THE
Columns St. Agnes Academy
9000 Bellaire Boulevard Houston, TX 77036
What’s Inside Today in the World Find out what is happening in the world today.
See what the students at St. Agnes are hoping to find in their stockings this year. See pages 5.
Hit the Books Read about some advice on how to prepare for the upcoming exams. See page 6.
Lights, Sweaters and Holiday Cheer Read about all the holiday events available in the Houston area. See page 7.
A New Year, A New Slate Find out what students at St. Agnes are promising to do in the new year.
Volume 63 Issue 2
Holiday Traditions Wherever You Go! Catie Eichler Around-School Layout
See page 3.
All I Want For Christmas
A
ndy William’s Christmas classic, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” is now being played on every radio station. Christmas tree farms are being set up and Starbucks has started serving their renowned gingerbread latte. Ladies, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Every family has their unique traditions and customs for this time of year that all originate from their family’s countries or religions. Many Americans that differ in religions such as Catholic, Methodist or Baptist all celebrate Christmas similarly. They get together with family, decorate Christmas trees, sing Christmas carols, watch holiday movies and set out cookies and milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Most of the children receive their presents on Christmas morning. Christmas is celebrated almost everywhere, but every country tends to do it a tad differently. Families of Hispanic descent celebrate Christmas by exclaiming, “¡Feliz Navidad!” and hosting posadas (small parties) at different houses every night between the dates of December 16th and Christmas Eve. They play games such as Piñatas, where children are blindfolded and they try to hit the piñata until sweets fall out. The children also receive their presents at Epiphany (January 6th), the Day of the Three Kings. The Three Kings, El Ninito Dios (Baby Jesus), and Santo Clós (Santa Claus) are all possible people who deliver
WWW.ADADDYSDELIBERATIONS.WORDPRESS.COM Tis’ the season to be jolly: Many join in the worldwide tradition of decorating a Christmas tree- hanging the lights and ornaments- awaiting the gifts to be found Christmas morning.
presents to children. While some Christmas traditions in the United Kingdom differ from American traditions, most are very similar. They participate in decorating Christmas trees, singing carols, hanging stockings and feasting with family on Christmas day. Instead of leaving out milk and cookies for Santa, or Father Christmas to some, it is normal to leave out mince pies and brandy. The main meal eaten on Christmas day is traditionally roast beef or goose and “Happy Christmas” tends to be the saying over there. Families of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese descent celebrate differently as well, but they have some traditions similar
See page 8. To advertise with The Columns, contact the staff through our email address: journalism@st-agnes.org
Index Page 2...................Editorial Page 3........................News Page 4-5.......Center Spread Page 6-7................Features Page 8.................Tiger Tail
2013 Quarter 2
WWW.ASK.COM
Gathering around the table: Families gather together for the traditional candle-lighting of the Menorah during Hanukkah.
1
to American ones. In China, Christmas traditions are not widely celebrated. Some trees are lit up, citizens sing Christmas Carols and their version of the gift-bringing man is named “Sheng dan lao ren” (Old Christmas Man). In Vietnam, people celebrate Christmas decorating, throwing confetti, attending church, and they like to give presents of food, such as the traditional cake called reveillon. In Japan, Christmas is more of a time of spreading happiness rather than celebrating religion. Christmas is not a national holiday there, but parties and presents are still part of it. Their version of Santa is called “santasan”, and after he comes, families eat fried chicken on Christmas day. In the religion of Judaism, Christmas is not celebrated, but Hanukkah is. Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Greeks in the 2nd century BC. It starts on the 25th day of Kislev (late November) and goes until December. A strong tradition in Jewish families is the lighting of the Menorah every night, and each of the eight branches represents something. After candle-lighting, families sing, and children often receive gifts from their parents. As you can see, numerous holiday traditions in the months of November, December and January are being celebrated all around the world! It is extremely interesting to recognize each country’s unique traditions as you carry on your own as well. No matter where you travel during the holiday season, tradition and spirit will most likely be surrounding you!
2013 Quarter 2
Editorial the columns
is going international?
