Bear Facts Volume 40, Issue 2

Vol. 40, Issue 1

Ursuline Academy of Dallas

theuabearfacts.com

A WEEK TO REMEMBER,

A SISTERHOOD TO CELEBRATE:

INTRAMURALS MMXVIII

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The Bear Facts

“only 1 in 3 of people suffering from anxiety seek and receive help...”

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Upperclassmen Face-off at Powderpuff

By Kate Janson ‘20

“Powder Puff,” a popular American tradition in high schools and colleges all over the country, is anticipated every year at Ursuline. Jesuit football players coach girls how to become experts at the sport in five short practices. This annual game evokes a very comp etitive spirit and rivalry between the junior and senior classes and is not taken lightly. As a junior, this was my first year to partake in this tradition, after watching it for the past two years. So, in case you haven’t heard about the intensity and all of the practice and effort that goes into this one game, read on.

In preparation for the Jesuit homecoming football game, the junior and senior girls sign up to play an intense game of flag football the morning of November 2nd. A team of around 40 girls is chosen from the sign up, and practices begin a few short days later. I did not have time to mentally prepare for this. I underestimated the intensity of this tradition at Ursuline and how seriously we must take it. Soon enough, I learned how much of an honor it was to be randomly chosen. Most girls at Ursuline want nothing more than to represent their class and show off their athletic

abilities on the football field in front of all of Ursuline and Jesuit.

Sunday, October 30th, the preparation began. Our coaches had 5 short weeks to turn girls into football players.

Practices would run from 2-4 every Sunday on the Ursuline soccer field in the dead heat of the day.

I play soccer, so I’m used to being outside on the field but usually for only one and a half hours. This seemed a little excessive. With the sun beating down on us, we were directed to catch footballs, sprint, and run plays. We were divided into two groups for offense and defense based on what sport you play, your athletic ability, or your preference. Then, we scrimmaged. For an hour straight. We memorized plays, pulled flags, and sweat, a lot.

Practice number one was finally over. Don’t get me wrong, it was so fun. But I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t sore the next morning. For the

next four weeks we would sweat blood and tears to prepare to leave it all on the Jesuit football field on November 3rd. I am used to playing soccer close to every day of the week, but these practices are no where close to easy. Playing football, even flag football, requires a lot of cutting and quick movements.

On November 2nd, the practices ceased, and our work will be put to the test. We will prove just how much football we can learn in five short weeks.

The juniors and the seniors had an early morning and rushed onto the Jesuit football field, music blaring, before nine in the morning. Warm-ups started and then the seniors kicked off. There was a lot of back and forth until the seniors scored a touchdown in the first quarter, and their second quickly followed along with someone completely ripping my shirt.

We were down 13-0 with 40 seconds left on the clock. It was fourth down and the junior QB, Megan Whampner, threw to Brynson Gill for the juniors’ first and only touchdown of the game. With less than 20 seconds left, I kicked a field goal and we scrammed to attempt to score again. But the senior defense held up, and the game ended with the score 13-7.

With only five days of practice, both the juniors and the seniors pulled off a football miracle. The seniors kept up the tradition of beating the juniors. But, the juniors are readt and waiting in anticipation to demolish next year’s junior class in powderpuff.

Nurse Murray’s Tips

By Brooke Norman ‘20

During the hectic and lazier cold months, countless germs are being transmitted from person to person, with the amount of people containing a sickness just multiplies each day. You may think you are never going to fall ill in these cold months, yet you should be thinking more about how you can stay heathier to decrease your chances of catching something anytime soon.

Nurse Murray, the nurse at Ursuline, gave some tips on how to maintain health and the basics of staying away from hidden illnesses. She said, “The two most important things in addition to eating and sleeping well,” Nurse Murray said, “are to wash your hands constantly and to get a flu shot as soon as possible,” she also said to eat well in nutrients and to attempt to receive an abundance of rest.

Seasonal illness spikes due to our immune system’s vulnerability during the colder months. Trying to maintain and build up your immune system is definitely easier than it seems and significantly less time consuming than caring for your sickness, and with time and care, you may just dodge every illness that comes to school this year.

Make sure to keep your hands away from your face! Bacteria easily enters your body to multiply the amount of virus cells and for you to end up feeling drowsy and nauseous. A study on Today. com states that people who touch their eyes and nose are 41 percent more likely to catch a sickness and taking vitamin supplements builds up your immune system to fight the viruses from coming to you.

When washing your hands, don’t be in a hurry! Wash every single corner, making sure to deep-clean both the back and front of your hands thoroughly. Also, apply hand sanitizer when you can, to kill most germs.

Although drinking a nice, hot coffee from Starbucks may sound more appetizing, sometimes the better choice is to stay hydrated and drink water, continuously.

The hydrating water flushes all the toxins from your system, and if you feel cold, or the cold water doesn’t suit your taste buds, set some water to a boil on the stove and sprinkle a hint of lemon to add extra flavor!

If you do get sick, stay home and rest. Drink plenty of fluids, take steamy showers or baths, use a humidifier, take elderberry extract cough drops and sleep as much as possible. It is better to stay home and miss school rather than stay in school and gradually become worse or even affect fellow classmates.

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The Bear Facts

The History Behind Homecoming

By CATHERINE COOK ‘19

Homecoming. The word some girls dread, and some girls excitedly await.

For many, the stress of ordering a dress, finding a date, and organizing a picture group is all too much to handle. So why do we wear gigantic mums that touch the ground and awkwardly slow dance with our dates anyways…what is the big deal about homecoming?

The tradition of homecoming dates back all the way to the 19th century.

Homecoming centered on a parade and a football game. This all began in 1891, when the Missouri Tigers played the Kansas Jayhawks, the oldest college football rivalry west of the Mississippi River. Years later, when the two teams planned to play each other again, the Mizzou Athletic Director, Chester Brewer has a brilliant idea to ensure a stadium filled with fans and lots of spirit. Brewer invited all alumni to "come home" for the game in 1911. Along with the alumni football game, the school put on a parade and spirit rally with a bonfire. Just as Brewer envisioned, 10,000 alumni came home, and the event was nothing short of a success. The fun filled, spirited game became known as “homecoming.”

Now, homecoming has become a tradition in which most high schools and colleges participate. With a pep-rally, tailgate, homecoming court, and football game on Friday night, students excitedly await for the festivities of the week to finally arrive. Then on Saturday night,

boys and girls gather to take pictures before, and most exchange corsages and boutonnieres, then grab a quick dinner and head to the dance held at the school. Although being an all-girls’ school has made it difficult to carry out many traditions of other co-ed schools, Ursuline has done a fantastic job recreating the same traditions of homecoming, such as mums, Ranger Day, and the dress up week.

Ursuline senior, Emily Parrish, shared with us her experience attending a homecoming at Lake Highlands Highschool.

Courtesy of KWSN

1. What is the biggest different between attending Jesuit Homecoming and Lake Highlands Homecoming?

“The greatest difference in Lake Highlands homecoming was the amount of people that attend. Since it is a public school, there are a lot more students going to all of the events. My favorite part of Lake Highlands homecoming was that after the football game, all of the students get to run onto the field which was so much fun!”

2. What do you think about the quirky traditions of homecoming?

“I love traditions and think seeing quirky things carry on for years is very cool. I believe that mums especially are a unique tradition that Texans generally associate with homecoming.

Although they may be annoying to wear and thrown away after a while, seeing a huge decorative necklace on you in your high school pictures will be something cool to look back on.”

3. What is your favorite aspect of homecoming?

My favorite part of homecoming in the past has always been getting dressed up: the hair, makeup, and of course putting together a look! Even with costumes this year, it was fun to create a distinct outfit.

4. Do you think the traditions of homecoming will change for future generations?

I’m not sure if too much will change or not. My parents had mums and many years later, so do I! I was talking to my parents and asked them what has changed since they were in high school and they said that the biggest change is the ask. Possibly with the impact of social media in our society, creating an “ask” to dances has become a huge deal with clever sayings, food, and even animals sometimes!

As seen through the eyes of Emily, homecoming is an event that creates memories within all the stress of each fun, quirky aspect, and is a part of high school that students and alumni should be encouraged to participate in!

Afternoon of Activism

By SARAH HUI ‘20

Afternoon of Activism, a new teacherled organization with the aim of helping Ursuline girls to discover and share their voice, met twice in September.

The first two meetings were held in the Kiva on Sept. 24, after school, and Sept. 28, during club period.

“Our goal is to support students in finding their voice,” said Mrs. Ide, Social Studies Department Chair and AP U.S. History teacher.

On Monday, Mrs. Ide and Mr. Girard, who together began the presentation, and other teachers including Mrs. Schenck spoke about the process of voting, how to find candidates’ platforms and the steps needed to register to vote.

Afternoon of Activism exists thanks to Mrs. Ide, whose idea first took root after the Parkland school-shooting.

“I heard a lot of students wondering how they could make a stand, questioning whether they could walk out, or being frustrated,” Mrs. Ide said She wanted to find a way to educate students about using their voices and getting involved, and the most effective ways to do so. After Mrs. Ide enlisted other teachers who wanted to help, Afternoon of Activism was born.

Following the meetings, students were left with a clearer picture of how voting

works and the reassurance of having support and teachers to turn to with questions.

“The Afternoon of Activism sessions were extremely beneficial as they not

of age on how to become more civically engaged in their local communities,” said Jan Rotich ’19.

The meetings were held in anticipation for the general election on Nov. 6

only registered students to vote, but also educated those who are not yet

and included information about volunteering as a student election clerk, as

well as other volunteer opportunities with either the Democratic or Republican Party.

Afternoon of Activism’s plan for the year will focus on two themes. The two fall meetings were defined by the importance of voting, and in the spring the sessions will turn towards different types of involvement.

Any student, passionate about issues or eager to know more, is welcome at Afternoon of Activism.

The group is unaffiliated with any political party, candidate, or issue.

It is important for Ursuline students to learn more about voting because “you are close to voting age and your voice matters – you should be confident in your voice and your ability to change situations,” Mrs. Ide said.

“There seems to be a stigma around political discussions in our student community, and that’s not okay … I commend the efforts from the Ursuline faculty to expose students to the realities of our nation, and I am beyond excited to see what they have in store for the future,” Rotich said.

Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

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Wellness Week Spotlight: Dr. Ohlenforst

By HELEN EMERSON ‘20

During this year’s Wellness Week, October 15-19, a week to promote wellbeing among Ursuline students, students attended presentations pertaining to mental health and social media. Dr. Kristen Ohlenforst, an Ursuline graduate of the class of 1996, addressed the juniors and seniors about social media, and how to use it wisely.

Ohlenforst reflected on the enjoyable time she spent with the Ursuline community during her years there. “My fondest and favorite memories from Ursuline center around the people – friends, teachers, and families!” says Ohlenforst. During her time at Ursuline, she participated in Intramurals, JV soccer, and theater productions. With a love for the arts, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Design from the University of Notre Dame.

When asked about the correlation between arts and design and her work as a therapist, she related that her design degree was a factor in leading her to where she is today. “When you think about it, both design and therapy involve generating creative and effective solutions to existing concerns or problems; they’re quite complementary to one another, so I rely heavily on my creative training,” says Ohlenforst.

After college, Ohlenforst worked as a web designer but was not sufficiently

fulfilled by this work and searched for something bigger. Brainstorming careers, she sought for a job that would fulfill her in three ways: intellectually, interpersonally, and creatively. Combining these qualities with her love for children and adolescents, she recognized being a psychotherapist would be a well-fitting and fulfilling career.

Ohlenforst obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Child Psychology from the Stanford School of Medicine. She later opened her own practice, Therapy Dallas, and works in individual and family-based interventions for children, adolescents, and adults.

“Starting my own practice – and later growing it into a collaborative group practice – has been such an adventure.

I found starting my own business to be quite anxiety-producing… but equally (actually, more) exciting,” says Ohlenforst. She also credits her success to her support system, recommending that as an essential part of working toward any goal.

She is also the co-author of Moose the Worry Mutt Goes to Doggie Daycare, which is a therapeutic children’s book, teaching children to “bark back” at their worries. “I am passionate about starting conversations about anxiety and

mental health at an early age. Given that approximately one in three children will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by the time they complete adolescence, it’s important that we provide children and their families helpful resources for identifying and managing worries during childhood,” says Ohlenforst.

Ursuline encourages all students to live a life of Serviam beyond requirements and the years spent at Ursuline, and Dr. Ohlenforst models this idea in her work. “[Serviam] is absolutely one of the most meaningful parts of my work – serving and impacting other people. We learned at Ursuline to always reserve some of our time/skills/energy/talent for those with fewer resources and great need,” says Ohlenforst. Through visibly bettering the lives of individuals and their families, she can see the effect of her service in herself and her patients.

