A grumbler’s guide to winter
Helping you to complain more effectively
By: Caylee Lindsay
Winter is fast approaching, giving those of you who like to complain the perfect excuse to do what you do best. We all know that, although winter is beautiful, with its sparkling white snow and Christmas festivities, most people find it easy to complain about its many annoyances. If you happen to be running out of complaints this winter, I’m here to remind you of everything you should be grumbling about.
As the temperature drops and leaves fall off the trees, my one piece of advice I can offer to you is to avoid sidewalks at all costs. Sidewalks are a death trap during winter; I’m sure we all can relate to the embarrassment of wiping out on a slippery sidewalk. Just because the sidewalks aren’t salty doesn’t mean YOU can’t be.
Another annoyance you have every right to complain about this winter is the premature darkness we experience every night. It gets dark around 5:30, giving us a mere ten hours of daylight, eight of which are spent in school. If that doesn’t make you grumble, I don’t know what will.
Every student can agree the best part of winter is having snow days. An unexpected day off of school is something that everyone could use once and awhile. The problem is that they rarely happen. Even on those cold winter days when a snow day seems inevitable, school still isn’t canceled. Not only is it dangerous to drive on slippery roads, but it’s the worst feeling when you were sure that school would be canceled, only to find out that you still have to go. Do NOT let up griping about this, first through eighth period. It makes having to be at school much more entertaining.
If you’re still running out of reasons to complain this winter, why not grumble about having to wear layers upon layers of clothing every day? As soon as you leave the coziness of your bed in the morning, the shivering begins. One layer of clothing turns into ten layers, until you eventually start to resemble a marshmallow.
Just remember, you have every right to complain this winter. Don’t let those positive optimists bring you up!
-Caylee Lindsay (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and Print Editor-in-Chief [email protected]
Helping you to complain more effectively
By: Caylee Lindsay
Winter is fast approaching, giving those of you who like to complain the perfect excuse to do what you do best. We all know that, although winter is beautiful, with its sparkling white snow and Christmas festivities, most people find it easy to complain about its many annoyances. If you happen to be running out of complaints this winter, I’m here to remind you of everything you should be grumbling about.
As the temperature drops and leaves fall off the trees, my one piece of advice I can offer to you is to avoid sidewalks at all costs. Sidewalks are a death trap during winter; I’m sure we all can relate to the embarrassment of wiping out on a slippery sidewalk. Just because the sidewalks aren’t salty doesn’t mean YOU can’t be.
Another annoyance you have every right to complain about this winter is the premature darkness we experience every night. It gets dark around 5:30, giving us a mere ten hours of daylight, eight of which are spent in school. If that doesn’t make you grumble, I don’t know what will.
Every student can agree the best part of winter is having snow days. An unexpected day off of school is something that everyone could use once and awhile. The problem is that they rarely happen. Even on those cold winter days when a snow day seems inevitable, school still isn’t canceled. Not only is it dangerous to drive on slippery roads, but it’s the worst feeling when you were sure that school would be canceled, only to find out that you still have to go. Do NOT let up griping about this, first through eighth period. It makes having to be at school much more entertaining.
If you’re still running out of reasons to complain this winter, why not grumble about having to wear layers upon layers of clothing every day? As soon as you leave the coziness of your bed in the morning, the shivering begins. One layer of clothing turns into ten layers, until you eventually start to resemble a marshmallow.
Just remember, you have every right to complain this winter. Don’t let those positive optimists bring you up!
-Caylee Lindsay (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and Print Editor-in-Chief [email protected]
The 12 dates of Christmas
By: Katie Applequist
NORTHRIDGE- The snow is falling, the wind is blowing and there’s NOTHING to do! You and your significant other have done absolutely nothing new and fun since you two went to the pumpkin patch two and a half months ago. Wait, what? You two are on the verge of breaking up but you just cannot, for the life of your relationship, think of anything fun to do! Thankfully here are 12 date ideas to save your relationship and your wallet this holiday season.
