December 2008 by Bear Facts

Volume 4â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Issue 5

December 2008

PHOTO

VOLUME

SPREAD

4—ISSUE

PAGE

BEAR

FACTS

HOLIDAYS

PAGE3

Tips for Great Christmas Gifts on a Budget! Here at UA, it seems like we are always giving money to something, whether it’s a dollar to dress down or $15 for a SPLASH week tshirt. With our current economy, many of us may find ourselves digging deep in our pockets for that extra bit of money. With the holidays soon approaching, you may also find yourself on a budget for this year’s Christmas presents. No need to worry, we’re here to help. Here are some homemade, inexpensive, yet fabulous Christmas gift ideas: Top 5 Gift Ideas On A Budget: · For those of you in fiber arts class, the holiday season is the perfect time to put

your skills to the test! Knit or crochet something practical and cute, like a new scarf or a pair of mittens. All you need is some inexpensive yarn, (try Smiley’s Yarn) and some free time, perhaps during those classic holiday movies. It will keep your special someone cozy during the winter nights! Your parents and family members can never have enough pictures of your smiling face. Find a frame, from stores like Target or Deals, and slide your face in the middle. With the seniors going off to college next year, this just may be the perfect gift for your parents! · Calling all bakers! No time is better than the holidays for your creativity to be expressed through decorative cookies and other tasty treats. Try putting them in holiday themed containers to

make them even more festive! · For all those artists out there, how about a homemade ornament? Blank ornaments can be purchased at craft stores like Michael’s and are the perfect way to express your artistic abilities and creativity. This is an inexpensive gift that will bring back memories while hanging on the Christmas tree! · Home-made gifts are fun, easy, and inexpensive to make. They show your loved ones that you truly care and really put effort into their Christmas present. No matter how elaborate or creative your gifts may be, remember that the holidays are truly about being with the ones you love. After all, you are the greatest gift of all! Caroline Tanner Bear Facts Staff Writer

Faces: “Have you ever re-gifted anything?” “I usually re-gift stuff from Bath and Body Works.” -Amy Patterson ‘09

“I once received I spa kit that included bath beads, luffa, bubble bath and various scented soaps, but I re-gifted it to Mrs. Owen...because I’m a mannequin, and I cant take baths.” -Sybil

“My Mom gave me a pair of really ugly reindeer and candy cane socks. I ended up giving them back to her the following Christmas...she didn't remember she had already given them to me. Oh yeah, and she loved the gift.” -Kelly Childress ‘09

VOLUME

4—ISSUE

“I re-gift ornaments. I mean, if I don't like something, I’ll just give it to someone else.” -Andrea Frankiewicz ‘11

BEAR

FACTS

HOLIDAYS

PAGE

Tips for Staying Green During the Holidays This is the time of year in which Americans produce more trash than any other due to all the extra gift wrapping and packaging. It is important to reuse and recycle as much as possible. Since so many houses are decorated with lights, it is also important to know what types of decoration help save energy. •

Try reusing as much gift wrap as possible. Save any extra bows, ribbons, or bags that can be reused. You can always reuse old items when wrapping gifts. Also, try using newspaper. However, if you do

need to buy new gift wrap, make sure it's eco-friendly. If you need to mail gifts, try saving and reusing the boxes and bubble wrap. •

Computer monitors, laptops, cell phones and computers can all be recycled, so if you receive a new one of these for Christmas, recycle the old one. You can recycle them at such places as Earth 911 and My Green Electronics.

•

Using LED Lights can help save energy. LED lights are good for decorating both indoors and outdoors, plus they last longer than standard bulbs. It is also very important to turn the Christmas lights off at night.

•

Try making your own ornaments and Christmas cards from recycled

materials instead of buying new Christmas ornaments. Also, sending e-cards to your friends and family instead of using paper is a good way to conserve. •

Instead of throwing out old clothes and other items, donate them. This will not only keep your old items out of a landfill, but also into a better place where someone could use them.