Not only does she view her work as service, but she also serves as the Dallas Clinical Director for A Home Within, which is a national nonprofit that coordinates pro-bono psychotherapy for current and former foster youth. As Clinical Director, she helps to match youth who seek therapy with volunteer therapists.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to use my clinical and business knowledge in this manner, and truly enjoy being a part of this amazing organization,” remarked Ohlenforst.

Dr. Ohlenforst serves as an excellent example to Ursuline students of someone who uses her talents and gifts in a way which fulfills both her and the community. It is important for current students to not take the Ursuline experience for granted, but to use their academic, personal, and service experiences to better themselves, and their communities, now, and in the future.

Courtesy of Dallas Psychological Association

A Letter to the Good Samaritan

By ABIGAIL MIHALIC ‘20

Dear Good Samaritan, It was a regular Wednesday a few months back when The Bear Facts staff got together for a get-to-know-you breakfast. Before school, we went to The Original Pancake House (often incorrectly but affectionately shortened to OHOP by many students) to enjoy delicious pancakes and to bond as a staff. You also went to OHOP that day and, to our delight, decided to perform a random act of kindness.

Our 2018-2019 staff consists of many returning members and some new faces. If students were not already friends, they developed unique bonds of friendship with their fellow newspaper staffers last year. We were all excited to develop these same bonds with the new members of The Bear Facts this year, and over pancakes at our staff breakfast, we took the first step towards our newspaper friendships.

It was getting close to 8:45, so we decided to ask our friendly waiter for the check. He returned shortly but without any receipts. Instead, he told us that our bill had been taken care of completely and that we were free to go. We have you, our Good Samaritan, to thank for this.

You paid for the pancakes and other breakfast items of 12 high school students who would have most likely paid for their meals out of their own pockets, being the independent Ursuline girls that we are. Paying for one person’s meal would be a very manageable act of kindness, but pancakes for 12 must have cost you a pretty penny.

A few seconds passed before we registered what exactly had just happened. Each one of us finally let out various exclamations of disbelief and amazement like, “This has never happened to me before.” and “Why would anyone pay our check?”

I thought about that last question many times, and I tried to put myself in your shoes to understand your kind motivations. Other customers saw us as a big group of uniformed high school girls sitting at a big table and probably making too much noise. But you saw us as Ursuline girls, or rather sisters, who have the most fun when we are together.

Although you chose to keep your identity a secret, I am almost positive that I know who you are.

As we got up to leave, I scanned the restaurant for potential Good Samaritans, and you seem to fit the description perfectly. You attend mass at a nearby DPL school and I suspect you may have a daughter who is an Ursuline alumna. You were sitting at the table behind ours.

Whether or not I guessed your identity or your motivations correctly, I hope you know how truly grateful the entire Bear Facts staff is for your unexpected and thoughtful gesture. You brightened all of our days that morning and most importantly, you showed your support for our school newspaper and the work we do to strengthen our Ursuline community.

Sincerely, The Ursuline Bear Facts

Courtesy of Original Pancake House

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The Bear Facts

Dr. Furton: A Hungarian Emigrant’s View on the Migrant Crisis

By ABIGAIL MIHALIC ‘20

You may not have heard much about the migrant crisis in Europe re-

cently. News coverage has declined since its peak in 2015, but there are still hundreds of millions of people, mostly from Africa and the Middle East, displaced from their homes by war, instability, or lack of economic opportunity. These migrants travel across countries and continents in the hopes of a better life.

Some countries in Europe receive them with open arms, but others, especially Hungary, put up their fists.

Over 440,000 were said to have made “irregular border crossings” into Hungary at the height of the migrant influx in 2015.

To deter migrants from either crossing through Hungary or seeking asylum there, the Hungarian government enacted restricting amendments and a border fence. These legal and physical walls proved very effective and led to a sharp decrease in the number of asylum applicants over the next year, from over 177,000 in 2015 to less than 30,000 in 2016, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Three years later in July of 2018, Hungary was one of only two countries who opted out of a UN global migration agreement. The other country was the U.S. A month later in August, human rights advocacy groups attacked Hungary for withholding food from adults whose asylum pleas had been denied. Lydia Gall, a

researcher for Human Rights Watch in Budapest, explained the Hungarian government’s motive to NPR. “Basically, you have to go to court in order to get a slice of bread. It’s completely absurd and inhuman. This latest antic of depriving people of food is just the latest in a row of various measures that the government has taken to [persuade] people to leave,” Gall said.

These recent developments in the migrant crisis in Hungary help provide a glimpse into the challenges displaced people are facing abroad, especially since Ursuline students in Dallas are over 5 , 0 0 0 miles away. What students may not have realized, however, is that there is someone who witnessed the evils of the migrant crisis firsthand.

Dr.Furton, who visited her home country of Hungary in the summer of 2015, saw the migrant crisis in Hungary at its worst point.

People were sequestered into pens with no access to food, water, or medical assistance. Hungarian officials were physically harassing migrants and using tear gas and water cannons, according to Human Rights Watch director Peter Bouckaert to Vox. “[The migrants] didn’t have water, they didn’t have anything. We went into the store for them to buy stuff and to buy water because, if they went to the store, the owner of the store denied selling them anything. It was really, really sad.

They were so miserable, honestly, with kids on their backs. They were so dirty,

so tired,” Dr. Furton said.

Although the circumstances were very different, Dr. Furton understands migrants’ need to leave one’s home and country for better opportunities. Instead of immigrating to Hungary, Dr. Furton and her family emigrated from Hungary in 1997 to move to the U.S. where she has lived for the past 21 years. After the collapse of the Soviet Union which merly controlled Hungary in 1991, there was a lack of jobs which prompted their move to Dallas.

She said, “It was really easy [to immigrate].

At that time, it was the Clinton era. Software engineers were so welcomed in the states and my husband is a software engineer. We got the green cards in two years, then citizenship in another two years.

It was sponsored big time by the company. You guys were so in need of brains!”

Dr. Furton’s immigration experience is widely different from the struggles of migrants in Hungary today, and Hungarian nationalism plays a major role in the country’s anti-refugee stance. Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the far-right Fidesz party’s desire to separate Hungarians from foreigners has even been immortalized in their new 2011 constitution which states “we, the Hungarian nation and the people who live among us,” reported Vox. had for-

Although Dr. Furton does not understand these beliefs, she has seen how Hungary’s transitions of power, from total Soviet Union control to newfound freedom to intense nationalism has acted as a pendulum going too far in each direction.

“I grew up under the Soviet regime and we didn’t have nationalist ideas because everything was shut down totally. We had Hungarian flags in the streets or on the buildings but it was always with the Russian flag so there was no national identity.”

Dr. Furton likens the change between Soviet control to independence to parental control giving way to freedom.

“I don’t understand them; I do n o t support them, but think about when you are under strict supervision.

You have to go to bed at 8 o’clo ck every night but now you get the freedom? Heck no, you will not go to bed at 8 o’clock. It’s too much though and I hope it will resign a little bit.”

Displaced people stuck in the middle of the migrant crisis are struggling to build new lives for themselves. Dr. Furt o n hopes that through both each country’s and their own efforts, migrants can make this process easier.

“I think on both sides [the countries and the migrants] shouldcommunicate and compromise. I started to celebrate Thanksgiving because it’s very American. If I had said ‘I’m not a big fan of English. I want to just stay in my culture,’ I would feel like an outsider. Just because the language is different, it doesn’t mean that you are different than me.”

Our Academic Dean’s Journey to Ursuline

By SARAH NGUYEN ‘20

Most students know Elizabeth Smith as the Academic Dean of Ursuline Academy but are unaware of Elizabeth Smiththe harpist, the refugee outreach volunteer and the cook. Meeting with teachers and overlooking the academic curriculum, Mrs. Smith often has a booked schedule. And although she always strives to provide Ursuline’s students with a rigorous, yet, beneficial academic experience, students and even some teachers are unknowing of the untold story that led her to this all-girls school on Walnut Lane.

Elizabeth Smith, born in Hartford, Connecticut, is daughter to a neurosurgeon and art educator. After having children, her mother sacrificed her art career and became a stay-at-home mom. When Smith was 10, her family moved to Dallas for her father’s job. Ironically, she did not attend Ursuline for high school but attended Hockaday through grades 7-12.

After graduating from Hockaday, Mrs. Smith attended Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. Throughout her early life, she desired to follow her father’s path in medicine and become a neuropathologist,

a doctor who studies diseases of the nervous system. However, she was hesitant in pursuing medicine because she, like many 18-year-olds, was fearful of failure. Because she convinced herself that she was “bad at math,” Mrs. Smith decided instead to follow her mother’s influence and major in French and Art History.

Because of this past insecurity, she now works in an allgirl space and encourages students to reach their fullest potential.

After diverging from her father’s career influence, she joined a Ph.D program at Brown University in French Studies but disliked it. Mrs. Smith has always been one to seek experiences that moti-

vate or “energize” her, and Brown did not provide such, so she came home to Dallas.

But if she could go back in time, she would not have changed a single moment in her life. If she had chosen the medical road, she would not have met her husband and had her daughters.

Fresh out of college and with no direct goal, she decided to give teaching a try. She taught French and English at a business language school for adults.

And after a few years, she attended the University of North Texas and earned her master’s degree in linguistics. She then began teaching at Richland Community College to adult refugees during the Vietnamese and East African wave in the 1990s; she would stay there for seven years. Mrs. Smith’s time spent teaching refugees propelled her toward an educational career.

Because of her ambitious nature, Smith wanted to switch things up, returning to her former school Hockaday, and teaching English and US History to ESL students from mostly China, Korea, and Mexico.

Mrs. Smith oversaw Hockaday’s international program and even started their global program which worked on building international relationships.

“I do not teach boys because I see the value in all-girls education, and I want to relay the same great all-girls experience I was given,” Mrs. Smith said.

After nearly a decade at Hockaday, she again decided that it was time for change.

After hearing of an opening position for the academic dean at Ursuline from a friend on the board, her decision was finally set; she was coming to Ursuline Academy .

“I love Ursuline. I love watching the students act as their happy and joyful selves.

Watching the students, especially my advisory, grow up in front of my eyes brings me joy. In the far future, I may return to teaching ESL, but I still have many more years for Ursuline,” said Mrs. Smith.

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Lisa Pineiro: Journalist to Entrepreneur

By EMILEA MCCUTCHAN‘20

Lisa Pineiro is a journalist turned entrepreneur. Born in the land of the Kardashians, also known as Calabasas, California, she spent her childhood in the Southern Californian sun. She is an only child and loves reminiscing about her childhood and how she developed a passion for journalism.

A lover of writing, she discovered she

had a gift with words and took a reporting and news writing class as one of her college electives. “I fell in love with the “5 W’s” formula for writing. Answer those questions and you’ve written your story,” she said. Pineiro has interviewed a variety of people, from celebrities to politicians. George W. Bush, Mitt Romney, Bradley Cooper, and Sir Ben Kingsley are a handful of the many

Courtesy of glotrition.com

Courtesy of @lisaptv

people she has interviewed.

Her favorite interviewee?

“Everyday people doing extraordinary things,” she said.

“People coming together for the greater good, especially in this divisive climate we find ourselves in as a country, always inspire me and restores my faith in humanity.”

Ms. Pineiro has jumped from journalism to entrepreneurship.

Throughout her interviews and research within the medical community, she grew a passion for the connection between beauty and nutrition.

“What we put into our bodies is so very important when it comes to the way our skin looks,” she said.

She said that most of her early reporting was based on health.

She became especially interested in antiaging treatments and used her journalism connections to the medical world as sources to help jumpstart her entrepreneurship.

With the help of experts, she began to research what she likes to call “ingestible beauty.” She wanted to simplify skincare as much as she could, as her busy schedule caused poor skin. However, becoming an entrepreneur has been equally as challenging as it has been rewarding.

“Had someone told me how difficult it was going to be to take an idea like Glotrition and build it into an actual beauty brand that is sold in luxury retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s and on QVC, I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to do it!” she exclaims. No longer could she use the 5 W’s of journalism: she has had to learn marketing, branding, logistics, inventory, FDA regulations, FTC regulations, plus hours of working in chemistry labs to create her skincare line.

“It’s been a really important lesson for me in realizing that we are ALL capable of so much more than we think we are!” she said.

Jumping from being a journalist to an entrepreneur has not been easy, though.

Many times, she has had to look to her role model, her mom, for advice. “Whenever I faced a challenge, she would say ‘What’s the worst thing that could happen?’ I’d tell her the worst thing and then she would say ‘Okay, let’s figure out what you would do if that worst thing happened,’” she said. Luckily, the worst thing would never happen, and it inspired her

to have courage when taking risks. Having a game plan helps, she said, although it sounds simple and silly. She also edited her own vocabulary. Instead of using the word, “fail”, she would replace it with the word, “lesson”.

“The secret is not being afraid to fail,” she says. “I view failure as a necessary step in every entrepreneur’s journey.” She said that by having courage and taking risks, everything changes. “How boring would life be if we weren’t constantly learning and evolving?”

