Holiday Special 2011

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Holiday Songs

We all know them. We all love them. Here are our top 10.

-Silent Night “I love that it’s slow and pretty.”-Alex Wilkins ‘15 -Santa Baby “It’s a fun and festive song for the holidays.”-Brianna Lynn ‘15 -Let it Snow “It’s not religious particular and everyone can enjoy it.”-Taylor Broderick ‘12 -Lo How A Rose Er Blooming “ It’s just stunningly beautiful.”-Julia Dale -All I Want for Christmas is You “ It’s a upbeat song compared to other Christmas songs -Grace Buck ‘15 -Winter Wonderland “It reminds me of being a kid again”-Casey Collinsworth ‘12 -Jingle Bells “That’s the song my family always sings around the holidays”-Shelby Clouthier ‘13 -White Christmas “Because the singer’s voice makes me so happy.”-Reanna Richardson ‘15 -Jingle Bell Rock “It makes me just want to whistle it all day.”-Austin Luong ‘13 -Silver Bells “I love how classic and festive they are.”-Maddy Nilsson ‘12

[kelceybeckman] [andrewcharap]

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Gifts to Give The Rock’s top nine gifts for everyone on your list this season

For Her: 1. Metallic Gold Oxfords Forever 21- $24.80

2. Sequin Tank Dress Nordstrom - $64.00

3. Layered Scarf Nordstrom - $18.00 For Him: 4. i360 Snow Infused Beanie Amazon.com - $39.99 5. Billabong Hooded Flannel PacSun - $64.50 6. Flud Big Ben Watch fludwatches.com - $95.00 “The kindle is really easy to read on. I really enjoy how it has the store built into it and how when you really need something to read, I can just go to the store and they have thousands of free classics that you can download. “

- Larissa Rosendale ’14 For the Techie: 7. Kindle Fire Amazon.com - $199.00

8. Flip Video Camcorder

Target -$99.00

9. Skull Candy Over the Ear Heaphones

Target -$25.00

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[nicolecassou]

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holidayspecial Ways to Spend the Season

Make sure not to miss out on these spectacular performances, events and activities that take place all over the city of Denver during the holiday season. Whether you drive down or catch the Light Rail, Denver is the place to be during the holiday season.

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Southwest Rink at Skyline Park

Location: Arapahoe and 16th street, next to the D&F Clock tower Opening/Closing Dates: Open daily from November 25, 2011- February 14, 2012 Cost: FREE ($2 Skate Rental Available) Grab a group of friends and head down to Skyline Park for a full night of fun ice-skating. The rink is open to the public and is free. Skaters can either bring their own skates or rent a pair for $2. As a bonus, every Friday night DJ’s will be present at the rink to add some music to the evening, every Saturday morning learning to skate classes will be available, on Saturday evenings there will be live music and on Sunday afternoons there will be family entertainment at the rink.

Options to Sock-ify Your Holiday Wardrobe

Everyone has an ugly holiday sweater, but how about your socks? We thought it would be interesting to take a look inside your holiday sock drawer...

Location: Off East 1st Avenue in Denver

Dates/Times: November 11- December 24, 2011. Normal mall hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day however, on select days the mall will close at 10 p.m. and on Sundays it closes at 7 p.m.

As you and your friends enjoy a day of shopping and the charming holiday decorations throughout the mall, make sure to experience the one-of-a-kind winter wonderland Ice Palace in the Grand Court of the mall, featuring, giant snow globes, a magical show and a light show, polar and arctic animals, various winter royalty characters and many great photo opportunities for you and your friends that would make a great Facebook profile picture.

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Blossoms of Light at Botanic Gardens Location: West of Downtown Denver off York Street

Opening/Closing Dates: Open nightly from December 2, 2011-January 1, 2012 from 5:30-9:30 Dp.m.

