December 9, 2016
New Illinois Laws p. 12 Light up the Holidays p. 7 - 8 Will County Winter p. 13 - 14
Winter Woes & Wonders Experiencing the Holiday Season p. 20 - 31
Race to the Heisman p. 39 - 38 Moment of the Season p. 41- 42
Editorial Board Hannah Tadey
Editor-in-Chief hannahtadey@stfrancis.edu
Ashley Montgomery
Head Assistant Editor Photographer Entertainment Editor ashleymontgomery@stfrancis.edu
Katie Nork
UNIVERSITY
FEATURE
Assistant Senior Editor PR Manager katherinenork@stfrancis.edu
Sarah Schoenrock
SGA Meeting Dates................................... 4
Winter Woes & Wonders.......................... 20
WCSF Rummage Sale................................ 5
Coping with Change..................................22
Layout Director Commentary Editor sarahschoenrock@stfrancis.edu
Final Exam Schedule..................................5
Indoor Winter Activities........................... 25
Kylie Mason
Light Up the Holidays................................6
Travel Tips.................................................. 27
NEWS World News................................................ 8 New Illinois Laws...................................... 11
ENTERTAINMENT
Gift Buying Guide..................................... 28 Comfort Food Recipies............................ 30
COMMENTARY Top Christmas Movie Poll........................ 32 Video Game Review...................................34
Will County Winter....................................12
Not-So-Medical Opinion.......................... 35
NYE Party Guide.......................................14
Life as a Commuter.................................... 36
Entertainment Reviews..............................16
Letters to Underclassmen......................... 37
Holidays in the City and the Suburbs......18
SPORTS Race to the Heisman................................. 38
Social Media Coordinator kyliemason@stfrancis.edu
Andrew Finein
News Editor andrewfinein@stfrancis.edu
Liz Venerable
Feature Editor elizabethvenerable@stfrancis.edu
Sara Michalowicz
Sports Editor saramichalowicz@stfrancis.edu
Ivan Flores
PR Specialist ivanflores@stfrancis.edu
Mat Tuck
PR Specialist mattuck@stfrancis.edu
Staff Writers Andrew McDilda Christian Hoeger
Moment of the Season............................. 40
Clarice Swanson
Athletic Profile............................................42
Gracie Plese
New Faces of the Fighting Saints........... 44
Jeremy Grachan
Eva Lopez Julie Kitzer Kamari Jordan Patti Raspolich Sarah Klawitter
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December 9, 2016
Letter from the Editor Dear readers, Wow! I can’t believe it’s already the end of the semester. For us seniors, this is our last Christmas/Holiday break of undergrad - how terribly exciting! For all of us, only Finals Week separates us from a month of sleeping in (or working...), binge-watching Netflix and drinking endless “hot cocoa” with family and friends. So, caught in a bind on what to do over the holidays? Have no fear, the Encounter has your back! Flip to the Feature Section, “Winter Woes & Wonders,” for tips from a travel expert to coping with change. We’re changing (yet again, for the fourth edition in a row!) our Feature Section to include more information rather than “pop culture,” for this is what we heard you all like!
CONTENTS
Staff
Have any suggestions on future Encounter issues, articles, themes or general ideas? Please feel free to contact me at hannahtadey@stfrancis.edu with anything! As per usual, if you would like to write for print or online, you can contact me as well! Make sure to stay connected over the holiday break by following/“liking” us on our social media platforms: Facebook: USF Encounter Twitter: @usf_encounter Instagram: @usf_encounter Happy holidays and happy reading!
Best regards, Hannah Tadey
From the top: Hannah Tadey (Editor-in-Chief), Ashley Montgomery (Head Assistant Editor, Photographer, Entertainment Editor), Katie Nork (Assistant Senior Editor, PR Manager), Kylie Mason (Social Media Coordinator), Sarah Schoenrock (Layout Director, Commentary Editor), Andrew Finein (News Editor), Liz Venerable (Feature Editor), Sara Michalowicz (Sports Editor), Ivan Flores (PR Specialist), and Mat Tuck (PR Specialist).
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SGA Spring Meeting Dates Courtesy of SGA President Jeremy Grachan
Come to General Body meetings! SGA holds regular General Body meetings open to the entire student body every other Monday at 8 p.m. in San Damiano Hall, located in Donovan Hall. During these meetings, students are invited to listen in as SGA elected officials report on their initiatives, and are encouraged to get involved by addressing their issues and concerns. Legislation is also proposed and voted on during these meetings.
Free t-shirt? Money off books?
Just refer a friend! 4
December 9, 2016
January 23 February 6 February 20 March 13 March 27 April 10 April 24
• Refer a friend to one of our graduate programs and recieve a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card! • We have programs in Business, Education, Health Administration, Management, Nursing, Physician Assistant, Social Work and Training and Development. • Stop in the graduate admissions office in Tower N104 to find out more.
WCSF-FM Seeking Music Donations by: Andrew Finein
WCSF 88.7-FM is collecting donations for its second annual Mega Music Rummage Sale in the spring. All donations of music and memorabilia including, but not limited to, vinyls, 8-tracks, audio equipment and instruments are welcome. All donations are tax-deductible and proceeds will be used to support the educational mission of the station.
UNIVERSITY
rummage
To schedule a drop-off or pick-up, contact Jessica Stevens at 815740-3697. For more information about the station or the rummage sale, contact station manager Anthony Musiala at 815-740-3645.
Final Exam Schedule Monday December 12
Tuesday December 13
Wednesday December 14
Thursday December 15
9 AM - 11 AM
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* Late afternoon (4 P.M.), evening and weekend courses will have exams during regularly scheduled class times from December 12 - December 15. Photo credit: Ashley Montgomery
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USF Helps to Light up the Holidays by: Andrew Finein, News Editor
Christmas music, holiday decorations, family events, hot cocoa, a parade and Santa, what better way to kick off the holiday season than with the Light up the Holidays Parade and Festival in Downtown Joliet? The annual event, which takes place the day after Thanksgiving, attracts thousands of visitors from all over the greater Joliet area. The event, which is hosted by the Joliet City Center Partnership and sponsored by the University of St. Francis, has become a tradition for many area residents. For the past 19 years, residents have brought their families to Downtown Joliet during the day for family-friendly activities at various businesses including the Rialto Square Theatre, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, Gallery Seven, Jitters and Gji’s Sweet Shoppe, and then stayed the evening for the tree lighting ceremony, fireworks and parade. “It’s a sense of community. It brings everyone together,” Joliet City Councilwoman Jan Quillman said. “It’s something about this time of year that makes everyone nicer.” The University of St. Francis has been involved with the parade every year since 2007. “We’ve been proud to be a lead sponsor of
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December 9, 2016
the parade for many years,” USF President Dr. Arvid Johnson said. “Lighting up the holidays is what we do at the University of St. Francis.” On November 21, the University officially lit thousands of holiday lights on the main campus on Wilcox Street and the St. Clare campus on Plainfield Road. The 30-foot-tall tree – which was lit at the event – stands in Van Buren Plaza, the middle of the St. Bonaventure campus. USF has a strong relationship with the Joliet community, helping to make it a prominent figure this time of year. “USF is very connected to downtown thanks to the St. Bonaventure campus and the close proximity of main campus,” explained Katie Smith, Communications Content Manager for USF. “It has become a tradition for us to be involved and our employees and students look forward to it each year.” This year was especially special for the University of St. Francis as Bernie St. Bernard was the Grand Marshal. “I am incredibly proud that we have the best grand marshal of this parade. It’s Bernie St.
