THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE

FREE PUBLICATION

DECEMBER 13 | ISSUE 5

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS...

Tweet of the Week 15 The best of what’s going on @PulseNWA.

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Athlete X 4 The voice of the locker room - an anonymous essay by a local athlete.

App Spotlight 4 We scour the app store so you don’t have to.

Recess 14 Puzzles, trivia and other stuff to keep you from doing your homework.

EMMA ELLISBentonville@PulseBHS

ALEXANDER JEMISONBentonville@PulseBHS

CLAytON ADAMSFayetteville@PulseFHS

BEv WOESSNERFayetteville@PulseFHS

JACOB BENSONHar-Ber

@PulseHarBer

SARA LAChANCEHar-Ber

@PulseHarBer

MAtt WAtSONExecutive Editor

@PulseNWA

PULSE STAFF

Leading Off

Christmas Gift Guide 6 Trying to figure out what to ask for Christmas? Doing some last minute shopping for friends? Just want to buy stuff for yourself while everything’s on sale? We cover the must-haves and have-nots for this holiday season.

When I started playing soccer, I never thought I would be one those

girls who would have to play with a bulky, metal knee brace, or wear four different scars from knee surgery. I heard terrible stories about them, but I thought it would never happen to me.

You see, about eight months ago, I tore my anterior cruciate ligament in my knee during a high school soccer game. Immediately following the gun shot pop sound from my knee, I knew I had torn my ACL. In a matter of ten seconds, about 20 different thoughts ran through my mind, ranging from college soccer to the next six months of painful rehab I was going to endure. But what kept running through my mind the most was the horrifying thought of never playing soccer again.

Sitting on the sidelines for the next six months was the most pain-ful part of tearing my ACL though. It was more painful than the moment I tore it and the surgery combined. Every game I watched, every prac-tice I gathered the soccer balls at, I just imagined myself out there play-ing, because when I’m on the fi eld, nothing else in the world matters. Every bit of stress or worry vanishes immediately and my mind is only fo-cused on soccer.

I lost the ability to play soccer at one of the worst times possible. A month after becoming injured, my sis-ter passed away unexpectedly, and I had no place to escape. It would have been the soccer fi eld, but that option has gone missing from my life. For the remaining months of physical therapy ahead of me, I was forced to

endure every emotion of my sister’s passing with no escape. I felt trapped sitting on those sidelines during prac-tice and games, like chains were binding me to the bench.

Five months and 19 days after surgery, my doctor signed the golden slip of paper, (it was actually white), allowing me to return to full activities, as long as I wore my brace of course. It was the greatest day of 2012 yet, and I did not stop smiling for the next week. I was fi nally free. I felt like For-rest Gump in the scene of the movie where he is running from the bullies and his leg braces break apart and fall off. Even though I’d still have to wear brace, I felt free once again.

For me, soccer isn’t just a game. It’s my life. It’s given me so much, and when I was bedridden for the two weeks after soccer and bound to

crutches, I thought I was going to go crazy.

Soccer has given me the ability to travel to all different kinds of places, even Sweden! It has helped pay for my future expenses in college with an athletic scholarship, allowed me to meet all kinds of new people, and so much more.

When I step onto the fi eld, wheth-er it’s in my free time, practice, or a game, I never think about any other problems I have. Not during those precious moments playing soccer. Now that I have regained the ability to play again, I can fi nally escape from reality, and focus on the game I love.

Athlete X is an anonymous essay from a local high schooler. If you have something to say, message @PulseNWA.

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[ATHLETE X]the anonymous truth - written by you, about you

APP SPOTLIGHT: AmazonAPP: AmazonCOSt: FreeGENRE: Shopping

The Amazon app is free to download, but it will cost you to use it. But that’s a good thing.

Shopping in stores is so ‘90s. Shopping on a computer? Leave it in the ‘00s. You can do all your Christmas shopping on your phone, and not only save yourself

time (to drive to the mall) and effort (to walk to a computer), but money too...Amazon is one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective shopping spots on the Web.

Yes, it’ll take a credit card and some discipline. But if you have the access and enough in your bank account, you can fi nd deals on things you were probably going to buy anyway, and a lot of times without tax and even free shipping on a lot of items.

Did I mention you don’t have to wait an hour in line? Or fi nd a park-ing spot a half-mile away from the app?

You can also save a wishlist that is easily shared, so you can send your savings to your family or friends, and get alerts when the things you want go on sale.

Christmas comes easy with the help of the Amazon app. With your pocker shopper, you can keep more money in your pockets.

GOING SOMEWHERE?We Can Help.

Auto Loan Special

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MEMBER FDIC

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CHRISTMASGIFT GUIDE

Compiled By The Pulse Staff

We were going to just list directions to the Apple Store, but stuffing your stocking with just iPhones can get expensive. Here’s everything

to get, to give, and to just say no to for Christmas 2012.

