Friday, December 29, 2017

The Roaring Corner: Episode 2

Amanda Horak & Parker Miele
Staff Writers

Winter break is a time that almost all students look forward to. Unfortunately for most, teachers also assign work over that time that the students take to relax. After taking your responses on how you feel about homework over the break, we decide to give you tips on how to make it an easier and faster task.
   Spreading out work and choosing which days to do certain assignments is a great way to lessen stress and make the work seem so much easier. This also ensures that nobody will have multiple assignments all pushed back to Sunday night. You guys may also want to try and not do a whole assignment all at once, take a little bit of each and then it won’t feel like you have been working on something forever.
   Although some may hate not finishing an assignment when they start it, there is another option. Instead of picking a few questions from each to do one day, designate certain days for certain classes. Taking one day for a class is a great way to organize everything and make sure that you don’t miss anything.
  Good luck, and happy holidays!

2k18 New Hope Solebury Mini-THON promises to do it all FTK

Justin Horak & Devon Beacham
Staff Writers

With more than 90,000 student volunteers and 265 schools in 8 states, New Hope Solebury High School is contributing to conquer cancer. Mini-THONs are bringing hope to families in need and giving back to their community. During the 2016-2017 school year, high schools and colleges raised more than $6.46 million  for the Four Diamonds organization. This 2018, the high school’s annual participation in the Four Diamonds Mini-THON falls on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day. This year’s theme is based off the phenomenal Netflix series Stranger Things. Once again the school has teamed up with the Four Diamonds organization which amps it all up FTK-- for the kids. Every year, students raise money for childhood cancer and are a part of a team. Mini-THON begins with an exciting dance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. After the dance, the doors are officially locked and teams are checked in for the night. From there until the morning, the teams compete against each other in a series of competitions to keep the night lively. Activities include games like handball, dodgeball, karaoke, bubble soccer, movie watching and so much more. Throughout the night, prizes will be awarded to winners of games, the top fundraisers, and more! Prizes include gift cards to favorite restaurants, apple watches, and Four Diamonds apparel! 
  Last year even after a long twelve hours of activities, too much redbull, snacks, lack of blankets, and complete exhaustion, NHS’s Mini-THON 2017 was considered a total success. Over $16,000 was raised through student donations, businesses, and from friends and family. This 2018, the goal is $18,000 but it is always great to go above and beyond! The best way to make this Mini-THON a success FTK is to start raising money now! Get creative! One day we will dance in celebration. Until then, we dance for the cure.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

How to Keep Your Dog Safe This Christmas

Caroline Donado
Staff Writer

Christmas season is a dangerous time for pets. There are a multitude of risks from snow salt to turkey bones that can seriously hurt your pup. It is crucial that owners are aware of how their actions will affect their furry friends. Here are some tips to keep your dog healthy and happy this holiday.
  When decorating for Christmas, it is best to keep the traditional holiday plants far away from pets. Poinsettia flowers, holly, and mistletoe are all poisonous to dogs. It also may be a good idea to buy a fake tree instead of a real one since pine needles can be sharp and pose the danger of puncturing a dog’s intestines if swallowed. Additionally, it is essential to be mindful while decorating your Christmas tree. Put low hanging ornaments higher up on the branches so your dog will not grab them. Many ornaments have sharp or small pieces that can cause choking. Dogs can also get electrocuted or burned while chewing on light strings. 
  Many dogs enjoy the snow; however, snow salt is severely irritating to their paws. If using snow melts, opt for a formula that is not salt-based such as Safe Paw. Salt can get lodged in the pads of your dog’s paws and heat up to 170 degrees. It can even lead to gastrointestinal issues and if consumed in large quantities, can cause seizures.
  Christmas dinner is also a time filled with risks. When guests arrive, watch that your pet does not slip out the door and get harmed in the street. During and after dinner, refrain from giving your dog table scraps. Bones can be lodged in throats and get stuck in the digestive tract and fatty foods lead to irritation in the pancreas. And, of course, no chocolate--it is toxic to dogs.
  Lastly, it is important that owners pay attention to their pet’s stress levels. With all the excitement of the holidays, dogs are prone to get as anxious as their owners. Furthermore, their routine is altered which takes some getting used to on their end. The best thing you can do is to simply spend time with your pup. Dr. Leni Kaplan, a Cornell University veterinarian explained to PressConnects, “Not only will the pets be happier and more relaxed but it provides protected downtime for the owners away from the stressors of the holiday season." Stay calm and your pet will too.
  Do not hesitate to get in contact with your local veterinarians immediately if your dog is not well. The Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at (888) 426-4435.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Christmas gifts topping the charts

