.
If you are looking for a more simple, and less expensive option, with no add ons, we would recommend the Caribou latte. The only problem with this one is the strange flavor to it, but some people don’t mind this. Caribou is a good option for pumpkin lovers, as it has the strongest pumpkin flavor out of the 3.
Lastly, the latte from Dunkin’. It’s a sweet, milky drink topped with lots of whipped cream and spices. This latte was more of a treat, so if you don’t love the taste of coffee but love pumpkin and sweetness, then Dunkin’ is the one for you.

If you don’t know your preferences? Try Starbucks, as it is the most neutral and, in our opinion, best tasting out of the three. Or, to get the full experience, try them all!

Tech/Games

‘The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’ is the first main Zelda game where you actually play as Zelda.

September 24, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Munira Ahmadad

In May 2023, Nintendo released ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ (TOTK) which was one of the Switch’s most anticipated games after the success of ‘Breath of the Wild’. Unfortunately, the creators of the game had stated there would be no follow up content or a DLC for TOTK, as they believed that it had everything they had intended it to be on its initial release. While the game was considered amazing, plenty of fans were disappointed that was where it was going to end.

It appears the Zelda developers are serious about moving on from the 2017 ‘Breath of the Wild’ world that remains a fan favorite even half a decade later, as in June 2024, the new main Zelda game had been announced. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’ is scheduled to release on September 26, and it’s style is the same as ‘The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening’, which has led me, and other fans to assume it’s a sequel or set in the same Hyrule as ‘Link’s Awakening’.

One thing that you can immediately notice is different from the other LOZ games when you first watch the trailer is that you do not play as Link in this game, but rather Zelda. This is the first main Zelda game in which you actually play as the princess Zelda. The trailer displays a recurring gameplay mechanic that revolves around collecting items and creating imitation versions that are useful for exploration and combat.

Personally, I am very excited for a new main title game in the series, but I’ve never been a fan of the toy-like and simple graphics. It makes it hard for me to take the gameplay seriously, and it’s indicative to me that the game will be easy. I’m aware Nintendo makes their main games for kids and families, though, so it’s not something I am upset about.

Advice/How To, Travel/Food

Why eggs are the most nutritional breakfast option

September 23, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Max Cahoon

According to the ‘Keck Medicine of USC’s’ Kurt Mong, eggs are a great source of high protein and also have very low calories. Eggs also contain a ton of vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.

Many people eat eggs to maintain or lose weight as well. Research shows that people that eat eggs may lose up to 65% more weight than people that eat their eggs with a bagel, according to ‘Sauder’s Eggs’

People think that what they eat in the morning doesn’t affect your body throughout the day, but it actually does both physically and mentally. Breakfast options like cereal or donuts may slow you down, but eggs improve your physical and mental health for the entire day. This is because of the nutrients/vitamins that are in eggs. Eggs have vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron, which are all huge benefits to your bones and brain.

Eggs are also a protein powerhouse. Eggs are a very good option for people that workout/go to the gym because of the protein. Kirkland brand eggs have 6 grams of protein per egg, meaning if you eat 5 eggs every morning you will already have half of your needed grams of protein for the day, and protein builds muscle.

According to the ‘KRQE’ eggs are America’s favorite breakfast food and around 65% of people throughout the United States eat eggs every morning for breakfast. Eggs are also a very good food to combine other foods with, for example a lot of people will make eggs with sausage or bacon or fruit which makes it into more of a meal.

Another appealing factor about eggs is that there are so many different types of eggs to make, some people even go as far as to say that there are over 100 ways to cook eggs. A couple examples would be scrambled, hard boiled, sunny side up, and omelet, but those are just the popular ones, there’s a ton more that I didn’t mention.

