Cooglife Holiday Guide 2014

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| The Holiday Gift Guide

2 | Monday, November 24, 2014

i

About Cooglife Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide is part of a series of new special sections published every month by The Cougar. These sections are intented to give recognition and focus to certain aspects of student life that can often be overlooked.

EDITOR Rama Yousef COPY EDITORS Joshua Cochran WRITERS Glissette Santana Sara Samora Rebecca Hennes Eileen Holley Laura Gillespie Joshua Cochran Jenae Sitzes Rama Yousef

CLOSING EDITORS Christopher Shelton Cara Smith Jenae Sitzes ADVERTISING TEAM Alexander Lacamu Alejandra Leon JP Montgomery Elizabeth Murphy Jose Salazar

PRODUCTION Jose Cruz Alex Tomic

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, falls on Feb. 19 and lasts for 15 days. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Winter holidays a global celebration LAURA GILLESPIE

STAFF WRITER

@LAURAEVELYNG

Christmas may be one of the most popular — and profitable — holidays of the year, but a variety of groups, both religious and secular, celebrate during the winter months. While some celebrations may be more recognizable, each holiday is special.

the United States, Boxing Day began in England as a day off for blue collar workers, who likely spent the day before working hard so their bosses could celebrate Christmas. Now, it’s a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and other countries, and often serves as a day for shopping (to return all those unwanted Christmas presents) and a full day of football and rugby games.

Hanukkah

Kwanzaa

Actually a minor Jewish holiday (Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot are more important in the Jewish faith), it’s nevertheless very popular in America.

Accounts of how it began vary, but it’s said to celebrate the successful rebellion of the Maccabees, a Jewish rebel army, against the Greek King Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Each candle on the eight-candle menorah is lit, one a day, over a period of eight days, beginning this year on Dec. 16. Celebrations often include eating fried foods like latkes and giving chocolate coins, or gelt, to children..

A secular celebration held among roughly two percent of African-Americans, it was founded in 1966 and begins on December 26, lasting until the new year. Celebrations focus on African heritage, bringing in traditional art, clothing (such as clothes made of kente cloth, a fabric worn by the Akan people of Ghana), fruit and reflection on African history.

Boxing Day Celebrated on Dec. 26 in nearly all English-speaking countries other than

Mawlid al-Nabi Celebrated by Shi’a Muslims on Jan. 2, Mawlid al-Nabi is an annual celebration of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.It is a public holiday in some Islamic countries such as Pakistan.

The holiday is typically celebrated through singing and prayers, with Pakistan going all-out with processions and a

31-gun salute.

World Religion Day Founded in 1950, World Religion Day is a Baha’I celebration that will be held Jan. 15. It’s a day meant to celebrate all faiths, showing they aren’t so different.

During this holiday, people may hold interfaith conferences, discussions and other events to openly discuss religion and foster unity among people with different beliefs.

Lunar New Year Also known as Chinese New Year, it’s celebrated in China, Korea, Japan and other Southeastern and Eastern Asian countries.

Lunar New Year will fall on Feb. 19, and celebrations last for 15 days. Lunar New Year has dozens of traditions, depending on the country where it’s observed.

Sugary sweets like rice pudding and candied fruits are common, as well as large parades with firecrackers and lion dances.

Different celebrations can be held on each day of the New Year, including burning offerings or meeting with family for dinner. The holiday has various superstitions, one being not cleaning the first day.

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Monday, November 24, 2014 | 3 SPONSORED CONTENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

Recreation Center to undergo 'major renovation' No Label The University of Houston Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Natatorium and Leisure Pool will undergo a major renovation beginning December 24, 2014. This planned closure will address many of the ongoing mechanical issues, including the two currently non-operational spas.

The project will include sustainable features such as regenerative media filters in the competition pool that will allow the facility to host large scale competitions.

This project will also use ultra-violet (UV) light technology on all bodies of water to help eliminate harmful chloramines, as well as protect swimmers against the chlorine resistant organism, cryptosporidium. This recreational water illness, better known as “Crypto,” increased swimming pool-related intestinal illnesses by over 200 percent in a four-year period.

The renovation will include three new moveable bulkheads in the competition pool.

These will create opportunities for increased Campus Recreation programming, such as stand-up paddleboard yoga classes, intramural sports, recreational activities, and water polo. This enhancement will give the compe-

Brewing: A name worth knowing

tition pool much more functionality than it has had in previous years.