SAA Journalism staff ST. AGNES ACADEMY 9000 Bellaire Boulevard Houston, Texas 77036 713.219.5400
Advisor..........................................................................................Ms. Felicia Miller Editor-in-Chief.............................................................................Kathy Lester Editor-in-Chief.............................................................................Ellen Neiers The Columns: Editorial/News Editor..................................................................Amanda Pope Center Spread Editor....................................................................Reilly Knecht Features Editor..............................................................................Taylor Chukwu Reviews Columnist......................................................................Angela Ott Girl Code Columnist...................................................................Haley Rocha Tiger Tail Editor............................................................................Sara Donovan The SAA Buzz: Sports Layout Editor.....................................................................Abby Varona Outside SAA Layout Editor/Girl Code Columnist..................Bettina Darling Just for Girls Layout Editor/Wellness Columnist.....................Isabel Scott Around the School Editor............................................................Catie Eichler
The Columns is the student newspaper of St. Agnes Academy. Its content, which is the responsibility of The Columns staff, is not subject to direct administrative approval. Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the newspaper, while Opinions columns represent the writer’s perspective. Advertisements do not represent the newspaper’s viewpoint. The Columns, an open forum, welcomes signed letters on pertinent issues from the SAA community. The editors reserve the right to edit and decline to print letters. All writing may be submitted to Journalism@st-agnes.org. ADVERTISING POLICY The Columns accepts advertising that does not promote illegal services or immoral products to its readers. The moderator reserves the right to accept or deny advertising with her discretion. Contact the Journalism Staff at Journalism@st-agnes.org for advertising rates and information. Upon approval of the advertisement, The Columns promises to follow through on all contracts. If advertisements are not approved, The Columns promises to refund the fee in full.
Kathy Lester Editor-in-Cheif
T
he National Football League is branching out! On October 24, 2013, the league announced their international series with six teams for three games to play across the pond, in London’s Wembley Stadium. The teams selected to participate are the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Detroit Lions vs. the Atlanta Falcons, and the Miami Dolphins vs. the Oakland Raiders. The games will count as a part of their regular-season game. Official dates for the games have not yet been released, but the Cowboys, Falcons, Lions and Raiders have set to play their first regular season games in London. According to Espn.com, Commissioner for the NFL, Roger
ARE YOU CONSIDERING TEXAS A&M FOR COLLEGE?
FOR SALE
FURNISHED 3 BEDROOM THREE BATH CONDO TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY COLLEGE STATION TEXAS - Each bedroom has individual bathroom! - 3 reserved parking spots in front of condo and front gate remote controls! - Full size washer and dryer! - Furnished kitchen, living room, and dining rom! - Pre-wired network connections and cable TV (service and TV not included) to all rooms! - Smoke and pet free unit! - Surrounded by a full size pool, BBQ pits, and volleyball court! - A small safe community for your student to live! Whether you are Aggie alum or a diehard fan, save a bedroom and always have a place for special events!
Pictures, additional information and tours are available upon request to Ed Cuccia, father of Kimberly Cuccia SAA Grad 2010 , at ejc_1@swbell.net
WWW.ESPN.COM All stations are a go: The test drive for the NFL’s international series was a success, as over 85,000 people showed up to watch the game!
Goodell, explains how “fans in the U.K. continue to demonstrate their passion for more football. The growing enthusiasm for the NFL internationally is exciting, and we look forward to continuing to respond to this interest in our game.” London actually had its first taste of the NFL on September 29, 2013, when the Minnesota Vikings played the Pittsburgh Steelers at Wembley Stadium. Over 83,518 specta-
tors came out for the game! Both presidents of the football teams and coaches alike are excited to be able to participate in the international series. Lions’ president Tom Lewand said the games “give us an opportunity to take some of our fans on the road and make some new fans and do so on an international stage.” The international series is an exciting new move for the NFL and fans are anxious to buy tickets!
Reaching the
St. Agnes Academy Mission Statement Rooted in the Dominican tradition, St. Agnes Academy provides a Catholic college preparatory education that encourages young women to develop intellectual curiosity, to work for social justice and to act with integrity and compassion.
