Deck the Halls

By Clare T.

Christmas is one of the most celebrated and recognized holidays in the world, but how much does the average person really know about it? Here are some fun facts!

1. The biggest selling Christmas single of all time is Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.”
2. Each year between 34-36 million Christmas trees are produced to meet the holiday demand.
3. In 1647, the English parliament passed a law that made Christmas illegal.
4. The popular Christmas carol “Jingle Bells” was composed in 1857 by James Piermont and was originally called “One-Horse Open Sleigh.” It was written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas!
5. A Christmas wreath hanging on your front door is a sign of welcome and long life for all who enter.
6. During Christmas season in the United States, Visa cards alone are used an average of 5,340 times every minute.
7. The movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” features more than 52,000 Christmas lights, about 8,200 Christmas ornaments, and nearly 2000 candy canes!
8. According to a survey, 7 out of 10 dogs receive Christmas gifts from their doting owners. My dog is one of them!
9. The first Christmas card was created in England on December 9, 1842.
10. During this Christmas season, 1.76 billion candy canes will be made.
11. Holly berries are poisonous.
12. 1 in 3 men will wait until Christmas Eve to finish his shopping.
13. The fictional figures that deliver gifts to children on Christmas are different in various countries:
    England: Father Christmas.
    Russia: Baboushka, a grandmotherly figure, or Grandfather Frost.
    Germany: Christkind, an angelic messenger from Jesus.
    France: Pere Noël.
    Scandinavia: children receive gifts from a variety of Christmas gnomes, one of whom is named Julenisse Holland, which translates to St. Nicholas.
14. Stuffed animals make up about half of the most popular Christmas presents given.

Out and About On Seventeenth with Fanster and Roses

Restaurant Review: Tubby Dog
By: Fanny L. and Rose S.

One of the privileges of going to a school located on Seventeenth Avenue, aside from the view of sparkling lights on the trees and the temptation of the shops, is the many amazing restaurants within walking distance from Western. So naturally, after a stressful and busy week, Fanny and I decided that our tummies deserved a treat. Thus, we began our journey down Seventeenth. First, we set out for a café, but after staring with starving eyes at the vanilla scones and banana bread, we agreed that we needed something more filling (and maybe more fatty) than coffee and sweets. I had heard rumors that Tubby Dog has the best hotdogs in town, and I was ready to put this rumor to the test. I was just in the mood for some meaty, cheesy goodness. And so, we headed down the street to Tubby Dog to fill our stomachs and to alleviate our curiosities.

The ambiance was a refreshing break from the uptight world outside: the place exuded a Katy Perry, seventies retro party vibe, with vintage Marvel comics as part of the décor, reflecting all things bad but oh-so-good. In the corner were arcade-style games, and on the walls were pictures of exotic snacks to warm the appetite.

Although the chefs did an excellent job of presenting the hot dogs (which probably takes years of experience, because how else do you turn a wiener on a bun into holy shining glory?), we proved to be far less excellent at the skill of eating them. Most of the toppings didn’t even reach our mouths before sadly falling onto the plates, and unless you’re a whale shark, there are few creative ways with which to fit such a monster of a hot dog into your mouth. However, what did end up in the mouth was delicious: the sausage puts ordinary wieners to shame. Large, satisfying, and juicy, this was by far the most delicious tube steak I’d ever had. Meat lovers should flock to Tubby Dog.

Regardless of which menu item you decide on, it is highly probable that it will cause clogging of the arteries. For instance, the “A-Bomb” hot dog is garnished with mayonnaise, crushed chips, and the other tidbits of grease that could satisfy any fat craving at first bite. However, by the third bite, the body starts to reject this foreign surplus of lipids. The “Cheetah”, perhaps a slightly lighter meal, is topped with sauerkraut and cheese and is a better choice if you still plan on eating dinner later on.