With the new dehumidification system, users will notice a lower ambient air temperature in the spectator seating area, as well as a decrease in the smell of chlorine by reducing chloramines in the space. This helps not only swimmers with conditions such as asthma, but also spectators that often suffer from itchy, burning eyes and scratching throats after watching an all-day competition.

One of the most noticeable changes for regular users will be the fully functional

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indoor and outdoor spas. These spaces will be given a full mechanical makeover to renew them as a much needed service to the university community.

In order to fully address the areas of concern within the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Natatorium and Leisure Pool, all spaces will be closed from December 24, 2014, through the duration of the renovation. This will also include both the dry sauna and outdoor sand volleyball court.

It is anticipated that the spaces will re-open to the University of Houston community in summer 2015.

No Label Brewing Co. truly began one sunny Saturday afternoon in the spring of 2009. The Royo family was sitting on the back porch enjoying some of Brian’s homebrew. After many pints, the conversation turned to the possibility of opening our own brewery.

No Label Brewing Co.’s first home was an old rice silo sitting empty in Old Town Katy.

We signed the lease and after many months of sweat and tears our brewery was ready.

We started holding small tastings for family and friends, who told their families and friends, and the numbers began to grow.

We are open every Friday from 4-7pm selling pints of No Label. $3 regular brews and $4 seasonal/one-offs. We hold Saturday tastings at the brewery from 12 pm to 3 pm. We like to think of it as a backyard party with some of our closest friends. We look forward to having you join the party and chat about UH football over a pint of beer.

| The Holiday Gift Guide

4 | Monday, November 24, 2014 SPONSORED CONTENT

A gourment experience at student-friendly prices With appetizers starting at just $5 and happy hour specials that’ll give you the most bang for your buck, Radical Eats is the perfect daytime study spot and nighttime hangout for students on a budget.

They boast one of Houston’s most diverse menus, which features an equal amount of options for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

This season, they’ll be expanding their delicious tamale menu beyond what you’re probably used to, and that’s just how Staci Davis wants you to feel about it.

“I hated tamales,” Davis, a UH alumna and chef owner, said when asked why her restaurant prides itself on its tamales. “I thought I could make them better.”

After Thanksgiving, students looking to enjoy a truly unique tamale experience should head over to Radical Eats. The bar and restaurant will feature chipotle,

black bean, pork, chicken and five different kinds of vegan tamales.

Get your fix of seasonal eats, too, as Radical Eats will also be serving mushroom tamales, butternut squash tamales, apple pic tamales and chocolate tamales.

Its Happy Hour specials are geared for people looking for loads of value without having to empty their wallets.

From 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, come in and enjoy $5 wine and appetizers, $2 beers and $2 off mixed drinks.

Much of the bar’s liquors are organic and/or domestic, and the eatery is currently expanding its craft beer selection.

Students looking to go out with a group can enjoy a dozen tamales for just $30, and students that mention The Cougar’s advertisement on Radical Eats will receive $5 off their order.

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C E L E BR AT E

Monday, November 24, 2014 | 5

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HOUSTON’S FIRST! SUNDAYS AT THE LOOP CAMPUS IDENTICAL WORSHIP SERVICES EACH SUNDAY AT 9:15a, 11a & 5p

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“…IN THE HEART” by

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Worship led by

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The Choir & Orchestra at Houston’s First Baptist Church

Preschool, Children’s, Student, and Adult Choirs

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Pastor Gregg Matte | HoustonsFirst.org The Loop Campus (7401 Katy Freeway) Downtown Campus (1010 Lamar @ Fannin – Tunnel Level) Cypress Campus (10300 Warner Smith Blvd) Sienna Campus (4309 Sienna Pkwy)

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6 | Monday, November 24, 2014

COUGAR CELEBRATIONS written by Julie Nguyen

W

inter brings about visions of presents, lit up trees, bundled layers of clothing and, of course, hot chocolate, but it doesn’t mean that winter is exclusively just about Christmas.

“We’re trying to figure out the best ways to let campus know (about) the different holiday celebrations that exist and that people celebrate on campus,” said Center of Diversity and Inclusion Program Coordinator Michael Crook.

“Part of this passive holiday education (we’re doing) is to have it out there, letting people know and see images and start asking questions about holidays out there that exist that aren’t the popular dominant holidays in our culture.”

Featured here are some ways that students celebrate winter, specifically Christmas.

Sade Zibili

“My uncle comes down from Seattle, and he’s one of our major cooks for Thanksgiving and Christmas because he’s the best cook in the family. Every time he comes down, he teaches me how to make something. Right after we eat Thanksgiving, my mom makes us put up the tree. That’s our thing. She loves the feel of Christmas so I’m like ‘mom, I’m so full’ and she’s like ‘no, no, no get up’ and she’ll pull out the Christmas stuff..”

