Delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes

6 Red Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients:

Cupcakes: 
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 tbsp granulated sugar
3 tbsp light brown sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp red liquid food color
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup sour cream
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp white distilled vinegar
1/4 tsp baking soda

Frosting: 
6oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with 6 liners.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugars. Mix in egg until batter is smooth. Add cocoa powder, vanilla and red food color. Continue mixing, scraping bowl as needed. Add salt, baking powder and sour cream, mixing until just incorporated. Add flour, mixing until no streaks remain. Finally, combine vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl. 
Immediately add to batter and mix in.

Divide batter equally among prepared liners, using one large cookie scoop per.

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cupcakes are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 

Cool on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter. Mix in vanilla and slowly incorporate powdered sugar until smooth. Transfer mixture to a piping bag with with desired tip. Frost cooled cupcakes.

Store in an airtight container or refrigerator for up to several days.

By: Rachael Battey

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What's Your Favorite Thing About Yourself?

“What’s your favorite thing about yourself?”

I’m sure many people have never considered the question, “what’s your favorite thing about yourself?” Maybe there’s no need to ask; it’s just a subconscious knowledge you don’t need to ponder. Maybe you have been suffering with self-esteem problems and can’t wrap your mind around the idea of having a favorite thing about yourself. Maybe you don’t want to think about yourself in that way because your humility is too prominent. Maybe you can’t pick just one thing. Whatever the reason, I firmly believe it’s very imperative to know the goodness in yourself.

“My confidence”

The first person I asked this question to, thought about it for a moment, then decided fairly quickly. This friend of mine has been on stage and performing for a very long time so I can understand this viewpoint of hers. However, when she’s not onstage, I’ve noticed that she still holds herself with confidence and I acknowledge that quality about her. I’m glad she knows it too.

“I don’t know”

The next person I asked could not come up with an answer for this question. If given the right amount of time, I’m sure she could find out what she likes most about herself but at that given moment, she hadn’t had much thought about it. However, I know that she is very hardworking and I appreciate that about her whether she knows it or not.

 “…I’m imaginative… I can absolutely lose myself in daydreams and build them into stories…”

This person that I asked was more specific in the certain area that he liked most. He is a writer so it’s understandable that this skill can help to give him more experience in what he likes to do best. Often, a favorite element such as this can really indicate what a person is passionate about and what they should pursue in study or career. I know he is a stunningly talented writer and genuinely good person with a bright future of his own.

 “My free will”

The next person I asked responded quickly. He seemed to be prepared for this question as if he had thought seriously about it before. This simple yet deep answer is very fitting for this person as I also view him as a free spirit. He is respectful and well-mannered because he chooses to be and he’s curious about the things that truly interest him. His answer is very true for his knowledge of himself and his understanding of the world around him.

 “…My mind is very independent… I don’t need much validation…”

Yes, this is my favorite thing about myself. In a way, it’s all I need. With this knowledge of myself, I often accept things for my very experience of them. When I’m feeling sad, I accept that that’s the way it is currently and I trust it’ll get better soon. If I’m happy, I don’t need anyone to remind me to “live in the moment” because I already am. If I’m feeling badly about myself (grades, appearance, friends) I remind myself of times when I was happy and realize that this low streak is only temporary. If I’m feeling good about myself, I take note of it for myself, even if nobody else validates me. This is very important to the standard I hold myself to.

These example are only the first response to this question. Yet, in a way, they are the most pure response because they haven’t over-thought the question, to a point where all their responses could make the true answer foggy. If you haven’t given this a thought before, find your pure answer, however possible.

“What is your favorite thing about yourself?”

By: Katie McAuliffe

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How To Go To A Concert

Have you ever wanted to see your favorite band live but don’t know where to begin? Has it been awhile since you’ve gone to a concert? Here are some tips and tricks for the next time you plan on attending one by an experienced concert attendee.

Step 1: Getting Tickets

Getting tickets to a concert can be a challenge. They can sell out quickly because of pre-sales and be hard to find. First and foremost, you should figure out when they go on sale and on what websites (if you have options, I recommend ticketmaster).  Now pre-sales can make or break how good your seats are, so if you plan on investing into some good ones, look up presale codes for the concert you want to attend, and remember to type it in to get your tickets. Look up a seating chart of the venue you are going to see the concert in as well. Websites are always vague about where the seats are. But wait! My website says general admission! What the heck is that? General admission means there are no seats. It is first come first serve so if you want to be close to the artist, plan on showing up at least an hour early. Depending on the venue you can be smushed and sweating (yes sweating) with a couple thousand people on a floor or spread out on a lawn behind the actual seats (which can still be an awesome experience). Buying tickets online requires a credit card, debit card, or sometimes a PayPal account so be prepared with your account information. When you purchase them, print them out. Keeping them just on your phone can be risky if for some reason your phone breaks. If you want to get them in the mail, there is a chance they can get lost in it. Keep your tickets in a safe place and write down that place a couple of times if you are forgetful.