Travel/Food

Guide to the Land Down Under, East Coast

September 20, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Baarika Suresh

Melbourne City – Melbourne, the home of Australian fashion is known for its lively culture and vibrant lifestyle. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, one of the 7 states/territories of Australia. There is live music and jazz clubs around every corner as well as massive shopping malls. There is a free tram to access anything in the inner city circle so you can go anywhere anytime.

The great ocean road is a 240 kilometer long drive that’s west end starts in Victoria, and is where you can see the world’s best coastal views, such as the 12 Apostles.

Katoomba Cascades, Blue Mountains – The Blue Mountains are part of a mountain range called the Great Dividing Range, which ranges all the way from South Australia to Queensland. There are gorgeous walking tracks, beautiful views of the Australian greenery and many fun activities.

There are many local art galleries like the Lost Bear Gallery and cafes and shops nearby as well as the Scenic Skyway which is a cable car ride which glides suspended in the air. It has a 360 panoramic view of the landscape.

Sydney Harbor Bridge – Sydney is actually not the capital of Australia, yet it is the most famous city in Australia. Sydney is known for its beaches, shopping and entertainment. Go to Allianz Stadium where the women’s football World Cup was held last year to catch an A-League soccer game or head to the Sydney cricket stadium to watch the Big Bash League cricket matches.

Sydney never sleeps and people can be seen walking or playing basketball 24/7. Sydney’s most famous beach is Bondi Beach but there are many hidden gems in Sydney’s neighboring town, Newcastle.

Bogey Hole, Newcastle – The beaches of Newcastle are undoubtedly the best beaches in Australia. Red Head, Merewether, Nobbys and Newcastle beaches are beautiful places to visit. Nobbys Beach also has rich Australian history, as the boardwalk was built by the blood and sweat of English convicts. The boardwalk connects the beach to Nobbys Head and Nobbys Lighthouse, which guides ships to the biggest export/import port in Australia.

Next to Merewether Beach is Merewether Baths, which is an outdoor swimming area enclosed from the ocean, but lets in ocean water.

Bogey Hole was dug out by convicts as a private pool for Colonel James Morisett. Now, it’s clear water is open to the public, so that they can enjoy the beautiful views.

Central West – Central West, New South Wales is where the pinnacle of Australian life is. It is just across the Blue Mountains shielded away from the city.

Lake Canobolas (which is actually a dam) is located a half hour drive from Orange City Center and is an amazing place to be. There is a cafe nearby, mini beach, and beautiful walking tracks around the lake. It is in close proximity to The Pinnacle, which is a pretty steep trek up to The Lookout, one of the highest points of elevation in Orange. You can visit Borenore Caves, widely known for its stalactites and stalagmites, or pick your own produce at Huntley Berry Farm, a family owned farm.

Tech/Games

F-18C start up in ‘Digital Combat Simulator’

September 18, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Yohan Lee

‘Digital Combat Simulator’ is an aviation air to combat plane simulation game. You can play it on a PC. Here I will explain how you start an F-18C.

To start the F-18C in ‘Digital Combat Simulator’ you first must have your battery switch in the upright switch near your right console.

Now look at your left console and locate APU and click right to turn it on. You will see the APU ready light has turned green.

Below the APU there is an Engine Crank switch and right-click to put it in the Right Engine Crank.

Now look at your IFEL panel. When you crank your right engine you should see a number moving on the right side of your IFEL panel. That is the right engine. Once the number has reached 25 percent move your right throttle to idle or press RSHIFT+HOME. Your 25 percent should move up to 65 percent. Your engine crank switch should automatically go to the off switch.

Now do the same procedure on the left engine. Left-click engine crank. Left at the IFEL panel. 25 percent, and move your left throttle to idle or RALT+HOME. Check that both engines are at 65 percent.

SCREENS

Now look at both DDI and right-click the top knob to day. Now turn on your HUD by turning the knob next to the IFF. At the bottom, you should see the AMPCD screen. Turn the knob to the right.

FCS AND AVIONICS

On the far left of your left console, you should see your rudder trim. Press the button on the top to put your elevator into takeoff trim.

