2017 December
HO WL
Table of Contents December Is Here!
02
10 WORST Christmas Gifts
05
Movies To Look Forward To In 2018
07
December Horoscopes
09
Rumors
15
Monthly Comic
18
01 | THE HOWL | December 2017
December Is Here! Ying-Hsin Lian (Eve)
Jingle Bells‌ Aren’t you excited for Christmas? You can eat loads and get piles of gifts too! :)
Things To Do
✅
Bring out the cookies! đ&#x;?Ş Cookies are the most important thing for a perfect Christmas. Don’t forget the milk! Buy a Christmas tree đ&#x;Ž„ How can you even celebrate Christmas without a tree? Decorate it you dork ✨ String lights, baubles; they’ve been in the dark for way too long. Christmas Gathering + Dinner ⛄ My favorite part of Christmas is, of course, the food and how we can get together with our family to celebrate this occasion. Wait for Santa‌ đ&#x;Ž… It may sound childish, but hey! Believe what you want to believe.
Song Recommendations “White Christmas� - Bing Crosby “Baby, It’s Cold Outside� - Idina Menzel & Michael Buble “Let It Snow� - Dean Martin “All I want for Christmas is You� - Mariah Carey “Last Christmas� - Taylor Swift Ver.
02 | THE HOWL | December 2017
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” - Andy Williams “Angels We Have Heard on High” - Gardiner Sisters Ver. “Dear Santa” - Girls Generation, TTS
Places to Go 1. Paris, France '
-
Holiday lights and displays Traditional Christmas markets Visit Notre Dame Cathedral Disneyland, Paris (The best of them all)
2. New York, USA (
-
Gorgeous window displays Christmas concerts Bryant park winter village Rockefeller Christmas tree
3. Tromsø, Norway )
-
Views of the Northern Lights (6 pm - midnight) You’re at the north pole! (Arctic circle, but yeah) Dogsledding + delicious food Mountaintop cable car
4. Taipei, Taiwan - The 101 tower is breathtaking - Many festive decorations - Limited Christmassy things - Taiwanese night markets
03 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Movies to Watch Home Alone: This movie is about a boy who is forgotten by his family while they’re going on a family trip. Later in the movie, he faces many problems because of being home alone. A Christmas Story: A classical comedy that entertains every family member, and is, by far, the most festive and relatable movie about Christmas. The main character in the movie is a young boy: Curious, innocent, and full of imagination. The Nightmare Before Christmas: This creative twist of Halloween + Christmas is sure to fascinate all the little children. The animation is lively and colorful, adding to the fun and mischievous storyline. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Charlie Brown is back again with his friends! This time, they are celebrating Christmas as a big group. A Christmas Carol: The classic Christmas story is turned into a movie, featuring the grumpy old man, Scrooge, who hates Christmas with all his heart.
04 | THE HOWL | December 2017
10
Worst
Christmas Gifts
Taurak Uppaputthangkul (Pink)
There are many articles online about ideas of GREAT gifts to give to your special someone. How about ideas of some gifts to AVOID giving… 1. Something not suitable for their age, obviously. Whether they are your grandparents, parents, siblings, kids, cousin, friends, etc., you would want to pick something they would actually like and find useful. Simple enough. ex: Don’t just casually give out “antiwrinkle cream;” don’t give kids toys to teenagers (such as pop out building blocks or 9-piece jigsaw puzzles...and so on.) 2. Exercise gear, unless they are interested in exercising. This is an indirect way of saying “you need to lose some weight,” so you wouldn’t want to send the wrong message and offend your loved ones. 3. Pets. Pets are cute, cuddly, and lovable, but if that someone isn’t ready to care for one, or just simply hates pets, it would not be a good idea to give them one. It is a huge responsibility, and you’re stuck with them for a really long time. Just ask them for their opinion beforehand. 4. Books. Yes, books are great and all, but I would not suggest giving books to anyone (unless you know for sure that they love them). Trust me, if the books you got do not match with the person’s interests, they would most likely be just as good as a paperweight or table decorations.