Step 2: What to Wear

The most important thing about your clothing is that it is something you feel happy and comfortable in. You shouldn’t have to dial down your wardrobe for a concert and should express yourself the way you feel is right. A concert should be a time to embrace who you are, not hide it for the sake of fitting in. Wear a shirt you don’t normally wear, try a new makeup look, fix your hair differently, do what you feel is right. But if you want some more in depth guidance, you should know your venue first. If it is outdoors, consider bringing a jacket because it can get cold. If it is indoors, dress in as light clothes as possible. Make sure whatever you are wearing is something you are comfortable in. If you know your new shirt constantly rides up the wrong way so you have to fix it, don’t wear it, it will definitely take away from the experience. If your concert is general admission, do not wear sandals unless you’re okay with getting your toes stepped on for the entirety of the concert. Otherwise, I would wear sandals, not flip flops; those can be a hazard. I suggest genuine sandals to an outdoor concert for the sake of comfort in the heat. Do a little research and read up on the experiences people have of concerts with the artist you are seeing. Search “-Artist name- concert experience” into YouTube or Google and see what pops up.  Some artists promote dressing up more extravagantly and others may be more chill.

Step 3: What to Bring

Recently, there has been efforts to heighten security at concerts for safety purposes, so venues can be strict on what you bring in. I would look on the venue’s website first to see what they allow and don’t allow. If the rules are not clear, here are some general tips. Try to pack lightly and not bring any large bags or purses if it is possible. They will most likely need to be searched and it can be time consuming and it can anger the security personnel. Leave your pocket knife or any other thing that could be dangerous at home; they will confiscate it. Do not bring bottled water unless it is sealed. Some security personnel won’t even let sealed bottled water in so be aware. Do bring a phone charger and a portable charger. Your phone can die quickly which is never good. Do bring a small camera if you have one. I have a small camera (that I got for Christmas a few years ago) that can fit easily into my purse that I use to get a couple good quality pictures of the artist I am seeing. However, I turn off the flash and only use it a few times because enjoying the show is most important. Do bring some gum and painkillers. Sometimes you need to freshen your breath a little and you don’t want a headache (since medical areas can be cumbersome to locate).

Step 4: What to do at the Concert

First of all I highly recommend arriving to the venue an hour early. This may seem excessive to some, but with the heightened security at concerts these days, it can take a long time to get into the venue. The show won’t wait for you so the closer you are to the entrance, the better your chances of getting in on time are. Next I recommend buying some piece of merch. Yes, it is overpriced but having a piece of concert memorabilia is something special that you will appreciate dishing your money out for in the future. Now, find your seats and make sure you keep your ticket somewhere safe. It is the easiest way for an usher to help you find your seat and lets them know that you are in there legally. As soon as you know where your seats are it is a lot easier to find bathrooms, etc. Finally enjoy the concert. Have fun and live in the moment, not through your cellphone; you’ll have more fun. Post a few snapchats here and there but don’t let it consume you; after all you paid for those tickets, not the people who have you on snapchat. 

By: Evelyn Sims

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2017 New Year's Resolutions

Now you've probably heard of the usual New Year’s Resolutions; lose weight, spend less money, eat healthier, etc. But I think we can all agree that those are lame. Instead, I've compiled a list of better resolutions for your average teenager.

The Good Thing Notebook

Get a plain covered notebook with a good amount of lined pages. Using markers, design the cover using Zentangles or doodles or whatever you like. Then, on the inside at the end of every day, write everything that went well, made you happy, and just any good thing that happened during the day. It's a good way to start looking on the bright side of life, and when you're having a bad day, you can read back and hopefully it will help you feel better.

The Coin Bottle

Get an empty soda bottle of your favorite kind. Choose one type of coin; dimes, pennies, quarters, nickels.  Then, whenever you get change, take those coins out and put them in the bottle. It's a fun way to save up money, and hey, maybe you could put the total into Jar Wars.

