Get rid of those unwanted gifts

4January 2013Hi Times Issue 4 Vol. 104

Out with the old and

By Cassandra NickersonStaff Writer

When staring at a delicate-ly wrapped gift topped with a bow and some ribbon, the mind can create a million dif-ferent things the object could be. Anticipation kicks in and the present get torn open. But when one looks at what was just unwrapped, their face turns from a look of joy to ut-ter disappointment. When one receives a gift that is unwanted, what does one do? Some people put on a fake smile, say “thank you” and toss the gift to the side, only to be thrown in the bottom of a closet later and not be seen for years. Others simply say they don’t like the gift. “Even if you don’t like a gift, you should acknowledge that someone took their time to buy you a present. Pretend to like it, because no one likes a Scrooge,” said sophomore Er-nesto Sandoval. If hurting someone’s feelings isn’t on the top of ones “to do” list, then go ahead and put on that fake smile and say “thank you.” Then turn around and donate the gift to charity, they will always be glad to accept it. Another option would be

to re-gift it. If someone else wanted what was received, or they might have a use for it, wrap it up again and deliver it to them. “Anything besides hand-made gifts that were made just for you, because that can be hurt-ful,” said Sandoval. If it seems rude to not keep the gift, one could always re-purpose it. Be creative and use imagination. Depending on what the gift is, the possibili-ties of what it could be made into are endless. “I got a fishing pole on year for Christmas and I don’t even fish. So I pretended like I liked it, but then I put it in my barn and I haven’t touched it since,” said sophomore Hunter West-phal. Maybe one has a grandma that insists upon buying clothes that one has no intentions of ever wearing. Keep all the clothes, and then make some-thing such as a quilt out of all the clothes. This is a good and creative way of turning years of gifts into something mean-ingful, instead of just tossing it to the side like it never meant anything. Whatever the situation may be, remember that the pres-ent being received was well thought out by someone and they want it to be special.

By Jenna DiehlEditor-in-Chief

The saying goes, out with the old and in with the new. That’s exactly what starting a new year is all about, leaving those old, out of date things behind in the previous year. Recently Twitter has seen a new trend. Twitter users will “tweet” things they think should be left in 2012 and “hashtag” “leave it in 2012.” Certain items that have been tweeted on the page are YOLO, Gangnam Style, snapbacks, stripy leg-gings, Uggs, jokes about Hollister’s electricity bill, buying Beats headphones to only wear as a scarf and the word ‘rachet.’ “We should stop using YOLO because the kids’ definitions of YOLO these days is completely differ-ent than what it really means, to do something exhilarating, like skydiving,” said sophomore Bobby Barden. Though a lot of these things to leave behind are lighthearted, 2013 will also offer a new start for those people who experienced traumatic events, like Hurricane Sandy. Many of these people are facing trau-matic aftermath. 2013 will provide hope for anyone going through a hard time. “I think 2013 means a new start for everyone. It’s nice to know we have a chance to turn everything around. Especially for those people who are having a rough time right now, 2013 will provide them a fresh start,” said senior Cari Hughes.

Leave it behind in 2012

By Cassandra Nickerson Staff Writer

The winter holidays tend to bring excitement to many, while people anticipate their presents, parties and the holi-day food they will indulge in. But once the holidays are over, what does one have to look forward to? “I am look forward to wear-ing all the new clothes I got and using all my new things. The first thing I do is rearrange so I can find places for my new stuff, then I call my friends and see what they got,” said sopho-more Kaela Stence. Although it may seem like all there will be for the next two months is snow, there are so many possibilities as what to do to bring joy. Considering it is the winter season, snow will be available, meaning there are endless ideas if imagination is used. One can build a snowman, snow forts and have snowball fights. There are nearby places to go for the day to snowboard or ice-skate,

but it traveling isn’t an option; one could always sled nearby their house. If one was looking to find money, offering to shovel an el-derly person’s sidewalk would be a quick and easy way to earn cash. One can also plan a day out with friends filled with shop-ping, eating, taking pictures, going to the movies and overall making memories. Another possibility would to have an enjoyable relaxed day with friends at home. Good ideas of things to do at home are to bake sweets, watch mov-ies, listen to music or use your creativity and making some-thing new. “I think going sledding with friends or going shopping are good ideas for fun things to do,” said senior Abbigale Rinker. Even though there won’t be any more gift giving or Christ-mas decorations outdoors, there will be a great amount of time for relaxation. After the hustle of the holidays, new classes will start, which marks

the beginning of the new tri-mester. As February comes around, love is in the air as Valentine’s Day is celebrated. Even if one doesn’t in particularly like the holidays, they can still enjoy all the love and caring that people bring, as well as eating delicious chocolates and heart candy. When March rolls in, the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day fills the mind. Parades are held for many to celebrate and join in with the holiday cheer. April symbolizes the start of seeing fresh grass, leaves, and sometimes even the be-ginning buds of flowers. This also means that spring break is coming up. Many families plan to go on a vacation to spend time with one another. So, if the thought that nothing exciting is happening, ponder all that will be coming up that is worth looking forward to. Who knows, maybe new tra-ditions will be made that one will then have to look forward to every year.

