All posts by Jade Reese

Editor-In-Chief
Entertainment

Tips and tricks for using Snapchat

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According to the Business Insider, Snapchat has attracted an estimated 82 million users; however, not all 82 million of those people know about the “hacks” possible while using the app.

When clicking on the drawing tool in the upper right corner, the colors on the pallet are not the only available choices. If one moves his finger from the palette around the screen, without picking up his finger, there are a range of other colors to choose from. White can be chosen near the left edge of the screen, and black can be picked at the bottom. There are also many shades of brown, pink and teal in between.

Another useful hack deals with taking videos. There are many phones where the Snapchat app is downloadable on, but this trick only works with iPhones unfortunately. Once the user starts the video by holding the photo button, he can double click the home button as if he were going to clear his “recently used apps.” This person can lift up his finger and keep the screen like this for a while, and the video on Snapchat will continue to record. Making extra long videos for friends might confuse them a bit as the receiver reads the message in 10 seconds, but in reality, it is much longer.

One more trick has to do with the text ability on the app. By going to the notes app or any place where typing can be done, copy multiple lines of spaces and then paste them in the Snapchat text bar. Once this step is completed, typing extra long messages with more characters is possible.

There are many more tips and tricks for iPhones and apps like Snapchat available on the App Store. Just search around on the internet and experiment a little, and use the sneaky techniques to amaze other students and friends.

Community

April provides many favorites for students

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For some people, the first day of April is the worst day of the whole year, but for others, this day is the most hilarious day ever. Although April Fool’s Day is one of the most playful days of the month, April has many other favorited events, places and moments to offer.

April Fool’s Day is full of envious and malicious pranks on friends and family. Some of the best pranks I have heard of are the ones that are physical pranks, not just someone telling his mom that he got arrested or telling a friend you are moving.

Get a rubber band or tape, and wrap it around the movable spray hose that is attached to a sink. Once the hose is completely compressed with the tape, the next person to turn on the water will get blasted with water from the spray hose.

Another comical prank involves plastic wrap or clear food wrap. If you cover a doorway with the wrap during the night or when someone cannot notice you, the next person to walk through the door will smash through and get caught by the plastic. An even more insidious trick would be to place the plastic wrap on a toilet bowl; however, this one is rather dirty and mean.

On a less mischievous note, April has brought along one of the most beloved seasons. Spring is the savior for everyone’s hatred for the cold and loss of color. Spring is the start to all of the beautiful colors in nature. Many flowers are starting to bloom and the is weather leaving behind the negative numbers.

One of the first signs of spring is the green grass; most people like seeing the pop of green and love hearing the start of lawn mowers. These signs and sounds show everyone that summer is right around the corner. The lack of a wintry breeze and falling snow allows for open windows and afternoon walks. Spring weather is the perfect outdoors activity weather: it is not smoldering hot and is not too chilly.

April’s splendid temperatures make Hudson Springs Park a perfect option for a Saturday afternoon activity or a Sunday morning relaxation place. There is a playground for children to enjoy, along with a beautiful wooded path for walking. This trail encircles a large lake that can be used to fish and also canoe across. I have been going to this park since I was a small child and continue to enjoy everything it offers. I, along with many others, also enjoy using their disk golf course.

Disk golf is an endeavor that may be unknown to many. One tries to throw a frisbee far distances, like in golf, to make it into to a sort of catching post. No matter the activity at this park, there are many entertaining and relaxing aspects. Hudson Springs Park is located at 7095 Stow Road in Hudson.

Another park in the community, which is perfect to visit on an April day, is called Bow Wow Beach. As one can tell by the name, this place is not primarily for humans; however, dogs love to take a trip in the car to this destination. There is plenty of room for you and your dog to play, and there is also a little pond for the dogs. If your dog likes to play fetch or hangout with other puppies, this place is a great hangout for the little pups. Bow Wow Beach is located on 5070 Stow Road in Stow.

April also presents one of the most colorful holidays. With egg painting and egg hunts, Easter is definitely a dream for children. This dream sticks with everyone as they grow up though. Easter candy is what makes the lovely feeling continue on into adulthood. With Reese’s exclusive Easter peanut buttercups and Cadbury eggs, one cannot go wrong with this holiday’s sweets.

Some time after Easter, drive-in movie theaters open. The closest locations are at 2736 OH-59 in Ravenna and at 5602 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road in Barberton. Drive-ins are a totally different experience than regular theaters, and they are even better when one is able to sit in the back-end of a car or truck and cuddle up in blankets to watch the film.