Ticket Costs: $9.50 for Adults (13 & up) $6.50 for Children (3-12) If you are a Denver Botanic Gardens member, you will receive $2 off admission.

Grab a pair of HoloSpex glasses and that sweet someone in your life as you take pleasure in over one million lights draped in exquisite designs that bring out the best in the gardens’winter beauty, enjoy the many romantic and popular kissing spots throughout the garden and savor warm drinks and delectable treats that will be available. On exclusive evenings, seasonal entertainment will also be available.

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A Christmas Carol

Location: The Stage Theater (Helen Bonfils Theater Complex) in The Denver Performing Arts Complex, located in Downtown Denver off Arapaho Street Dates: Evening performances are available TuesdaySunday evenings and matinee performances are available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from November 25-December 24, 2011

“ I don’t really have any Christmas sweaters, so I just have to go with holiday socks.”

-Adillea Banks ‘13

“Holiday socks are probably the most interesting thing I’ve ever seen some are sparkly, some are fluffy and they’re all just unique and different.”

-Mitch Vareldzis ‘14

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Ice Palace at Cherry Creek Mall

Ticket Costs: Section A seating tickets are $67 and Section B seating tickets are $57.

[maerohrbach]

The heartwarming classic, A Christmas Carol, returns to the Stage Theater during this holiday season featuring original songs, laughter, lively sets and costumes and ghostly chills, as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three different spirits throughout Christmas eve, that change his mind-setting on the future. So guys take your girl out to dinner and then surprise her by going and seeing A Christmas Carol. To buy tickets go to http://www.denvercenter.org/shows-and-events/ Shows/achristmascarol/Home.aspx to get your tickets for a performance that will not be forgotten.

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Denver Zoo Lights

Location: Off Colorado Boulevard, then 23rd Avenue one half mile down the road Opening/Closing: December 9, 2011-January 1, 2012 from 5-9 p.m.

Ticket Costs: $9 for Adults (Ages 12-64) $5 for Children (Ages 3-11) Zoo members receive $2 off Zoo Lights admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Zoo or online at www.denverzoo.org/zoolights/index.asp. *Bring in a non-perishable food donation and receive $1 off admission. Experience a wonderful evening full of 38 illuminated acres of 100% LED lights, more than 150 animated animal sculptures that hop, jump and swing through the trees and various wild animals.

Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate, a fresh bag of kettle corn or a cone of sweet roasted nuts as you walk around and view all of the different displays and nightly activities.

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The Nutcracker Location: Ellie Caulkins Opera House in The Denver Performing Arts Complex, located in Downtown Denver off Arapahoe Street

Opening/Closing Dates: Performances are available on weekends and select Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings from November 26 - December 24, 2011 Ticket Costs: Ticket prices start at $20 and go up to $140 for premiere seating.

Make sure to plan one special evening to go and experience the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker put on by the Colorado Ballet. From the glittering snowflakes to remarkable costumes, such as the sugarplums, and sets and add in Tchaikovsky’s original arrangement performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, you are swept into a memorable, magical journey that is worth experiencing. To purchase tickets go to http://www.coloradoballet. org/_webapp_3884316/The_Nutcracker.

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Hammond’s Candy Cane Festival Location: Hammond’s Candies Factory located off N. Washington Street in Denver

Opening/Closing Dates: Open Friday December 9 from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. & Saturday December 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ticket Costs: FREE (excluding the gift shop) Enjoy a day of holiday fun at Hammond’s Annual Candy Cane Festival. Free tours of the factory will be available and guests will also be able to sample fresh candy that is made before your eyes. There will be many activities including, cookie decorating, face painting, arts and crafts, caroling, storytelling, trolley rides, free tours and more. Don’t forget to step into the gift shop before you leave and take some delicious, fresh candy home with you.

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Light Displays You Won’t Want to Miss If you want to get out of the house this holiday to see some great lights and can’t quite make it to Las Vegas, check out these neighborhoods for some great displays.

