111711-GiftGuide

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,

Got a long to-do list?

Learning & Assessment Services can help!

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Saturday - Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm

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SUMMER Monday - Tuesday 10 am – 7 pm

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Accounting Biology Chemistry Computer Science

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Schedules for specific course tutoring hours are available at WWW.LAS.UH.EDU/LSS FUNDED BY YOUR STUDENT SERVICE FEE http://EVAL.UH.EDU Online course evaluation

Economics Engineering English Foreign Language

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LEARNING STRATEGIES WORKSHOPS: Time Management Test Anxiety Over Procrastination And many more...

COUNSELING: Individual assessments and individual instructions in learning strategies

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HOL

PY

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