PULSE | 7PULSE | 7

The iPhone 5$ Pretty Expensive

We all know that the iPhone 4S is a piece of junk. The 5 is the latest and greatest thing. Not only does it just shatter easily, it also receives phones calls, text messages, serves as a camera, and allows you to use the internet whenever you want! If you don’t know what to do with it, just ask it! It’s 2012, and phones talk back now. Just don’t trust the Apple Maps. This country found its way to the moon, but we’re still trying to map the United States. -Clayton and Sara Xbox 360

$ Pretty Expensive

Most teens want to fi ght each other already, why not do the responsible thing and let them duke it out digitally? Virtual murder is less illegal and less messy too. -Jacob

Wii U$ Pretty Expensive

Oh you already have an Xbox? And a Playstation? And the fi rst Wii? Still look-ing for more? Well this is the console that fi lls the void, because it’s defi nitely way different then all those. -Emma

iPad with Retina Display$ Really Expensive

Make sure to specify that this is the iPad model that you want, because while the camera, bat-tery, size and screen quality are the exact same as they were with the preceding model, this one has the new lightning connector! You wouldn’t want it to fi t any Apple cord you’ve bought in the last 10 years, right? -Emma

MacBook Pro$ Super Expensive

Sure PC’s are great and all, but MacBooks have that awesome white apple on the back! What good are an iPhone and iPad if you don’t have the matching computer? And more practically, they’re way less likely to get viruses than other laptops, which is great since it costs the price of several other laptops put together. -Sara

The iPhone: now available in tall!

Half a computer, half the price!

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Call of Duty: Black Ops II$ Kinda Expensive

For all the boys (or girls, this is 2012 after all), this game will be perfect for those readying themselves for the armed forces. Nothing gets you ready for running around carrying 100 pounds of gear like sitting around and pretending to carry 100 pounds of gear! With the latest Call of Duty installment, you can work on all the skills you need in the real world. A real world completely devoid of girls at least. -Sara

Beats Headphones by Dr. Dre$ Pretty Expensive

Ever dreamed of looking like a rapper? Well now you can, with Beats by Dr. Dre. Despite your lack of ability to string rhythmic, rhyming sentences together, you can still pull of that bad boy rapper look when a nice watch, necklace, or bracelet would just won’t make a memorable fashion statement. Plus, these headphones are fantastic for wearing around your neck and alerting others that you have the money to afford them, even if you can’t hear the music! Oh yeah, they actually play music too.-Emma and Sara

PULSE | 9

A Brand New Car!$ Super Expensive

Have you been using a Razor scooter, a Ripstick, or a bike to get to school? While it saves money on gas, a car requires minimal physical energy while operating. That’s every teenager’s dream, right? You’re probably not likely to get a brand new car, but cross your fi ngers it’s not a ‘92 Ford Taurus. You’d probably rather walk than drive one around anyone. -Emma and Sara

Books$ Not Very Expensive

Kids have really taken an interest in compelling, classic literature lately. Youth are all about the books these days. Just kidding, it’s a great way to keep the fi re going though, while you huddle up and watch the movie version! -Jacob

Build-It-Yourself Kits$ Not Very Expensive

Something to keep busy those of us who can’t stand to buy things already assembled. -Alexander

Collector’s Items$ Pretty Expensive

Awesome, something I can’t play with. What a lovely box. -Alexander

Above Ground Pool$ Really Expensive

The neighbors don’t respect you any-way, so what could it hurt? Nothing says classy like fl oating at eye level. -Jacob

Bacon$ Not Very Expensive

You want to show someone you really love them this Christmas? Give them bacon and other bacon-inspired foods. It’s not just a breakfast food, it’s a way of life. -Bev

A Brand New Car!“Yeah, you totally ‘got me a car’ this year, Dad. I get it. It’s funny, I promise. Way funnier than the Hot Wheels you gave me last year, I almost have the whole set now.”

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Bonds$ Not Very Expensive

“Awww, Grammy... You’re so sweet. Something I’ll be able to use long after you’re gone! Thank you so much...I can’t wait for these 20 dollars to become spendable in 20 years!”-Alexander

Every Issue of Pulse$ FREE!

Did you miss an issue? Looking for an extra set of copies just to frame? You can order the entire collection of Northwest Arkansas’s leading high school sports and entertainment tabloid for free! Just ask for a set on twitter @PulseNWA or on Facebook.com/PulseNWA. -Editor Matt Watson

McDonald’s Gift Card$ Not Very Expensive

You want to give someone a gift they’ll really remember? How about diabetes in their mid-40s? -Jacob

Cash Money$ Kinda Expensive

Cut to the chase. Your relatives suck at giving gifts, and you’re tired of pretend-ing to like the *NSYNC’s Greatest Hits CD. Just ask for cash -Emma

www.nwacc.edufacebook.com/nwacc1

THE FOOTBALL ISSUE

september 24 | IssUe 1

THE HALLOWEEN ISSUE

FREE PUBLICATION

OCTOBER 15 | ISSUE 2THE POLITICS ISSUE

FREE PUBLICATION

NOVEMBER 5 | ISSUE 3

THE BASKETBALL ISSUE

FREE PUBLICATION

DECEMBER 7 | ISSUE 4

A Not-So-Smartphone$ Not Very Expensive

Perfect for the teenager who doesn’t care to text, tweet, status update, blog, take photos or buy stuff with their phones. Who are more concerned with things like making sure their paper doesn’t fl y away and keeping doors open. Those people still exist, right?-Alexander

“Get Out of Homework Free” Card$ FREE!