UNIVERSITY
Bernard. There’s nobody cooler – there is no mascot cooler than Bernie St. Bernard – and we are proud he’s the grand marshal,” Johnson stated. The university will continue to help “light up the holidays” with “Christmas at the Motherhouse: 25 Years of Choral Music” where the Schola Cantorum, the Concert Chorale and the Singing Saints will join forces for USF’s 25th annual Christmas choral concert in St. Joseph’s Chapel. The concert will take place on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. To get your ticket, visit www. stfrancis.edu/music-at-moser. To light up the holidays the rest of the season, tune into the University’s “Spirit of Christmas” programming on WCSF 88.7FM. The program is commercial-free and covers all genres of Christmas music from old to new with a request show every Sunday evening. For more information on the Spirit of Christmas, visit www.stfrancis. edu/spirit. Photos courtesy of buglenewspapers.com and jolietdowntown.com
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World News by: Hannah Tadey, Editor-in-Chief
Mistrust the Election? There’s an App for That! GHANA, AFRICA – As the 2016 U.S. general election buzz starts to quiet down, Ghanaians are preparing for their muchanticipated December 7 election. With the use of digital technology, millennials are able to track election fraud and weed out corruption. This technology is also enabling them to “access, share and create information” at lower costs, greater speeds and grander scales than ever seen in their area, said CNN. If the citizens use this technology effectively, they will be able to monitor the election, track for irregularities, make informed choices and, most importantly, influence others to get out and vote. Fun campaign hashtags have been trending thanks to this technology: #iRegistered and #OVOV (Our Vote, Our Voice) are just two of the commonly seen hashtags encourage young people to get out, register and vote on December 7. Last election, 66% of Ghanaians voted (compared to only 49% of registered voters in the U.S. general election this year), and the country is hoping for an even greater outcome thanks to these technologies.
U.S. Unemployment Rate at All-Time-Low
UNITED STATES – Keeping up with the latest economic trend, the U.S. economy added 178,000 jobs last month and the Labor Department has reported that the unemployment rate has fallen to 4.6% - the lowest since 2007. CNN reported that employment has been at or just below 5% for the past year as more and more Americans have returned to work and job hiring has “maintained momentum.” November 2016 marked the 74th consecutive month that the nation has added jobs. To make good news even better, wages also rose 2.5% in November from one year ago: a slow, but sure, progression for the nation’s economy. This is the first major sign of economic health since the victory of President-Elect Donald Trump. This news comes as a good sign for Trump, for the soon-to-be president’s main promise is to keep (and bring back) jobs to America. A small victory arose for Donald Trump and the economy last Tuesday when Trump struck a deal with Carrier to keep nearly 1,000 jobs in Indiana that were set to be relocated to Mexico. China-based garment manufacturer Tianyuan Carments Co. also sealed a deal to relocate manufacturing to Little Rock, Arkansas. Tianyuan produces clothing for brands such as Adidas, Reebok and Armani, and the relocation is also expecting to employ hundreds of U.S. workers. November marked a “flat line month” for manufacturing jobs – news that doesn’t sound great at first, but is a light at the end of a tunnel when realized that manufacturing jobs have been decreasing/dropping all year. All in all, December looks to be a better month for the U.S. economy.
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NEWS
IS Group “Setting Up” for Attacks in Europe EUROPEAN UNION – Europol, the law enforcement agency of the European Union (EU), has warned that foreign-fighting militants from the so-called Islamic State (IS) are aiming to step up attacks on European soil as they face defeat in the Middle East. In a news release, the European police explained more militants will try to come back to Europe and, to make matters worse, several dozen potential attackers could already be in Europe. It also warned that Syrian refugees in Europe may be vulnerable to recruitment by extremists “who infiltrate refugee
camps.” Europol explained that the main tactics for destruction will include car bombings, kidnappings and extortion. Intel also suggests that the potential attacks are going to focus more on soft targets and will have an emphasis on lone actors, such as the Bastille Day attack in Nice, France earlier this year. Tensions are still at an all-time high in Europe, for as this calendar year comes to an end, Europeans are grieving over the hundreds of lives lost to IS militants/IS-inspired attackers.
Putin Calls for “Mutually Beneficial” Ties with U.S.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – After a surprising general election result, it’s not-so-surprising that Russian President Vladimir Putin is now calling for cooperation with the new American administration. While speaking to an audience of political and economic barons, Putin praised his citizens for rallying around “patriotic values.” This too comes as a surprise, as Western officials have frequently accused the Kremlin of supporting anti-establishment forces and weaken liberal democracies. However, Putin went the opposite direction during his speech when he noted that, around the world, “even in the most seemingly affluent countries and stable regions, more and more fractures and conflicts on political, ethnic, religious and social grounds are rising.” In the same speech, Putin said he looks forward to working with the incoming United States Administration “to normalize and begin to develop bilateral relations on an equal and mutually beneficial basis.” Unlike most times Putin addresses the United States, this does not come as a surprise, got in a telephone call after the November 8 election results, he and President-Elect Trump agreed that something needed to be done to improve “the absolutely unsatisfactory state of bilateral relations.” Photos courtesy of csmonitor.com, gettyimages.com, reutuers.com and businessinsider.com
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by: Julie Kitzer, Staff Writer
With a new year comes new laws. Take a look at some of the new laws going into effect January 1 in Illinois.
Illinois Hairstylists Must Now Train to Identify Domestic Violence
This new law going into effect on January 1 is the first of its kind. Illinois hairstylists and anyone pursuing a license in cosmetology will be required to take a one-hour educational domestic violence course to be able to detect signs of domestic violence. The class will be supported not only by hairstylists, but domestic violence counselors. The course will be required every two years when one renews his or her license. Stylists that have undergone the training will not be civilly or criminally liable for failing to act on the information they receive from their clients in regards to domestic abuse. However, stylists will be offered protection if they do decide to report to authorities.
The “Lockbox” Amendment
Illinois voted yes on November 8 for the “lockbox” constitutional amendment. This means that all money raised through various transportation-related levies such as the gas tax, tolls, license fees and vehicle registration costs will be put into what amounts to budget “lockbox.” This means that the money put into the lockbox will only be spent on enforcing traffic laws, paying off debt and transit projects, road construction and repair as well as costs associated with workers injured on the job. This change will not apply to state and local sales tax.
Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act (IESLA)
Under the new Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act, also known as IESLA, employers that offer personal sick leave benefits will also Photo courtesy of d-clearmanlaw.com
NEWS
Illinois Laws and Amendments Passed for 2017
have to allow family leave for “absences due to an illness, injury or medical appointment for an employee’s child, spouse, sibling, parent, parent-in-law, grandchild, grandparent or stepparent.” IESLA however, allows family leave to be limited to half of the employee’s annual personal sick leave days.
Right to Privacy in the Work Place Act
An amendment to the Right to Privacy in the Work Place Act (RPWPA) will prohibit Illinois employers from requesting employees to “like,” follow or share certain profiles and posts on social media sites. The amendment also prohibits employers from asking employees to join any social media site or asking to be invited to join a personal, non-work related page. In recent years, RPWPA was amended to prevent employers from requiring employees from having to give valid log in credentials to private social media sites or having to log into such sites in the presence of the employer.
Chicago School Funding
The ballot measure for Chicago school funding was non-binding, however, the ballot passed with more than 90% of voters voting yes. This means Illinois will provide full and equitable funding for the Chicago Public Schools.
Fire Arm Trafficking
Chicagoans took a non-binding vote about guns last month. The referendum asked if the state should increase penalties for illegal trafficking of firearms and require background checks for gun dealers and their employees. This vote passed as well with more than 92% of voters’ approval.
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Will County Winter by: Ashley Montgomery, Head Assistant Editor
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Ice Skating | Inwood Ice Arena
What better way to kick off the season than with this winter classic? You don’t even have to travel all the way to the city to find an enjoyable skating rink. Located just a few miles from campus at 3000 W Jefferson Street, the Inwood Ice Arena is open seven days a week and is an affordable getaway. The best part is, your Presence Inwood Athletic Club annual membership includes unlimited access to ice skating throughout the season (if you’re a student at the University of St. Francis, you can sign up for a membership for FREE!). This can be a romantic date or a fun day out with your friends, siblings or family. For exact hours and pricing, visit JolietPark.org.
Sledding | Forest Preserve District of Will County
Snow angels, igloos and sledding – in other words, a throwback to everyone’s favorite part of childhood. These are perhaps some of the best activities to do this time of year because they’re fun, completely free and remind us of old pastimes and allow us to create new ones. Some people are lucky enough to have an awesome sledding hill in their own backyard, but there are a few around Will County that can’t be beat. Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve and Forked Creek Preserve – Butcher Lane Access in Will County allow for hours of endless fun. They are open when “proper weather conditions exist after December 1,” according to their website, and you can even rent inner tubes to slide down on if you don’t have your own.