For those entering the journalism or entrepreneurial atmosphere, she stresses the importance of having a thick skin.

“It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hear what others have to say…[but] at the end of the day…know your worth, and let it go,” she recommends. Next, it is crucial to be confident but never rude. Lastly, gratitude is very important.

Ms. Piniero reminisces about her time reporting in Dallas: she was doing the morning show for CBS11, and “At the time, I hated that job,” she said. She would wake up at 2:30 a.m. and force herself into the shower. She confesses that her “attitude was the worst.” “It wasn’t until after I had left my job that I realized how lucky I’d been to have been one of the very few who start out in the television news business and make it to a large market of that size, pulling in a pretty impressive paycheck,” she said. To sum it up, Pineiro advises students, “try your best to live in the moment. Find joy and appreciation, even in the challenges.”

Also, follow her acronym: ABL (Always Be Learning).

Sandcastles in Texas? Who would’ve thought!

By ISABELLA JAAR ‘19

Do you have a unique talent? Something that is unknown about you to those around you? This is definitely the case with Ms. Natalie Buxkemper. Though commonly known as a Computer Science teacher and Instructional Technologist at UA, she has a unique passion for sandcastles and even travels annually to the Day Festival in South Padre Island.

After merely talking to Ms. Buxkemper for a short time, her love for designing and creating things is immediately evident. “I have always enjoyed making things. I come from a family of builders, and I learned to make stained glass windows with my father and grandfather.

We would then put the windows in the houses our family built,” she said.

Ms. Buxkemper attributes her love for sandcastles and sand sculptures to her

and this year, she created a jaw-dropping shark sand sculpture.

Interested in learning how to build phenomenal sand sculptures like Ms. Buxkemper? Rest assured, it is a completely reachable dream. With hard work and perseverance, you will accomplish the unthinkable.

Any tips and advice for anyone interested in learning how to create sandcastles? Ms. Buxkemper advises to follow your heart. “Take a lesson! That applies to anything. I love to challenge myself with new things. We are not on this earth long enough. Try new things! You never know what you will be good at or what you will enjoy if you don’t give it a try. I have had many failures in trying new things, but I have had some great successes as well. I have even taken jewelry making classes at Brookhaven and glass blowing classes at Carlyn Ray Designs. Dallas is full of opportunities to try something new!

Never stop challenging yourself and your life

will be full of opportunities,” she said.

Without a doubt, Ms. Buxkemper is definitely someone to look up to. Her hard-working, motivated character truly proves that anything is possible with determination and passion. Got something you’ve always wanted to try? There are endless ways to accomplish a goal, and Ms. Buxkemper is a perfect example of that. Find your passion, explore it restlessly, and perfect your craft…you’ll never regret it!

Courtesy of Natalie Buxkemper

Courtesy of Natalie Buxkemper

husband, who got her sand castle building lessons. “My husband and I took a trip to South Padre Island about ten years ago and the sand castle competition was going on that weekend. I loved it! Sandy Feet (the instructor’s real name) was amazing, and I learned so much in that one lesson. I have been building my own creations ever since,” she said.

Though building professional sandcastles can be both difficult and time-consuming, Ms. Buxkemper admits that the process of creating the sculpture makes it all worthwhile. “I love the process more than the final result.

Don’t get me wrong…the creations at the competition are amazing. I love to watch and see how builders take this idea that is in the head and create a 3D image out of nothing but sand and water. Maybe it’s my logical, ‘math brain,’ but the process is the best part,” she explained.

As Ms. Buxkemper mentioned, there are endless incredible sand sculptures at the Sandcastle Days Festival every single year. The most shocking aspect of each creation is how realistic they are. It is almost impossible to tell that they are merely made out of two simple materials: sand and water.

Last year, Ms. Buxkemper created an incredible octopus sand sculpture,

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Features

The Bear Facts

Going Brandless

By SARAH NGUYEN ‘20

“The fact is, better doesn’t have to cost more. That’s why we created Brandless.

By building direct relationships with our supplier and customers from the start, we eliminate all the extra costs associated with inefficient and unnecessary markups,” (Brandless).

Nowadays product branding, its manufacture, and its purchase is overcomplicated as products with the same claim endlessly fill grocery aisles. And before products hit the shelves, they go through an extensive process with layers and layers of fees which result in consumers paying more.

According to Brandless, “Brandless was brought to life on July 11, 2017 with the intention of making better stuff accessible and affordable for more people.

Our mission is deeply rooted in quality, transparency, and community-driven values. Better stuff, fewer dollars. It’s that simple,” Founded by Ido Leffler and Tina Sharkley in July 2017, Brandless is an American e-commerce company that manufactures and sells food, beauty products, cleaning supplies, and more. Leffler and Sharpley recognized the issue and its disadvantage towards the ordinary consumer which then led to the establishment of an organization that prioritizes products that matches people’s values, preferences and requirements: whether that be organic, gluten-free, or vegan.

Since their initial launch, Brandless has exponentially grown from 115 to 200 available products. Usually offering one choice for each type of product, it eliminates choice overload and miscommunication of a product’s contents. In addition to these benefits, Brandless products are also sold at a price

together they made the ideal duo.

In mid-2016, Sharkley resigned from her CEO position and fully invested her efforts into Brandless with Leffler by her side. The company raised $16 million in funding with Redpoint Ventures in November 2016, and their launch received a total of $50 million in venture capital

absent of “brand tax” or the additional fees accumulated through product manufacture and even distribution costs.

Before the success and establishment of Brandless, two powerful, ambitious people sought for change and met in Mill Valley, California. Sharkley, CEO of BabyCenter, had experience with online networks, while Leffler, CEO of Yoobi, had expertise in product consumerism;

Courtesy of Brandless

or investment from large companies like Google.

In May, the company launched its first pop-up store in Los Angeles, California. This one store advocated the need for change in today’s market and marked the start of a new wave of “better stuff, fewer dollars.”

Brandless is not solely concentrated on selling products but also uses other methods to improve our economy. For

example, last May it promoted “Pop-Up with Purpose” which was a nutrition program with panels on wellness and healthy dieting.

In addition to raising awareness through nutrition programs, the organization also partners with Feeding America which donates two meals to people in need whenever a purchase is made. And when a person visits the pop-up store or tags the company on social media, it donates another three meals.

Not only providing quality, their products also promise affordability. In this case, three is the magic number. A single item or a bunch of multiple, smaller items are priced at only $3.

According to Business Insider, Brandless items are the opposite of items by e-commerce giants like Amazon. Everything is a reliable, fixed price regardless of when you’re shopping and what experience you’re looking for.

Brandless did not go unnoticed for its time and effort. In February 2018, Brandless received the Best NewCo of the Year award, a reward given to companies who have ground-breaking potential and contribute to the economy through their business, for changing perspectives on retail markets and donating 250,000 meals to Feeding America. Ultimately, Brandless is a company and movement worth the public’s participation and attention.

The Modern Remains of King Tutankhamen’s Regime

By GRACE RISINGER ‘20

While flipping through the plaid Ursuline planner, one may put a halt to their page turning to think, “November is such a busy month!” That certainly is a true statement; as any Ursuline girl may know, November is quite possibly the greatest month of the year, all thanks to the grand celebration that is Intramurals. Along with Intramurals, November is stuffed with a very diverse range of festivities, such as All Saint’s Day, Día de Los Muertos, Election Day, World Peace Day and of course, Thanksgiving.

However, there is only one day in chilly November that shines brighter than the hot, Egyptian sun: King Tut Day. The origin of this fascinating day is credited to the efforts of Howard Carter, a British archaeologist. Carter spent much time transfixed on the mystery that surrounds an Egyptian tomb, especially that of King Tutankhamen, or more famously, King Tut. Carter ventured to Egypt in 1891, recognizing that many of the ancient tombs had previously been uncovered. However, Tutankhamen’s tomb remained unaccounted for, and after World War I, Carter led an extensive quest in the hopes of finding the boy king’s burial site. On November 4th, 1922, Carter discovered the steps leading to the entrance of Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. With his revolutionary discovery, Carter founded what is now celebrated as King Tut day, introducing the world to the phenomenal king in the process.

Little was known about King Tutankhamen before his tomb was revealed in 1922. The remarkable king ruled Egypt for a mere 10 years prior to his death around 1324 B.C., inheriting the throne

at 9 years old. The boy king’s rule was most notable for reversing the chaotic religious reforms committed by his father, Akhenaten. In doing so, he restored the act of worshipping the god Amun, or the ‘King of the Gods’, reestablished Thebes as a religious center and the young Pharaoh changed the end of his name, vowing his allegiance to Amun.

As his reign came to an end, the mysterious cause of King Tut’s death was unknown until 2010, leading many to conspire following his death. As a

hole remains in the back of the King’s skull, many have theorized that the King’s cause of death was murder. However, DNA analysis and CT scans reveal that the pharaoh most likely died due to an infected broken leg as well as multiple cases of malaria infection. Following his early death, the King was mummified as a result of Egyptian religious tradition. When Carter and his team explored the boy king’s tomb, they found several thousand ancient artifacts, yet their most outstanding discovery was that of a solid gold coffin containing King Tut’s over

Courtesy of Vanity Fair

3,000-year-old mummy.

Although the story of the boy king is extremely intriguing throughout the world, King Tut holds a special bond with the city of Dallas. In 2008, Tut reinstated his regime through the touring art exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. This Egyptian exhibition was housed at the Dallas Museum of Art, featuring 130 ancient artifacts.

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs was split into the parts, with the first half focused on Egypt’s 18th dynasty, especially that of the reign of his father Akhenaten. This gave viewers a sense of what was happening in Egypt leading up to the boy king’s rule.

The second half of the exhibition showcases Howard Carter’s famous discovery of the king’s tomb in 1922. The rooms mirror the atmosphere inside King Tut’s burial chambers, with black and blue lighting and educational videos. Carter described Tutankhamen’s tomb as having “the glint of gold everywhere.” This glint is certainly represented, as many of the objects found in King Tut’s tomb are showcased in the second half of the exhibit. Dallas’ love for the memorable King Tutankhamen was made definite, as the DMA amassed a record-breaking attendance of over one million visitors during the exhibition’s run.

As November 4th falls upon the calendar, do not forget to spend a little time engaged in the magical, golden culture of Ancient Egypt; whether that means listening to The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian” or discovering more about King Tut, this celebrated day is definitely one of history’s finest.

The Bear Facts

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November

Arise Africa Comes to Dallas

By EMILY PARRISH ‘19

Arise Africa is more than an organization; it’s a family and unlike many mission organizations started by Americans, Arise Africa makes a point to have the majority of their workers be natives to the country in need. Arise was founded by Texas A&M University graduate, Alissa Rosebrough. Starting her career path out as a photographer, Rosebrough took pictures for the NBA and a large construction company based in America. She eventually worked for government and aid organizations such as, the United Nations in Africa.

After what Alissa saw in Africa, “she knew she wanted to find a way to give back,” so she started her own ministry, Arise Africa, in 2010. Arise works with over 1,000 orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia through the three schools it is partnered with and its boys and girls homes for children in need of extra care due to extenuating circumstances. Rosebrough has been the executive director at Arise for eight years now and says her goal is, “for Arise to be completely run

by Zambians one day.”

Alissa’s vision for the non-profit is already in the works as most workers are indeed Zambian. The Zambians mainly work as child sponsorship officers; they are split between

the three schools and also help in the homes. An officer will have about 20 to 30 children assigned to them, and their job entails ensuring the child is fed, giving them clothes when needed, paying their school fees, providing them with an education in the Christian faith, and taking them to the clinic to treat diseases like HIV. “Sponsorship is what makes my job possible,” says officer, Lucy Viola, “it is all around an incredible thing for me, the child, and the sponsor.”

Arise offers four annual mission trips for Americans to go on: Christmas, Spring Break, and two in July.

These mission trips along with word of mouth allow

people to get to know the children of Arise and possibly sponsor them. At the Arise Christian School, sponsoring is $50 and at Taonga and Detroda schools, it is $35. This payment allows the child sponsorship officers to build relationships with the children, giving them all they need. Officers are able to visit the children’s home, meet their family, and build a connection. At Taonga School, children are walking anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour to attend school, so this hardship presents its challenges in a child’s attendance as well as working parents needing the older sibling to be home watching their younger brothers and sisters.

“It is important to build trust with a family so that they know their child is in good hands and is receiving a good

education,” mentions Kochelani Daka, head officer at Taonga School.

Unique to Arise, their Zambian staff not only has the biggest role in the organization, but also connects with the American staff members, missiontrippers, and Arise’s support community more than most organizations. Four Zambians traveled to America for three weeks to attend America’s Child Sponsorship Director, Faith Gregg’s, wedding.

“Getting to know the people of Zambia has been the best part of my job so having just four of them in attendance made my wedding even more special,” Faith says. They also spent their time sharing their stories in various settings across the DFW metroplex. Brenda Ngosa, Lucy Viola, Kochelani Daka, and Acquiline Mooya all agreed that they were extremely thankful to spend this amount of time in America and raise awareness of Zambia and all that Arise is doing.