On the first day of Christmas go to the Fantasy of Lights: This display of lights is located at the Alum Creek State Park Campground in Delaware. It costs $20 per car but there is free hot chocolate and cookies. The display is open Sun-Thurs 5:30 to 9:30 and Fri-Sat 5:30 to 10:30 until January 1. There is an Arby’s close by so grab some milkshakes and hold hands while taking in the lights of the season. Bonus points if your favorite Christmas songs are playing softly.
On the second day of Christmas go ice skating: Check out the Lou and Gib Reese Ice Arena located in Newark near the OSU campus for some athletic fun. Free skate is $3 for noon and after school skating and $6 for weekend times. Skate rental is $3. Afterwards laugh and reminisce about how silly (or graceful) you both looked over either fast food or a nice sit-down restaurant. The options are endless!
On the third day of Christmas have a scavenger hunt: Group dates are fun so gather up all your coupled friends and head to a large store like Walmart and have a scavenger hunt. Just google ‘Walmart scavenger hunt’ for a free list or make your own. Either bring the physical items or take pictures of them. For something extra find something the other would like and buy it for them at the end.
On the fourth day of Christmas watch a holiday movie: Hallmark and Freeform (Formerly ABCFamily) are always good channels for holiday movies. So find a good one and curl up together on the couch with some hot chocolate and popcorn and enjoy!
On the fifth day of Christmas build a snowman or two: Weather permitting, enjoy that freshly fallen snow. Either make one snowman together, have a contest to see who can build the best one, or build snow-replicas of yourselves or each other. Be creative and silly; if you want, after you’ve taken an ample amount of pictures for Snapchat and Instagram demolish them in the most extreme way possible (just don’t get hurt or break anything!)
On the sixth day of Christmas bake some Christmas cookies: Either buy pre-made dough or make your own. Grab some oven mitts and icing to create the best (or worst) cookies mankind has ever eaten! Bonus points (but be careful) if you put icing on your significant other’s nose!
On the seventh day of Christmas sing Christmas carol karaoke: Get a group of friends or even just your significant other and sing along to your favorite yuletide classics.
On the eighth day of Christmas go to Wildlights: If you love animals and haven’t gotten your Christmas light fix for the year, go visit the Columbus Zoo to see both of those things. This is a little expensive, ($10 to park and $20 per person for admission) but you can get discounted tickets at Kroger. Go in the afternoon, see the animals, and then you’ll be there when the lights turn on at dusk.
On the ninth day of Christmas make gingerbread house: Most grocery stores sell gingerbread house decorating kits. Pick one up and have fun building and decorating it. Take pictures of your creation and then display it proudly (or eat the frosting and candy!)
On the tenth day of Christmas have a game night: Build a fire, make some popcorn, put on some music and get out the board games. Compete against each other or get a group together and play teams.
On the eleventh day of Christmas go sledding: When the snow falls, go find a hill and go sledding. If you can’t find a hill, porch steps or deck steps work well too.
On the twelfth day of Christmas ring in the new year: Get your family and friends together and have a party! Get your favorite snacks and watch the ball drop to end the year, whatever 2016 has meant to you.
-Katie Applequist (‘18) is a first year member and Assistant Print Editor of the Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Katie Applequist
NORTHRIDGE- The snow is falling, the wind is blowing and there’s NOTHING to do! You and your significant other have done absolutely nothing new and fun since you two went to the pumpkin patch two and a half months ago. Wait, what? You two are on the verge of breaking up but you just cannot, for the life of your relationship, think of anything fun to do! Thankfully here are 12 date ideas to save your relationship and your wallet this holiday season.
On the first day of Christmas go to the Fantasy of Lights: This display of lights is located at the Alum Creek State Park Campground in Delaware. It costs $20 per car but there is free hot chocolate and cookies. The display is open Sun-Thurs 5:30 to 9:30 and Fri-Sat 5:30 to 10:30 until January 1. There is an Arby’s close by so grab some milkshakes and hold hands while taking in the lights of the season. Bonus points if your favorite Christmas songs are playing softly.
