Idon’t knowif these colorsare good.I don’t thinkthe snowflak eswill print
Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Taylor Dodd
Spanish Translation
Brissia Matus
Hannah Estrada
Advisor
Mr. Tadesse
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dear Readers,
As the year comes to an end and we ’ re all hopelessly calculating our final grades and praying for snow to bless Dallas, the Legal Pad team couldn’t help but wonder: how can we make this holiday season a little more magical? We know you ’ ve missed us and were heartbroken over our decision to release our magazine on a quarterly basis So, in true Legal Pad fashion, we thought, what better than a surprise mini December edition our special gift to you? As you take your finals, receive college decisions, and tackle some last-minute holiday shopping, flip through this edition to fill the Legal Pad-shaped hole in your heart.
In this holiday edition of the Legal Pad, our team invites you to embrace the holiday spirit in a more meaningful way Instead of endlessly scrolling on TikTok, why not challenge yourself with Connections and the Mini Crossword? Or, tune into some wintry bops and take a nostalgic trip by revisiting the best Christmas specials (“The Ultimate Holiday Guide”). If you ’ re ready to log off for a bit and develop your hobbies, check out our recipes to bake something special for your friends and family (“Holiday Recipes ”). If 2024 wasn’t your year and you ’ re eagerly counting down to the new one, flip through “2024 Wrapped” for some optimism and inspiration At the Legal Pad, we know how special this time of year can be, and we hope to be part of what makes the end of 2024 truly memorable for you (“Hoard Each Moment”)
With love, Jiashuo (Moon) Liu and Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
HOW TO: NOT R
By: Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
No matter how much I protest, my lazines gets the best of me. Whether it’s weekend summer vacation, every break is guarante filled with bed-rotting, doomscrolling mad fall asleep at 6 AM, wake up at 2 PM, and the in-between hours on my phone I try t hidden drawings in a cartoon image on T looked as hard as I could I still can’t find hidden comb), learn how yet another influ shockingly conservative on X (formerly kno Twitter), watch a random lady save the b Instagram reels, and binge-watch college acceptance videos on YouTube Eventua decide it’s time to read a book But it’s 6: I’ll have to start at 7 PM on the dot; I prom
Yet as the hours pass, I find excuses for t invisible shackles I’ve placed on myself, te me to my bed: “It’s too cold,” “It’s too hot tomorrow ” Then tomorrow turns into Sund speed-run my calculus homework while m preparing for the looming school week
This winter break, I’m determined to chan take back control of my life. I hope you’ll and apply some of these tips to your own break (and those to come)
1
ON-DAYS & OFF-DAYS
Use a bullet journal or Googl to split your break into two days:on-days and off-days
On-Days: These are the days open the book you ’ re suppos reading for English, clean your room, work on college applications, or tackle things that require mental effort Place these closer to the beginning of your break so you ’ re not overwhelmed with your massive to-do list on the last day
Not-So-Pro Tip: Alternate between fun and productive days to avoid burnout
Off-Days: These are guilt-free days of true rest and relaxation (with limited doomscrolling). Free your mind of worries about grades, college applications, or chores Plan to hang out with friends, play Roblox until your keyboard wears out, or put on a nostalgic movie
3
This might seem obvious, but changing out of your raggedy old shirt and sweatpants can make you feel more productive and less lazy. Maybe even take a shower and put on something you wouldn’t be embarrassed to open the door in Bonus points if it’s workout gear–it might motivate you to be active (or at least make you look like you ’ ve been).
6REST, DON’T REGRET
At the end of the day, winter break is about recharging. Bed-rotting might be a symptom of burnout rather than laziness, and that’s okay What matters is making time for the things that make you happy whether it’s finally reading that book, baking cookies, or just staring at the ceiling without a care in the world.
Also, give yourself some grace. It’s okay to slip up and spend a day glued to your bed The key is not letting one lazy day spiral into a week
Acknowledge it, laugh about it, and resolve to try again tomorrow
This winter break, let’s rot less, live more, and maybe just maybe touch some grass!