ENTERTAINMENT
Thanksgiving has passed and finals are just around the corner, so we all know what that means. It’s time to get that hot cocoa brewing, pull out your mittens and snowsuit and find your first winter adventure of the year. Ski resorts and glamorous winter getaways are merely a daydream to most of us, but don’t get the winter blues just yet. There are plenty of intriguing activities for you to enjoy right here in Will County! Check out all the things you can do close to home, and keep flipping through the Encounter for more winter entertainment.
Christmas Tree Cutting | Will County
If you haven’t tried it already, cutting your own Christmas tree is one of the most satisfying experiences. You get to pick out the perfect tree for your space and turn it into a right-of-passage for each of your family members. It is something that could become a wonderful holiday tradition. Check out Bengston’s Christmas Tree Farm in Wilmington, which has over eight varieties of trees to choose from, handmade decorated wreaths and delicious hot chocolate. Another option is Tammen Treeberry Farm, which has a flat-rate fee of $50 for any tree you choose.
Photo courtesy of homeyou.com
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The Encounter’s
EXCLUSIVE #NYE Party Guide by: Patti Raspolich, Staff Writer
After having a joyous Christmas celebration that turned into your extended family members criticizing your life, a solid New Year’s Eve celebration is in order. Before making your plans, always remember that you must be 21 to drink and always have a designated driver or an Uber to get you home safely. And with that, let’s get planning!
Chicago Scene New Year’s Eve Party at the Drake Hotel
This event brings in more than 2,500 guests who will enjoy some of Chicago’s best DJs, several ballrooms, top shelf liquor served at the fully-staffed bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Ticket prices vary depending on the package and general admission prices start at $149 which includes three ballrooms of entertainment. Guests must be 21 or older.
New Year’s Eve Soiree at the Hilton Chicago
Guests who attend this event will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and top shelf liquor choices as well as Kiss FM’s best DJs and radio hosts. With about 3,500 attendees, the Hilton hosts the event in massive ballrooms ready for entertainment and dancing. General admission prices start at $125. The dress for this event is semi-formal and guests must be 21 or older.
New Year’s Eve Yacht Party Boarding at the Dusable Harbor
Bring in the New Year while watching fireworks over the skyline at this exclusive yacht party. There are only 300 spots available, so get your ticket fast! Guests will enjoy a full food buffet and dessert, a photo booth and a champagne toast. With a premium bar, this event is also for guests 21 or older. Prices start at $150 for an early bird ticket.
Brew Year’s Eve at the Salvage Building in Chicago For a different spin on the usual NYE festivities, this party is centered around craft beer. Ten Chicagoland breweries will be serving 20 different craft beers along with hors d’oeuvres and a late-night pizza buffet. General admission tickets are $135, while a unique “designated driver” ticket is only $50 for those guests who do not wish to drink. All attendees must be 21 or older.
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New Year’s Eve at Hopsmith in Chicago
If you are looking to go out on New Year’s Eve with a group of friends, this could be the place for you. The tavern experience along with a high-energy crowd provides for an unforgettable night. Table packages begin at $300 for a group of six people which includes liquor, an assorted food tray and 2017 party favors. Hoping to have a bigger group? No problem. Hopsmith offers various table packages, with the most exclusive being skybox tickets at $1000 for a group of twenty people. Table packages also include after hours at Hopsmith and a brunch celebration the following day. Guests attending this event must be 21 or older.
Neon New Year’s Eve at Medusa’s Night Club
Wear your brightest neon clothing for this New Year’s Eve party. The lower level night club offers a dance floor and a lounge area with a bar which will be open to guests while they enjoy a variety of DJs. The main floor at Medusa’s will be open to guests 17 and older. Guests will enjoy a balloon drop at midnight as well as free party favors. Guests 21 and older must present an ID to drink.
Waveland Bowl’s New Year’s Eve Party
Feeling competitive this holiday season? Waveland Bowl is hosting this New Year’s event with two hours of cosmic bowling for you and your friends. Up to six guests per lane will enjoy appetizers, a pizza and salad bar, a sparkling cider toast as well as a dessert bar. There will also be party favors and raffle prizes. If you are hoping to bowl with your friends, you must buy your tickets together, which start at $20 and include shoe rentals. Open to people of all ages.
Host Your Own
For those who want to celebrate New Year’s Eve but are not 21, consider other great options such as a dinner party for friends or booking reservations at your restaurant of choice. You don’t have to go to an exclusive party to enjoy the festivities, as long as you are with the people you love.
ENTERTAINMENT
Photo courtesy of trbimg.com
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Entertainment
Reviews: by: Christian Hoeger, Staff Writer
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Before we get into this list, I’ll admit to the fact that I am definitely not the best Christmas-movie-reviewer here and you probably WILL disagree with my picks. I’m disqualifying all animated classics (because they would dominate this list and the fun would be lost) and movies that aren’t specifically about Christmas from the list. That means no, “Home Alone” is not a Christmas movie; the sequels clearly proved you could put the formula of a kid fighting against adults in any setting and the movie basically stays the same. If Christmas is just an add-on plot point, it doesn’t count. These movies have to be seeping with Christmas themes and cheer to the point that you get tired of them by December 31, like eggnog and family members. Also, last point before I begin this list, “A Christmas Story” is one of the worst Christmas movies ever made and quite frankly one of the worst movies period. It is the film equivalent to nails on a chalkboard. The protagonist is annoying and has about negative five redeeming qualities, the story is boring and I really don’t care that he got his BB gun. I’m glad he broke his glasses on the ricochet. That is all, now on to the list.
ENTERTAINMENT
Top Christmas Movies Ever (Kinda)
Jingle All the Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sinbad. Young Anakin Skywalker. Arnold fights a reindeer. This movie is criminally underrated because technically it’s not a good film, but nothing is better than the unintentional comedy of Arnold doing anything. TurboMan for life.
The Santa Clause
Tim Allen in the 90s and early 2000s could do no wrong. On top of “Home Improvement” being one of the highest regarded sitcoms of all time, he managed to voice Buzz in “Toy Story” and star in the hilarious “Galaxy Quest.” He may be at his best in this movie, however, the original is one of my childhood favorites and I vividly remember seeing the sequel in theaters when it finally released in 2002. The second and third sequels are definitely not as good, but all three get the job done for solid Christmas movies.
Elf
I don’t like this movie as much as most as it is probably one of Will Ferrell’s weakest, but I can’t deny its cultural staying power and almost cult-like appeal to my collegeaged peers. “Elf ” quotes are as intertwined with popular Christmas culture as are carols and candy canes.
Miracle on 34th Street (Original) & It’s a Wonderful Life
These were basically the same movie to me when I was growing up. I knew them only as the black and white Christmas movies that make old people cry and me fall asleep. As I grew older and matured (I think), I appreciated these movies more, but they still sometimes blend together. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is definitely better though.
Christmas Vacation
I know, I know. Because this is actually the third in a line of “Vacation” films, my argument about taking the general idea and pulling it out of Christmas-time and having it still work could technically be argued for here. But you’d be wrong. Because I said so. This movie may have similar hi-jinx as all of them; it’s still inherently Christmas-y enough and can stand alone.
Photos courtesy of imdb.com
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#OutingOfTheDay: Celebrating the Holidays in the City OR Suburbs by: Gracie Plese, Staff Writer It’s the most WONDERFUL TIMEEEEEE of the year…So let’s act like it! Sure, finals may be stressing you out and your inner Kermit may be telling you to just drop out, but once December 15 comes we finally catch a break. Whether you’re staying home in the suburbs or heading to the city, check out these holiday must-dos.
Christmas in the City Beginning on November 18 and lasting through January 2, the Morton Arboretum will be illuminated with 50 acres of LED lights. The one-mile walk is lit to the tip with video, audio and interactive elements. The trees react to touch and sound.
Christkindlmarket
This is Chicago’s largest holiday open-air market. The market has been around since 1996, but it is inspired by a German market founded in 1545. Take a trip to Daley Plaza to get a hint of the endless array of German food, drinks, shopping and holiday entertainment. Admission is never anything more than free. The market has now extended its horizon to open new locations in both Oakbrook and Naperville.
