Traditions of Valentine s Day By Abi M.

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1 The Best Literature on the Block February 2017 AWSD The BLOB Volume 9, issue 4 Inside this issue: Main Article 1 Bloberta 2 Life Hacks 3 Top 10 4 Student of the Month 5 Did You know? 12 Collage 15 Traditions of Valentine s Day By Abi M. Valentine s Day has come and gone! But the birds are chirping, bees are buzzing, and Spring is just around the corner. People around the world participated in their Valentine traditions with their loved ones. Valentine s day is the third most expensive holiday in the world! During this time of year, people spend their money on things like flowers, chocolate, and engagement rings. There are also some traditions where people believe that a god named Cupid wields a magical bow. This bow spreads love by shooting two strangers with magical arrows that cause the two to fall in love. In Norfolk, England, they believe in a folk character named Jack Valentine who leaves presents on doorsteps for children. In Slovenia, the holiday is associated with agriculture, as it is considered the beginning of Spring. This may have something to do with the connection between agriculture and love in terms, which were connected hundreds of years ago with the pagan festival. It is often the first day that workers head back to the fields, and many proposals occur in these fields. Latin America also refers to the day as Dia del Amor y al Amistad, or the Day of Love and Friendship. It is distinct in the way that the holiday honors friends as well as relationships. However, the holiday in Latin America is typically celebrated in June due to the February 14 th date s proximity to Mardi Gras related celebrations. Finland celebrates a similar holiday, Friend s Day on Valentine s Day. In other Scandinavian countries, the holiday is largely an American and commercial influence, mostly promoted by the flower and candy industry in order to stimulate sales. In China, men typically give their sweethearts flowers and chocolates, but due to its proximity to the Lunar New Year, it is celebrated later in the year. The South Korean tradition women give chocolate to the men on February 14 th. Men give women a different type of candy on March 14 th. Valentine s Day in Japan centers solely on giving chocolate due to advertisement by chocolate companies. These companies make much of their profit during this time of year. In conclusion, Valentine s Day is celebrated all over the world in many different ways. There s always some type of celebration in other countries for a holiday. Even though Valentine s Day is the third most expensive holiday in the world, it s a time to show how much you love your friends and family. 1

2 The BLOB Did you Know by Nevin M. 1. On average a man spends about $130 on Valentine s Day % of people who buy flowers on Valentine s Day are men. 3. Women tend to buy 85% of all the Valentine s Day cards sold. 4. Approximately 15% of women send themselves flowers for Valentine s Day. 5. If you get a kiss on Valentine s Day, it s supposed to bring good luck for the rest of the year. Dear Bloberta By?? Dear Bloberta, There is a boy I like, I was talking to a friend and he heard me. He told his friend and now they are making fun of me. What should I do? Sincerely, Anonymous Dear Anonymous, I am sorry people are making fun of you. I know it s not fun. If I were you, I would just ignore them and keep your head held high. If they are treating you like that, it just shows that you are too good for him. Just keep being you. Page 2 Sincerely, Bloberta 2

3 Volume 9, issue 4 Life Hacks By Taylor S. Captain O By Bailey M. 1. Hearts are red. 2. Cupid carries arrows. 3. Roses are flowers. 4. You know it s Valentine s Day when you look at a calendar, and it says Valentine s Day. Page 3 3

4 Top Ten By Bailey M. Gifts for her Gifts for him Dating places 10. Make-up 9. A cozy blanket 8. A pair of new shoes 7. Scented candle 6. Pajamas 5. A new bag/tote 4. Chocolates and roses 3. Expensive perfume 2. A watch 1. A ring 10. Drone 9. Chocolates 8. Beats headphones 7. A date 6. Aviators 5. Chuck Taylor Converse 4. Amazon Echo 3. Expensive jeans 2. Cologne 1. Watch 10. Roller skating 9. Ice skating 8. McDonald s 7. Frozen yogurt 6. Coffee and walk 5. Go watch the sunset 4. Live music 3. Bowling 2. Movies 1. Fancy Restaurant Top Ten Pick up lines 10. Are you a campfire? Because you are hot and I want S more. 9. Are you a keyboard? Because you are just my type. 8. Are you from Tennessee? Because you are the only ten-i-see. 7. Are you a library book? Because I m checking you out. 6. Hey, my name s Microsoft? Can I crash at your place tonight? 5. Are you a parking ticket? Because you got fine written all over you. 4. If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put U and I together. 3. If you were on a page, you would be fine print. 2. Something s wrong with my eyes, I can t take them off you. 1. Are you a camera? Because every time I look at you, I smile. 4

