All the News

Math Puzzler

 

The December Math Puzzler questions

These are the December questions in the Young Saint Louis.com's Math Puzzler contest. After having six winning entries in November, we've come up with six new puzzlers for you.

Each month, Young Saint Louis.com publishes a series of Math Puzzlers. These are primarily for your entertainment and let you have some fun with various math concepts. But, this is not a class assignment.

Mr. Math Puzzler, Wayne Hesse of Green Park Lutheran School, has come up with some unique questions. Some have illustrations while others are all-word puzzles.

Remember what he said last month, when intelligent guessing is combined with simple arithmetic, you often have a good system for finding math answers. Math professors even have a name for this approach; it's called "Guess, Check and Revise."

The main objective of the YSL.com Math Puzzlers is to have FUN. The more fun you get out of math, the more you'll learn about this very important subject.

Submit your answers to the December contest by using the form below. In January, we'll publish the names of those who answered all these questions correctly. You'll also get an explanation of the correct answers. (For answers to the November Math Puzzlers, click here.)

We're offering an ADDED BONUS for entries. Each month, we'll put all entries that answer correctly all six Puzzlers into a hat and draw for up to three $10 gift certificates from Borders Book Stores.

A note: We've made these Math Puzzlers quite challenging, especially for younger kids. But, we don't mind if you solicit help from a parent or older brother or sister. In fact, you might want to make this a family activity.

Here's how to enter:

1. Print out the following entry form.
2. Fill out your name, address and telephone number.
3. Give your answers to the six Math Puzzlers.
4. Put your completed entry into a stamped envelope.
5. Mail your entry to:
   
   Math Puzzler Contest
   Young Saint Louis.com
   7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 350
   Clayton, MO 63105
   
   
6. All entries must be postmarked by the 15th of the month to be eligible for a book prize.

----------Clip here to make entry----------

Entry for December, 2001, Math Puzzler Contest:

Name: _____________________________________

Address: ___________________________________

City:_____________________, State:______ ZIP_______

Contact phone no.(____)____________________

 

The Math Puzzlers
(December 2001)

1. You have seven coins. Five of them weigh the same and two are slightly heavier. (The heavier coins are equal in weight to each other.) Using only the balance scale, which is the fewest number of weighings needed to determine which coins are the heavier ones?

 

Answer:___________

 

2. Place the digits 1 through 7 in the boxes below so that each three-box-line, including the diagonals, add up to 12.

 

Answer:___________

 

3. What is the smallest number that can be divided by 6, leaving a remainder of 5; divided by 5 and leaving 4, and divided by 4 and leaving 3?

 

Answer:___________

 

4. Ron and Jane compete in a car rally, going several times around a closed circuit. Ron can drive the circuit in 25 minutes, but Jane takes 30 minutes. If the two drivers start at the same time, how long will it take Ron to lap Jane?

 

Answer:___________

 

5. Pymm has many dragons. A few years ago, one of these dragons, Alaranthus, though not fully grown, weighed one thousand pounds plus two-thirds of his own weight. How much did Alaranthus weigh?

 

Answer: ___________

 

6. Betty has 13 chains with three links in each chain. She would like to connect all 13 chains together to form one continuous circular chain. If a jeweler charges $4 to cut a link open and $10 to weld it back together again, what is the cheapest cost by which Betty can have this done?

 

Answer:__________

 

They say the third time is a charm. November was the third month of Young Saint Louis.com's Math Puzzler contest. After having no winners the first two months, six kids answered all the November puzzlers correctly.

Those kids who gave right answers for all six November puzzlers were:

Kate Carlson of St. Louis, Ben Dickmann of St. Louis, Jackie Jones of St. Louis, Courtney Lauer of St. Louis, Gabriela Lor of Kirkwood and Rececca Stuckmeyer of St. Louis.

As we promised, we put all winning entries into a hat and drew out three who would be awarded $10 Borders gift certificates. After the random drawing, the three who won the gift certificates were:

Kate Carlson, Courtney Lauer and Jackie Jones.

Their gift certificates are in the mail to their homes.

Kate Carlson and Jackie Jones were among 13 students from St. Gabriel School who mailed all their entries together. They were all students in Teacher Amy Richardson's seventh and eighth grade math classes.

Richardson gave students in her two seventh and two eighth grade math classes a chance to work on the Puzzlers for extra credit. Then, she bundled up the completed entries into a single envelope and mailed them.

Most of the Math Puzzler entries come as individual entries. Either way is fine.

Each month, Young Saint Louis.com publishes a series of six Math Puzzlers. These are primarily to let our viewers to have fun with math concepts. These are not designed as a class assignment.

YSL.com believes the more fun you get out of math, the more you'll learn about this very important subject.

 

Answers to November, 2001, Math Puzzlers

 

1. If six boys drink 12 malteds in 90 minutes, how many malteds could four boys drink in three hours?

Answer: 16 malteds

Explanation: If six boys drink 12 malteds in 1 1/2 hours (90 minutes), that means each boy drinks two malteds in that 1 1/2 hours. Therefore, they each could drink four malteds in three hours. Four times four is 16.

 

2. What three-digit whole number can be divided evenly by 32 different whole numbers?

Answer: 840

Explanation: The 32 different whole numbers that divide evenly into 840 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 20, 21, 24, 28, 30, 35, 40, 42, 56, 60, 70, 84, 105, 120, 140, 168, 210, 280, 420 and 840.

 

3. Which cube can't be made from the flattened plan?

Answer: B

Explanation: The best way to solve this problem is to cut out the flattened plan, fold it into a square and compare that with the other illustrations.

 

4. Marian bought four oranges and three lemons for 90 cents on Tuesday. She bought three oranges and four lemons for 85 cents on Wednesday. What is the cost of each orange and each lemon?

Answer: 15 cents per orange;10 cents per lemon

Explanation: You can use an algebra formula to find the price of a lemon. Using Z to represent oranges and L for lemons, you get

4Z + 3L = 90 and 3Z + 4L = 85. 

3(4Z + 3L = 90) or 12Z + 9L = 270

4(3Z + 4L = 85) or 12Z + 16L = 340

subtraction leaves 0 -7L = -70

                or L = 10

Once you know the lemon price, it's easy to figure the price of an orange, 15 cents.

