Holiday THE DA D ILY L COU LY OUG OU UGA GAR
the official student newspaper of the university of houston since 1934
SPECIAL SECTION
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
GIFT GUIDE
Holly jolly Houston What the city has in store this hoilday season
The gift of gigabytes Ideas for your tech-savvy loved ones
2 • Thursday, October 27, 2011
THE DAILY COUGAR
Editor’s Note S O C I E T Y
F O R
T H E
P E R F O R M I N G
A R T S
B r i n g i n g t h e Wo r l d ’ s B e s t t o H o u s t o n
2011-2012 SEASON SPONSOR
THE IRISH TENORS
The holiday season is my favorite for many reasons. Between decorations, peppermint mochas, seeing the joy and warmth in others and listening to classic Christmas records with loved ones, I can’t decide which I enjoy the most. This is the season that reminds us to take a minute to cherish the people around us. When the weather grows cold, remember to spread the warmth
FINBAR WRIGHT • ANTHONY A NTHONY KEARNS • R RONAN ONAN T TYNAN YNAN
Holiday Reunion 2011
WITH
Full Orchestra
of the season with a smile to a stranger and share the happiness with friends and family members whom
Mary Baak
you hold dear. In this guide, you’ll find several ways to make this season bright. With a list of events going on in Hous-
ton and the surrounding area, tips for decorating your dorm and gift ideas for the technology connoisseur in your life, we hope to ignite the holiday spirit in you a little early. There is no place like home for the holidays. No matter where you go home to, we hope that the coming months bring you love, light and the chance to spend some time with the people that matter the most.
8 PM
Wed, Dec 7 JONES HALL
Happy holidays to you and yours from all of us at The Daily Cougar.
Holiday THE DA D ILY L COU LY OUG OU UGA GAR
SPECIAL SECTION
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
GIFT GUIDE
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE A special supplement to The Daily Cougar SECTION EDITOR Mary Baak COPY EDITORS Jack Wehman, Natasha Faircloth
Holly jolly Houston What the city has in store this hoilday season
The gift of gigabytes
FOLLOW US
Ideas for your tech-savvy loved ones
Alana MousaviDin, Ellen Goodacre PRODUCTION Ben Muths, Santa’s Elves ADVERTISING SALES Victoria Gbenoba, Ariana Hurst, Amanda Starghill
OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF SPA
DAILY COUGAR 6 x 6
CONTRIBUTORS Darlene Campos,
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IDAY S!
Thursday, October 27, 2011 • 3
Advertising Supplement
JACK’STECHGUIDE
3. For the shutterbug: Photographers are nearly impossible to buy for. With camera bodies and lenses costing into the thousands, your ideal gift usually ends up turning into a gift card purchase.
WHEN YOU’RE BUYING PRESENTS this holiday season, don’t forget about the
Well, the Lytro light field camera is something excit-
technology enthusiasts (the politically correct term for nerds and geeks). Just like ev-
ing, new and under half a grand — it’s a radically dif-
eryone else, tech lovers want to open a good present — but if you aren’t in touch with
ferent camera than what you’d expect. It lets you focus
the newest and best electronics, you may hear the dreaded question: “Does this have
on a different part of an image after the picture has been
a gift receipt with it?”
taken, meaning no more out-of-focus shots. $399 to $499,
Here are some of the best gifts for the computer-literate in your life.
lytro.com/camera
1. An Apple a day: Topping
4. Two-in-one of a kind: I know it
the list is Apple’s iPad 2. Net-
says the iPad 2 is king of all tablets, and
books and laptops are so last
that is still true, but Asus has an ace up
year — if you want to give a
its sleeve. The awkwardly-named Asus
present everyone wants, you’re
Eee Pad Transformer Prime is coming
hard-pressed to find something
out in December, and it’s the first tablet
better to put under the tree/
to use the blazingly fast quad-core Tegra
menorah/festivus pole than the
3 processor. It also comes with a docking station that turns your tablet into a laptop
hottest tablet computer on the
— hence the Transformer name. And with its $499 price, it could be just the tablet
market. There are many differ-
to turn the tables on Apple’s tablet domination. $499 and up, eee.asus.com.