Near that you should see a FCS Reset Button. Hold that for 5 seconds. Look at your right DDI and press the FCS-MC button.

Take a look at your far right and you should see your FCS-BIT switch. Hold that for 5 seconds then look at your right DDI and press the FCS MC button again. It should say in Test.

Close the canopy or CTRL+C and look down and turn your INS to IFA. At your far left, turn your OBOGS on. Press the FCS MC button again. It should all say GO.

Finally, turn your seat arm and parking brake off.

Movies/TV/Theaters

Review of new ‘Coraline’ remaster

September 17, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Kumari Mia Wijetunge

‘Coraline’ was originally released in 2008 by Henry Selick, and is a movie that contained magical twists and turns that left the viewer with the feeling of being stuck in a dream that felt like a nightmare at some points. This enchanting movie that told the tale of self discovery and bravery has now been reawakened this summer with the release of ‘Coraline’ in remaster.

Coraline’ tells the story of a young girl who finds a parallel universe behind a small door that’s in her new home “The Pink Palace”. Once she travels to the new world that inherently seems to have everything she’s ever wanted it soon turns into a dark and twisted nightmare that’s come to life. The remaster gives a new twist to the film’s complex visuals.

The remaster of the original ‘Coraline’ brings new life into the beautifully crafted stop motion animation which is a key part of the magical storytelling that this movie immerses the viewers in. The visual appeal to this movie is off the charts characterized by its bright, yet otherworldly color palette, and incredibly detailed character designs and sets that creates a captivating dream-like feel.

The audio remastering also plays a huge role in this re-release. The film’s hauntingly beautiful sounds by Bruno Coulais and its crisp sound design are heard with newfound clarity and depth. The atmospheric and eerie sound has a way of wrapping around the viewer’s head. The sonic enhancement adds an extra layer of engagement making the film’s already eerie moments even more chilling.

While this remaster was a long awaited film for long time fans it offered a new opportunity for newer fans to experience the magic of ‘Coraline’. The visuals and audio make this film an ideal introduction for younger audiences who may have missed the film’s original release.

The remaster of ‘Coraline’ is not only a nostalgic trip but is a celebration of a classic that brought so much joy to long time fans and allowed them to relive it all again. With the visuals and audio of this movie it offered a rich experience of Selick’s beautiful work. For both old time fans and new ones ‘Coraline in Remaster’ is a chance to rediscover, or discover the movie for the first time. Overall, it is a truly exceptional piece of animated cinema I would give it a 10/10.

Unfortunately, ‘Coraline in Remaster’ is not in theaters at this time, but you can see the original version on multiple streaming services.

Music/Concerts

Album review: ‘K-12’ by Melanie Martinez

September 13, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Beverly Stinson

‘K-12’ is the 2nd studio album released by alt pop singer Melanie Martinez. It was released on September 6th, 2019 with 13 songs and was accompanied by a musical based movie, written and directed by Melanie herself along with some other people.

‘K-12’ is my favorite album ever and I’m giving my honest opinion on every song.

Tracklist

Wheels on the Bus
Class Fight
The Principal
Show and Tell
Nurses Office
Drama Club
Strawberry Shortcake
Lunchbox Friends
Orange Juice
Detention
Teachers Pet
High School Sweethearts
Recess

It continues the story of the character Crybaby and her experience at a sleepaway school, following Melanie’s debut album titled ‘Crybaby’. Crybaby is a pretty complex character that is based off of both Melanie’s experiences with life and other peoples’ experiences.

I also just want to state that the videos are tied to the movie so you could watch it and see all the music videos there and that I won’t be getting into detail about the lore and meanings of all the songs.

And lastly, I want to say that Mel goes by she/they pronouns so I will kind of be switching between the two for different songs.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Song #1: Wheels on the Bus

Warnings: suggestive language, profanity, drug use

Wheels on the Bus music video

Wheels on the Bus lyrics

“Wheels on the Bus” is one of my favorite songs. I used to listen to it everyday on repeat and watch the music video.