Supply chain management junior

UScholars freshman

Sandy Lin

Jesse Lit

“For Christmas, usually we’re not in town. Last year, I was in (Los Angeles); the year before, we went to Shanghai. Christmas eve, we’ll go to church and watch the Christmas play. Every year my mom goes with a church group and she’ll go back to Taiwan or somewhere in Asia. Last year, her church group donated a lot of shoes to these kids for Christmas. I don’t get to go with her because of school but it’s something my mom does.”

Nutritional science & pre-optometry senior

“Over Christmas break, we usually go to my cousin’s house, and then we read from the Bible and we sing Christmas carols together. But everybody sings really bad, and nobody’s on key. We usually don’t have presents anymore but for the kids, my aunt makes them play games to get the presents so whoever wins the game gets to choose their present first. Sometimes they speak in Chinese to us — and we don’t know Chinese that well — so they’ll make us translate what they say and whoever translates it the best gets a gift.”

“I like putting the lights on the trees and the ornaments because they have special childhood ornaments; my mom still has the ones from when I was little. Every Christmas morning, we make gingerbread houses. Me and my sister always use this kit that our mom and dad buy, then we bake it every year.”

Pardis Jesudasen UScholars freshman

Visit uh.edu/cdi to learn more about other celebrations during winter.

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Monday, November 24, 2014 | 7

Matching hats and scarves is a great way to keep a theme going with your winter look. | Courtesy of Bigstock

How to bundle up for winter (and look good doing it) JOSHUA COCHRAN COPY CHIEF

Winter wear: where necessity often crosses paths with looking good. There’s something nice about everyone pulling out their winter coats and long scarves as they embrace the cold weather, but it’s important to stay practical even while trying to look good.

Here are some winter fashion tips that will keep friends jealous and the competition on their toes:

Neckwear Scarves are a fun component, and come in a variety of textures, colors and patterns.

Wrapped around the neck and displayed above the chest, they attract the eye and will garner a glance or two.

Keep things simple with an infinity scarf or go all-out with a full-length one, and try your hand at a number of artful wraps and knots.

Bold and fun patterns go best when worn with large winter coats of a solid color.

Hats Hats are a bit trickier, and it’s better to take the shape of your face into consideration.

Larger hats complement more angular faces, while beanies complement rounder faces.

When in doubt, look in the mirror when trying out winter hats.

Because they come in such bold colors and a variety of styles, hats often make a defining statement.

It’s good to try and match accent colors on the hat with accent colors on the coat.

Protect your hands Gloves are great as it gets colder, and convertible fingerless gloves are a neat way to keep one hand on the touch screen and the other nice and toasty.

You can match gloves with a hat or a scarf, wear bold and fun patterns against solid coats, or go neutral and pick a white, black, grey or beige that doesn’t clash with anything else you’re wearing.

Outerwear Coats are the staple of the winter wonderland, and range from parkas to heavy trench coats. Pick a style that suits you (and your hat of choice, or vice versa), and make sure it’ll stand up against whatever cold you’re braving. On warmer, sunny days, thick to light cardigans are an option as an easy-to-peel layer in case things get a little toasty.

Ugly sweaters: know when to use them Everyone has an ugly Christmas sweater and a fancy Christmas party sweater. Layer over a dress shirt and an undershirt for a compact insulation system that looks light and sleek, or baggy and comfy.

Both sweaters are sure to attract attention – the ugly Christmas sweaters bravely define their own looks.

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Footwear Boots and leggings are a commonly found winter pair – boots insulate better than their low-brow counterparts, and can make a statement that outcries the soft or leathery material above. Leggings are a fun support to an outfit, but should accent, not define, as a transition from the coat to the boots. Opt for footwear that looks good, but insulates your feet properly – the feet are one of the most cold-sensitive areas of the body.

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| The Holiday Gift Guide

Treat yo'self: Holiday recipes for the family REBECCA HENNES

STAFF WRITER

There are so many things about the holiday season that brighten people’s spirits – cold, crisp winter weather, family gathered around a warm fire, sparkling lights, tinsel and holly that adorn Houston homes and the allaround spreading of holiday cheer.

But the best part about the holidays is not the quality time you spend with your family or the fun lights – it’s the food and more specifically, the desserts.

With thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, these holiday-themed desserts are the perfect addition for your holiday table.

Sugar cookies Sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat.