On the second day of Christmas go ice skating: Check out the Lou and Gib Reese Ice Arena located in Newark near the OSU campus for some athletic fun. Free skate is $3 for noon and after school skating and $6 for weekend times. Skate rental is $3. Afterwards laugh and reminisce about how silly (or graceful) you both looked over either fast food or a nice sit-down restaurant. The options are endless!
On the third day of Christmas have a scavenger hunt: Group dates are fun so gather up all your coupled friends and head to a large store like Walmart and have a scavenger hunt. Just google ‘Walmart scavenger hunt’ for a free list or make your own. Either bring the physical items or take pictures of them. For something extra find something the other would like and buy it for them at the end.
On the fourth day of Christmas watch a holiday movie: Hallmark and Freeform (Formerly ABCFamily) are always good channels for holiday movies. So find a good one and curl up together on the couch with some hot chocolate and popcorn and enjoy!
On the fifth day of Christmas build a snowman or two: Weather permitting, enjoy that freshly fallen snow. Either make one snowman together, have a contest to see who can build the best one, or build snow-replicas of yourselves or each other. Be creative and silly; if you want, after you’ve taken an ample amount of pictures for Snapchat and Instagram demolish them in the most extreme way possible (just don’t get hurt or break anything!)
On the sixth day of Christmas bake some Christmas cookies: Either buy pre-made dough or make your own. Grab some oven mitts and icing to create the best (or worst) cookies mankind has ever eaten! Bonus points (but be careful) if you put icing on your significant other’s nose!
On the seventh day of Christmas sing Christmas carol karaoke: Get a group of friends or even just your significant other and sing along to your favorite yuletide classics.
On the eighth day of Christmas go to Wildlights: If you love animals and haven’t gotten your Christmas light fix for the year, go visit the Columbus Zoo to see both of those things. This is a little expensive, ($10 to park and $20 per person for admission) but you can get discounted tickets at Kroger. Go in the afternoon, see the animals, and then you’ll be there when the lights turn on at dusk.
On the ninth day of Christmas make gingerbread house: Most grocery stores sell gingerbread house decorating kits. Pick one up and have fun building and decorating it. Take pictures of your creation and then display it proudly (or eat the frosting and candy!)
On the tenth day of Christmas have a game night: Build a fire, make some popcorn, put on some music and get out the board games. Compete against each other or get a group together and play teams.
On the eleventh day of Christmas go sledding: When the snow falls, go find a hill and go sledding. If you can’t find a hill, porch steps or deck steps work well too.
On the twelfth day of Christmas ring in the new year: Get your family and friends together and have a party! Get your favorite snacks and watch the ball drop to end the year, whatever 2016 has meant to you.
-Katie Applequist (‘18) is a first year member and Assistant Print Editor of the Viking Vault. [email protected]
How to give your pets the best holiday
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- Are you wondering how to make the holiday season fun for your pets? Then this is the source for you. Following are ideas that will make your pet’s season bright.
If you have a dog, the first step to making his or her Christmas is to take them along on your trip to the Christmas tree farm. For the dogs that enjoy car rides, being with their owners, and exploring the outdoors, this event will fill them with joy and give them the exciting chance to explore somewhere new.
If your dog prefers to spend their time with you indoors, or you have a cat or other small cuddly pet, spend some time curled up with them by the fireplace. Cat owner, Cora Dorman (‘18), says, “My cat’s favorite thing to do in the winter is lie with me by the fireplace. It always leaves both of us in a good mood.”
If you’re looking for the perfect gift to get your pet this Christmas, their favorite treats and toys will never hurt. Dog owner Riley Bunstine (‘20) says, “My dog loves to get brand new bones and treats on Christmas. He also loves to get Christmas-themed stuffed animals, and a dog can never have too many toys!”