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Macy’s Holiday Windows
Since the 1870s, Macy’s has never failed to put up spectacular window decorations. The Macy’s on State Street will have its windows decked out until January 8. This year, the theme is “Reasons to Believe” and will have the decorations centered around what makes the holidays so magical.
Lincoln Park ZooLights
Since November 25, Lincoln Park Zoo has been celebrating its annual ZooLights event. The winter wonderland will be held November 25-27, December 2-4, 9-23, 26-31 and January 1. The family fun includes photos with Santa, 3D displays and holiday shopping.
The Ugly Sweater Run
If you’re into fitness and don’t want Santa’s cookies to take a toll on your body this season, grab your ugliest holiday sweater and join in on the 5K run through the streets of Chicago. The race will take place on December 10. After prancing through the 3.1 miles, enjoy a nice holiday celebration with hot cocoa and Kahlua cocktails.
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Christmas Around the World
“Christmas Around the World” and “Holidays of Lights” take place at the Museum of Science and Industry from November 17 through January 8. In the center of the museum stands a 45-foot-tall tree decorated with 30,000 lights, along with more than 50 other decorated trees displaying different cultures and customs from around the world. LEGO-inspired activities will be running throughout the museum this year, along with pictures with Santa.
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“See the Lights. Feel the Magic. Continue the Tradition” at Brookfield Zoo’s 35th annual holiday festival. On December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, and 26-31, view over a million LED lights and experience the magic. The zoo will feature a 41-foot tall talking Christmas tree, interactive Tic-Tac Snow, a train display, carolers, ice carvers and more.
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Reel at the Rialto - Movies to Remember: The Polar Express
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Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
On December 18 at 3 p.m., the Rialto will be hosting “The Polar Express.” The event only costs $5 and is appropriate for the whole family to dive in on.
Ice Skating in the Commons
From December 4 though January 8, the New Lenox Community Park District is opening an ice skating rink in the Village Commons. Admission to the rink is free, but if you need a pair of skates, you will need to rent them for $5. There will also be hot beverages available for purchase as well. For more information visit www. newlenoxparks.org.
ENTERTAINMENT
Christmas in The Suburbs
Kacey Musgraves Christmas Tour “A Very Kacey Christmas” The
Ug ly
On December 15 at 8 p.m. at the Rialto Square Theatre, GRAMMY winning artist Kacey Musgraves will launch her very first Christmas headlining tour. Tickets cost anywhere from $30-$50 and can purchased from the Rialto.
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Photos courtesy of timeout.com, theuglysweaterrun.com and wordpress.com
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WINTER WOES & WONDERS
Winter Woes &
Wonders
by: Liz Venerable, Feature Editor Frost, fog, sleet and snow‌ It could all come our way now that winter has arrived. However, winter in the Mid-Atlantic states can be both a curse and a blessing. The days can be bright and crisp or dark and long. The choice is, how do we use this the time? The long winter nights are the ideal opportunity to indulge in endless bowls of soup, catch up on all those TV shows and generally wrap up and be cozy. Continue reading for more winter woes and wonders.
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Coping with Change During the Holidays by: Katie Nork, Assistant Senior Editor
‘Tis the season… for spending time with all of your weird family members. With all this family-togetherness or lack thereof, the holidays can bring a lot of changes to your life – some good, some bad, but changes nonetheless. Sometimes it isn’t easy, but you must learn how to cope with these changes so you can move forward in your life and be the happiest you can be.
Coping with the death of a loved one
Sometimes the holiday season is a reminder that a loved one is no longer around to celebrate with you. Try your best to remember all the good times you had with this person and realize that some of your family/friends are grieving the same loss as you are. Try to find comfort within these people. Don’t be afraid to talk with those who care about you because they will try their best to help you through this tough time. If there are traditions that you feel like you can’t handle because of this loss, try figuring out the best plan to handle this, maybe changing the tradition up a bit or not having it altogether.
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Coping with a new addition to the family
Whether you have a new baby in the family, a new significant other or even a new pet, the holidays can get overwhelming with any new addition. Sometimes the best way to handle stress from a new addition to your family is to just sit down and take a deep breath. Remember how much you love and care about this new member of family. Change isn’t always a bad thing; you just need to get used to it. You will adjust to having a new baby or a new pet around the house and you will figure out how to make it to both Christmas dinners with your significant other. The easiest way to cope with a new addition to the family is just by giving it time to become part of your routine. Soon enough, what is new will become normal.
Coping with divorce
Dealing with a divorce during the holidays is especially hard because your family is going to be broken up, the traditions you had won’t be the same and you’ll probably have to split your time at different holiday celebrations. If continuing the old traditions is too much to
WINTER WOES & WONDERS
cope with, start new ones. If you just can’t handle the emotions you are feeling, seek out a family member or friend who you can talk to; sometimes just talking to someone about a break-up is the best medicine. Remember to take time for yourself as well. Sometimes even a small change from your normal routine is enough to make you feel out of whack.
Change in eating habits
Maybe you’re a person who is used to eating healthy or you’re a vegetarian/vegan, so the holidays can be a tough time for your diet because the food served at holiday parties isn’t as healthy as you normally eat. Before the holiday party, try talking to the host to see if they will have a healthier option available to you, or if not, ask if they would be offended if you brought your own meal. If you aren’t too strict about your diet, you can always just eat smaller portions of the food available to you.
Change in routine
If you live at school, coming home for the holidays can be a big adjustment for you. You aren’t used to having people wait up for you to come home or having to follow your parents’ rules again. Even if you don’t live at school, having a change in your routine can be quite upsetting. You’re used to getting up and going to school or work in the mornings and now you’re probably free (at least from school). What are you going to do with all this free time now? Maybe you’re back home with all of your high school friends, this could be good or bad, but all of this is a change that you’re not used to. Find something you can do at the same time every day to make your schedule feel a bit more “normal.”
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Indoors During the Winter by: Mat Tuck, PR Specialist Let’s face it; winter is cold. The trees are dead, the animals are hiding and us humans are outside breaking our backs shoveling snow to clear our driveways. And when we do venture outside, it’s a mad rush from one indoor spot to the next as we desperately try to avoid the bitter chill of the brutal season.
3. Workout
Why go outside at all? Wouldn’t you rather stay inside your warm house? You don’t need to be out in the icy-cold winds of winter to enjoy the season. Here is a list of fun things to do during the winter when you just want to stay inside.
What’s that? You don’t want to gain five pounds sitting around watching TV and playing video games? Why not spend some time burning calories and melting fat? You don’t need to jog around the frozen tundra to get in shape during winter. You don’t even need to struggle down the ice-kissed streets to sweat it out at your local gym. You can make your body great again by doing your own at-home workout using weights, YouTube videos or cardio DVDs. There are even some great free workout apps for your smartphone!
1. Binge-Watch Your Favorite Shows
4. Christmas Movies
A great way to indulge yourself on a cold, winter day is by catching up on all your favorite shows. You work hard during the week and it’s colder than the arctic circle outside. Take a load off, plop down on your couch and enjoy some mindless television. With services like Netflix, Hulu and Xfinity On Demand, it’s easy to unhinge and binge all the shows that make life worth living.
2. Video Games
The weather outside is frightful, but the games are so delightful. For all you video game fans out there, winter is a great excuse to plug in and crush some noobs. Who wants to be knee-deep in twelve inches of snow when you can be knee-deep in the digital blood of your fallen enemies? With new games like “Battlefield 1,” “Final Fantasy XV,” “Call of Duty: Infinite War” and “The Last Guardian and Dishonored 2” all out this holiday season, there is no better time to play.
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5 Things to do
There’s nothing like some holiday cheer to pick you up when the cold has got you down and there’s no better way to get some holiday cheer than by watching Christmas movies. When the weather is frosty, it’s the perfect time to light up the fireplace, warm up some hot chocolate, slip on some slippers and have a Christmas movie marathon. You can get in the Christmas spirit as Charlie Brown, Ebenezer Scrooge, Frosty the Snowman, George Bailey and Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer keep you company.