•

Live Christmas trees are better than cut Christmas trees. You can replant a live Christmas tree. Although most artificial Christmas trees are not recyclable, they can be a green alternative if you reuse your same tree every year. By Kailey Beckett BearFacts Staff Writer

Places to Study for Exams with Wireless Exam time is almost here and everyone is starting to study. Some students like to study at home, but if you need to get out of your house and need to keep prepping for exams, there are plenty of places you can go. Here is a list of different internet coffee shops in the St. Louis area. These places will allow you to stay connected to your online study group while you get a snack or a caffeine fix. Good luck studying. Coffee Cartel Coffee Cartel can host up to 200 wireless users, and it has free internet high speed. It is open twenty-four hours which is nice for those last minute crunches for that hard exam. Coffee Cartel also serves many different organic coffees. St. Louis Bread Co. There are many places that offer internet connection. All of the St. Louis Bread Companies internet locations are VOLUME

4—ISSUE

free of charge. Two example locations are on Forest Park Avenue and the other is on 21 Allen Avenue in Webster Groves. Another nice aspect that The Bread Company has to offer is comfortable leather chairs and, in the newer restaurants, fire places. Starbucks Although they offer wi-fi connections in most of their shops, it will cost the person unless they own a Starbucks card. A new charity event is underway for Africa. A portion of the proceeds from the (Starbucks) RED will help save lives in Africa. Kayaks Coffee Kayaks Coffee is a nature, outdoorsy place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or pizza. Open from six- thirty to eleven at night, this place is great for your sched-

ule. Food and coffee is reasonably priced, and they offer organic coffee and specialty drinks. Internet is free, but you will have to pay the parking meter when you park. Located on 276 North Skinker Blvd., it is close to Forest Park. Wired Coffee Located in Sunset Hills, Wired Coffee offers free internet and has a central fireplace and is very laid back. They also have a meeting room for privacy and quiet while you are working. Colors are vibrant and very artistic. Wired Coffee has danishes, wraps, sandwiches and smoothies if you’re in the mood for something else. By Nicole Farmer BearFacts Staff Writer BEAR

FACTS

STUDENT

LIFE

PAGE

Trends: Hair Changes With the Seasons For high school students nowadays, hair color is a big deal. Walking around the halls, the girl you always pass walking between history and chemistry was blonde on Tuesday but was a brunette on Wednesday. Your best friend tells you at lunch that she is thinking of getting highlights or taking her hair a shade darker. You walk into your first period class and see your fellow students gathered around a girl. You approach to see what the commotion is all about. As you get closer, you see that it is because her hair that was once black is now a vibrant shade of red. But why do these people dye their hair this way? Do they think it looks good on them? Does it give them that edge they’ve been looking for? Or

are they just seeking a rebellious way to get under their uptight parents’ skin? Who knows? Maybe it’s just because it’s almost winter. Many high school students these days seem to change their hair color more often because of the changing of seasons. Many of the students at Ursuline Academy choose to dye their hair dark brown during late fall and winter and then add highlights or dye it blonde by the time summer rolls around again. Why, you ask? Maybe because girls love to receive compliments, and dying your hair more often means more compliments! Or could it possibly be because girls just love to pamper themselves as much as possible? Lexi War-

ner, a junior, answers by saying, “I do it because it gives me that ‘beachy’ look that I want in the summer, and in the winter everything gets darker, so I want to tone it down. It gives me the winter fashion.” There are many possible reasons for dying your hair with the seasons, and each of them makes sense in its own way. Each time you dye your hair, just think, you are continuing the cycle of seasonal-hair-dyitis. Maddy Riggio Bear Facts Staff Writer

A Little Uncomfortable: Top Awkward Moments 1.The Car Hug: this is possibly the worst form of affection. Someone likes you, but not enough to get out of the car and offer a real hug. Instead, he/she reaches across the steering wheel and pats you from two feet away. You have no idea how to respond, and simply mutter a goodbye before running towards you door. 2. You’re walking around the mall with a friend; suddenly someone calls your name. The girl that looks slightly familiar is now walking towards you with open arms. You slowly respond to the attack hug, while trying to figure out who she is. Your new friend looks towards your old, waiting for an introduction. Your hands begin to clam, and you grasp for some sort of name. You fail. 3. When your father asks for harmless quality time, you are more than happy to see a movie with him. You pick a title that seems innocent enough and ignore the R rating. You regret this later in the movie theatre as both you and your father look away from the screen singing Lalala. 4. You’re super proud of your cute VOLUME

