4December 2011Hi Times Issue 3 Vol. 103

Christmas time shinesWinter fashion that is all the rave By Abby FeikesManaging Editor

From Uggs to Bearclaws and Columbia to The North Face, winter draws warm clothing out of everyone’s closet. One of the most difficult parts of keeping up-to-date with these expen-sive trends is figuring out which brand is worth the money. Boots are a necessity for harsh La Porte winters. However, they can also become a large expense on one’s budget. Brand name boots, such as Uggs and Emu, can cost up to $200. A common question is, how these brands are comparable to lower cost brands, such as Bearclaw and Air Walk. Bearclaw boots can be just as nice as Uggs for a much cheaper price. Airwalks can start to fall apart at a faster rate and would have to be replaced more of-ten than other brands of boots. Nonetheless, they still serve the purpose of both warmth and style. “I wear Uggs and I love them because they are very warm and comfortable. They also match a lot of my clothes so I can pretty much wear them with anything,” said junior Sierra Conklin. Any boot can be upgraded by the added expense of water proofing the boots. Water proof-ing will prevent unsightly water and salt stains. This can overall add a higher quality to the shoes and allows them to last longer. Another trick to keep any boot in great shape is to stuff them with magazines. Rolling a mag-azine and placing them inside the leg of the boot, while not in use, can keep them sturdier. This prevents the leg of the boot from flopping over and wearing down on the leather of the boot. Traditional black and brown knee-length leather boots are becoming more popular. These boots are very fashionable, but not as practical for winter months. Leather boots are also a large expense. They keep rain and snow out, but do not have the warmth of an Ugg style boot. Although they are not as warm, they are very stylish and will last a long time, making them worth the money. Another necessity for the win-ter season is a warm winter coat.

Coats can be a difficult item to purchase. They are a lot of mon-ey and get an abundance of use. Many people decide to just sport a light weight fleece as their winter coat. These jackets can be just as costly as a bulky winter coat. Columbia at the outlet mall offers a wide variety of styles in fleeces at reasonable prices. Aeropastle also offers a basic fleece at a low price. “I have a Columbia jacket. I love it because it is super light and really warm,” said senior Jake Burns. When buying a North Face jacket, it is best to shop at a de-partment store such as Macy’s, Kohls and Nordstroms. These stores usually carry the brand and offer storewide sales along with coupons. Small discounts can make a big difference on a brand that usually does not of-fer sale prices. This can be a less pricey way than ordering a jacket straight from a North Face store. Pea coats are a sophisticated look that is a warm solution in the winter. They can be pricey but can last a long time. These coats are also appropriate for many events, because they have a formal look. “I also have a pea coat. I only wear it when I dress up,” contin-

ues Burns. Pea coats can be found at almost any department store, as well as many clothing stores. Charlotte Rousse, Forever 21 and Delia’s are all clothing stores that sell pea coats. Usually, these stores offer a more fashionable selec-tion at a much lower price. “I have a Columbia jacket. I like it because it’s really warm and has a lot of pockets, but I don’t like the fact that’s it’s re-ally bulky,” said sophomore Al-exa Blanton. Puffer jackets may seem over the top at times but are very func-tional. There is no doubt that these jackets can keep someone warm in low sub-zero tempera-tures. Fashionable puffer jackets can be purchased from The North Face, Old Navy and major de-partment stores. The North Face offers puffers at a high price, but these jackets are high in quality. Old Navy offers these jackets at a reasonable price and in a vari-ety of colors and styles. The winter months may cause the burden of purchasing old sweaters, boots and coats, but they can all be bought at a low cost. These styles can be bought at a variety of places at a low cost.

This winter fashion... Photo by

Ideal Christmas gifts for family and friendsBy Martin GarciaStaff Writer

As the temperature descends and students pull out their mittens, they also acknowledge the arrival of…Christmas! Although body temperatures might drop with the arrival of winter, the generosity and compassion in students’ hearts is sure to remain toasty warm. Everyone recognizes the arrival of present-opening time. What will Santa bring me this year? More importantly, what will my significant other buy me or make me this year? Millions of Americans ponder this question. Also, the question remains of what to obtain for that special someone. Should students make a gift, or should they buy a gift for that loved one? This can be an overwhelming decision. The bottom line is, the present that one obtains for a loved one should be a gift that the recipient remembers forever. For some rea-son, handmade gifts always seem to leave the biggest impression. LPHS Spanish teacher Senora Krause said, “Last year, my children painted pictures on coffee mugs of the entire family. I consider them to be masterpieces.” One of the best gifts that one can receive from a loved one would be the gift of life. Senior Mark Nelson said, “I am incredibly grate- ful to my mother for the gift of my life.” So next time one goes shopping remember to buy that fluffy coat and those earrings that she always wanted for Christmas. Not to be un- dervalued, though, are material gifts; they are an essential part of the wish list for Christmas. Junior Sarah Null said, “I would ask for the winter wonderland glitter spray from Bath and Body because I want to be a vampire! I would also ask for footie pajamas, because when I sleep at night my feet get numb and brisk.” So this Christmas remember to buy her those tight jeans she always wanted and that teddy bear that she would love to sleep next too. To make a lasting impression, one must be original and authentic with the selection of that Christmas gift. One can simply provide an amazing gift for that loved one by spending Christmas with him or her and making that person feel like he or she is the most important person in the world. Singer Mariah Carey, in her famous All I Want For Christmas Is You song, said, “Oh, I don’t want a lot for Christmas/this is all I’m asking for/I just want to see my baby/standing right outside my door! Oh, I just want you for my own/more than you could ever know/make my wish come true/baby all I want for Christmas is you.” If the students of LPHS want to have the best Christmas presents for their loved ones, say that part of the song to that special someone. He or she will certainly be delighted by the originality and romanti-cism! So whether one is procuring a gift for a mother, friend, or signifi-cant other one must be original and thoughtful in the selection pro-cess. As the common saying depicts the thought is what counts.