SALE
Vol 63 Issue 2
Ellen Neiers Editor-in-Cheif
I
am about to lose my mind and it is not even the end of the first semester! Stress after stress is piling up and I cannot seem to keep my head above water. At this rate, I do not even know if I will make it to college in one piece! First the applications, then the resumes, then the supplemental essays, and don’t even get me started on nonCommon App schools. Seriously though, the only thing keeping me alive is the weekends. I just want to get into to college, but no one ever said how much work the process was; well, that on top of the mountains of homework we have each night. In three months-time, I have completed six applications and about twelve essays. For those of you who are trying to conquer more than six schools, good luck! Plus, I have not even begun applying for scholarships, which is a whole other process in itself. I think my hand is going to fall off! For those of you feeling like you are in the same boat, here are a couple of tips that might help
2
WORDPRESS.MONMOUTH.EDU Just breathe: All the frustrations and anxieties of college are almost over, just keep doing what you are doing and you will make it through alive.
you keep your sanity. 1) Timing (hopefully!). is key. Make sure to prioritize what is most important and what you can push back until next week. Do not stress yourself out trying to submit twelve applications in one night the week before they are all due. 2) Make room for breathers. Take time in between submitting applications, scholarships and everything else so that you are not completely overwhelmed. 3) Remember, you are almost done. So keep your head high and stay strong until the end. Currently, the whole process is driving me insane, but in the end it will all be worth it WWW.360SOLUTIONS.COM
News
2013 Quarter 2
Amanda Pope Editorial/News Layout Editor
W
ith rulings that have riveted the nation, the Supreme Court has made decisions that have effected millions of Americans and have shaped this nation’s history, and court’s new term is no exception. Facing cases that will make a huge difference the court is taking on issues including: campaign contributions, affirmative action and public prayer. The court is tackling engaging issues that promote its current status, says Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as being “one of the most activist courts in history.” One of the most significant cases in front of the court is the limit on campaign contributions, which could have an impact on future elections by limiting the amount of money an individual can give to political parties and candidates. The challenge was made by Shaun McCutcheon, who had made campaign contributions to 16 candidates in 2011 and 2012, and wanted to contribute more, but was unable donate more due to the limit on contributions. Currently an individual supporter can only give $32,400 per party committee per year and
Isabel Scott Just for Girls Layout Editor
Vol 63 Issue 2
the columns
through the ballot. In the case Schuette v. Coalition of Defend Affirmative Action comes the issue of whether a Michigan constitutional amendment from 2006 is blocking the state from taking into account gender or race in contracting, employment and WWW.BUZZFEED.COM public education. On the case: As this current court faces major decisions, our ever sharp justices are ready for the task In defense of afat hand, with tiny Ruth Ginsburg represented at the front. firmative action, $2,600 per candidate per election. Amendment (separation between the argument came up that this In addition to these base limits, church and state) with governamendment means “the univerthe overall limit of for contribu- ment endorsement of religion. sities must pretend that race In the small town of Greece in tions over a two-year election and racism do not exist.” This cycle is $123,200. The issue faced upstate New York, the challenge case brings up a lot of issues in McCutcheon v. Federal Election was made by two residents of and as the Michigan solicitor Commission is whether the limit the town who attended the town general wrote, “It is curious to on donations is a justified restric- meeting, saying that they felt say that a law that bars a state tion on the rights of free speech forced to participate in religion from discriminating on the of the donator. The point of this when prayer was offered. In the basis of race or sex violates the limit is to prevent corruption by case of Town of Greece v. GalEqual Protection Clause by preventing the inflow of money loway the court will be looking discrimination on the basis of that a contributor donates. How- at the constitutionality of putting race and sex.” prayer in government setting in ever, is this a violation of that As these cases are being regards to the First Amendment. faced, we will rely on our contributors rights? The court is yet again taking Though evocation of religion Supreme Court Justices to lead up the issue of affirmative action us to fairness. With a blindfold and faith are commonly used in political rhetoric, the court is in the new term; however, instead covering her eyes and a scale of focusing on college admisfacing whether the offering of a in her hands, Lady Justice will prayer before town-hall meetsions, the case tests if voters can continue to serve this nation. ings is in violation of the First ban affirmative action programs
Texas Trivia
1. How many times has Texas changed governments? a. 6 b. π c. 8
