December2013 2013 October/November
Lights shining bright as the sun, a mountain of presents under the tree, garland wrapped around the staircase, milk and cookies for Santa, and a reef on the door to complete a tradition celebrated for years. But Christmas is more than just giving presents and a big dinner; it’s a time where families gather together and spend time with one another. A holiday that dates back to the biblical era, Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in America. But what about outside of America? How is Christmas celebrated in other countries? Is Christmas celebrated in other countries? America is known as the melting pot filled with people of different races, religions, and beliefs, but yet we do not take interest in their culture and traditions. So let’s take a trip around the world and see how “Merry Christmas” is said in a different language. Traveling down south 2804.28 to Central America, Christmas is known as Las Posadas, Navidad and Dia de los Tres Reye. Throughout the season there are many bright flowers and beautiful nights. They sing Christmas carols and eat many of the traditional holiday food influenced by the indigenous people of the land and the arrival of the Roman Catholics hundred years ago. Christmas is centered on the story Nacimiento, Christ's Child just like America centers Christmas on the birth of Jesus in the manger. 2354 miles south of Central America is Argentina where Merry Christmas means Feliz Navidad. In Argentina most families go to church and then come home for a big feast. At midnight they toast and the adults dance while the children play and watch the fireworks. The houses are decorated with beautiful long red and green garland. Similar to American tradition dinner consists of roasted turkey and roasted pork, but Argentina adds a little twist adding Christmas bread and puddings and stuffed tomatoes and mince pies. Their toast (drink) is made of different fruit mixed with cider and juice. East of Argentina in Africa is the Congo. Christmas is first celebrated with carolers singing through the village. Their voices are heard through and for all the villages waking up Africa to get ready for their early morning church service. They have a love offering in church as a gift to honor Jesus. Then at about 8 or 9 o’clock they make way for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. After service, dinner is served. Enough tables are served for everyone so every intimate friend is invited. But even before all the celebration the Congo prepares for a Christmas pageant to be put on during dinner. Further down south, Christmas is no longer greeted with snow and freezing temperatures but the hot blazing sun, as it is a summer holiday south of the equator during Christmas. Instead of hitting the ski slopes, the people in South Africa are hitting the beach. School is closed and gorgeous flowers are bursting out at the seams. On Christmas Eve, the carolers make their rounds and church services are held on Christmas morning. At home, pine branches are used as decorations and stockings are put up for Father Christmas. Depending on what part of Africa Merry Christmas can be said as Geseënde Kersfees, Een Plesierige Kerfees or
Rehus-Beal-Ledeats. Continuing west across the India Ocean to Australia , Christmas is also sizzling holiday. A traditional dinner includes turkey, ham, and pork and a Christmas plum pudding for dessert. Their dinner usually takes place on the beach or other families have a picnic. If one decides to stay home , the day is completed with swimming, Cricket, and various outdoor activities. The unusually warm weather allows the people of Australia to practice their tradition of Carols by Candlelight which started in 1937. It is held every year on Christmas Eve. Thousands of people gather in Melbourne to sing their favorite carols. Making the night even better, the Southern Cross stars shine bright in the night mirroring the lights of the candles. They also surround themselves with Christmas Bush, a native plant with red flowered leaves. Heading north to Asia, the little children of China decorate their trees with colorful ornaments. They are made from paper in the shapes of flowers, chains and lanterns. They hang stockings hoping that Dun Che Lao Ren, which is Chinese for “Christmas Old Man” or Santa Clause, fills them with treats and gifts. They call this season the Spring Festival in which they celebrate with many appetizing meals and pay respects to the ancestors. The children are the main focus, as they are in every country on Christmas, they receive new clothes and toys while eating and watching firecrackers. In India, mango and bananas trees are decorated. They light small lamps as Christmas decoration and fill their churches with the poinsettias. They are perfectly in bloom during Christmas time. They give presents to their family members and to charity. In southern India the Christian put small clumps of clay of the rooftops of their house just as the Hindus do in a celebration called Diwali. Westward toward Europe, Christmas in England is similar toward America’s. They enjoy beautiful music and hang up evergreen tree branches. They have a custom called mummering where they act out Christmas plays while wearing masks. Their Santa Clause is known as Father Christmas. He wears a long green and red robe and leaves presents in the stockings or pillowcase on Christmas Eve. The day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day because the young boys go around collecting money in clay boxes. Their dinner is eaten midday and consists of turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce is served, mince pies, and pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit. In France, the children leave their shoes by the fire place in hope of Pere Noel (Santa) filing them with gifts. In the cathedral square the story of Christ is reenacted in by both players and puppets. Christmas trees are not really a tradition held by the French, but they do eat this cake called the buche de Nol, which means "Christmas Log”. In southern France is a log is burned in the home from Christmas Eve till New Year’s Eve. On Christmas Eve churches and cathedrals ring out carols with church bells. In the north of France, gifts are given on December 6th instead of Christmas day and the adults give/receive gifts on New Year’s.
Ultimately, Christmas is more than just a holiday for giving gifts, but a time to worship and spend time with the ones who has made that year special. Christmas can be celebrated in a million of creative , fun ways that involves huge feasts , carols, and worship. So Shuvo Naba Barsha, Sheng Dan Kuai Le, Joyeux Noel, Fröhliche Weihnachten, Buone Feste Natalizie, and Merry Christmas to all .
