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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The New Aquinas Art Club!

Are you one of those people who loves collecting stuff and yet has no idea how to organize and make use of them? Are you one of those people who would like to try calligraphy but stuck at where to start? Are you one of those people who seek art in everyday life? Are you interested in keeping your memorable moments in a scrapbook? Are you interested in group discussions of pieces of art that you like? Do you consider yourself an artsy person?

If any of these statements describe you, then come join AQ’s new Art Club! This is a place where people who are passionate about art and life can meet and express their passion in the form of art! No skills required, all you need is your enthusiasm.

Me, as an international student, have longed to join a visual art club before I became a student here at Aquinas. However, on my first day in the school, I learned that there were no art clubs here. I am one of those students who is never able to pass a PE test, thus when I found out I was in an athletically strong school, I lost my passion for the school’s extracurricular activities. It was about eight months ago when the idea of creating an art club first came to my mind. I thought through it over and over, and I eventually found the courage to talk to Mrs. Nosky, the school’s art teacher. When I first entered the art classroom, I felt like I belonged, and that was when I learned that I was in a meaningful place.

Since there is still so much that is undecided of the club, we are holding a few workshops to start with. Our first workshop has been decided to be a calligraphy class, so if you are interested in fancy hand lettering skills, or even seeking for improvements or your handwriting, come join us! I have prepared several different fonts for the club to practice! Practicing is fun when we are doing it with our friends. So grab some of your friends and come check out the club! We will not disappoint you!

BTW our first workshop was planned on Thursday, December 15th, but was cancelled because of the snow. Information about the workshop will be announced as soon as the new date is decided.

By: Yizi Wang

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The Boring Life of Spot the fish

One day Spot woke up, and felt like it was going to be a great day. “I feel like today will be a great day,” said Spot. He got out of his fish bed, made it, and then went down to get breakfast. He soon found his dad, Jimmy, making breakfast. “Hey dad, what’s cookin’?” said Spot. “Just a little thing I like to call ‘algae soufflé.’” Spot said, “That sounds amazing dad.” Then Jimmy said, “I’ve been working on perfecting it because I know you like it.” In response to that, Spot said, “Aw thanks dad,” and Jimmy said, “Don’t mention it Spot.”

After eating, Jimmy and Spot went out to find food for lunch. On their search they found some food, and went back to cook it. When they got back Spots mom was awake. Spot’s mom’s name was Sandrine. “Hi mom,” Spot said. “Good morning Spot,” Sandrine said. They ate lunch and then Spot went to hang out with his friends. After hanging out with his friends Spot went home to find dinner already made. Then Spot ate dinner with his family, said goodnight, and went to bed.

The rest of Spot’s life was mostly the same.

By: Peter McAuliffe

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Christmas Cookie Recipe

Makes: 4 dozen cookies. Set oven to: 375 degrees. Each batch should cook for 8-10 minutes. 

Ingredients:
4 cups of flour 
1 cup of shortening (cricso)
1/2 tsp. of salt
2 eggs
1 cup of sugar
5 tbsp. of milk
1 tsp. of Anise oil or Vanilla
1 tsp. of baking soda

Mix flour, salt, and shortening like pie crust. 
In a separate bowl, take eggs, beat well and add sugar. 
Add milk, vanilla, and baking soda. Mix well. 
Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Mix well. 
Roll out. Bake. 
Enjoy!

By: Rachael Battey

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Almost Maine!

               Almost Maine, recently been performed by the Aquinas Theater Department, is a comedy about love. Almost Maine, written by John Cariani, is a show about losing love, finding love, and the many aspects that love entails. We watch as nine pairs of people feel, act upon, and find love through each other. The show, comprised of two acts, a prologue, interlogue, and epilogue, is not very long though it does capture the audience through its dramatic and comedic scenes.

