December 2010 - Mini 4

Volume 6

Issue 2

Bringing You the Ursuline Academy News Now

IN THIS ISSUE •

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TSA Gets A Little Touchy Hanukah vs. Kwanza Celeb Traditions Faces: Pat-down or Scanner?

TSA Gets a Little Touchy: UA Voices Their Opinion

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irports have begun increasing security requirements scanner or the pat-down. Some believe the whole scanner/patwith new body scanners and full body pat-downs for down procedure is unnecessary. Others are willing to deal with those who refuse the scan. The scanner penetrates higher levels of security in order possibly to prevent another through clothing and sends a picture to a separate attack. Here at Ursuline, there are some mixed opinions. room where a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Senior Nicole Dempsey said, “Yes, absolutely. Terroragent looks at it to see if there are any signs of explosives on ists keep figuring out new ways to get around our security, and the person’s body. The reason the scan if everyone didn’t go through it [the scan or “I am on the fence. I think it’s a little ex- pat-down], terrorists could easily hide things.” needs to be so revealing is that terrorists are figuring out how to make explosives On the other side, Janna Fezzi said, treme. I mean, if I ever had to do the scanwithout using metal, so they do not show “I am on the fence. I think it’s a little extreme. ner or pat-down, I would be outraged. But up in a normal scan. If you opt out of the I mean, if I ever had to do the scanner or patat the same time I don’t want someone to down, I would be outraged. But at the same scan, you must undergo a full body patdown, conducted by someone of the same blow up my plane.” time I don’t want someone to blow up my sex as you. The pat-downs are extremely plane.”

-Janna Fezzi thorough and, for many people, much too No matter what different people’s intrusive. opinions are, airports around the country will Over the Thanksgiving holiday, protest groups all not be getting rid of their new security tactics. So those planaround the country refused to go through the scanner and the ning to travel this holiday season need to be prepared to leave pat-down. Over the past few weeks, these new regulations some extra time for getting onto their flights. have been bringing out all sorts of reactions. According to local Amy Coyle, reports, one woman at the St. Louis airport went through security Bear Facts Staff Writer in her bikini so that the TSA agents would not put her through the

Faces: Would you prefer the pat-down over the scanner or scanner over the pat-down?

“The scanner because it is not physically touching me.”

-Freshman Jane Rolley

Pat-down since it’s girl-to-girl and with two fingers. The radio waves are bad, and they can see underneath clothing”.

-Junior Abby Wertenberger

Interviews by: Megan Haechen Bear Facts Writer

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“Scanner because it’s easier and not as awkward”.

-Sophomore Brooke Chelew

I prefer the scanner because it is awkward having people touching you and rubbing you down.

- Senior Natalie Fortune

Bear

DECEMBER

Holidays Around the World: Celebration of Hanukkah and Kwanza The “Holiday Spirit” is a feeling that people around the world share during this time of year.

Whether it be Christmas or a holiday of a different kind, the urge to celebrate is great among everyone.

According to Judaism for Dummies, Hanukkah began as a very minor holiday in the Jewish calendar.

Its recent gain in popularity is due to the 19th century’s new stress on the gift-giving of the Christmas season.

Hanukkah has become one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays, second only to Passover.

Hanukkah is one of the few Jewish holidays that is not instituted in the Torah, the Jewish bible. Judaism for Dummies stated that it “commemorates a post-biblical event: the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek rulers of Jerusalem and the subsequent rededication of the Temple in 164 BCE. It also celebrates a miracle that accompanied this event: When the temple was rededicated, God miraculously made the one day's worth of oil burn brightly for eight days.” This miracle is what gives Hanukkah the name “Festival of Lights.” Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights with candle lighting, prayers, small gifts and spinning the dreidle, said Jewfaq.org. The gifts only came about recently to avoid small Jewish children from being jeal-

ous of the Christian children celebrating Christmas.

Though it seems to be the second most-known holiday behind Christmas, Hanukkah is not the only December holiday celebrated around the world. Kwanzaa is celebrated by many Africans and is a nonreligious holiday according to ocls.info. It is actually a celebration of the first crops in Africa when it is near their harvesting time. Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and lasts till January 1; it is celebrated for eight days, each day having a central theme. The official language of Kwanzaa is Swahili only because it is the most widely known in Africa. Kwanzaa is celebrated by lighting a different colored candle every day, each having a separate meaning for the day, and on Dec. 31 a feast is held with dancing and storytelling ( learningheavan.com).

These two holidays are both celebrated around the world during the same time as Christmas though they are very different. The holiday spirit is spread throughout the world no matter what day you choose to be celebrating.

Ally Hill Bear Facts Editor

Fun Fact: When 100 Ursuline students were asked if they had heard more about Kwanza or Hannukah, 82% said Hannukah. Of that 82%, 42 of them knew about Hannukah because of Adam Sandler’s Hannukah song.

Facts

Celeb Holidays: Traditions, Traditions

We all have our own special Christmas traditions, and celebrities are no exception. They also celebrate the holidays with family and friends. No matter what religion, many stars still get in the Christmas spirit by gift giving, Santa Claus and spending time with family and friends.

According to findarticles.com, “Because of his popularity and triumphs, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham says he will get no greater joy than from spreading his health among family and close friends.” Even the highest paid NFL star knows how to celebrate the joyous spirit of the holidays.

When asked how she would celebrate the holidays if she were a celebrity, sophomore Sara Pelizzaro said, “I would spend the holidays soaking up the sun in Australia. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend Christmas!” Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, a good way to spend the holidays is by being surrounded by the ones you love.

Ann Wolf Bear Facts Staff Writer

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SONGS OF THE SEASON

Christmas Carol of the Bells The Birds and the Bees

Holiday Hottie of the Season

Mr. Santa Clause Bringing toys to all good little girls and boys? Santa Clause is definitely this month's hot topic.

Hanukkah Adam Sandler All I Want For Christmas is You Mariah Carey Christmas Cannon Trans-Siberian Orchestra

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TRON Legacy

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Little Fockers

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Gulliver’s travels

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Yoggie bear

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The Tourist

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Art by Kelly Overy

Hint for the Break...

Don’t get bored this break! Check out these new releases.

All movies at Ronnie’s Theater between 4pm and 6pm are between $4 and $5 dollars.