December 2013 Issue by Melanie Bradshaw

the

kingwood park times december 2013 issue

r e v o O , pg . 3 d to reak s g in er B h T t 8 n i W the

WHAT’S

Holiday Recipes pg. 11 - 12

IN / WH AT FOR 201 ’S OUT 4, page 1 3

December Sun.

1 Eat a Red Apple Day

mon.

2 Third Eye Blind 8pm HOB

tues.

wed.

thurs.

National Roof Over Your Head Day

ABBA the Concert 8pm JHPA

Wear Brown Shoes Day

The Devil Wears Prada 11:59pm WL

Inernational Childrens day

National Pastry Day

National Brownie Day

Christmas Card Day

15 National Lemon Cupcake Day

10 Human Rights Day

16 National Chocolate Covered Anything

17 National Maple Syrup Day

National Noodle Ring Day

Magadeth Fear Factory & Nonpoint 8pm BMC

18 Mix 96.5 Week Before Xmas 8pm BMC Bake Cookies Day

Emblem3 & Cher Lloyd 6:30pm HOB

National Cotton Candy Day

Ice Cream Day

Go Caroling day

Jay Z 8pm TC

National Chocolate Day

First Day of Holiday Break

Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar 8pm TC

National Flashlight Day

National Cut Out Snowflakes Day

Card Playing Day

TC- Toyota Center HOB- House of Blues JPHA-Jones Hall of the Perfroming Arts BMC- Bayou Music Center WL- Warehouse Live

Page by Amber Dalton

S ag

ittariu

Nov. 23- Dec. 21

i capr corn

Aquarius

Dec.22- Jan. 19

Jan. 20- Feb. 19

You start the month on a good foot. You have seen some rough times this past month but the suffering has ended. You will be able to go through the days with no weight on your shoulders. You will have a test this month so do what you can to pass.

Pisces

You find yourself trying to get everyone a present in hopes they will give you one of equal or greater value. Shopping tends to stress you out during the holidays. You will find yourself in a battle with a friend of yours so just hang in there you don’t want to lose this friend.

Aries

Feb. 20- March 20

March 21- Apr. 20

You have been shy around new people but you dont want to be. You will burst out of your shell and everybody will be surprised and you will gain more friends. Careful through, money is tight this holiday seson so spend it wisely.

You will be inspired to create something to help others. People will tell you that you can’t do it, don’t listen to them. You can do it and those in need will apreciate it. In return you will recieve the gift of giving.

An old friend you have lost touch with is reaching out to you. You two will start taking as the old flame lights back. The more you talk the more you realize you like them more. Take your time you don’t want to scare them off. Don’t worry they like you too.

taurus Apr. 21- May 20 You are a very determined person, you go for what you want no matter what the conssequence. So don’t be upset when a friend says they dont agree or want to see you do it.

Gemini

ca n c e r

l eo

May 21- June 20

June 21- July 22

July 23- Aug. 22

This month you will finally figure out who you are and you will be happy about it. However, this month also brings the loss of something close to you. Stay strong you will make it.

virgo

This month will bring a little extra cash. Times have been hard lately but that is about to change. The company of a loved one will bring joy to your day and happiness to your heart.

libra

You will struggle this month, more than last month but, you will make it through. You are strong and very humble and it will help guide you out of the tunnel.

scorpio Ot. 23- Nov. 22

Aug. 23- Sep. 22 As the weather gets colder your heart gets warmer. You will give more than you realize even if you dont get a thank you, you know its implied and that they appreciate it.

Sep. 23- Oct. 22 You feel like people don’t see you anymore. So a new haircut and outfits would help. People will be surprised and start inviting you places, so keep your calendar available.

Your starting to get a grip on everything that’s happening around you when something happens and turns your world upsidedown. Everyone will try their best to help get you through it. Don’t push them away like you normally do! Let them near, you need them.

What to do in the winter Concerts and activities in the area

Christmas time is here again, and with it comes cold weather, hot drinks, and thankfully, Winter Break. With Winter Break comes plenty of free time. “But what could I possibly do with all this free time?” you ask. Conveniently, there are plenty of things to do during the break. All of which are relatively close to home. By Eric Barbara

The Nutcracker Suite

The Nutcracker is an instant holiday classic.