Has the true meaning of Christmas been lost?By Skyler ShorttAds Manager

According to the Christian faith, the first Christmas took place in 4 B.C. with the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a time to rejoice and find peace on earth. Now, fast-forward 2,000 years later. Children everywhere already have their list ready for Saint Nick. Stores such as Wal-Mart and Lowe’s had their Christmas decorations in stock before little ghosts and goblins roamed the streets for treats. So why rush this holiday so much that America practically forgets about Thanksgiving. One word can sum it up: money. Retailers focus more on the potential profits they can rake in, rather than the true reason for the season. Companies ask their employers to say “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” in order to avoid any controversy. Not only are retailers responsible for putting the focus on gifts and decorations, but parents are, as well. Greed develops when children have their hearts set on something and parents give in. When Christmas rolls around, children expect the same thing. Stu- dents like Jaclyn Lewis believe that there is a simple solution to avoid this situation. “Don’t spoil the children and go to church on Christ- mas Eve,” said the senior. Many people blatantly ignore this advice and make it a self-cen-tered holiday. Senior Connor Huber thinks that the idea of Christmas being over commercialized is being blown out proportion. “Christmas is the greatest holiday. People celebrate it just enough. In my life, I’ve been growing into the true meaning. As a kid, it was always about presents. Now it’s about gathering with family and go-ing to church,” said Huber. But maybe this trend isn’t as new as one may think. The creation of Santa Clause brought in the prominence of gifts, and it has slowly snowballed out of control. The madness starts with Black Friday. From this day on every year, the focus lies completely on what deals can be found and what gift is at the top of everyone’s list. It’s all about getting the newest gadget or the hottest toy, not about what we can do for others. It truly is the fault of this society that the importance of gifts has grown so great. It is difficult for one to find a greater calling for the Christmas season so let that be everyone’s challenge to help someone else in need. Whatever one’s take may be on Christmas, let’s all find a reason for the season. Merry Christmas!

“I am incred-ibly grateful

to my mother for the gift of my life,” said senior Mark

Nelson.

Grind my gears: Christmas editionBy Cole KelloggManaging Editor

I would like to dedicate this edition of Grinds My Gears to the sport of gift-giving. Let’s start out by thanking Grandma for what she believed to be a wonderful present but was truly a waste of money. I will not use the remote control car she gave me. This is not because of my age (my fun-loving spirit will al-ways push me to play with toys), but simply because I do not want to withstand the ridicule that others will give me. Instead, I recommend that she buy me a nice sweater that I can wear over to her house, so she will stop criticizing my choice of clothing year after year. Next: on to aunts and uncles. For those relatives who don’t stay on a “wish list” basis with me, please avoid the things you “think” I’ll appreciate. Trust me, a gift card goes a long way, and just because you tell me I can return that DVD doesn’t mean I will get off the Xbox and actu-ally do so. Siblings, your secret is out. It is obvious parents do the shop-ping for you. I can tell because there is absolutely no way that you would’ve bought me Mad-den. I also know because I get upset with Mom every time she asks me for ideas before she buys your gift “from me”. Honestly, I am perfectly fine with what we have going here. It means an ex-tra gift of true quality, instead of

the Wal-Mart tee shirt I could’ve expected you to go out and buy. Keep doing what you’re doing. Dogs: I honestly can’t believe it when every year there are gifts under the tree for you. I’m going to find out your secret if it’s the last thing I do. How on Earth do you get your letters to Santa? ***Note to self, 6th grade drawing of Santa Paws was out-standing and first sign of come-dic genius. St. Nicholas, stop checking your list and listen to me. Scrap my gift ideas for this year. In-stead, give me one of your mega-industrious elves. Heck, just lend me one for two weeks, three weeks tops. If these creatures are actually making all the iPods, videogames and Nike high-tops that appear under my tree, then I would like to borrow one for

a week and see what we could come up with. Even if they’re just excellent thieves that go on a Christmas heist every year to steal all the gifts they cannot make, lend me a few please! I am more than willing to drive Starshine, Jingle, Sugarplum and Gingerbread to the nearest Apple store so they can snatch me up the new iPhones. Mom and Dad, I’ve saved this last tidbit for you. Although I thought it was a given, after seventeen continuous years of disappointment, I am forced to tell you that toiletries and other grooming items do not count as stocking stuffers. Am I glad you bought me body wash? Yes. Do I want to spend part of my magical Christmas morning commending you for buying your child neces-sities? No.