               Jacqui Thompson (me) portrays the character Rhonda. Rhonda is a strong female character in her late 20s who has never had any major interactions with love. Rhonda talks about working in the lumber mill, winning arm wrestling competitions since the 5^th grade, and being snow-mobiler of the year. While she is a strong, outspoken women, a woman of love and affection, she is not. But what happens when her best friend for years tries to make a move? 

by: Jacqui Thompson

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Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Start saving, Aquinas! Next week, October 31^st 2016, we will begin collecting for Thanksgiving food baskets. This could potentially help 156 families so please be generous! Collections will go until Thanksgiving break when the families come to pick up the food. Keep the less fortunate in your thoughts this holiday season. God bless!

by: Jessica Holt

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Aquinas Band-Ultimate Makeover

This fall, it’s back, but with a new look. It’s the highly anticipated Aquinas Instrumental Music Program! Many changes have taken place within the program this year, so read all about it!

THE AQ WIND PROJECT

            We all know it stinks when, at the beginning of the year, we find out that we may not be able to take all of the courses that we requested the previous year because of scheduling issues. Solution: AQ Wind Project! This group is composed of students interested in music but who cannot take band during the normal school hours. They meet in the mornings, Tuesday and Thursday… at 7:00 am! That is some admirable dedication! This group also has optional Fridays for Jazz Ensemble students (see below). They perform nearly all their music with the Concert Band students who take the course during the day, so it’s truly a win-win. And I can think of nothing better than starting the day off with music!

THE AQ JAZZ ENSEMBLE

            This group also meets bright and early in the morning, but they play tunes of a different kind. Every Friday morning, the AQ Jazz Ensemble rehearses… well… jazz! But that’s not all! They play a variety of music, from rock to pop to funk, including opportunities for improvisation. Also, since a jazz band is not your typical school band, it includes some more “unusual” instruments, like string bass, electric guitar, or electric bass. If you think your instrument doesn’t fit in a traditional setting, then come along to Jazz Ensemble! They’d love to have you jam with them!

THE BAND FORMERLY KNOWN AS CONCERT BAND: THE DYNAMICS

            Okay, technically they’re still referred to as Concert Band, but now they’ve got another cool name too: The Dynamics! The students in this lively group are passionate about instrumental music, and they’re ready to show the school what amazing talent they have. Be sure to look out for them in the coming weeks, because they’re planning on performing for the school at Monday Morning Kumbaya. The Dynamics rehearse every day (period 4 this year), so they have plenty of time to practice and refine their music, as well as participate in the occasional “Snack Chat:” a day set aside to discuss important music theory concepts, learn about significant events in instrumental music history, and, of course, share snacks! Some students from this group also created a logo for the group entirely out of musical symbols (see above!). If you are an enthusiastic and DYNAMIC performer, then you’d love to be a part of this band!

Aquinas also has the Middle School Band, which includes students who are brand new to their instruments. This gives them an incredible opportunity to learn how to perform with other students as they continue to develop their own skills. Many students from all the bands also participate in the pep band, which plays at several home football games, and performs at school-wide pep assemblies.

However, whichever band is performing, they’re sure to have the energy to lift your spirits! Come out to hear these bands play some extremely fantastic music at their semi-annual concerts. Admission is free, so it’s easy to show your support! Who knows, after listening to the bands, you might be inspired to dust off that old instrument you haven’t touched since fourth grade, or learn a new one. It’s never too late to make music a part of your life!

by: Maggie McAuliffe

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A Spooky Story

There once was a boy named Jeffery, but all his friends called him Jeff. Jeff woke up at 7 o’clock on a Tuesday morning and got ready for school. Jeff was walking to school when all of a sudden at 7:27 he tripped on a rock. He fell face first on the ground extremely hard. Blackout. At 3:30 that afternoon he woke up in a hospital bed. He saw many translucent ghosts clouding his vision. All the ghosts were whispering things like “We’ll always be here,” or, “I’ve come to haunt you.” He could barely see or hear anything that was going on around him. He could see both his parents and two nurses crowding around his bed all with concerned looks on their faces. His mom had a single tear running down her cheek. His dad had a very serious but concerned look on his face. Both the nurses had straight faces. Once they all noticed that Jeff was awake, they crowded even closer. His mom put her hands over her mouth and started crying. His dad’s expression suddenly changed to a happy one. Jeff's parent's took him home and for the rest of his life, he just had to deal with all of the ghosts.

