Eating Tasty Tutti Fruitti

By Abby Murray, Louisa McPherson, and Jenny Sklar

Staff Writers

Modern decor with a little bit of magic, that’s Tutti Frutti when you walk in the door. The closest Tutti Frutti location  near South County is 2700 Potomac Mill Circle, Woodbridge, 22192. There are more than 18 frozen yogurt places all around the world. If you need any additional information this is the website, www.tfyogurt.com.

Frozen yogurt to some people is like soft serve ice cream, but it’s not. Frozen yogurt is healthier, and it’s a good substitute for ice cream. As mouth watering as this sounds it also being healthy, it gets better. Tutti Frutti is a frozen yogurt place where you can pick and choose what you would like to get. It is a very popular yogurt place, however it is not like most yogurt places.  You serve yourself. First you choose what size cup. Then you choose your flavor and how much of that flavor you would like. Next you choose which toppings and how much of those toppings you would like. You can also mix flavors. And all of this is for a whopping $0.39 cents per ounce.

 Tutti Frutti was established in 2010. At this groovy place of frozen yogurt there are over 50 flavors, but you don’t get to choose from all of these flavors at once. They switch them out every couple of weeks. Even though this is considered a desert, all the flavors are 50 calories or less. It has great nutrition. The frozen yogurt also prevents colon cancer and strengthens the immune system.  “Tutti Frutti premium frozen yogurt products made from the finest dairy products worldwide,” said the workers of Tutti Frutti.

The first time you take a bite of the great frozen yogurt your heart fills with the delightfulness. This yogurt place is the best. It has huge variety of flavors, ranging from peanut butter to melon to cheesecake to chocolate. All the flavors melt in your mouth when you take a bite. The experience of this modern place fills our heart, then once you finish putting all the frozen yogurt that you would like into your cup, the variety of the toppings is amazing. There are 50 of the best toppings to choose from. There are chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, gummy bears, cookie dough, fruit, and many more. Tutti Frutti even has chocolate sauce you can drizzle over your frozen yogurt.

Tutti Frutti is a delicious and nutritious place. We rate it 4 stars out of 5. We would definitely recommend people of all ages to go to Tutti Frutti. There are so many flavors and toppings, each time you can experience a wonderful, tasty new combination.

Saturday Nights Spent Watching SNL

By Abe Ansari, Maddy Ayalew and A.J. Orsino

Staff Writers

Saturday Night Live is a late night comedy show on NBC. It has a series of skits in each episode, as well as a host and a musical guest. The cast has 14 people who are all ridiculously hilarious. The show is hosted in New York City, and obviously, on Saturday night. It comes on during fall and winter at 11:30 p.m. EST. Since it’s a live show, there is an audience that is always, constantly laughing at the skits. Though some of the skits are pre tapped, most of them are in front of the audience.

In the beginning of each show, there is always an opening skit identifying the host, and announcing that it’s Saturday Night, in New York.  At the end of the skit, the band plays the SNL theme tune, and the host comes from behind two wooden doors. They usually talk about current and random information, and then announce the musical guest.  After that, the sounds of clapping takes place by the audience, and then, it turns to commercial. When the show comes back on, they start their skits. Sometimes they add twists on politics or they make commercials for random items and places.

SNL is currently on season 37. The show started back in 1975 hosted by George Carlin, and is still showing today in 2012. Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Kenan Thompson, Kirsten Wiig, and Seth Meyers are some of the more popular actors and actresses. They are included in many of the skits; along with the eight other cast members.  They are all creative and funny in their own ways, which makes the show more different than others of its kind.

We think that SNL is like no other show on television. It’s very amusing to watch since all the actors are entertaining. It is also very lively with the non-stop laughter and clapping from the audience. The actors perform their skits so well that you just want to stay up and watch more. Although the show is very funny, some of the jokes have a little sexual content, and the comedy can sometimes be mature.

Overall, Saturday Night Live is a great show and everyone can always find something they like about it. We give this show four out of five stars, since the jokes can sometimes be inappropriate, but it’s funny, exciting, and everything you would love about a comedy show. Watch this show every Saturday Night, if you can, because it is most definitely worth your time.