2. The Hertzberg Circus Museum in San Antonio contains one of the largest assortments of ______ in the world. a. Clown Masks b. Circusana WWW.CIRCUSNOSPIN.BLOGSPOT.COM c. Taco stands 7. In the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, the world’s largest 3. More _____ comes from the state of Texas rose garden, how many rose bushes are there? than any other state in the United States. a. 38,000 a. Wool b. 420,000 b. Cotton c. 500 c. Oil 4. The Hasinai Indian word “tejas”, from which Texas’ name comes, means: a. Mosquito b. Friends or Allies c. People of the desert
8. What do Texans never forget? a. To succeed from the union b. To be drug free c. THE ALAMOOO
5. The world’s first _____ was held in Pecos. a. Pie eating competition b. Sharp shooting show c. Rodeo
‘Tis the Season Haley Rocha Girl Code Columnist
H
oliday season is near and you are probably going to be majorly stressing about what to get all your friends for Christmas. We all want to get our friends the best gifts possible, but it’s a hard task considering we don’t have that much money to spend. Luckily for you, I am here to help. By providing 5 easy, quick and cheap gift ideas your friends are sure to keep you on their nice list! 1.Lily and Laura bracelets – These bracelets have become really popular lately and they are a super cute and easy gift idea. They are handmade and no bracelet is ever the same. You can probably find them at your local boutiques, for example “Get Personal Too” on Memorial. Also, they aren’t very expensive either, you can get one for $12, two for $22, or three for $30. 2.Monogrammed anything! – Monograms are a big thing right now and you can get almost anything monogrammed. It’s a nice gift that is so easy! You can go and buy a bunch of headbands or different color socks and take them to your local seamstress to get them monogrammed with your friend’s initials. Monogramming costs range from $10- $20 depending on where you go, plus the price of whatever you are getting monogrammed. 3. DIY Picture Frames – If you are a creative person and enjoy crafts, a really cute idea is to bedazzle plain, black picture frames and put a picture of you and your friend in it to give to them. It might take some time, but it will be worth it. Picture frames are usually $3 - $5 depending on where you get them from. This is a totally easy and fun gift idea! 4.Candles – I mean, who doesn’t love candles? A big, amazing smelling candle is a really good gift idea for friends. Candles are at most $10 and you can pretty much get them anywhere. 5.Homemade Baked Goods – A SUUUPER easy and yummy gift idea is baking your friends cookies, brownies, cake balls, etc… I mean, we go to St. Agnes, obviously we are going to love that. Also, you could package it adorably to make it look more enticing!
WWW.WRAPSODYBLOG.COM
6. The official state mammal is: a. Longhorn b. Armadillo c. The tomato
WWW.TYLERTEXASONLINE.COM
The Answers: 1.c 2.b 3.a 4.b 5.c 6.b 7.a 8.c
3
WWW.REDBOOKMAG.COM
Gather Round the Table Chocolate Covered TurkeyBerries 1. Melt chocolate candy melts in a microwave safe bowl in increments of 30 seconds, stir in between, until chocolate is completely melted 2. Cut off tops of strawberries, dip them into the melted chocolate, completely cover, then place onto wax paper 3. Put white candies on the strawberry for the eyes, dot the center of the white candy to make the eyes 4. Place two orange candies on the bottom for the feet, hold them there for a few seconds so it sticks 5. Make the beak. Take the candy corn and cut the yellow and white part off so you just have the orange portion remaining, cut into a triangular shape, place under the eyes and hold for a few seconds 6. Make the “wattle” by using the remaining strawberry parts. Cut thin slivers, drop over beak, press into chocolate 7. Place into freezer for 5 minutes to let the chocolate set. Bam, now you have chocolate covered Turkeyberries
Total Prep Time: 1 Hr You will need: •Strawberries •Chocolate candy melts •White candy •Heart shaped orange candy •Lots of candy corn •Wax paper
A tradition started in 1920, families have been sitting down together in front of Packers vs. Lions at 12:30 CST Raiders vs. Cowboys at 4:30 CST their TVs on Thanksgiving for some rivalry NFL football. Steelers vs. Ravens at 8:30 CST Here are the game times for this year’s Thanksgiving! www.profootballhof.com
Thanksgiving Mems My family and I visited a turkey farm/ petting zoo thing at my school’s pumpkin bash. I accidentally set a pen of turkeys loose and they chased all the younger children for a good 20 minutes before the men in charge were able to get them back in their cage. My parents no longer bring me to places to see animals.
Every year, all of the family on my mom's side goes up to my Grandmother's house. Where she lives she doesn't have good cell phone coverage, and she refuses to set up her wifi. Since we can't retreat into our social media, we are forced to socialize with each other. My cousins and I realized that we really love playing the game Risk together, and ever since we discovered this, we have had lots of fun staying up late, drinking Lemonade and conquering the world.
One time my crush was over for Thanksgiving and I was wearing this really nice floral dress that I knew he liked. So, we were eating, you know having a good time, and then I reached over him to get some gravy for my potatoes AND I SPILLED IT ALL OVER HIS PANTS AND MY DRESS AND I STARTED CRYING BECAUSE IT WAS REALLY HOT. So yeah that was embarrassing. He never talked to me again.