5. Board Games
Has the bad weather got you bored? Why not play some board games? All bad puns aside, board games are a terrific way to treat you and your family and/or roommates to some fun when it’s too cold to go outside. Break the monotony with some “Monopoly,” settle down with some “Settlers of Catan” or conquer the globe with a brisk game of “Risk.” Whatever you play, it’s more fun than facing the below-zero temperatures of the outside world.
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From an International Expert by: Eva Lopez, Staff Writer The explorer Sir Richard Burton once said, “The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands.” Traveling is, beyond a doubt, one of the most enriching experiences you can grant your soul. It opens your mind and your eyes to new places, peoples and ways of living that you never imagined before. However, while the perks of traveling are infinite and I’d risk to say almost every young person is eager to explore the world, we have to admit that it’s not the easiest thing to do at this stage of our lives, especially as broke college students. So for those who can’t wait to be old and rich, here are some tips for traveling that I’ve found very useful throughout my years of traveling. Whether you’re going home for Christmas, you’ve decided to explore the U.S. or you’ve decided to travel overseas, here are some quick suggestions on what to do and what never to do when traveling by plane.
Book your plane ticket far in advance.
By “in advance,” I mean several months ahead. It will save you so much money. I know that spontaneous last minute trips are very exciting, but depending on where you’re going it will cost you an arm and a leg. Take your time to plan your trip and book early. Be sure to know when it’s the best time to travel since it’s cheaper to travel in the touristic off-season.
If you’re traveling to another country, doublecheck foreign document requirements.
Not doing this could get you into unnecessary trouble. Some countries, like India and China, require visas for entry, so be sure to know the requirements before you travel. And for that matter, double-check that you always have your personal documentation and any other paperwork you need to travel on you. You don’t want surprises!
Do your own bag check before flying.
By this I mean weigh your suitcase so it sticks to the weight requirements and you don’t have to spend time taking things out at the check-in desk and avoid paying extra. Also, make sure that you don’t carry prohibited items in your carry-on luggage (such as scissors, knives, razors or liquids), because airport security will take them away. We all know traveling by bus, train or car can be somewhat tricky, but follow this and you’ll be fine, I promise.
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Travel Tips :
Safety tips to remember:
Check the weather, tell someone where you are going and the route you will take.
Charge all your tech devices beforehand, but don’t Choose your seat carefully. Window or aisle? Some people feel they’ll sleep better near the forget to pack your chargers as well. window; it means more ways to create a makeshift pillow. Others While airports have many charging stations, it’s always safe to be ready for any inconvenience. In addition, it’s a requirement to be able to turn your device on if asked to when passing through security – so don’t be lazy and always have them charged to avoid getting them confiscated (which usually never happens, but just in case!).
If possible, book the seat closest to the aisle.
Personally, I hate waking up people who are sleeping when I need to go to the bathroom. And if it’s an overseas flight, that’s going to happen often. Get the seat by the aisle and you’ll be able to get up as much as you want.
Photo courtesy of meldmagazine.com.au
prefer the aisle because there’s more space and a way to stretch out.
Pack an energy drink to avoid needing to use the bathroom. Buy a Gatorade or another beverage that replenishes electrolytes. This will hopefully keep your thirst quenched and your bladder empty – meaning that you won’t have to use the bathroom as often.
BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks).
Most often, there will be a stop or two at roadside restaurants; in some cases, the food is quite good. However, there are no guarantees. Always bring something that will satiate you!
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The Good, the Bad
& the
ICY
by: Clarice Swanson, Staff Writer
’Tis the season to start Googling “What are some good gift ideas for _______?” But beware: although you might find a few keepers, some of the gift suggestions you’ll stumble upon are just bad ideas in general, and some are just plain strange. This guide is to help show you some awesome gifts, some not-so-great ones and a few to steer clear of this holiday season.
The Good 3D Printing Pen
This gift is more on the expensive side, but is a really cool idea for those who like something crafty to work with. The pen works just like a 3D printer, but lets you draw your creation in real time instead of having to program it into a printer first. A very awesome gift for the creative person in your life.
Samsung Gear VR Headset
Virtual reality technology is always a cool thing to enjoy and with this headset, you’re able to take this virtual reality experience with you on the go. An excellent gift for anyone who enjoys video games or virtual experiences.
Water Speakers
Water speakers are such an awesome gift for anyone who enjoys blasting their music while they’re around the house. An especially cool gift for college students, and you can find brands starting at just $20.
Movie Packs
When all else fails, movie-night kits are always a great idea to throw together at the last minute. Popcorn, a couple of packs of candy and a few good films equals an easy gift for you and a great gift for the recipient.
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Subscription Boxes
Okay, so some subscription boxes that send you, say, chocolate each month, are not bad. But most of them involve a lot of useless promotional items that we will probably never use again in our lives. Just think about what your reaction would be if someone told you they got you a subscription to the “Moss of the Month Club” for Christmas. Think before you buy on this one.
Fast Food Gift Cards
I love fast food, you love fast food. Let’s face it, there are very few people who don’t love fast food. But this is such an overdone stocking stuffer type gift that it’s hard to get excited about it. You can only say “I’m lovin’ it” to a McDonalds gift card so many times.
Animal Print Clothing and Accessories
This is more of an opinion one and is probably aimed more at girls, but I know many people who agree with me on this; that gift will probably be gone within a month. Even if the receiver loves a certain animal, you should probably stick to a pillow or room décor just in case.
Soap/Body Washes
As much as this gift is useful, and as much as people pretend to be excited about the fifteen body washes they’ve gotten, it probably ranks in the three most overused gift ideas. It’s hard to pass up a good sale at Bath & Body Works to knock out Christmas shopping for three people at once, but it might be better (and sometimes cheaper) to walk away.
The ICY
Plush Organs
Truly, I don’t understand. Not only am I wondering why someone would want a stuffed version of the insides of their body, but I’m also confused as to why they cost $20 a piece. I repeat, just don’t do it.
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The Bad
Pickle-Flavored Anything (that aren’t pickles)
Pickle Flavored Gum? Nope. Pickle Flavored Lollipops? Nah. Pickle flavored bacon wrapped in more bacon? Yeah, still no. Could be a funny stocking stuffer, but in most cases, it’s just gross.
Ouija Board Jewelry
This is predicted to be in the top five weird Christmas gifts of 2016. Why? Don’t ask me. I don’t care how above superstition you are. Don’t mess with Oujia boards.
Hander-pants
They are hand warmers that look like underwear. Gag gift? Fine. Normal gift? No.
iPad/Tablet Wrist holders
I know we are all obsessed with technology, but really, can’t you just stick to a smartwatch? So, there you have it: the best, worst and weirdest gifts for this holiday season. Happy shopping!
Photos courtesy of technicallyforeign.com , nexcesscdn.net, blogspot.com and designbolts.com
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comfort food
Comfort Food: #FoodPorn, #BasicDish and #WTF (What the Food Was I Thinking?!) by: Liz Venerable, Feature Editor Close your eyes and reimagine the feeling of drinking an ice-cold glass of water on a hot summer’s day, or holding a steaming cup of coffee on a cold winter night. “Comfort foods” are the foods that remind of us something we enjoy; they are the feelings you have mixed with the memories you make when you enjoy your favorite dish. We here at the Encounter would like to help you create new memories with this comfort food cooking guide. Whether you are travelling, going home or staying on campus this holiday season, one thing we all have in common is our love of food.
• • •
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#WTF (What the Food was I thinking?! Difficult to make)
This dish can easily be spiced up to your liking and is easy to make.
Some assembly is required for this dish.
Not-From-The-Box Mac and Cheese 50 minutes | 4 servings | 858 calories
Tamales 3 hours 35 minutes | 4 servings | 236 calories
Ingredients: 1 box uncooked elbow macaroni (8 ounces) 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 3 cups milk ¼ cup butter 2 ½ tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup bread crumbs
Ingredients: Tamale Filling: 5 ounces of pork, chicken or beef ¼ large onion, halved ¼ clove garlic 1 dried California Chile pod ½ cup water ¼ teaspoon salt Tamale Dough: ½ cup masa harina ¼ (10.5 ounce) can beef or chicken broth ¼ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons of coconut oil Dried corn husks
Directions: Step 1: Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain. (If you are using a boxed macaroni, follow directions on box and skip to step 3). Step 2: In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is thick. Place macaroni in large casserole dish and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well. Step 3: Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika if desired. Step 4: Bake at 350° F for 30 minutes.
