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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Thanksgiving is a time for giving...thanks. I know, how original. It's a day set aside to celebrate the good things, the accomplishments we've made in the last year. It's the harvest of our rewards. You can obviously see how I could make this another feel-good "we should be proud of the season we had" article. But this one isn't. It's about more than that. This article is about thanksgiving. It's about giving thanks to those that have helped you along the way. Be it a coach, a parent, a teacher, or a friend, all the people in your life have made you who you are & pushed you to your best. I myself have many people to thank. First, and foremost, would be my mother. She gives me strength when it seems like the world hates me. Next would clichely be my friends. Without you guys, I wouldn't have been able to blossom into the person I really am. Teacher, especially Mrs. Buck, have taken me miles & miles as a person & pushed me to success. Even the random people that show up to events, like the play. I have to give thanks to them for allowing me to perform for them [& their financial support 'cause it's not like we get much. :P] The question is, who are you thankful for? Take this time to tell that person what impact they've had on you & how much their presence in your life has affected you. Or if you find that hard, I'll open up a shout out box in the next issue. Email us at hawksquawk@ymail.com with your thank you messages. We'll try to publish as many as we can next week. & if we can't fit them all, we'll be sure to finish them off in the very next edition. I can promise you that. Have a good thanksgiving & give your thanks. Chase Aunspach
poster yourself
HAWK SQUAWK #7
IDENTITY THEFT Ashigh school students, we enjoy socializing and spending money. However, we must work hard to earn our own money and be responsible with it. Many of us have jobs and back accounts to keep track of the money we make. A lot of high school students are turning 18, and will soon be out on their own. It is important for all of us to know about identity theft and other money related risks. Some of you may not be sure what exactly identity theft and credit card fraud mean. Both are serious crimes, when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data, usually for economic gain. Criminals can not only take funds from a victims account, but could even run up debts and commit crimes under a victim’s account, but could even run up debts and commit crimes under a victim’s name. In order for someone to commit such a crime, they obtain items that include personal information, such as Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, credit card numbers, ATM cards, debit cards, telephone calling cards, and birth dates. There are many sneaky ways criminals can take this information without you knowing. One of the easiest ways is stealing from a wallet or purse when you are not looking. They can “shoulder surf” in public places, which means watching you type in pin numbers or read off credit card numbers over the phone. Some may take names and social security numbers off files from fellow employees or customers at the work place. Many make phone calls, false websites and send “spam” e-mails posing as businesses, loan officers, ect., to falsely convince youto give away information. Criminals can take mail from your mailbox, such as newly issued credit card, bank statements or tax information. Some even resort to “dumpster diving”, or digging in trash bins for thrown away papers containing your information. Once personal information is acquired, criminals can use it to commit a varierty of crimes. For example, they can make false applications or loans and credits c ards, make fraudulent charges at stores or gas stations, taking the money directly from the civtim’s account, redirect mail to different addresses, or making charges online or through the phone using a card number. As there are many ways for thieves to gather information and commit these crimes, there are also manmy actions you can do daily to prevent yourself from being ictimized. If you reduce the number of credit and debit cards kept in your wallet, it will be easier to tell if one has been swiped. When using your cards at restaurants and stores, pay close attention to how the employee swipes it. Do not use debit cards when shopping online. Keep photocopies of all your cards and account numbers. Never give out your Social Security number or card number via the phone, mail, or internet, unless you know exactly wh you are speaking with a nd know you are working through a secured network. Monitor your bank and creit statements on a regular babis. Create pin numbers that are not obvious, such as your birthday or social secutiy number. Memorize all passwords you use for online banking so you do not have to write them down anywhere. Shield the keypad with your hand when you are using an ATM machine or electric card machine. Do not carry your Social Security card around in your wallet. Never respond to “phishing” e-mails, and pick up newly ordered boxes of checks at yourbank rather thanhaving them sent to your house. Shred all trash before you throw it out. Those are a lot of teps to take toward prevention, but there is an easy way to remember them. Think of the word “SCAM.” Be Stingy about giving out your personal info, Check your financial information regularly, Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report, and Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts. If you should become a victim of identity theft or fraud, you must act immediately to mimize damage to your personal funds, and the damage that can linger for a long time on your credit rating. Identity theft and fraud are serious violations that ccan be considered felonies and lead to large fines and/or imprisonment. If you believe you have been a citim, look closeloy through your bank statements and creit reports. There are dishonest people out there, so it is important to remember the riswks, how you can help protect yourself from criminals committing such acts.