Fireworks in Argentina
Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne , Australia
Buche de Noel– a traditional dessert eaten on Christmas day
STUDENT LIFE
Children from all over the world are excited for Christmas. After spending Christmas Eve with family and friends, children run to their beds and go to sleep earlier than usual. They dream of all the toys that they will open on Christmas morning. They also dream of Santa Claus. Some kids will sit at the top of their steps and wait to see if Santa will come down the chimney. They try their hardest to stay up but eventually they’ll fall asleep. Nobody has ever seen Santa on Christmas Eve delivering presents. The only knowledge we know of Santa Claus is what we have seen in Christmas movies or Christmas decorations. Who is Santa? How long has he been around? Why is he so popular around Christmas? Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle and simply "Santa," is a figure with legendary, mythical, historical and folkloric origins, who in many western cultures is said to bring gifts to the homes of the good children on the night before Christmas, December 24 (Christmas Eve). Santa is known for wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots and carries a bag full of gifts for children. According to a tradition which can be traced
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to the 1820s, Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, with a large number of magical elves and nine flying reindeer. It has been said that Santa has a list of all the children in the world. There is a Naughty and Nice list. Most children want to be on the nice list so they can receive presents from Santa. It is also known that Santa looks over the children to look at their behaviors and checks his list twice. He only delivers to all of the well-behaved children in the world, and sometimes he gives coal to the naughty children. St. Nicholas was born in 280 AD, in Patara, a city of Lycia, in Asia Minor. He became the gift giver of Myra. His gifts were given late at night, so that the gift giver's identity would remain a secret. St Nicholas was eventually named the patron saint of children, sailors, Russia and Greece. In the 1500s people in England stopped worshipping St Nicholas and favored more another gift giving figure Father Christmas. Over the centuries, St. Nicholas' popularity grew, and many people in Europe made up new stories that showed his concern for children. By end of the 1400s, St. Nicholas was the third most beloved
religious figure, after Jesus and Mary. The name Santa Claus came from the Dutch pronunciation of St. Nicholas which was Sinter Klass. Early Dutch settlers in New York brought their traditions of St Nicholas. As children from other countries tried to pronounce Sinter Klass, this soon became Santa Klass, which was settled as Santa Claus. Santa Claus is so popular because it’s an important part of childhood, and has been passed down to generations after generations.
A time for cheer and merriment. A time for splendor and joy. Schools are closed and adults are off from work spending time with their loved ones. With that time comes shopping, eating, and watching Christmas movies to get in the holiday spirit. Every year sitcoms do a Christmas episode and the classics such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Carol are shown on television to remind people what Christmas is all about. Below are top Christmas movies used to get in the spirit and show the true meaning of Christmas .
Elf (2003) -Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised as one of Santa's elves, who grows three times his family’s size and becomes a misfit in his home. He is sent to find his father played by James Caan who to Buddy’s dismay is a scrooge and finds his step-brother no longer believes in Santa. Worst of all the true meaning of Christmas has been lost. That is until Buddy comes to town changing the lives of New York forever.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) With the voicing styles of Jim Carrey and Molly Shannon comes the hilarious yet sweet movie of Dr Seuss' fable about a reclusive creature who plots to steal the Christmas gifts from the inhabitants of Whooville with a twist.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) - A movie that has been around for almost 50 years, A Charlie Brown Christmas is the first prime-time animated TV special based upon the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz
A Christmas Carol (2009) Yet another movie graced by Jim Carrey , A Christmas Carol is a classic Christmas movie based on the story written by Charles Dickens . The story of miserable Ebonezer Scrooge who is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future is taken on an eye-opening journeying reveling truths he is to stubborn to face if his attitude does not change. The Santa Clause (1994) Award winning actor Tim Allen, plays father Scott Calvin in this fantasy and comedy film. He starts to notices some unusual changes when he accidently kills the real the Santa Clause and puts on his suit. Forced to take on the-bigman-in-red’s job, guided by his son, realizes there is more to Christmas cardboard boxes and wrapping paper. Home Alone(1990) - Imagine being home by yourself. No parents, no siblings, nothing. Just an empty house and every rooms all to yourself .What more can a kid ask for? In the 1990 film 11 year old Kevin McCallister got just what he asked for. Wishing his family away, Kevin wakes to an empty home with his family nowhere to be found. While his folks worry, abandoned Kevin is too busy reinventing Christmas as a child's playground of bed jumping and burglar bashing. In this funny classic film Kevin learns Christmas is nothing without having your family there to share it with. Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992) The sequel to the original Home Alone, Kevin is supposed to be celebrating Christmas in Miami takes the wrong plane to New York, but is reunited with his family just in time for Christmas.
This Christmas (2007) - A Christmastime drama centered on the Whitfield family's first holiday together in four years. The Best Man Holiday(2013) - After nearly 15 years comes the long-awaited next chapter to the film that ushered in a new era of comedy. When the college friends finally reunite over the Christmas holidays, they will discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and romances to be ignited. Black Nativity (2013) -In a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes' celebrated play, the holiday musical drama BLACK NATIVITY follows Langston, a street-wise teen from Baltimore raised by a single mother, as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs Unwilling to live by the imposing Reverend Cobbs' rules, a frustrated Langston is determined to return home to his mother, Naima Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey and along with his new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family. A Madea Christmas (2013) - Madea gets coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas, but the biggest surprise is what they'll find when they arrive.