Skrillex Amazes Fans

By Drew MacFarlane

Staff Writer

With all the music that’s out there today, I feel like Dubstep is overlooked. I could go on a long rant on all the popular music out there right now, but this is a review of Skrillex, my choice of Dubstep artists. His career began in 2007, and is still going strong; his latest album came out on Dec. 23, and his music comes out relatively frequently. Though he does remix some popular music, his genius really shows in his original songs, such as ‘Kill EVERYBODY’ and ‘First of the Year’, to name some of my favorites. His popularity is growing, and I would recommend anyone to jump on the bandwagon.

                Most people, upon hearing Skrillex for the first time, would immediately rip the earphones out of their ears and vow to never listen to it again, but this is not because it is bad music. Skrillex’s music is simply different from the norm, but this is by no means a bad thing, in this instance being different pays off. Most would agree that it is like nothing they’ve ever heard before, which is very remarkable in the Dubstep genre, as with little to no lyrics artists are forced to get creative, experimenting with different sounds, beats, and effects. This gives him an edge in this respect, as it sets him slightly apart from the pack. If there is a way to describe his music, it is like your two ear buds are at war with each other and you’re in the crossfire. This may seem unbearable by my description, but there is something truly mind-blowing about the way it sounds, a kind of engrossing intensity that makes it awesome to listen to.

                Compared to other artists in the genre, Skrillex is my favorite for a definite reason. If you were to listen to Justice, Deadmau5, or others, Skrillex would be immediately distinguishable. Not that I have anything against the other DJs, but Skrillex’s music seems to have more presence, it has a certain quality that excites and amazes. It is an achievement by itself that almost all of his songs are unique, and each has its own ‘personality’. Each has a different feel to it, and you almost never find recycled material when listening to all of his work. It takes a great musician to create music that inspires, and Skrillex has definitely achieved that.

                For you pessimists out there, there are little things to nitpick on. Not all of his creations are exactly awe inspiring, and some simply fade into the crowd of dubstep music. Though I deeply enjoy it, I could see how some people may not get it. I would recommend it to everyone, but not everyone would accept. But this can be said about every music creator, and compared to others, I would say that Skrillex gets more praise than stones hurled at it. Overall, I have little to complain about his music.

                 For anyone looking for amazing music, or simply something different than all the mainstream music out there, Skrillex is your outlet. Though I like most of all the dubstep DJs, Skrillex has a very distinct sound that pulls me in and entertains. I have very little to complain about when it comes to his music, and few musicians today can inspire like Skrillex can. For the reasons stated above, I would recommend Skrillex to almost anyone. Skrillex isn’t just the prime of Dubstep; it’s superior to most of the popular music out there today.

Overall Rating:

4.5 Stars, out of 5

South County Middle School Students Engage in Activities Around the School

School Happenings

Race to Nowhere

South County’s PTSO will host a free screening of the documentary “Race To Nowhere” on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. The event will take place in the Auditorium (entrance #14). Tickets will not be given for the event. It will be first come, first serve. Parents will be asked to check in with the PTSO table at the entrance of the SCSS auditorium prior to finding a seat. Remaining seats will be available on a walk in basic on the night of screening. The screening will be open to all SCSS parents/guardians and staff as well as local elementary school parents, guardians and staff.

-Racheal Mills and Malalay Khalid

Twelfth Night Arrives at South County

Tryouts for the middle school Twelfth Night play were held on Jan. 4 afterschool. Callbacks were the following day. The play is being put on by the middle school drama teacher, Alexis Rose.  There is 21 roles in the entire play. Twelfth night is an original Shakespeare play.  Come out to see the production in March.

-Lynne Taylor and Katie Tesorero

Temple Run

South County is becoming more technological by the second. The iPhone is a particular example. It’s the most common phone in South County. However, there is an app that is spreading extremely quickly. It’s the game Temple Run.

