The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack

The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack

The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack

AT&T stadium in Arlington is the next big hurdle the Longhorns need to leap over in order to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Is Texas Back?
Jonathan Levinsky, Reporter • December 1, 2023

“Longhorn Nation,...

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Taking a selfie with some of their castmates, including senior Aidan Cox, who plays Buddy the Elf, junior Brooke Ferguson shows off a sign presenting the arrival of “Elf. This year’s musical, “Elf” runs Dec. 1-3 in the CPHS PAC. “[Learning a new script is] always kind of a challenge,” Ferguson said. “You get a new cast and you get your own part. I’ve never worked closely with these people before. It’s a different environment and doing character work with someone new, trying to partner work and scene work is interesting. The script is good and it has a lot of jokes, it’ll be a lot of laughs.” Photo by Brooke Ferguson
Elf on the Stage
Jane Yermakov, Reporter • December 1, 2023

A mix of unprecedented...

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The original gang goes down in cinema history, left to terrify their beloved audience for all eternity...
Cason’s Fanatical FNAF Movie Review
Cason Johnson, Reporter • November 30, 2023

If you haven’t...

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Dressed as “H-E-B Buddy,” senior Logan Hedges entertains shoppers during a shift at H-E-B. Hedges has fun on the job, as there’s significantly less pressure than other jobs he has had. “I [used to umpire] little league baseball, and it’s definitely less stressful,” Hedges said. “There’s not much [that can go wrong] scanning groceries. Making a bad call in baseball is so easy.”
Where the Cool Kids Work
Jonathan Levinsky, Reporter • November 21, 2023

“Hello, how...

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On the Sunday after we arrive, we always take family pictures on the beach—no amount of complaining about the temperature of the sand or the angle of the sun in our eyes will convince our mom that these pictures are unnecessary. Generally, the beach is associated with warmth and sun, but Thanksgiving week can get cold and even rainy making for some long family picture sessions. But with all the practice we’ve gotten over the years, I am happy to say that I am a pro at taking jumping pictures, getting my jeans only half full of sand, and timing everything just right to get the beautiful sunset in the background. Despite all the hours we spend posing on the beach, I always really like the pictures in the end as well as the time that we get to spend together as a family.
The Sea-son to be Thankful
Kaydence Wilkinson, Reporter • November 20, 2023

Every year, starting...

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In his documentary released on Sept. 12 on Amazon Prime Video, Philadelphia Eagles football player Jason Kelce, shows off different aspects of  his life throughout the 2022-2023 NFL season. His brother, Travis Kelce, is the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, and defeated the Eagles during the last Super Bowl in February. The documentary gives insight on the popular Kelce family and provides some perspective on the struggles of being a professional athlete.
Big Reputation (Jason Kelce’s Version)
Penny Moreno, Reporter • November 16, 2023

This past weekend,...

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Shopping Crowd Survival

     The day after Thanksgiving and the weekend before Christmas are generally regarded as the busiest shopping days of the year. Crowds of eager bargain-hunters can easily turn into a shopping mob. The average shopper can soon become a victim, swept away in the holiday rush. By following a few simple tips, you can escape with a few less bruises and the perfect gift.

1. There is power in numbers

     It’s much easier to fight the crowd when you’re not alone. By shopping in a group, not only will you have more fun, but you will have back up as well. Your personal army can assist you in elbowing your way to the sale rack and, for the harder to find purchases, you can divide and conquer. They can also give their opinions on gifts you’re unsure about (does your brother really need that snowman sweater?), making you feel more confident about your purchases.

2. Keep your eyes on the prize

     During the holiday rush, standing in the middle of the aisle contemplating a purchase is inadvisable. Eager or impatient shoppers will soon become annoyed and barrel their way past, putting you at risk for stomped toes, elbows to the arm and shoves. Having a sense of urgency also increases your chance of getting the items you want. By walking with a purpose and knowing what you’re after, you’ll reach your items in much less time and have a better chance of getting them before they sell out. If a standoff emerges with another shopper, show that you mean business. Power-walk to your target and after grabbing it, go to the register immediately.

3. Protect your items

    Once securing your gifts make your way to the checkout counter as quickly as possible. To prevent dropping and possibly breaking your items (or having them snatched), tucking them into a football-like position is a good idea. This also shows the other shoppers that your item has been claimed and is now off-limits.

4. Anticipate the other shoppers

     Most shoppers arrive in the early afternoon, so it’s a good idea to get to the mall early. This way the stores are still clean, the employees are still relaxed and willing to help and you won’t feel crowded. If you’re not up for the early bird specials, wait out the crowd, but keep in mind, less items will be available. Also, it’s probably safe to say that around lunch time most people will be heading to the food court to refuel for the day. Instead of switching from fighting for gifts to fighting for food, eat early or after the lunch crowd has calmed down, so you can take advantage of the less crowded stores.

5. Keep track of your spending

     Now that you’ve reached the register and are ready to exit the store, all that’s left to do is pay. However, throughout the day your budget shrinks, and not keeping up with your spending can lead to a declined credit card or empty wallet, only to be noticed while attempting to pay. Not only will your efforts have been wasted, but the rapidly increasing line behind you and the stressed cashier will become annoyed. To avoid this, keep your receipts and either a mental or written list of how much you’ve spent and how much is left.

6. Don’t procrastinate

     This best way to avoid shopping crowds is to beat them. Layaway can be a beautiful thing, and beginning your shopping early means your gifts are less likely to be sold out. If you’d rather not pay over time, find a unique hiding spot for your gifts – not the hall closet. Also, online shopping can save much of the stress that accompanies the mall. Just allow enough time for shipping to avoid giving out I.O.U.s. Also, don’t shop for shoes or clothes online in order to avoid sizing issues. Many online stores will also gift-wrap your present, saving time.

     Shopping can be half the fun of the holiday season, and there are many great deals to be found. But seeing your loved one’s reaction to the perfect gift makes every crushed toe, every bruised elbow and every fight over that last pair shoes, worth it. And who knows? Maybe you can pick up a little something for yourself along the way.

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The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School
Shopping Crowd Survival