by: Peter McAuliffe

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Washi Tapes

Washi Tapes are a kind of tapes made from a special material—Washi paper. As Washi papers are made in a Japanese style, those tapes are originally from Japan. They were first created mostly for the purpose of keeping oil paint in place as plasterers applied the colors. However, some people with creative hearts—crafters, let’s say—discovered some possible usages of Washi tapes. Thus, they took a trip to the factory that made Washi tapes, and suggested that colors and various patterns could be printed on those tapes. Therefore, this whole industry was changed and the Washi tapes we see in the present were created.

There are countless kinds of Washi tapes we can find in different shops and stores. Whole-colored Washi tapes are the basic ones people turn to as beginners. They can either be used on their own or together with other ones to create various collages. Washi tapes with geometric patterns are also common purchases. A great way to use them is decorating walls by arranging them in proper orders and positions. Through this, your creativity can be expressed, and they are absolutely cheaper than real wall papers. If you are a stationary addict, then GOOD NEWS! You will definitely love those beautiful Washi tapes with little pieces of patterns or artworks printed on them.

 

Washi tapes are simply something crafters cannot turn down. They are one of the best companions for you if you are interested in crafts!

By: Yizi Wang

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20 Random Questions: Mr. Wise

        As a student, I can attest to the repetitive nature of going to school every day. We go to the same lockers, sit at the same lunch tables, and sit through the same classes time and time again. But if there is one thing that can spruce up a school day, it’s the teachers. They make us laugh, they make (some of) us cry, and a good teacher even has the ability to get us excited about learning. I had the chance to sit down with Mr. Wise, who teaches Macroeconomics and an assortment of other business courses at Aquinas, for a speed round of questions that give insight to the life of a teacher.
1. What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
       “I get great satisfaction from the fact that I influence people who are about ready to go out into the real world. I want you guys to be prepared…as prepared as possible and I think I play a positive role in that.”
2. What is your least favorite part about being a teacher?
       “When I was a student I used to think teachers focus just on teaching but there are other things that go into it, like meetings. We have a ton of meetings. I’m not saying meetings are bad but, it takes up time. In the city there’s a lot of bureaucracy, too…I would rather spend time teaching you guys because I know it’s beneficial.”
3. What is a funny experience that you have had while teaching?
       “I was teaching the Renaissance in the city and we had three students who had just come from Nepal and I showed them a picture of The David and it was the first time they’d ever seen a naked male before… It was a little embarrassing because they kept giggling and I had to explain to them, you know, biology class. So there you go, there’s some science and social studies, too. That was quite funny.”
4. Why economics?
       “If you would have told me 11 years ago, when I was in school to be a teacher, that I would be teaching economics, especially AP Macroeconomics, I would have said ‘You’re nuts! It’s boring, it’s graphs and numbers and it’s boring. Why would I do that?’ But I kind of fell in love with it. I read Naked Economics [by Charles Wheelan] and [I realized] that this stuff impacts us more than any other subject. Every day we deal with it and I should understand it and have my students understand it so they’re prepared for whatever life brings them – like supply and demand charts.”
5. Do you remember what you got on your AP Macroeconomics exam?
       “Actually, I don’t think I took AP’s. I was your prototypical ‘do awesome in regents, too scared to take an AP’ [student]. Going back, I wish I did. My wife took 1,000 AP’s and she got to graduate college a year early. Me on the other hand…was fine with getting 90’s in my Regents class and dominating there. Every year they recommended me to go up to AP history and I said ‘I’m good.’”
6. What was your most embarrassing moment?
       “Student teaching. Greece Arcadia. We were talking about immigration and I was showing the Titanic movie and I slid across the desk – cool - like I would normally do, and the whole thing just fell. Everyone starts laughing and I just get up and say ‘I just wanted to show you how fast the Titanic sunk, like the desk.’ But that was kind of embarrassing because I broke the desk by sliding across it…but I played it off.”