#FoodPorn (Intermediate) This next dish is perfect for those cold, winter nights. Chicken and Noodles 55 minutes | 4 servings | 349 calories Ingredients: 1/3-½ cup butter, melted 2 2⁄3 tablespoons flour 5 1/3 cups chicken broth ½ cup carrots, chopped ½ cup celery, chopped 2⁄3 cup onion, chopped 1/3 teaspoon black pepper 1/3 teaspoon salt 2/3 pound of cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, shredded into large pieces 8 ounces of uncooked noodles Directions: Step 1: Melt butter in a large pot, add the flour and cook for about one minute until a thin roux forms. Step 2: Add carrots, celery and onions; stir to blend with the roux. Step 3: Add chicken broth and chicken.
Directions: Step 1: Place meat, onion and garlic in pan, add water and cover. Place in oven. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the meat is cooked through (about 2 hours). Step 2: Use rubber gloves to remove stems and seeds from the chile pods. Place chiles in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, then remove from heat to cool. Transfer the chiles and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture, stir in salt and set aside. Shred the cooked meat and mix in one cup of the chile sauce.
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#BasicDish (Easy to make)
Step 3: Soak the cornhusks in a bowl of warm water. In a large bowl, beat the coconut oil with a tablespoon of the broth until fluffy. Combine the masa harina, baking powder and salt. Stir into the coconut mixture, adding more broth as necessary to form a spongy dough. Step 4: Evenly spread the dough over the cornhusks to 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness. Place one tablespoon of the meat filling into the center. Fold the sides of the husks in toward the center and place in a steamer. Steam for 30 minutes to one hour until dough is cooked. Remove tamales from husks before serving and enjoy.
Step 4: Bring to a boil, turn to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Step 5: Add noodles and simmer on medium-low heat for an additional 20 minutes. Photos courtesy of doorknockdinners.com, recipe-diaries.com and blogspot.com
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USF:
What’s your Top
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17.5% The Grinch 17.5% Christmas Vacation
COMMENTARY
Christmas Movie?
15.8% The Polar Express 12.3% Elf 7% Home Alone 7% It’s a Wonderful Life
5.3% The Nightmare Before Christmas 5.3% Love Actually 5.3% A Christmas Story 3.5% Rudolph 1.8% Miracle on 34th Street 1.8% Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer *Poll based on student survey taken at the time of USF Encounter sign-ups.
Photos courtesy of: msecnd.net, jeded.com, athenacinema.com, nflximg.net, philorch.org, mentalfloss.com, dilcdn.com, independent.co.uk, salemweeklynews.com, schmoesknow.com and tvgcdn.net
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Kylie's Video Game Reviews: "Pokemon Sun" and "Pokemon Moon" by: Kylie Mason Social Media Coordinator Similar to most people my age, “Pokémon Yellow” was what started it all for me back in 1999. I had to watch the anime, the movies, collect Pokémon Trading Cards and even had my very own Togepi doll that I carried around everywhere (she even had to take baths with me). I’m going to be quite honest, it’s been a while since I’ve been able to immerse myself into the Pokémon world and call myself a Pokémon Master. That was until November 18 when “Pokémon Sun and Moon” hit the shelves and I quickly threw my money at the cashier. The nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks and my love for the RPG was back. Before we start on the actual review though, there are some differences between Sun and Moon that might be important to know before you pick which path you want to wander down.
Story: 8/10
The Differences:
Gameplay: 8/10
“Pokémon Sun”
• Solgaleo is the legendary exclusive to this game; it is a steel and psychic-type Pokémon; • Follows a real time schedule (morning is light outside, evening is dark outside); • Approximately ten specific Alola-forms exclusive to “Sun” (example: Ice Vulpix and Ice Ninetails are a “Sun” exclusive).
“Pokémon Moon”
• Lunala is the legendary exclusive to this game; it is a psychic and ghost-type Pokémon; • “Moon” is time-shifted meaning that it is 12-hours ahead of whatever time it is in real life; • Approximately ten Alola-forms specific to this game (Ice Sandshrew and Ice Sandslash are a “Moon” exclusive). Other than that, there are not many differences throughout the two games. Yes, you will see some here and there, but the storyline is pretty much the same on both sides.
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The story follows the main character (gender of your choosing) as he moves with his mother out to the Alola region. Life in Kanto, the original land that Pokémon games start off on, just wasn’t enough for your mother as she fell in love with the Alola Pokémon. The Alola region is an island made up of four different isles that you must maneuver in order to fully complete the game’s “Island Trials” and stop Team Skull (this game’s “Team Rocket”) to prove you have what it takes to be a Pokémon Master. Unlike other Pokémon games in the past 20 years, this one is very story-heavy. There is so much to explore and learn even after the game is fully completed.
The biggest announcement I have is that Pokémon gyms are gone. You heard me right, g-o-n-e. The Pokémon gyms are replaced with the battle royal, player vs. player battles and the Island Trial. Oh yeah, Hidden Machines (HMs)? Those are gone too. They completely replaced the need for HMs by giving you a Ride Pager. The pager can be used to call on Pokémon that different trial masters and people have given you permission to ride. These Pokémon can be used to find hidden items, smash through rocks, swim across water and more. There is so much more to explore with the new gameplay that other Pokémon games never offered.
The Verdict: 9/10 Nintendo did an incredible job with making me fall in love with the Pokémon franchise all over again. If you’ve been reading my past articles, you would know that I am a sucker for a game with an entrancing story. If you haven’t picked up this game, put down this magazine, leave class, pick up your wallet and go grab “Sun” or “Moon” right now.
Photos courtesy of tumblr.com and destructoid.com
Medical Knowledge from Someone Who’s Definitely NOT a Doctor
by: Andrew McDilda, Staff Writer
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor, I am not even a science major or good at math. I’m actually as far from being scientifically inclined as humanly possible, so most of what I have to say about medicine means nothing. Now, let’s move on. Have you ever heard of “gluten-free?” Well that was a stupid question, because of course you have. I suppose the better question to ask is do you know why gluten-free is a thing? No, it’s not a “white girl thing like Starbucks or wearing UGG’s with yoga pants before the year’s first snowfall.” The real reason why gluten-free diets came into existence are because of a fun little thing called Celiac Disease, and you may or may not have guessed it…but in addition to diabetes, I also have Celiac Disease. Allow me to educate you by answering some of the questions I’ve been asked for years about my condition. What is Celiac Disease? “Celiac disease is a serious genetic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect one in 100 people worldwide. When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. These attacks lead to damage on the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, that promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body.”–Celiac.org Or in layman’s terms… Celiac Disease is your body telling you that the ingredient that makes up breads, pastas and beers are actually kind of poisonous to you. (Insert upside-down smiling emoji here).
Photo courtesy of goodietwosleeves.com
COMMENTARY
In My Not-So-Medical Opinion:
How do you get this “Celiac Disease?” Well, for starters, it’s not something you want or is cool to have. I am not discrediting all of those people who eat gluten-free and who do not have Celiac Disease, but seriously, why the hell wouldn’t you enjoy food naturally and deliciously? Gluten-free food is gross, period. With that being said, however, Celiac is a hereditary condition that does not usually develop until puberty or even later in life for most individuals. If an immediate relative in your family has it, you are at a higher risk of developing Celiac than the rest of the population. How is Celiac Disease treated? Well, I’m glad I can finally address this. There are two common ways of treating Celiac. The first requires eating completely glutenfree. To do so not only means keeping gluten out of your food, but eating off clean plates that have never been cross contaminated with gluten, and also ordering the cook at any restaurant you may visit to disinfect all of their cooking equipment before preparing your gluten-free chicken. This is what most people would call the “proper” treatment. The second (and this one is way more fun, trust me) is to eat whatever the hell you want and worry about the consequences in your late 30s and early 40s. OBVIOUSLY any real “doctor” would tell you this is the incorrect way to manage Celiac Disease, however, I thoroughly enjoy bread, pasta and beer and have no intention of giving these food groups up. Consider yourself educated, and remember to say no to eating vegan. Vegans are just weird.