05 | THE HOWL | December 2017
5. Souvenirs/Magnets/etc. Seriously? Unless your special someone collects them, they are pretty much useless (and really pricey). 6. Clothes, in the wrong size! Sure, they might be ranting on about those shirts/dresses/shoes/etc., and they would be great gifts - unless they come in the wrong size. What’s worse than seeing it, but not being able to have it? 7. Plane Tickets. Plane tickets come with dates and locations. If you didn’t plan with them beforehand, avoid purchasing plane tickets. If they end up not wanting to go, or wouldn’t be available during the timeframe, it’s just a waste of (a huge amount of) money. 8. Toilet Paper. It is true that Koreans give toilet paper to each other as a housewarming gifts; it’s culture, and you wouldn’t want to mess with that, but giving someone toilet paper would seem like you’re desperately looking for last minute gifts. 9. This Year’s Calendar. Duh. Who would want a calendar that is useful for...5 days? 10. Nothing. Giving someone bad Christmas gifts would not be cool, but not giving them anything is way worse. Don’t be too cruel. Invest some money on your special someone, the end result would be worth it. :) KEEP UP THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!
06 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Movies To Look Forward To In 2018 Yu-Lou Wei (Maggie)
Thanksgiving is followed by several Thai holidays. Then it’s Christmas, and pretty soon 2018 is here! Yes! Don’t we all just love the last two months of the year? Of course, there are exams to be taken and exams to grade, but don’t let all of that make your excitement for the year falter. 2018 holds a lot of great promises; from throwback movies to continuing series, it’s a force with some superpower, dinosaur teeth, cartoon vampires and evil existences thrown in. By the way, “Honey, where’s my supersuit?” (The Incredibles). 1. Insidious: The Last Key (January 4th, 2018) First off, let’s kick the one that I am most afraid of out of the mix. Only one scared of ghosts movies and thrillers here? Ok. The fan-favorite Insidious series is back with a vengeance, launching its 4th movie. Dr. Elise Rainer, the parapsychologist, investigates her own family home and experience her most terrifying incidents yet…. Horror movie fans just can not miss this classic, right? 2. Avengers: Infinity War (April 25, 2018) We need some superheroes to save us after those terrifying Insidious ghosts, and they are going to kick butts. Marvel heroes are BACK! Did I mention this year is a total throwback year? 3. Deadpool 2 (May 31, 2018) Don’t know if this is PG 13, but definitely a fan-favorite as well. The wise-cracking Deadpool is also back; this time to kick…. Ninjas?
07 | THE HOWL | December 2017
4. Wreck It Ralph 2 (March 9, 2018) After 6 years of waiting, your first grade sibling has now turned into a full-on teenager, but bring on Wreck It Ralph 2. The sweet Vanellope von Schweetz is teaming up with mighty smashing Ralph to save the arcades once again! Perfect for kids, and to make up for your siblings time (true story.) Oh, oh! Candyland……. 5. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (June 13, 2018) You know there are just some habits in life that you know you should stop, but you keep coming back for more. That’s Hotel Transylvania 3. Sure, the production is probably milking the series, but I just can’t stop wanting to see what happens to Drac, his monster crew, and cutie-pie, baby Daniel! 6. The Incredibles 2 (June 14, 2018) If you must let me choose the must-see from all the movies listed, disregard all of the movies above: THIS is the one. Your first grade sibling is literally 21 years old now. It has been 14 years since the release of the majesty and the awesomeness of The Incredibles in 2004! As someone that has rewatched the first movie more than 15 times, my anticipation for The Incredibles 2 is over the top! The superhero family, with all its common flaws and amazing, heroic twists, is back on screen after the long wait - everyone is already sitting in their seats, popcorn ready.
08 | THE HOWL | December 2017
December Horoscopes Jirapat Tangittipalakorn (Johnny)
Aries For Aries, you need to tune into your emotions on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. You’re usually a person who is always the go-go-go type, but you need to slow down and reflect on your decisions. Just ask yourself questions: Are you happy? Are you satisfied? By the 8th and 9th, use your charm and you will get what you want. Make sure you plan ahead on the 16th, 17th, and 18th, and you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. On the 21st and and 22nd, everything will go great; if you want to or are hoping to do something, now is the time to do it. On 28th, 29th, and 30th, you’ll be a little emotional, but on the 31st make sure to make space for some romance.