4—ISSUE

bathing suit at the local pool until you spot your teacher. She waves you over to her tanning recliner, and you tower above her. She makes small talk with you as if you and she were not in bathing suits. You look nowhere else but at the eyes and count until you can politely leave. 5. Giving a hug should be something they teach in kindergarten because some people just can’t get it right! One way to get the hug really good and awkward is to make it cheek to cheek. Both parties’ heads turn in the same direction and you get your cheeks right on top of each other, a nice cheek rub. And as a result you get a face full of the cheeky monkey. The only thing to do after that is walk away. 6. You spot someone you know across the way, and they seem to be looking in your direction. You wave to them, and they don’t see you and just look away. That’s not that bad, right? Yeah, until the guy standing behind you starts laughing. Now there is literally nothing you can do except cry and flee the scene. Awkward.

7. The Goodbye Walk Along occurs when you’re in an extremely awful conversation that is going nowhere, and both of you are ready to say goodbye. So the farewell is made, and then you proceed to walk in the same direction. The conversion is long over, the goodbye is done-zo, and here you are still side by side. Awkward (in sing-song). 8. When there’s a person you dislike and they can at times be a jerk, you may just want to keep it to yourself because you never to know whom they are related. To make a conversation awkward, when you’re with someone you know and see that annoying guy, you just have to say something about it. You say, “Man, I hate that guy. He is so annoying!” and then you hear, “He’s my cousin.” Awkward…Extra Awkward points if this conversation ends with the goodbye walk along. Hilarious points awarded if they then try to wave to the cousin and the loser wave occurs. Mary Mooney and Claire Fadel Bear Facts Staff Writer

BEAR

FACTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE

New Christmas Films, Minus Christmas Christmas vacation is just around the corner, along with many new movies coming out in theatres this Christmas season! Don’t spend your vacation sitting at home. Spend time at your local theatre enjoying a large bag of popcorn while viewing one of these new releases. Cadillac Records, a movie about the rhythm and blues industry, stars Adrian Brody as the founder of the recording label, Chess-records, that gave stars such as Chuck Berry and Etta James (played by Beyonce) their start. (Friday, Dec. 5) The Day the Earth Stood Still, is a complete remake of the 1951 version of The Day the Earth Stood Still. This classic remake portrays our current issue with global warming and stars Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, and Kathy Bates. (Friday, Dec. 12) Seven Pounds, is about a widower who goes deeply into depression after the death of his wife and plans to commit suicide. Before the suicide attempt, he falls in love with a woman who distracts him from his deadly plans. Will Smith stars as Ben, the widower. (Friday, Dec. 19) Yes Man is about a man named Carl Allen who, after getting dumped by his girlfriend, cuts himself off from the rest of the world by staying inside all of the time for one year. After an encounter with a man telling Carl to “Say Yes more”, Carl’s life changed forever. Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen. (Friday, Dec. 19) The Tale of Despereaux is a computer animated movie about a brave little mouse who doesn’t belong with the rest of the mice and comes into contact with the human world. Despereaux, played by the voice of Matthew Broderick, falls in love with Princess Pea, the voice of Emma Watson. (Friday, Dec. 19) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, is the tale of a man who grew younger as everyone grew older. Benjamin (Pitt) must overcome all of the hardships involved including finding love and friends that will last.(Christmas Day) The Spirit, stars Gabriel Macht as a cop who rose from the dead to fight crime and his arch- enemy, a mad scientist, known as The Octopus, played by Samuel L. Jackson. Cast also includes Scarlett Johansson. (Christmas Day) Bedtime Stories is a comedy about Skeeter Bronson, Adam Sandler, whose life alters as the bedtime stories he shares with his niece and nephew start to come alive.(Christmas Day)

