Be active... Take a Stand...

Want to take a political stance? Well, the first step is to formulate your beliefs. Research different types of governments, religion, current events, or voting options. What makes sense to you? What ideas interest you? Begin to formulate a general description of what change you would like to see in this society and why. Now that you know what changes you want to see, you can begin to find current events which are happening around the world. 

One way to keep up with the current events happening around the world is by reading the Huffington Post found at www.huffingtonpost.com,  a personal favorite. Or keep updated on news by listening to public radio (MPR). You can visit sites like moveon.org and get involved by signing online petitions for particular issues. So, now that you have a general idea of your belief system and the things you are interested in, do something about it and stand up for those beliefs. Some examples of issues that I keep up with are world hunger, environmental issues, and safety standards because I think  that being updated on current events is crucial to becoming a part of tomorrow’s world.

Keeping tabs on current events exposes you to what is happening beyond your own little world. Yet, having a knowledge of the things going on around the world is one thing, but taking action is another. Some prefer protesting, some write letters to organizations, and others sign petitions. There are many ways to get involved and it helps you understand the world and the way it works while becoming more involved in the society you live in.  

-frewi 

How to Make the Perfect PB&J!

Are tired of the same old, disgusting school lunches? Are you longing for a food that leaves your mouth watering, dreaming of sugar plumbs? Then try the new improved PB&J!

Wondering how to make the perfect peanut butter & jelly sandwich? First, you’ll need to gather a loaf of bread of your choice. Get some yummy jelly, and I am not talking about the kind with preservatives. Get the good stuff! The stuff that’s homemade grape jelly made by an old man that lives down your street! You’ll also need two clean butter knives . Last, but not least you’ll need to get the best peanut butter- Jif's crunchy peanut butter! After rounding up all these materials, you’ll have to put two slices of bread on the chosen surface, but remember not to grab it like the Hulk otherwise you’ll have pretty flat bread. Then, you must open the jars of peanut butter and grape jelly and sink in two butter knives. After all that hard effort, you must make the hardest decision of you life… which one will you decide to spread across the slice of bread. If you have chosen to start with jelly, you must spread about one-fourths of an inch of grape jelly across one side of a piece of bread. But, if you prefer to start out with crunchy peanut butter, you must have a good amount of it smeared across one side of the bread (You can chose the amount of peanut butter that suits your sandwich). After the two pieces of bread have ether jelly or peanut butter, pick them up and push them together. Then, sink your teeth into the perfect PB&J. Enjoy!

-Peanut Butter Jelly Time

Homemade Toffee!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make an easy, quick snack? One of my family's favorite, easy, and quick snacks is Homemade Toffee. My mom was given the recipe from my Grandma Kohl, who is an amazing cook. My mom makes toffee every Christmas and occasionally during the year. I learned how to make toffee just last week, I couldn't believe how easy it was! If you are ever in the mood for something easy and sweet that isn't store bought, this is perfect.

I hope you enjoy this fun and easy treat.

Here is the recipe that my mom uses:

Homemade Toffee

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ready in: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Servings: 32

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups butter or 4 sticks butter

2 cups white sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup finely chopped almonds

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large heavy bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted. Allow to come to a boil, and cook until the mixture becomes a dark amber color, and the temperature has reached 285 degrees F (137 degrees C). Stir occasionally.

2. While the toffee is cooking, cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

3. As soon as the toffee reaches the proper temperature, pour it out onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the chocolate over the top, and let it set for a minute or two to soften. Spread the chocolate into a thin even layer once it is melted. Sprinkle the nuts over the chocolate, and press in slightly. (Putting a plastic bag over your hand will minimize the mess.)

4. Place the toffee in the refrigerator to chill until set. Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.

-TK

How to pick the perfect pet!

Are you thinking of getting a pet anytime soon? Well, heres some things to consider before you go and buy your furry (or scaly) new friend!

First, are you a animal person? If not, why in the world are you reading this? Second, are you allergic to fur? If so, make sure the pet you want doesn't have any fur, other wise make sure to have loads of Allegra on you. Third, consider how active you are. If your looking into having a dog, but you don't want to leave your couch, you might have an issue. Dogs (most anyhow) are active and need a exercise to release their energy. How much money your willing you spend on them is another factor you must think through, which can be a big problem. People don't think about the cost of a pet before getting there pet. If you end up buying a pet, but in the future no longer can afford them, this will result in the animal going to a pound- and no animal wants that. Finally, one of the most important things to do before buying a pet is to make sure it is okay with your parents. I know my mom didn't appreciate it when I brought home a baby skunk when I was ten. Hope these tips and advice helps for when you pick out your next pet!

_AB

How to throw the best party!

Have you ever wandered how to throw a pretty amazing party? Well this will surely help you.

1. First, create a playlist of some great party music. It has to be dance music, but you can throw in some slow songs for those special couples.

2. Make sure that you are loaded up with chips like Doritos, Lays, Pringles or any other chips.  Also soda and drinks like Red Bull, Monster, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Coke, Pepsi. I would pick a couple of those because I haven't meet one person who doesn't like one of those chips or sodas.

3. Have fun! If you throw a party and you don't have fun, and everyone else does, what was the point of throwing one?

4. Be safe. Don't do anything dumb.

5. You don't have to have a big party to have fun, maybe you only want to have a small one do it up.

6. It doesn’t have to be just music you can also play some games like Twister, or any other games that sound like fun to play.

7. I think these steps will help you. If they don’t, sorry. Just remember step number five -- the most important one -- just have fun!

-BR

Effective Study Habits

   "Alright class, tomorrow we will have a chapter test that will be worth one-hundred points, make sure you study," I hear this about every ten days or so, and depending on which AP courses you take, you could be hearing this very often too. These tips can help you develop effective study habits in order to help you pass these frequent tests and quizzes.

   First, you will want to find a quiet room with little distractions to study in, and make sure you have all the materials that you may need to study in order to limit the number of interruptions. Make sure that you are not too comfortable though; I've found myself dosing off while trying to study because I was too comfortable.

   Second, you should rewrite and review your notes occasionally. Repetition is important to remember what you read, therefore, it is a good idea to do this every so often.

    Rewarding yourself for studying can also be important. When I'm finished studying, I like to eat a snack or do something that I like to do such as listen to music. This acts as an incentive for completing your work.

    Finally, and most importantly, in the words of Mike Munson, "Think while you read." This means that you need to pay attention while you read and make connections in your reading - think of what caused what and why things happened. When I began applying this skill, my test scores almost immediately went up and I understood what I was reading more. Remember and apply these techniques, and hopefully you too will do well on your next quiz or test.

-HB

Summer Service Trips!

Chicago! Pine Ridge! Want to be immersed into a different culture meeting new people and learning new skills? Want to see new sites through lenses that aren't the rose-colored ones of a typical tourist? Yes, there is no better way to spend one week of your summer. The Chicago trip is June 3-8, and the Pine Ridge trips is July 9-16. Each trip costs $175. All interested students should attend an informational meeting during lunch March 1, 2012, in erica's room. Be there... you don't want to miss this....