It’s not one of the most popular songs on the album but I personally feel it’s important to the story and the album and definitely deserves more recognition.

I believe it signifies coming of age as it shows Crybaby going to school for the first time and immediately experiencing bullying as well as “First love” and just the chaos of school.

One of my favorite things about this song is the obvious reference to the song “Wheels on the Bus” and the samples Melanie adds from it.

8/10

Song #2: Class Fight

Warnings: violence, suggestive language, drug use (in the movie)

Class Fight music video

Class Fight lyrics

At one point, “Class Fight” was my favorite Melanie song, it really had me in a chokehold when ‘K-12’ came out. I would watch fan made music videos and the actual music video itself over and over.

I love the music, lyrics, and meaning, just everything about it.

In the movie there’s the fight scene which is honestly one of my favorite scenes in the movie, it’s not very long but it’s an interesting scene and probably my favorite time Crybaby showcases her powers.

9/10

Song #3: The Principal

Warnings: drug use, profanity, transphobia (in the movie)

The Principal music video

The Principal lyrics

“The Principal” isn’t a song I’d say is my favorite but it’s still an amazing song. I love the lyrics and the music video.

I feel like this song kinda resonates with me a little because I used to be considered a “gifted” and “talented” kid and throughout the years I ended up burning out from all the expectations and work pushed on me.

I do really love this song and it definitely deserves more recognition.

8/10

Song #4: Show and Tell

Warnings: violence, profanity

Show and Tell music video

Show and Tell lyrics

“Show and Tell” focuses more on Melanie’s experience as a growing artist.

It’s an amazing song and it was so popular at the time of release and for good reason, more people need to hear about how they make artists feel.

In the song they talk about how they feel pressured and used by their toxic fans. They have people pressuring them to make more music and have people taking pictures of them without permission. They express how they don’t feel like they can really talk about how their toxic fans make them feel because they think their fans won’t like them anymore.

The video for it visualizes how Melanie feels like they’re some sort of puppet in the music industry and that’s really creative.

10/10

Song #5: Nurses Office

Warnings: drugging, violence, profanity

Nurses Office music video

Nurses Office lyrics

“Nurses Office” was a song that really started to hit me in 7th grade.

It basically talks about how bullying may affect a person so much that they don’t want to attend class or even be in school in general and how schools don’t really do much about it. Crybaby is a character that is shown to be treated very harshly by other students and isn’t helped by teachers. To get away from it she goes to the nurse’s office since that’s the only place she can go.

I do love this song and relate to it on a personal level and Mel actually said it was their favorite on the album which makes it more special.

9/10

Song #6: Drama Club

Warnings: violence, gore (in the movie), profanity, misogyny (in the movie)

There’s no YouTube music video link for some reason

Drama Club lyrics

“Drama Club” has always been a favorite for me. I absolutely loved the video for this song as well as the lyrics.

The video is actually so sick, it has another one of my favorite scenes where Crybaby uses her powers and gives more of a glimpse of how powerful she really is.

It’s a pretty slow paced song but I feel like every album needs 1 or 2 slower songs with all the fast paced ones. It also reminds me of like 5th grade since I listened to it the most during that time.

10/10

Song #7: Strawberry Shortcake

Warnings: body dysmorphia, bullying, implications of sexual assault, sorta nudity (in the movie), misogyny

Strawberry Shortcake music video

Strawberry Shortcake lyrics

“Strawberry Shortcake” is my 4th favorite song on the album. I really relate to some parts of it as the lyrics talk about some things I go through.

This is another song that I feel might be about Melanie’s experiences but also just the subject in general. They talk about how sexism and misogyny affected them and I think about how some people made them feel about their body.