With all of the introductions to spring and interesting places to travel, many are becoming excited to venture outside and leave their houses. April has shown many favorited moments since the break of the harsh winter. Many students are relieved that they can finally step outside without a million layers of jackets on.

Although some may wish for summer right now, try to enjoy the cool weather and blooming trees because before you know it, school will be coming to a close with a rush of final studying and goodbyes.

 

Entertainment

Unknown artist revealed

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Previously, that beautiful voice coming out of the radio was unknown. Now, the world can know his name: Jake Hagood.

Hagood is the man behind the “Who is Fancy” persona.

No one was sure who the voice belonged to. Some guessed the sound to be that of Ne-Yo or even Adam Levine, but all of those theories were shot down by Jimmy Fallon’s show on April 7. Turns out “Who is Fancy” is a singer/songwriter from Nashville.

Hagood performed live on the show in order to reveal his face for the first time.

At first, he began singing, but instead of showing himself, the light shined upon various lip-syncers throughout the first lines of the song. This tactic was much like that of the few music videos released on his youtube, which gave a more mysterious effect to his facade. Then, the big reveal happened and “Who is Fancy” showed his true identity.

Scooter Braun, who signed Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepson, has done a fantastic job of making a big deal of this young, on the rise artist. Hagood gained awareness from his soulful voice and his perplexing entrance to the music world.

Not only did this “Who is Fancy” boy receive a mass amount of attention, but the whole deal brought some millions of viewers to Fallon’s show as well. The rest of the world now has the knowledge of a new, creative artist who might be a favorite for many people very soon. The show and his exposure was a “win-win” for everyone.

Editorials

Jade’s March Favorites

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We all have been yearning for the signs of spring. This month should bring relief for each desperate Ohioan. Yes, March will be the end of the snow, which definitely makes it a glorious and favorite time.

This month has also brought about many beloved favorites to me and many other students.

The first and most important part of loving March comes with one single day: March 21. This is the first full day of spring; however, it does not mean the weather will hit at least 40 degrees, but we can hope.

Along with spring comes St. Patrick’s day–one of those “what is this holiday even for” holidays. Many question its purpose, including me. Whether or not if someone knows its true meaning, the holiday brings along the darling specialty at McDonald’s: the Shamrock Shake. With the minty flavor and decorative green tint, you do not have to be Irish to know it is delicious.

Shamrock Shakes are not the only delectable part of March: Rita’s finally reopens for their spring and summer hours. Rita’s, which reopens on March 20, is known for their luscious soft serve and their variety of creamy slushies called Blendinis. Some Blendini flavors include raspberry lemonade, cotton candy, mint and lime; however, there are so many more from which to choose. Both the Blendini and regular soft serve ice cream are superb. Rita’s is surely a spot more people should check out for their next ice cream craving. The closest location is on 2328 State Road in Cuyahoga Falls.

March also can bring along many memories for students. This is the time of the year when the I-X Indoor Amusement Park opens. One of the major things I remember doing as a child was going to this indoor park, loving to eat the greasy food and getting extremely dizzy on the rides. The whole experience was such a blast.

Many other students may have the same flashbacks of the live performances, animal shows, huge ferris wheel and spinny rides as well. Some may even remember the old commercial with that little jingle, which was made up of the name of the park being sung by children whose bodies formed into an I and an X, along with the words. No matter the memories associated with this awesome place, it will open on March 26 and run through April 9, so it would be a great idea to go with a younger sibling or child soon. Both of you will have a great time. The I-X Indoor Amusement Park is located in Cleveland on 6200 Riverside Drive.

Another favorite this month will for sure be the movie,“Insurgent.” I am just one of many who read the whole “Divergent” series and fell in love. That fact that the movie for the second book is out in March makes this month so much more exciting. This action-packed movie, featuring a dystopian society, comes out on March 20. Anyone who likes thrilling fiction should certainly read the series and watch the movies.

Lastly, the end of March is always favorable since it is the start of Spring Break. Many will venture to beaches and warmer climates; however, the relief from school is quite enough for some. This Spring Break starts on March 23 and goes until March 27, but there are also weekends at the beginning and end of the break, which extends the time we are off.

There are many events, places and desserts to love in March. Each is only around for a limited time, so take advantage of everything this month because before you know it, someone will be fooling you with a devious practical joke on the first of April.