The Quibbler THE QUIBBLER

The Quibbler December 18, 2016

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by Rachael Southworth

The Living Nativity at Saratoga Central Catholic was a wonderful experience. On the cold and blustery night of December 1st, the middle school students dressed up in costumes representing the characters during the Nativity. The students performed a heartfelt presentation during the Victorian Street Walk that represented the events during the birth of Jesus.

Many of our school’s students volunteered to participate in this event to act as characters from the Nativity. Each student had a role, whether it was being a narrator, an angel, a wise man, a shepherd, or Mary and Joseph. Each role very was important in conveying the story.

The Living Nativity was further brought to life through the accompaniment of the SCC Chorus, who participated by singing beautiful melodies that went along with the narration of the Nativity. This year there was the introduction of ‘Ruby’, a miniature pony, that took on the part of the donkey that Mary rode when traveling. There was also Joey Kakaty who played the role of the little drummer boy, who played a drum while the choir sang, “The Little Drummer Boy”.

The Living Nativity is performed as a way to tell the story of the birth of Jesus to the general public. This event brings our spirituality to life and shows the public, as well as fellow Catholics, what the true meaning of the season is for us as a school and a community. This event is one that you’ll not want to miss out on next year!

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The Living NativityAn annual and timeless SCC tradition


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Varsity Bowling

Sports

by Kristen Maher

The Saratoga Central Catholic bowling team has been on an outstanding run this 2016-2017 season! The team is mentored by the one and only Alphonse Lambert (“Coach”). The team consists of a young squad, starting 6 underclassmen. They have a record of 13-11 and are ranked third in the Wasaren League. Coach Lambert says, “Our best game thus far was against Waterford. We hit 3,100 pins.” The team is led by sophomore co-captains Terel Tillman and Zach Niles. I believe that the boys will continue to succeed in their season and we wish them the best of luck for when they face their rivals, Hoosick Falls.

Boys Varsity Basketball

by Katie West

On December 16, the Saints had their second league victory against Waterford-Halfmoon. Both teams are new to the league, but the Saints had their doubts about winning. However, they were able to push past the Fordians and had the lead 39-17 at halftime. By the end of game, they had a victory with a final score of 71-41! Terel Tillman led with an astounding 19 points for the Saints, Tyler Haraden had 12, Sean Englert and Cadhan McFadden each scored 9 points and captain Connor Farrington contributed 7. On Wednesday, December 21 the boys have an away game against Cambridge, at 7:30!


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Girls Varsity Basketball

by Emma VanDeCar

Upon entering a new league with unfamiliar faces, strengths, and skills, the girls’ varsity basketball team faced an enormous challenge. Competing against schools with more students to draw from, more experience, and more familiarity with one another made the outlook for the 2016-2017 season not as confident and hopeful as past years. But that has not stopped the Saints. Taking an impressive win over Waterford last Friday, after being down by 12 at half and going on a 20-0 run in the fourth quarter, it seems as if the Saints are fighting against the odds. The Saints have lost to Tamarac, Stillwater, and Mechanville by a handful, but nonetheless left their hearts on the court. In the last matchup before break, against Cambridge, the Saints shut the Indians out in the 3rd quarter, but fell short at the very end. Still, it was an impressive game and not a bad note to end on as we go into the new year. Players like Kristen Maher, Ani Crocker, and Lauren Chille carry the Saints’ momentum at the top of the press, creating mayhem for any team who goes up against them. Mari Shaw and Emma VanDeCar are working the wings, taking advantage of open shots and three pointers, while Katie Case, Karah Colvin, and Liz Dedell pound the boards and grab put backs. The Saints return Tuesday the 3rd, and hope to carry the efforts that they have worked so hard towards into the new year and the second half of the season.

Spa Catholic Annual Toy Drive by Emma VanDeCar

Every year, at the beginning of the holiday season, the National Honor Society here at SCC hosts a toy drive. The toys collected are donated to the Franklin Community Center in Saratoga Springs, and from there they can be given to families and children who wouldn’t have gifts this Christmas. The toy drive this year began the week of November 28th, and ran through December 6th. It was one of the best turnouts as far as donations, and we were also able to raise money for the Adopt-A-Family program at SCC, which raises money to help give Christmas presents, decorations, and food to families in need. It can be hard during the Christmas season to pay for food and shelter, and on top of that all of the costs that come with the holidays, so I believe that our toy drive is one of the best ways for our school community to give back during this time of the year!