ent competitors, but the iPad
5. A holly, jolly vintage Christmas gift: This list says it’s about the
is still the undisputed champion of tablets, period. $499 to $829, apple.com/store
latest and greatest technology, but sometimes what’s old is new again. The Retro Duo NES/SNES Game System is a perfect example of new ideas
2. Their favorite games, live in livingcolor: If you’re buying for a gamer, chances
for old technology; it can play both NES and SNES games. Find out what games from the ’90s your special someone loves, and get this to play them on. You can’t go wrong with
are they are salivating over the next generation
a nostalgic gift — especially when you’re dealing
of portable consoles. The Nintendo 3DS is a great idea for the casual and hardcore gamer
with a shiny new console to play your memories on.
— its selection of games is always growing, and at
Around $50, amazon.com — Jack Wehman
under $200, it’s somewhat budget-friendly. $169, amazon.com
Happy Holidays! T
he holiday season is the time to celebrate and 2011 has been a remarkable year. Together, we have lifted academic and personal achievements to higher levels, and this semester welcomed the most select group of new freshmen in the university’s history.
A
s a Carnegie-designated Tier One university, we continue to break new ground in energy, health, arts and research. We carried that winning spirit through an incredible Cougar football season.
I
celebrate each one of you, as you achieve your goals in our rich learning and living environment. I toast your accomplishments, present and future, and wish you a joyful holiday season and a new year full of promise.
Renu Khator President, University of Houston
Follow President Khator:
Twitter.com/UHPres
www.uh.edu/president
4 • Thursday, October 27, 2011
THE DAILY COUGAR
Cougar Wish List
Ellen Goodacre | THE DAILY COUGAR
MOST PEOPLE THINK that the lifestyle college students live — empty bank accounts, surviving on a diet of ramen noodles and water and spending countless hours in the library — makes Christmas shopping for young folks a relatively easy feat. Buy anything of value or just put cash in envelope, and voila! However, UH students seem to be just as attracted to gifts from the heart with heavier sentimental value instead of setting their sights on material goods.
Jasmine Harris: “I want a pair of
rain boots because
Denzil Pitts: “I would actually like to have a job for
I wasn’t expecting all the rain and maybe a new phone
Christmas. I get tired of depending on my mom for
and a pair of cowboy boots since everyone’s so Texan!”
money.”
Chris Smith: “For Christmas, I want a year’s supply
Maria Villegas: “I’m looking forward to spending
of gas for my car. No, a lifetime supply!”
time with my family and visiting New York. I also can’t wait to spend more time outdoors, because I’m always inside studying!”
Fredy Bonilla: “I want a break, time to spend with
Richard Durham: “I’m looking forward to going
family, and to prepare for the opera, “Amelia,” in Janu-
home, seeing my family, and actually having a home
ary”
cooked meal. I haven’t really gotten gifts since I was about 16.”
Darby Ulin: “I want to see all my family gathered to-
Randall Towns: “I would like a new car and a brand
gether at one time and to eat, like always. I’m not really
new house of my own and an acceptance to the Yale
worried about gifts”
School of Law.”
Jacob Koshak: “What I want for Christmas is to be
Kaitan Mahbubani: “I’m looking forward to going
with my family. Since my family moved I haven’t gotten
home and doing things in San Antonio I can’t do here
to see them a lot. The holidays are the only time I get to
and meeting with friends from work. I’m really excited
see the whole side of my mom’s family.”
about tacos, seeing my cats, and my grandma.”
UH AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES wishes you and your families
A HAPPY
KWANZAA Day 1, Umoja (unity) Day 2, Kujichagulia (self-determination) Day 3, Ujima (collective work and responsibility) Day 4, Ujamaa (cooperative economy) Day 5, Nia (purposefulness) Day 6, Kuumba (creativity) Day 7, Imani (faith)
628 Agnes Arnold Hall Houston, TX 77204-3047
(713) 743-2811
Thursday, October 27, 2011 • 5
Advertising Supplement
Seasonal exhibits yule treasure MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS | SPONSORED ARTICLE EXPERIENCE STUNNING exhibitions, special holiday events
house during the 1700s. To help get you in the holiday
and unique shopping this holiday
spirit, visit “Yuletide at Bayou
season at the Museum of Fine
Bend” from Nov. 17 to Jan. 1. This
Arts, Houston.