“The best part my time in America was getting to see some of the people who make my job possible. I hope to come back again very soon, and I hope that anyone who wants to come to Zambia has the opportunity to come visit me too,” said Acquiline, Head of Arise Homes. Their time in Dallas ended with many hugs and tears: “I love you and I cannot wait until you come back to Zambia,” Brenda said tearfully as she hugged an Arise mission-tripper Courtesy of Wikipedia goodbye.

#MeToo: A Briefing of Recent Events

By SOFIA GARCIA ‘19

On Sept.18, 2018, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Following several days of intense testimony, the Committee listened to Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh and confirmed Kavanaugh’s new title with an 11 to 10 vote.

Following Ford’s testimony, all 11 Republican senators voted for Kavanaugh and the 10 Democratic senators on the panel voted against his approval. With a 51-49 Senate majority, Republicans had a clear advantage in approving Kavanaugh even without Democratic support, yet some Republican senators are still unsure of Trump’s nomination During the trial, Kavanaugh said, “This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, fear that has been unfairly stoked about judicial record, revenge on behalf of the Clintons.”

With the rise of the #MeToo Movement, Kavanaugh was especially scrutinized during these trials. Many wonder if this kind of scrutiny have occurred ten years ago?

Despite its beginning in 2006, #MeToo began to gain popularity in 2017 during last year’s Golden Globes, where nearly all those in attendance wore black on the red

carpet in support of the movement.

The mission of the movement is to give women a voice in a prominent issue that has previously been swept under the rug. Not only has #MeToo created a network for survivors to encourage all women to speak up against their abusers, but also has created punitive consequences for male perpetrators, despite status, age, or race.

This past year, more than 80 women in Hollywood including Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd accused famous American film producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct and assault.

Despite his powerful title in Hollywood,

Weinstein was indicted.

Similarly, Larry Nassar, USA gymnastics national team doctor and osteopathic physician at Michigan State University, faced charges from 256 gymnasts including three-time Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman for sexual abuse. At this year’s ESPY awards in Los Angeles, more than 100 of Nassar’s victims took the stage in solidarity and were presented with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

Upon receiving the award, Raisman said, “The ripple effect of our actions, or inactions, can be enormous, spanning generations. Perhaps the greatest tragedy of this nightmare is that it could have

Courtesy of SH Media

been avoided.” She continued, “Whether you act or do nothing, you are shaping the world that we live in. Impacting others. All we needed was one adult to have the integrity to stand between us and Larry Nassar.”

In the current technological state that has swept our generation, every action can be recorded and turn up years later. Nothing is ever really deleted and wherever there is a person, there is also a camera.

Many favor this idea, saying that had this been the situation decades ago, Kavanaugh’s trial could have been avoided with a clear-cut answer, while others fear any mistake could be recorded and never disappear.

President Donald Trump was a victim of technological presence when during his campaign, the video of his “locker room talk” with Billy Bush went viral.

Although Billy Bush faced severe consequences, being fired from his media job on the Today Show, Donald Trump went on to be elected President of the United States.

Following the Kavanaugh hearing, Trump revealed his concerns, saying it is “a very scary time for young men in America” who can be accused of sexual misconduct. In accordance with the judicial system’s ideal, one that Kavanaugh will now serve on the highest level in the country, one is innocent until proven guilty. And, if one has done nothing to be guilty of, then why be afraid?

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November

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The Arboretum’s Journey to NEVER LAND

By JACKIE THOMAS ’20

The Dallas Arboretum’s impressive autumn display has been praised since its inauguration in 2005 by nationwide publications like Architectural Digest for its presentation of Dallas’s botanical beauty, especially in the months of autumn.

Thirteen years and over a million pumpkins later, the annual fall display has become a local staple for Dallas citizens and visitors alike each year.

Through November 21, Autumn at the Arboretum returns, no less impressive and breathtaking than usual.

This year’s display includes 90,000 pumpkins in the famous Pumpkin Village, which brings a new, fantastical theme to life: “The Adventures in Neverland.” Attractions for this theme include scenes from the cherished childhood tale of Peter Pan recreated with pumpkins, gourds, brilliant chrysanthemums and more.

For instance, using 52 varieties of gourds, pumpkins and squash all sourced from West Texas farms, the Arboretum presents Captain Hook’s ship, the Mermaid Lagoon, Tinkerbell’s home and the Lost Boys’ hideout. A walkthrough of the arrangement will surely evoke nostalgia and put viewers in the fall mood.

Want to try your hand at your own at-home pumpkin display? The Arboretum has you covered. In addition to viewing the beautifully-detailed Pumpkin Village, patrons can choose and purchase their own pumpkins from the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch, ranging in different sizes and colors.

The pumpkin patch also includes the Arboretum’s hay maze for guests of all ages and is the site for scheduled children’s scavenger hunts throughout the season.

The Arboretum’s additional 66 acres of more than 150,00 autumnal flowers and blooms surrounding the focal pumpkin display present magnificent seasonal plants, indigenous to the North Texas region and otherwise.

In all 20 gardens and mini-gardens, guests can find vibrant color and fresh, floral aromas as they peruse the easily walkable grounds. Complete with water features and hundreds of varieties of ferns, flowers and other plants, these

gardens provide a fall getaway from busy Dallas life and traffic, instead offering peace and quiet overlooking greenery as far as the eye can see.

Also, the Arboretum offers countless entertainment attractions in the gardens this fall, from concerts to food festivals.

Most of these events are public and all are familyfriendly, further making the Arboretum the perfect destination for staging beautiful pictures, viewing extraordinary botanical beauty and discovering emerging local musical and culinary artists.

Concert schedules and information for each weekend of the season through November 21 are found on the Arboretum’s website, along with calendars for weekday events, like various book sign-

Poppin’ Pumpkin Patches

ings and specific daily family attractions.

No matter the day or occasion, the Dallas Arboretum is the one-stop destination this fall to appreciate seasonal Dallas flowers, festive pumpkins and gourds, local artists, Dallas food and literary culture and the finallyemerging cooler weather through November 21.

If you have already had your fill of autumnal beauty, however, get in the Christmas and holiday mindset beginning on November 6, with the Arboretum’s annual botanical presentation of the 12 Days of Christmas. Yet another beloved Dallas Arboretum tradition, the Christmas display is sure to impress once again this holiday season.

Whatever the season, head to the Dallas Arboretum soon to take in current and upcoming seasonal beauty, through the one-of-a-kind Pumpkin Village and 12 Days of Christmas displays, many unique gardens and countless familyfriendly events throughout these next few months.

Though the themes and flowers vary each year, one aspect of the Arboretum’s seasonal displays remains constant: the breathtaking beauty this Dallas institution provides from season to season.

By EMILEA MCCUTCHAN ’20

Dropping temperatures and the viside the haybale-house village. brant red, yellow, and orange trees signal Hall’s Pumpkin Farm certainly offers the incoming of another fall in Dallas, the autumn spirit at a low price that Texas. Many of us share the common includes a ton of fall fun. It is open Monchildhood memory of visiting the many day through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 pumpkin patches Dallas has to offer. p.m., Fridays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Finding that perfect pumpkin, figuring lastly on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. out what to carve it as, and then painsPumpkins on the Prairie, located in takingly carving the pumpkin is a major Frisco, brings a southern spin to the mark of the Halloween season. pumpkin patch world. With a large It can be hard finding fun pumpkin windmill in the center of its patch, patches that offer a little extra fall fun pumpkins are grouped around the windbesides just pumpkins. Luckily, Dallas mill underneath the twinkling lights. offers some incredibly spooktastic and They too offer hayrides and pumpkins. fall-tastic pumpkin patches that are not However, they also feature bounce just about pumpkins! houses, face painting and a two dollarLocated in historic Grapevine, Hall’s extra pumpkin launching. All activiPumpkin Farm offers pumpkins of all ties are free, except for the pumpkin kinds, as well as hayrides pulled by one launching. Pumpkins of the Prairie is of their red tractors, a haybale village open from 12 p.m. to sunset on Monday and animals. The admission cost is low, through Friday, and open from 9 a.m. to at only five dollars. However, their fasunset on Saturdays and Sundays mous, tractor-pulled hayrides must be from September 29th pre-purchased separately to October 31st. The and the prices range free activities and the from five dollars pumpkin launchin the daytime to ing are worth the three dollars for drive. the nighttime The Flower rides.

Mound PumpThe farm also kin Patch offers has a winding pumpkins, bounce corn maze, costhouses, hayrides, ing an additional and a haybale maze. five dollars, situated On top of that, they on two acres of land, even have a pumpkin open during the daytime Courtesy of Richele Lyne ‘20 house and a cemetery. and nighttime. You can Homes made of pumpalso spot some cows and donkeys alongkins scatter the patch.

Unlike other patches, they offer baked goods. Plus, dogs and other pets can come and join the fall fun. The patch is open from October 1st to the 31st, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. All activities are free, but parking is five dollars on weekdays, and ten dollars on the weekends.

Last but not least, for a more contemporary take on pumpkin patches, the Dallas Farmer’s Market is offering their very own pumpkin patch. Open from October 1st to 31st, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can get a taste of downtown Dallas and the modern fall spirit the market offers.

On October 27th, the market is hosting its Harvest Celebration, filled with costume contests, fall produce and food, games, crafts and live music. They will also have a petting zoo, which you cannot miss out on.

The dropping temperatures and splashes of red, yellow, and orange trees welcome the incoming fall, but nothing welcomes fall more than a pumpkin outside of your house.

Whether you carve it or not, pumpkins provide the perfect autumn aesthetic.

Plus, haybale and corn mazes along

with pumpkin launching and hayrides sound like the perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday with friends or family. Try not miss out on these poppin’ and fall-tastic pumpkin patches!

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11

November

A Fall Fashion Forecast

By EMILY PARRISH ‘19

A new season means new clothing and trends to keep you fashionable no matter the weather. At first thought, fall means wool, corduroy, and velvet on everything from sweaters, to pants, to skirts, and even booties. But every year designers believe in more than just big sweaters, jeans, and boots, and the 2018 fall trends are very different than what people would usually imagine.

Of course, the classic hints of burnt orange, burgundy and emerald green surface in a number of ways, but especially in plaids this season. Plaid skirts, jumpers and pants are circulating popular stores like Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, and Forever 21. This fall and winter you can introduce a new plaid other than your Ursuline skirt to your closet.

Sticking with prints, animal prints are all over the place and have been making their appearance for quite some time now. However, more so than ever, leopard print in particular is seen as a neutral piece.

Leopard mules for example can be paired

with just about any outfit, rather than winter. being the main piece of your outfit But runway designers are saying otherAside from leopard as a neutral, wise. Carolina Herrera and Tory Burch feadesigner labels Zadig & Voltaire and tured stunning fuchsia pieces in their fall Dolce & Gabbana made statements on lines, defying the color boundarthe runway in flashy zebra sets. ies. You will be seeing classic fall Animal prints can be intimistyles like sweaters and booties dating, but they are come in a variety of colors also a fun way to unlike previous years. From detail anything pink booties to from sweaters to color-blocked skirts and easily sweaters with become the focal yellow, blue, point of any look. and pink, don’t A be afraid to add shocking bright tones to trend to your fall repertoire. hit stores this Have you fall are all things ever thought to bright. Flashy colors yourself, “Boys like hot pink, orange, have it so easy,” red, cobalt blue and even especially Courtesy of Emily Parrish neon green in Balenciaga’s overwhen it comes the-knee sock boots are transito clothing? tioning from summer to fall this year.

Shorts, pants, button-downs, polos, and There are so many fashion assumpthey are just about set. Possibly designers tions, especially regarding what colors have drawn their inspiration from these go with what seasons: pastels are for thoughts because points of menswear are spring, bolds are for summer, warmpopping up more than ever. tones are for fall, and darks are for Chic skirts are now framed with unique

buttoning, commonly found on suits, blazers are cut to be effortlessly feminine, and matching skirt and jacket sets are acclaiming popularity. Well-known companies like Top Shop are selling runway-trend mens- wear pieces while also catering to a casual, everyday-wear audience.

Obviously, not all of us are daring enough to walk the streets wearing neon sock boots or yellow zebra print blazers, but there are brands that can help style trends fit a more laid-back wardrobe. ASOS, H&M, Zara, and Top Shop, just to name four, are the best spots to find unique and trendy items without feeling too over the top. ASOS especially has a great website with easy ways to search for the trends you are looking for.

Although some of these trends may sound crazy to you, they are worth a shot! There is no time like the present to step out of your clothing comfort zone and experiment with new colors, textures, and patterns.

Say Goodbye to Pumpkin Pie

By GRACE RISINGER ’20

Thanksgiving: a holiday meant for pumpkins, stuffing, oh, and more pumpkins. Pumpkin pie is the traditional staple in every thanksgiving meal.