TOUCH SOME (REAL) GRASS
Go outside for at least 20 minutes. It doesn’t matter what you do: walk, stretch, or simply stand outside to soak up some sun (or admire the winter gloom) Fresh air can work wonders for your mood and help reset your brain after too much screen time.
TOUCH SOME (FAKE) GRASS
If the thought of going outside feels overwhelming, it’s okay We can take baby steps Start with virtual grass! You can explore the wild biomes in Minecraft with your friends or build a dream backyard in The Sims.
TASTE THE HOLIDAYS
In this edition of The Legal Pad, we are taking our articles beyond Dallas and embarking on a delicious journey across the globe From the elegant Büche de Noel of France, with its rich cocoa flavors and intricate decorations, to the comforting Bibingka of the Philippines (a tender rice cake topped with cheese and salted eggs) and the quick, no-bake delight of classic Chocolate Peppermint Bark, there's something for everyone Fasten your aprons and indulge in these festive favorites
BUCHE DE NOEL (TRADITIONAL FRENCH SPONGE CAKE)
This sweet treat is a rolled log cake filled with chocolate or coffee cream! Covered in rich buttercream/ganache to represent tree bark, and covered with powdered sugar illustrating snow, this cake might give you the luck of the season!
Ingredients:
Cake:
4 large eggs (separated)
100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
60g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
40g (⅓ cup) cocoa powder
Filling:
200ml (1 cup) heavy cream
50g (⅓ cup) powdered sugar
100g (3 5 oz) dark chocolate (melted)
Decorations:
Meringue mushrooms (optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Line a jelly roll pan (15x10-inch) with parchment paper
Beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy.
Sift flour and cocoa powder, and then fold into the mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the batter
Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Roll the cake in a clean towel while it is warm. Let it cool completely
Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until firm peaks form Fold in melted chocolate
Unroll the cake, spread filling, re-roll evenly, and frost with chocolate ganache Decorate as desired and dust with powdered sugar
BIBINGKA (FILIPINOCHRISTMAS RICE CAKE)
This treat is a popular holiday snack with complex flavors of sweet and a hint of savory!
Ingredients:
1 cup (120g) rice flour
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
½ cup (120ml) water
2 large eggs
2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for brushing)
2 salted duck eggs (sliced, optional)
Grated cheese (cheddar or Edam, for topping)
Banana leaves,for lining (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the banana leaves (if using):
Rinse the leaves and pat them dry Gently heat them over a flame or in a hot pan to make them pliable
Line an 8-inch round baking pan with the banana leaves, ensuring they overlap the sides. Lightly brush the leaves with butter.
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F)
In a large bowl, whisk together the rice flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder
In another bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, water, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Top with slices of salted egg (if using) and grated cheese
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Brush the top with melted butter and optionally sprinkle with more grated cheese or coconut flakes
Bibingka is best enjoyed freshly baked with a side of hot coffee or tea
CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK
This Christmas classic is easy to make and requires no oven! The combination of creamy chocolate and peppermint sparks that festive flavor to start this holiday season.
Ingredients:
200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped 200g (7 oz) white chocolate, chopped ⅓ cup of crushed candy canes
Instructions:
Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth
Pour the melted dark chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes. Melt the white chocolate the same way, then spread it evenly over the dark chocolate layer
Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate
Refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes), then break into pieces
Recipe Credits:
https://www hungryhuy com/bibingka
YouTube video for Buche de Noel: https://youtu.be/zVBGZ27DXpQ?si=1G9xKwzu47Y7Cy-
Our life flashes before our eyes blink, and we’ll miss it. I used to widen my eyes in horror at the years that had passed since Gacha Life was popular and people still wore Adidas Superstars with skinny jeans, only to realize that, as a 10-year old, I hadn’t realized that I would miss being a kid. As children, all we wanted was to grow up, see the world and conquer it. We didn’t foresee the nostalgia that comes with aging As a population that constantly seeks optimization, we often forget to be grateful in the moment, thus allowing each second to slip away into oblivion until we ’ re left wondering, where’d all the time go? Now, at fifteen, I’ve learned that time only becomes more elusive, and the only way to pause its relentless course–even for a moment–is to cherish our memories.