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Entertainment Paul’s Opinion: The Christmas Season

One thing that our society is very good at doing nowadays is inventing and maintaining stereotypes. Oh, and there are so many! Stereotypes on people, especially people of color, on minorities, on religions, on government entities, and even, yes, on holidays. This, of course, is only a sampling; should you wish to discover other stereotypes, simply post something you believe somewhere on the internet and somebody will be happy to apply you to a stereotype and rip you to shreds. But getting back to the matter at hand, which is very clearly the stereo-typicalization of holidays, namely Christmas (my, isn’t that fitting!). In this day and age, Christmas is viewed as a social holiday. The wrapping of the presents, the putting up of the tree, the holly and the ivy, the running of the deer, the… You get the point. If not, well then maybe this column isn’t for you. Either way, you see no mention of Jesus at all, except for the “Christ” in Christmas, but who notices that? We seem to be living in a Dickensian version of Christmas, where the general merriment of the holiday is referred to, but none of the specifics. Our society is clearly gravitating away from the traditional roots of the holiday (that is, the birth of Jesus – kinda important) for the more fun, if you will. In its proper place, that is all well and good, but like I said, we need to be more mindful of what actually went on at Christmas. For all you people who only go to church twice a year, take time at Christmas mass to actually pay attention – I know I’m asking a lot – but see what you get out of it. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. This holiday is the most important of the year (Staunch Catholics will argue that Easter is more important, but I counter with the fact that had Jesus not been born, He would not be able to die for us) and it certainly deserves the respect it is due. So all I’m asking for, at the very least, is a tip of your hat to the true meaning of the season. And while you’re at it, play some traditional Christmas songs. They actually have a meaning to them. Shocker!

Fashion: Winter and Fall Looks

by Gabrielle Vuillaume

It’s winter! Yay! That means it’s time for fall and winter fashion, which is quite possibly the best time of the year for any person that is remotely into the art and culture of anything fashion related. This season, many things are making comebacks in fun and extravagant ways. The nineties have definitely made a huge return, with pieces such as boyfriend jeans, turtlenecks, and anything oversized and worn down. The look everyone is going for is the “cute but not really trying” look. It’s comfy but fashionable at the same time - if you do it right. You can either look extremely knowledgeable in high fashion, or super frumpy, which is not cute. To avoid the frumpiness, stay away from pairing different patterns, and from wearing one to many oversized sweaters at the same time. For example, either wear something slimming on the top and slouchy on the bottom, or vice versa. Pair it with sneakers and you’re good to go! In terms of makeup, dark lips are huge right now. Some of my favorites include Smashbox’s Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in the shade “Miss Conduct,” and Kylie Jenner’s Lip Kit in the shade “Spice.” Keep in mind - if you wear a dark lip, wear a more natural eye look to balance it out. However, makeup and fashion are both freedoms of expression, and you can ultimately do whatever you want with it. If you feel confident in how you look, that’s all that really matters!


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“A Pentatonix Christmas”- Best Holiday Christmas Album of 2016

by Paul Ruger

On December 16, the 7th Grade (Class of 2022) held their second annual $5 Unlimited Bacon Breakfast Bonanza which was great success! This success was due in part not only to the contribution of the 7th grade students (as was to be expected) but also the hard work of four individuals in particular: Mr. Masi, Ms. Barnes, Paul Ruger, and Steven Lambert. Mr. Masi and Paul Ruger arrived sharp at 5:00 am, followed shortly thereafter by Ms. Barnes, and then later as the second wave, Steven Lambert. By 7:15 when the breakfast opened, over 400 slices of bacon, 168 scrambled eggs, 50 pancakes, 36 sausages, and two poached eggs were ready for consumption. In a flurry of activity for the next forty-five minutes, over 75 students and teachers were served and were treated to musical entertainment thanks to Kenny Kakaty. Mr. Masi called the event “wonderful,” which indeed it was. It should be noted that the bacon was indeed truly unlimited.

Unlimited Bacon!

by Christina Watt

This Christmas season saw the release of a capella group Pentatonix's fourth studio album, “A Pentatonix Christmas” which has received great feedback from listeners. Currently ranked first on the iTunes Albums chart and first on the Billboard Holiday 100 chart, “A Pentatonix Christmas” offers a fresh take on classic Christmas songs such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “I'll Be Home For Christmas.” Unlike other celebrity covers of Christmas songs, the Pentatonix versions are unique because the band is made up of just five vocalists who do covers and original songs without any instruments, making them an a capella group. If you're looking for some new Christmas music this year, give “A Pentatonix Christmas” a listen and look out for their cover of “Hallelujah” which is currently ranked #4 on the iTunes Songs chart.