Yet, anyone can bring pumpkin pie to the big family dinner: leave that for Aunt Cheryl. With these pumpkin recipes, you will be sure to bring the classic pumpkin flavor with a unique twist, making you the new family favorite.

Everyone knows that the combination of chocolate and pumpkin is truly unmatched when it comes to Thanksgiving dessert. And who dislikes like chocolate? Every chocolatefanatic unanimously agrees on the fact that brownies are by far the superior chocolate dessert. When you mix that with a pumpkin buttercream frosting and even more chocolate, brownies suddenly become about twelve times more delicious!

Wholefully’s three-layer pumpkin brownies recipe combines exactly that: fudge-like, gooey dark chocolate brownies topped with a pumpkin spice buttercream filling and chocolate ganache to top it off. You will not be leaving

Thanksgiving dinner with any leftovers!

You can find the super-easy recipe here: https:// wholefully.com/three-layer-pumpkin-

brownies/#comments If brownies are too chocolatey and do not have enough pumpkin flavor, no need to worry! Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies add a touch of Thanksgiving to everyone’s favorite childhood dessert. By simply adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to a traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe, you can create a tasty, perfectly fallinfluenced treat.

For those of you who are always in a hurry, Delish’s recipe is very easy and is ready in no time; taking a mere fifteen minutes to prepare. But beware, your family will be fighting over the last cookie!

Check out the unique twist to the cultfavorite dessert here: https://www.delish. com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a55742/ pumpkin-spice-chocolate-chip-cookiesrecipe/ Some may not associate chocolate with a true Thanksgiving dessert. If that is the case, take a soft frosted sugar cookie and make it exquisitely pumpkin flavored.

Dear Crissy’s Melt-In-Your-Mouth pumpkin cookies truly live up to their name, as they are so velvety that they will melt in your mouth! With the perfect amount of pumpkin flavor, the cookies only become more addictive with the addition of a brown sugar frosting. Pumpkin and brown sugar, what is not to love?

With raving reviews, Dear Crissy’s pumpkin cookies have quite a following; once your family tries her light and oh-sodelightful cookie recipe, you will have a following too!

Dear Crissy’s amazing recipe can be found here: https://dearcrissy.com/pumpkin-cookies-recipe/#comments For all the Gluten-free pumpkin lovers, Thanksgiving dessert can be tricky.

No need to fear, however, as Halelife Blog

provides the answer to all your pumpkin craving prayers. With pumpkin squares so good “you would not even know they are gluten free,” you are in for a real treat.

Unlike many gluten-free baked goods, the pumpkin squares are fluffy and bake with an amazing texture. The recipe is very versatile; you can make the pumpkin squares dairy free as well, or even add chocolate chips or raisins.

Topping the pumpkin squares off with a rich cream cheese icing, you might want to keep these squares to yourself!

You can find the recipe here: https://www.halelifeblog.com/singlepost/2012/10/gluten-free-pumpkinsquares Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to spend surrounded by friends and family. Nothing is better than eating platefuls of delicious food, but especially the dessert. With this list, your family is going to skip the main course!

Looks like Aunt Cheryl will finally have leftovers of her famous pumpkin pie.

Courtesy of Sarah Hui

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November

Sports & Wellness

The Bear Facts

Prepare Your Vaccinations and Say Hello to Flu Season

By CATHERINE COOK ‘19

As the flu season has finally approached us, getting a flu shot is vital to preventing yourself from a week of feeling terrible.

Especially for students, who spend the day within close proximity of each other, sickness is spread around extremely quickly and easily.

But hand sanitizer and extra tissues won’t keep you away from the flu this year and there are five main reasons to rush over to your doc and get your shot today!

First, the flu virus is way more serious than you may realize. On average, according to a recent study by the CDC, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for influenza viruses every year. While the hospital may be able to cure flu related issues 9/10 times, there are cases where the flu can be deadly. Each year, an average of 36,000 people die from the flu. So… next time you think about laughing when you hear the word “flu” you may consider thinking twice.

Second, the vaccine is the most effective way to prevent yourself from getting any strain of an influenza virus. When you

receive your flu shot, you reduce your chance of getting a flu-related illness by 61%. Lesson learned, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. Although it may be a hassle to make an appointment at your local doctor’s office or it may even be a fear of needles, it is always better to take preventative measures when it comes to taking care of your health.

Before getting your flu shot, make sure your doctor is giving you the appropriate vaccination for your age and current health. The two different types of flu shots include trivial flu vaccines and quadrivalent flu vaccines. Both vaccines are manufactured for specific age groups, so make sure your doctor is injecting you with the correct vaccine designated for your specific age group. For the most part, both vaccines provide the same protection from the different strands of the flu, so when it comes down to it, pick whichever vaccine for which your doctors recommends.

Getting one shot every other year won’t cut it. You need to make sure you are getting vaccinated every single year as each new flu vaccine is altered to attack different strains. Therefore,

make sure you are making an appointment with your doctor to get your vaccine now, because last year’s vaccine won’t give you immunity from this year’s flu.

Clinical Director of Infectious Disease at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Dr. Sax says, “Every infectious disease specialist I know gets vaccinated, as a way to protect themselves and to prevent spreading the disease. And remember, contrary to popular belief, you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. Flu season overlaps with the cough and cold season. If you get a cold shortly after you get a flu vaccine, it’s completely unrelated to the vaccine.”

Worried about not being able to afford a flu vaccine?

Your health plan has you covered! For some health care plans, in order to qualify for coverage, your health plan may require that your vaccine be administered by a health care provider who

is a member of the plan’s network.

So, whether you are officially getting a vaccine or still on the fence about it, remember that you can never go wrong with getting your flu vaccine.

Alternatives to the Gym

By HOPE WHITCRAFT ‘20

“I like to think of working out as your body is under construction and your working to improve rather than looking to lose weight.”

Working out is so important, not only to one’s physical health, but mental health as well. It may become more and more difficult as winter is coming around the corner.

When working out is mentioned, normally what comes to people’s mind is a gross gym and a lot of extra work in their day. Working out has become something that people tend to dread, but there are so many ways to make it fun and something to look forward to rather than dread.

Working out is a great alternative to watching tv or going on social media. It not only provides great health benefits, it also provides endorphin that make you happy. It is crucial to try and exercise a few times a week. There are so many forms of exercise which makes it easy and simple to chose the right fit for one’s schedule and

interests.

The Pilates Barre is a super fun alternative that offers different classes and cardio workouts. The classes are around fifty minutes long. Ruth Anne Emmerson ’19 is an employee at the Pilates Barre.

Emmerson says “I like it because it is more stream line. I also like going to a class better because I am being told what to do rather than just working out on my own.” The classes focus on building resistance while making it fun with music. Emmerson ‘19 recalls that, “It’s a full body workout which you wouldn’t get at the gym.”

Something very unique to Dallas is the Katy Trail.

The Katy Trail

is a great get your running, outside air is a and

way to get outside and workout in by biking, or walking. Going and getting some fresh great way to destress get some endorphins through exercise.

Kate Janson ’20 adds, “I love walking the Katy Trail with my sister and my dog because it’s a super easy way to get exercise but its also fun and it’s not too strenuous.”

Sunstone yoga is another great place to go for some yoga classes.

“They offer a bunch of different kinds of yoga classes and levels”, says Ellie

Skelly ’21. Yoga is a great source of a workout. It is a great combination of meditation, self-awareness, and exercise.

Another great place to workout is Title Boxing. Title Boxing is a way to get a fun cardio workout in your daily routine.

They offer several different workouts and classes.

Title Boxing works on building muscle and endurance. Their motto as said by Olivia Schmidt ‘20 is, “The more you weigh the harder it is to be kidnapped, so do Title Boxing.”

Working out is so important but it is also very important to remember that the goal of working out is not about losing a ton of weight but instead is about maintain good physical and mental health through exercising and the endorphins from working out.

Olivia Schmidt ’20 gives her opinion on the topic, “I like to think of working out as your body is under construction and your working to improve rather than looking to lose weight.”

Working out is a great alternative not only for the gym but to get off your phone and be active while having fun.

Working out should not be a chore. It is so easy to make it fun with the many different options besides the gym.

These are just some of the many alternatives to the gym. Working out should be fun and something to look forward to.

There are so many new workout classes and places to try out. All one has to do is just try it out until the ideal workout routine is found.

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Fashion Companies That Give Back

By HOPE WITCRAFT ‘20

For those who love fashion, a great way to help out with organizations in need is to shop at companies that give back. Shopping with companies and stores that give their proceeds to different foundations and organizations is an easy way to participate in donation and helping those in need.

There are so many companies that are joining the trend of helping of their community and global organizations through their sales. Some companies are non-profits and others are brand name companies that make sure to give some of their profits to charity.

The Kylie cosmetics beauty brand is an example of a brand name that does not forget to give back. The company has raised over 500,000 dollars for the organization Smile Train.

Smile Train is a non-profit organization raises money for children with cleft lips and palates.

Another company that raises money for charity is Pura Vida. Pura Vida sells all kinds of jewelry varying from rings to necklaces, to bracelets and more. The company raises money for different causes such as cancer awareness and suicide prevention.

Article22 is a brand that creates jewelry from destruction. The company creates bracelets made from remains of different tragedies. The first line of bracelets that the company sold were made of remains from 3m2 bombs from the Vietnam War. H&M has a line called the Conscious Collection that is made out of recycled fabrics. The company is stepping toward creating a movement toward less waste and more clean

earth awareness. 26% of H&M’s clothes is made out of recycled material and has the goal of continuing to grow that number each year.

Coach is another great example of a well-known brand that collaborates with charities. Coach has a partnership with the charity Step Up. Step Up is an organization that provides opportunities to educate and mentor teenage girls in under-resourced communities.

Astley Clarke is a chic jewelry brand that created a necklace that says Gurls Talk, founded by British model, feminist activist and Astley Clarke muse Adwoa Aboah. It supports women to talk about their obstacles and hardships in a safe environment.

The last company that is worth mentioning is Sézane Demain.

Sézane Demain is a brand that has been working to support women’s rights since 2010. The company came out with a tshirt line with the words “La Femme” on it. In 2018 the company will have raised over 1 million dollars for women’s rights charities.

There are so many ways to donate and participate in charity but shopping with companies that donate their proceeds to charity or participate and support different foundations, is not only fun it is also super beneficial to charities that the company is supporting.

It is so crucial in life to help others in need and share love with not only the community but globally as well. Sometimes it may be hard to incorporate charity and support to the less fortunate but companies who give back are starting to change that.

By buying products that benefit different charities and foundations to support the less fortunate. It is a simple way to become a part of a very important movement.

Supporting charities opens up many opportunities and loans to people who need it.

Overall, shopping with companies that give back is such an easy way to help out those in need.

There are so many brands out there that collaborate with different charities and foundations and donate their sales to charities. Each brand and company i n corporate charity in such a unique and fun way.

Participating in those companies and brand benefits the charities and those in need, so go shopping!

KYLIE COSMETICS Continued: Frequently Asked Questions in visiting. Placing them with another Ursuline host student for the period is also a great idea.

The Global Advisory Council members are available to help in this exact situation. You can contact them at uaglobal@ursulinedallas.org.

“What if my student is shy?”

Ask them questions about themselves and their lifestyle to get to know them. Food is a great conversation starter, or the differences between Ursuline and

their school. You can take them to the places you love and enjoy, and chances are that they will too. Make them feel comfortable in your home by adding welcoming touches such as flowers in their room or a nice note that says, “Welcome to home for [x] days.” Also, you can do more interactive things with them such as cooking or playing a game which will not force them into a conversation but might be a good way for them to get comfortable and slowly come out of their shell. Questions? Email uaglobal@ ursulinedallas.org

Global Advisory Council Advice Column

Frequently Asked Questions: Hosting

by SARAH HUI: ‘20 GAC MEMBER

“Will I have time for homework and studying while hosting?”

Yes. Make time for your student but also make time for your homework and studying. You do not have to go out with your host student every day. Work ahead and keep up with your schoolwork.

“How good is the English of visiting delegations?”

It will depend on the delegation, and the age of the student. You never know until they get here but most will definitely know a little bit of English. Delegations from Taiwan, Brazil, China, and France have characteristically spoken wonderful English. Even if their English is not extensive, you can laugh together making gestures and can always use Google Translate for help. Hopefully the experience will also give you a chance to practice and learn another language.

“Do I have to take my student out to eat every night?

Not at all. Once or a couple times would be perfectly fine. Keep in mind that your own cultural home cooking is something that your student would love to try. There are some families who do take their student out almost every night because they want them to experience all different types of food or because it is how their family lives.

“What should I do if my student is a picky eater?”

Try to accommodate her by finding out what she likes and does not like.

Normally picky girls prefer plain foods without any intense flavors, so try to order food based on that. If you order food that can be shared, that always makes it easy and does not put pressure on her to eat something she does not like.

“Will I be able to bring my student to my before and after school activities?”