 

5. Bill, Alice, Dave, Ellen and Frank were in a math contest. Bill was neither first or last. Alice beat Bill. Frank was beaten by Dave. Ellen beat Dave and Frank. Bill beat Ellen. Who was first?

Answer: Alice

Explanation: Here, you just stack the names to match the relationships to each other and Alice ends up in first place.

 

6. Each different symbol represents a different number. The sum of each column and each row is shown, except for the extreme right vertical column (marked with a ?). Supply the missing number for that column.

Answer: 11

Explanation: Assign a number for each symbol and test various combinations to the vertical and horizontal totals you know. After some trial and error, you end up with the diamond equaling 4, the asterisk (*) equaling 1, the squiggle equaling 3 and the circled x equaling 2. That means the unknown right-hand vertical total is 11.

 

Profile

 

Teen has problem walking, but wins marathon

A spinal problem at birth makes it difficult for thirteen-year-old Casey Adams to walk. But, that didn't keep him from winning his division in this fall's St. Louis Marathon.

Last year, the eighth grader was the youngest entrant to finish in the wheelchair division of the 26.2 mile marathon. This year, he not only finished but won the division.

That victory and other athletic accomplishments earned Casey the 2001 Junior Athlete of the Year award by the Saint Louis Wheelchair Athletic Assn.

Concerning his physical problems, Casey said, "I figure it's part of life and I've got to deal with it. I'm going to live life as much as I can."

Casey attends Selvidge Middle School in the Rockwood School District. He's a regular on the school honor roll (with at least a 3.5 grade point average.) He also takes piano lessons and plays the viola in the school orchestra.

Besides participating in track, he also plays basketball and tennis. He also takes part in both snow and water skiing.

He helps coach youth sports teams his brother Dan plays on. "My brother doesn't listen to me but the other kids do," Casey said.

Casey started practicing sports when he was four. Then, he started competing in wheelchair races when he was six. He's a member of the Rolling Rams athletic teams.

His first races were short, from 60 to 400 meters. "When I got older, I started in longer races. At 9 or 10, I competed at 800 meters. Then, at 11, I did the 1,500 meters," he said.

His first marathon was last year. "I wanted to be the youngest to ever finish the St. Louis Marathon," he said. About that first race, he said, "The weather was terrible. It was raining, windy and cold. It was awful."

But, he did finish and got second in the wheelchair division.

This year, the weather was not only much better but so was his first place finish. He said his time of 2 hours, 45.42 minutes was the ninth best among all entrants.

His next goal is to qualify to compete in the Boston Marathon. He has five years in order to get his qualifying time down to the 2 hour, 15 minute standard.

After that, he has his eye on the 2012 Paralympics.

"The Paralympics are run right after the regular Olympic Games and in the same city," he said. "It looks like those games might be in America. I would like that."

His win in the St. Louis Marathon earned him $500. That goes into a savings fund to buy himself a new racing wheelchair. "They can be anything from $2,000 to $3,000. I think I've got about $1,200 saved," he said.

But, he's getting additional help from family and neighbors. "My school and my neighbors are saving aluminum cans to help raise money," he said. "Maybe we'll get the fund-raising done by this winter," he said.

Casey has three different wheelchairs. One is "big, tall and wide" for use in basketball. The other sports chair is for racing. It has an set of small wheels in the front that give the chair balance and allow him to make turns on the track.

He also has a chair for everyday activities, such as getting to and from school. "I push to school and around the halls. Then, I use canes to get around in the classroom," he said.

"I'm pretty independent. I do what I have to do. Nothing's going to stop me," he said.

He said he trained for about 3 1/2 months getting ready for the St. Louis Marathon. "I'd train about three times a week. I'd also lift weights," he said.

Concerning his road training, he said he would go from six to 15 miles at a time. "I'd push until I couldn't push anymore," he said.

However, he never tried to go the whole 26.2 miles in any training session. "I figured if I could do a half a marathon in training, I could do the other half at the time of the race," he said.

Casey said he's going to try out for the Marquette High School track team when he goes there in another year.

Concerning his future, Casey said he'd like to go into sports broadcasting in some capacity.

Casey is the son of Mike and Pat Adams of Ballwin. In addition to his brother, Dan, he has a younger sister, Kayla, 9.

 

Books

 

This month's book reviews

 

A colorfully illustrated Christmas book
for kids that tells a serious story

The title, "Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters," pretty much tells you what this book is about. The "Big House" is the huge mansion with white pillars in front where the family of the Virginia plantation owner lives. The "Quarters" is made up of the little cabins that are the homes of the slaves that work the plantation. Both of the groups, the plantation master's family and the slave families had their own ways of preparing for Christmas and celebrating the holidays. Although their celebrations are quite different, the Christmas season was meant to be a time of feasting and joy for both.

Underlying all the feasting, singing, dancing, and apparent good will, however, was a quiet recognition that a system based on the ownership of slaves was under serious challenge. Both the slave owners and the slaves themselves could feel the tension that in a few short months led to the outbreak of the Civil War. Many of the traditions described in the book have endured, but never in quite the same way they existed in that Christmas of 1859.

This book was written by Patricia and Frederick McKissack of St. Louis. They are a husband and wife team of authors who have written numerous prize-winning kids books. They also are teaching a local video-conference class on writing, using this book as an example. (You can read about kids who are taking that class in the January, 2002, edition of Young Saint Louis.com.)

 

A kid's view of the Civil War

James Pease was only fifteen years old when he signed up for service in the Union Army (the North) in the war between the North and the South. His parents had died when he was very young. An old uncle and aunt, who frequently reminded him what a burden he was for them to feed and clothe, raised him. In the summer of 1862, there was not enough rain for the crops; so many farm families had a hard time finding enough to eat. James' aunt and uncle made him feel that he was the reason there was not enough food on their table. Sorrowfully, James left the only home he had ever known and tried to find a way to support himself. Since a war was going on and soldiers were needed to fight, James ended up enlisting in the army. He lied about his age as many young soldiers had done during the Civil War.

Although James' early life had not been easy, at least he had learned to read and write. Many soldiers in that period could not. Because he could write, he was ordered by his company commander to keep a record of what went on as his company trained for war and fought its way across Virginia. He was even supposed to write a brief history of each of the men in the company.