Attention Readers: The war has begun. No, Bush hasn't attacked another Middle Eastern country. The Penny Wars have started. Most of you remember them from last year, but for those of you who don't (grumbles: freshmen), the game plan is as follows. The Penny Wars are all about the pennies. Kind of. You see, each class gets a bucket for you to deposit into. Every penny you put in gives your class +1 point. For example, if you put in 30 pennies into our class container, your class will be +30. Now let's say someone sneaky and menasing, like a Junior decides they want to ruin your chances of winning, so they put a quarter in your jar. That'll set you back 25 points, leaving you with a sad, sad +5 points. Then Mr. Adams walks along & pops a dollar bill into your jar. Negative 95 points for you, bucko. As you can see, it's not always about the pennies, thus the "kind of." All money collected from this event goes to the Christmas families we help every year as a student council. As a school, we can make someone else's holidays a little bit brighter in such dimming economic times. So help our your class and community & get involved in the war. PS: The winning class gets a pizza party. It's well worth it. (:
Senior Spotlight -Alex Geneser & Rose Kepford- What is your full name? -Alexander Gordon Geneser -Rose Sharon Kepford Where do you plan on going & what do you plan on majoring in? A- Not sure where he is going and majoring in marketing. R- Cottey College in Nevada Missouri and majoring in education. What was your favorite part of high school? A- Sports. R- Friends. Do you plan on keeping in touch with anyone after high school? A- Yeah. R- Yepp. What is your advice for underclassmen? A- Stop sucking. R- Work hard now otherwise it’ll bite you in the butt. What was your favorite school lunch? A- Crispito and the peanut butter crisp dessert. R- Pizza.
Chinese Gourmet Express Merle Hay Mall Yes, Chinese Gourmet Express is a fast food restaurant in a mall, but I decided to write it up because compared to other mall Chinese food, this place was at the top. It's just like any other Chinese fast food in the aspect of first picking fried rice or noodles and then choosing the rest of your meal, whether that may be orange chicken, mixed vegetables, or crab rangoon. There is a good variety of things to choose from including sweet and sour chicken, mushroom chicken, bourbon chicken, general tsao chicken, beef and broccoli, egg rolls, hot and sour soup, and egg drop soup. The orange chicken was different than most I've tried but in my opinion, it was better than the competition. The general tsao chicken was fried like the orange chicken with vegetables covered in a tangy and spicy sauce. The mushroom chicken was made with mushrooms, zucchini, and chicken that wasn't fried, and was in a brown sauce. The fried rice wasn't dry like many fast food places and the chow mein noodles had a different flavor than most that I thought was better than what I've had before. So if you happen to be at Merle Hay Mall and are feeling hungry, try this place out!
An Article This last weekend I decided to go out on the town. Let me tell you it was quite an eye opening experience. The place I ended up at is called The Garden. As most of you probably don’t know The Garden is a club for Homosexuals. It was very different from what I’m used to. I have never been confronted with the question “why are you straight?” At firstI didn’t even know what to say, I just stood there dumbstruck. Then I told them because I was born that way. I honestly couldn’t think of anything else to say. I sat there thinking awhile after, is that what they feel like when they get asked that question. I s there a panic of what should I say? And then I thought it isn’t fair. It isn’t fair to make someone feel panicked by a question of whom I chose to date. After all we are all people, we breathe the same, our hearts beat the same. It’s just what makes our hearts beat that’s different. So all of you who want to give someone a hard time just because they are gay and it’s different, stop, and then think of what it’s like in their position… that is if your minds can handle it. All I’m asking is that you think, or at the very least just stop. It won’t make your life any better to put them down. By Brianna Elliott
Movie Review FIREPROOF Wynnsong’s Rating: 4.5/5 Jessica’s Rating: 5/5 Caleb and Sarah were happily married, but after many years of their marriage, things have gotten slow, stressful, dull, and frightening at times. Caleb is a heroic fireman, who works long hours, while his wife, Sarah, tries desperately to get her mother a new hospital bed and wheelchair. While Sarah tries to save up $24,000 to relieve her mother of discomfort, Caleb saves up for his $25,000 boat and is addicted to porn. Sarah eventually files for divorce. Caleb is devastated and can’t figure out why Sarah is being a tyrant. He calls his dad for advice. In this advice, his dad gives him a journal that instructs Caleb to do a series of tasks for 40 days to try and save his marriage. On each page there is a message from the bible about marriage. Caleb doesn’t believe in God and becomes quite arrogant over the situation. Being unmotivated, Caleb goes through the first 15 days half-heartedly putting forth the dull effort to save his marriage. “You dive in to burning buildings every day to save people you don’t know,” his friend tells him. “But you aren’t even willing to save your own marriage.” Will Caleb realize what he is losing? Will his marriage be saved? Go forth on your journey to the movie theater to watch ‘Fireproof,’ an unforgettable love story of courage, struggle, and faith. (P.S. Buy a box of tissues.)