13 Past Midnight: An Outstanding Production

by Gabrielle Vuillaume

The SCC Players always manage to do a wonderful job, and “13 Past Midnight” truly was one to remember! All of the cast members did incredible, and you could tell how much time and effort they put into the production. Under the amazing direction of Ms. Douglass, the show left you in suspense and had you laughing in your seat at the same time. The talented cast took the audience by storm, and left everyone wanting more. Each character had their own story, which made the show that much more intriguing. We are all excited to see what else the SCC Players have in store!


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by Rachel Farina

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen: Rating Out of 10 - 9.5

This was an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone. Your bookshelf is not complete without this book. It tells the story of a girl named Emily who moves in with her grandfather after her mother dies and continues the life her mother left behind years ago. All the secrets of her mother’s past are revealed and Emily must change the legacy of her family. Julia, a woman who owns a bakery and loves to bake cakes of all kinds, is tangled in memories from her past. With Emily in town, memories flood her mind of Emily’s mother and her past high school years. This book is a twisted romance, a supernatural mystery, and a heartwarming story that will leave you wanting more.

BOOK REVIEW


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A Christmas Ornament By Catherine Darcy For most of the year we are stashed away

Far away from the child’s playBut then comes a day when we’re taken out

And put on a tree, everywhere aboutEvery time you pass, you’ll look and see

And catch a glance of a few, maybe even me!We fill up the tree, we are softly aglow

So Santa can see all that we bestowEach one is special, holds a memory

A cathedral, a camera, or maybe even a palm treeOr possibly just a normal red ball

For they are the classiest of them allOn Christmas Eve we really shine brightAs the children wait for Santa all nightWe watch and wait as the night goes on

Maybe it will snow, changing the color of the lawnWe see him before we hear him before we hear him, for he is so quiet

Some big black boots, and a warm red suitHe gobbles the cookies and chugs the milk

He moves quickly to his bag, as smooth as silkHe comes out to the tree and takes out some toys

That in only a few hours will fill people with Christmas joysHe stands back up and admires the treeThen he gave a little wink right at me

He walked away, up the chimneyThe rest of the night moves very quicklyWe wait for the family, still in their sleep

To feel the happiness, breathtaking enough to weepChristmas morning comes, and we aren’t the ones that shine

But for us, that’s totally fineEven if it’s just to beautify the tree

Sometimes it’s better to give than to getFor that may be the best present yet

MIDDLE SCHOOL MENAGERIE


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DIY CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEA

by Kiley Bacher

With the holidays right around the corner, multiple people are undoubtedly stressing over what to give to their friends and family. In most cases, the perfect present is either too expensive or too difficult to purchase on your own. Last Christmas, I was left feeling completely deflated. I’d spent all of my money, and I still had what felt like countless people to buy gifts for. With time running out, I quickly racked my brain for inexpensive and homemade ideas that would surely put a smile on my loved ones faces. At the end of the night, I’d figured it out –a memory box. Simply take a mason jar (I purchased mine at The Dollar Store) and fill the bottom with your loved ones favorite candy. Once you’ve finished, use tiny pieces of paper (sticky notes work best) and write fond memories or messages to your loved one until you’ve filled the entire jar. The project takes only ten minutes, and never fails to warm the hearts of the people closest to you.


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The Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life By Mayzie Sattler

The hilarious and beloved television duo has made a bold reentrance into the

entertainment business at the close of 2016. Lorelai and Rory Gilmore have returned to the set of Stars Hollow, Connecticut to film Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Netflix’s newest original series. The team made four 90-minute episodes, “Winter,” “Spring,” “Summer,” and “Fall” to reunite the cast after almost ten years since the final episode aired.

Gilmore Girls tells the story of Lorelai Gilmore (played by Parenthood’s Lauren Graham), a coffee addicted, pop culture referencing, speed talking young mother of her teenage daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel), an ingenious but quiet 16-year-old and a gifted writer who is destined for Harvard, and moreover the world of Journalism. Lorelai finds herself pregnant at 16 and leaves behind her home in Hartford, CT as well as her strict and wealthy parents, Emily and Richard Gilmore, played by Kelly Bishop and the late Ed Hermann. Lorelai and baby Rory settle in the small, quirky town of Stars Hollow as Lorelai finds a job at the Independence Inn. The audience watches Rory grow and mature through adolescence as she transfers schools, makes life-long friends, falls in love, and grows into a self-sufficient bright young woman, all with the help and support of her mother. The Gilmore girls’ unusually friend-like mother-daughter relationship captivated audience members of all ages for years, until the show came to an end in May of 2007. The creator of the show, Amy Sherman Palladino put her heart and soul into these two characters, but was unable to stay with the show during their final season due to contract disputes. This saddened Gilmore Girls’ viewers, who were collectively disappointed with the farewell season. Palladino was said to have her ideal final season of Gilmore Girls written years ago, up to the final words of the show, so when it was announced that she’d be returning to the set to create a revival series, fans everywhere celebrated. It’s a must-see for 2016 and perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic tone and dialogue people remember from the early 2000s.