annual transformation of Bayou
Now on view “Tutankhamun:
Bend Collection and Gardens
The Golden King and the Great
brings festive lighting to the gar-
Pharaohs,” featuring more than
dens and holiday delights to eight
100 treasures — including the boy
of the mansion’s rooms.
king’s golden sandals, rings and ear ornaments. While you’re here, don’t miss
From Dec. 1 to Dec. 16, Yuletide at Bayou Bend offers candlelight tours of the mansion’s eight rooms, which are decorated to recreate moments from the 17th - 20th centuries. | Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
This year’s exhibit includes a gallery of Christmas trees that show the evolution of the winter
“Life & Luxury: The Art of Living in
holidays and an adaptation of
for hours, admission and addi-
stop by The MFAH Shop and The
Eighteenth-Century Paris,” where
William Hogarth’s “A Midnight
tional information.
Shop at Bayou Bend, which fea-
you can experience the elegance
Modern Conversation.”
of a typical day in a Paris town-
Having healthy eyes is a gift
If you’re looking for a one-of-
Visit www.mfah.org/bayoubend
a-kind gift for anyone on your list,
decorative items. For additional information on
ture beautiful jewelry and acces-
holiday events, exhibits, hours and
sories, creative toys and unique
admission, visit www.mfah.org.
hy t l a e h & m r a w Wishing you a
! n o s a e S y Holida h Center lt a e H y t si r e iv from the Un
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Even if you’re lucky enough to have perfect 20/20 vision, taking care of your eyes and protecting them against injury or infection is important. Comprehensive vision care is available on campus. It is also important to wear a pair of good quality sunglasses, as they can block between 99 and 100 percent of UV radiation. The UEI provides a wide range of services from comprehensive vision examinations to the medical and surgical management of eye disorders. The University Eye Institute is located at 4901 Calhoun, on the corner of Calhoun and Wheeler Street.
The University of Houston Health Center is a comprehensive health care facility open to all currently enrolled students, faculty and staff where providing for your health care needs is our mission. An experienced team of licensed doctors, nurses, and health care professionals are available to serve you.
All visits and inquiries are confidential!
The UEI is open to the public, and appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free patient parking can be accessed from
Entrance # 6 off Wheeler Building #525 on Campus Map
the Wheeler Street entrance. We accept most health and vision plans, including the UH student health insurance. Visit www.uei.uh.edu for
Hours M/T/Th/F: W:
8am-5:30pm 8am-6:30pm
more information or to make an appointment, please call (713) 743-2020
Hours subject to change
Web Address www.uh.edu/admin/hc
6 • Thursday, October 27, 2011
THE DAILY COUGAR
HOUSTON: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Darlene Campos | THE DAILY COUGAR
WITH A SLOW ECONOMY in recent
Discover the arts:
times, many people may choose to
son will be a celebration of the arts at
stay home for the holidays, but doesn’t
Houston’s own Discovery Green. Discov-
mean staying out of fun. Houston is the
ery Green will be hosting Public Poetry
fourth largest city in the United States,
in the Park on Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Readings
so there are plenty of things to do
will be held by poets John Gorman, Carol
around town.
Louise Munn, Evangelina Virgil-Piñón and
This holiday sea-
Kevin Prufer. Admission is free.
Heritage by Candlelight: The 49th Annual Candlelight Tour at Sam Houston
Ice on the green:
Park will run through Dec.9 and 10 from
take place on Dec. 20 and 27 at the
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will be reenactments of historical Houston events
Jazz on Ice will
Discovery Green ice rink at 7pm. Skating
DICKENS ON THE STRAND
costs $10, but sitting in and listening to
as well informative workshops to create
live jazz music is free. Gospel Green will
crafts for the holidays. Tickets are $10 for adults. Visit www.heritagesociety.org
take place on December at the Grace Event Lawn at 12pm. The concert
for more information.
is also free of charge. Brunch made by Chef Robert Del Grande will also be available during the concert for $27. In addition, IKEA Houston will be
Christmas, the best of times:
Dickens on the Strand is an annual re-
sponsoring free holiday movies at the park every Thursday in December
vival of the Victorian Era of London right in south Texas. The event will take
starting at 6:30pm. For more information or for a full list of all Discovery
place on Dec. 3 and 4. Tickets are $14 at the gate and $12 in advance. For
Green’s upcoming events, visit www.discoverygreen.com.
more information, visit www.galvestonhistory.org.