STUDENT LIFE
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Holiday Soundtracks Lauren Polk Christmas songs have been bringing cheer to people for years. Through surveying, people say they like Christmas songs because "they bring me joy!" and "it gets me wrapped up in the holiday season." Although you're not going to see many Christmas carolers, you will hear the songs in stores and on the radio. Some places such as Fantasy in Lights at Calloway Gardens, will even provide you with a whole magical show while singing along to your favorite songs. It’s time to gather around the fireplace, sip hot chocolate and surround our selves in the winter season. Below are the songs you're mostly likely to hear: 1
“White Christmas”-Bing Crosby This song is an Irving Berlin song reflecting on an old-fashioned Christmas setting. Bing Crosby’s version of the song is the best-selling single of all time with 50 million copies sold. This song as been recorded by many artist including Elvis Presley, the Supremes, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Cee Lo Green.
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“Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer”-Gene Autry “Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer” began as a book written by Robert L. May as an assignment for Montgomery Ward. It is written as a poem in the style of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Johnny Marks (May’s brother-inlaw) transformed the story into a song. Gene Autry’s recording of the song as sold 25 million copies.
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“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”-Jimmy Boyd This song is describing a scene where a kid walks downstairs from their on Christmas Eve and sees their mom kissing Santa Claus (the dad in a Santa Claus costume) under the mistletoe. Popular recordings of the song in cludes artists such as The Jackson 5, Bobby Sherman, and Jessica Simpson.
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“Jingle Bell Rock”-Bobby Helms “Jingle Bell Rock” is a pop spin of the Christmas classic Jingle Bells. It brings up a happy, fun Christmas scene. Various artists have covered this song including Alvin and the Chipmunks, Ashanti, Ashley Tisdale, Chris Brown, and Lindsay Lohan & the Mean Girls cast.
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“The Christmas Song”-Nat King Cole The song was written in 1944 by musician, composer, and vocalist Mel Tormé and Bob Wells. According to Tormé, the song was written during a scorching hot summer, in an effort to "stay cool by thinking cool."
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“Snoopy's Christmas”-The Royal Guardsmen This song is a sequel to Snoopy vs the Red Baron and talks about how Snoopy had to go fight the Red Baron on Christmas Eve.
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“Here Comes Santa Claus”-Gene Autry Gene Autry got the idea for this song after riding his horse in the 1946 Santa Claus Lane Parade in Los Angeles in where the crowd chanted, "Here Comes Santa Claus". Other versions of the song come from Elvis Presley, Ludacris, and Mariah Carey.
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“Little Drummer Boy”-Harry Simeone Chorale Originally named the Carol of the Drum, the song talks about as a poor young boy, he was summoned to the nativity, without a gift for Jesus. Instead he played his drum with the approval of Virgin Mary.
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“Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree”-Brenda Lee “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” was written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958. The song as been featured on Home Alone and The Simpsons. The song as been covered by many artists from Green Day to Miley Cyrus.
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“All I Want for Christmas is You”– Mariah Carey The song talks about a woman that doesn’t care about Christmas presents or decorations and all that she wants for Christmas is to reunite with her lover for the holidays.
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“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”-Bruce Springsteen “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” was written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie and was first sung on Eddie Cantor's radio show in November 1934. The song has been recorded many many times by artists such as The Temptations, The Supremes, Tamar Braxton, Mariah Carey, Nat King Cole, and Bing Cosby.
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“Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”-Elmo and Patsy The song was written by Randy Brooks and originally performed by the husband and wife duo Elmo and Patsy Trigg Shropshire in 1979. The song speaks about how a grandma drinks a bit to much eggnog and goes out in a snowstorm and gets killed by Santa and his reindeer.
13 “Jingle Bells”-Singing Dogs “Jingle Bells” is one of the best-known and commonly sung Christmas songs in the world. It was written by James Lord Pierpont and published under the title One Horse Open Sleigh in 1857. Even though it is now associated with the Christmas and holiday season, it was actually originally written to be sung for Thanksgiving. 14
“Frosty the Snowman”-Gene Autry “Frosty the Snowman” is written by Walter "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson. It was originally recorded by Gene Autry in 1950 after his success of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
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“This Christmas”– Donny Hathaway “This Christmas” was originally recorded by R&B singer/songwriter Donny Hathaway and released in 1970. The song has been covered by artists such as Patti LaBelle, Mary J Blige, Diana Ross and The Temptations.
STUDENT LIFE
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Christmas Shopping Sales Chelsea Mcelderry
There are many sales out there and great places to shop during the holiday. I love to shop and know about the sales going on. My favorite stores are Macys, Nordstrom, H&M and many other places. All of them are great places to shop and have the best sales ever. The best way to catch the sales are to buy the AJC newspaper which is $3.00 over the holidays. They have all of the sales and ads that you will need so that you can save your money. Black Friday just passed and there were so many sales going on, but if you’re the type of person that doesn't like crowds then you could've done Cyber Monday or just use coupons. Here are just a few ads and sales going on right now as well as suggestions for gift ideas.