Nostalgia, one of the strange ways by which we cherish memories, is a fickle thing It’s fun when it’s warranted: when we flip through photo albums and shed a tear at the bad haircuts, the cute clothes we outgrew, the smiling faces as we cut the birthday cake. We reminisce over old friends, long-gone lovers, wishing to return to a simpler time Yet, it’s important to remember that those so-called “simpler” times had their own difficulties. We’ve merely forgotten them in the ensuing years because hindsight isn't always 20/20 Nostalgia has a way of allowing us to erase the unpleasant while safely preserving what we wish to keep, whether it be walking through the mall with a parent in hand and shopping bags in tow or seeing snow for the first time as shimmering magic glided into our palms
Jorge Iniguez, a sophomore at the Law Magnet, recalls seeing magic fill the air, himself. “My most cherished holiday memory is the Christmas that the snowstorm came, and I got to see snow for
the first time with my mom We got to play outside in the snow together,” he reflects.
Meanwhile, Anaya Martinez, a senior, holds memories of watching football with her family during the holidays close to her heart “My most cherished holiday memory is whenever my family sits down and watches the Cowboys play. Even if we know they’re gonna lose, even if the team is sucky this year–we still sit down to watch them play ”
As she approaches the end of her high school career, Anaya makes it a point to treasure each memory “When I go to college, wherever that may be, I know I won't be in direct contact with my family and hometown By holding on to those memories, I feel like I’ll always have a part of home with me, ” she shares.
Anaya and Jorge both cite a desire to preserve the past, especially as they experience or approach change in their lives. Italian writer Cesare Pavese once said, “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” Life is a series of fleeting moments that we must fight to preserve While this is no small task, it’s crucial to try After all, our only solace when the present seems like a finale is to cling to our fleeting memories. But, the question stands, how can we cherish our memories?
There are a few ways to do this while remaining effortlessly cool Take pictures whenever possible bonus points if you use a Polaroid. These can then be saved in photo albums like our parents, stowed away in drawers until our children and grandchildren wish to see who we were before we became boring parents. Even social media apps like Instagram and TikTok allow for users to preserve snippets of their lives in small “carousels’” of photos, hidden away for a small town square of
close friends Of course, the ways we preserve memories don’t have to be photos even tangible objects, like a souvenir or gift, have the power to bring us back to a moment The shell that reminds you of a warm summer ’ s day, the letter that chronicles the purest love of friendship, the warm laundry that smells like joy and childhood innocence. Anything can hold memories, so long as you assign it meaning The next time you ’ re doing something that you want to remember, take in the background music, the food on your fork, the clothes you ’ re wearing, and note these to the fullest extent that they become imbued with meaning
“WE DO NOT REMEMBER DAYS, WE REMEMBER MOMENTS.”
– Cesare Pavese
The holiday season is infamously fleeting. These few months feel the most evasive, the most slippery, as we clutch our memories and beg them to let us back in The only way they’ll accept us is if we accept them as they happen. Cherish each moment before it deteriorates into regret And even when a moment slips away into a lone corner, know that it will always be there to remind you: things were once better, and they will be better again in the future.
THE ULTIM TE HOLIDAY GUIDE:
TOP EPISODES, MOVIES, AND SONGS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON
By: Maya Alvarez Castellanos
There’s something special about the holidays that takes us back to simpler times, and nothing captures that magic quite like the shows and movies we grew up watching during the season. From winter crossovers in classic Disney sitcoms to heartfelt moments on Hallmark, these episodes and films brought the holidays to life, creating memories that have stayed with us ever since
But the nostalgia doesn’t end there what about the songs that defined our holiday seasons? From timeless classics to pop anthems, these tracks still have the power to transport us back to snowy days, cozy nights, and holiday celebrations.