All host students are allowed to bring their delegate to before and after school activities. Your commitments and activities may seem like just a part of your regular schedule to you, but they are new and exciting to your delegate! Be sure to let adults or coaches know in advance of your guest in case adjustments need to be made. If you have an early morning practice that begins very early, at say, 5am, it is also okay (and maybe preferred) to let your student sleep in and have a parent drop them off at Ursuline later in the morning.

“What if I have a test the day that my student is shadowing me at school?”

If you happen to have a test during a class your student is shadowing you, make plans beforehand to have them shadow a friend or a Global Advisory Council member. This situation also includes quizzes and other major assessments. Try to find a fun class for them to shadow, such as ceramics, or ask them what classes they are interested

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November

The Bear Facts

Angst: Ursuline Starts the Conversation

By JACKIE THOMAS ‘20

Recent years have brought greater visibility to mental health, especially in connection to the most common mental disorder: anxiety. Anxiety and its related disorders, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, plague 18% of the United States, almost 40 million people, each year alone. Also, 8% of the population is estimated to develop symptoms of an anxiety disorder before they reach 21 years old.

Despite these huge figures, however, only a staggering 1 in 3 of people suffering from anxiety seek and receive help.

Many afflicted with anxiety, especially teenagers, may not know how to find help, not fully understand the disease, or may not even attempt to handle this legitimate medical condition due to stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Ursuline, along with Greenhill, Hockaday, Parish Episcopal, and St. Marks, took a stand to combat these obstacles students face when struggling with anxiety.

Sponsored by the aforementioned schools, Greenhill hosted a screening of Angst, a documentary that delves into “anxiety, its causes, effects, and what we can do about it,” as described by Ursuline personal counselor Mrs. Hamilton. On October 29, at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., parents were invited to attend the 56-minute screening

Courtesy of The Indeflix Foundation of the film and “virtual reality experience” to spread awareness and reduce stigma about teen anxiety.

Unfortunately, anxiety is prevalent among high school students across the globe, including at Ursuline. Common triggers, according to Hamilton, include pressures in and out of the classroom, relationship or friendship concerns, social media, and changing family dynamics. In response, Ursuline has made renewed efforts in the past several years to raise awareness and offer help to students suffering from anxiety.

Ursuline’s involvement and support of Angst came as part of the school’s “wellness initiative,” which can also be seen in UA’s specialized Wellness Week, with speakers and activities aimed toward increasing the visibility of physical, mental, and

emotional wellbeing.

On the wellness initiative and the documentary specifically, Hamilton said, “We want to educate our parents and students on how to ident i fy anxiety, increase their self-coping skills, and ask for help.” Additionally, steps like Wellness Week and Angst help to reduce the stigma and shame that often surround mental disorders.

Hamilton and the rest of the UA counselors and administration hope Angst will “help parents identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety and encourage them to seek help for their child.”

Also, a common roadblock to mental health treatment in teens is a problem with communication, so the screening serves a s a beginning to the difficult conversation, educating parents so that they better relate and appreciate difficulties and solutions

surrounding teen anxiety.

To this end, both presentations will end with a conversation, a panel with students and counselors to shed more light on the issue from students’ perspective. In an honest, safe setting, parents attending the screening can learn more about what they can do and look for in their teens’ behavior to prevent or combat serious anxiety.

Students cannot attend the screening due to space concerns, but the film’s message reaches out to teens as well as parents as a simple theme backed by Ursuline’s personal counselors: seek help. “When anxiety starts to interfere with daily activities such as school performance, physical or mental health, and relationships, students need to reach out,” Hamilton said. Shouldering the burden of anxiety is never a feasible treatment. If you are struggling, talk to a friend, parent or counselor, she added.

Angst and projects like it serve as fantastic sources of visibility and conversation toward teen anxiety, and this screening should inspire action, change and new awareness in the Ursuline community to hopefully change anxiety’s grim statistics and help Ursuline students seek help and destroy stigmas.

Disabled Models Enable the Fashion Industry

By KATE JANSON ‘20

No one likes to be judged unfairly. It looking for agencies. They looked all is dehumanizing and traumatizing to our over San Francisco and L.A. and were characters. Espetold that there cially when you was no market Courtesy of Teen Vogue are a person with for disabled a disability, feeling models. Jillian someone’s eyes on remembered you, judging you, always feelis one of the worst ing excluded experiences. Imagfrom something ine that, plus a job she was very that calls people to be looking at you and questioning your appearance.

Teen Vogue looked inside the lives of three disabled models: Chelsea Werner, gymnast and model with Down’s syndrome; Jillian Mercado, a model with spastic passionate muscular dystrophy; and Mama Cax, a about, as she, blogger, model, and amputee. All know and people the experience way too well. In an induslike her, were try where models have bodies that are never repaspirational and able, this makes the rise resented in of models with disability revolutionary. fashion. DisCampaigns such as Aerie’s most recent abled people feature disabled models to make space and disabled models are still left out to celebrate and market a wider array of of most campaign ads and runway bodies. shows. When one goes so long withThere have been a lot of recent pushes out seeing themselves represented, it for inclusion in the modeling world, leads them to think they are invisible with campaigns like #BlackModelsMatand unworthy. ter. That aside, Chelsea’s mother recalls Mama Cax has always loved fashbeing rejected when they first started ion, ever since she started picking out

colors and patterns for her prosthetic leg.

She started inspiring other amputees, which led her to start her blog. She understands the exclusivity of her industry, and she landed her first campaign in 2017. The diversity of her first few jobs inspired her to consider modeling as a career.

Jillian sees the impact that representation can have on your life. Growing up, she was constantly frustrated with the lack of visibility afforded to the disabled community in fashion.

This led her to develop a sense of shame around her appearance and hid herself because of it. Now, Jillian works with Nordstrom,

Target, and modeled for Beyoncé’s merch website. Her new career will take time and patience, but she will continue until all are represented.

Classically, modeling has relied on

society’s “ideal” aspects of beauty: thin, able-bodied, white, and tall. That world has slowly shifted into a more inclusive place with regard to race, size, gender, and that shift should include disabled bodies as well.

In addition to being the right thing to do, inclusion positively impacts revenue. Aerie’s sales grew 38% in the first quarter of 2018 and positive brand sentiment increases when people saw themselves represented in ad campaigns. Chelsea starred in the #AerieReal ad campaign as a special Olympics champion and gymnast. The campaign was a huge success, as the public really wants to see more people with disabilities represented. Fast forward, and Chelsea just walked in New York Fashion Week starring in an H&M campaign.

She is giving hope to others through her growing platform and career, which drives her to keep doing what she loves- modeling.

These three women refused to take “No” for an answer. They have faced constant discrimination and flat out rejection by the fashion industry, because of bodies they cannot change. Through it all though, they are living their dreams and changing the requirements to be a model. They are opening doors for people like them to walk through, without apology.

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November

Prada, Zara, or Nada: Fast Fashion Brands’ Copycat Business Model, Is It Problematic?

By ABIGAIL MIHALIC ‘20

It was December of 2016 when the Forever 21 in Northpark Mall lost its prime spot to another fast fashion retailer, the relatively unknown, foreign brand Zara.

The opening of the Zara store marked a pivotal time in many students’ style journey. Girls were moving away from the boringly “cute” fashion of their middle school days towards clothes that reflected popular trends among adult women, celebrities, and models, evidence of their maturity.

Many students love Zara for giving them on-trend clothes that are actually affordable compared to the streetwear and high fashion looks they resemble which can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Wrapped up in excitement for these cheap but designer-looking finds, Zara shoppers are blind to the criminality of Zara’s and other fast fashion retailers’ copycat business models.

Just a quick glance over Zara’s “New In” section proves their copying agenda.

Sneakers that look almost exactly like Balenciaga’s “ugly” Triple S sneakers are being sold for almost $800 less as well as a plethora of puffer jackets which were seen all over this year’s New York Fashion Week.

The Instagram account Diet Prada, run by Tony Liu and Lindsey Schuyler,

exposes rip offs across fast fashion and luxury brands alike. To their almost 800k followers, they post side-by-side comparisons of an original design and its copycat. In a New Yorker article, Lui and Schuyler walked through a Zara store and pointed out examples of reproductions from Prada, Y.S.L., and Celine.

“90% of the people shopping at Zara probably don’t even know they’re buying a knockoff. When good designs are rendered in cruddy materials they cease to be a good design anyway. We choose not to focus on fast fashion chains like Zara and H&M, because knockoffs are their business model… there’s nothing surprising or interesting when you find their copies,” said Lui and Schuyler in a Highsnobiety article.

Idea theft in the fashion industry has become prevalent and accepted due to inadequate copyright laws that

allow brands like Zara to flourish off of other people’s creations. American copyright laws were written in 1976 when the U.S. fashion business was mainly manufacturing instead of designing unlike in Europe which had established fashion houses. Independent designers’ careers can be crushed by idea theft from a big, powerful brand like Zara.

“Even when designers don’t have legal claims to their knocked off items, they hire lawyers to send cease-and-desist letters in hopes that companies will take them seriously and stop selling the pieces. Tuesday Bassen spent $2,000 for a lawyer to contact Zara about its copycat pins, only for Zara to dismiss the claim,” reported a Vox article.

With the rise of social media and the existence of readilyavailable archives of a designer’s previous work, calling out copycats is much easier as Diet Prada proves. This

has contributed to customers being more conscious about the businesses where they shop and the choices these brands have made.

The government does not seem to be changing its copyright policies anytime soon. In a Racked article about the rise of fashion law, fashion lawyer Brittany Rawlings discussed how idea theft protection in fashion could hurt its economy, with America’s 350 billion-dollar GPD for fashion. “[I]f every single dress or shoe design were to suddenly fall under copyright protection, big brands with large legal budgets would copyright as many designs as possible and constantly file lawsuits, creating a hostile environment that could force smaller designers out of the industry completely,” according to a Vox article.

Zara customers should be wary of their favorite store stealing ideas from smaller designers who could be ruined by copycats. In some ways, however, Zara’s copying of luxury designers is sort of excusable, especially for teenage girls who would otherwise have no way of wearing high fashion designs that shape their personal style and allow them to contribute to global women’s fashion trends even as teenagers.

Banksy: Vandalism or Art?

By SOFIA GARCIA ‘19

“The urge to destroy is also a creative urge.”-Pablo Picasso On October 6, a Sotheby’s in London auctioned off the Banksy painting “Girl With Balloon” to a female European collector for $1.4million. However, as soon as the gavel struck to finalize the sale, the Sotheby’s crowd was left speechless as the painting shredded itself to bits in its frame.

After the incident shocked the audience, Banksy uploaded a video to his website called “Shred the LoveDirector’s Cut.” In the video, he exposes a behind-the-scenes look into the entire process. The footage shows him creating the frame with the shredder and entering the auction to see the painting.

The only words clearly spoken in the video are those of an employee selling the art to potential buyers, saying, “Yes, the artist put the frame on as well.

You get that quite often with Banksy.

He likes the romanticism of, you know, of having it in a national gallery-esque frame,” as Banksy ironically stands two feet away, recording.

At the end of the video, Banksy shows the practice runs where the painting completely shreds, whereas, the real one only made it halfway through the shredder.

Banksy is an anonymous English street artist and political activist.

His stenciling spray paint technique dominates his street art found across Europe and the United States, pri-

Courtesy of TL;DR and Target marily in big cities. The satirical art he creates often reveals a dark underlying truth or political criticism. He goes from city to city secretly creating street art that relays an important message.

From one day to the next, people discover Banksy art on their daily commutes. Extraordinary things can be found in the most ordinary places, like the sidewalk.

His work usually ridicules a situation to expose a harsh underlying reality.

Often times, he recreates very famous

pieces but adds a modern twist to satisfy his intentions.

Even his form of presenting his ideas, street art, classified by some of vandalism, challenges accepted ideals. What some see as burdensome vandalism others see as priceless art. Through his art, Banksy pushes boundaries to force people to question social norms and political actions on their way to work or on their walk to get coffee. He simply provokes thought to challenge ideas that simply graze right by us in any other context.

Banksy, on multiple occasions, has stated

his artwork is not for sale.

Continuously, people take his art and attempt to sell it or charge admission to see his pieces.

This highlights the capitalistic nature of humankind. Rather than simply appreciate Banksy’s message and apply it, people feel it is necessary to profit from his rebellious work.

Art is the rawest form of individual expression that has been used since before languages even developed. It allows people to relay an emotion or idea without a single word. This being said, there are simply no mistakes in art. The perspective of the artist is all that matters. One does not need formal training or Picasso’s technique to create.

Art is for everyone; it is not a concept meant to be owned by only one person.

Banksy’s anonymous nature contributes to the idea that art is for all; he could be anyone.

On Banksy’s website, he has the “Product Recall” section, stating, “Members of the public should be aware there has been a recent spate of Banksy exhibitions none of which are consensual.

They‘ve been organized entirely without the artist’s knowledge or involvement.