A Christmas Carol, originally a book by Charles Dickens,

Written in 1892, The Nutcracker features many music

is another fantastic play to see this Winter. We follow the

and dance numbers including the well known “Dance

story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an old, angry business man, as

of the Sugar Plumb Fairy”. The Nutcracker is a very

he learns the true meaning of the Christmas Season. Mind

whimsical

you, this story is a bit darker than The Nutcracker Suite.

performance,

involving oceans filled with

It touches on many social

lemonade, rat kings, fairies,

issues that were prevalent

and of course, the Nutcracker

in the mid 19th century,

Prince.

such

The Nutcracker is

homelessness,

being performed by the

greed, and the poor living

Houston Ballet, and runs

conditions of the era. It

from November 29th through

runs from November 17 to

December 29th.

photo courtesy: potamusprefers.n

Elf: The Musical

A Christmas Carol

December 26.

Moody Gardens Festival of lights

Based on the hit movie of the same name, Elf will be

As one of the largest holiday celebrations in the region,

hitting stages this Winter. Elf is a modern story, written

Festival of Lights has become a holiday tradition for

only a few years ago. It’s the story of Buddy the Elf, one of

families and groups alike. Located in Moody Gardens in

Santa’s workers. Buddy finds out, however, that he isn’t

Galveston, the Festival of Lights draws hundreds of people

an ordinary Elf. He’s a Human!

every year. The festival has more than 1 million lights

Now Buddy has to track down

within 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and

his family in New York City. This

nightly live entertainment. You can also skate around on

show is, of course, very comedic.

the area’s only outdoor

If you want to see something

ice skating rink (bring

that will give you a few laughs

your own skates or rentals

and keep you entertained, then

available for $6), try out

go see “Elf: The Musical” this

the new Arctic Ice Slide or take pictures with Santa.

Santa’s WOnderland

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Santa’s Wonderland is one of the biggest Christmas at-

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a prog-rock band founded

traction in the state of Texas, and exists to preserve & per-

in 1993. Contrary to their name, they aren’t what most of

petuate the true meaning and “Spirit” of Christmas. Santa’s

us would consider an “orchestra”. Trans-Siberian combines

Wonderland is located about six miles south of College

Christmas and hard rock into one contiguous form. It actu-

Station, and opens

ally pulls it off quite well. Trans-Siberian often tells a story

November 22 . In-

while the concert is going through their songs. While the

side of Santa’s won-

message of these stories may be a bit of a stereotypical

derland, there are

Christmas story, its presentation is spectacular. It’s very,

plenty of things to

very important to remember that Trans-Siberian is not a

do. You can go on

classical Orchestra. Overall, it’s an explosive, loud, and

Horse and Carriage

gripping experience that will more than surely leave you

tours, take a hay-

satisfied.

ride, or just spend time shopping and eating at some of the many unique restaurants. Be sure to dress warm! It’s going to be pretty chilly outside.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Handel’s Messiah

Music will tell the beloved Dr. Seuss tale of the grouchy crea-

Contrary to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Handel’s Messi-

ture with a heart “two sizes too small,” his loyal dog Max, and

ah is an exquisitely classical performance put on this year

their encounters with the merry and warm-hearted Whos.

by the Houston Symphony. This transcendent, revered

Reginald Smith Jr., guest vocalist from the Houston Grand

masterpiece consists of many songs, including “Ev’ry Val-

Opera Studio, will join The Woodlands High School Chorus

ley Shall Be Exalted,” “O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to

and the musicians of the Houston Symphony to take you

Zion,” “Rejoice Greatly” and “Hallelujah”. Handel’s Messiah

into the world of Whoville.

is a large musical performance, containing

or-

chestras, choirs, and soloists. It’s definitely

for

people who can appreciate long orchestral pieces.

NBA KICKS OFF & SUPER BOWL DRAWING NEAR By Brianna Calhou

Conference Championships? (Jan. 19) _______ VS. _______

Divisional Round (Jan 11-12): • Lowest Winning Seed From -Highest Winning Seed From AFC AFC Wild Card Round Wild Card Round • Kansas City Chiefs (9-0-0) -New England Patriots (7-2-0)

• Lowest Winning Seed From NFC Wild Card Round

-Highest Winning Seed From NFC Wild Card Round

• Seattle Seahawks (9-1-0)

-New Orleans Saints (7-2-0)

Wild Card Round (Jan 4-5): • New York Jets (5-4-0)

-Denver Broncos (8-1-0)

• Indianapolis Colts (7-3-0)

-Cincinnati Bengals (6-4-0)

• San Francisco 49ers (6-3-0)

-Carolina Panthers (7-3-0)

• Detroit Lions (6-4-0)

-Philadelphia Eagles (6-5-0)

Western Conference: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dallas Mavericks Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors Houston Rockets Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies Minnesota Timberwolves New Orleans Pelicans Oklahoma City Thunder Phoenix Suns Portland Trail Blazers Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs Utah Jazz

