Fighting at School?

      A lot of students at school believe that fighting is the way to solve problems or that fighting makes them look tough and cool. If we could solve our problems with a fight I would have already solved all mines.

       Although fighting does not solve any problems it seems like everyone wants to start a fight. Some students fight because they want to look big and bad, others fight just because somebody is going around telling lies about them and others fight because they feel they are being bullied. But what everyone fails to realize is that fighting does not solve problems, if anything it brings you more problems and some of those problems can end up facing a couple or more years in jail, depending on the seriousness of the fight.

       For example, my friend Ernesto, he got in a fight the other day with Jesus Rodriguez because Jesus was going around talking bad about Ernesto, so then one day they ended up fighting and Jesus ended up getting suspended from school for 5 days meanwhile Ernesto walked away free of problems because he did not start the fight. Ernesto learned that fighting does not solve any problems, just makes your problems worst. Therefore he does no longer associate with Jesus because he does not believe fighting is going to solve anything.

       All in all, mostly all students and all people around the world believe that fighting solves their problems but lets face it people, the only reason we fight is because we want to look big and bad. We all are aware that fighting is nothing but a waste of time and we shouldn’t go around looking for trouble.

by: Berta Acosta

New Flavor to Hit Local Frozen Yogurt Shop

3 Flamingos, a self-serve yogurt shop in Wolf Plaza, has replaced its Cheesecake flavor with new Banana Pudding. The 3 Flamingos hosts 10 flavors at any given time, including Tahitian Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, and the new arrivals Watermelon and Banana Pudding. Every couple of months one flavor is swapped for another.

I had the opportunity to interview John Carter, manager of Pearcy’s 3 Flamingos shop. He said that their yogurt provider Honey Hill Farms decided to halt production of Cheesecake, unfortunately for unspecified reasons. Carter also said that the Banana Pudding flavor was chosen because of its success at other 3 Flamingos locations: Cabot, Conway, and North Little Rock.

Here, the reaction to the yellow yogurt is varied. Some employees say it tastes much like banana-flavored Laffy Taffy; whether that’s good or bad is up to preference. However, many 3 Flamingos customers buy it and don’t seem to mind. Now that Banana Pudding is next to Peanut Butter, they can combine to produce the “Elvis Swirl,” referencing Elvis Presley’s famous snack of peanut butter banana sandwiches. I think more than a few adventurous customers will try this one out, so Banana Pudding may have its place in Pearcy after all.

Westan Lakey

 

Tomorrow is The Future Today!

By: Amber George

            Stop and think! What are you going to be doing in the next five to ten years? Do you even know what you are going to be doing tomorrow?? As a Lake Hamilton High School student, it is in our best interests to make future plans. Some students know what they want to be doing after high school. They are already set for the future, but many students at Lake Hamilton High School don’t even care. They don’t have a clue what they want to do with their lives.          

            Since I was in third grade, I have had my goals planed out. With the help of the school counselors, my future is set. If you go to the school counselors they will help you. That’s their job. That’s what they are there for. If you don’t think you can afford college think again, because there are all sorts of scholarships, grants, and loans out there. Ask the counselors about Talent Search. Talent Search is a program set up to help kids find a cheap way to college. I assure you that if there is a way the counselors will find it.          

            If you want to go to college, but you haven’t made any plans about going yet, start planning. It’s never too early. In my opinion, putting college off is the worst idea ever. Many students who say they want to take a break and wait to go back to school, rarely ever do. Those are the people who have their high school diploma but because they didn’t go to college it’s no use to them and they are flipping burgers. That is thirteen years of work you did just to scoop and flip. I mean if you graduate you deserve a better future then that. What are a few extra years of school if it means a brighter and easier future for you?

            Think about it. Tomorrow is your future today. Start planning. Make it worth the thirteen years you have put in at Lake Hamilton School. Go to school and work to be able to provide a good future for yourself and/or your future family.