The best part of Thanksgiving is watching the men of the family play touch football in my grandpa's backyard. It's like that episode in Gossip Girl when all the Vanderbilts are playing together. Classic.
WWW.Gossipgirl.wika.com
Grandpa Vandy and Nate Archibald patrying it up in NYC
Have you ever wondered what it is like for Vegetarians on Thanksgiving? No turkey or ham? How is this possible?
WWW.tenwatts.blogspot.com
Delicious ToFurkey
“I’m a vegetarian, and every year I just stand by and watch as my family stuffs their faces with turkey. Because she felt sorry for me, my mom decided to make me ToFurkey (a turkey made entirely out of tofu). It was a delicious substitute! I’m lying. It was the most disgusting thing that I’ve ever had the displeasure of tasting. I do not recommend it.” Well there is your answer!
44
the most wonderful time of the year Most Popular Items That Academy Women Are Asking Santa To Bring Them Christmas Eve
o Puppy o Boyfriend o Food o Monogrammed everything o A car
Dr. Novo wants more good times with Sonja.
Lovin’ the cheetah print monogrammed Range Rover!!
Classy pug
hdyreueimxnojcbh
Holiday Wishes
Mom just asked this question (except she called it "Chanukah"). I said, "I don't know. What did you do for my birthday?" (which is Nov. 4). She said, "Oh. Shoot. I forgot about that. What do you want for your birthday?" Thanks for all the love Mom and Dad! Don't worry, not offended at all... #silbermanprobs
i want my dog to listen to me!!! I want a college acceptance letter.
WWW.rebloggy.com
WWW.POTTYTRAININGCONCEPTS.COM
“For Christmas I would love to see my family in Mexico. I love to be with them, relax, eat tamales, hit a piñata, laugh and have a good time.” -Mrs Clark
a pillowcase full of naps
a kiss under the mistletoe
Leaf-springs. (Great steel for blacksmithing)
fun christmas events around h-town -Ice skating @ Discovery Green: November 22-Febuary 2 -Lights in the Heights: December 6th at 6:00 -Viewing of Elf @ Musuem of Natural Science: November 29 -A Christmas Carol @ The Alley Theatre Nov. 15- Dec. 26 -Festival of Lights @ Moody Gardens Nov. 16-Jan. 6 -Santa’s Wonderland @ College Station, TX Nov 22-Dec 26
5
WWW.DISCOVERYGREEN.COM
Families iceskating at Discovery Green
Features
2013 Quarter 2
Reviews Column Angela Ott Review Columnist
A
s Netflix consumes more and more of our television time, we often fail to even think about the new television shows that surface upon cable every season. Yes, cable. It is not just for your grandparents; remember when we used cable every day? Now, you can tune in to great, new shows this fall! If you need a little head start, I have provided you a list of what I deem promising new shows to distract you just enough from the hectic life at St. Agnes. For the Revenge addicts, producers recognized the popularity of the series and created a spinoff series called Betrayal. The offshoot show follows Sara, a photographer, through scandal, greed, and well, betrayal. Law suits, affairs and crime splatter the new show. If this appeals to you to the point of extreme interest, tune into ABC every Sunday at 10/9 central. If you consider yourself a sci-fi aficionado, then Almost Human could be the new program for you. Concocted from the minds that gave you Fringe, this show highlights a futuristic world in which Los Angeles police officers are paired with robots to fight crime. I know, it sounds like a bad science fiction movie my father would watch; but, judging by the rave reviews from Fringe, I wouldn’t pass this new FOX series by too quickly. Two worlds collide in this fictional series, which is sure to be a hit for all fantastical enthusiasts. On the other hand, comedy may be your forte, and if it is, look no further. SNL cast member Andy Samberg and Law and Order’s Andre Braugher team up as law enforcement partners in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Samberg stars as a new and childish detective operating under the watchful eyes of tough-as-nails Braugher. Brought from the producers of Parks and Recreation, this comedy is sure to bring a fresh pair of laughs to FOX network. While I fully support Netflix and all the wonders it has to offer, I’d consider giving the old cable television a try once more. With promising new shows galore, why not consider diving back into the world of scheduled television?