Eastern Conference: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Atlanta Hawks Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets Charlotte Bobcats Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers Miami Heat Milwaukee Bucks New York Knicks Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers

NBA Preseason has arrived! (‘13-’14) 6

WINTER TRENDS By Casey Langford

MONO chrome Black and white looks out of sight

Lack of color could not look more sophisticated and refined than this coming winter. Add patterned sweaters and cozy pullovers, and comfort is definetly not out of the question. Some slick jeans and leggings give wiggle room for styling while still providing the obviously needed warmth for the season. Slip on some wizard looking boots or sneakers. Then, put your spin on it! Add bling if your into that. And of course, feel free to play with grays, whites and blacks to really hit the key elements of the trend.

ho Platform S

epers, these re “c s a n w o n k Also roud and can p d n a d u lo re shoes a es. myriad of piec a h it w rn o w e b

Chunky Ch

Either in bracelet or necklace form, chunky chai n-link jewelry provides b oldness to any winter look.

ain-Links

lets

e Anchor Brac

e t bracelets giv h ig e w th g li These your outfits. to ir a fl l a c ti u a an

Long Card

igans

Light-weight a nd cozy, cardig ans have been mo re “in” now tha n ever. Specifica lly with the “tr ibal” motif, they are sure to give you a touch of warmth and chicness.

Gift Ideas on the cheap By Diana Martin

A Homemade Candy Bag A candy jar is quick, simple, and a great way to put a smile on your loved one’s face. A square, lidded jar at Hobby Lobby costs $5.99, accessories for personalization averaging $0.99. Large pieces of brand-name candy are sold at various markets such as Target and Kroger, for $1.00 or less, making a special gift with a little bit of everything.

Fun at the Desk

Beat boredom with a set of small arcade games that fit perfectly at a school or work desk. The collection conatins enjoyable miniature games like pool, basketball, and golf. The set is currently available on sale for $4.99 each at theparagon.com.

Craft by the Hands

No one can go wrong with a gift made themselves! Try drawing a special picture (it doesn’t have to be the Mona Lisa 2.0), writing a heartfelt message or a poem, choreographing a skit or dance, a collection of favor coupons, or even a statement of love. These can be the best gifts given and don’t cost a cent.

Supply the Toolbox

Maybe a friend needs a new set of markers, or your dad needs a new wrench? A simple necessity is always a great gift. It’s a foolproof way to help them out and show them you care. 9

Christmas presents that send Holiday cheer at low prices

Old Timer Rythm

An older relative will love the cassette player bag, a convenient backpack that plays classic cassettes when inserted into the slit. A family member or friend who grew up in the mid-20th century will love the nostalgic music they can take anywhere. Available at retroplanet.com.

Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spa Kit

Girls will love pampering themselves with their own personal spa kit. The Bath and Body Spa Basket includes bath gel, a bubble bath, a bath bomb, bath salts, a wooden massager, and a loofah all neatly packed in a classic wicker basket. Available for purchase at Cherrymoonfarms.com

Pretzel Party

This dandy machine is perfect for a party. Insert pretzels from any snack bag into the machine, compress the lid for 3 minutes, and a set of soft, salty pretzels will be ready to enjoy. Available at amazon.com for $19.99.

Retro Sweet Tooth

This vintage candy collection contains various brands of classic treats, including candy soda bottles, Dubble Bubble, Fire Balls, candy buttons, and so much more. Give some childhood nostalgia with this gem, for $13.99 at retroplanet.com

DECEMBER SATISFACTIONS Tasty good eats for the holidays

By Awa McCarter

Tip Strip

pumpkin spice white hot chocolate

When storing food, most people put them in airtight containers and push it to the back of the refrigerator. Check out these tips to help you stop these bad habits! When you buy your fruit and veggies from your local store or market it’s best to store those items in the bag they were brought in. They end up lasting 3 times longer. Make sure when storing cheese use a resealable bag. If your cheese doesn’t have a resealable bag, it is important to wrap it in foil or a plastic wrap. This will keep your cheese from drying out. If you like to buy the big loafs of bread but know you will only eat half before the expiration date, take half of the loaf, wrap it up, and freeze it. This also saves you money so you won’t have to continue buying bread that your not eating.

Ingredients: 4-5 cups whole milk 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped 4 teaspoons cocoa powder 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup pure pumpkin puree 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cardamom 1/8 teaspoon allspice 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk, white chocolate, and cocoa powder. Cook over medium heat, whisking periodically, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is well combined. 2. Whisk in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, and ginger. Add the remaining milk, 1 cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. 3. If desired, serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Just be sure not to fill the mugs too full before adding the whipped cream, or you might have some overflow.