He griped a lot at first about having to do it, but James found out that he was pretty good at keeping a journal or record of wartime events. When he started drawing pictures to go with his writing, he found out he was a pretty good artist also.

As we read his journal, we find out that his writing didn't keep him from taking part in battles. James was part of some of the fiercest fighting that took place in the Civil War. He hated fighting battles, but he wanted to be a good soldier. Although he was young, he was promoted from private to corporal, and later made a sergeant. He saw many of his friends wounded or killed in battle and was wounded himself. Through his journal, we are able to get a good picture of what it was like to be a Union soldier in the Civil War.

If you think you are interested in becoming a Civil War "buff", "The Journal of James Emond Pease" by Jim Murphy is a good place to start your reading.

 

What if life was a multiple choice test where wrong answers got you in trouble?

Monica Devon is a seventh grader who has a problem. She spends most of her time obsessing. She worries constantly about saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing, wearing the wrong clothes, whether the other kids like her or not. She still worries about the word she misspelled in a spelling bee in fifth grade. (It was "mediocre.") She worries about whether the girl next to her in class notices that the socks she wore today don't quite match.

Monica has even turned word games into an obsession. When she writes, "What is my problem?" on top of her notebook page, she has to move the letters around to make anagrams like SWAMPY BIRTH MOLE, WISPY MARBLE MOTH, AND PHIL MYER'S WOMBAT. Sure, she's great at scrabble and other word games; it's just her everyday life that seems out of control because of her obsessions.

In order to make herself more interesting and her life less predictable, Monica comes up with a daily game she plays. She got the idea from taking tests in her classes. She sets up a multiple choice each day. The rules are as follows: Choice A is normal, something she might do anyway. Choice B is just plain dumb. Choice C is mean, completely out of character. Choice D is a charitable, sacrificial thing. In addition, there can only be one game per day, there is no backing out, she must do what the letters say, no matter what. It's amazing how messed up her life becomes when she continues to play the game!

There are word games scattered throughout Monica's story. These may get you into setting up anagrams and playing other word games. Such games can be fun if they don't become an obsession. Of course, the main issue in the book "Multiple Choice" by Janet Tashjian is how will Monica deal with the real problems she gets into as a result of letting multiple choice take control of her life.

 

A pioneer girl ends up at the
famous battle of the Alamo

Jessie McCann is an eleven-year-old girl with a big brother who is sixteen and a baby sister who is two years old. When her story begins in the year 1835, her family is living in a log cabin in Kentucky. Her father, who moves his family around a lot, has decided to move to Texas. He hears that land there is cheap and he thinks that he can make a better living there than he has been able to in Kentucky. Jessie is tired of moving and having to make new friends all the time. Her mother is also against the move, but they all have to pack up and move, anyway.

Their journey was partly by wagon and partly by riverboat. When they reached Texas, they found out that it was not as pleasant a place as their father had believed. For one thing, the Mexican general, Santa Anna, was trying to drive all the American settlers out of Texas. Texas was part of Mexico, and Santa Anna really did not want citizens of the United States making their homes in Mexican territory.

The story is concerned with all the troubles the McCann family had on its journey and after the family reached Texas. The family had just settled down near San Antonio, when the war caught up with them. They lived near the Alamo, which was an old Spanish mission that had been turned into a fort. American settlers were told to go to the Alamo for protection from the invading Mexican army. There at the Alamo, the men of the San Antonio area decided to take a stand against Santa Anna. Among the defenders were legendary heroes like Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie.

Unfortunately for the few dozen Americans, they were outnumbered by the Mexican army, which had several thousand men. After a few days, the American defenders were defeated. All of the men were killed defending the fortress. However, General Santa Anna allowed the women and children who were inside the Alamo to go free. Jessie McCann and her mother were among those allowed to leave.

The book "I Remember the Alamo" by D. Anne Love tells about the famous battle in the words of an eleven-year-old girl who lived during that period of history. It also tells about how these early pioneers, both American and Mexican settlers, went on to create what eventually became the state of Texas.

 

Reading

 

Kid's book suggestions from St. Louis Rams

Running back Marshall Faulk says his favorite kid's book is "Huckleberry Finn," by Missouri's own Mark Twain. Both rookie defensive back Adam Archuleta and tight end Jeff Robinson named S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders."

In time for the holidays, the St. Louis Rams owner, coach, players and even a cheerleader have told about their favorite kid's books. Their suggestions extend from books for pre-schoolers to high school.

The book selections by the Rams Reader Team are a combination of long-time classics as well as some newer books. But, all of them were selected in order to encourage young St. Louis area kids to get into reading.

A total of 59 Rams personnel gave their suggestions for kids reading.

For a complete listing of recommended books, log onto the Rams website at www.stlouisrams.com. Click on the Community header for the whole Reader Team listing. There's a full-color poster with pictures that can be printed out.

Owner Georgie Frontiere picked Louisa May Alcott's classic, "Little Women." That's a story of four devoted sisters growing up in 19th century New England.

Coach Mike Martz recommended Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' "The Yearling." That book tells of a young boy living in the Florida backwoods who must decide the fate of a fawn he's raised as a pet.

Quarterback Kurt Warner's selections are primarily for elementary kids. They include two Dr. Seuss' books, "Cat in the Hat" and "Oh! The Places You'll Go." He also liked Marcus Pfister's "The Rainbow Fish."

Several of the players gave suggestions for middle school kids.

Defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina recommended two classics, Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" and Alexandre Dumas' "Three Musketeers." Both are adventure stories targeted to middle schoolers.

Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett liked Jack London's "Call of the Wild." That's a classic of a dog shipped to Alaska to become a sled dog and how it gradually becomes more like its wolf ancestors.

Offensive tackle Orlando Pace suggested William Sleator's "The Duplicate." This is a book about 18th century London and the early emigration to Australia.

For those middle schoolers who like magic and enchantment, quarterback Jamie Martin suggests C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." This is the first book in a series by Lewis called The Chronicles of Narnia.

Another quarterback, Paul Justin, recommends Esther Forbes' "Johnny Tremain." This tells about the pre-Revolutionary War period in Boston through the eyes of a young apprentice silversmith.