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My Life as A
Commuter Student by: Ivan Flores, PR Specialist The stereotypical college experience consists of attending a major four-year university, moving away from your parents and partying every weekend until you graduate. When I graduated from high school, I knew my college experience would not be that. I planned to learn more about the major I am passionate about and gain skills to get a professional career once I graduated. Since I live about 1520 minutes away from USF, I decided to commute in order to avoid room and board costs. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. As there are some cons to not living on campus, there some advantages to being a commuter as well.
Pros: 1.) You will learn how to manage your time wisely. I’m extremely jealous of the students that can just roll out of bed five minutes before their first class, but commuting has taught me about what time is suitable for me to wake up, eat breakfast, get ready and drive to class so I won’t be late… Although my Encounter classmates are probably annoyed I’m always late to our meetings, Barb too. (Inside joke.) 2.) The only bathroom you have to share is with your family members. Even though there’s only one bathroom in my house, I’ve heard stories about dorm bathrooms and let’s just say that “gross” is an understatement. 3.) You will save a lot of money. Have you seen how much universities and colleges charge for room and board? Yeah, no thanks. Financial aid is no help, either. By the time I graduate, I should have some money saved up so I can move out on my own. Trust me, I plan to graduate with no college debt holding me down.
Cons: 1.) Parking. Schools try to open as many parking lots as they can, but there will never be enough. You have to plan what time to drive to school in order to avoid circling around a parking lot, or worse, the entire campus. 2.) You may miss out on a few more events than expected. Typically, resident students are more involved in clubs and organizations than commuter students and know ahead of time any major event going on at campus. Here at USF, as a student, you are notified through your stfrancis.edu email of all the latest information regarding events, sign-ups and more. Also, keep an eye out for flyers on the bulletin boards to stay connected.
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3.) Meeting people is hard. It’s even more tough when you transfer because everyone is either established with their own group of friends and there are some students that are naturally reserved. I was fortunate because with the Communication majors, for everyone sort of knows each other. We have so many classes together because of our graduation requirements. Try getting to know more people in your major; most likely they will have most of their classes with you. I feel that by attending classes as a commuter, it has prepared me for the “real world.” A good education and being prepared for real-life are the goals. It has taught me how to juggle attending two to three classes a day, working five to seven hours a day, working on my side hustle and finding time to drive back home to sleep for a good three to five hours every night. I know plenty of other students have two part-time jobs and are athletes as well that have to commute to and from school every day. I know this isn’t the typical college experience, but it’s my experience and I wouldn’t trade it.
the Juniors
by: Katie Nork Assistant Senior Editor Juniors, the end is in sight! For most of you, you’ll only have three semesters left of college. This semester is finally coming to a muchneeded end and with that brings the dreaded finals. If you’re a junior, this isn’t your first experience with finals, but don’t let that make you too confident where you don’t try as hard on them. Make sure you know what classes you still need so you can graduate on time. Make a plan of all the classes you need to take and write them out semester by semester. Be cognizant of those classes that are only offered in the fall or in the spring, or even every other year. Once you know what classes you need to take each semester, it makes registering a breeze!
COMMENTARY
Letter to
Start looking for internships. I had an internship the second semester of my junior year and it was probably one of the best things I could have ever done. You can learn so much by actually being in a job setting and working with others. Having an internship makes getting a full-time job after graduation seem a little less scary. Talk to your advisor or the Career Success Center for help on finding the perfect internship. They will help walk you through the process of registering your internship for class credit. Last but not least, have some fun! Your college days will be over before you know it, so take some time to hang out with friends and make the most of this time because you are only an undergrad once!
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Race to the Heisman:
Becoming a College Legend By: Sara Michalowicz, Sports Editor As we near the end of 2016, we find ourselves that much closer to finding out who will be this year’s winner of the prestigious Heisman Memorial Trophy. The Heisman Memorial Trophy, presented by the Heisman Trophy Trust, annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose exceptional performance best displays the pursuit of excellence with integrity. The Heisman Trust Mission Statement states, “The winners of the trophy epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance and hard work.”
It was decided that sports journalists were the most logical group for this task, as they are informed, competent and impartial observers.
History
So, who gets to vote exactly? The United States is divided into six sections; the Far West, Mid Atlantic, Mid-West, North East, South and Southwest. Each section has one Heisman Sectional Representative who is responsible for the appointment of State Representatives for each state in their section. The State Representatives are responsible for selecting voters within their particular state; each section has 145 media votes, totaling 870 votes across the country. In addition, every former Heisman winner, 58 presently, will have one vote. Lastly, as the Premier Partner of the Heisman Trophy, Nissan has a vote and gives this to the fans, comprised through a survey collected online, bringing the total number of voters for the 2016 Heisman race to 929.
The award was first presented in 1935, then known as the New York’s Downtown Athletic Club (DAC) Trophy, to Jay Berwanger, a triple-threat in the University of Chicago’s backfield. The award was first created to recognize the most valuable college football player east of the Mississippi. In 1936, it was renamed the Heisman Memorial Trophy following the death of the legendary football coach and DAC athletic director, John W. Heisman. That same year, the award boundaries were broadened to include all players west of the Mississippi as well. The Heisman Trust was born in 2006 following the closing of the DAC and the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks. The Trust is dedicated to promoting the causes of amateur athletics and underserved youth. Numerous milestones have been achieved throughout the history of the Heisman, such as Ernie Davis being the first African-American to win the Heisman in 1961 as a Syracuse running back. Ohio State’s Archie Griffin is the only two-time winner of the Heisman, in 1974 and 1975. More recently, in 2007, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow was the first of three-straight sophomores to win the Heisman and in 2012, Texas A&M’s quarterback Johnny Manziel was the first redshirt freshman to win the Heisman.
Voting and Ballot
To be awarded the Heisman, you must first be named a finalist. The process of having finalists first began in 1982. Although the number of finalists varies each year, there will always be a minimum of three finalists and has once reached up to a total of eight finalists. Heisman finalists are then invited to attend the annual Heisman ceremony held in New York City each December. To determine who the finalists are and how many there will be, the ballot process must first take place. On November 21 of this year, the ballots were distributed. Per the official Heisman website, “the task of designating the most outstanding college football player is a daunting one.”
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On the ballot, each voter identifies three selections, ranking them in order. Each first-place selection is awarded three points, second-place is awarded two points and third-place is awarded one point. These points are then totaled and the number of finalists are determined based on point value and closeness.
The Heisman finalists were announced this past Monday, December 5. Make sure to tune in as the winner will be announced tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN, at the annual Heisman ceremony in New York City.
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Photo courtesy of washingtonpost.com
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Moment of the Season by: Katie Nork, Assistant Senior Edior
Men’s Cross Country National Championship Runner-Up This was USF’s fourth NAIA national top-four finish in the last five years.
Twelve USF Football Players named to All-Midwest League Team Twelve USF players were named to the 2016 Mid-States Football Association All-Midwest League Team. Repeat team members included Tim Smith, Brennan Mulroe and Josh Woodard on the First Team. Adam Morrison and Brandon Ruffin both had their first nomination for the First Team. Second Team members included Don Butkus, Lexus Jackson, Calvin Brayboy and Alex Zlomie. Earning All-Midwest League honorable mention were Ross Stremme, Dekota Doerr and Omar Aqel.
Men’s Golf Captures Team and Individual Title
The USF men’s golf team captured first-place at the Olivet Nazarene University Fall Invitational. Huston Gass won the individual title with a 3-over-par, 146. Nick McPherson, Jason Chobar and Lane Barbier all finished in the top ten as well.
Men’s Soccer Beats Rochester College
First-year head coach, Dan Cross, got his first USF win under his belt with this 2-0 victory. Leon Laskowski and Jose Estrada were the Saints’ goal scorers in the win.
Women’s Cross Country named CCAC Champion
This was USF’s second CCAC title in the past three years. Head coach Jeff Barker was named CCAC Coach of the Year for the second time in the past three years as well.
Women’s Soccer Shuts-Out Holy Cross 8-0
Three seniors helped to score seven out of the Saints’ eight goals on Senior Night. Senior Alex Truhlar had three goals and seniors Leslie Rueda and Kayla Paeth each had two goals. Sophomore Casey Harris had the Saints’ last goal.