Ironically, even though we really came for the meat, our favourite part of the meal was the yam fries. These aren’t your ordinary, weak, starchy chips; indeed, these slices are large enough to maintain the moist integrity of a yam, while oily enough to permit sufficient flavour. Surprisingly, the sweet chili sauce actually complemented them quite well. We would definitely visit the Tubby Dog again, if only for the fries.

The aftermath: For one who can’t stand food waste, tears may ensue after such a meal. There was a huge graveyard of topping carnage on the table, and a Mount Everest of used napkins. Our hands were smothered with artificial cheese sauce, and our mouths were equally, if not more, dirty.
And just so you can salivate while reading this, here are some pictures:


Verdict : Definitely not first-date friendly, but I guess if someone can stand looking at you eating a Tubby Dog, then you are pretty much set for life.
Rating: 2 heart attacks, 3 strokes and 2 laps around the gym. What does that make, 7/10?

Winter Arts Opportunities in Calgary

By: Jillian K.

Christmas in Calgary is a prime time for enjoying the very best of our vibrant performing arts scene. From veritable holiday veterans to more recent productions, there's something for everyone. If you're looking for a few ways to get yourself into the spirit of the season, spend time with family, or indulge in some early gift giving, check out these holiday festivities.

Alberta Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
The Alberta Ballet's performance of this holiday favourite is a long-time Christmas tradition. Accompanied by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra with sets designed by Emmy winner Zack Brown, prepare to be captivated as you watch Tchaikovsky's vision come to life. There are a few things, however, that set this production apart from the traditional Nutcracker performance. For one thing, it's set in Imperial Russia instead of the typical German setting. Choreographer and ballet master Edmund Stripe completely revamped the Nutcracker from its previous version in 2008, complete with brand new choreography, sets, and costume design. Enjoy these sugarplum sweet dreams from December 16-24, with show times at 1:30 and 7:00 PM.

Western Winter Music Concert
Come and show your support for the music program at Western by attending our winter concert! The event takes place on December 14 at 7:30 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. The Festival Chorus, Mixed Choir, and all three of our concert bands will be exhibiting their months (and early mornings) of hard work. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from any of our music teachers.

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
The CPO has several seasonal performances, each with a different take on traditional holiday music. "George Canyon's Country Christmas" showcases the country singer's new album, Home for Christmas, while "A Traditional Christmas" features favourite carols performed by both the Orchestra and the Young Canadians. Other concerts include performances with John McDermott, an Irish singer, and the holiday classic Handel's Messiah. Performances are throughout December and with a free CPOssibilities membership for ages 14-29 discounted tickets may be purchased for select performances for as low as $14. Visit the CPO website for dates and a complete list of performances.

Theatre Calgary presents: A Christmas Carol
This production of Charles Dickens' holiday classic is one of the longest-running Christmas theatre productions in Canada. This year is their 25th anniversary, and it promises to be even more spectacular than its predecessors. And who doesn't love ghosts with musical numbers? Visit the Theatre Calgary website or read Clare T.'s article for more details!

Toast and Jam?

By Clare T.

Jam Club may be one of the newest additions to Western’s club scene, but it’s certainly not the quietest! Here’s an interview with Jam Club member Page H.

CT: First question! What is the purpose of the Jam Club?
PH: I believe the purpose of the Jam Club is to bring together musicians who normally would not have the grounds upon which to meet. Through our performances, we also aim to bring to Western a representation of the arts in a form different [than that of] a symphonic band or choir.

CT: How long has the Jam Club been around? Why did it start?
PH: The club began last year and was formerly known as the Toast and Jam Club. It was started by a few very talented musicians who wanted to share their talent and [to] encourage networking between musicians.

CT: Does the club have regular meetings?
PH: Technically, we don’t have regular club meetings, although we do have the freedom to schedule Mr. Selby’s classroom to jam with friends, band mates, or other club members [on] Tuesdays at lunch.

CT: So, how often does the Jam Club perform?
PH: We typically try to have at least one member perform in the cafeteria every week. Mostly, members choose to jam during lunch hours or [to] get together outside of school.