Of course, no book list would be complete without at least one vote for the Harry Potter series. Linebacker Mark Fields gives his vote for the books by J.K. Rowling.

Wide receiver Isaac Bruce has picked an unusual book for elementary-age kids. He likes Betsy Byars" "Bingo Brown." That's a story about a boy who is puzzled by questions about growing up and about adults. It provides laughs as well.

For kids who'd like to try some books aimed at high schoolers, the Rams have suggestions.

The suggestion of Archuleta and Robinson of Hinton's "The Outsiders" fits that category. That's a problems faced by a 14-year-old who is caught up in gang problems.

Cornerback Jerametrius Butler gives his recommendation for another Jack London classic, "White Fang." This is another story about a part-dog, part-wolf in the north.

Linebacker London Fletcher recommends Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter." This thriller is set in 17th century Boston.

Safety Kim Herring recommends a more recent classic, May Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." This is a story of growing up black in Arkansas, Chicago and California.

For a football story that has become a classic of sorts, there's Jim Dent's "The Junction Boys." This is a story about the boot-camp experience by legendary coach Bear Bryant that turned Texas A&M into a football school. That's a recommendation by guard Cameron Spikes.

The Rams Reader Team program began in 1996. It's an effort to use the high-profile of Rams players to focus attention on the need for education and literacy. Most of the programs by the St. Louis Rams Foundation have been aimed at programs for kids.

 

Entertainment

 

Holiday Fun Places in St. Louis

Young Saint Louis.com asked author Ann Seebeck to pick her favorite dozen local places kids and their families can visit for holiday fun.

Seebeck has been publishing a book, "Favorite Places to Go with Kids in St. Louis," since 1988. You'll remember that last May she recommended her "Top 12" local summer fun spots. (To review that feature, click here.)

If your family would like to purchase the book, you can contact Seebeck by e-mail (rlseeb@swbell.net) or write to her at 1018 Edgeworth, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Books are $6 each plus $1 for postage.

We asked her to pick her "Top 12" area attractions that do special things for the holiday season. She checks out all of her recommendations personally. Here are her choices:

By Ann Seebeck

It's hard to believe the holidays are about here.

Kids will have some time off from school. Some families will have out of town visitors. It will be a good time to explore all the top local places for kids to have fun during the holidays.

Here's a list of my "favorite places to go with kids in St. Louis" during the holidays:

1. Tilles Park, Litzsinger Rd. and McKnight Rd., Ladue. (314) 615-7275. Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except Saturdays and Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Tickets are $8 per car at the gate.
   
   From Nov. 16 to Jan. 1, Winter Wonderland is a beautiful holiday light display with a river of lights, waterfalls, Santa's sleigh and many other signs all lit up. You drive through the park in your car and see miles of lights.
   
   
2. Santa's Magical Kingdom, Eureka, Mo. (636) 938-5925. Take I-44 west to the Six Flags exit, turn left and follow signs. This is open every night from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., starting Nov. 14 through Jan. 2. Tickets are $14 per carload.
   
   This is another wonderful light display that you drive through with 35 acres of sparkling lights, animated figures and joyful Christmas music. You see Yogi Bear, the Flintstones, a candy cane village and Santa's workshop.
   
   
3. Breakfast with Santa. At several Dillard's stores and the Famous Barr Downtown.
   
   The stores have a program during the month of December where kids can have a breakfast with Santa and many elves. There is singing, magic, clowns and balloons. A great time for all. Call your local stores for dates and times of reservations. But, remember, they fill up fast.
   
   
4. The Magic House, 516 S. Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood. (314) 822-8900. Admission is $5.50 per person.
   
   In December, kids can come and make holiday crafts and there is a special holiday program. Please call for days and hours.
   
   
5. Christmas at Adams Mark Hotel, 4th and Chestnut sts. downtown. (314) 241-7400.
   
   In the lobby of this beautifully decorated hotel is a village of gingerbread houses made out of real gingerbread, icing and candies. A small toy train runs through the village.
   
   
6. Santa Comes to the Dogs!, Kennelwood Village Kennels. (314) 429-2100.
   
   This is an annual photo event for the whole family, including the family pet. Pictures of your pet may be taken with Santa, the whole family or alone. A variety of package prices are available. Call for days, times and reservations.
   
   
7. Nutcracker Suite Ballet, at Florissant Civil Center. (314) 921-5678. Dates are Dec. 21 and 22. Prices range from $15 to $20 a ticket.
   
   Some of the performances are a shorter version of the play for smaller children. Call for times and reservations.
   
   
8. Missouri Botanical Gardens, 4344 Shaw, St. Louis. (314) 577-5100. Admission is $3 for adults for St. Louis city and county residents and $7 for non-resident adults. Children under 12 are free. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, free to all St. Louis city and county residents. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
   
   From Nov. 21 to Jan. 1, there is a special holiday display called Grandma's Toy Chest, Whirligigs and Jumping Jacks. This display combines flowers, animated characters and a fun place to walk through. It is a great place to take holiday pictures.
   
   
9. Old Courthouse, A Victorian Christmas, 11 N. 4th St., downtown. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   
   There is a huge, beautifully decorated Victorian Christmas Tree on display for the month of December.
   
   
10. Sing Out St. Louis, Union Station Center, downtown St. Louis. (314) 421-6655.
    
    On Dec. 16 at 5 p.m., join hundreds of joyous St. Louis people and come caroling on this candlelit evening.
    
    
11. Ice Skate with Santa, at Queeny Park, 550 Weidman Rd. (636) 391-0922.
    
    On Dec. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m., come skate with Santa at the Queeny Park indoor ice rink.
    
    
12. Cut your own Christmas tree.
    
    There are several places you can go and cut down your own fresh tree. Some have wagon rides to the trees along with hot chocolate and snacks.
    
    A. Christmas Tree Valley, Pacific, Mo. (636) 742-3436.
    B. Pea Ridge Farm, near Hermann, Mo. (636) 932-4687
    C. Meert Tree Farms, at Festus and Mehlville, Mo., (636) 487-5824.
    D. Eckert's, Belleville, Ill. (618) 233-0513.

 

Money

 

From play-money investments
to a real money plan

Jason Nedvin's investing efforts started with $1,000 in play money and an investment tip from his grandfather. Now at 13, he budgets all his real money.