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Alex Catalano has Second Individual Top Ten Finish in a Row (Pictured above.) Volleyball Wins the CCAC Volleyball Tournament Championship (Pictured to the right.)
Photos courtesy of USF Athletics
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Athletic Profile years of community college. She realized that not many schools offered an Actuarial Science program. Once she saw that USF had that option as well the opportunity for her to play basketball, she knew it was a perfect fit for her education. Jordan is a Mathematics major with a concentration in Actuarial Science and a minor in Finance. She does exceptionally well in her academics as she maintains a strong 4.0 GPA. Jordan first started playing basketball when she was in sixth grade. She remembers attending her brother’s basketball practices when she was younger and she decided to pick up a ball and start shooting. Once she did that, she didn’t look back, and decided to join the team at the first chance she was given. At 6’1”, Jordan plays center/forward here at USF. She enjoys having the capabilities of making a post-move and scoring down low, while also having the opportunity to step outside and hit a three-pointer. When it comes to her academics, Jordan explained that she focuses on trying to complete her homework as soon as it is assigned. If possible, she does her best to get ahead on her classwork and that way she will know that she will never be rushing to complete an assignment or worry that she is falling behind. Jordan’s biggest ritual before any game is to say a prayer for her family and friends before the start of the national anthem.
Jordan Giddings Jordan Giddings came to the University of St. Francis in 2015 from Rock Falls, Illinois. Jordan had previously played two seasons of basketball and volleyball (2013-2015) at Sauk Valley Community College. At Rock Falls High School, Jordan lettered all four years in basketball, volleyball and softball. She also earned all-conference and team MVP honors and served as team captain in each of her three sports. Jordan was looking for schools to transfer to after completing two
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One of Jordan’s most memorable moments while playing for USF came last year during a game against Robert Morris University. She explained that the entire team was just not playing to their full potential that game and they were losing for the majority of the game. In the fourth quarter, their graduate assistant called for a timeout and drew up a play that was designed just for Jordan. After hitting a threepointer in the next play, Jordan helped spark the team into making a comeback for the win. As a team, their goal is to win a National Championship. With the same group of starters as last season (2015-2016), the team has the experience of playing at the national tournament. Now that they have a deep bench this year, Jordan and her team strongly believe they have the potential to play for that championship ring. After graduation, ideally, Jordan would like to find a job near her hometown so she can stay close to her family. She would enjoy getting a job that involves data analytics within the insurance industry. Final thoughts: “You are all my family. I would not have been able to transform into the student, player and person I am today without each and every one of you. Thank you.” - Jordan Giddings
JoJo Ballestero Joseph “JoJo” Ballestero came to the University of St. Francis from Anaheim, California in 2013. He attended Canyon (California) High School, where he finished his career as Canyon’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,650 points. He was also named MVP twice in his career and established school records for most 3-point field goals in a game (11), season (124) and career (319). JoJo was first recruited by head coach Ryan Marks while playing in a basketball tournament in California. The following weekend he played another tournament in Las Vegas in which he spent more time with Marks and got to know him. JoJo explained that he liked Marks’ coaching philosophies and he decided to sign with USF. Although JoJo does miss being home in California, he remains very close to his family and has enjoyed his years here at USF. JoJo is double-majoring in Business Management and Business Marketing.
As a team, their goal this season is to be Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Champions for the third year in a row and to win the National Championship. After graduation, JoJo would like to play basketball professionally overseas as long as possible. Once he is done, he would like to run his own basketball program where he will train and help kids play and get scholarships for college.
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Women’s and Men’s Basketball
Final thought: “I would like to say thank you to all of the fans that come out and support us at every game. It means a lot. I am really excited for this upcoming season and I hope to see everyone at all of our games. #SKYBLUE.” - JoJo Ballestero
JoJo first began playing basketball when he was about three years old. Although his dad encouraged him to play all sports as a kid, he found at a very young age that he loved playing basketball. At 5’11’’, JoJo plays both point guard and shooting guard. His favorite part about playing point guard is that he gets to have the ball in hand most of the game as well as score and get assists. His favorite part about playing shooting guard is getting to attack the basket and shoot for three-pointers. JoJo admits that it is never easy to balance his academics and basketball, but Coach Marks always reminds them that academics always come first, which makes school a lot easier on them. He does his best to get all his coursework done early when he knows he has a game coming up so he has his mind fully focused while playing. Before games, JoJo does some pre-game warm-ups on his own where he stretches and does some ball handling, as well as saying a quick prayer before he goes on to the court. As a team, they gather and go through the scouting report and they go over the game plan with their coach. Lastly, before each game, they huddle as a team and recite the poem, “A Creed,” by Edwin Markham. In his years at USF, one of JoJo’s most memorable moments came while playing a home game against Lewis University, one of USF’s hometown rivals. USF came out on top beating Lewis by over 20 points that game. Photos courtesy of USF Athletics
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New Faces of the
Fighting Saints Family
Men’s Basketball
Brett Risley – #33
o Hometown: Oak Lawn, Ill. o High School: St. Laurence o Risley was named Player of the Game five times throughout his senior season with the St. Laurence Vikings.
Jorden Thornton – #1
Justin Walker – #23
Madi Canady – #13
Allee Hernandez – #0
o Hometown: Hoffman Estates, Ill. o High School: Hoffman Estates o 2014 Daily Herald All-Area Team as well as 2014 All-Tournament Team at the Glenbard West Christmas Tournament and Crystal Lake Thanksgiving Tournament.
o Hometown: Quincy, Fla. o High School: East Gadsden o Walker stated in high school that he “wants to lead the conference in key areas that will help my team win championships.” He is a leader on and off the court and is good at handling pressure-situations.
Women’s Basketball
Kaitlin Aylward – #31
o Hometown: Elmwood Park, Ill. o High School: Trinity o Trinity’s top post-player and leading scorer o Named #PioneerSports All-Area Second-Team
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o Hometown: Warren, Ind. o High School: Huntington North o Four-year letter winner o All-state honorable mention selection as a senior o All-NE 8 First-Team pick her junior and senior years
o Hometown: Homer Glen, Ill. o High School: Providence Catholic o Two-year letter winner o All-Girls Catholic Athletic Conference accolades
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by: Sarah Klawitter, Staff Writer & Sara Michalowicz, Sports Editor
Men’s Bowling
A.J. Johnson – Assistant Coach o Hometown: Oswego, Ill. o McKendree University Alumnus o Four-time Collegiate All-American o Two-time Team USA Member and Junior Team o Member of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) o Two PBA Regional Titles, USBC Masters Runner-up
Danny Griskell
Mike Pruchnik
Emily Plummer
Abby RagsDale
o Hometown: Oak Forest, Ill. o High School: Sandburg o Averaged 217.7 at IHSA State Championship in 2016 o Helped his team to a sixth-place finish at IHSA State Championship in 2016
o Hometown: Lockport, Ill. o High School: Lockport o Eighth place individual finish at IHSA State Finals in 2016 o Led his team to a fourthplace finish at IHSA State Championship in 2016
Women’s Bowling
Gracie Plese
o Hometown: Plainfield, Ill. o High School: Joliet West o Led her team to the IHSA State Championship Title in 2016 o Second-place individual finish at IHSA State Finals in 2016 o High game of 299 and high threegame series of 748 Photos courtesy of gofightingsaints.com
o Hometown: Tinley Park, Ill. o High School: Tinley Park o Two-time All-Conference athlete o MVP and team captain her senior year o High game of 278 and high three-game series of 740
o Hometown: Aurora, Ill. o High School: Oswego East o Four-time All-Conference athlete o Fifth-place individual finish at IHSA State Finals in 2015 o Five 300 games and high three-game series of 801
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Knights of Columbus Holy Trinity Council 4400 1813 East Cass Street in Joliet
Joliet’s Favorite Fish Fry since 1957 Friday 11AM-9PM Saturday 4PM-8PM Open Year Round Join the Knights today! (815) 723-3827
www.kofc4400.com
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Wishing you Happy Holidays and Congratulations to our December Graduates
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The Encounter wishes you and your family a safe, wonderful holiday break!