The Memory Box

Grab a shoe box, possibly one of your favorite brand. Then you can choose whether or not to design the box or keep it as is, but make sure to write 2017 on it somewhere. Then fill it with things that you accumulate throughout the year. Fill it with photographs; of your friends and family, of yourself. Add memories, wishes, letters, notes, drawings, doodles, etc. Make it what you want. Then you'll have something to look back on when 2018 comes along.

The Selfie-A-Day Challenge

Everyday for a year, take a selfie in the same spot, if you can. Then, at the end of the year, you can string it into a fast moving slideshow and see how your face has changed over the year. It's okay if you miss a couple days, as long as you don't miss too many.

And don't forget to live a little!

By: Francesca Delaney

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Cake-in-a-Mug Recipe

It's winter and everything is cold. You're hungry, but alas there's 10 feet of snow on the ground and you have no food in your house! There aren't even any clean plates to eat off of! What do you do? Well, you can make this tasty chocolate mug cake. There are a lot of mug cake recipes out there that are pretty gross, but this one is dandy. All you need is a mug and these ingredients. 

Ingrdients: 

• 1 tbsp and 2 tsp cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp spelt flour 
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2-3 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons of milk of choice 
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Combine dry ingredients and mix very, very well (no one likes a salty cake). Add liquid, stir, then transfer to your mug of choice. You can even use a bowl, just make sure it's microwave safe, so you don't set your house on fire. Either microwave 30-40 seconds OR cook in a 350F oven for about 14 minutes. If you don’t want to eat it straight out of the dish, be sure to spray your dish first (and then wait for it to cool before trying to remove it).

By: Evelyn Sims

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Christmas Sugar Cookie Truffles Recipe

Ingredients

   12 sugar cookies (about 2 1/2 inches in diameter)

   3 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature

   2 cups white chocolate for melting (or candy melts)

   Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

   1.    Place sugar cookies in a food processor and process until cookies turn into fine crumbs. Add cream cheese and process again until well-combined and mixture can be pressed into a ball.

2.    Shape cookies into balls about 1-inch to 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for 15 minutes or the refrigerator for 1 hour.

3.    In medium bowl, melt white chocolate according to instructions.

4.    Remove the cookie balls from refrigerator. Using a spoon or two forks, dip and roll chilled cookie balls, one at a time, in coating. Return to lined cookie sheet and immediately top with sprinkles. Repeat process for remaining cookie balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

If the sugar cookie truffle dough is not firm enough, add another tablespoon of cream cheese.

(recipe based on  http://www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com/2016/10/31/christmas-sugar-cookie-truffles/)

By: Abby Lowtan

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Talking with Teachers: Mr. Flood and Video Game Club

“Talking with Teachers” is about getting to know the people that mentor us as teachers, coaches, and club advisers.  This interview was with Mr. Liam Flood, the Earth Science teacher and Video Game Club Moderator.

Q:           Mr. Flood, why did you become an Earth Science Teacher?

A:            I've always had an interest in the earth sciences, originally I was really into Meteorology. From the age of like 5 until 20 I wanted to be a Meteorologist.  Frankly I got a little from Calculus 2 and 3 in college, so I redirected into Earth Science. I've always loved Astronomy, I've always loved rocks, so it seemed like a good connection.  The teaching part came later honestly. The teaching part didn't come until I was probably 22 or so when I was getting near the end of my time at Oswego.

Q:           What do you do in your free time, besides running the games club?

A:            You know I’m into video games, but other than that I like camping a lot.  Most of the time I only get out a couple times a year now, but I love the Adirondacks.  I spent a month straight up there one time when I was in college.  So interesting.  Yeah mostly camping, I like going to movies, normal guy stuff.  Don’t write “normal guy stuff.”

Q:           So you’re getting married soon. How do you feel about that? Are you excited?

A:            What am I supposed to say? “No! No it’s horrifying! Help! I’m being forced against my will!” (Laughing) No, I’m excited.  Yeah, we've been together for a really long time now.  Sort of an inevitability.  That’s really romantic. (Laughs again).

Q:           Games Club is something new this year. Do you have any plans on where you see it in the future, after the founders of Video Games Club graduate?

A:            I’m noticing online that it’s becoming more widespread with other schools in the area. Ultimately it would be cool if we could have competitions with other schools, and you know, common tournaments games.  Like you guys love “Smash Brothers” now, but there are sports games that have common tournament rules that I've seen people play. I've played in a few. So tournament style games and actually interacting with other schools would be really cool down the line.

by: Tony Bacchetta

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