You’ll also want to make sure you keep your pets safe this holiday season. This includes preventing your pets from snacking on the Christmas tree. While it is commonly known that poinsettias are toxic to pets, your fir tree also contains oils that can be irritating to your pets mouth and stomach and is not easily digested. You’ll also want to watch out for your tree water. A covered bowl can prevent your pets from drinking water that potentially contains fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria. Tinsel, garland, and other small holiday decorations pose potential choking and internal blockage threats to your pet. While it may be fun for your cat to play with the shiny decorations and string, make sure you take them away before they cause harm.
-Katelyn Darby (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and Web Editor-in-Chief. [email protected]
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- Are you wondering how to make the holiday season fun for your pets? Then this is the source for you. Following are ideas that will make your pet’s season bright.
If you have a dog, the first step to making his or her Christmas is to take them along on your trip to the Christmas tree farm. For the dogs that enjoy car rides, being with their owners, and exploring the outdoors, this event will fill them with joy and give them the exciting chance to explore somewhere new.
If your dog prefers to spend their time with you indoors, or you have a cat or other small cuddly pet, spend some time curled up with them by the fireplace. Cat owner, Cora Dorman (‘18), says, “My cat’s favorite thing to do in the winter is lie with me by the fireplace. It always leaves both of us in a good mood.”
If you’re looking for the perfect gift to get your pet this Christmas, their favorite treats and toys will never hurt. Dog owner Riley Bunstine (‘20) says, “My dog loves to get brand new bones and treats on Christmas. He also loves to get Christmas-themed stuffed animals, and a dog can never have too many toys!”
You’ll also want to make sure you keep your pets safe this holiday season. This includes preventing your pets from snacking on the Christmas tree. While it is commonly known that poinsettias are toxic to pets, your fir tree also contains oils that can be irritating to your pets mouth and stomach and is not easily digested. You’ll also want to watch out for your tree water. A covered bowl can prevent your pets from drinking water that potentially contains fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria. Tinsel, garland, and other small holiday decorations pose potential choking and internal blockage threats to your pet. While it may be fun for your cat to play with the shiny decorations and string, make sure you take them away before they cause harm.
-Katelyn Darby (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and Web Editor-in-Chief. [email protected]
Things that should stay in 2016
By: Kayla Butler
2016 has been quite the eventful year. We’ve seen many celebrity breakups, trends, dances, and web pages upon pages of Presidential campaign commentary, just to name a few. With each year, comes good and bad. Here are the things that should be left in 2016 as we move closer and closer to the new year.
Clown scares
One of the biggest causes for fear and chaos this year has been sightings of clowns. Clown sightings became a national phenomenon after people reported seeing them in the middle of roads or in wooded areas, often with weapons. Videos and photos of the clowns began to surface and flood social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. No one knows why people are dressing like clowns, or what (if anything) they plan to do, and that alone is enough to strike fear in anyone. Clowns should definitely stay in 2016.
Dabbing
Much like 2015’s, “whip and nae nae,” “dabbing,” became a popular dance move this year after Carolina Panthers football player, Cam Newton, dabbed in celebration after a touchdown in November of 2015. Dabbing is a dance move where a person drops their head and raises their arm and elbow in a way that is similar to sneezing, all at one time. There is much speculation as to where dabbing originated, but it is thought to be from the Atlanta hip-hop scene. Dabbing should follow the whip and nae nae, and stay in 2016.
Election memes
A hot topic for 2016 has been the election. Everyone has constantly been talking, debating, or posting about it. Seemingly every social media site, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, has been flooded with posts containing information and opinions about the election and the candidates campaigning for the top spot. Many times, posts have started arguments or sparked outrage against peers, friends, and family. The election is now over, and the posts have died down some. Facebook has now resumed with its usual posts of cooking videos, pictures of cats, and someone inviting you to play Candy Crush, again.