Andrew Purdy
Staff Writer

iPhone X
The iPhone X is the newest Apple product on the market. This is a luxurious phone with some awesome new features. The TrueDepth front-facing camera makes unlocking your phone with Face ID a snap. A single swipe takes the user to the homescreen,  much easier than pressing a button. Plus, the biggest advance to the phone is the talking animojis. Thanks to the  combination of the camera and the A11 bionic chip, this was possible.

2)  DJI Mavic Pro
The DJI Mavic Pro ultimately is the best drone of the year. This drone is portable and powerful. Unlike other drones, this drone is capable to folding down as small as a water bottle. Many drones cut out when they fly too far but the DJI can range up to 4.3 miles, 40 mph, and 27 minutes, due to an awesome battery.

3) Madden 18
EA sports continues to produce worthwhile experiences for gamers. The front cover features Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. For the second straight year, the cover has been a Patriots player. Last year, tight end,  Rob Gronkowski was pictured on the cover. For all Madden lovers this is the next step to greatness.

4) Bluetooth Tracking Tag
If a friend is always losing their keys, this is the perfect gift for them. The Bluetooth Tracking Tag are small gadgets you attach to any item that you misplace most. Following this, there is an app that can be downloaded on your phone to locate the items. There is a tone on the tracker that will beep when the user is trying to locate the item. When the app is downloaded, there is a map on the smartphone that can be used to track the hidden item as well.

5) Samsung Gear VR Headset
For the people that want to experience the VR world, the Samsung Headset is the most affordable. This is a perfect complementary gift for someone who has a Samsung phone. The Samsung VR is very realistic, and the hardware creates what appears to be a lifesize, 3D virtual environment. When the headset is on, whatever way individuals look the immersive landscape allows you to see a complete 360 environment.

’Tis the college acceptance season

Vanessa Northrup & Charlotte Taylor
Staff Writers

As the middle of December nears, a majority of seniors are waiting with baited breath to hear back from schools. Luckily for students, The University of Scranton, Drexel University, and Boston University are just a few of the many schools that will be releasing many of their early action and early decision acceptance letters. Students are reminded to check their college portals and mailboxes frequently throughout the next two weeks for this exciting news!
 Some lucky students are already starting to hear back from schools. Senior Emily Madara, has already committed to Temple University, saying “I can’t wait to be an Owl!” Emily will be studying entrepreneurship.
 Another student, Molly Stretch, has committed to the University of Kutztown to study sports management. On her application status, she says, “It feels so good to know where I’m headed after high school.” Whether you are a student who applied early decision or regular decision, everyone at New Hope Solebury is supporting you and can’t wait to hear where you end up!