CT: How many students are involved in the club?
PH: Well, there are three aspects to Jam Club: the jamming, the performances, and the networking. Some students choose to partake in only one of these areas, while some are involved in all three. In total though, there are around fifty members.

CT: Why did you decide to join the Jam Club?
PH: Well, at the beginning of October, I went on a hostelling trip in Leadership. I’ve played acoustic guitar for over a year and decided to bring it along. While on the trip, Mr. Harker, who is one of the Jam Club supervisors, asked if I’d be interested in joining the Jam Club. I was hesitant at first, but I talked to my friend Evan, an electric guitar player, and we decided to join the club together to learn more.

CT: What have you been doing in Jam Club lately?
PH: Lately, I’ve been taking many Tuesday lunch hours to play with a percussionist and an electric guitarist. I love when the three of us get in sync and really connect. The music is amazing! I may see about performing, however the musicians who already perform regularly set an incredibly high bar with their talent!

CT: What, in your opinion, is the best part of being involved in this club?
PH: For me, the best part of being involved in the Jam Club is learning in an environment that’s more tangible than just pen to paper. You hear it, you feel it with your fingers, and occasionally you sing it, all while learning and enjoying yourself.

CT: Finally, how can other students get involved in the Jam Club?
PH: If you’re interested in joining the Jam Club, all you need to do is talk to Mr. Harker or Mr. Selby. Other than that, performance support is always welcome!

Three Books To Read in Your Spare Time

By: Yulia K.

Winter break is fast approaching, and while a large population of the school is going away for the holidays, there are many others who are staying at home with nothing to do. For the convenience of the latter, here is a list (in no particular order) of three books to read in your spare time.

Impulse – Ellen Hopkins
For those not familiar with Hopkins' writing, it is worthy to note that her books are not written in prose. Instead, she tells her stories through the use of dramatic poetry and has a reputation for writing from multiple perspectives. In this case, the tale is told through the eyes of three teenagers: Conner, Vanessa, and Tony. Their paths cross when each of them is brought to the same psychiatric hospital for the same reason: attempting suicide. Each of the characters offers something everyone can identify with, and their destinies become a major concern to the reader as the story goes on. The book looks incredibly intimidating because of how thick it is, but don't worry! There's barely any text on the pages, and the suspense in some parts of it will keep you zooming through.

The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
I was late in starting to read The Hunger Games series - I didn't think it could possibly live up to all of the hype that surrounded it. When I finally did pick it up, I couldn't put it back down. I read the whole thing in one sitting, and although I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I did not regret reading it. The story focuses on Katniss Everdeen, a tough and very believable character who lives in a post-apocalyptic world, in a country called Panem. Through a series of twists and turns, she ends up competing on a television show called (surprise, surprise) “The Hunger Games,” where all but one of the competitors are killed by each other in a fight to stay alive.

Uglies – Scott Westerfeld
As the first book of my favourite series of all time, Uglies introduces Earth as known by Tally Youngblood, the protagonist of this novel. At the start of the story, she is eagerly awaiting her sixteenth birthday, since it is at that time that she will undergo the operation meant to turn all sixteen-year-olds pretty. Just as she gets to the point where she can wait no longer, she meets Shay, another almost-sixteen-year-old. However, Shay doesn't see the idea of becoming beautiful as the same chocolate cake that Tally sees it as. It is essentially through Shay that Tally's story becomes so interesting and compelling to read. What appears at first to be a fluffy, teenage-girl story is actually embedded with themes of war, conspiracy theories, and the negative aspects of blindly trusting those in charge.

Suggested Winter Break Reading

By: Kyra B.
If You Want Something To Do This Winter…
The season, the holiday, and the break are almost here! Chances are unless you inhabit a snow fort and have no use for heating (and on the off-chance this is you, I seriously admire your skills), you’ll be spending many merry days inside. When the weather is frightful and you’re tired of checking different social networks this winter, I suggest you acquire a copy of one of these incredible books and start reading!