Sexism and body dysmorphia are two really heavy subjects and Melanie talks about heavy things like that all the time. They’ve never really held back on the subject and I can tell it means a lot to them.

It references how society tells women or AFAB’s (Assigned Female At Birth) that it’s their fault for getting hurt because of their clothing or the way they look.

“Strawberry Shortcake” is definitely an underrated song and it deserves way more recognition and love than it has.

10/10

Song #8: Lunchbox Friends

Warnings: profanity, sexual language, mentions of drugs, mentions of death (metaphorically)

Lunchbox Friends music video

Lunchbox Friends lyrics

“Lunchbox Friends” is one of the most popular songs on the album. It’s a song that I started relating to in 7th grade.

This song is about fake friends; in the movie the group of popular girls invites Crybaby over to sit with them at lunch and pretend to be her friends but in reality they’re just going to end up leaving her.

This is one song that I kind of involuntarily think too much about the meaning. It does genuinely make me sad when listening to it and thinking of people it reminds me of. Even so, I still love it and it will forever be one of my favorites on ‘K-12’

10/10

Song #9: Orange Juice

Warnings: eating disorders, body dysmorphia, slight gore (in the movie)

Orange juice music video

Orange juice lyrics

“Orange Juice” is a song that didn’t hit with me at first but after watching the movie and listening to the song so many times it eventually made its way to my second favorite on the album.

This song speaks about eating disorders and self hate as well as self love and acceptance. This song helped me through my own eating disorder and helped me feel more seen about my insecurities. And I honestly owe a lot of my progress with my health to Melanie and her songs, this being a big one.

“Orange Juice” is a really good song and it speaks on a big issue that a lot of people don’t ever want to talk about. It’s definitely a song that means a lot to me.

10/10

Song #10: Detention

Warnings: profanity

Detention music video

Detention lyrics

“Detention” is a song that I recently started to like more, I don’t know why I never fully listened to it though. I like the lyrics and the music and it’s all very catchy but for some reason it didn’t stick to me until like 4 years later. But as of right now, it’s my 3rd favorite on the album. I really love the music video; I feel like it’s really satisfying to watch.

I relate to this song on a huge level. It’s insane. Since 7th grade school hasn’t exactly been the most positive experience for me and I never really had any help or guidance.

There’s a lyric at the beginning of the song that talks about something I think most students experience, which is coming to school early in the morning with less than 7 hours of sleep, and some teachers expecting you to have a bright smile and positive attitude. That’s just something I think is a pet peeve for everyone.

10/10

Song #11: Teachers Pet

Warnings: grooming, profanity, suggestive language

Teachers Pet music video

Teachers Pet lyrics

“Teachers Pet” is an amazing song, it deals with an insanely heavy topic that definitely isn’t talked about enough.

I’m not going to add any of the lyrics but basically what the song is about is a teacher preying on one of Crybaby’s friends Angelita. It’s obviously based on pedophilila and grooming in the school system and how it’s underlooked.

In the song it kinda talks about how it actually feels to be the victim in this situation. She mentions Angelita feeling like a spider trapped in a cage, representing her feeling trapped in the relationship as well as hating the teacher but still not being able to leave.

Obviously, like I said, it’s a very heavy topic and that might be why some people don’t like it but it’s still such a good song.

9/10

Song #12: High School Sweethearts

Warnings: violence, profanity, suggestive language

High School Sweethearts music video

High School Sweethearts lyrics

Okay, so, “Highschool Sweethearts” is my overall favorite Mel song out of all her albums and my favorite song ever made. I’m so obsessed with the music and the lyrics and how I feel it represents me.

I might be exaggerating but I really feel like this is one of the songs i relate to more than every other song, like ever. It genuinely means so much to me.

I love the lyrics but I wanna say that the music video/scene is everything to me, the choreography is, I think, my favorite I’ve ever seen and the video is my favorite music video ever. I just love everything about it and the song in general. I cried hearing it live; it was a very important moment for me.

