the PROWLER
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Holiday Issue 2012
Staff and Policy
Head Copy Editor Kaley Johnson Managing Editor Andrea Vernier
Layout Manager Megan Ivey Creative Design Manager Kat Lilly
Photography Sports Manager Editor Connor Holzinger Jacob Cook
Public Affairs Manager Maleisha Poe
Web Content Schhol Activity Correspondence Manager Manager Editor Tyler Klaus Abby Rittenhouse Dianiche Baxtron
The O’Fallon Township High School newspaper, The Prowler, is part of the educational curriculum of O’Fallon District 203.
to the editor. All letters must be signed. All signatures will be verified through a phone call or personal interview.
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Letters may be submitted to Room 608, mailed to OTHS Publications, 600 S. Smiley St., O’Fallon, IL 62269, or emailed to prowler@othstoday.com. If excessive editing is needed, the letter will be returned to the author for approval. The Prowler reserves the right to edit any letter for grammatical errors, libelous content, or space limitations.
If written, staff editorials will not signed and will reflect the opinion of majority of the staff members. Commentaries columns, on the other hand, will be signed reflect the individual writer’s views.
be the and and
Any person with an interest in the OTHS community is encouraged to submit letters
The Prowler is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association and the Illinois High School Press Association. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
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| Kaley Johnson kaleyjohnson@othstoday.com
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The Holidays come around. The Christmas music starts playing, the wreaths go up on State street, and everyone starts raiding the mall to find the perfect gift. The problem, however, is with those annoying people we call our friends. What are the rules of giving and receiving? Do you have to give a gift to every friend, or just the ones you like? What if you’re poor? What if you can’t find a single thing to get anyone? What if you have a friend that is the hardest person to shop for in the world? And, the biggest predicament of all, what if someone gives you a gift and you DIDN’T GET THEM ONE??! Fear not, my fellow stressed out Holiday shoppers! This is the guidelines on the hardest part of the Yuletide, so you can put aside the giving portion of the season and focus on the true meaning of Christmas; getting the gifts you want.
The Guide to Gift Giving 1. This is the obvious bit. If someone is getting you a gift, it is courteous to get them one. Exceptions are made if the person is stalking you or if they get you something truly horrendous, such as a clump of hair or celery. 2. If you have a lot of people to shop for, go for multiple cheap gifts rather than one huge gift for each person. The Stocking Stuffer section at the front of Target is perfect for this. Just don’t go overboard, because no one really wants a thousand useless little items. Four or five will probably suffice. 3. It is courteous if you’re in a serious relationship with someone to buy a gift for their parents - especially mothers. If you’re at a total loss on what to get them, don’t freak out. Usually, getting your significant other’s mom something simple, like jewelry or a candle will suffice. And lotion. You can never go wrong with lotion. For the dad, try a gift card to Best Buy or RadioShack. If you still really have no idea, you can always ask your girlfriend/boyfriend for ideas.
Holiday Satire
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4. Accept every gift graciously. Even if it’s disgusting or ugly or something you already own. SMILE AND SAY THANK YOU. Nobody likes people that ain’t got no manners. 5. Secret Santa: If you’re involved in a Secret Santa, spend the appropriate amount money on the gift. Usually, guidelines are set beforehand on the minimum/maximum that should be spent, so adhere to that closely. Also, make sure you get something that they’ll like, whether its serious or funny.
