Become a Snowman... Or Just Make One?

Across the street, at the elementary school, Mrs. Zirkle, the art teacher, taught her kids the wonder of Glop. Glop is a very light mixture that the kids used to paint with. When dry, it looks like snow on a page and feels like it as well. It is so easy to make that in 2 minutes, Mrs. Zirkle had 2 huge bowls ready to go. From experience, it also comes out of clothes and hair easily when you have a glop fight. Although be prepared, it makes the clothes stiff and rough if not washed quickly.

Here's how to make it:

• Cheap bottle of Men's shaving cream
• Bottle of Elmer's glue
• Big bowl
• Mixing spoon…or straw…or stick….literally anything will do

1. Get the big bowl
2. Spray the entire can of shaving cream into it
3. Put in about half of the Elmer's glue
4. Mix it all together
5. Mix in more glue if needed, the consistency of the mixture should be thick enough that when you take out the mixing spoon, the mixture will stick on the spoon for 3-5 seconds before it starts to fall off.
6. Enjoy by using it as a paint or for a fight (the fights will have to be man to man, Glop doesn’t do well when you try to squirt it out of a gun, hose, or any extra tool)

Written by Keira Zirkle

Top 10 Christmas Movies

We all have some of our favorite Christmas traditions. From listening to beloved albums to eating the best cookies ever, there are just certain things that Christmas wouldn’t be the same without. For me, nothing says Christmas like coming together and watching old Christmas classics. In the spirit of the season, here is a list of some of my favorite Christmas movies.

10. Frosty The Snowman

Who can forget everyone’s favorite snowman? He even comes with his own song. We all remember watching Frosty at Christmastime. His warm heart melted even the coldest of attitudes and helped us truly enjoy Christmas.

9.  The Year Without Santa Claus

Now we all know how big a part Santa plays in the Christmas season. So of course our childlike hearts loved a story that showed just how much we really needed Santa. Plus, who can go a Christmas season without the Snow Miser VS Heat Miser songs?

8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This Christmas story, written by Dr. Seuss, tells all kids that the true meaning of Christmas does not come from Hoo-horns or the great Hoo-Tree, but from the small kindness in a little girl with horrible ponytails. Also, who could pull off that color green but the Grinch himself?

7. It’s a Wonderful LIfe

This movie has been preserved through the years as a feel good movie where a tissue box is right beside popcorn. This movie is arguably as tear jerking as Miracle on 34th Street, but definitely not as heavily endorsed by Macy’s. Plus it made a whole generation really like bells.

6. The Santa Clause

We all remember growing up watching the Santa Clause. Nothing says Christmas like watching Tim Allen have a mid-life Christmas crisis. Plus, by the third installation of the series, we just really wanted Santa to catch a break.

5. Home Alone

We all know that Home Alone is a true Christmas classic. No other movie taught us that we really don’t need our parents. Regardless of the fact that they made me seriously underestimate any burglar, this is still one of my favorite movies.

4. Elf

Buddy the elf what’s your favorite color? Yep Christmas and Will Ferrell in extremely tight tights go hand in hand. Plus, this movie gave thirteen year old me the best idea for breakfast. Let’s just say, syrup and spaghetti doesn’t taste as good as it looks.

3. A Christmas Carol

What can I say. Christmastime. A Christmas Carol. This classic story has been remade so many times that people can hardly remember a time before it. We also love to call people who don’t give us enough presents a Scrooge.

2. Nightmare Before Christmas

What's this?! Not surprisingly this movie is a favorite. While some choose to watch it during Halloween, I like to stay true to its original title. Plus, who doesn’t want to imagine Santa as a skeleton named Jack? This movie is a gem to be treasured by family and hot topic teens alike.

1. Charlie Brown Christmas

This lovable cartoon probably best represents the Christmas spirit for me. Whether it’s that decrepit looking tree or the magic of hearing Linus recite that super long Bible verse, A Charlie Brown Christmas always helps me get into the holiday season. Thanks Charlie Brown!

   

Overall, these are some of my favorite Christmas movies. Have a favorite that didn’t make it on to the list. Comment them below! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Written by Keira Zirkle

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Thanksgiving Traditions Around the US

Thanksgiving has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve always sort of feel bad for it, as its normally steamrolled over by the Christmas season. Poor Thanksgiving would have become nearly obsolete, if we didn’t have Black Friday. In an effort to draw more attention to probably one of the best American holidays, I’ve found four Thanksgiving traditions you might not have heard of. Maybe you can add these to your own traditions!

1. Turkey Trot

A Turkey Trot is a special run (or walk) held on Thanksgiving Day, often centered on donating money to charities. Giving money to the needy? Yes! Exercise after eating all that food? I think I’ll pass and leave that one to all you “athletic types”.