1. The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater
   If you have ever picked up Shiver/Linger/Forever and immediately, negatively been prejudiced against the idea of werewolves being part of this story, I urge you to re-evaluate it. There are no other fantastical creatures, and the wolves are mainly just a local curiosity being protected by a close group of friends. As you read further, you will find a warm love story, chilling suspense, and thrilling surprises. The several protagonists with rotating perspectives will grow on you and allow you to connect with your emotions. Even though many of you have probably read these books before, this trilogy is the full package and the drama is even more realistic in a true winter setting. An acclaimed winner of over two dozen awards, The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy is absolutely perfect for reading by a toasty fire with a hot chocolate.
2. Pluto’s Ghost by Sheree Fitch
   How many of you read The Gravesavers as preteens and are now wishing you hadn’t outgrown it? Are you a fan of Canadian books with a setting so believable that you swear you’d recognise the town blindfolded? Then Pluto’s Ghost is for you. It is the story of rebellious Jake Upshore, a high school guy who goes on a wild goose chase to Halifax to find his secret girlfriend, good-girl Skye Derucci. His frazzled escapade is triggered by accusatory rumours spreading at school because Skye is absent and thought to be pregnant with Jake’s child. In a typical “Jake the Juvenile Delinquent” move (but with kind motives) Jake does whatever it takes to find Skye, including getting arrested for murder.
3. The Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld
   In these new books, the author of Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras brings you new societies, eras, and characters. World War I is about to break out with the British Darwinists’ monstrous “beasties” fighting the German Clankers’ steam-powered machines. Prince Alek, the son of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Princess Sophie, must escape Austria-Hungary, and Alek eventually finds his way onto a Darwinist vessel named Leviathan. There he encounters a Scottish girl disguised as a boy, and the two begin a friendship that lasts throughout the entire trilogy. Their adventures include raising experimental beasties created by the granddaughter of Charles Darwin, also on the ship travelling from Russia to America, and becoming acquainted with the scientist Nikola Tesla. This is highly recommended for fans of Kenneth Oppel; this series will not disappoint.
4. One For Sorrow by Mary C. Sheppard
   Imagine going through life half blind, illiterate, shy, poor, and forever being told by your spinster sister how stupid you are. That’s what every day is like for Issy Heffernan, a fifteen-year-old girl living in a small Maritime town with her bedridden, miserable mother and thirty-five year old school principal sister during the 1970s. Issy dreams of reaching age sixteen so she can drop out of school and run away from everything she’s ever know- until the day that Wish Sweetapple, her only true friend, returns after graduating from school in Toronto where he was forced to relocate when his parents died. Wish re-earns Issy’s trust, gets her involved in social activities, and helps her make friends, eventually leading to Issy’s mom getting out of bed and beginning a normal life and a brighter future for Issy. This is a wonderful story of hope and determination, having something to offer and a lesson to teach everyone.

Nana’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

By: Amber P.
I always love trying new recipes, but I’ve found the crème de la crème of cookies lies not in the newest and latest, but in a cookie I’ve known since before I can remember: my grandmother’s recipe for chocolate chip cookies. This is the recipe that brings back those childhood memories of cooking with my sister, Tasha on a Sunday afternoon, eating half the dough before the cookies even get in the oven. Being impatient, I’d always try to eat one before they had cooled, and would burn my fingers and tongue on the hot dough. The melty chocolate left traces on our skin, yet even with our faces covered in chocolate, we’d have just one more. Tasha would always say, “You split, I choose” and pick the bigger half, but she’d still end up begging me for just one more piece of mine. That classic mix of sugar, butter and flour, mixed with oatmeal and chocolate chips, comes together to make the most delightful chocolate chip cookie I’ve had both the chance to eat and the honour to make. And the dough is not too bad either…
Recipe for Nana’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ¾ brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 2 cups oatmeal
• 2 tsp. hot water
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup chocolate chips (approx.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown and white sugar, and vanilla. Nowadays my Nana just melts the butter and stirs it in, but I personally like to work the butter and sugar together with a pastry cutter. Use whichever method best suits you.
3. Stir in egg and hot water.
4. Mix in dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
5. Roll dough into balls, place on a buttered cookie sheet and press down with a fork.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Source:
Brunner, Rose. Simply Delicious. 1988.