           

The Ever-Glitzy, Ever-Glamorous, Biggest Night of Your Life: Prom 2011

            For many, the “biggest night of their lives,” (or just simply “Prom”) starts even before it actually begins. Students, as well as the Prom coordinators themselves, start to prepare for the big night several months in advance. From mani-pedi appointments to booking a DJ, Junior-Senior Prom is prepared for in hopes of being a night students will always remember.           

Imagine the striking image of bright lights flashing amidst a huge blow-up figure of Lady Liberty and dozens of neatly decorated tables with glittery stars sparkled all around. Ah, yes. That, my friends, is the breathtaking scene that engulfed Prom- goers as they stepped into the doors of Horner Hall in downtown Hot Springs, or dare I say, “New York, Arkansas.” Many have heard the tales, or perhaps seen for yourself, the iconic crowds of Times Square in the Big Apple. However, those almost unfathomable images of sardine-packed crowds came to life here on April 16^th, as over 300 students attended Lake Hamilton’s New York themed Prom. Nevertheless, the night was one full of fun, food, and lots of memories.

Once arrived, everyone gathered into the Lobby, waiting for their tickets to get checked before entering. Immediately inside, people broke off into their groups, claiming tables, hitting up the punch bowls, and taking it out to the dance floor. Many “dance-worthy” songs were played, including: Pop, Lock, and Drop it by Huey; Soulja Boy by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em; Thriller by Michael Jackson and many, many others. Jumping, grinding, head banging? You can bet your Prom ticket that if it’s doable, it was seen on the dance floor.

            So, just how did the fairytale sparks fly for the Prom-goers themselves? Senior Taylor Duke gushed that “[Prom] was a lot of fun and definitely a night I’ll always remember. Although the music selection could have been better, it was indeed a wonderful evening.” Some first-time Prom-goers disagreed, however, on just how “rocking” this year’s Prom was. “To be honest, the music and decorations were lagging pretty greatly and I kind of regret spending so much cash for one night,” one sophomore admitted. Either way, most Prom attendees will agree that whether for positive (or even negative) reasons, Prom was “definitely a night that they’ll share with [their] children twenty years from now.”

            Prom is something a lot of highschoolers dream about; planning on it being a night they’ll never forget. After months of preparations, getting the guts to ask that cutie to go, and counting down the days until the big night, most goers will agree that it was definitely worth it this year. Between the crazy dancing, catchy theme, and even all the hustle and bustle of getting all gussied up, Prom 2011 will hold memories of a great time for Lake Hamilton students that they’ll cherish forever.

Earth Day: Our Day

                Mother Earth and her beauty are greatly celebrated every year on April 22^nd, Earth Day.  Recyclers, conservationists, and admirers alike come together to dedicate a day to preserving the natural wonder of our neglected world, including Arkansans.

            In 1962, a revolutionary idea evolved that would forever alter the course of many peoples actions, at least one day every year.  Senator Gaylord Nelson envisioned a cleaner world that other politicians failed to see.  On April 22, 1970, Nelson’s Earth Day happened.  What made it so special was not all of the planning that was put into it, but because of the immense involvement of concerned citizens, schools, and communities.  Earth Day organized itself based on the reaction of people to an article written by Gladwin Hill.  People took notice, became concerned, and performed actions on April 22, 1970 that would be carried out for years to come.

            Today, in Arkansas, people are very passionate about Earth Day.  Citizens go to extremes to protect our National Parks, lakes, and wildlife.  Being the Natural State, we have formed an image to uphold of cleanliness and the raw beauty of nature.  In Hot Springs, many citizens take the day to admire the wildlife and pristine lakes while cleaning campsites and banks to protect other people and animals from harm.  By removing hazardous objects and harmful pollutants from the shores and communal campsites, citizens create a safer and more enjoyable atmosphere.  They also take the time to recycle plastics and take advantage of our natural water resource, the hot springs downtown.  The towns springs provide an outlet for people to reuse, reduce, and recycle by making available fresh water to put into reusable jugs that can be recycled all over town.  Just this simple act can cut down on the use and expenditures of plastic water bottles and gives citizens an opportunity to appreciate what is theirs for the benefitting.  Furthermore, Garvan Woodland Gardens, located off of