VOLUME

4—ISSUE

Lauren Evergerd Bear Facts Staff Writer

Allie Magee Bear Facts Co-Editor and Chief

BEAR

FACTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE

Most Interesting Family: The Goslings John, Kate, Cara, Maddy, Alexis, Leah, Hannah, Joel, Aaden, and Colin have captivated audiences nationwide on John and Kate Plus 8. Most Interesting Activist: Sister Mary Ann In 2008 Sr. Mary Ann has worked alongside Ursuline students at the SOA protest and on the New Orleans service trip. Most Interesting Thespian: Tricia Ruzika You may also know her as Dorothy or Annie. Tricia has stolen the show as the lead in two of Ursuline’s productions. Can you say superstar?! Most Interesting Couple: Miley Cyrus and Justin Gaston this couple is their four year age difference among Cyrus (16) and Gaston (20) makes them the most interesting talk of the town.

Most Interesting Athlete: Michael Phelps, Eight gold medals speak for themselves.

Most Interesting Fashionista: Mrs. Deutsch It has been noted on multiple occasions that Ursuline girls have praised Mrs. Deutsch’s stylish wardrobe. She is officially the fashionista of UA. Watch out Tyra!

Most Interesting Politician: President- elect Barack Obama He has promised change and has already taken steps towards bettering America. He is obviously pretty interesting…he captured the world’s attention for more than half of 2008. Most Interesting Person to Have a Staring Contest With: Cybil She always wins but it’s still fun to try.

Most Interesting Author: Stephanie Myer even if teenage vampire love affairs don’t interest you Myer’s books captivate audiences nationwide and have influenced people other than teenage girls to pick up the Twilight Saga. Most Interesting Person, Who in fact is not Interesting at All: Spencer Pratt He seems interesting enough… millions tune into The Hills once a week to watch what he’s up to. Then again, his sole purpose in life is managing his wife’s “career” and monitoring who uses his TiVO. Spencer and his creepy flesh colored beard don’t deserve all the attention they receive because turns out… he’s not interesting at all. VOLUUME

4—ISSUE4

Mallory Krugman and Michelle Miller

BEAR

FACTS

BACK

PAGE

Guys We’d Love to Bring Home to the Fam this Christmas!

Michael Cassidy

Brian Hallisay

Our Favorite Holiday Movies! Prediction: We think Four Christamses, with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn will be our favorite holiday movie of 2008. Even the previews are hilarious! Recent: Though only a few years old, Elf has already established itself as a must-watch holiday movie. If you don’t own it, your sure to catch it on tv once this season. Oldie But Goodie: National Lampoon’s Squirrels jumping out of Christmas trees, uncles catching on fire, and houses illuminating entire counties with their Christmas lights. Whats not to love about this classic?

Quote of the Year

“Spencer’s job is demanding as Heidi’s manager… Hello? Outlet Mall Grand Opening? We’ll be there.”

4—ISSUE

Jack’s MannequinCrashin’ Give It Up- The Format Everything’s Magic- Angels and Airwaves

-Said by our favoriteJoel McHale

Worstest Month Ever Chance and Real, we’re convinced you have no real chance at finding love on your spin off of a spin off show. Ali Lohan, your sister has made enough headlines for us to know how the Lohans are living with out tuning in to your show every week. Brooke Hogan, obviously you don’t know best, seeing that you’ve chosen to make a bad TV show. And, to all those members of the millionth season of Road Rule Challenges… get a real job. Sorry, pointless reality show stars, you’re having the WORSTEST MONTH EVER. Too many of you jumped on the reality show bandwagon, and there just isn’t enough room in our TiVo for us to care about all of you. VOLUME

Jason Mraz- Butterfly

Bestest Month Ever

Lil Wayne, you are hit-making machine! Every time we turn on the radio, we hear a new chart-topping song from you. Your unique voice and style draw everyone to you. UA girls are absolutely obsessed with you. You are the only guy who can have tattoos on your eyelids and still be cute. You are not only a rap star but also a rock star. It seems like every big name in the industry wants to feature you in a song. Lil Wayne, please continue to make hits because you are having the BESTEST MONTH EVER. BEAR

FACTS