Finding post-Christmas joy

By Taylor SimonStaff Writer

These banana-based snowmen are decidedly more tropical than the frosty variety and kids can easily assemble these.

What you will need:•Bananas•Grapes•Carrots•Apples•Bamboo skewers•Mini chocolate chips•Pretzel sticks

How to make them:1. For each snowman, you will need three thick slices of ba-nana, a grape, a sliver of a carrot and a triangular piece of ap-ple.2. Put the apple piece at the top of the skewer to make assem-bly easier.3. Have your kids slide the three banana slices on, building the main part of the snowman.4. Next, put the grape on top of the apple piece, creating a little hat.5. Place the mini chocolate chips on the bottom two banana slices, making buttons.6. Then, use two more for the eyes on the first banana slice.7. The carrot sliver will be used for the nose, right underneath the eyes of the snowman.8. Finally, you take two celery sticks and stick them into the sides of the second banana slice.

And there you have it, a festive Christmas snack that you can prepare as easy as 1, 2, 3!

How to make banana snowmen on a stick

By Ashlan Moore Staff Writer

Each year, everyone looks forward to the new technology and gadgets coming out the following year. Researchers designing and testing the “classroom to the future” have found that multi-touch, multi-user desks can boost skills in math. This concept is similar to the Smart Boards that LPHS has in the school, only the “smart desks” would be on tabletops instead. They see this concept being big in this upcoming year. How interesting would it be to have a MasterCard that had an embedded LCD display? MasterCard would work with Standard Chartered Bank to develop the first interactive payment card. The security token card features an embedded LCD display and touch-sensitive buttons which allow a cardholder to generate a one-time password as an authentication security measure. Next year, Microsoft and Sony are likely going to launch their successors to the Xbox 360 and PS3. Meanwhile, Nintendo is trying to create a tablet-controller while trying to keep the price as low as pos-sible. “I am personally looking forward to the new PlayStation and X-Box consoles. Both consoles will have state-of-the-art processors and CPU’s. Also, this sensor bar called the “Leap Motion” would sit next to your computer and can detect hand movement. Also, I’m excited for a bendy Smartphone screen. This touchscreen would be able to bend in any direction so you could bend it in half,” said junior Caleb Spatt. According to hubpages.com, the “Phablet” should hit big in 2013. What is a phablet? A phablet is a phone and a tablet in one. Users would get the best of both worlds by not having to buy both devices. The price should be on average about $200. “I see tablets very useless as it is so why combine them? Also, it would be very hard to use since the “Phablet” would probably be big,” said junior Joe Huss.

Technology trends: how it plans to progress in 2013

Beats by Dr. Dre and new Apple products are the latest technology trend this year.Photo by Ashlan Moore

Photo by Taylor Simon

Snowmen on a stick are easy to make and are a great winter snack.

Hi Times Issue 4 Vol. 104January 20135

SPEAK

What was the best Christmas gift you received?

“My favorite Christmas present is my puppy. She is a mini golden doodle and is so adorable.”

- Aryanna KeenSophomore

What is your favorite experience from 2012?

“Going to High School.”

- Dylan LoftonFreshman

By Cassandra NickersonStaff Writer

What was the highlight of your winter break?

“Spending time with my family and friends.”

-Taylor BaimaSenior

What are you looking forward to most about 2013?

“I’m looking forward to my new upcoming classes and to watch the world not end like they

say it will.”