Extra 15% off PLUS Free Shipping at $75.00
40% off Purchase PLUS Free Shipping Valid on Purchase over $50
TOP His & Hers Christmas Gifts FOR HER 1.Michael Kors Purse Price : $279.97
Free Shipping PLUS 20 % off Extra 50% off Sale Items PLUS Free Shipping
FOR HIM 1.Air Jordan 11 Black /Gamma Blue Price :$185.00
2.Grand Theft Auto Game for Xbox System Price :$35.90
3.Neon Waves Crewneck in Purple Price : $62.00
5.Beanie Price:$20.0040.00
2.Earrings (Studs, HOOPS, CHANDLIER) Price:$2.80-$8.00
3.Nike Roshe Run Sneakers Price :$69.99
4.Set Hat + Tube Scarf Price:$17.95
STUDENT LIFE
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1.Enjoy exciting carnival rides, live entertainment, international food and the Universal Circus at the Global Winter Wonderland on Turner Field!!! 755 Hank Aaron Drive S.E. Atlanta November 21, 2013- January 5, 2014 from 5pm- 11pm for $24.99 *They WILL be open Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s!*
2. Embrace the beautiful scenery at Centennial Olympic Park while Ice Skating!! November 23, 2013- January 20, 2014 for $10(includes skates) Mon- Thurs. 4:30-10pm Friday: 4:30-11pm Saturday: 10am-11pm Sunday: 10am-10pm
3. Ride the Priscilla the Pink Pig on top of Lenox Square Mall!! Enjoy the life sized story book of Priscilla and all her friends 3399 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta *Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day*
4. Snow packed fun for everyone at Snow Mountain!! 1000 Robert E. Lee BLVD Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (770)-498-5690 November 25, 2013- February 17, 2014 for $28
5. The whole family will enjoy an enchanting and unforgettable evening at the: Fox Theatre for the Nutcracker Ballet!! December 6-29, 2013 660 Peachtree ST NE Atlanta, GA 30308 (404)-881-2100
6. Conclude year winter break by watching the Peach Drop downtown on New Year’s! 7. Enjoy the “Marco Polo: Man & Myth” exhibit at the Fern Bank Museum 767 Clifton Rd. N.E., Atlanta Through January 5, 2014
8. Experience the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer story told through puppets! Through December 29, 2013 $16.50 Center for Puppetry Arts– 1404 Spring St N.W., Atlanta (404)-873-3089
9. Surround yourself with captivating flowers and beautiful Christmas lights at the “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” 1345 Piedmont Ave N.E., Atlanta
$11-$20
10. Festival of Season at The Georgia Aquarium kicks off the holiday season with enthralling Christmas light displays and special events. 225 Baker St N.W., Atlanta Through January 4th, 2014 $23.95- $34.95
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STUDENT LIFE
Charities
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Meyanna Gilliam
Ronald Mcdonald House Charities Location: 5420 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Atlanta Contact: (404) 847-0760 Mission: “The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and w ellbeing of children.” How this charity helps: This is charity is for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child and for children facing a serious medical crisis at little or no cost. Donation: On the website and there will be a link that will guide you through the donation process Here is the link: http://www.rmhc.or g/mission-andvision
Child’s Play Location: 8040 161st Ave NE PMB #418 Redmond, WA 98052 Contact: klindsay@childsplaycharity.org Mission: “Childs Play seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the kindness and generosity of th e video game industry and power of play” How this charity helps: With the help of hospital staff, they set up gift wish lists full of video games, toys, books, and other fun stuf for kids. B y clicking on a hospital location on the map, you can view that hospital’s wish list and send a gift. Donation: Toys and games are acceptable
Marine Toys For Tots Location: 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive Triangle, VA 22172-1776 Contact: (678) 887 5179 Mission: “The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, Novemb er and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.” How this charity helps: The Foundation provides the support needed for successful toy collection and distribution campaigns Donation: You could buy toys and donate, you could host a venue at your home or volunteer at a local warehouse.
Hosea Feed The Hungry Location:1035 Donnelly Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 Contact: (404) 755-3353 Mission: “To examine and then raise public awareness about the many problems facing families and individuals that are living in poverty or are at-risk of slipping into poverty, and then to mobilize products, volunteers and financial resources to solve those problems, or to ea se the burden that those problems cause.” How this charity helps: Hosea Feed The Hungry is open all year long. All services are provided completely free of charge to over 50,000 families and individuals a year. Donation: Food donations are accepted, money, anything that will and can be provided for others to use.
K I D S: Kids In Distressed Situations Location: 266 West 37th Street, 22nd Floor New York, NY 10018 Contact: (212)-279-5493 Mission: “It’s about one gift, to one child at a time that builds hope, self-esteem and an opportunity to succeed.” How this charity helps: This charity provides new clothes, shoes, toys, baby items and books to millions of kids. Donation: You could donate toys, clothes, books, home goods or shoes.
HOSA Gives Back Carlya Hart HOSA has been very busy this past November with a few different events. HOSA was recently visited by a special guest, Dr.Holmes. He is a chiropractor at Atlanta Chiropractor on Moreland Ave. He explained what it is he does as a chiropractor and also taught HOSA members a few tricks of their own to use. His visit was very informative, and even persuaded some students to change their career path. According to 12th grader Zuri Ngozi, “I thought it was very interesting. I never thought about how different his practice is
from those that most doctors do. I learned a few cool tricks too and gained a new respect for chiropractors. He also taught me a few other things concerning devoting my life to healthcare." HOSA helped show they were thankful this past November. November the 11th was Veterans Day which is the day we show appreciation for past and present army members. The way HOSA did this is by creating 15 different posters to send to the veteran’s hospital. This act of kindness was just one way of showing these great people how much we are thankful for their service to our country. HOSA also helped spread joy to the world on November the 16th by helping in the toys for tots drive. Toys for tots is an organization that collects toys and living necessities for the less fortunate. A group of 17 Arabia
mountain students went to the Toys for Tots warehouse in Gwinnett to help pack toys to be sent off all over Georgia and the country. Doing toys for tots was very humbling and is just one other way that HOSA give back. Senior and HOSA President Trishana Wilson states, “As a HOSA chapter we had a great time giving back to our community and we plan to volunteer with Toys for Tots inc. again in the future.”