This is such an important song to me and it will forever be my favorite.

100/10

Song #13: Recess

Warnings: profanity

Recess music video

Recess lyrics

“Recess” is the last song on the album, and I love it so much.

This song is basically about being brave enough to take a break when things get too overwhelming in your life.

I feel like this definitely goes back to the school system and how they pressure kids. Having them take so many classes with so much work and expecting them all to be smart and understanding of all the information being pushed in their faces at one time.

It’s good for people to get reminders that they don’t have to cause themselves so much stress at one time and that they are allowed to take breaks for their own well-being because it’s so important.

This is one of Melanie’s least popular songs which I don’t understand because it’s so good. It definitely deserves way more recognition.

10/10

Overall, this album is so amazing and honestly doesn’t have any bad songs. I love that every song has a deep meaning and spreads a message.

Melanie has been one of my favorite creators since I was 7-8 years old and I love seeing her go from being on ‘The Voice’ to making her own music and spreading amazing messages and love. She was the most influential person in my childhood and she’s still a major influence now. She’s the reason why I got into writing and helped guide my start with activism.

This album really means so much to me because I relate to so much of it. And it’s a piece that should be so much more popular. It speaks about a lot of big topics that I’d say most artists wouldn’t even dare to touch. That’s something really special about it and Mel.

There is also a deluxe version of the album which adds the songs from her EP ‘After school’ which you should also check out, my favorite is “Brain + Heart”.

Lastly, I want to say how perfect the movie is. I’ve seen it so many times and it’s one of my favorite movies. It’s crazy to think about the fact that Mel wrote it, directed it, and starred as the main character. That’s not an easy thing to do and it just shows how talented she is.

I really do recommend you watch the movie! Here’s the link to it:

K-12 the movie

I hope you take the time to listen to it and show your support for Melanie and the messages and love she’s trying to send to everyone.

-Beverly

Music/Concerts

Music artists I highly recommend giving a listen to

September 6, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Julia Yang

We all like music, and if you say you don’t, you’re a liar. Everyone has different tastes in music with bias to various genres like pop, rock, country, and rap. I’d tell you what my taste is, but I listen to anything that sounds good. That’s not the point though, the point is that I’m sharing the artists I listen to so that you may expand your horizons and they can gain more support. Who knows, you might even enjoy these artists more than I do.

These are not ranked in any specific order.

#1 AJR

A little bit of a controversial opinion, but I love AJR. I don’t know why people hate them so much.

AJR is a good artist to listen to if you enjoy songs that speak upon unspoken issues like the feeling of watching the world go by whilst you haven’t changed, or being a good person all of the time but never gaining anything out of doing so. They’re sad topics, but the songs are usually really upbeat.

AJR music is usually loud, uses unusual instruments, and odd structure— but I think that’s what really sets them apart from everyone else.

#2 Will Wood (And The Tapeworms)

Will Wood (And The Tapeworms), more artists that touch upon topics that other artists don’t. They talk about feeling conflicted with self identity and advocates for understanding and acceptance, wishing for some kind of connection with the increasingly fragmented world.

Will Wood (And The Tapeworms) are a band that blend elements of rock, jazz, and cabaret into all of their songs. I will say, the sound of these songs are extremely unusual. Not in a bad way, they’re just not your usual day-to-day songs. Again, something that makes them stand out.

#3 Dagames

Dagames is an artist known to make fan made songs for popular games, one of which being “Build Our Machine” based off of ‘Bendy and the Ink Machine’— his most popular and known song. Putting aside the game songs, he also makes his own songs without building off a game! But, if you don’t play or enjoy popular games for whatever reason, this isn’t really the artist for you, obviously. Even so, you can also just ignore the whole game aspect and just enjoy the songs.

He usually makes songs that consist of metal and electronic elements, they’re usually loud and aggressive— but in a good way. Most of his songs made for games are fueled from the possible anger that the characters feel, so as one would, they’re all loud and aggressive. Love him for that.