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Holiday Depression My topic this week is something of a depressing one, but nothing to laugh at. Although most teenagers don’t realize the severity of holiday depression, it does exist and it is very real. When said, holiday depression sounds like an oxymoron. This is not the case, however. This type of depression is just what the name says it is. It occurs around the time of each year’s holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, ect.). The causes are multiple, like all other depressions. The most common deal with issues relating to money and or lost or missed loved ones. Money, especially in today’s economy, is going to play a big role in this years holidays. More and more people are losing their jobs or being laid off and money is scarce. Although it isn’t the true meaning of the holidays, there will inevitably be fewer gifts underneath those Christmas trees. Losing someone around the time of the holidays or anytime in general can then always bring back those memories each year. Coping with this and still staying cheerful can be a challenge and can seriously take a toll on someone’s morale. If and when one starts feeling low during these times, many things can help. Talking to love ones about your specific situation can ease some of the stress you might be feeling. The best advice I can give is to really and truly realize the true meaning of the holidays and always keep that in mind. That way, if money of anything else becomes an issue, you can look inside yourself and realize that being around people you love and being thankful for everything you do have means so much more than anything else.
Keep it hot in the cold! Now I know you have all been good little readers and have tried all my dating tips. Uh huh, that’s what I thought. Well for those of you who’ve at least tried them, good for you. And now, you get to try out the hottest part of winter… The cuddle. Just remember that these are not meant to be used in school, and please keep it G or at least PG-13 rated. The cuddle has been used for generations as a way of showing affection. There are many ways to cuddle but here are the steps you need to prepare you. Guys •Rip, Slip… Wait a minute (not as bad as it sounds) oPlease remember to brush your teeth, chew gum, or eats mints prior to cuddling. Nothing puts a halt on cuddling quite as fast as bad breath. •Shut Yo Mouth oDo not breathe through your mouth. There is nothing worse than having Darth Vader in your ear. Well maybe Darth with bad breath? •Come on baby light my fire oPut your arm around her and hold her close. It’s cold out there don’t you know? And I don’t think… well I hope she doesn’t have rabies? •Squeeze me, Squeeze me… oEvery once in a give her a little squeeze. Nothing too hard, just light little hugs. Come on, everyone likes hugs. •Stickwitchu o Try not to wear shirts with transfer designs on them. Cheeks are warm and those decals tend to stick to warm things. Girls •Come Closer oI know, boys stink, but get over it and get over there. You can’t cuddle by yourself. •Put Your Head on My Shoulder oThe best place to put your head is at the base of the neck closer to the collarbone. It’s comfortable for you, and it won’t hurt him. •Say it oDon’t forget to tell him what a comfy, squishy pillow he makes. It’s a nice little boost for them, plus it makes them smile. •Rip, Slip… uh Same for you oGirls you’re not immune, bad breath can happen to you too. Be sure to brush, chew gum, eat mints, or put on minty breath masking lip-gloss (if your guy doesn’t mind). You may not save money on your heating bills, but you can sure heat up your holidays and all you need is a cuddle buddy and blankets.