6. Gag gifts: Gag gifts are usually cheap, silly presents that induce a chuckle rather than an actual practical use. Be careful with gag gifts though... make sure that the other person isn’t getting you something super expensive before you spent $2 on a rubber chicken. You can always get them both a gag gift and a more expensive present. 7. Okay, here’s the doozy. If someone gets you something, and you didn’t get them anything, there are a number of escape routes. If they’re literally stand-
ing in front of you and handing you a present while you’re awkwardly empty-handed, tell them thank you, dazzle them with flattery and compliments, and then say you bought them a gift too but you left it at home! Then run over to Dollar General or WalMart and grab something random, like a sweater, a bag of cheetos, or a cat. Either that, or dazzle them with flattery and compliments and then run away. Or just run away. Another option is to grab something random out of your purse/backpack/fanny pack and hand it to them. I don’t suggest this though, because if you all are anything like me, you’d probably wind up pulling out a broken pen, a half eaten muffin, or a tampon. 8. We all have that friend that is impossible to shop for. Whether it’s a guy friend who only likes video games or a difficult friend who’s being all annoyingly selfless and is like “don’t get me anything!!!”. Anyway, here’s what you do. There are a few stores in our very own area that provide a lovely place where you can grab some random items that anyone would love. Some of
these include Fuego (next to Teavana in the mall), Target, and Francesca’s (across from Victoria’s Secret in the mall). Other gifts that go over well for most girls are things like simple earrings, a pretty journal, lotion/body spray/body wash (basically anything from bath and body works), or a scarf/ accessories. For guys, try itunes or Gamestop gift cards, a pre-made gift basket, or a DVD of one of their favorite movies. Those aren’t foolproof though, so don’t hold me accountable if they hate your present. 9. Lastly, the most important rule of gift giving is don’t get too caught up in it. The Holidays aren’t really about all the presents, so don’t freak out if you can’t find that perfect gift or you don’t get exactly what you wanted. Anything you get, no matter how much you may dislike it, is something you didn’t have before, so BE GRATEFUL. And (hopefully) your friends will still love you no matter what you get them. So have fun with gift giving, but don’t forget the holidays are really about friends, family and all that other gross mushy stuff. Page | 3
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KEEP CALM and
STUDY ON
| Kaley Johnson | kaleyjohnson@othstoday.com The Secret Department of Health at OTHS would like to issue out an informative pamphlet warning about the upcoming threat of FIZ (Finals Induced Zombie-ism). With finals looming around the corner, some have already begun to feel the effects of this annual epidemic, and those who haven’t yet been afflicted may find themselves under its grasp in the approaching weeks. The causes of FIZ have been pinned down to over-studying for final exams, stressing over final grades and attempting to finish a thousand final review packets before the big day. Symptoms of this monstrous disease include, but are not limited to:
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- crippling headaches - a zombie-like demeanor - anti-social behavior (hiding in dark rooms with textbooks, staying in bed for long periods of time with flashcards/worksheets/etc.) - extreme exhaustion, oversleeping, spontaneously falling asleep over meals or in class - racoon eyes - permanent bedhead - verbal outbursts of random, school-related information (relaying European history lessons over dinner, shouting out physics equa-
tions mid-conversation, etc.) - back pain due to hitchhiker-esque backpacks - severe carpal tunnel - an obsessive use of postit notes, highlighters, flashcards, and Sharpies - permanent high on coffee/energy drinks. May also lead to twitchy demeanor and hyperactive behavior - flat forehead, usually caused by repeatedly slamming head into desk If you experience any or all of these symptoms, please look into any of the following cures: - deep breathing exercises combined with extensive yoga sessions - scented candles and warm baths and showers - light exercise - make a schedule, setting aside time for relaxation - studying with a friend or group - buying a cute, furry pet to keep you company FIZ is a serious condition. Under severe cases, repercussions may include running away from home, dropping out of school, selling rags under a bridge, or spontaneously combusting. Good luck this finals season, and remember, avoid FIZ and don’t overstress! Page | 4
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HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
qqqqqqqqqqqqqq She&Him- A Very She&Him Christmas Actress/Singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel and musician M. Ward decided to make their own spin on some of the most popular holiday tunes with their album from 2011. They executed their first holiday album in the same manner as when Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin turned all of the christmas tunes into pop songs. The album was graced with hits like “Sleigh Ride”, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” M. Ward showcased his guitar skills on all of the songs, sitting in the back playing simple melodies. Their version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” had a very She & Him twist when M. Ward sings the part that’s usually performed by a female and Deschanel sings the typically male role. This album is one of very few timely holiday collections that stay in our hearts.
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Thetracklist tracklist The
01 Sleigh Ride fun. 02 Wonderful Christmas Time the Shins 03 Baby It’s Cold Outside Rufus Wainwright with Sharon Van Etten 04 The Christmas Song Ages Paul McCartney 05 Man With The Bag Black Prairie feat. Sallie Ford 06 I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day Civil Wars 07 Green Grows The Holly Calexico 08 We Need A Little Christmas AgesandAges 09 That’s What I Want For Christmas Holly Golightly 10 May Everyday Be Christmas Irma Thomas With Preservation Hall Jazz Band 11 Blue Christmas Heartless Bastards 12 Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me Eleanor Friedberger 13 It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Fruit Bats 14 Senor Santa Y La Bamba 15 O Come O Come, Emmanuel The Punch Bros. 16 What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve The Head & The Heart 17 Auld Lang Syne Andrew Bird
O Various artists- Holidays Rule
This album is graced with talent such as Fun. and Sir Paul McCartney singing classics such as “Sleigh Ride”, “Auld Lang Syne”, and “The Christmas Song.” The artist line up does not have the most popular bands, which makes this a very interesting album. You aren’t getting the same daily sound you’d hear on the radio with bands like The Punch Brothers and Andrew Bird. The covers are definitely something to rave over.