Vol 63 Issue 2
Examining Exams the columns
Abby Varona Sports Layout Editor
I
t is that time of year again, ladies. You know what I am talking about? Late nights, piles upon piles of notes, books stacked like the Leaning Tower of Pis. Exams are coming up in December, but try not to get too stressed out yet! However, it never hurts to prepare a little early to make your work load lighter and your stress level lower. Now ladies, I know exams are not everyone’s favorite topic to discuss. But, the time has come for us to start preparing. As exam week gets closer, try to manage your schedule. Set aside time each day to go over different subjects, just to revive your brain. You have already learned the material, now you just have to review it. By reviewing a few weeks before your exams, you get the advantage of not having to cram everything the night before. Also, if your teacher makes a review sheet, use it! Chances are that whatever is on the review sheet will also be on the test. Not every teacher takes the time to sit down and type out a review for
headache and drains you of all your energy. Ten to fifteen minute breaks between each subject should be enough time for you to step back and relax; watch TV, go outside, or eat a snack, but just give your mind enough time to recover from all that intense studying. Once you are in a relaxed state, it will be a lot WWW.SWEEPSJOBS. easier for you to dive right Get Ahead: As exams are slowly creeping in, try to start scheduling your time and gathering your notes. By back into your getting ahead of the game, you already have an advantage of being organized which can make your studying a lot easier! notes and study. If you’re feelyou, so when they do, you know as possible. You obviously do not ing tense or stressed out before you need to take advantage of it. have to start reviewing them now, exams, try to adopt these study Speaking of review sheets, they but it never hurts to be organized habits. Hopefully, they will make can be pretty long; so, why not for when you do start studying. it easier for you as you start to split them with other classmates? However once you start hitting prepare for the week. Always This definitely lightens your load the books, always remember to remember that what you put in, and lowers your stress level. Try to take breaks. Studying for three is what you get out. Good luck! start gathering your notes as soon hours straight just gives you a
A Gatsby Affair T
Bettina Darling Students Out Layout Editor
his year’s theme for Junior Cotillion is a “Gatsby Affair!” Its theme, based on none other than a Gats-
by Party itself, is sure to be a night to remember! Six high schools, including St. Agnes, Second Baptist, Lamar, Duchesne, Memorial, and Houston Christian, will all be grouped together for this event. The girls from these schools
A glimpse into the night: all attendees had great time dancing the night awayat Junior Cotillion.
6
to sell their tickets rather than buy them. The enthusiasm is not quite as high as it was last year and it may be due to mediocre music that played and unexceptional food that was served. Although it was fun to hang out with friends and take loads of pictures all glammed up, the dance consisted of little to no dancing which may be due to the fact that clowns were placed everywhere to keep in theme with “Circus.” On a lighter note, I think this year will be great! We have an excellent mother, Susan Kherkher, who is the coordinator for St. Agnes. And I actually got a date before the deadline to turn in forms! And to tie the whole night together, the theme is “A Gatsby AfWWW.NYMAG.COM fair” and, I mean, you can’t go wrong when you party like Gatsby!
who sign up are to ask a date to the dance, find a picture-perfect, floor-length gown, dazzling shoes and flawless hair and makeup. Not to my surprise, this year’s cotillion has fewer attendees then last. Most girls are hoping
2013 Quarter 2
Features
Vol 63 Issue 2
the columns
Getting in the Christmas Spirit Taylor Chukwu Features Editor
L
ooking for something fun and inexpensive to do this holiday season? Or are you just wanting to escape the madness of your out-of-town relatives at home? Here are a few happenings around Houston that will make for a great festive outing: Ice at Discovery Green - Nov. 22-Jan. 22 Every winter Discovery Green becomes a winter wonderland with the “Ice at Discovery Green”, an outdoor ice skating rink constructed on a portion of Kinder Lake. Go out and enjoy a variety of jolly activities throughout the holidays, including concerts, movies and more. Zoo Lights - Nov.-Dec The Houston Zoo transforms into a spectacular view, filled with brilliant displays of colorful lights and festive holiday music. Sip hot holiday drinks as you meander through the Houston Zoo and take in all the breathtaking sights, including thousands of twinkling lights adorning the magnificent live oak trees, magical colorful projections over fifteen feet tall, and lifesize animated animal sculptures. Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lightening - Dec.
WWW.FLIXR.COM
DISCOVERYGREEN.COM Around Houston: Enjoy all that our city has to offer with these great holiday events around Houston. There’s something out there for all of us!