100 Layers challenges
Videos of people layering the same thing 100 times have been popular this year. The challenge videos consist of someone taking something and using it 100 hundred times. A few of the most popular videos on YouTube are “100+ Coats of Nail polish,” “100 Coats of Liquid Lipstick,” and “100 Coats of Glue on my face!” One-hundred of anything probably isn’t the best for anyone, so these challenges should get left behind.
Harambe
Harambe has been the biggest meme of 2016, after the 17-year-old silverback gorilla was killed at the Cincinnati Zoo after a child fell into his enclosure in late May 2016. The same day of his death, a campaign called, “Justice for Harambe,” was launched on Change.org. The petition called for the parents of the child who fell in the enclosure to be the ones responsible for Harambe’s death. Within just two days, the petition was signed by 338,000 people. Wildly, memes of the late gorilla hit social media by storm. These memes included edited photos of the gorilla in comedic situations, as well as replacing song lyrics with, “Harambe,” and tweeting #JusticeForHarambe and #RIPHarambe. The meme of Harambe became so widespread that over 11,000 people voted for him in the 2016 election. Harambe died in 2016; he should stay in 2016.
“Fam”
“Fam,” short for “family,” is slang commonly used among friends. Popular in both real life and online, the term should definitely stay in 2016, fam.
So, as we get closer and closer to the end of 2016, and the beginning of 2017, let us bid these trends, memes, scares farewell. Happy New Year.
- Kayla Butler (‘17) is a second-year Vault staff member and Assistant Web Editor. [email protected]
By: Kayla Butler
2016 has been quite the eventful year. We’ve seen many celebrity breakups, trends, dances, and web pages upon pages of Presidential campaign commentary, just to name a few. With each year, comes good and bad. Here are the things that should be left in 2016 as we move closer and closer to the new year.
Clown scares
One of the biggest causes for fear and chaos this year has been sightings of clowns. Clown sightings became a national phenomenon after people reported seeing them in the middle of roads or in wooded areas, often with weapons. Videos and photos of the clowns began to surface and flood social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. No one knows why people are dressing like clowns, or what (if anything) they plan to do, and that alone is enough to strike fear in anyone. Clowns should definitely stay in 2016.
Dabbing
Much like 2015’s, “whip and nae nae,” “dabbing,” became a popular dance move this year after Carolina Panthers football player, Cam Newton, dabbed in celebration after a touchdown in November of 2015. Dabbing is a dance move where a person drops their head and raises their arm and elbow in a way that is similar to sneezing, all at one time. There is much speculation as to where dabbing originated, but it is thought to be from the Atlanta hip-hop scene. Dabbing should follow the whip and nae nae, and stay in 2016.
Election memes
A hot topic for 2016 has been the election. Everyone has constantly been talking, debating, or posting about it. Seemingly every social media site, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, has been flooded with posts containing information and opinions about the election and the candidates campaigning for the top spot. Many times, posts have started arguments or sparked outrage against peers, friends, and family. The election is now over, and the posts have died down some. Facebook has now resumed with its usual posts of cooking videos, pictures of cats, and someone inviting you to play Candy Crush, again.
100 Layers challenges
Videos of people layering the same thing 100 times have been popular this year. The challenge videos consist of someone taking something and using it 100 hundred times. A few of the most popular videos on YouTube are “100+ Coats of Nail polish,” “100 Coats of Liquid Lipstick,” and “100 Coats of Glue on my face!” One-hundred of anything probably isn’t the best for anyone, so these challenges should get left behind.
Harambe
Harambe has been the biggest meme of 2016, after the 17-year-old silverback gorilla was killed at the Cincinnati Zoo after a child fell into his enclosure in late May 2016. The same day of his death, a campaign called, “Justice for Harambe,” was launched on Change.org. The petition called for the parents of the child who fell in the enclosure to be the ones responsible for Harambe’s death. Within just two days, the petition was signed by 338,000 people. Wildly, memes of the late gorilla hit social media by storm. These memes included edited photos of the gorilla in comedic situations, as well as replacing song lyrics with, “Harambe,” and tweeting #JusticeForHarambe and #RIPHarambe. The meme of Harambe became so widespread that over 11,000 people voted for him in the 2016 election. Harambe died in 2016; he should stay in 2016.