7. If you could give any advice to incoming AP students, what would it be?
       “Trust me. My class is hard but we’ll do it together. Pray. Prayer is important [and] you’ll do OK.”
8. What was the best part about college?
       “I was a dork. I studied constantly, I worked, I saved money. It was kind of boring. But the best part is just learning new things. Halfway through my time in college I switched majors. I wanted to be a lawyer but then a teacher. So, I got to see two different groups of people. But…college helped me get where I am today.”
9. What is the ugliest item in your closet?
        “2 years ago I went to Goodwill. There was an “Ugly Dress” day or something. There was a really ugly pair of pants – plaid – they look like a carpet from the seventies.”
10. If you could be anything besides an economics teacher, what would you be?
       “I would be a general manager of a major league baseball team. That’s my life goal. It’s all about economics, trading…”
11. What was your first job?
       “I worked at Greece Ridge Movie Theater picking up popcorn. I met my wife there. Her first day of work, I trained her behind the concession stand. Then I started to woo her. The rest is history.”
12. What is your proudest accomplishment?
       “I’m going to go with my 2 kids. Inside of school, it’s when you guys graduate. But as a dad, every day they smile and say ‘daddy’ that is probably my proudest moment. But I do like to see you guys cross the stage.”
13. If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?
       “If I could, I would go back and see my dad again. I lost my dad when I was 24, almost 10 years ago, and I wish I could just talk to him again, kind of say ‘Hey, look! I’m here now, I’m teaching, I have 2 awesome kids.’ It would be meaningful for me to have a conversation with him again.”
14. If you could choose a name for yourself, besides Scott, what would it be?
       “I get the name Steve a lot. I don’t know why, but people call me Steve, randomly. I don’t know if I like that but… it’s better than ‘not-so-wise.’ But I would like Luke, it’s actually my Confirmation name.”
15. What did you study besides economics?
       “Political science, a lot of history, and education classes – that’s what I got my Masters in – how to teach adolescents.”
16. What is your favorite vacation that you’ve taken?
       “Now, if my family doesn’t see this, New Orleans [with] Mr. Oberst and Mr. Ambrose was a great time. I learned so much [and] people were so nice down there.”
17. Do you have any family traditions?
       “Christmas Eve dinner. We do a lot of fish. My mom used to do it but now we do it at our house. It’s bigger than Christmas in my family.”
18. What is the best part about being a parent?
       “I love it when I get home and they come up and give me a hug and they say ‘Daddy’s home!’ The next thing they say is ‘What did you bring me?’ But I disregard that part because it’s so nice to see the smiles on their faces. They’re pretty awesome. I don’t know what life would be like without little ones.”
19. Do you know any life-hacks?
       “Position yourself next to the smart kid. Become their friend.”
20. Do you know any jokes or puns?
       “I use the expression a lot: you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. I always tell people ‘I’m pouring water on your head now, why aren’t you drinking?’”

by: Jasmine Benjamin

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Bea, A Short Story

       There once was a beanie named Bea. Bea was very content with her job of protecting her human’s head from the cold outside. Her warmth helped her person to keep warm and she wouldn’t trade her job for the world. 
       Sadly, one day her owner accidentally left Bea at home. She felt very distraught. She worried for what seemed to be endless hours about what was to happen to such an unfortunate, cover-less head. Bea waited the day out in anxious misery.
       Finally, Bea’s human got home! Bea was so happy to see them home, safe and sound. As Bea looked closer, she noticed something was different. As soon as the owner stooped down, Bea saw that there was a new hat upon their head! The human picked up Bea, took off the new hat, and hung them up next to each other. Bea had never thought that there were other hats in the world. She was thrilled know that her human’s head hadn’t frozen and that now she had a new friend.
       From that day on, Bea’s community of hat companions grew and she never had to worry about a poor, cold, defenseless head again.