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The relationship that Rory and Lorelai had was something that any family would want. There was always honesty and compassion and empathy, but most importantly, loyalty. Rory’s best friend was her mother, and vice versa. They were there for each other no matter what, and that was something that really stuck throughout the series. The two of them impacted the public so intensely, through movie and music taste, through the books that Rory is seen reading, through growing up and pursuing goals they’ve had their whole lives. Lauren Graham tells Good Housekeeping when speaking about the revival “I’ve heard many people say that the show introduced their kids to reading, got them interested in college, made their relationship with them better. I think it put something positive into our world – that’s important.” During a typical movie night at the Gilmore household in the first season of the show, Rory’s first boyfriend, Dean (Supernatural’s Jared Padalecki), says to the girls “So it's a show?” to which Rory responds, “It's a lifestyle,” followed by Lorelai, “It's a religion.” Gilmore Girls became both of those things to so many audience members. From the positive messages it portrayed, to the timeless pop culture references that were made, to the engaging dialogue that kept viewers on the edges of their seats, Gilmore Girls is a series that delighted generations. Bringing this family and its undeniable charm back to the modern entertainment scene was a genius move that will bring nothing but uncontrollable grins and laughter to American families.


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Christmas Baking with Laura Kenny: Tree Bark

Ingredients:

2 sticks of unsalted butter

1 sleeve of saltine crackers

1 Cup sugar

16 oz chocolate chips

Christmas Sprinkles

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 400°. Line 9x13” cookie sheet with foil. Lay out saltine crackers in a single layer. Melt the butter in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Stir in the sugar and cook in the microwave for another 3 minutes. Pour butter/sugar mixture over saltines. Bake for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and add chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly spread. Return to oven until chocolate is melted. Spread with spatula to completely cover crackers. Add Christmas sprinkles (optional). Place in freezer uncovered for 2 hours. Break into pieces. Enjoy!


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Hello A, Money doesn’t buy happiness. This is the first thing you must realize before delving into getting christmas gifts. As teenagers, most of us rely on our parents for money especially when school and sports get in the way of our getting a job. The best thing to do is go on google and search “DIY christmas presents”. Lo and behold the wonderful world of the internet and crafting! There are a wide range of ideas from memory jars to knit hats, scarves, and gloves! Even a nicely written card to tell your friend or family member how much they mean to you is a wonderful present for anyone! Best of luck, Sincerely, C

Cornelia is a helpful advice columnist, who is willing to help with all of your toughest school, romance, and friend dilemmas. She’ll give you advice, while keeping you completely and totally anonymous, just like her. Be sure to email her with any questions or problems you’re having at her email- [email protected] or her ask.fm- ask.fm/DearCorneliaSCC/

Dear C, What do I do if I don’t have money to buy my friend something for christmas this season?

-A

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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Dear Cornelia,

Im not feeling in the Christmas mood. I feel like I’m missing out on all the fun and Christmas cheer but the holiday season hasn’t felt nearly as magical as when I was a kid. What do I do? -J

Hello J, Turn up the Mariah Carey, bake some cookies, turn on the Christmas movies, go skiing, sledding, and ice skating! If that doesn't work, realize that this season may not be for you. There is always Easter, Halloween, and New Years to enjoy!! Sincerely C

Dear Cornelia,

I got assigned to a group with a group of students that don’t do their work. I’m very stressed out trying to finish the project knowing that they will receive a good grade for my work. What do I do in this situation? -E

Hello E,

This is an unfortunate dilemma. This happens to all teenagers at least once in high school. It can be the most frustrating thing in the entire world! What I suggest you do if you really feel strongly is confront the teacher and tell them what is going on. This way they can talk to your group members without you having to confront them yourselves. If not, confront them yourselves in a nice way. Best of luck, Sincerely C


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Newspaper Staff

Writers- Front row (left to right): Rachel Farina, Emma VanDeCar, Mayzie Sattler, Hanna Schneider, Emily Rosato, Mari Shaw, Kristen Maher. Back row (left to right): Nate Smith, Cadhan McFadden, Hasher Nasir, Paul Ruger. Not pictured: Gabrielle Vuillaume, Annika Moline, and Christina Watt

Editors- (left to right) Erin Crowther (adviser), Emma VanDeCar (Co-Editor), Emily Rosato (Chief Editor)

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