“Fam”
“Fam,” short for “family,” is slang commonly used among friends. Popular in both real life and online, the term should definitely stay in 2016, fam.
So, as we get closer and closer to the end of 2016, and the beginning of 2017, let us bid these trends, memes, scares farewell. Happy New Year.
- Kayla Butler (‘17) is a second-year Vault staff member and Assistant Web Editor. [email protected]
New Year’s resolutions for HS seniors
By: Austin White
The new year brings out the new in us all. Most of us make at least one New Year's resolution that, let’s face it, most of the time never happens. But I've learned if you set a actual, reachable goal, you can and will do it. The resolutions below are specific to those of us in the graduating class of 2017. After all, the coming year promises a lot of change!
Resolution 1: Devoting more time to video games
Lets face it, this may be the last year you can game. So take time and devote yourself to the PS4 or the Xbox One. Next year you'll either be at college getting a degree for your future life, or you will be working and saving money to do what you want with your life. Of course, there's always that one lucky kid who games his whole life and doesn't have to pay bills or for food and he lives with his mom. If you can manage to be THAT lucky guy, then props to you because you’re living the dream, and that’s a fine resolution in itself. For the rest of us, though, we need to get as much playing done as we can in a little time.
Resolution 2: Getting ready for college
All the kids who plan on going to college are really striving for the college they want to attend right now, and if they don't know yet, they will soon. And they need to start planning how they will pay for college, what they'll do at college, and possibly for all the details of leaving home. The best ways to meet this resolution would be taking advantage of those college visitation days you’re allowed.
Resolution 3: Just get money
Everyone is trying to get money. That won’t change for your entire life. Everyone always needs money because everyone wants things. That means you need to get a job to get money, which means to get those new shoes you need to work 12 hours to get them (based on a $10 a hour). The point is, get a job. Don’t wait for summer, either, when everyone is applying for a limited number of decent paying positions.
If you feel like you have some other resolutions for graduating seniors, please email me and we’ll run them in the next issue!
-Austin White (‘17) is a first-year Vault staff member. [email protected]
By: Austin White
The new year brings out the new in us all. Most of us make at least one New Year's resolution that, let’s face it, most of the time never happens. But I've learned if you set a actual, reachable goal, you can and will do it. The resolutions below are specific to those of us in the graduating class of 2017. After all, the coming year promises a lot of change!
Resolution 1: Devoting more time to video games
Lets face it, this may be the last year you can game. So take time and devote yourself to the PS4 or the Xbox One. Next year you'll either be at college getting a degree for your future life, or you will be working and saving money to do what you want with your life. Of course, there's always that one lucky kid who games his whole life and doesn't have to pay bills or for food and he lives with his mom. If you can manage to be THAT lucky guy, then props to you because you’re living the dream, and that’s a fine resolution in itself. For the rest of us, though, we need to get as much playing done as we can in a little time.
Resolution 2: Getting ready for college
All the kids who plan on going to college are really striving for the college they want to attend right now, and if they don't know yet, they will soon. And they need to start planning how they will pay for college, what they'll do at college, and possibly for all the details of leaving home. The best ways to meet this resolution would be taking advantage of those college visitation days you’re allowed.
Resolution 3: Just get money
Everyone is trying to get money. That won’t change for your entire life. Everyone always needs money because everyone wants things. That means you need to get a job to get money, which means to get those new shoes you need to work 12 hours to get them (based on a $10 a hour). The point is, get a job. Don’t wait for summer, either, when everyone is applying for a limited number of decent paying positions.
If you feel like you have some other resolutions for graduating seniors, please email me and we’ll run them in the next issue!
-Austin White (‘17) is a first-year Vault staff member. [email protected]