by: Katie McAuliffe

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Senior Ball

       It’s that time of the year again to bring out that ball checklist of things to do! Hopefully one thing you already did was purchase your ball tickets. Without them you will not be allowed in, so make sure not to lose or forget your tickets. This year ball will take place at The Memorial Art Gallery on Sunday May, 29th from 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm, with a theme of Puttin’ on the Ritz. Remember to get to the venue no later than 8:30 and then enjoy your time while you must stay until 11:00. Enjoy some appetizers from 8:00 until 9:00 then head on over to either the LED dance floor, or to the themed photo booth! If you get tired of dancing, you can sit at your table and watch the senior slideshow which will be displayed on the TV’s throughout the night. Don’t lose the pictures from the photo booth because you can obviously keep them as a party favor, or put them on the senior memory wall that will be displayed at ball. After you enjoy all of these activities, the ice cream dessert station will be brought out around 10:15! Then, sadly at 11:00 the night will have to come to an end, and hopefully you had an amazing time with all your friends! Seniors, let’s all make sure to have a great time together as a family, as this is one of the only times we will all be together before we graduate in June! If you have any further questions about what is going on with ball, feel free to ask anyone on the senior student council or Mrs. Gionta! Hope to see you all at ball! 

by: Kelsey Brinkel

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What Grinds My Gears: Never Reaching the Stars

       My AP Literature class ponders space, the impermanence of things and the loneliness of it all. It fired up the dream I would look toward: to go to space and to the stars. Yet as I have grown older, it has dawned on me that I most likely will never leave this rock we call home.
That will not stop me from wondering what lies beyond us- the stars that will never be reached and the planets which we might one day claim as our own. However, at this point all we can do is see, speculate and dream. We are in the dawn of a new age yet we may never see great bands of humans leaving the surly bonds of Earth until we are long gone.
       Now we stand in the road to progress and to a brighter future with companies like Space X leading the way. If we survive long enough, who knows it might be "All Hail to the Future Galactic Empire."

by: Joseph Pham 

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Chinese New Year: It's Dinner Time!

      Chinese New Year also called the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for Chinese people. It signifies the beginning of the new year and hope that it will be filled with love and good things. The arrival of this holiday also means that the spring is coming; the now will melt, plants will recover, hope is in the air, and everything is returning to summer colors. 
      The most important part of the New Year night is the New Year dinner. It is not only a dinner; it is also a good time that the entire family will enjoy together. 
      For me, this year is special since I cannot go home to my own family. This means I get to share this special night with my lovely host family and that I will cook the Chinese food at New Year dinner for them. Yay!
      I chose six different foods- bumper harvest vegetable, bouilli, dumping, rice balls, turnip shreds soup, and spicy cucumber. The things I will need are: cucumber, parsley, shallot, ginger, Chinese beans, potatoes, corn, radish, shrimp, pork, rice balls, and dumplings. 
    I chose bumper harvest vegetable because it is a special food from my hometown. I tried to find a picture online to show, however this one does not do it justice. 

To begin, clean all of the produce and cut the potato and corn into cubes. 
Next put oil and the Chinese beans together until the beans change color. Then add the potatoes, corn, and beans into one pot with water and add corn starch to finish.
        




        Bouilli is my favorite food however it is difficult to make. Here is a picture from the internet: 

      To make bouilli, cut meat into cubes and put oil with the meat in a pan for about 2 minutes or until the meat changes color. Then add water. Then add the following products:

       Next are the dumplings which are the most important dish in northern china where my hometown is. In China, dumplings are called "jiaozi," which means space and also to make friends. I am not the best person to make dumplings so I plan to just go to the Asian store and buy pork dumplings. To make the dumplings, simply boil them for about 3 minutes.

        Rice balls are another symbolic food for the New Year. In Chinese, rice balls are called "tangyuan," which means the coming together of a family. Therefor rice balls symbolize reunion. To cook the rice balls, place them in enough water for them to boil. This will take about 2 minutes.

        The turnip shreds soup is another New Years dish. Put oil and shrimp together in a pan, then put water and cut radish strips along with the shrimp in a pot of water. Add radish, scallion, ginger and salt. 

       Lastly is the spicy cucumber dish. Cut up the cucumber into strips. Then mix laoganma, oil and vinegar together. Mix in the cucumbers and you're all set!

       When dinner is finally ready, this is what it all looks like. Happy New Year!

        

By: Kunru Li

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