STUDENT LIFE
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The forests surrounding Arabia Mountain are filled with numerous species of animals. These include coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, whitetail deer, king snakes, and many more. As evidenced by the ridiculous amount of car fatalities, these animals often come into contact with humans and it is not always positive. There are numerous accounts of animal- human interactions resulting in abuse, neglect and misinformed fear. In Lithonia alone, hundreds of animals are wrongly injured or killed. Recognizing this epidemic, a local organization has become a haven for these animals and a place dedicated to educating the populace. The A.W.A.R.E. Wildlife Center, A.W.A.R.E. stands for Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort, is located in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Park and is dedicated to preserving the natural wildlife in Georgia. They are a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. This amazing center takes in wild animals and rehabilitates then for rerelease into the wild or care for the animals that cannot be returned. The center cares for all species in need, from bobcats to Great Horned owls. They’re mission is not only about animal care and rehab but also helps to educate locals about Georgia’s natural beauty and destroying misconceptions about possible wildlife dangers. The A.W.A.R.E. center needs support however. Donations are needed and good help is always needed. Want to assist in protecting our natural wildlife around Arabia Mountain High? You can contact the A.W.A.R.E. Center at (678) - 418- 1111 or email them at admin@awareone.org. LET’S GO RAMS!!
Some animals that the A.W.A.R.E. center rescues include bobcats. Not native to Georgia, many of these cats are brought in through illegal trade.
Great Horned Owls, a native Georgia species, are another animal species regularly found by the A.W.A.R.E. Center. They currently are rehabilitating two of these birds.
Everyone always says that senior year will fly by so cherish it while you can. But I can honestly say that the class of 2014 is more ready to graduate than ever. But are the seniors of the Class of 2014 actually ready to move on to bigger and better things, leave their homes and be on their own after they graduate. Graduation is quickly approaching and first semester is slowly coming to an end. Before first semester ends we should see if a few seniors started their senior year off on a serious note. In August some seniors may have started out with senioritis, may have gotten seniorities, or either seniorities is growing on them as the year moves forward. Talking to senior Krystal Burgess she stated, “First semester of senior year was very successful and challenging. It seems like every year at Arabia Mountain it gets progressively more difficult.” Krystal Bur-
gess is not lying because many seniors thought that senior year was going to be a breeze and realized that they have to work as hard to get out of high school just like all the other years. Krystal stated that “She expects to have more of a relaxing academic year for the rest of her twelfth grade year. To many seniors graduation isn’t coming fast enough and they couldn't be even more thrilled. But in order for many seniors to reach to finish off high school strong there are many accomplishments needed to be done before walking across that stage in May of 2014. Like applying for scholarships, applying to college, starting on financial aid, and getting those grades together in order to walk across that stage in May. It’s not an easy task to accomplish all of these things but waiting to late to apply for college is never the option because this determines the future of
where you plan to go as a senior. Many people reach senior year upon themselves and don't focus on the hard work it takes to put into becoming a senior takes more work than expected because more seniors feel the need to have a chill environment. For the class of 2014 I just hope that the focus progresses up until the graduation date and accomplish more goals than ever so they have the opportunity to reach all the future expectations they have in store for themselves. Senioritis should come an go has seniors move forward to graduating because the need to become serious should kick in before May 19, 2014. its just a mental thing to keep your focus.
SPORTS
Football season has come to a close and exceeded expectations. Now it is time for our Winter sports to take the stage. On November 19, 2013 at 7:30 P.M. it was time for our AMHS varsity basketball team to come out and start our winning season against the Druid Hills High School Devils . Most people did not know what to expect because the team last year was filled with seniors from the class of 2013 and this year the team is filled with new faces. The AMHS Basketball team opened the season with a brand new coach, Coach Whitning, who just started working at Arabia Mountain High this year. The starting players of this game were Junior, Miles Cleveland; Junior, Jaylon McMillan; Sophomore, Gabe Harrison; and Junior, Jacobi Meyers.
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in the game didn't last long before the Rams picked up their pace and began to anticipate their teammates’ moves resulting in baskets and leaving the Druid Hills Devils unable to respond to such athleticism exhibited by these players. The highlights of the game belonged to Senior and Captain Curtis Wilson along with Senior Malik Wood and Junior Miles Cleveland. These players were responsible for being able to pick the team up form the low period and lead the Druid Hill Devils by 20 Points in the third quarter.
During the second quarter of the game the Rams were lagging and unable to keep up with the fast paced Devils defense. This low period
The Rams Varsity Cheerleaders were able to keep the crowd pumped and inspire our Rams , to open the winning season on a great note. Throughout the entire game fans cheered and supported their fellow classmates. This type of spirit is not uncommon for Arabia Mountain because it’s #Ramnation for every sport at every event. Most people had come
A new dynasty is forming at Arabia. Every year it seems like a new organization or program develops to make marks worth remembering for the students at Arabia Mountain High School. When students first heard we were having a dance team for the basketball season thought of the show Hit the Floor, which was a thrilling and popular movie this summer that inspired many girls to try out. Under the leadership of Ms. Whitfield and Ms. Balford, the team was started based on the foundation “To grow, to become better dancers, to accomplish personal goals and challenges, technique wise and ability wise, continuity and consistency.” Ms. Whitfield started The Dynasty dance team because “She used to
dance in college and thought it would be cool to have a basketball dance team.” A team of fourteen girls originated this Dynasty and performed at the first basketball game on November 19, 2013 during the girls halftime and did a great job through all the hard work and cardio they have been doing to build up their stamina. Throughout the season the team will be performing many different routines like hip-hop, modern, contemporary, some jazz, and many other styles of dancing. As the season goes on the Ms.Whitfield anticipates that “it will go well for the team because when you start something you always anticipate it going well.” This is a learning experience, and she states, “Learning a lot to make this organization go forward.”
back to the school at 5:30 or stayed after school to support the Varsity girls Basketball team as well, who also started their season with a win. .The Rams were able to close out the game with an impressive score of 75-54. This is only the beginning for both our Varsity basketball teams and great start to the season.