Step up your winter fashion game from last year’s styles

Stella Kelley and Chloe Miller
Staff Writers

As winter sets in and the holiday season quickly approaches, it is important to keep your wardrobe fashionable, trendy, and festive. This year’s trends are beginning to make themselves apparent, while last year’s trends are slowly disappearing.
 As skinny jeans are falling out of style, 2017 is bringing cropped, flared pants on to the fashion scene. Whether they are denim, corduroy, or fabric, cropped pants can be styled and worn in many different ways. They can be dressed down with sneakers and a sweater, or dressed up with heels and a jacket. Be sure to check out the BDG Kick Flare High-Rise Cropped Jean-Button Fly from Urban Outfitters for a trendy flare jean look.
 Along with cropped and flared pants, turtlenecks are coming back from last year. Turtleneck shirts are great for adding warmth and holiday style to a dress or sweater, and turtleneck sweaters add shape and form to an otherwise dull outfit. Turtleneck sweaters can be worn oversized with jeans for a more casual vibe, or can be tucked into a skirt or high waisted pants for a more put together look. Another huge trend being seen this winter is velvet, which can be incorporated in dresses, sweaters, shoes, and even accessories. Velvet gives off a sophisticated and formal vibe, but can also be dressed down for everyday wear. Velvet dresses and skirts are very festive while also being comfortable and easy to wear. To combine our favorite velvet and turtleneck looks into an eye catching look, try the Out From Under Kia Shimmer Mesh Mock Neck Top from Urban Outfitters with a velvet tube top layered over it. Or, for a more simple outfit, add velvet boots to provide color and texture, or a velvet scrunchie on your wrist to add something fun and youthful. Whether you’re looking for a casual yet comfy look that also keeps you warm, an outfit for a winter-themed party, or an everyday look that is guaranteed to catch some eyes, be sure to try out any of these three new trends

Monday, December 18, 2017

Music Technology Helps Artists to Find Their Voice

Thomas Detlefsen
Staff Writer

When you think of your favorite artist, how do you think that they got started making music? When they started, they didn’t have access to fancy midi keyboards and mixers, but at New Hope-Solebury, the Music Technology class gives students access to high quality music producing technology. As of this December, Mr. Bachart has assigned a project that brings students to the core of music technology: to write a song. The song is required to be two minutes in length and contain a bridge, chorus and verse with a chord progression and lyrics. Mr. Bachart also has an array of instruments and technologies at the disposal of students to bring their song to life.
  Many of the students who have enrolled in the class chose it because of the opportunity it would provide them to express themselves. Roberto Escamilla stated that even though at some times it is difficult to express himself, he still likes the class because it challenges his creative skills. Many students in the class have also struggled with self expression and for most, it is their first time writing lyrics.
  Grant Cheung, a guitarist, has taken a different approach to the process. He has chosen to write a song about time passing by and reminiscing about the past, but with a hint of self-awareness because of how common the theme is. He states that “I wrote the lyrics to be very sarcastic, but wanted them to sound believable... Some of the lyrics make no sense, but have a meaning and some just don’t make sense.”

“Sketching a timeline on the drywall, I probably shouldn’t be
Double captured overhead and ethereal imagery
Vinyl strawberries out for some sunshine, something I wish I didn’t see
Pulsars quartered down the hinge wishing it was me”

 It is fantastic and fortunate that students at the New-Hope Solebury High School have access to these technologies and opportunities especially when many people around the world do not. Mr. Bachart is challenging students’ creativity and allowing them to express their emotions in a way that not many other classes can and that is what many high school students need.

Friday, December 1, 2017

A New Year for the Robotics Club

Thomas Detlefsen
Staff Writer

The New Hope-Solebury High School Robotics Club is off to a great start in 2017, bringing in new members and preparing for competition in the spring. This is the second year that the club is competing in a competition called Vex Robotics. In this competition, each team has to build and program a robot that will compete against other teams in a game. The competition changes each year; this year it is In the Zone, where robots have to stack cones in certain areas for points.
 The club was created in 2016 by, and mostly populated by, a group of about 10 or 15 seniors. In its first year of competition, the club placed 13th out of 30 teams. This year the club has seven members, but they are still working hard to compete against the teams with 20 or more members and with more experience than last year, the team expects to place even higher in the competition.
 Currently, the club is in the building phase where they are testing out multiple designs in order to determine which will be most effective in competition. Freshman Ben House says “For me it is always fun to think through difficult problems...It is always fun to relax from the chaotic classes, sit back and build.”

 2017 is also the first year of the Middle School Robotics Club, which is participating in the same competition. The middle school team has 20 seventh and eighth graders learning about engineering and programming. Both teams look forward to a stronger future high school club.