This card is a special deal. If you ever didn’t do a homework assignment (and I’m getting you have), turn in the card and replace it for free! It’s a one-time use offer that helps cure quickly-spreading senioritis. Not available at major retailers. Or minor retailers.-Clayton

PULSE | 11

NFL Team Toasters$ Kinda Expensive

Take the love for your favorite NFL team from your jersey or car decal to your kitchen! Nothing says your team is superior

Detroit Tigers Runner-Up Memorabilia$ Kinda Expensive

Okay, so the Tigers didn’t win the World Series, but they still got 2nd place! Nothing wrong with silver! Show your loved ones it’s okay to be a loser with all the Tigers merchandise you can fi nd! - Clayton

Steve Nash Replica Lakers Jersey$ Pretty Expensive

There are new superstars in Los Angeles, and one of the latest additions is a guy you can root for, a guy not much taller or physically gifted as you are. Sure he’s been injured all year, but by buying his jersey you can pretend to be him, like the Lakers pretend he’s actually playing. - Clayton

like burning its logo into food. As an added bonus, you can win bets by proving that there are actually Dolphins fans. -Bev

PULSE | 13

NOT THE NEWS: stuff wemade up

moreHEADLINES:

Grandma Knows What You Wore to Tacky Sweater Party, Not Amused

Christmas in Crisis:Elf Layoffs Continue at North Pole, Strike Expected

While teenagers and adults worldwide go rifling through their closets this week for horrible Christmas sweaters to wear to their class and office holiday parties, your grandma knows what you’re doing, and she’s not amused.

She didn’t hand-knit that sweater and paint those reindeer

on it so you could make fun of it with all your friends every year, she said, speaking to you, specifi-cally.

“I don’t care if you don’t want to wear it anymore. You loved it when you were a kid. And I loved you. Emphasis on the past tense,” Grandma said. “I don’t take those hideous stick figure drawings you

did when you were younger and tell my Bingo Night buddies what a terrible artist you are.

“Seriously, how hard is it to color inside the lines? I made you a piece of clothing from a ball of fuzz.”

Grandma went on to add that you looked like you’ve gained some weight.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas could be canceled in 2012, as the Elf Labor Union threatens to strike amid continued layoffs at the North Pole, the world’s leading toy manufacturer.

While American retailers expected lagging sales this year as the U.S. economy faces a fiscal cliff in 2013, whatever that means, no one anticipated a work stoppage that could cripple the production of Christmas gifts before Christmas.

“We, the elves of Toyland, a subsidiary of North Pole, Inc., will no longer tolerate unfair wages and the dwindling work force,” said newly-elected union president Legolas.

The elf union pushed out

former labor leader Buddy the Elf, whose crowning achievement as president was “Spaghetti and Syrup Saturdays” in the cafeteria, in favor of the battled-tested Legolas of Lord of the Rings fame.

“I helped return the ring to Mordor, and I will help return proper working conditions to the North Pole,” Legolas said.

Legolas won a narrow recall election over the Keebler Elf, who ran on a platform of “Fun and Fudge,” according to union sources.

North Pole founder and CEO Nicholas Clause said Christmas production will continue with or without the elves, adding, “Ninety percent of our goods are now made in China anyway.”

Terrible parents insist “jPhone” just as good as similar Apple product

Cold winter weather blamed on global warming again this year

RECESS1. Who was the first president

to decorate a White house

Christmas tree?

A. George Washington

B. Thomas Jefferson

C. Andrew Jackson

D. Franklin Pierce

2. What country started the

gingerbread house tradition?

A. United States

B. Germany

C. Ireland

D. England

3. What is the name of the

Grinch’s dog in How the Grinch

Stole Christmas?

A. Jack

B. Max

C. Pluto

D. Sparky

4. What is the highest-played

Christmas song of all time?

A. White Christmas

B. Jingle Bells

C. Silent Night

D. Carol of the Bells

5. What department store first

created Rudolph the Red-Nosed

Reindeer?

A. Montgomery Ward

B. Sears Roebuck

C. JC Penny

D. Dillard’s

6. how many reindeer pull

Santa’s sleigh?

A. Seven

B. Eight

C. Ten

D. Twelve

7. What was the first state

to recognize Christmas as an

official holiday?.

A. Alabama

B. Georgia

C. New York

D. Texas

8. true or false: more

diamonds are purchased in

the US for Christmas than

valentine’s Day.

A. True

B. False

Games & Trivia

trivia Answers:1. D, Franklin Pierce, in 18562. B, Germany

3. B, Max4. A, White Christmas

5. A, Montgomery Ward6. B, Eight. Go ahead, sing the song.

7. A, Alabama, in 19368. A, True

The

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PULSE | 15

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“Offi cial welcome to Alexander Jemison and Emma Ellis, proud Bentonville students

and the newest additions to the Pulse team!”@PulseBHS

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