Senior reflects on experience in theater department

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
May 14, 2013
Filed under First Person Perspective, Top Stories

I stroll out onto the stage, followed by a spotlight and driven by applause, and as I take a bow the outside world seems to think I am basking in my own glory. However, that cannot be further from the truth. From the outside it may look like theater kids do it for the glory and draw of having a lead... Read more »

Rave: Lake Harriet Bandshell

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
May 4, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

While the majority of students wait for their favorite beaches to open after the school year ends, I anxiously await my nightly escape to the Lake Harriet Bandshell. With live music every night, the bandshell highlights genres from reggae to Broadway’s best. Adults, children, and teenagers alike attend... Read more »

Rant: Facebook

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
May 2, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

What once was a fun and connecting social networking site has now turned into an app that proves not only a distraction, but an annoyance. The constant buzzing and beeping noises often times lead me to turn my phone off and miss important calls from adults. Facebook is slowly changing from a helpful... Read more »

Rant: Stress of graduating high school

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
April 30, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

One would think that the stresses of graduating high school would only be academic, but one of the largest time consumers has nothing to with school: graduation parties. From choosing the right invitations to planning the guest list to simply finding the right dress to wear, today’s seniors probably... Read more »

Rave: Cowboy boots

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
April 28, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

One of the wonders of the West, cowboy boots provide an alternative to the stereotypical Ugg boot in the winter, and can also help finish off a boho chic dress in the summer. Whether they are seen at rodeos, hoedowns, or walking down New York Avenue, cowboy boots will always hold a special place in my... Read more »

Rave: Costco

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
April 26, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

What used to be an empty warehouse is now a hundred of aisles worth of the greatest store of all time. It’s like Target, except everything is doubled in size and cheaper, and the variety of items is incredible. From wontons to futons, it’s almost a guarantee that there’s an aisle for that. However,... Read more »

Rave: Grass

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
April 24, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

Once the entirety of the muck that Minnesotans call snow is gone, small blades of grass poke through the dirt and stand proud as one of the first signs of spring.They are also one of the earliest transitions to summer and provide a cool alternative to sand on an atrociously hot day. However, they most... Read more »

Rave: Lemonade

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
April 22, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

As spring and summer begin to approach, the Hogen cupboard is restored with a small container of lemonade, and my taste buds long to drink a tall, cool glass. Lemonade proves the perfect mix of sweet and sour, leaving you to anticipate every sip. This refreshing alternative to iced tea is reminiscent... Read more »

Rant: Workout junkies

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
April 20, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

I will admit that as a teenage girl I do enjoy guys who are a bit muscular. However, that does not mean that I want to hear about your 10-mile run and insane weight lifting tendencies, or even feel your arm muscle on purpose. I want to think it is natural, so please don't bore me with gym tales, because... Read more »

Rave: Clean room

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
April 18, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

As the first buds are beginning grow, spring cleaning has come into full broom. After a mere twelve hours spent cleaning every nook and cranny of my room–including the once frightening area underneath the bed–my room is finally clean. I now can find everything in less than five minutes, leaving me... Read more »

Rant: Budget cut rumors

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
April 16, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

The gossip that fills BSM’s hallways has begun to transition from trivial high school drama to the school’s budget cuts. This inconsiderate and childish way of “coping” with these change is not only disrespectful, but also completely inappropriate. If you truly cared about your teachers and your... Read more »

Rant: When people don’t respond

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
March 29, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

Anticipation runs through your veins as the words “typing...” pop up on your Facebook chat, and you lean forward in your seat. Then five minutes later you realize this person must either be dead, professing their love to you, or they just forgot to click send. None of which solve the issue of you... Read more »

Rant: Pink eye

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
March 27, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

The world should open their eyes to the idea that pink eye is probably the worst infection ever. From early in the morning when you wake up and cannot open your goop crusted eyes to the afternoon when you occasionally lose vision due to floating muck, it is just an eyeful of awful.

Rant: Alarm clocks

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
March 25, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

There are three sounds I dread every morning: bleep, bleep, and bleep. Not only do alarm clocks remind me that I actually have to get out of my bed, but the clock continues to get louder and more obnoxious until I actually get up. By that point I want to do nothing except bleep out the alarm.

Rave: Downton Abbey

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
March 23, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

Journey back to the time of British aristocracy, into a Masterpiece Classic drama that focuses on the scandal within Lord Grantham’s family and servants. Each episode is adorned with the intricate and ever changing plot lines that involve the large award winning cast, including Tony and Oscar-winning... Read more »

Rave: Soundtrack music

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
March 21, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

Do you ever have trouble focusing on homework? Well I have the solution for you: movie soundtracks. From daring sword fights to tender and tear jerking moments, these scores prove to have the range that can transport you to the land of Narnia (no wardrobe needed) or to an epic battle between the Batman... Read more »

Rave: Camelback water bottles

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
March 19, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

The perfect way to quench your thirst can be found in the form of Camelback water bottles. These colorful water bottles come in all shapes, sizes, and most importantly, colors. Although they are strong, durable, and near invincible, they also come with a lifetime guarantee just in case you take klutzy... Read more »

Rant: Forced Group Projects

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
February 20, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