6 Begin the holiday season with Houston’s very own holiday celebration and tree lightening ceremony hosted by Mayor Anise Parker in the heart of downtown Houston at City Hall. Enjoy all of the spectacular activities, including music, an appearance by Mr. Clause himself. End the night with a spectacular display of fireworks. This event, presented by Reliant, is free and open to the Harris County public. Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker - Nov. 23-Dec. 30 This timeless ballet is brought
to you every year by the Houston Ballet and is a holiday classic that cannot be missed. Watch the story of The Nutcracker unfold on stage with some of Houston’s best ballerinas. Moody Gardens Festival of Lights - Nov.22-Dec. 12 This is no doubt one of Texas’ biggest holiday celebrations. This event includes hundreds of light decorations, an outdoor ice rink, a play area for your little siblings and cousins. You can even take a picture with Santa! Enjoy live entertainment and screenings of classic
holiday movies at this great event. Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas - Dec. 28 End the year with the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. At this annual college bowl Watch as the Big Ten faces off against the Big 12 in Houston’s annual college bowl game. New Year’s Eve Houston Dec. 31 Reminisce on the old and celebrate the new at Houston’s free, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. You’ll enjoy a host of performers and entertainers, a bubble garden, an illuminated art car parade,
ice skating, a variety of food and drinks galore, plus the ultimate countdown to the New Year 2014. Lights in the Heights - Dec. 8 Celebrate the Holiday season in one of Houston’s most historic neighborhoods. Almost seventy different entertainment organizations volunteer for this event. Wander down the streets and take in the breathtaking sights! As you can see there is plenty of inexpensive, but fun and festive activites all round Houston. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Upcoming Movies Haley Rocha Announcements Editor
T
he year of 2013 has had a great turnout of successful movies and many more are to come. Right now, the most anticipated movie of the year is the sequel to The Hunger Games, Catching Fire. Hardcore fans have already bought tickets to the midnight premiere on November 22. This movie stars Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. Another movie to be released is Enders Game which the journalism class had the awesome opportunity to attend an early special screening of the movie days before it was released! The film
stars Asa Butterfield as Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, an unusually gifted child who is sent to an advanced military school in space to prepare for a future alien invasion. The cast also includes Hailee Steinfeld, Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, Abigail Breslin and Harrison Ford. Some popular movies that are currently in theatres right now are Prisoners, starring Jake Gyllenhal and Hugh Jackman which focuses on the struggle of two families and a detective after their two young daughters have been abducted. If you are looking to watch a movie that will put you on the edge of your seat and blow your mind, this movie is the perfect choice. Now on DVD, We’re the Millers, starring Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts,
and Jason Sudeikis is the #1 comedy of the year and is guaranteed to make your stomach hurt from laughing so much. But, I must advise you this is most definitely not a movie to pick out for family movie night! Another box office hit is the remake of Carrie, starring Chloë Grace Moretz which is about a young girl who is bullied in school and turns out to have a supernatural ability of telekinesis. This movie follows the life of Carrie and her struggles with being bullied, stressing about prom, dealing with her super religious mother, and to wrap it all up, her supernatural ability. If you are looking for a good movie to see, these are highly recommended!
WWW.MOVIEFONE.COM Suspenseful until the end: the recently released film engages viewers and has them on the edge of their seats until the very end.
7
2013 Quarter 2
Tiger Tail the columns
Sara Donovan Tiger Tails Editor
“Win a million dollars so I can go to college”
Vol 63 Issue 2
“Be Famous like I was meant to be”
“Survive Latin 3”
“To go to the beach more often. I love to see the water in Galveston. I just love it!!!” -Mrs. Clark
“Be more like Kelsey Ralph”
“To try and do yoga “Use Netflix everyday, less speak only during Spanish with the week” my dad, follow the “Get Here are some resolutions from around the schedules I create for better Academy! homework grades” and studying”
2014 New Year’s Resolutions
“ Don’t procrastinate, wear sweatpants for a whole week, eat a whole pizza by myself, make a 100 on a test”
“To escape the clutches of senioritis”
“Dance the night away with Mr. Perfect”
“Run enough to beat all the field hockey players in their mile next season, figure out ways to harness the energy of my CRAZY World History Section 32 and use it to solve the world’s energy crisis” -Coach Hudgins
“Getting into college would be nice??”
“To make my comeback by 2015” - xo Fat Patricia
“To get a boyfriend” “To build the world’s biggest rubberband ball”
Check out more on St. Agnes’ online newpaper The SAA Buzz at www.saabuzz.com 8