Run, jump, and slide away from what students are calling monkeys. It’s the most downloaded free game. Everyone is trying to get the highest score. However, this game could also bring danger. Are South County students getting addicted? For now, enjoy the game, but don’t get glued to it.

-David Stern

Stallions  Stampede Toward Rising Freshman Basketball

As the year continues to progress, one thing on the minds of many kids is rising freshmen basketball. The eighth grade  students have been waiting to showcase their talents and now they’re finally getting the chance. From point guards to centers, the future student athletes are already perfecting their skills so they can dazzle the fans when their time finally comes around.

There have not been any announcements on rising freshman basketball yet, but Stallions should keep a sharp look out for any word regarding the team or upcoming season. Be ready Stallions, because here comes rising freshman basketball!

-Nate Rivi and Garrett Bainwol

Soles for Souls Drive

Here at South County Secondary, many students and faculty pass by the many collection drives and fundraisers that dot the school hallways in colorful posters, collection boxes, and random fliers. Well, South County is starting another new charity drive to help others in need. This time, it’s the Soles for Souls drive. Starting Wed, Feb. 1, students and faculty at South County will be able to give back to people in need by donating new or gently used shoes. This drive will end on Fri., Feb. 10 so make sure you donate your new or gently used shoes now!

-Arya Pazhawk and Hawa Hamidi

Around the Building

News Roundup

Service Learning Requirements

Throughout the school year eighth grade students must participate in at least 10 hours of service learning. According to the South County website, service learning is students involved in authentic and meaningful service to their communities. Students must complete five hours a quarter for two quarters. After they complete the activity, students must get their spoinsor, or an adult who witnessed the student performing the activity, to sign a form saying they did it. Then, students must write five paragraphs talking about their activity. The deadline for the second quarter is Jan. 20, so eighth grade students will have to hurry to get their forms and essays in or they must wait until third quarter. Students in the National Junior Honor Society will do an extra five hours of service learning for the society requirements. So for some students, 15 hours of community service is required for the school year.

-Sean Epstein

Celebrating South County Secondary School

South County Secondary School invited students and staff members to participate in a “Celebrating South County.” This event was held at Glory Days on Thurs., Jan. 12, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Ten percent of the proceeds collected from this fundraiser went to the ANGP (All Night Grad Party). From sports to academics, or from fine arts to other activities; whatever the students’ achievement was, South County invited students and families to come along and support and congratulate our South County Stallions in their strive in excellence.

SCSS has a wide variety of celebrations for different achievements by fellow South County students. For example, the 2011 Board of Education Excellence Award is presented to South County students to honor strong academic achievement. SCSS staff also congratulated our fall sports programs, such as football, volleyball, cheer, cross country, field hockey and golf.

-Mariah Mitchell and Melody Amini

Mr. Stallion Competition: The Time is Near

What would it be like to be Mr. Stallion of South County Secondary School?  Walking across the stage with the crowd cheering as the new Mr. Stallion takes a victory wave!  Students now have the honor of being named Mr. Stallion. Students can attend the Mr. Stallion competition on Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m., in the auditorium. Tickets for this event will be sold during all high school lunches starting Jan. 17.  Tickets are $5.  Come and support your fellow Stallions at the chance to become Mr. Stallion.

-Narjes Bencheikh and Haley Denehy

Twelfth Night is coming to South County

After the success of “Little Shop of Horrors” the MS drama department is now producing a Shakespeare play, “Twelfth Night.”  Students auditioned in early January and some received callbacks for Jan. 5. The play is similar to the modern movie “She’s the Man,” which is about a teenage girl who impersonates her twin brother to play soccer at his school and later falls in love with his roommate who is in love with someone else. Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” is about a ship that crashes and ends up on shore. The main character, Viola, is a stowaway on the ship and disguises herself as a man named Cesario in order work for Orsino because he saved her life.  The play is a romantic-comedy and unlike “Little Shop of Horrors,” it will not be a musical. The play will be performed on March 15, 16 and 17.

-Maddy Ayalew and A.J. Orsino

Around the School

Students are back at work after winter break. Middle school students participate in various classroom activities around the school including dance, computer work, family and community science projects and group assignments.