The LaSalle Springs Middle School student was introduced to the idea of investing when he was seven. His grandfather, Arthur Nedvin, set up an investment game with $1,000 in play money.

Jason said, "He told me we'd play a game of investing. He said to think about things that I use. Those were the companies that I should invest in."

His first "play money" stock portfolio included Disney, IBM, McDonald's and Toys R Us.

Grandpa Arthur's original plan was to provide, in real money, whatever gain Jason had in his original make-believe investments. But, after just six months, that proved to be a little too much of a good thing for grandpa.

Jason said his original $1,000 investment "went up between $700 and $800 in just six months."

Finally, grandpa settled for giving Jason $250 to start his own real investment portfolio. He's been at it ever since. He said he regularly increases his stock holdings by using "birthday money, savings bond money and savings from my allowance." He's also in a program where his stock dividends are re-invested into more stock.

In fact, what started as an investment game has been turned by Jason into a complete plan for all his money.

He gets $120 per month allowance but has to handle most of his own expenses, including buying some of his clothing. To make sure he doesn't run out of money at the end of the month, Jason has developed a monthly budget.

Also, he has a savings account at the bank and his investment account is computerized. Although he's too young for a regular job, he has developed other ways to earn money.

Asked about his plans for his savings and investments, Jason said, "That's for college and a car."

He's already picked a college. He wants to go to University of Arizona. "It has a pretty good baseball team and good golf courses. Also, my grandpa lives near there," he said.

Jason has continued to follow his grandfather's initial advice about investment. He continues to invest mostly in companies that make products he uses. He continues to add to his investments in IBM and Disney.

But, in keeping with recent trends, he's added a mutual fund, Vanguard's 500 Index Fund.

Asked about his original play investment in McDonald's and Toys R Us, Jason said, "There was too much fluctuation in those stocks for me."

Jason said most of his friends aren't into investments yet. "They're into buying stuff, not savings," he said.

But, Jason finds he can do lots of different things and still save and invest. "Every time, I've been able to go where I wanted," he said.

He's got three sports hobbies--snowboarding, paint ball fights and golf. He also enjoys going to movies with his friends. But, he's always on the lookout for ways to save money.

For instance, he and his friends have found a wooded area near home where they can play paint ball. That means they don't have to pay a fee to use a professional paint ball range.

Concerning movies, Jason said, "I can go to the local Ben Franklin store where you can get all kinds of candy for a dollar."

Jason said he saves from $35 to $45 a month from his allowance. That goes into the savings account until he accumulates enough to buy more stock.

He's also on the look out for ways to earn money. He said he could get all sorts of baby-sitting jobs in the neighborhood but he doesn't like that too much.

He has found a wholesale source for imitation Oakley sunglasses. These are a hot item for younger kids. He gets a wholesale discount, marks the glasses up $5 or $10 a pair and still sells well under the retail price for authentic Oakley glasses.

But, he's run into a problem. He hasn't been able to find an imitation version of the type of Oakley glasses he wants for himself. He's afraid he might have to actually pay retail to get his favorite style.

That's a new problem that he'll have to budget for in the future. But, he said, "I never go over budget."

 

Outdoors

 

St. Louis's Urban Winter Trout season is open

Twins Nicholas and Christopher Myers of St. Peters needed only a couple hours to catch their limit last month on opening day of St. Louis' Urban Winter Trout season.

From November through February, the Missouri Department of Conservation stocks St. Louis area lakes with rainbow trout. That provides ideal cold-weather fishing for local kids and their families.

This year, over 34,000 rainbow trout will be released into 10 St. Louis City and County lakes. Five other lakes in the Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles County also will be stocked with trout. (For a complete list of parks where trout are stocked, see sidebar below.)

To make sure fishing will be good the whole winter season, the fish stocking will be done twice a month through February. Stocking dates aren't announced in advance but you can keep track by calling the Fish Stocking Hot Line at (636) 441-8014.

Nicholas, Christopher and dad James got up at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and drove directly to Lake 24 at the Busch Conservation Area. Nicholas said, "I didn't even eat breakfast." But, dad brought along some snacks so they could eat while fishing.

By 8:30 a.m., the two boys and their dad all had caught their daily limit of five trout.

Alex Eklund and his sister, Cecilia, came to Lake 24 with their dad later that morning. They didn't know the trout season was on and started using worms for bait to catch other fish.

But, as soon as they were told about the trout, the family moved to deeper water where the trout were. They also switched bait from worms to "trout marshmallows."

The Ecklunds had a big tackle box with all sorts of different fishing gear. That made it easy for them to change bait for trout.

The six-year-old Myers twins used a tiny plastic bait to catch their trout.

The boys have been fishing since they were one year old. Nicholas said, "I got a little fishing pole that was blue. My brother's was green."

The twins now have bigger fishing rods. Each of them also has a small folding canvas chair that they sit on while fishing. Dad also brought along a special board he used to clean the fish.

Nicholas said that this was the first time the boys fished for trout.

The brothers have an older sister, nine-year-old Megan. She has been fishing but didn't come this time. Christopher said, "She doesn't like the slime on the fish."

Christopher said he liked the lake fishing better than fishing in a creek. "The lake is square and had more fish in it," he said.

Both boys said they liked to put the fish they caught on a stringer to hold them until it was time to go home. The stringer holds the fish while they are put back into the water to be kept alive.

For eight-year-old Alex Eklund, the trip to the Busch Conservation Area marked a return to the place where he went fishing for the first time. "When I was little, I caught my first fish right here. I think it was a bluegill," he said.

Alex said he was born in St. Louis but has lived in Oregon and Texas. He said the family came back to the area two months ago. He said, when the family lived in Oregon, "I fished in a park that had a lake."

He said he wasn't really a fisherman. "I've caught only a couple fish but I like to be outside," he said.

The St. Louis Area Winter Trout Program started in 1989. The first stocking was done in St. Louis City. But, it now has been expanded to other areas in St. Louis and St. Charles counties.

The trout season is only in the winter months. That's because trout need cold water to survive. During the summer, the water in the shallow city and county lakes gets too warm for the trout.

The stocked trout are in the 8-to-10-inch range. They are raised in Missouri Conservation Department hatcheries and trucked into the St. Louis area.