As the Dynasty move forward in building a great year come out and support them at all the basketball games. Each game may be a new look upon the girls, so come out and support your fellow students that are building The Dynasty.
SPORTS
NFL Season Wrap-Up Adonis Bradford
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Adonis’ Top 3 Super Bowl Picks Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are great at every aspect of football right now and are looking unbeatable and nearly impossible to stop.
Denver Broncos
Denver secondary is not the best but forces many turnovers in big situations. And with Peyton Manning as your QB you are bound to be able to have a scoring machine offense
New England Patriots
The Pats despite the lack of superstars they have are good and continues to be one of the top teams in the NFL yearly. They are getting better and better every week as Tom Brady and his team are inching closer to victory.
So far the NFL season is on its way to wrapping up. We are up and coming on week 13 and the league is shaping up to become a very good and intense playoff picture. In the AFC conference there are many teams that are in the playoff hunt. Those teams include: Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, and the New York Jets. The NFC is looking much stronger and complete with the teams in the hunt being Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants.
The picture above is the top 5 players in each main category of the NFL so far this year. Sourced from Espn.com .
A Fresh Start To A New Season Curtis Wilson It’s been an interesting start to the NBA season; many teams that were supposed to be doing great have fallen to the bottom of league talk such as the New York Knicks (3-13), and many who seemed to be the underdog are at the top of the NBA world like the Portland Trailblazers (14-3). The back to back NBA champions Miami Heat have been doing great and holding up a championship level of basketball play at (14-3). LeBron James continues to be the king of the league with his efficient play averaging 26.2pts, 6.3asts, and 5.8rbds.
Curtis’ Top 3 Teams for the start of the Season! Indiana Pacers
The pacers have been on a roll with a 16-2 start through 18 games they show great ball movement and have been led by phenomenal play from Paul George .
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are playing well At 14-4 after winning back-to-back NBA championship Lebron James continues to play at an MVP caliber of play.
Portland Trailblazers
The Trailblazers are 15-3 and shocking many people in the basketball world right now they have been led by Lamarcus Aldridge and returning rookie of the year Damian Lillard.
The picture above is the top 5 players in each main category of the NBA so far this year. Sourced from Espn..com
POP CULTURE
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Scandal is a TV show political drama that has become a phenomenon overnight. When it premiered on April 25, 2012, it went largely unnoticed and underrated because there were only seven episodes. These seven episodes proved to bring in strong enough ratings and ABC picked up the show for a full second season and Scandal Mania began. For those who are not familiar with the show, Scandal is centered around the life of Olivia Pope played by Kerry Washington, who is a former White House Communications Director for the President of the United States. She left to start her own crisis management firm, Olivia Pope and Associates. The show follows Olivia and her team through various cases in which they “fix” many problems with different prominent figures. The show delves into Olivia’s past with the President, his wife and different characters involved into the government their own
personal dramas. Scandal is in it’s third season, hitting its highest ratings ever and the mania has yet to slow down. Scandal deserves all the praise it is receiving because mostly the writing and actors are phenomenal. The show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, developed these characters and ideas and brought something new to television dramas . There was a clear void of dramas on any network that were bringing in great ratings so when this show premiered with these great storylines, it breathed new life into television. Every week, these writers bring us something new that we did not expect and they do not disappoint. When 10 pm arrives every Thursday night, social media networks like Twitter and Facebook are filled with viewers adding their two cents and giving updates because it is that good. Every Thursday the plot thickens and boost ratings. For example, Olivia's relation-
Olivia Pope is the protagonist of the show and this season revealed that Marie Pope, her mother, is alive after she was presumed to be dead for twenty years. Olivia deals with this & other bombshells this season as well.
ship with the President has many ups and downs from him wanting to give up his presidency for her to her using bomb codes just to speak to him. On top of the superb storylines, the actors playing these characters clearly enjoy what they’re doing and really become their characters every episode. Every emotion is apparent and they make viewers relate to them. The allure of Scandal is that it provides an escape from your life. These viewers literally count down until the show comes on because it gives them a chance to enjoy themselves for an hour in front of television watching an amazing show. They get lost in the characters and are always left with more questions than answers. By no means think that it is only geared toward the female demographic either. A surprising amount of men tune into Scandal also because it is that entertaining. 69% of the scandal audience is between 18-49 and 35% are male. The show is centered around a female but it shows problems that we universally can relate too, male or female. Scandal is on it’s way to becoming the gold standard for television dramas if it hasn’t already and for the foreseeable future will continue to draw in more people.
Quinn Perkins is a character to watch this season on Scandal. She gets herself into tough situations that will cost her friends, career and maybe even her life.