I understand the importance of working with others, but I do not understand the need to do this with assigned groups. People are busy these days, and although it may seem like we have all the time in the world to meet new people, the reality is that we often don’t. Even more so, we don’t have the... Read more »

Rave: Stuffed Animals

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
February 18, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

Admit it, stuffed animals not only get kids through childhood, but they also may or may not still be the finishing touch to your bed in the morning. These furry delights range from the tradition teddy bear to the bizarre form found in dodo bird-stuffed animals. However, whether it’s traditional or... Read more »

Rave: Therapeutic Writing

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
February 16, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

In a world of social media where our lives are forced to be under 140 characters, many often forget about the true power of words. Whether it be in the form of a journal, poetry, or free lantz creative writing, writing can not only bring out our deep thoughts but also talents. As a person who loves to... Read more »

Valentine’s Day: love should be priceless

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
February 14, 2013
Filed under Opinions

Because I am a teenage girl who loves romantic comedies, one might expect that Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. However, anyone who thinks this about me is nothing but wrong. Not only do I hate the color pink, but I detest Valentine’s day because for much of the population it is not an evening... Read more »

Rave: Clementines

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
February 14, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

The most portable fruit, clementines provide a nutritious fruity option for any hour of a busy schedule. Plus, unlike oranges, you don’t need to painfully peel them, making them easy to eat and even easier to chew. Now orange you glad clementines exist?

Rave: Snowflakes

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
February 12, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

While many Minnesotans are flaking at the idea of winter, snowflakes still prove to be one of the wonders of the world to me. All gently fall down, wisping their way through the air and swaying back and forth until they finally reach a surface. Each of them is individual and none like the rest, proving... Read more »

Adventures in crashing parents’ dates

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
February 4, 2013
Filed under Humor

I am a pathetic excuse for a teenager. I mean, the teenage years are supposed to be about rebellion and fun, but I just don’t seem to stray on the wild side of things. One Friday night, I found myself in the perfect example of just how pathetic and lacking rebellion I actually am. After two months... Read more »

BSM and greater SLP community remember Carly Christenson

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
January 25, 2013
Filed under News

Last weekend St. Louis Park residents received an email asking that they place black, orange, or purple balloons on their windowsills in remembrance of St. Louis Park High School freshman Carly Christenson who passed away from influenza complications, leaving a hole in the hearts of students at both... Read more »

Rant: Retainer Announcements

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
January 16, 2013
Filed under Rants & Raves

Announcements have quite the range to them, but seriously people, I really don’t need to hear about your dental hygiene problems over the announcements. Not only is it disgusting that you left the retainer probably where everyone else eats in the lunchroom, you then are lacking responsibility to even... Read more »

Rave: Italian Boy Bands

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
November 21, 2012
Filed under Rants & Raves

Alright, so maybe I am biased because I am convinced I will marry Gianluca, but honestly the Italian boy band Il Volo makes me melt into their deep brown Italian eyes. With a more operatic take on classic American and Italian songs like “Smile” and “O Solo Mio,” these bilingual wonders not only... Read more »

Rant: British Boy Bands

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
November 21, 2012
Filed under Rants & Raves

Whenever a group of teenage girls ride in a car together, two things will inevitably happen: the radio will start blasting a one-hit-wonder boy band, and off-pitch singing will accompany. Seriously, how can these boy bands make millions and steal as many hearts by singing one simple pick-up line? I mean... Read more »

Rant: Tests on Mondays

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
November 1, 2012
Filed under Rants & Raves

As a student, I understand that teachers need to give tests, and I accept that. But, why do teachers put huge tests on Mondays? Not only do you have to spend your entire weekend stressing out about the test, but the time soon turns into studying rather than being social. Call me crazy, but I enjoy having... Read more »

Theater department produces unique version of “Working”

Rachel Hogen, Stephen Jacobs, and Adam Bilski
October 25, 2012
Filed under Activities, Top Stories

For its fall performance this year, the theatre department will be presenting “Working,” a compilation piece about the lives of workers within a community. The production is directed by Marilee Mahler, who brought in her son, Mike Mahler, a BSM alum, to help the cast out during rehearsal in early... Read more »

Rave: Cough Drops

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
September 29, 2012
Filed under Rants & Raves

Warning: sickness ahead. As fall sets into the air and the leaves start to fall, it seems some sort of sickness is always going around the hallway. Voices are lost, as people hack up a lung, but there seems to be an easy solution to the hoarse voices in the morning: cough drops. Pop in one of these,... Read more »

Love at first…speech?

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
September 27, 2012
Filed under Humor

So let’s recap my summer. While everyone was out at the beach getting tan and eyeing half-naked men, I spent a week losing the little tan I had in a dark and gloomy corner of a college library. When I registered for Gustavus Adolphus Speech Camp, I was ecstatic because of one goal: cut “Twilight,”... Read more »

Perils of dressing up for Church

Rachel Hogen, Staff Writer
September 20, 2012
Filed under Humor

For the average person, walking two blocks seems like nothing, but, then again, I am not the average person. I am just flat out embarrassing. Common occurrences with me include, but are not limited to: falling over due to gravity, snorting when I laugh too hard, hitting my head on anything in the general... Read more »