Taurus You should really trust your instinct in December. On the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, listen to your mind and do not ignore it! On the 6th and 7th you are getting very romantic. Avoid anything related to your money on 12th and 13th. On the 16th, 17th, and 18th, make sure you calm down a bit on those christmas cookies, and 23rd, 24th, and 25th you’ll get all the love you need. On 28th, 29th, 30th, do communicate: it will help you a lot. Negotiate on the 31st.
09 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Gemini You will not get what you want entirely on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, but be patient and everything is going to work. Find a path that works best for you. You will be feeling fun and splendid on the 5th and 7th and have a good time with it. You might have control on the 12th and 13th. Deep thoughts will lead to great ideas on 16th and 17th. Make sure you say what you want to say and communicate it well on the 19th and 20th. You will be feeling fun, relaxed and romantic on 2 6 t h and 27th. Make a list of your new year resolution on the 28th, 29th, 30th, and get them started on 31st
Cancer You will start off with a very special and splendid on the start of December: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Whether you are making major changes to your life or a developing a relationship with someone, you’re on the right track. By the 6th and 7th of December, you should ready to really open up about something that maybe has been on your mind lately. Don’t slack off on 14th and 15th; use this opportunity look back and ask yourself: can you do better? Watch out for creative ideas on the 19th and 20th. Dinner parties with family or friends or with a special friend *wink* will be great and smooth. Things look pretty great until the whole year, enjoy your last bits of 2017!
10 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Leo Looks like Leo is very sensitive on the start of the month, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. By the 6th and 7th, you’ll get some enjoying times, maybe go out and bake some cookies for your friends. Explore romantic interests on the 12th and 13th. Don’t feel too attached on the 16th, 17th, and 18th. Instead of feeling attached, try to approach how can you deal with them in a healthier way. Don’t forget to have time to spend with your friends and family on the 23rd, 24th, and especially on 25th. Make resolutions on the 30th and then spend the last bit of 2017 wisely!
Virgo Better be prepared during the start of the month, and you won't regret it later on your holidays. By the 8th and 9th, get ready for some of the love you will receive . You’ll be extra creative on 14th and 15th and you’ll be able to solve all of the problems. Be gentle to you colleagues on the 21st and 22nd. You’ll feel connected to your friends and family on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th.
11 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Libra Don’t feel frustrated on the start of the month, please remember that there’s a solution to your problem. By the 8th and 9th, you’re on your way to success. On the 14th and 15th, make sure you have your alone time. Celebrate your beauty on the 20th. Enjoy the warmth and support of your friends and loved ones on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Have a blast on your New Year’s Eve!
Scorpio During the start of month, it seems like you are confused with all the energy that is pointing you to the wrong direction. Make holiday plans on the 6th and 7th and by the 10th and 11th, your intense energy will have attracted a lot of romantic attention. It seems like someone is getting a very romantic holiday; if things get very intense on 21st and 22nd, keep it peaceful - we don’t want any arguments around the holidays. Don’t be so tense on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th, keep things flexible. Lastly, enjoy your holidays!
12 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Sagittarius Questioning things are always what fixate you; on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, see where the questions and answers to those fixations take you. By the 4th and 5th, you are stuck in wanderlust: take a break and explore! Talk with someone on the 16th, 17th, and 18th. The more you communicate, the less you will feel stressed. By the 23rd, 24th, and 30th, focus on the Christmas party and you will feel cozy just like home! On the 31st, if someone smiles, don’t forget to smile back. Who knows, maybe he’s/she’s the one!
Capricorn It looks like you have some problems during the first few days of the month, but don’t worry. Keep in mind that everything has a solution. Take things step by step and you’ll feel better in your situation. Don’t work too hard on the 4th and 5th. Get together with your friends and family on the 10th and 11th. Looks like someone is extra cute on the 14th and 15th; go out and make everyone stare at you! Do something creative on the 19th and 20th, maybe poetry or painting. The gatherings with little kids might bring your emotions back to the happy state on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Celebrate New Year in a low key way on the 31st.