In this guide, we ’ re counting down the Top 10 holiday episodes, movies, and must-have tracks for the ultimate nostalgic Christmas experience So grab your favorite blanket, a mug of your go-to holiday drink, and get ready to relive the magic.
TOP 10 HOLIDAY TV EPISODES:
Good Luck Jessie: NYC Christmas (Good Luck Charlie - Season 4, Episode 17)
Austin & Jessie & Ally:
Austin & Jessie & Ally: All
(Austin & Ally - Season 2, Episode 6)
Year (Jessie - Season 2, Episode 6)
Killing Me Softly With His Height (Hannah Montana - Season 3, Episode 5)
A Very Topanga Christmas (Boy Meets World - Season 5, Episode 11) 5.
sANTa’s Little Helpers (ANT Farm - Season 1, Episode 20) 6.
Girl Meets a Christmas Maya (Girl Meets World - Season 3, Episode 18) 7.
Jessie’s Aloha-Holidays with Parker and Joey (Jessie - Season 3, Episodes 26 & 27) 8.
A Christmas Tori (Victorious - Season 2, Episode 12)
Christmas Who? (SpongeBob SquarePants - Season 2, Episode 8)
HONORABLE MENTIONS
11
Hawkeye (Disney+ - Limited Series)
Marvel’s action-packed holiday-themed series follows Clint Barton as he faces foes and finds closure during the Christmas season.
12. Dash & Lily (Netflix - Limited Series)
A festive romantic series where opposites attract through a shared holiday notebook, set against the backdrop of magical New York City during Christmas
TOP 10 HOLIDAY MOVIES:
Home Alone 1 & 2 (1990, 1992) 1
Stars: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara Elf (2003) 2.
Stars: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Bob Newhart
I wish someone had told me before, That someday soon, I'll long for 2024
P P P E E E D D D
All the wins we cherish, we can't yet set free, And the milestones engraved in our memory
Our whole world will shift, and time will rearrange,
So, let’s take a look at what changed
The Law Magnet Moot Court team came back from the dead and stole the show by qualifying three teams and two judges to their state competition.
The Law Magnet Mock Trial team took the district competition by storm with over 90 students qualifying for state.
The Law Magnet family has grown! We have added 3 teachers (Mr. Gonzalez, Ms. Gregg, and Mr. Zambrano) and 132 students to our class. Hats off to them because we were exclusive this year with a record acceptance rate of 17%.
The Law Magnet staff is spectacular! Special shout-out to Ms. Lee for winning Teacher of the Year!
LP GAMES
By: Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
WORDLE
Guess the hidden word in 6 tries
After your enter a valid 5-letter word, the color of the tiles will change. Green: A letter in the guessed word is correct and in the correct position. Yellow: A letter in the guessed word is correct but in the wrong position Gray: The letter is not part of the word
MINICROSSWORD
Thursday, July 4, 2024
By Christina Iverson
CONNECTIONS
Make four groups of four! Select four items and tap 'Submit' to check if your guess is correct.
Category Example: EXTRACURRICULARS → CHESS, LINK CREW, MOCK TRIAL, MODEL UN
Each puzzle has exactly one solution. Watch out for words that seem to belong to multiple categories!
M r . T a d e s s ’e s R o o m 2 4 8 1 2 0 1 E 8 t h S t, D a l l a s, T X 7 5 2 0 3
We h o p e t h is e d i t i o n f o u n d y o u w e l l a n d t h a t y o u e n j o y e d r e a d i n g a b o u t s o m e o f t h e h ig h s a n d l o w s o f o u r h o l i d a y s e a s o n . We a r e s e n d i n g y o u w a r m t h a n d l ov e f o r t h e A C P b r e a k a n d f i n a l s w e e k ! –T h e L a w Leg a l P a d T e a m