Carpenter Dam Road

in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the epitome of clean, crisp beauty and showcases the elegance of nature.  People visit Garvan Gardens, take pictures, and learn more about how they can make a positive impact on the environment.  Everyday people go to Garvan Woodland Gardens either to work or admire.  The people that work at Garvan Woodland Gardens have the responsibility to instill the importance of preserving nature to those who visit, as well as keep the environment clean and healthy for the wildlife and plant life.  They plant new flowers and trees as needed, water and fertilize the plants, refrain from removing habitats, and make certain that the gardens are free of debris and human waste such as Styrofoam, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans.  The admirers and visitors have the responsibility to educate themselves better of how crucial it is to preserve the natural beauty of Arkansas and ultimately the world.   On Earth Day, Garvan Woodland Gardens opened their doors to anyone that wished to enjoy the indigenous artistry of nature.  Also related to Earth Day, the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas, offered citizens a free chance to view Nature and Impressionistic Oil Paintings illustrated by Sharon Frankie and Gene Clark beginning on April 22, 2011.  The opportunity allowed people the ability to view the value of nature in an artistic light.  From Frankie and Clark’s point of views, nature was portrayed as something to be preserved and respected by our communities.  Their work was on display until April 30, 2011 from 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

            I believe that in 2011 Arkansans can make a bigger impact than ever if we continue to perform good deeds, such as recycling, utilizing our resources, and picking up litter from the ground in which we grow our food, for our community and fragile environment long after Earth Day.  We could have a fundraiser that would supply money for another recycling facility.  We could also each plant a tree or a flower that resembles life and brings forth beauty within the coming season.  I believe it will encourage other communities to make a difference and cause people to contemplate the significance of Earth Day, how beneficial it is for plant, animal, and human life, and how much fun it is to protect one’s ecosystem.  It will also attract more tourists to come and see everything Arkansas has to offer.

Taylor Duke

Magic Springs & Crystal Falls

2011 Pepsi Concert Series

The 2011 Pepsi Concert Series for Magic Springs has been released. The bands/singers varying in genres and age categories from teens to the older 90’s groups; there is something for everyone. The park opens weekends only on April 30^th through May 22, 2011. After May 22^nd, the park is open everyday. The concerts begin on May 28^th with the country sensation Easton Corbin and ending with the Christian Rock band Casting Crowns on August 13^th. Altogether, there are only ten concerts, but they are concerts worth your while.

According to hotsprings.org and magicsprings.com, the schedule of this summer’s concerts is as follows:

May 28    Easton Corbin
June 4      Skillet
June 11    Kicking Daisies/AllStar Weekend
June 25    Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
July 2       Rodney Atkins
July 9       Blake Shelton
July 16     3 Doors Down
July 23    Rick Springfield
Aug 6      Sara Evans
Aug 13    Casting Crowns

*The park will open Weekends Only - April 30 - May 22
Sat         10a - 8p
Sun        11a - 8p
     
*Daily Operations May 22 - Aug 14
Sun - Fri    11a - 8p
Sat             10a - 9p
[water park closes at 8p]

Location:

1701 E. Grand Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901

I asked 20 random LH high school students who, out of this series, they would rather see; a majority of the students said they would most rather see 3 Doors Down with Skillet following closely behind. 3 Doors Down is an American rock band that was formed in 1996 and are obviously, according to LH students, quite popular. Skillet is also an American band but instead of rock, they play Christian music; like 3 Doors Down, Skillet was formed in 1996. These two bands had the highest vote for a reason, if you don’t know if you like them or not head down to Magic Springs and check them out.

The concerts will be held in the Timberwood Amphitheater, and keep in mind that unless you get VIP tickets, you will be sitting on the ground, so be sure to bring chairs and blankets! Magic Springs & Crystal Falls: yummy food, fun rides, sunburns (which turn into super awesome tans), and best of all, the concerts all summer long! For what more could you ask? Magic Springs offers a lot to make sure you have a good time, so go down and get your Magic Springs & Crystal Falls season pass so you can go enjoy all the amazing concerts coming to the Timberwood this summer!