POP CULTURE
Gaga's attempted art masterpiece ARTPOP is a largely successful album with a few pitfalls and an incomplete vision. ARTPOP—Gaga calls it a "reverse Warholian" experience—is meant to be a lesson in technology, art and fashion. It is an enormous feat for anyone and Mother Monster, as she is called by her fans, tries her best, featuring sculptures by Jeff Koons, fashion by Inez and Vinoodh, weird meditation methods with Ma-
rina Abromovic and the musical talents of a menagerie of producers. But does that make ARTPOP a artistic masterpiece on par with Warhol? Gaga never does achieve her vision, but what she does do is create a great pop record. The album had a lukewarm reception from critics who's responses ranged from the album was too mainstream or that it was too eclectic and crazed. I find none of these to be true. The album begins with Aura
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which happens to be the most experimental of the track list. With an interesting guitar riff and an impressive house beat, Aura represents the albums lows and highs. Songs like “Venus,” “G.U.Y.” and “Swine” all suffer from overproduction. While still good songs, all three are hindered by their overcomplexity. Gaga is known for her pop hits, with a catchy chorus and insane hooks, but on ARTPOP Gaga leaves this formula behind in-
stead venturing out into different genres of music. On songs like Jewels 'N Drugs, a heavily trap influenced song, and Do What U Want, Gaga shines. But other songs like the rock 'n roll inspired ManiCure suffer from this foray into other musical genres. In the end ARTPOP is a vastly different album with small echoes of the Fame Monster era Gaga. For the first time however, Gaga successfully wove all of her personas and mes-
sages into one semicohesive album. For the first time her album has failed to bring forth tons of future Top 20 hits but it is a unique take on pop unseen in releases by other pop divas like Katy Perry and Britney Spears. Gaga fails at creating an album that puts "the art before pop" but she succeeds in creating an enjoyable, distinct listening experience.
*Best Looks* Gaga splits her career into eras, or time periods, that each has specific meaning and different fashion. The ARTPOP era, is marked by more toned down outfits that are influenced by famous art, ancient mythology and modern movements. These are my favorite looks.
Gaga wore this look in Berlin, Germany and this is her take on Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Venus, also happens to be a single on ARTPOP.
Released: November 6, 2013 Singles: “Aura” “Venus” “Do What U Want ft. R.Kelly” “Dope” “Applause” Favorite Song: “Jewels n’ Drugs” ft T.I., Too Short & Twista Strongest Track: “Gypsy” Weakest Track: “Manicure” Favorite Lyric: “I don’t need to be on top to know I'm wanted/Cause I'm strong enough to know the truth”
Gaga with ARTPOP collaborator R. Kelly at the American Music Awards. Gaga was recently made the spokeswoman for Versace and this is her signature look for the advertisements. Gaga is also going for a nostalgic feel with this vintage dress that continues on in her Marilyn Monroe inspired performance.
Gaga wore this look to the opening of an H&M store in New York City. It features a toned down look, with a simple jumpsuit and muted accessories.
Gaga appeared on the Andy Cohen show before ARTPOP’s release. It was entirely fan service as the pop queen wears an outfit made by pieces from her biggest friends. She also wears a wig seen in the then recently released “Applause” music video. The wig is also based on Boticelli’s famous painting The Birth of Venus.
Gaga at the premiere of her video for “Applause” on Good Morning America. One of the first times Gaga is seen in public post-surgery, she chooses a more toned down, elegant appearance.
POP CULTURE
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Drake’s Nothing was the Same : Album Review Dakota A. Dawson I’m not calling it a album but a experience. September 24, 2013, Nothing was the Same was supported by six successful singles making it one of the greatest albums ever. Being the greatest album this year, Nothing was the Same got many great reviews upon its release from big name music critics. Drake’s newest album Nothing was the Same is the proved to be the best album of 2013 because of the featured artist and the awesome beats. Drake’s third studio album, features a young talented artist by the name of Drake,
who is aware of everything around him such as fame, ranking, and where he stands as an artist in this world. The storytelling is filled with flashbacks, acceptance of wrongdoing and unshakeable pride. Drake speaks about love, lost, and loneliness making his listeners come in touch with their own personal emotions. Drake commented on saying that “Nothing was the Same, "marked a milestone in his career on his way to immortality.” A tremendous album for all races, male and female to enjoy together. Even the older generation appreciates
Drizzy’s (Drake) new work. A lot of selfmotivating songs from the Canadian rapper such as “ All me, From Time, Started from the bottom, Worst Behavior, and 305 to my City.” A collection of great songs on one album is great, selling between 660,000 and 670,000 copies its first week in retailers. Nothing was the same has the first-highest first week sale of 2013.
Dakota’s Top 5 Songs on NWTS
1. “Tuscan Leather” 2. “WuTang Forever” 3. “Pound Cake” (feat. Jay Z) 4. “The Motion” 5. “Too Much”
New Year’s Resolution Timothy Eboigbe A New Year’s resolution is a promise that you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing a bad habit on the first day of the year. New Year resolution originated from the ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year. They would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, the month January was named after him. In the medieval era, the knights took the “peacock vow” at the end of Christmas each year they restate their commitment to the code of chivalry. In most church’s, they have watch night services, many Christians prepare for the year ahead by praying and making these resolutions. Some popular New year’s resolution people could try out are: Drink less Alcohol, Eat healthy food, Get fit, Lose weight, quit smoking, reduce, reuse and recycle, save money, Take trip, Volunteer to help the unfortunate. The problem with New Year’s resolution is that people don’t know how to stick with it throughout the year.