Homemade marshmallows 1. Line a 13x9 inch pan with foil and grease the foil with butter; set aside.In a large metal bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup water; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and remaining water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 240° (soft-ball stage). 2. Remove from the heat and gradually add to gelatin. Beat on high speed until mixture is thick and the volume is doubled, about 15 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Spread into prepared pan. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 6 hours or overnight. 3. Using foil, lift marshmallows out of pan. With a knife or pizza cutter coated with cooking spray, cut into 1 inch squares. Dip or drizzle marshmallows with toppings if desired; coat with garnishes as desired. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Yield: about 9-1/2 dozen.

Ingredients: 2 teaspoons butter 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin 1 cup cold water, divided 2 cups sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

RED VELVET PEPPERMINT SWIRL BROWNIES Ingredients: 1 (4-oz.) bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped 3/4 cup butter 2 1/4 cups sugar, divided 4 large eggs 1 (1-oz.) bottle red liquid food coloring 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 2 egg whites 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 13x9 inch pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil. 2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30 second intervals. Whisk in 2 cups sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Add food coloring, peppermint extract, and 1 tsp. vanilla. Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/8 tsp. salt. Pour batter into prepared pan. 3. Beat cream cheese and remaining 1/4 cup sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add egg whites and remaining 1 tsp. vanilla, and beat until blended. Stir in 2 Tbsp. flour until smooth. Drop cream cheese mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls over batter in pan; gently swirl with a knife. 4. Bake at 350° for 30 to 32 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour). Lift brownies from pan, using foil sides as handles. Gently remove foil; cut brownies into squares.

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars Ingredients: Vegetable oil cooking spray, for pan 12 graham crackers, finely ground (1½ cups) ¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted 1 pound cream cheese, room temperature 2 large eggs 1 large egg yolk ¾ cup eggnog 1 tablespoon plus 1½ teaspoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brandy 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for dusting ¼ teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9 inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Stir together graham crackers, 3 tablespoons sugar, and the melted butter. Press into bottom of pan. Bake until crust is just brown around the edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool. 2. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining ¾ cup sugar, the eggs, yolk, eggnog, flour, brandy, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt; beat until smooth. Pour filling over crust. Set pan in a roasting pan, and add enough hot water to come halfway up sides of baking pan. Bake until just set, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove baking pan from water bath, and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool slightly, about 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. 3. Cut into 1½ -by 3 inch bars. Lightly dust tops of bars with freshly grated nutmeg just before serving.

IN?

By Eva May Cornell

Photo courtesy of cbsnews.com

s ’ t a Wh Puns

Puns are hot. The more groans and complaints you receive the better your pun is. That means they enjoyed your punch line.

Pentatonix This acapella quintet made famous by the Sing Off is destined to become the Photo courtesy of taco bell

Taco Bell

Taco Bell embraces how terrible it is for you and people keep coming back for it. We could all learn a lesson from it.

Big Sweaters

Egg Nog It’s December AKA time to drink egg nog! Let’s face it, if egg nog was in stores all year long it would still be in.

Photo courtesy of AMC

The Walking Dead

next big thing in music.

Everyone watches this show. It’s near impossible to escape the chatter. People are into zombies, so it’s no surprise that this show is so popular. Me

Not only will you be comfortable and warm this season, but oversized sweaters are a thing nowadays.

Photo credit: WorldOfDreamsJB / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

Wha

OUT?

t’s

Facebook Justin Bieber

McDonalds They tried to be healthy which really messed them up. What’s the point of McDonalds if you’re not getting a million calories per serving?

Photo courtesy of mcdonalds

There isn’t much to say on the subject of the biebs. He is out of control. All you ever hear about is the latest scandal Justin has stupidly pulled off. Does he even make music anymore? Look at this picture and tell me this kid is relevant.

Any website that your mother is on isn’t cool anymore. What are you supposed to do besides play weird games anyway?

memes In reality, internet memes have been dead for around two years, but a lot of people are not aware of this. You’re welcome.

Short Shorts Not only is it winter, but no one wants to see all of that.

Glee

Let’s face it Glee was doomed to be out the second they decided to continue after the original cast graduated. How did they think they could continue the story line?

the kingwood park times is brought to you by: Orianne Elliott, Editor-In-Chief Junior

Diana Martin, Copy Editor Sophomore

Eva May Cornell Junior

Awa McCarter Junior

Briana Calhoun Senior

Eric Barbara Senior

Amber Dalton Junior

Casey Langford Junior

Melanie Bradshaw, Advisor