Over-played MOVIES A Christmas Story It’s a Wonderful Life Miracle on 34th Street A Christmas Carol
Over-played MUSIC All I Want For Christmas Is You Do they know it’s Christmas? Grandma Got Run Over a Reindeer Santa Baby Page | 5
Holiday Gift Ideas
Tablets and other mobile devices are expected to be very popular this holiday season. While Apple’s iPad line will probably steal most of the spotlight, there are a host of other tablets that are worth a look. One of the most noteworthy is Google’s Nexus 7. Starting at just $199 for a 16GB version, the Nexus greatly undercuts Apple’s iPad Mini. The Nexus 7 has, as you may have guessed by its name, a 7-inch screen. While it is smaller than the iPad’s 10-inch display and even a little narrower than the 7.9-inch display on the iPad Mini, its small size makes it extremely portable and the sharp screen actually has a higher resolution than the Mini. Shoppers who need a tablet with more storage can get a Nexus 7 with 32GB of storage for $249, while users who need a constant data connection can buy the 32GB model with Mobile Data capability for $299. This model uses HSPA+ which provides speeds close to 4G and is compatible with AT&T’s network.
With smartphones and tablets becoming more and more common, having certain apps on your device can make your life much easier. While there are tons of great free apps availble, there are many exceptional paid apps as well. A gift card for either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store can be a small but helpful gift. Google Play cards have become more common by checkout registers in Wal-mart and Target. You can normally find them next to Apple’s App Store cards. A nice perk about these cards is that they can be used for more than just apps and music. An iTunes card works the same way as an App Store card; its balance can be applied to anything in the app store. Likewise, Google Play cards cover the entire Google Play Store, which has a wide selection of apps, music, movies, magazines, and books. A gift card for either smartphone app store is a great way to give someone a wide selection of media for the holiday season.
With the weather getting colder and colder, nothing warms you up better than a nice cup of hot chocolate. A winter drinks gift basket is a great gift for parents and other family members. You can put together an assortment of hot chocolates, coffees, and other treats that your loved one will enjoy. Snacks like biscotti or cookies are also a good addition to a gift basket. If the recipient has a Tassimo or any other of the smart coffee makers, you could also get them a pack of refills in their favorite flavors. The best part about this gift is that it’s totally customizable and easy to make. You can use a basket or a nice platter to arrange your items and decorate it with the crinkled paper “grass” that you see on most gift baskets. This can be found at many dollar stores, as can baskets. Gift baskets can be made with pretty much anything that suits anyone on your gift list, so use your imagination!
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Sugar Cookie Pops 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup powdered sugar 2 large eggs 3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; add sugars, beating well. Add eggs, oil, and vanilla, beating until blended.
1. 2.
Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; add to butter mixture, blending well. Cover and chill dough 2 hours or overnight. Shape dough into 1 1/2” balls. Roll each ball in colored sugar or jimmies. Place 2” apart on ungreased baking sheets. Insert craft sticks about 1” into each cookie to resemble a lollipop.
3. 4.
Bake at 350° for 10 to 11 minutes or until set. Cool on wire racks.
Cake Balls
1 package of cake mix (any flavor will work 1 16 oz. can of icing (chocolate, white, or vanilla) 1 package of candy melts (any color but red or green are more festive)
1. 2.
Cookie Cutouts
1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 egg yolks 1 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder variety of cookie cutters colored sugar and frosting, optional
1. 2.
Bake cake as according to the package and let it cool completely.
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg yolks and extract.
Crumble the cake into a large bowl. Mix thoroughly with 1 can frosting.
Combine flour, salt and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.
Roll mixture into quarter size balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50)Place them in the freezer for a little while to firm up.
3.
While cake balls are in the freezer, melt candy in the microwave per directions on package. (30 sec intervals, stirring in between.)
4.
Once the candy is melted, take the cake balls out of the freezer. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)
5.
3. 4.
Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 3/8-in. thickness. Cut with cookie cutters, then place on ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake at 375° for 10-13 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Cool on wire racks. Decorate the cookies after they cool.
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Is this really happening?
- According to NASA the mayan calendar does not cease to exist of the date December 21, 2012. This is only the end of the Mayan long-count period-- another calendar continued. Just as our calendar ends December 31 and starts over January 1. -From December 23 to December 25, NASA ha sstated that there will not be a black out due to plantery alignment. And if the alignment was to happen the effects on Earth would be negligible.
It’s not the end of the world...
Or is it...
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