There are six ways to keep your New Year’s resolution:
Get specific- If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight pace yourself and ask yourself how much weight you want lose. Write it down- Write down your goals and outline the steps you will take. This will make you not sway from your goal and stay on track. Make time- Be sure to make time for yourself to achieve your goal. Try to make a schedule for your goal. Move past doubt- If you have negative thoughts let them go and move on, don’t let those thoughts consume you. Get a Partner- Having a group or a friend with the similar resolution will make the weight of it lighter since you know someone else is doing it. Once a week you could call each other to check on each other’s progress and help each other out when they stay away from their goal. Stand your Ground- Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it because deep down inside everyone can fulfill their New Year’s resolution.
POP CULTURE
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RAYMAN ORIGINS review by Eric Murphy For many people who played Super Mario Bros. Wii, it was expected that it would be the Two-dimensional platformer that everyone had hoped for. Unfortunately for them it was a slow, predictable mess which got even worse when Co-op multiplayer became involved. Rayman Origins developed by Ubisoft Montepellier is the exact opposite of Super Mario Bros. Wii, which is why I love it. It is
Story The Story starts with Rayman and friends relaxing in their usual hideout, the Snoring Tree, located in the Glade of Dreams, albeit loudly and obnoxiously relaxing. This noise angers an old hag that dwells within the Land of the Livid Dead (the underworld of the Rayman universe), who sends an army of creatures to destroy the pests who disturbed her peace.. These creatures then cause havoc for the Glade of Dreams’ occupants and begin to capture Nymphs (whose role I will explain later). Rayman (along with his companions should you choose to play in Cooperative multiplayer embarks on a quest to restore peace to the Glade of Dreams. The story is simple and doesn't take itself too seriously, which only adds to the overall humor of the game. The plot allows players to be more immersed in the world of Rayman Origins itself, rather than trying to focus on a complicated story, which is usually reserved for Ubisoft’s other titles such as Assassins Creed or Tom Clancys Splinter Cell series.
Gameplay Rayman origins is a return to the 2D platformer action of older games in the series. The game is easy to pick up as the tutorial walks you through how things work without constantly holding your hand. Players will run, jump, glide and punch through various levels in themed worlds such as Gourmand Land (a fire world that uses kitchen-based ideas for inspiration), or Desert of Dijiridoos (a sand world, which uses various sized instruments such as drums, piano keys or horns for platforms). The goal of the game is to complete each of the 60 levels in the game, collecting and freeing Electoons and Lums, (the equivalent of coins in the game), which serve to progress you through the game as well as unlock new characters and skins. Each of the 12 environments (6 of which build off of previous worlds) are unique, creative and do well to emphasize the quick pacing of the game. For some players who’ve seen the game in action, the quick movement and high speed platforming may seem intimidating, but the game takes it time, gradually bringing you to that level of skill, which is needed later on in the game as the levels not only become quicker, but harder as well. Platforming is spot on, made possible by the responsive controls and the fluid movement of the character, making deaths in the game more the fault of the player, rather than the game.
Graphics Rayman Origins is one of the most beautiful games I’ve played in a while. The hand drawn levels are drop dead gorgeous and are a pleasure to look at, whether you are blazing through a level or progressing at a leisurely stroll. Colors are vibrant and lush and backdrops are filled with action that compliment what’s happening in your area of play in the game. The aesthetically pleasing levels are assisted by the creative design of Ubisoft, as well as the hand drawn animations of moving grass, sand and particle effects that add charm to the game. The characters, just like the levels are just as beautiful and well animated. Animation during movement is seamless and fluid., making the game characters feel more alive and less like stiff cartoons. The characters are also more expressive. Characters and enemies are emotive making hilarious facial expressions when being hit or doing other actions in the game. This game, which at a glance can resemble a painting or concept art runs at 60 frames per second which makes the experience all the more thrilling.
Nymphs captured by the monsters when freed give you new abilities such as the power to run on walls, swim, shrink down in size, glide and even punch. This extends variety The beautiful visuals are accompanied by the memoraof movement from simply jumping from platform to platform to running and jumping from wall to wall, swinging from vines, swimming and often combining all of these ide- ble soundtracks that play throughout the levels. The soundtrack consists of tribal instrumentals, orchestral as and more in upcoming levels. pieces and jazz influenced tracks that are tailored to Combat, which often involves jumping on enemies or simply punching them , is also certain situations such as a run through the jungle or an easy to pick up as there is only one button for attack, which allows you to attack while escape from an enemy that can kill you with one hit. moving, from above or below as well as deliver a simple combo or a charged attack. As far as achievements go, the game offers many challenges such as speed runs and freeing a certain amount of electoons that keep you coming back to previous levels. Also included in the game are the ten ruby teeth levels, which have you chasing an animate treasure chest in an attempt to smash it and take the red tooth inside. These are some of the hardest levels in the game, requiring quick reflexes and precise jumping to complete them. But after collecting all ten you are rewarded with a new level that takes This game receives a 10/10 for its place in the Land of the Livid Dead, and is the hardest and longest level in the entire Beautiful Visuals game (although it is completely optional). Challenging levels Cooperative drop in, drop out multiplayer is fun and just as fast paced as in single player, allowing three more players to join in the havoc. Players don’t feel like they are get- Easy to pick up gameplay ting in the way of each other, but the game does allow jokers to purposely sabotage Fun drop in drop out multiplayer their teammates on purpose which makes for some good laughs.
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