 

Fifteen area lakes stocked with trout for winter fishing There are 15 lakes in nine different St. Louis park areas in the 2001 St. Louis Area Winter Trout Program. That's an increase of two lakes from the 2000 program. The Missouri Department of Conservation also has doubled the number of fish to be stocked during the November, 2001, to February, 2002 season. Last year, 17,000 fish were stocked; this season, 34,000 fish will be available. The parks involved in the 2001 program are: August A. Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles County (Lakes No. 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28) Suson Park in south St. Louis County (Lakes 1, 2 and 3) Tilles Park Lake in St. Louis County Walker Lake in City of Kirkwood O'Fallon Park Lake in City of St. Louis Boathouse Lake in Carondelet Park in City of St. Louis January-Wabash Lake in City of Ferguson Wild Acres Park Lake in City of Overland. Vlasis Park Lake in Ballwin. Lake 1 at Suson Park and Boathouse Lake were not in the 2000 program because they were being rebuilt. That renovation is done and the lakes were restocked for 2001. For information about the trout program, you can call the Fish Stocking Hot Line at (636) 441-8014.

 

Sports

 

A tradition of youth hockey at Affton ice rink

When Tony Giacin plays hockey at the Affton ice rink, he's continuing both a family and rink tradition. His father, Steve, played as a nine-year-old the year the Affton ice rink opened in 1971.

Now, Tony is a center on the Affton American 10-and-under select team that plays in the Squirt division of the Central States Developmental Hockey League (CSDHL). That's a nine-team league with teams from Chicago, Indianapolis and Madison, Wis.

Steve Giacin is now the coach of Tony's team. Steve said the 14-member team will play "close to a 60-game season" by the time play stops in February, 2002. That will include 24 league games, played on a home-and-home basis.

Tony is a fifth grader at Point Elementary School in the Mehlville School District. He started skating when he was two years old. He's been on a youth hockey team for eight years.

The Affton rink fields teams in all four youth divisions of the CSDHL. Besides the 10-and-under Squirt division, there is the 12-and-under PeeWees, 14-and-under Bantams and 17-and-under Midgets.

St. Louis actually has two teams in the CSDHL's Squirt and PeeWee divisions. The others come from the Chesterfield Ice Complex.

Tony said he likes hockey because "there's lots of action and it's a fast game." He said, "I'm not the fastest player but I'm fast enough. As a center, I'm a play-maker and control the puck."

Tony isn't the only hockey player in the family. His younger sister, nine-year-old Taylor, plays on a traveling team in the Mite League at Affton. Taylor started as a figure skater but decided she wanted to play hockey also.

One of Tony's teammates also is a girl and a former figure skater. Ten-year-old Caroline Campbell started in figure skating when she was three but turned to hockey the next year. "I still do a little figure skating, but I like hockey better," she said.

Coach Giacin said Caroline was being modest about her figure skating. "She skates competitively there also," he said.

At the height of 4-foot-10 and at 83 pounds, she's got the strength and speed to keep up with the boys on the select team.

Asked about the future, Caroline said she hopes to go to college in either Minnesota, Wisconsin or Michigan. "They have women's teams in college at schools there," she said. She hopes there will be a women's pro hockey league in operation by the time she finishes college.

Otherwise, "I'd like to be a veterinarian," she said.

The goalie for the Squirt team is Ryan Reel. He's a fifth grader at Point Elementary School. The 10-year-old has been playing hockey for six years and been a goalie for five.

Coach Giacin said Ryan "is an excellent goalie." Ryan said he enjoys "making saves." In addition to practices on the Affton rink ice, Ryan said he plays roller-hockey in his neighborhood and also attends summer camps.

Ten-year-old Chris Breunig lives in Belleville, Ill. But, he transferred to the Affton team three years ago. The league has a one-move rule where players can transfer from one rink to another just once.

The fifth grader plays left wing for the Affton team. Like some of his teammates, he'd like to play pro hockey when he gets older. "Hockey gets in your blood," he said.

He said the ability to skate fast "probably is the number one asset." He considers himself to be a fast skater and a good passer.

Fifth grader Daniel Weber said he likes the fact that hockey is a "physical game." Also, he said, "It's a fast game and has a good flow to it."

Daniel said he thinks his best assets as a hockey player are "screening for the goalie on defense and passing." By "screening," he's talking about getting between his goalie and the opponent to break up a scoring try.

Other members of the Squirt team are Brian and Patrick Sheehan, Drew Smegner, Brandon Richards, Eric Viehman, Christian Herbosa, David Green, Brian O'Rourke and Mike Vishnevetsky.

Hockey is a sport that demands a lot of time. In addition to the games, the players practice from two to four times a week.

But, Coach Giacin makes sure school work comes first. "We have a team rule that a player can't practice unless he or she has all homework done," he said.

Several of the players said they don't need a team rule because their parents already have that rule at their homes.

 

Holidays

Why not start a family tradition by making home-made holiday decorations with materials you can collect outdoors. Two free workshops in December will teach you how to do that.

There's a Holiday Decorating with Nature workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the Soulard Outdoor Teacher Resource Center. The hands-on workshop will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Soulard Center is located at 1926 S. 12th St. near downtown St. Louis.

Then, on Tuesday, Dec, 18, there is a Holiday Wreath Making workshop at the Rockwoods Reservation in west St. Louis County. That hands-on session will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

One thing: Be sure to call early for reservations because the number of spots open are limited. To sign up for the Soulard workshop, call (314) 231-3803. For the Rockwoods session, call (636) 458-2236.

(For other nature ideas, see sidebar below)

When you attend either workshop, all the natural materials needed to make the decorations will be provided. These workshops are sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Barb Sandhagen from the Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center will lead the Soulard workshop. She will be assisted by Liz Lyon from the Soulard center.

Sandhagen said her workshop will focus on making two types of decorations. One is a Crafty Log piece which will look good as a table or fireplace mantle centerpiece. The other is a Pine Cone Christmas Tree that would go well as a tree ornament.

She said, "We'll be using materials that could be gathered in your backyard or on a wooded acreage." However, she cautioned that collecting items from state or county park lands isn't permitted.