Please treat them accordingly.” Pictures display all the real free Banksy exhibitions beside the fake costly Banksy exhibitions.

To learn more about Banksy visit http://www.banksy.co.uk/ or check out some of his most famous artwork.

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The Bear Facts

How to Not ‘Fall’ into a Bad Skincare Routine

By Hope Whitcraft’20

As fall approaches, skin care becomes a crucial part of everyone’s daily routine.

In the months of September, October, and November, skin starts to get dry, lips chap, and thanks to school, under eye bags are back in season.

Here are some of the most highly rated skincare products that should be added to any daily routine. The Fresh sugar lip treatment advanced therapy has been highly rated in several magazines.

Emilea McCutchan’20 agrees that this lip treatment is worth every penny. McCutchan says, “I wear it in the winter because it protects my lips and keeps them hydrated so I don’t get chapped lips.”

The Fresh sugar lip treatment is the perfect chapstick to wear for those cold and dry fall and winter days.

As for moisturizer, the Dr. Jart water drop hydrating moisturizer is the way to go. This is Sarah Hui’s’20 go-to moisturizer and swears it works wonders. Hui recalls, “I love this moisturizer and I miss it because I ran out of it a while ago. It melts into water droplets on your skin and hydrates it, plus it smells amazing!”

An alternative moisturizer is the Clinic dramatically different moisturizing gel is Bethany Robert’s’20 go to moisturizer and uses it every day. Roberts claims “It is literally my holy grail skincare product.

It is literally the best thing in the world, goodnight, thank you for coming to my ted talk.”

Another great moisturizer is the Benefit total moisture, recommended by Kate Janson’20. Janson loves her moisturizer because she claims, “I have had it for a year and its lasted it’s the best moisturizer I have ever had!”

It is so important to moisturize one’s face every morning and night in order to

Courtesy of Hope Whitcraft

sooth and rejuvenate the skin. It is also crucial to find one that leaves skin glowing and smooth, just as the Dr. Jart moisturizer does.

Not all of the highly rated and swornby beauty products work as well as they are put out to be though. Bethany Roberts’20 confesses her less than average experience with the Jade Roller.

The Jade Roller is supposed to smooth out wrinkles and message the skin on one’s face, but Roberts did not get this highly positive effect.

Roberts explains, “Honestly I have not seen any difference or improvement. I have had the same skin routine and then experimented to see if it would make a difference, but it didn’t. It feels good it just doesn’t do anything.”

For those undereye bags that just will not go away, the Sephora Green Tea eye mask is the perfect solution. Not only does it give great results, it also is very affordable. Each mask costs five dollars.

The Sephora eye masks make it easy for those undereye bags to just disappear.

Any girl wants bright and glowing skin. Emilea McCutchan’20 has the solution. McCutchan uses the Natura Bisse diamond brightening face cream. McCutchan claims, “It really brightens my skin and I put it on before I sleep and the next day I wake up glowing.”

Skincare is so important, especially when it becomes more difficult toward fall and winter seasons.

These are just a few of the many skincare products that will make your daily skincare routine easy and fun!

Do not give up wen it gets hard in the fall and winter. Try out these awesome products and add them to your everyday skincare routine to amp up the steps to healthy and glowing skin.

Not Just Another Starbucks

By Emily Parrish’19

Homework can be a drag, but a change of scenery could possibly be the key! Whether studying for a test, writing an essay, or working out math problems, a coffee shop presents a different atmosphere to complete your work in. Restraining yourself to a single space can lead to unproductivity and an overall monotonous routine, but opening up to a new and unique environment could spark your work-ethic.

In a coffee shop, you are surrounded by many people who all have one goal: getting something done. To your left there is a nervous prospective job applicant awaiting their interview, to your right there is a teacher creating a lesson plan, and outside there is a group of students working on a project together. Despite accomplishing different tasks, everyone in a coffee shop encompass the traits of hard work and attentiveness.

Possibly coffee is the catalyst for this productive environment. Caffeine can be the kick-start to the focus and energy needed to accompany your studying.

Nestle argues that coffee assists with, “focus and concentration, enhancing short term memory, increasing alert-

time to familiarize yourself with a new coffee shop! Of course, Starbucks is usually the first spot that pops into the mind, but there are many unique hole-inthe-wall coffee shops that can be overlooked.

In Dallas, there are different coffee spots around every corner from Lower Greenville to Highland Park to Preston Hollow to Downtown! Whether you are staying close to home, close to school, or planning a study-outing on the weekend, none of Courtesy of Sprudge these places will disappoint. ness, and enhancing mood.” These four For the East Dallas factors can make a world of difference folk, Lower Greenville offers a hip when completing your schoolwork for environment with restaurants and any subject, especially subjects you may activities unique to the area, along struggle with. with its coffee shops. Mudsmith, For those who do not like plain cofHoundstooth Coffee, and Toasted, to fee, with the temperature dropping and name three, offer the perfect trendy fall settling in come the well-renowned and funky vibe to complement your flavors: pumpkin spice, gingerbread, studies. Toasted also offers an arand salted caramel. Fall is the perfect ray of creative toasts from sweet

to savory to tend to all cravings. Next up, Highland Park features fresh and polished spots to maintain ample focus.

Drip Coffee Co. and Royal Blue Grocery are two popular places to ease studying with tables inside and out. Staying nearby Ursuline? Allegro Coffee Company in Whole Foods and the newlyopened, White Rock Coffee are the two for you! Originated in East Dallas, near White Rock Lake, White Rock Coffee not only offers a great environment with a number of different workspaces, but also unique drinks like the delicious “Adam Bomber” and fan-favorite, “White Rocker.”

Lastly, if you find yourself exploring Downtown, try Weekend Coffee or Urban Coffee. These places will keep your motivated while surrounded by the booming city of Dallas.

Courtesy of White Rock Coffee

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November

How YouTube is Changing the World of Documentaries

By BETHANY ROBERTS ‘20

I catch myself in a hypocritical moment; After joking with my dad about his “nerdy” documentaries, I hop on my bed to pull up YouTube to watch a documentary of my own. Sure, his World War II documentaries may not interest me, but I don’t think he is quite interested in the truth of the infamous Youtube star Jake Paul.

The producer of this series and many others like it is Shane Dawson. The well-known internet personality has changed how younger audiences view documentaries, flipping the script and world on its head. Dawson, in his own words, “wants to fix people” while also investigating for the truth.

The current generation favors internet videos to television, viewing TV as a thing of the past. According to the New York Times, Americans over 50 spend on average 39.6 hours in front of a TV and 21.6 hours in front of a smart device per week. Younger Americans spend 18.4 hours in front of a TV per week and a similar amount in front of their smart devices, at 17.9 hours per week.

Dawson’s docusereies’ successes are in part due to his appealing topics. The

topics have thus far been controversial, shedding light on the reality of the person or situation. The reception each series has been overwhelmingly positive. “The Secret World of Jeffree Star” has a total of 96 million views.

After the announcement of his most recent series on Jake Paul, he received extreme back lash. At best, the public recognizes Paul as a selfish, greedy racist. At worst, they claim he is a sociopath. His first scandal was his resurfaced tweets containing racial slurs. His peers, professionally known as Team 10, have shifted throughout his career. Paul repeatedly pushes limits with his videos’ stunts and pranks; many videos have been published by ex-members claiming bullying and abuse from such pranks.

“He punched me in my face in a prank” Ivan Martinez, ex-member, claims.

Viewers begged Dawson to not give Paul a redemption arc considering his previous actions.

After the series was released, however, people felt differently. The first five episodes focused Dawson’s research of Jake Paul and sociopaths. Social media buzzed with dissatisfaction at Dawson’s grace towards Paul. A smaller number of viewers complimented Dawson’s commitment to the draining investigation. At multiple points in the series, Dawson is shown breaking down out of frustration regarding the grueling topic.

The effort Dawson put forth, however, is paying off. After revealing the deceit within Team 10, viewers shed their first conceptions of

Paul. After controversy, Paul said he was afraid to speak out because no one would believe him. “The eight episodes humanize [Jake Paul]” said junior Sholape Fashemo, avid YouTube fan, “All of [Dawson’s] documentaries make [viewers] more aware with easy access.”

Other influencers, like Manny MUA, are attempting to mirror Dawson’s series. Whether the makeup artist cares about his message or wants to jump on the coat tails of Dawson’s success, more documentaries are undoubtedly on their way.

What does this mean for the future of documentaries? Younger audiences are now more receptive to the idea of watching a documentary than before.

Businesses may move advertising to the internet. If important topics are covered, will they elicit the same response?

One twitter user joked that if Dawson focused a documentary on climate change people would begin to care. The question is: would they?

A brighter future rests in the hands of the people. An informed people produce a brighter future. If the topics expand the people can gain information from such internet documentaries.

Courtesy of Grace Risinger ‘20

Snooze: A Review

By Gracie Moll ‘19

What is better than waking up on a Sunday morning and grabbing a late breakfast with your friends or family?

Well, all brunch fans out there are in luck! Snooze just opened on Northwest Highway and Walnut hill, and it is not only delicious, but it is heavily involved in the community and helping the environment!

They call their customers Snoozers and are actively “seeking to evolve the A.M. dining experience through culinary innovation, an electric and energetic atmosphere and comfortable and friendly service.” Jon and Adam, the two brothers started the restaurant out of of Denver, Colorado. They believe that “life is worth living and each person and each day is worth celebrating.” This belief evolved into their passion for impacting their community and world with the mantra that it only takes a moment to make a difference!

They have establishments in Colorado, California, Arizona and Texas and are involved in each of the communities surrounding the restaurants. The brothers want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and feel that they are part of one big family with their Snoozers, partners, guests,

neighbors, and planet! One percent of each sale goes to the local community from donations of pancakes to services.

They ask that if you are holding an event or auction to talk to the manager of your local Snooze about how they can help, and they will do their best to do so.

Jon and Adam are also passionate about helping the environment. Snooze restaurants compost and recycle 90% of their waste for conservation of resources and materials to create a better world for future generations. This effort has

tally friendly, featuring cage-free eggs.

If you are a vegetarian, they also offer alternate options of soyrizo and tofu!

They also serve unique breakfast sandwiches, a twist I am a fan of! The Sandwich I Am is a soft pretzel roll filled with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and a sausage patty with a side of smoked cheddar hollandaise and hash browns.

Now you have an excuse to eat a pretzel at breakfast.

Their sweet section, cleverly named the “Sweet Utopia” has nine mouthwatering options to start the day with something sweet. The “utopia” includes the Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes, buttermilk pancakes with caramelized pineapple chunks, housemade vanilla crème anglaise and cinnamon butter. Pancakes like these are sure to make your mouth water.

For a better look into their menu items, ingredients, organizations, and community service acts. their blog that is linked in their website at snoozeeatCourtesy of Houston Chronicle ery.com. The combination of a passion for community service and quality ingredients makes Snooze the ideal composed of three farm fresh cage free Sunday brunch spot. Think about the eggs cooked any style and the choice of ham, bacon, sausage, chorizo, pulled pork, impact these brothers are trying to make chicken sausage or soyrizo with a side of through their restaurant, and help support your community while eating good hash browns and a choice of toast. This food at Snooze! simple meal is savory and environmenbeen recognized by Colorado Environmental Leadership Program Gold Level and Certifiable Green Denver and Climate Wise. So, you can feel good while chowing down on your pancakes.

Their menu consists of many delicious options including The Snooze Classic

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Opinions

November

The Bear Facts

Is Peanut Butter Bad for You?

By SARAH HUI ‘20

November is National Peanut Butter animal and plant-based sources makes Lovers’ month, but does peanut butfor a well-balanced diet. All legumes are ter deserve the love? Peanut butter and excellent sources of vegetarian protein, jelly sandwiches are the classic staple of and peanuts are not the exception.

American school lunches, and athletes There are two main types of around the world include peanut butpeanut butter out there: the ter in their diets. Here at Ursuline, the highly-processed brands peanut butter and apples cup is one of such as JIF and Skippy that the most popular SAGE items. Yet some have added sugars, will tell you that peanut butter is in fact, vegetable oil not good for you. and even While peanuts are generally thought of as nuts like almonds or pecans, they are in truth not tree nuts, but legumes.

They belong to same plant family as chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, and peas. Because of this, peanuts can trans worsen indigesfats, and tion for people the true natural peawho suffer from nut butters with only two it already, as ingredients: peanuts and salt. legumes contain The conundrum is that both have a complex cara downside that the other rectifies. bohydrate that The less processed a peanut butter is, is difficult to the more at-risk it is for toxic mold. digest easily.

Peanuts, which grow underground, are For growsusceptible to a mold called Aspergiling bodies, and lus, which produces carcinogenic toxins especially known as aflatoxins. student On the other hand, the more A peanut butter to avoid due to athletes, processed peanut butters contain the added sugar and trans fat. consumhigh amounts of sugar and uning a diet healthy trans fats, both of which with the necessary amount of protein is have been linked to heart disease and essential. Obtaining protein from both other health problems.