-Brock LindseyJunior

By Abbi Fryer Staff Writer

It is that time of the year again. January is speeding in, along with ideas and goals for the New Year. Every first of the year, Americans vow to better their lives in various ways. This can range from work-ing out to finding that perfect someone. Students at LaPorte High School also join in the goal-making fun Amanda Kuiphoff has a new twist on the subject. “This year I want to try to purposefully look for ways to help people. I want to show them I care, even if it is as simple as holding the door for some-one.” Kuiphoff is not a single goal girl. She also shared that she wanted to find Bigfoot and memorize every spell in the Harry Potter series. Many attempt to stop drinking pop, keep their cars clean, or stop procrastinating. Some alternative, unique goals could be trying to new pastime such as hunting or snowboarding, making one dessert for a local soup kitchen or neighbor each month or creating art out of trimming hedges into neat-shapes such as elephants and sports cars. Even if these goals are not all kept, a small attempt to better life is superior to none at all. For those serious about their goals, the easiest way to keep track of progress is to make a list or chart. Put a sticky note on the glove compartment, above the headboard, or on the back of a phone case. Completing these lists will bring a sense of accomplishment and joy; the sense of joy could help achieve the goal of being happier. Setting goals with friends also increases the chances of following through. If the goal is to learn an instrument, find a friend with the sought after talent to achieve the goal. This will also help achieve the goal of spending more time with friends and less watching TV. Making these resolutions can be a positive, fun way to make a difference in one’s life and commu-nity.

in with the new

By Nicole GriffinEditor-in-Chief

The senior class need not forget to begin filling out their FASFA forms, which become available online in January. The junior class should visit www.act.org/ or www.sat.col-legeboard.org/home to begin planning for taking the ACT/SAT tests. Once students return from Christmas break scheduling begins for the 2013-2014 school year.“Junior Cameron Pranckus said, “I’m excited to schedule for the last time and finish high school.” Particularly for the senior class, the excitement of committing to

the college of choice happens on or before May 1. Also happening on May 1, 2013, The Avengers 2 will be coming out in theaters. After the holiday countdown is over the anticipation for spring break begins. “Spring break should be really fun this year, because I’m taking my girlfriend, Abby to Cozu-mel. We’re both pretty pumped about it,” said senior Dakota Farlie. Closely following spring break will be the junior/senior prom. This event is highly awaited by all those eligible to attend the dance at the Civic Auditorium. Months of planning go into the dance that is organized by art teacher Mrs. Lebo.

By Ashlan MooreStaff Writer

At the end of every year, many people look forward to the following year for the premieres and releases of new and fresh movies and books. This upcoming 2013 year should not disappoint. “I believe the movies coming out in 2013 will be better than the ones that came out in 2012 because 2012 was lame,” said sophomore Jake West. This coming May, Iron Man fans can look forward to the third movie starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and now joining, Guy Pearce. You can count on seeing Tony Stark use his cleverness to fight those who destroyed his private world. Watch as he goes up against his most powerful enemy yet: the Mandarin. The third Iron Man is sure to please fans. Despicable Me 2 is an excellent movie for the whole family to see. Gru, the girls, the unpredictable little minions and a host of new characters return. While watching, you’ll be sure to have a laugh or two. This movie comes out in July. The Hunger Games fans can expect to see the release of Catching Fire this upcoming November. The continuing serious of Katniss Everdeen consists of a futuristic dystopian world, as she prepares for the Quarter Quell. “I’m excited about The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie because the first Hunger Games was cool, and I am looking forward to seeing the next two,” said sophomore Bobby Barden. For all of the book lovers, Stephen King is set to release Joyland the in June. This is the story of a college student working as a carnie in North Carolina in 1973 who must confront the legacy of a viscous murder. This Stephen King new release is expected to keep readers’ eyes glued to another master-piece. “I am looking forward to some of the new books coming out this year by my favorite authors. I am also looking forward to the adult science fiction or mystery books,” said junior Kristen Cave. Coming to bookstores in January is White Dog Fell from the Sky by Eleanor Morse. This is a story about a man forced to flee South Africa in 1976 after he witnessed a murder by a South African author-ity. The man was a medical student, but is also a gardener in Botswana. A woman he works for sets out to find him when he suddenly goes missing. The Storyteller is a novel by Jodi Picoult about an older citizen who confesses to a woman that he has befriended that he used to be a Nazi SS Guard. He asks the woman to kill him because he says he deserves to die. The request is complicated by the fact that the woman’s grandmother is a Holocaust survivor. Keep an eye out for the release of this book in February. This 2013 year, be sure to keep your eyes glued to a new book, or entertain yourself with a great movie

with friends and family!

2013 movies and books released

What to look forward to in 2013

Numerous girls in the school scrounge store after store with their friends looking for the per-fect dress for the night, sparing no expense. Guys get in touch with their creative side and find the per-fect way to ask that special someone to prom. After prom wraps up, so does the end of the school year. Of course the most awaited ceremony of a senior’s life is be-ing prepared to take place. That’s right, commencement at Kiwanis Stadium of Jun 1. Senior Sydney Rusboldt said, “I’m ecstatic to graduate be-cause I’m ready to start the next chapter in my life and ex-

perience new things.”

LPHS student Cameron Pranckus glances at the class choices for next year.Photo by Cassandra Nickerson

Photo ProvidedMatt Butkus Finds a great book for a cozy winter read in the library.