Also, she said you should look for bark that has been shed or is on a dead tree. She urges not to cut bark off of live trees. "That's the tree's skin," she said.

The decorations at the workshop will be made from tree bark, greenery, pine cones and wild berries. There will be "cool" glue guns available to attach different pieces. "However, if you didn't have a glue gun at home, Elmer's glue will work also," Sandhagen said.

She added, "You don't have to be a fancy artist to make these decorations. You're limited only by your imagination."

She said, once a family tradition of making decorations is set, kids can collect material throughout the year. For instance, you might find a piece of wood, a sea shell or a special rock while on a summer vacation. If that is put into a decoration, it will be a reminder of that vacation.

You could save the decorations from one year to another. Each will have a special memory.

One caution from Sandhagen: Don't use candles or Christmas lights on these decorations. The heat or flame might cause the dry materials to burst into flame.

Tom Meister is the interpretive programs supervisor at the Rockwoods Reservation. He will supervise the wreath-making workshop.

The wreaths to be made at the Dec. 18 workshop have a double purpose. First, they provide outdoor decoration for your home. But, the wreath decorations also include food "goodies" and serve as bird feeders.

Kids at the workshop will start with a wreath made of grape vines. They already will be tied into the wreath shapes. Then, the people at the workshop will attach different decorative items to complete the holiday theme.

Included in the decoration will be suet bags and tiny clay pots. The pots can be filled with a peanut butter and sunflower seed mixture that birds like.

Meister said the bird-feeder wreaths should be hung from trees or maybe a gas-light fixture in the yard. "Don't hang the wreath on the front door unless you want the birds to come knocking on your door," he said.

For more about interesting Department of Conservation activities and facilities, why not check in at www.conservation.state.mo.us and click on the St. Louis Region header.

 

Special "Discovery Trunks" for conservation classes The Missouri Department of Conservation has developed special "Conservation Education Discovery Trunks" for use in classes about the outdoors. Special trunks filled with materials and lesson plans have been developed for 10 different outdoor topics. Why don't you suggest to your teacher that you'd like to learn about some of these topics. Only teachers can obtain the trunks. These are available through the Busch Conservation Area (636) 441-4554, the Powder Valley Nature Center (314) 301-1500, the Rockwoods Reservation (636) 458-2236 or the Soulard Outdoor Teacher Resource Center (314) 231-3803. The 10 different trunks include: Wetlands Discovery Trunk Urban Nature Discovery Trunk Project Learning Tree Discovery Trunk Insect Discovery Trunk Mammals Discovery Trunk Coyote Discovery Trunk Beaver Discovery Trunk Birds Discovery Trunk Reptiles Discovery Trunk Zebra Mussel Mania Discovery Trunk

 

Movies

The first weekend for the movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," was the biggest weekend American film opening ever. It also topped the charts over the second weekend, which included Thanksgiving.

In fact, movies aimed primarily at kids earned the top two spots both weekends. The animated feature, "Monsters, Inc.", was second to "Harry Potter" on each weekend.

In the first weekend, "Harry Potter" took in $93.5 million. That beat the previous record for a three day, non-holiday weekend. "Planet of the Apes" took in $68.5 million last summer. The previous three-day, holiday weekend record was $72.1 million by "The Lost World: Jurassic Park." That was set over the Memorial Day weekend in 1997.

During this year's Thanksgiving weekend, "Harry Potter" and "Monsters, Inc.," took in more attendance revenue than the other eight movies in the top 10.

After just 10 days, "Harry Potter" had total attendance revenue of over $188 million. If a movie takes in over $100 million during its entire movie theater life, it's considered to be a big hit. "Harry Potter" nearly doubled that in 10 days.

"Monsters, Inc." has taken in $192.8 million in its first four weeks.

Of course, "Harry Potter" was expected to be a blockbuster. After all, J.K. Rowling's four books of fantasy about the young wizard have 110 million books in print worldwide in 47 different languages. And audience surveys said most kids wanted to see the movie.

Filming on the second "Harry Potter" movie is already underway in England. That movie is expected to be released during next year's holiday season. Warner Brothers is hoping to develop a holiday franchise by releasing a movie a year for the next seven holiday seasons.

Ms. Rowling is now writing her fifth in what she says will be a seven-book series.

Young Saint Louis.com produced an exclusive movie review in mid-November just before the film opened to the public. Because the review didn't get on the website until mid-November, we are repeating the review in this December edition.

To read Eddie Szewczyk's review, just click here. The 13-year-old Belleville, Ill., teen is a reporter and movie reviewer for Radio Disney in the metro area.

 

Young Saint Louis.com had a young Belleville, Ill., boy write an exclusive review for you of the"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" movie. Eddie Szewczyk is a reporter and reviewer for the local Radio Disney station.

By Eddie Szewczyk
(Special to Young Saint Louis.com)

Attention Harry Potter fans. Please step to the right, check all baggage and pet owls, the Hogwart Express will be boarding from Platform 9 3/4. All passengers will be guaranteed a fantastic journey, along with amazing wonder and a pinch of sheer delight.

Oh, excuse me, I got a bit carried away after seeing a special critic's preview showing of the new "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" movie. You will absolutely love this movie.

The story by author J.K. Rowling begins with a young infant, Harry Potter, being deposited on the doorstep of some not so nice relatives. Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall, grand wizards at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had to find a home for the infant after Harry's parents were killed by a black wizard named Voldemort.

Eleven long years of muggle, non-wizard dreariness go by. Then, one day, while visiting the zoo, Harry has an odd experience with a talking snake, that only he can hear. That arouses in him ancient intuitiveness from his wizard background.

One day, a letter arrives for Harry from Hogwarts, beckoning him to attend the esteemed Institution of Higher Wizardry. In true muggle fashion, Harry's aunt and uncle--the Dursleys--are horrified at what evil may lurk behind those hallowed walls.

They hide and throw away the hundreds of academic invitations delivered by a cloud of owls. But, one day, Hagrid, a giant ogre, arrives to take Harry off to school and his destiny.

It's at this point that Harry Potter begins to realize what a great legacy his wizard parents have left behind for him. Harry purchases the requisite back-to-school-of-wizardry supplies. These include black work robes, a pointed hat, a magic wand (batteries not included, of course) and dragon hide gloves for use in Potions Lab.