13 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Aquarius Plunge into whatever you want to do or are going to do on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. You definitely need to go outside and look for somewhere else on the 6th and 7th. You’ll see fascinating emotions, motivations, and inhibitions. Go shopping for christmas presents on the 12th and 13th! You’ll shine like a lightbulb on the 16th, 17th, and 18th and everyone is going to like it! You are the essential to every christmas party ever; don’t forget your party that friends and family invited you to on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th. On the 31st, compromise when it comes to partying!
Pisces Looks like the month starts off with things you like and you are having loads of fun, a pinch of romance, and maybe some creative ideas. Don’t let drama affect you on the 4th and 5th. Something is fishy on the 10th and 11th, but don’t worry, your sharp teeth and claws will make sure you take care of it. Enjoy the fun with your friends and family on the 28th, 29th, and 30th. Do something extreme and meaningful as you step in the year of 2018, maybe swim around in a frozen pond! LOL
Zodiac Illustrations by: MAKI
14 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Rumors Chia-Wen Hsu (Gill)
Let’s talk about rumors. What are “rumors?” Rumors are defined as information or stories that are passed from one person to another, and which may or may not be true. Rumors are also often discussed with regard to "misinformation" and “disinformation." This article will provide some reasoning and tips to provide a understanding about rumors. First of all, why and how does a bad rumor spread? This question might seem “extra,” because the reason is simple. Rumors are spread due to people who are feeling bored, feeling hatred, and feeling many other emotions or intentions. Most of the rumors are spread by their mouths, or through social media. We will never know what their real purpose is, but it doesn't matter if we know it or not. We often feel uncomfortable and annoyed when there are bad rumors spreading news about ourselves. This is what really matters. It's really hard not to feel disturbed, even if we ignore or pretend like we didn't care. Then, what can we do in response to those rumors, and people who spread them? From observations and personal experiences, there are ways that we can live peacefully with rumors: 1. Do not take them personally (exclude if it’s criticize, slander… etc) 2. Don’t assume 3. Focus on your own business 4. State clear your limits, how far can you can tolerate/ endure 5. Ignore
15 | THE HOWL | December 2017
6. Give appropriate responses, to clarify/provide explanation of the truth 7. Smile For those rumors that are really mean (like slander, judgement, and criticism), we might need to fight back. What exactly it meant by “fighting back” is to stand up for yourself using nonviolent ways. One famous example of responding to rumors nonviolently can be found on Taylor Swift’s latest album,“Reputation.” Taylor used to write loving, soft, and positive songs. She once wrote a song called “shake it off” in response to “haters.” Recently, she uses her album and songs to represent herself, and her top hit song is called “Look What You Made Me Do.” The lyrics not only include all the emotions that Taylor wanted to address to the audience;they were more than that. “The old Taylor is dead” shows her growth after pain, and her fight back was to live to all intolerable haters. She ends the video and says, "I would very much like to be excluded from this narrative." It’s appropriate and powerful response, and we should learn this kind of helpful skill for us to apply in our situation.
16 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Lastly, we know rumors hurt, but they will bring growth to us all. It's a choice whether to keep on doing what you believe, or just losing yourself. Rumors and people who spread them are definitely going to be punished for their actions. Even though we might not see what karma they would get, it's much more important to focus on ourselves than giving a you-know-what about them!. All in all, one last reminder for all of our readers: remember always keep your faith!
17 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Monthly Comic Chern-Tay Shih (Kevin)
“Spirit Week may be over, but let’s not forget the silly moments and spirit that came with it. Here’s Kevin’s adorable Illustration of the Sophomore’s theme for Meme Day!”
18 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Howlers for This Issue
Ms. Daina Petronis Advisor and Editor
Jirapat Tangittipalakorn (Johnny) Columnist
Yu-Lou Wei (Maggie) Editor and Columnist
Chia-Wen Hsu (Gill) Columnist
Ying-Hsin Lian (Eve) Columnist
19 | THE HOWL | December 2017
Taurak Uppaputthangkul (Pink) Editor and Columnist
Chern-tay Shih (Kevin) Cartoonist
Grace Natalee Tirabassi Layout designer and Cover photo