2)    Plymouth Plantation Feast in Plymouth, MA

Every year, Plymouth Plantation recreates the original Thanksgiving feast from 1621 with an accurate historical dinner and festivities. If you’re into history, or looking for authenticity, I’d definitely recommend visiting here for Thanksgiving.

3)    Parades!

One of the most well known Thanksgiving traditions would probably be the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, but did you know that Dunkin Donuts has one too? The Dunkin Donuts Thanksgiving Parade is located in Philly, and has many of the same gimmicks as the Macy’s Parade (floats, balloons, ect), except it would be considerably less crowded.

4)   Volunteering

For many, Thanksgiving is a special time to give back to the community and to those who aren’t as fortunate. Obviously you can volunteer at any time, but lending a helping hand around this time means a happier holiday season to those who really need it. What better way to show your thanks?

These are just a few fun ideas to help you remember the Thanksgiving holiday? Tried any of these or have some of your own? Comment below!

Written by Madison Clayton

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HCA Fall Fest 2015

From ramming into people with bubble bodies to throwing a pie into Mr. Ashworth's face, Fall Fest was a rousing success. First was the bubble soccer game, where the red and blue team, mostly comprised of middle schoolers and the occasional ninth grader, battled against each other. All you could see were vague faces within the bubbles and the legs hanging out the bottom. I’m not sure when it happened, but eventually the game devolved into an intense game of “what semi-dangerous things can we do while in these bubbles?” Next time I say we let the little ones try to light the bonfire! After everyone was safely rescued from their bubbles, the actual fest began. The small embers of the bonfire were lit and the high schoolers started advertising their game. Each of the grades were given their chance to make the best carnival games. From rifling through a huge bucket of popcorn for candy, to putt putt, to balloon crowns and sticky slushies,  it was clear the kids were having a blast. Even the students, both working and not had a great time. Of course the night was a great time for parents to socialize, and not think about the fact that their small children were currently stuffing their faces full of sugar. People not only enjoyed the warmth provided by the fire but by the BBQ sandwiches and funnel cakes. One of the best moments was definitely watching Principal Ashworth getting pied in the face, courtesy of the senior’s “Get Pied’ booth. Overall, it was great night for everyone, and we can’t wait till next year.

Written by Keira Zirkle

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Christmas (Music) Time Is Here

  It's the beginning of November and Hallmark has already cracked out the corny Christmas movies. Stores are selling decorations and egg nog is filling up the refrigerators. Right now, i'm listening to christmas music and we haven't even reached  Thanksgiving. While some think that is excessive or unnecessary,  I live by the philosophy that everyday should be treated like Christmas. My favorite way to celebrate the season: Christmas Music.

Some may choose to wait until December to break out the Christmas albums, but I’m already listening to them in July. By November 1st, you can bet that most of the songs I listen to are Christmas tunes. Most of my favorite Christmas memories involve music. My favorite Christmas album  has always been the well titled Christmas by Michael Bublé. My mom always lets me listen to it when we decorate the tree. Afterward, she always breaks out her Jackson 5 cd. While everyone’s entitled to their preparation time or lack thereof for Christmas,  it’s my opinion that it’s  never too early to listen to Christmas music. What do you think? Comment below!

Written by Jasmine Bonner

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Five Quick Costume Ideas

It’s October, and you know what that means: it’s Halloween time! Unless you’re a holiday pro and have been planning your costume since September, you’re probably panicking around Party City in desperate need of an idea, right? Well look no further! I’ve compiled a list of popular 2015 Halloween costumes to help you narrow down your choices. You won’t be original, but at least everyone will know what you are!

#1) Skeleton Facepaint

  This look has been around for a while, but for a good reason. it’s pretty easy to do and makes a bold, spooky statement. All it takes is a little makeup and some black clothes to really pull the look together.

#2) Marvel’s  Avengers

Who doesn’t like a good superhero cosplay? Dress up as your favorite Marvel character with either a store bought costume, or by go the extra mile and DIY your own special take on your favorite superhero. Bonus points if you get the rest of your squad to dress up go with you.

#3) Harley Quinn

One of the most searched for costumes this year is the beloved DC Universe’s villain, Harley Quinn. The costume itself might be a little more work, but it’ll be a big hit at parties as the hype builds for the Suicide Squad movie, in which Harley is featured. The costume itself shouldn’t be too hard, but you might have to hunt a bit to find a wig similar to her’s.

#4) A Viral Internet Meme

This has been a big year for viral hits, so if you want to add a bit of humor, I’d suggest going as The Dress, since there’s already pre-made costumes being sold. This costume in particular is split down the middle with a blue/black side and a white/gold side, but you could always buy the iconic original dress instead.

#5) A Minion

I’m completely kidding, please don’t do this.  Love yourself

Have any other ideas that would make great costumes? Comment them below!

Written by Madison Clayton

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