Photo by Abby Feikes

Junior Sierra Conklin shows off her winter fashion sense.

Cole Kellogg poses with festive decor in the main office.

Hi Times Issue 3 Vol. 103December 20115

Student Spotlight:

Christmas EditionBy Kelsie LongStaff Writer

What classical Christmas movie

do you enjoy?

“The Grinch.” – Erin Clark, Junior

bright on LPHS students

What is your a l l - t i m e f a v o r i t e C h r i s t m a s

cookie?

“ G i n g e r b r e a d men because

they’re cool!” – Devin Bonnell,

Freshman

What are you asking Santa for

this year?

“Money, socks, and under-wear. This is what I want because this is what I know

I’ll get.” – Jonah Car-

riveau, Junior

What Christmas tune gets you

groovin’?

“Jingle Bell Rock.” – Brye Jones, Senior

What is your fa-vorite part of the

Christmas tree?

“All the decorations and the lights.” – Tori Wallace,

Sophomore

There’s nothing better than a nice, warm cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter eve Each year, it’s the same old hot cocoa. Here are some fun and creative ingredients to spice things up those delicious, hot drinks!

Spice up ordinary hot chocolate with these fun and creative recipesBy Jenny SymszymkowskiStaff Writer

Candy Cane Cocoa •4 cups milk •3 (1 oz) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped •4 peppermint candy canes, crushed •1 cup whipped cream •4 small peppermint candy canes

Spiced Hot chocolate •6 cups skim milk •3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder •3 tablespoons white sugar •1 teaspoon vanilla extract •1 teaspoon cinnamon •1/2 teaspoon chili powder •1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg •1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Eggnog Hot Chocolate •2 1/2 cups milk •12 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips •4 cups eggnog •1 teaspoon vanilla extract •1/4 cup coffee flavored substitute •whipped cream •8 cinnamon sticks, garnish

Hot Chocolate Italian Style •3 tablespoons cocoa powder •1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar •1 1/2 cups milk •2 tablespoons milk •1 tablespoon cornstarch

Enjoy!

The holidays are a time for snowflakes and splendor. So what is one to do when the stress of the holidays begins to wear on those nerves? The most important prior-ity is to have a budget. There are a million little things going on during the last month of the year and it is important to keep track of all those green bills that have been piling up in the piggy bank. From buying the perfect gifts for family and friends to splurging on that perfect pair of headphones, it is easy to watch the money dwindle away. This problem can be eliminat-ed by budgeting. Keeping track in a journal of how much money is spent on which item can be a major stress reliever. “I’m always on a budget, espe-cially during the holidays. It helps me save a lot of money,” said senior Paul Lloyd. It is easy to make a trip to the mall and buy anything that is on sale and reasonably engaging.

How to manage holiday stress By Courtney WestEditor-in-Chief

By having a set plan to spend X amount of money on an already chosen item, the tantalizing spell of all the new possible purchases won’t be as appealing. Another key to keep the stress level low during the holiday season is to keep priorities in check. It is easy to get lost try-ing to spend all that spare time with as many friends as pos-sible. Instead of squeezing a friend in each day, try throwing a holiday party and invite every-one at once. Not only does this utilize time, but it also guarantees a good time. “A great way to get into the holiday spirit is to throw an ugly Christmas sweater party. It’s a great way to socialize and re-lieve stress,” said junior Addie Boardman. Throw together some warm, holiday drinks and toast to the season of giving. Sweets come in abundance during the holiday season. Cakes, pies and candy canes can easily ruin one’s New Year’s Resolution to stay fit. Stocking

up on vegetables and fruits is imperative, especially right be-fore the holidays. By eating right, stress levels will decrease. Healthy foods provide more energy and are a great source of vitamins for the body. Hair will be shinier; skin will stay moisturized longer and therefore will glow. “It’s important to eat healthy during the winter because it helps you stay lean for sports and to keep that nice summer bod,” said freshman Adam Nel-son. The most important rule of stay-ing cool under holiday pressure is to remember the reason of the season. Giving and being unselfish is the entire epitome of spirit. The next time the to-do list becomes too long or guilt is growing due to that extra chocolate con-sumed, remind one to take a step back and breathe. The key to tranquility in such a stressful season is having con-trol and enjoying each memory made.

Photos by Courtney West