#4 Ricky Montgomery

Something about this guys voice is incredible, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Ricky Montgomery is an alternative and indie artist who is quite popular in a variety of communities around social media. His music tends to tell wonderfully emotional stories in such a way that people can connect to them on a variety of levels— kind of like how people can connect to drawings and paintings; they’re all forms of art after all.

Ricky’s music can really get you in the feels, that’s all I can say, really.

Music/Concerts

‘Snow Angel’ album review

June 5, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Sophia Elmstrom

‘Snow Angel’ is Reneé Rapp’s debut album with only an EP out called ‘Everything to Everyone’. This album came out November 2023 and it is about 48 minutes long in total with 16 songs.

Reneé Rapp has recently gained a new level of popularity from the ‘Mean Girls’ remake which is a musical. Reneé was in ‘Mean Girls’ on Broadway and was an actor before she started her singing career. She is very popular among many teens from this movie and a majority of her fans are also musical theater fans.

The 16 songs on this album are:

Talk Too Much
I Hate Boston
Poison Poison
Gemini Moon
Snow Angel
So What Now
The Wedding Song
Pretty Girls
Tummy Hurts
I Wish
Willow
23
Messy
I Do
Swim
Tummy Hurts (feat. Coco Jones)

My two favorite songs on this album are “Talk Too Much” and “Messy”. The most popular songs on this album are “Poison Poison” which became popular because of TikTok and “Tummy Hurts” which also became popular because of TikTok.

All of the songs on this album are very good especially because of Reneé’s vocals and how great her voice sounds. She has a very powerful voice which sounds amazing in person and on the album and these vocals are mostly shown on the song “Snow Angel”.

The reason I love the song “Talk Too Much” is because I like the beat and the lyrics a lot. She has a point in the song where she starts talking a lot and I think it is clever to do that in a song called “Talk Too Much”. This song is about how she is scared that she talks too much and she is basically overthinking this relationship. I give this song a 10/10.

I also love the song “Messy” for some of the same reasons. This song is also about overthinking and how when she isn’t with this person all she thinks about is the relationship. I give this song a 9/10.

Overall, I really like this album and I believe that the vocals are amazing. I think that there are no bad songs on the album and I think she did a great job on ‘Snow Angel’. This album is full of a lot of upbeat and poppy songs and there aren’t many slow songs. I give this album an 8/10.

Editorials/Student Voice, Tech/Games

Impact of virtual reality on gaming

June 4, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Hyde Moua

Virtual reality is a multi-dimensional artificial environment for video games. This has transformed our imaginative worlds of gaming into existence through artificial environments that we can interact with using virtual reality headsets.

The purpose of virtual reality being made was to create an immersive experience that can be used to explore an environment that helps to educate or entertain the user that is playing. Because of this, virtual reality has revolutionized gaming by offering a more immersive experience when playing games, allowing players to physically interact with the environment.

Virtual reality transforms traditional gaming by allowing users to engage games with an unmatchable level of realism. Virtual reality games are usually task based games, with challenges similar to real world problems and the players are tasked with finding solutions or opportunities to finish their task for a reward. Other games are based around having you save your own virtual character. Virtual reality also brings opportunities for people to interact online; people have created games online solely to interact with other people.

Virtual reality is an ever-evolving field, with revolutions in the future that may enhance the immersive experiences of players and the potential to change the players’ engagement and gaming experiences of virtual reality. Virtual reality is playable on any electronic device, like phones, tablets, console devices, and pc’s.

In my opinion, virtual reality has drastically changed how gaming is today because we can experience realistic virtual spaces that act and behave similar to the real world. I really enjoy playing VR games because it feels much more immersive than traditional gaming which I can enjoy playing alone, or with friends. Either way, virtual reality is a huge step in gaming and I am really grateful that virtual reality was created because it is an experience that you could never forget.