The 2011 season pass for Magic springs is $59.99 for a limited time when the original price is $69.99. With this, you are able to get into all ten concerts, all rides, and the water park everyday they are open during the season. For a one day pass the cost is $44.99.

Nikki Haak

Superstitious Students

            See a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll have good luck.

            Many people, including Lake Hamilton students, are superstitious or at least partake in superstitious activities.  But why?  What is the logic behind being superstitious?  Many are superstitious because they fear what they do not understand or because they wish to have good luck.  For instance, when most people see a penny heads up, they pick it up and believe they have good luck.  Some will not retrieve a penny if it is tails up fearing the bad luck that will be bestowed upon them.  Then you witness the occasional student who will pick up a penny to make them a little more financially stable.  But, superstition is not limited to penny pickers.  Many students believe in a variety of superstitions associated with their background, luck, or misfortune indicating that as humans we feel the need to place our luck in the hands of fate.

            Scientifically, fate is not the foundation of superstitious beliefs.  Scientists claim that superstition is simply a theory that can never be proven true or false.  Dr. Kevin Foster and Dr. Hanna Kokko, biologists of Harvard University and the University of Helsinki, suggest that there may be a gene for superstition and it is not entirely made up by our irrational ancestors as once thought.  In science there is a direct link between two items that are connected in some way and that superstition may be imbedded within us through instinct.  Furthermore, the science of superstition specifically lends its hand to the theoretical side or the logic and rationality behind superstition rather than the belief and fateful side of the matter. 

            There are students at Lake Hamilton who possess a scientific view superstition is mentioned.  One student, Ashley Kendall, owns two black cats.  She does not believe in luck or anything associated with superstitions; she simply took in the two stray cats and cares for them daily.  She believes that superstitions are simple theories just as science would conclude.  But, other students believe black cats to be nothing but evil and will do anything to keep them at a distance.  Berta Acosta was raised to believe they are bad luck.  “It is a ‘belief’ in my country [El Salvador], when a black cat crosses in front of your car it’s a sign of bad luck.”  I can relate to her on this level because my family (originating and still residing in England) is superstitious and I was raised to not perform particular actions and to believe certain things are bad luck, including black cats.  From almost all countries superstitions have originated with the intent to bring forth good luck, rid people of bad luck, accomplish your life’s intent, or simply because people are afraid of the unknown or unattainable. 

            After speaking with Berta, I gathered some more interesting viewpoints from a few Lake Hamilton students.  Nikki Haak, a junior, only interprets a few superstitions as worthy of believing; others she does not lend her attention and leaves them to be picked apart by science.  “I actually try to step on cracks,” she stated with a grin, “but I will not open an umbrella indoors.”  Her decisiveness highlights the idea that not all students are fully superstitious.  Other students, like senior Peyton Connelly and sophomore Lesley Breitenberg, are superstitious in the ritual perspective.  Peyton stated “If I have a good day at [football] practice, I will wear the same shirt I wore to practice on game day for good luck.”  He believes that the shirt may have something to do with his success and is willing to put that theory to the test.  Lesley has a similar superstition that she and her dance team practice before every basketball game.   She said “Whenever we get ready to go out on the court, we kiss our hand and hit the top of the door for luck.”  So, whether students are involved in sports are not, many are superstitious because they leave their chances of winning or losing something in life to fate. 

Superstition is still believed in today, which shows that our society is, in some way, still connected to our ancestors with our hope in good fortune and our irrational fears.  We still place our luck and fate in the palms of our ancestors who thought up the superstitions or contemplate the idea of being born superstitious.  So, cross your fingers and just remember, don’t tempt your fate by walking under a ladder or jeopardize your soul by dropping your mirror and always knock on wood and throw a pinch of salt over your shoulder.  You do want to graduate don’t you?

Taylor Duke