Look for great lights in these neighborhoods: 1. Forest Park in Castle Pines 2. Wildcat in Highlands Ranch 3 .The Hearth in Highlands Ranch 4. King’s Crossing in Castle Pines 5. Aberdeen Circle in Highlands Ranch 6. The Village in Castle Pines

gumdrop buttons and royal icing don’t quite seem to cut it, have some fun with your gingerbread men and choose to Alternatives to Gingerbread “Men” When satirize pop culture instead of decorating the same old cookies Instead of making the same old same old cookies, use your imagination and poke a bit of fun at pop culture. All it takes to make this recreation of the Kardashian wedding is come cinnamon candies, a few M&M’s, some chocolate chips and cream cheese frosting...

You can even have some fun and make a ring for Kim out of glitter and sprinkles.

Festive Holiday Recipes

Cinnamon Rolls

Whether it’s making cocoa for your friends or decorating cookies for a party, everyone needs a few seasonal treats to get through the holiday season. Here are our top four recipes.

1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) 2 eggs 1/3 cup margarine, melted 4 1/2 cups bread flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup white sugar 2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

Candied Sweet Potatoes

6 large sweet potatoes 1/2 cup butter 2 cups white sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon vanilla extract salt to taste

1.

Thinly slice the lemons and the oranges and place in a large punch bowl. Pour in the thawed lemonade. Gently stir in the club soda and the sparkling apple cider. Add sugar to taste. Add ice.

Sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1/3 cup butter, softened

2.

Melt the butter or margarine in a heavy skillet and add the sliced sweet potatoes.

Frosting

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3.

Mix the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Cover the sweet potatoes with sugar mixture and stir. Cover skillet, reduce heat to low and cook for about 1 hour or until potatoes are “candied”. You will need to stir occasionally during the cooking. Stir in the vanilla just before serving.

Makes approximately 12 servings.

1/8 teaspoon salt

1.

Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.

[photo by danielleburrage]

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

1/2 c. butter 1/2 c. peanut butter (creamy) 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. packed brown sugar 1 egg

1 1/4 c. flour 1 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Mix together first 5 ingredients; then add remaining flour and mix until you form a sticky dough. Roll into small balls and place

onto a greased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8-10 minutes or until just golden brown. Place unwrapped Hershey kiss in center of each cookie, while they are still hot.

Makes approximately 48 cookies.

Sparkling Punch

2 lemons 3 large oranges 1 (6 ounce) can frozen lemonade 1 liter club soda 2 (750 milliliter) bottles sparkling apple cider 1 tablespoon white sugar 2 trays ice cubes

1.

Thinly slice the lemons and the oranges and place in a large punch bowl. Pour in the thawed lemonade. Gently stir in the club soda and the sparkling apple cider. Add sugar to taste. Add ice.

Makes approximately 20 servings.

2.

After the dough has doubled in size turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.

3.

Roll dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle. Spread dough with 1/3 cup butter and sprinkle evenly with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Roll up dough and cut into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

4.

Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, confectioners’sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving..

Makes approximately 12 cinnamon rolls.

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Barista-Worthy Cocoas Who needs Starbucks when you have a can of whipped cream, some marshmallows and a little bit of imagination?

For S’mores Cocoa, just add jumbo marshmallows, chocolate syrup, Hershey’s chocolate squares and graham cracker crumbs.

Holiday Films

The Rock takes a quick look at movies to catch and avoid this holiday season.

The Flick: Arthur Christmas

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The 3D, animated family comedy Arthur Christmas, attempts to answer the question, how does Santa get all those presents out to millions of well-behaved children in one night?

As Santa Claus (Jim Broadbent) heads into retirement, he has decided to leave his detail-oriented son, Steve (Hugh Laurie), to the hi-tech mechanics of delivering presents, and employs a squadron of gift-delivering elves in what amounts to be an annual global commando Christmas raid.