The Sweetest of Delicacies

By: Amber P.

The lentil is one of the earliest of domesticated plants, and through millennia of careful breeding, it has become a crop suitable for use around the world. Nowadays, there are two main types of lentils: red ones with a softer texture, and green ones that hold their shape when cooked. Generally, green lentils are most common in Europe, while red lentils are most common in Asia and North Africa. They are one of the most drought-tolerant crops and, interestingly enough, Canada is the world’s greatest supplier, producing approximately 1,510,200 tonnes per year.
In ancient times, lentils were often consumed by the peasantry, as they served as a great, low-cost source of protein. Hence, lentils are a great option for vegetarians, being one of the best plant-based protein sources available. Also, as a bonus, they don’t contain the sulphur present in other legumes that causes the unwanted flatulence! In addition, lentils are a good source of fibre, manganese, iron, phosphorous, molybdenum, copper, vitamin B1 and potassium. Furthermore, this virtuous legume is not only valued for its health benefits, but also for its great taste. In the book of Genesis, Esau sells his birthright for a bowl of his brother Jacob’s red lentil soup. As well, Aristophanes, a playwright from ancient Greece, once objected: “Who dare insult lentil soup, sweetest of delicacies?"
Personally, my favourite way to eat lentils is in soup. From east to west, there are as many variations of this dish as there are languages and cultures. Here, I have included two recipes, one for both green and red lentils. These soups can easily be made in large batches and are great to have as leftovers. Enjoy!

Red Lentil Soup Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive, grapeseed or vegetable oil  2 medium onions (white or red), chopped  4 or 5 garlic cloves, minced  1 teaspoon ground cumin  1 teaspoon turmeric  2 or 3 minced dried chillies or ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)  2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained  14 ounces plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped[1] 8 cups water  2 or 3 bay leaves  ½ cup raisins or chopped apricots (optional)  A couple teaspoons salt  Black pepper, ground, to taste  4 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar  Olive oil, to drizzle  Any fresh, leafy herb, to taste (optional)  Cooked rice, as preferred (optional)  Directions: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Sauté 5 to 10 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in chilli, turmeric and cumin, then lentils, and sauté for about 1 minute, until coated. Add tomatoes and sauté 1 more minute. Add water, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 40 minutes, until the lentils break down. Remove bay leaves. Before serving, stir in lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil. Serve over rice and sprinkle with herbs if desired. [1] Either use canned tomatoes or use fresh. To peel fresh tomatoes, cut a cross on the top of the tomatoes and drop them into boiling water. Strain them out and, when cool enough to handle, peel off the skin with your fingers.

Alsatian Green Lentil Soup Ingredients: 3 tbsp. olive or grapeseed oil  2 onions, chopped  3 carrots, chopped  2 turnips or 1 small rutabaga, peeled and chopped  2 stalks celery, diced, or 1 small celery root, peeled and diced[1] 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced  8 cups water  2 cups green (or brown) lentils, rinsed and drained  1 ½ tbsp. fresh thyme or 1 ½ tsp. dried  3 bay leaves  About 3 tsp. salt  Black pepper, ground, to taste  3 tablespoons red wine or sherry vinegar  Directions: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.  Add onions, carrots, turnips and celery. Sauté for 10 minutes.  Add garlic and continue sautéing about 5 minutes, until vegetables are soft.  Add water, lentils, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper and vinegar. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer about 50 minutes, until lentils are tender. 5. Remove bay leaf. Serve warm.  [1] Feel free to play with the quantities and varieties of vegetables in this soup. Source: Marks, Gil. Olive Trees and Honey: A Treasury of Vegetarian Recipes from Jewish Communities around the World. Hoboken: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2005. Print.