Cold Advice We all know winter can be very harsh. Not only is it cold and feels very miserable at times, but it can be rough on our bodies. The winter season is notorious for leaving us with dry skin, static filled hair, and not to mention that terrible winter time cough and cold. I know it can be rough so I came up with just a few tips to make this holiday and winter season better then the last. You can spend less time worrying about illness and body issues and focus more time on spending time with friends and family. Let’s start off with static hair. One of the most annoying things for girls is getting ready in the morning only to find that your straitener, you love so much, is going to cause you to have static hair the rest of the day. To men this may not seem like an issue but for women it’s huge! Here is my tip to you women and men who have longer hair. Start off, when your hair is wet, by using some type of moose. Blow dry your hair just like normal, but what this will do is not make your hair so fine and give it substance, making it less prone to static. You can also use a thing called static guard; it’s available at stores such as target. Just spray it on your brush and all of the static that was once there is gone. Last but not least, Sunsilk makes a special winter time product that you just spray in your hair before and after you blow dry. The nice thing about the Sunsilk winter time product is that it doesn’t matter how much you use in a day, because it never makes your hair look greasy. Another very important topic for the winter time is skin care. This one is very simple it’s just a matter of how lazy you want to be. Lotion is the best way from letting your skin dry out. I recommend using it after every shower, because some soap can dry out your skin. If you don’t shower before you go to bed and you’re more of the morning shower type, put it on before you go to bed. Also, use Chap Stick on your lips and avoid licking them. I know when you’re outside and you don’t have any Chap Stick available licking may seem the best way to get moisture to them, but it’s not. Licking them actually make them more chapped. Keep some form of Chap Stick in your purse of pocket at all times, then you’ll never be at a loss when you need it. Last but not least take care of yourself. Eat the right kind of foods and make sure you are always washing your hands. One of the most important things to do during the cold, cough, and flu season is to wash your hands before you eat. There are so many things that we touch throughout the day, that other people have touched as well, that could contain the one little “bug” that just might cause you to get sick. Use Lysol around the house as well. Spray door handles and toys around your house regularly. I know the people in your house are the ones you love, but believe it or not they could just as easily be carrying that “bug” as the person who passes you on the street. I would also recommend carrying some sort of hand sanitizer. These can range anywhere from wipes to a liquid gel. Shopping carts contain some of the most germs and although they can come in handy when buying gifts this holiday season, I recommend wiping the handle off with some kind of wet wipe to get off all of the germs you don’t want. I hope these tips come in handy. Remember to take care of yourself and even help the people around you that you care about most. Spread these tips and use them to your advantage. It doesn’t hurt to try them. Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving break!
This Week Top Selling Albums 1. Soundtrack-Twilight 2. AC/DC-Black Ice 3. Soundtrack-High School Musical 3: Senior Year 4. Hinder-Take It To The Limit 5. Pink-Funhouse 1. Quantum of Solace-$70,400,000 2. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa-$36,130,000 3. Role Models-$11,710,000 4. High School Musical 3: Senior Year-$5,879,000 5. Changeling-$4,247,000
Gravy Ingredients 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme Dash pepper 1 teaspoon butter or margarine 1 (12 ounce) jar beef, pork, chicken or turkey gravy Directions In a small saucepan, saut onion, thyme and pepper in butter for 3 minutes. Stir in gravy. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 5 minutes or until heated through.
Celery and Bread Stuffing Ingredients 1 (1 pound) loaf sliced white bread 3/4 cup butter or margarine 1 onion, chopped 4 stalks celery, chopped 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup chicken broth Directions Let bread slices air dry for 1 to 2 hours, then cut into cubes. In a Dutch oven, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Cook onion and celery until soft. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in bread cubes until evenly coated. Moisten with chicken broth; mix well. Chill, and use as a stuffing for turkey, or bake in a buttered casserole dish at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
Day Before Mashed Potatoes Ingredients 9 potatoes, peeled and cubed 6 ounces cream cheese 1 cup sour cream 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons butter Directions Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in potatoes, and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl, and mash until smooth. Mix in the cream cheese, sour cream, onion powder, salt, pepper and butter. Cover, and refrigerate 8 hours, or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish. Spread potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, and bake in the preheated oven about 30 minutes.
Green Bean Casserole Ingredients 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 3/4 cup milk 2 cans green beans, drained 1 1/3 cups French-fried onions Ground black pepper to taste Directions In a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish, mix soup, milk, and pepper. Stir in beans and 2/3 cup French fried onions. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until heated through, stir. Top with remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions. Bake 5 minutes more or until the onions are golden.
Pumpkin Cream Pie Ingredients 2 cups cold milk 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix 1 cup canned pumpkin 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked Directions Combine milk, pie filling mix, pumpkin, spices, and whipped topping in a deep, narrow-bottom bowl. Beat at lowest speed of an electric mixer for about 1 minute. Pour filling into cooled pie shell. Chill until set, about 3 hours.