From Our Home to Your Home,
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Holiday/Break Hours: THANKSGIVING BREAK:
November 23, 2011 (Wednesday) 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM November 24-25, 2011 (Thursday – Friday) CLOSED November 26, 2011 (Saturday) 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Spread cheer, stay green Alana MousaviDin | THE DAILY COUGAR
WINTER BREAK:
December 17 2011(Saturday) 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM December 18, 2011 (Sunday) Noon – 8:00 PM December 19-22, 2011 (Monday–Thursday) 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM December 23, 2011 (Friday) 6:00 AM- 8:00 PM December 24, 2011 thru January 2, 2011 CLOSED January 2-5, 2012 (Monday-Thursday) 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM January 6, 2012 (Friday) 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM January 7, 2012 (Saturday) 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM January 8, 2012 (Sunday) Noon – 8:00 PM January 9-12, 2012 (Monday – Thursday) 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM January 13, 2012 (Friday) 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM January 14, 2012 (Saturday) 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM January 15, 2012 (Sunday) Noon – 8:00 PM The following areas will be closed for maintenance: Basketball courts will be closed Dec 17, 2011 through January 7, 2012 Racquetball courts will be closed Jan 1, 2012 through January 7, 2012 Multipurpose Rooms will be closed Jan 1, 2012 through January 7, 2012
WHEN YOU ONLY HAVE a little and you want to do a lot, the holidays are perfect for simplicity. Whether it is a little money, a little space or merely a little imagination, finding ways to decorate for the holidays is a small way to make your space welcoming and cozy. Go green this season- think of décor that can give back later. Simple things like popcorn without butter or salt and fresh cranberries strung on thread make for simple and elegant garland or tree-trimmings. Fill a large glass or wooden bowl with red and green apples for a colorful and delicious centerpiece. Instead of a traditional holiday tree, try a planted miniature or if you have a bit of an artsy flair, make a tree from dowel rods or sticks from the park. Wrap a few LED lights and use things like that old earrings that lost their mate — nothing expensive, of course — or a
NOTE: Natatorium closes one hour prior to CRWC closing. Leisure Pool, Cubbie Corner and Outdoor Adventure/Climbing Wall have different hours. Please call: (713) 743-PLAY or check: www.uh.edu/recreation for details.
strand of old Mardi Gras beads to as ornaments. Another go-to for cheap décor is a trip to the local dollar store!
Thursday, October 27, 2011 • 7
Advertising Supplement
PLAYLIST
‘Tis the season for great tunes THE HOLIDAY SEASON is just around the corner. The weather cools, the city is alight and cheerful people with red noses, peacoats and scarves are everywhere you turn. Even though we live in Houston and there’s almost no chance of having a white Christmas, we can always dream — something this season is all about. With that in mind, here are eight songs for spreading the cheer during the most joyous time of the year. — Mary Baak Marshmallow World Dean Martin
Baby It’s Cold Outside Frank Loesser
All I Want for Christmas is You Mariah Carey
So This Is Christmas John Lennon
White Christmas Ella Fitzgerald
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Bing Crosby
Silver Bells Bob Hope
Last Christmas Wham!
From the students and staff of The Daily Cougar,
Happy holidays! Follow Cougar sports and breaking news all winter break at thedailycougar.com
8 • Thursday, October 27, 2011
THE DAILY COUGAR
Thinking about Contact Lenses
Open to the public, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The University Eye Institute is on the corner of Calhoun and Wheeler Street
4901 Calhoun, the J. Davis Armistead bldg. To schedule an appointment please call 713.743.2015 or visit www.uei.uh.edu