Avoiding these “junk food” peanut butters is the better alternative, as aflatoxin levels are regulated by the USDA and humans are fairly resistant to their immediate effects. According to one study on aflatoxin contamination, just the roasting, blanching, and grinding of peanuts into peanut butter reduces the toxins’ levels by 89%.

If you have ever been told that peanut butter is unhealthy because of its high fat content, it is exactly the opposite.

Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fats, which are the

something to watch out for.

For this reason, it is important to practice the principle of everything in moderation.

The debate over peanut butter boils down to that rule. Peanut butter, when eaten in small amounts such as one tablespoon a One example of a peanut day or butter that is the healthier two tableand better option than JIF or spoons Skippy. The ingredients are every two only peanuts and salt. days, is not detrimental to healthy your health and can actually benefit your fats found in avocadiet. You could even switch back and dos. These fats have been forth each day between peanut butter connected to both weight and a spread like almond butter. loss and a decrease in insulin While it may be hard for the addicts sensitivity. to resist five spoonfuls of peanut butter Peanut butter is nutrienta day, it is better (and reasonable) in the dense, one of main reasons why long run to limit that intake. And for it is a favorite of athletes. It is rich those who have been mistakenly avoidin B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. ing peanut butter entirely, it is perfectly But peanut butter’s density in nutrients fine to indulge in some luscious, peanutis matched by its high calorie content, buttery goodness.

Lebron Funding School, Meets with Opposition

By SOFIA GARCIA ‘19

We all make the promise: the promise to buy our parents a home, the promise to repay the teacher that changed our perception of the world, and the promise to give back to the community that raised us. We intend to do all this once we succeed of course. This past summer, Lebron James, professional basketball player, kept his promise.

James, born in Akron, has brought his home state of Ohio extreme pride through his recent championship title with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, his efforts surpassed his athletic ability to fuel his intellectual nature in alliance with the Akron Public Schools system.

The Lebron James Family Foundation has opened a school for 240 at-risk third and fourth graders in Akron, Ohio.

These students are selected based on low economic income and disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to CNN, students will receive: • Free tuition • Free uniforms • Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks • Free transportation within 2 miles • A free bicycle and helmet • Access to a food pantry for their family • Guaranteed tuition for all graduates to the University of Akron Additionally, James’ outreach helps the parents of students by connecting them

with job-finding services and assistance in earning their GEDs. James plans to expand the school in the future from first to eighth grade by 2022. His excitement for the opening of his new school in July was evident in his recent tweet, in which James states: “The jitters before the first day of school are real right now!!! Tomorrow is going to be one of the greatest

when they walk through that door I hope they know that someone cares.” The I Promise School demonstrates James’ recent involvement in social issues, including his outspoken stance against racism and call for equality, supporting Nike’s newly publicized relationship with Colin Kaepernick.

However, not all audiences have positively received James’ stance. President

moments (if not the greatest) of my life when we open the #IPROMISE School. This skinny kid from Akron who missed 83 days of school in the 4th grade had big dreams…”

In an interview with CNN, James shared, “For kids in general, all they want to know is someone cares. And

Donald Trump took to Twitter to display his response to James’ criticism, saying, “Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!”

Fox News host Laura Ingraham also took fault with James’ critical words,

responding, “This is what happens when you attempt to leave high school early to join the NBA. It’s always unwise to seek political advices from someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball.”

She then implored James to “shut up and dribble.”

James took to Instagram to share with his 41.5 million followers that he is “more than an athlete” with the hashtag #wewillnotshutupanddribble.

Despite her husband’s negative response, Melania Trump contradicted President Donald Trump by praising James for his charitable contributions.

She even shared with James that she would be open to visiting the school in the future.

Other outspoken supporters of James’ recent actions include former First Lady Michelle Obama. She commended James on Twitter as a role model for “using his platform for good.”

Because of his multimillion dollar and immense time commitment to the project, it appears this is just the beginning of James’ impact. James told CNN, “We want every kid to walk through this school to be inspired, to come… away with something.

Something where they can give back.” He kept his promise to give back. Now, he is affording a new generation the opportunity to keep theirs.

The Bear Facts

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Entertainment

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November

Ti Amo, Phoenix: French Band Illuminates SouthSide Ballroom

By GRACE RISINGER ‘20

The low ringing sensation vibrating from the glowing telephone set in the center of the stage echoed a melodious hum, slowly wearing off the exhaustion set by the week’s end. The telephone’s fluorescent glow cast a stark contrast against the darkness surrounding a rather angst-ridden crowd, mimicking the familiar buzz of the telephone, feverishly awaiting Phoenix’s arrival. The euphoric glow of the telephone began to rise and fall, once again mimicked by the crowd. And just as their feet began to fall, the low hum descended into the octave of the intro to “J-Boy”, answering the crowd’s long-awaited call for the adored band.

Embodied by Thomas Mars, Deck d’Arcy, Laurent Brancowitz and Christian Mazzalai, Phoenix debuted in 2000 with United, amassing hits such as “If I ever feel better” and “Too young”. Originating in Versailles, Phoenix’s unique sound stands between a very synth-heavy, Parisian-disco-influenced indie pop. The quartet’s rise to fame began in 2009, featuring a free online-download of “1901”, a historical tribute to 19th century Paris.

The song was dubbed an overnight sensation in no time, paving the way for Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, their mostsuccessful album to date.

Each Phoenix album records at a new studio, using different instruments to push their creative boundaries. Ti Amo finds the band at a happy medium. Released on June 9th, 2017, Ti Amo unintentionally opposes the political turmoil residing in France; translating to “I love

you” in Italian, it paints the picture of a blissful summer spent in the French countryside, creating Phoenix’s most joyful album yet.

Their live-performance certainly radiated the joyful aura presented in Ti Amo. Followed by “Lasso”, Phoenix introduced an energetic tone for their night in Dallas. Located at South Side Ballroom, the crowd was illuminated

Courtesy of Grace Risinger ‘20 by the rainbow backdrops reflecting off the stage, making their smiles ever-so-present.

The setlist was comprised of fan-favorites derived from every album, featuring “Entertainment” and “Trying to be cool” from Bankrupt!, Phoenix’s fourth album. Flashing red lights followed by lively instrumentals prompted waves of jumping throughout the crowd during “Entertainment”.

“Trying to be cool” covered the venue with bursts of neon colors, with Mars’

voice booming brighter than any color imaginable. Paying further homage to their roots, Phoenix also performed “Long distance call” and “Too young”, allowing fans to dance along to the songs that made Phoenix one of their favorite acts.

An unusually serene atmosphere arose during “Girlfriend”, one of Phoenix’s most popular ballads.

Due to the Italian connotation of ti amo, it was only fitting that the lovesick lyrics cast a romantic tone over the true mellowness of the song, which of course was strengthened by euphoric pink lighting.

The love spread throughout the crowd only stretched further as the band followed with “Lovelife” and “Ti Amo”.

As Phoenix serenaded the crowd with “Lovelife”, the image of a pink and red sunset radiated a summery glow in accordance to the Parisian-disco influenced track. “Ti Amo” radiated an aura of love, rightfully earning its title as the namesake of Phoenix’s fifth album. Pulsing red lights nodded to the song’s tragic idea of

unreciprocated love.

As it was the last night of the Ti Amo tour, Mars made sure to spend a little extra time enjoying the crowd.

During the entirety of “Rome”, Mars carefully waltzed across the floor, with the starstruck crowd parting like the red sea as he crooned on. Thomas could not get enough of the audience’s enthusiasm, returning to perform a stripedback version of “Countdown”, in which he sang directly to the audience. The venue was completely euthymic, with the crowd silently trying to hold onto the awestruck moment for as long as they possibly could.

The quiet moment lingered for a mere second before it was quickly swept away and succeeded by the highspirited vibrations heard just minutes before. As the first notes of “If I ever feel better” began, it was unanimous that the crowd had truly never felt quite better. The dimmed lights slowly became luminous once again, and the audience’s high energy levels were back in full swing.

Dazzling lights and a giant glowing heart embossed with the phrase ‘Ti Amo’ brought the highly animated night to an end. The crowd was buzzing with excitement as the familiar ring of “1901” began. The night was a beautiful recollection of great music and an even greater sense of love. And as the ringing slowly lowered back down to the low hum of the telephone, it was clear that the night was one that would never be forgotten.

The Fight for the Title of The Queen of Rap

By GRACIE MOLL ‘19

She threw a what? Two of the most successful female rappers to date have been partaking in an ongoing feud for the title of the best. This feud resulted in Cardi B. throwing a shoe at Nicki Minaj at the Harper’s Bazaar Icon fashion week event. But the question on everyone’s minds is: “what led to this?”

Speculations of the feud began in June of 2017 when Cardi B preformed with Remy Ma before performing her diss track about Nicki. This track had nothing to do with Cardi other than the stage they shared, but interesting-

Courtesy of Entertainment Tonight

ly shows that Cardi is not the first to have bad blood with the star. But this was one of Cardi’s debut performance, so you could say that Nicki was a little hesitant to welcome her into the industry with open arms.

Again, in August of 2017, Nicki was featured on a song by London on da Track along with Offset, Cardi B’s husband, and 21 Savage. Many believed that Nicki was firing shots at Cardi in the verse she rapped. And, although, Nicki went to twitter to deny these accusations, many still believed it was a reference to Cardi.

On the other hand, the two seemed to be on good terms in September and October of 2017 when Cardi B hit number one with “Bodak Yellow”, causing Nicki to give her warm congratulations via twitter; and Migos dropped “MotorSport”, a song featuring both female rappers. But when the video for this song came out, it was apparent that the two did not shoot on the same day causing even more speculation to arise.

During an interview with Zane Lowe in April of 2018, the rumors turned to truth when Nicki exposed Cardi claiming she “never showed her any genuine love.” She says that Cardi really hurt her feelings by ambushing her credibility in an earlier interview with The Breakfast Club, and she felt that Cardi was being ungrateful after

getting to be on a song with her.

But later, after pictures of the two getting along at the Met Gala surfaced, Cardi spoke out in an interview with the Bronx Native that the two had talked everything out. She is quoted saying she, “never was feuding with anybody” and that it was all “a misunderstanding. “She felt a certain type of way about something and [Nicki] definitely felt a certain type of way about something. [She] didn’t want to ever talk about it in public because [she] felt like [they would] see each other again and [would] talk about it” in person.

From then on, everything began to escalate. Fans were convinced that Nicki took a shot at Cardi in her song “Ganja Burns” by implying that she did not write most of her raps. Then, DJ Raps came out days after the song was released, claiming that Nicki was gossiping to him about Cardi. Nicki, of course, denied the claims, but later seemed to expose herself on an interview on Beats 1 by saying that she and Cardi must have an issue if everyone was saying they do and that Cardi needs to have “thicker skin” to be in the industry.

This build up over a year in the making of song disses, interviews, and tweets were all released on September 8th 2018 when Cardi B physically assaulted Nicki by throwing her shoe at her. A leaked video shows the encounter play out as Cardi yells at Nicki while they are both

held back by security. TMZ stated that the fight broke out after Cardi approached Nicki to “address the lies Nicki was spreading.” Many do not know that Cardi was first elbowed in the face by Nicki resulting in a big lump to her head. Cardi was escorted out of the event and took to Instagram to say her final words.

Where will the feud go from here?

Well, if you listen closely enough to the countless song disses, interviews, and tweets to come, you might just be able to understand the feud before the next explosion occurs.

Courtesy of Elite Daily

Spotlight : Genesis STAR Club With 19 new Ursuline clubs this year among the abundance of options, some clubs may become lost in the hubbub. The purpose of “Spotlight” is to highlight Ursuline’s diverse clubs and explain each of their own purposes and stories.

Ursuline students Grace Risinger ’20 and Angelina Velis ’20 founded an extension of the Genesis Women’s Shelter in the Genesis STAR Club. As the first two students to bring Ursuline representation on the Genesis STAR board, they are “very passionate” about the subject. The club’s mission is to practice Serviam through volunteering at Genesis Women’s Shelter’s organizations and spreading awareness for relationship abuse. Students have the opportunity to volunteer to serve children who have been affected by domestic violence.

The Genesis Women’s Shelter fights against domestic abuse by offering solace and support for victims. Their mission is to provide safety, shelter and support for those who have experienced domestic violence and to raise awareness regarding its cause, prevalence and impact. The Genesis Women’s Shelter gives Dallas teens the opportunity to fight domestic violence through volunteering on the Genesis STAR Board. The acronym STAR stands for “Students Tackle Abusive Relationships.”

“Volunteering at Genesis has impacted my life in ways I didn’t know was possible. It really highlights the importance of being kind and loving to others. The kids have so much joy. . .It’s a very sweet experience. It’s unique, very personal,” said Risinger.

Interested in Joining? Contact: 20GRisinger@ursulinedallas.org