However, his youngest son, Arthur (James McAvoy), has the job of answering the letters sent to Santa by the children of the world. The film gets big laughs out of the set-up, but then has to change gears as the true plot sets in.

Steve is likely to take over for Santa when he retires, but after conducting his military gift delivering campaign, Steve realizes that he has missed one child.

So Arthur--with his deep love of Christmas--decides to go out on a mission with Grand Santa (Bill Nighy) and wrapping elf, Bryony (Ashley Jensen), on the magic sleigh to make sure the child gets her toy before Christmas Eve is over.

The action is swift and witty, and the 3-D effects are imaginative. Overall, the under-10 audience was entranced, and, remarkably. so were their parents. Arthur Christmas is an instant classic that will have you leaving the theater full of Christmas cheer. [cambelwinkler]

The Flub: Happy Feet Two Happy Feet Two, the sequel to critically acclaimed Happy Feet, returns its audience to the magnificent and breathtaking landscape of Antarctica in 3D. Mumble, the “Master of Tap”, now has a tiny son, Erik, who is “choreo-phobic”. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters the “Mighty Sven” --a penguin who can fly (A Puffin).

Mumble has no hope of competing with Erik’s charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful, unknown forces. Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures--from tiny Krill, (played

by Matt Damon and Brad Pitt) to Elephant Seals--to put things right.

Overall, the movie is just alright; the first half is boring and repetitive, but the beautiful landscape keeps you fairly entertained, and Robin Williams gives a few good laughs. The film just has a hard time getting off the ground and living up to it’s predecessor. But, overall its a good reason to get the family out of the house for a few hours over winter break.

[andrewcharap] [cambelwinkler]

For Dulce De Leche Cocoa, spray a generous amount of whipped cream on the cocoa and shake on one teaspoon of cinnamon. Then, for a bit of flair, drop in a cinnamon stick or two.

For Peppermint Cocoa, stick in a candy cane, drizzle on some peppermint syrup and top it off with whipped cream. [sydcharvat]

Holiday Message

F

inally we’ve reached that time of year when everything starts to slow down. The semester is drawing to a close, the football season is ending, finals are approaching and homework and school activities are starting to die down.

Every year we somehow manage to make it to this point. Even when we think that our borderline grade in Economics or our inability to conjugate in Spanish will bring about our untimely fall from academic grace, we pull through.

We work so hard during the year in an effort to meet the expectations of ourselves and those around us, that oftentimes we don’t make enough time for the things and the people that really matter.

As any decent Hallmark card can tell you, the Holidays are a time for giving and for family. And, although we’d rather not reiterate what thousands of creatively dressed paper snowmen can tell you, the Rock feels that there really is nothing more important during the holiday season than making time for the little things.

Time for things like making zucchini bread with your grandma, even though you’ve told her a thousand times that you hate the taste.

For decorating gingerbread men with your three year old cousin, even though she just

[photo by maddiewhitten] bites off the arms and eats all of the gumdrops.

And time for watching Elf with your family, even though you’ve seen it more times than you can count.

Because, in the end, you will get bored with your presents. You will grow out of that adorable PacSun sweater, you will break that awesome pair of Ray-Bans, you will wear out that new pair of Toms, and you will run out of that bottle of Hollister cologne.

But, even when you’re fifty years old (I know, scary right?) you’ll still be able to remember exactly what that god-awful zucchini bread smelled like. You’ll still be able to remember laughing as you pried a paraplegic gingerbread man out of your cousin’s hands, and you’ll still know exactly what inflection to use when you call someone a “cotton-headed-ninny-muggins.”

So please, if nothing else this holiday season, once you’ve put up the textbooks for the semester and shoved your football gear to the back of your closet, take a moment and listen to the words of wisdom on that obnoxiously glittery reindeer card your aunt sent you, and enjoy the season.

Wishing you a safe holiday and a happy New Year!

therock