Then Harry takes the Hogwart Express train to his new home.

It's on the journey that he meets his new best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger. They are all extraordinarily clever, even for wizards-in-training, and inquisitive to a fault.

Once at school, the precocious trio embarks on adventures both in and outside the classroom.

Harry's reckoning with his past and present comes to light when he discovers the Mirror of Erised in a restricted section of the Hogwarts library.

Professor Dumbledore points out to Harry that the mirror reflects the deepest and most desperate desires of one's heart. But, the professor cautions the mirror can be harmful because one shouldn't dwell only on dreams and forget to live.

It's with his knowledge that Harry sets out to find the magical Sorcerer's Stone that his parents bequeathed to him long ago. But, Harry soon finds out that the stone also has other seekers, namely the greatest black wizard of all, Voldemort.

He's the one who killed Harry's parents and almost killed Harry himself.

In his struggle with Voldemort, Harry realizes the tremendous powers of his own wizardry and also the tremendous power of his parents' love for him. The struggle at the end of the movie has Harry's good wizardry winning over that of Voldemort.

I need to say something about the Quidditch game. In most sports, players all work together. But, in Quidditch each of the players did their own thing. I thought it was a real cool game and it's just how I imagined it when I read the book.

The movie brings to life the unforgettable fantasy of Rowling's book. The film story is told in a way as to make the viewer relate to the amazing assortment of wizards, goblins, ogres and other mythical creatures as if they were next-door neighbors.

The director, Chris Columbus, has perfectly re-created on the big screen the mental images I had conjured up in my mind while reading the book. The scenery, details and special effects in the film are outstanding. The screenplay mirrors the book quite satisfactorily.

This movie is in a definite "Not to Be Missed" category. It earns my highest rating of five stars, or, in this case, five lizards.

Belleville boy does Potter review A thirteen-year-old Belleville, Ill., boy is the writer of the Young Saint Louis.com review of the blockbuster movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Eddie Szewczyk has a job as news reporter for the Radio Disney outlet in St. Louis. The Blessed Sacrament School student won the paying news job in an audition of nearly 100 applicants. One of his Radio Disney activities is to review movies so he was a natural to do the YSL.com review. Eddie attended a critic's preview showing of the movie Monday, Nov. 12. That gave him time to complete his review and have it posted on YSL.com before the public showings of the movie started Friday, Nov. 16.

 

Fun & Games

Note that the words used in Young Saint Louis.com crossword puzzles are all taken from the articles appearing in this months issue. When you have completed the puzzles, you can click here to find the answers!

 

Young Saint Louis - December #1

Across	Down
7. Animal doctor 8. Contest signed up 9. Stand alone 10. Game on ice	1. Play to win 2. Lightweight metal 3. Meet every criteria 4. Holds live fish 5. Fish breeding ground 6. Grueling race

 

Young Saint Louis - December #2

Across	Down
1. First action taken 4. Investment holdings 5. Money from parents 6. Computer controlled 8. The real thing	2. Area around home 3. Earnings on stocks 4. Well trained for job 7. Percentage taken off

 

Harry Potter Trivia

Across	Down
3. Harry's friend (boy) 6. Favorite game 7. Evil wizard 8. School headmaster 12. Potions teacher 13. Haunts a toilet	1. Harry's House 2. Missing his head 4. Half bird/horse 5. Harry's friend (girl) 9. Regular people 10. The Dursley's son 11. Hagrid's dog 12. Quidditch position

 

More Potter Trivia

Across	Down
3. Wizards/animals 4. Friendly giant 5. School for wizards 7. Quidditch position 8. Magic broom	1. A Slytherin 2. A class at Hogwarts 5. Harry's owl 6. Ron's rat 9. Wizard without magic

 

It's December; how about some holiday jokes?

What did the bald man say when he got a comb for Christmas?
     Thanks, I'll never part with it!

What did the big candle say to the little candle?
     I'm going out tonight!

Knock, knock.
     Who's there?
Wayne.
     Wayne, who?
Wayne in a manger...!

Mom, can I have a dog for Christmas?
     No, you can have turkey like everyone else!

Noah: Dear, I thought we had two turkeys when we left.
     Mrs. Noah: Well! It is Christmas!

What do reindeer say before telling you a joke?
     This one will sleigh you!

Why does Santa Claus like to work in the garden?
     Because his likes to hoe, hoe, hoe!

Why did you ask for a dachshund for Christmas?
     Because I heard someone say, "Get along, little doggy!"

 

Now, for some non-holiday jokes

How do you stop a snake from striking?
     Pay decent wages!

What do workers do in clock factories?
     They make faces all day!

What were Tarzan's last words?
     Who greased the vine?

What happened when the chicken slept under the car?
     She woke up oily the next morning!

What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?
     A stick!

Why was Cinderella thrown off the basketball team?
     Because she ran from the ball!

Why was Cinderella such a bad basketball player?
     Because she had a pumpkin for a coach!

 

Answers to Fun & Games

Note that the words used in Young Saint Louis.com crossword puzzles are all taken from the articles appearing in this months issue.

Young Saint Louis - December #1

Across	Down
7. Animal doctor 8. Contest signed up 9. Stand alone 10. Game on ice	1. Play to win 2. Lightweight metal 3. Meet every criteria 4. Holds live fish 5. Fish breeding ground 6. Grueling race

 

Young Saint Louis - December #2

Across	Down
1. First action taken 4. Investment holdings 5. Money from parents 6. Computer controlled 8. The real thing	2. Area around home 3. Earnings on stocks 4. Well trained for job 7. Percentage taken off

 

Harry Potter Trivia

Across	Down
3. Harry's friend (boy) 6. Favorite game 7. Evil wizard 8. School headmaster 12. Potions teacher 13. Haunts a toilet	1. Harry's House 2. Missing his head 4. Half bird/horse 5. Harry's friend (girl) 9. Regular people 10. The Dursley's son 11. Hagrid's dog 12. Quidditch position

 

More Potter Trivia

Across	Down
3. Wizards/animals 4. Friendly giant 5. School for wizards 7. Quidditch position 8. Magic broom	1. A Slytherin 2. A class at Hogwarts 5. Harry's owl 6. Ron's rat 9. Wizard without magic