5 January's Students of the Month By Nevin M. 4th Lorelei H. 5th Sabine W. 8th LeBraun A. 6th Dalana P. 7th Charli K. 5

6 Monthly Polls By Hunter L. What type of candy do you prefer? Chocolates for Valentine s By Bailey M. Buying chocolate is a suitable way to show you care, being as chocolate is a sign of love and intimacy. When Valentine s Day first came around, it was Victorian times, and chocolate was the number one gift that was given because it was a tool for seduction. Valentine s Day was a romantic day. Often times when chocolate has lace or ribbon on the box, it s not actually a decoration. \ It is really used as a symbol for the clothing the ladies wore on Valentine s Day. Back in these times, ladies were warned not to accept chocolates from anyone besides their beau because it was so closely associated with love and intimacy. It was considered creepy if you weren t officially together. And you probably thought it was just a sweet treat to snack on! 6

7 Mathcounts BLOB staff goes to town meeting with U. S. Senator Walden 7

8 National Athlete of the Month By Nevin M. Tom Brady Tom Brady is the QB for the New England Patriots and was first drafted in Tom Brady led the Patriots back from a 21-0 and 28-3 with a throw-early, throw-late approach as the Patriots roared back to win Super Bowl LI in the first overtime game in Super Bowl in history. Entering Sunday, no team had won the Super Bowl after trailing by 10 points. Brady was named the game s MVP. It was the fourth time which is a NFL record, that anyone has earned MVP. He won the award in 2001, 2003, and Tom is just a great player, Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney said. And when he gets like that, he s hard to stop. He s the best ever, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said. There s no flinch in Tom. 8

9 Fabulous Faculty by Sam W. Congratulations to Mrs. Bennett, our fabulous faculty of the month! According to Mrs. Vescio, Mrs. Bennett has been working at our district for a long time. She also said that Mrs. Bennett loves teaching the sixth grade and is always trying to learn more about teaching in order to make the students enjoy learning. Mrs. Vescio stated that Mrs. Bennett is always cheerful and enthusiastic! Mrs. Bennett also sponsors our Big Elephant program for those who show good citizenship. Overall, Mrs. Bennett is just flat out fabulous! Wacky Laws By Nevin M. 1. In Idaho, it s illegal to give your sweetheart a box of chocolates weighing more than 50 pounds. 2. In the state of Kentucky, it s illegal to remarry the same man four times. 3. In Truro, Massachusetts, a groom-to-be must prove himself manly prior to marriage by hunting and killing either six blackbirds or three crows 4. In Virginia, it is illegal to tickle women. 5. In Hong Kong, a woman is allowed to kill her cheating husband but only with her bare hands. 9

10 Celebrity Look-Alike By Bailey M. Maddie Ziegler Charli K. Countdown By Rylee M. 19 school days until spring break as of February 27 th! 10

11 Current Events By Hunter L. United States House of Representative for Oregon, Greg Walden, recently came to Weston to talk to the citizens of our town. He answered multiple questions including some from our very own BLOB staff. For all those that don't know Representative Walden, he is a Republican, but has to stay neutral to be fair for all Oregonians and Americans. The following information outlines issues that were important to local people. One issue that was addressed was the question about "The Wall". Representative Walden does support strengthening our borders, but he doesn't think a wall from one end to the other is necessary. He believes we should use drones and other forms of technology. During the talk, he said an undeniable fact. "No country allows in more immigrants than the U.S." Another topic that was brought up was about Obamacare. Congressman Walden told us that you can to stay on your parents' health care until you are 26 years old. He also wants health care to be affordable for all people in the U.S. He believes people with preexisting health issues should get covered. The final topic was about education. Representative Walden is a public school advocate. He also supports an increase in funding for our schools. He wants vouchers to profit schools in funding. In conclusion, Representative Walden is a man who cares about the well being of Oregonians and is capable of representing Oregon. Embarrassing Moments By Rylee M. On the first day of school this year, I was walking up the stairs to find my locker, and in front of everyone, I fell UP the stairs. I was just sitting on the floor laughing and thinking about how happy I was that it didn t happen on the first day of last year, since it would ve been my first day at a new school. -Anonymous 11

12 Recipe of the Month By Sam W. Ingredients: For the Red Velvet Cake: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (recommended: White Lily) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cocoa 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups canola oil 1 teaspoon vinegar 1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup buttermilk For the cream cheese frosting: 1/2 cup margarine 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese 1 box confectioners' sugar, sifted 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chopped lightly toasted pecans(optional) Directions: For the Red Velvet Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) round layer cake pans. Sift flour, baking soda and coco together. Beat sugar and eggs together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix together oil, vinegar, food coloring, and vanilla. Add to the bowl of eggs and sugar and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet mixture by alternating the buttermilk and dry ingredients. Always start with the flour and end with the flour. Pour batter into pans. Tap them on the table to level out the batter and release air bubbles. Bake for 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted near the middle comes out clean but be careful not to over bake or you'll end up with a dry cake. Let layers cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before turning out of pan. Cool completely before frosting. For the cream cheese frosting: 1/2 cup margarine 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese 1 box confectioners' sugar, sifted 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chopped lightly toasted pecans (optional) This is the "official" cream cheese frosting recipe but we always use about 1 1/2 recipes on each cake to cover it well. Let margarine and cream cheese soften to room temperature. Cream well. Add sugar and beat until mixed but not so much that the frosting becomes "loose". Add vanilla and nuts. Spread between layers and on top and sides of cake. Read more at: paula-deen/red-velvet-cakerecipe.html?oc=linkback 12

13 Critics Corner By Rylee M. A Dog s Purpose is the story of a dog as it is reincarnated over the course of five decades to find what its purpose is. It is reincarnated four times and each time he is a different breed with a different owner. He has many different experiences with his owners and getting to know and love them. Then, the last time he is reincarnated he is given back to his original owner to see what unravels next. The Space Between Us is a movie that shows the life events of the first person to be born on Mars. By the time Gardner Elliot is 16, he has only met 14 people and doesn t know who his father is. As Gardner comes to Earth and searches for details about his father, he meets a girl who is named Tulsa. Scientists discover that Gardner s organs can t withstand the Earth s atmosphere. Gardner and Tulsa fight time in order to find how Gardner came to be, as well as where in the universe he belongs. 13

14 Blast From the Past By Taylor S. Now Amauree Then Yearbooks are almost done! Save up your money because they are only $12! So if you want one, you better buy one because there won t be many extras. Anyway, have a good rest of the year! Keep your grades up, the field trips are coming up fast. 14

15 15 Collage By Bailey B.

16 Comics By Sam W. 4/5Art Contest By Taylor S. Good job, Lirian! Keep up the good work. P.S. Your art is amazing! 1st Place Lirian H. 16

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18 AWSD BLOB Staff Jadyn Bailey M. Rylee Sammie Taylor Savannah Victoria Abigayle Jesse Tristin Hunter Bailey B. Nevin Sponsor: Mrs. Turner wms.athwest.k12.or.us Editor: Jadyn P. Brain Teasers By Abi M. A. What did the stamp say to the envelope? B. Why did the banana go out with the prune? C. What did the boy owl say to the girl owl? What did the paperclip say to the magnet? on you!!! Answer A: I m stuck Answer B: Because it couldn t get a date! yours! Answer C: Owl be D. 18 Answer D: I find you very attractive!