Not only are they simple to make, they are both easy and fun to decorate. Cookie-cutters come in all shapes and sizes – snowflakes, reindeers, sleigh bells –the hardest part is choosing which ones to use!

Pillsbury classic sugar cookie dough is the way to go – cut out some cookies and throw them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. If you’re more ambitious, make the dough from scratch for a real holiday treat. After the cookies cool, get creative with your frosting and you’re good to go.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Gingerbread houses Gingerbread houses are one of the best parts of the holidays. They are great for parties with friends or just a night in with your significant other.

There are tons of kits you can find just about anywhere with step by step directions that make this holiday treat a cake-walk.

Also no oven is required, so you don’t have to worry about burning the house down.

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies If you haven’t heard of Hersheys’ Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, you have not truly lived.

These cookies are the ultimate treat for the holidays – best served warm, these treats feature a Hershey’s kiss pressed into the middle of sweet, crumbly peanut butter dough that’s sure to have your taste buds tingle.

To add some holiday flare, use peppermint Hershey’s kisses instead of milk chocolate.

Ingredients: 48 HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates 1/2 cup shortening 3/4 cup REESE’S Creamy Peanut Butter 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt Additional granulated sugar (optional) Directions:

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well.

Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated

sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges.

Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Makes about 48 cookies.

RECIPES

Continues on page 10

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Monday, November 24, 2014 | 9

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10 | Monday, November 24, 2014

SPONSORED CONTENT

RECIPES

Continued from page 8

Getting to know God with Church Without Walls

Peppermint Bark Peppermint bark is another classic holiday treat. It’s perfect with hot cocoa around a warm fire and is a great gift idea.

This treat may take some extra time and skill – check out Food Network’s take on the perfect piece of peppermint bark.

Ingredients: 12 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract 1 pound good-quality white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces 3 candy canes or 12 round hard peppermint candies, crushed Directions: Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles. Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming.

Put all but 3/4 cup of the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.

Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and stir until one-third of the chocolate is melted.

Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat.

Gradually stir the reserved 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted.

Return the bowl to the saucepan, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate, if needed.

Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer.

Firmly tap the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Set aside at room temperature until almost set, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl.

Stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; pour over the semisweet chocolate and spread in an even layer.

Sprinkle immediately with the crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the white chocolate.

Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Lift the bark out of the pan using the foil and break it into pieces.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine

Pumpkin pie Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert. Pie can sound daunting, but Pillsbury has you covered. Try their easyas-pie recipe.

Ingredients: ¾ cup sugar 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice ½ teaspoon salt 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) 1 ¼ cups evaporated milk or half and half 2 eggs, beaten 1 Pillsbury™ Pet-Ritz® frozen deep-dish pie crust Directions: Heat oven to 425°F. In large bowl, mix filling ingredients. Pour into pie crust.

Bake 15 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; bake 40 to 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 2 hours.

Serve or refrigerate until serving time.

There’s a God. Only one God, in fact, and he is the Creator of everything. We’re made in His image, which means we’re like him in many ways. He’s loving and just and desires a relationship with us.

As individuals with free will, we have the freedom to respond to the relationship God’s initiated with us, or not.

We’re free to choose to live outside the realm of the life God has for us as it’s explained in the Bible. Put another way, many choices we make either move us closer to God or further away from him.

Making even seemingly small decisions that separate The Church Without Walls is one church in 3 locations with over 20,000 members representing over 16,443 families in the Houston area. Under the Leadership of Pastor Ralph Douglas West, The Church Without Walls is devoted to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, the study and application of God’s Word, and global outreach.

The Church Without Walls is devoted to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through the sharing of the teachings of Jesus Christ, the expounding of sound biblical doctrine, the study and application of God’s Word, continuous prayer, and through community & global outreach.

The Church Without Walls believes that believers are limitless in God’s possibilities. Therefore, no “walls” can restrict God’s people and “all things are possible” with God on your side.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Lewis Jewelers to open new location Dec. 1 Uptown residents look forward to high-end fashion jewelry from family-owned business On Monday, December 1, 2014 second-generation owners, Slade and Cindy Lewis of Lewis Jewelers in Clear Lake, are proud to announce the opening of their second location in Uptown Park.

Uptown guests are invited to the stunning new location to discover a unique array of high-end fashion jewelry and bridal lines, as well as fine German and Swiss timepieces.

The opening of this store will be an opportunity for the Houston area to visit a

new branch of their favorite jeweler. Lewis Jewelers will be the only store in the Houston area to carry designer collections from Gumuchian, A. Lange & Söhne, Girard-Perregaux, and Clerc.

It will also be the only independent jewelry store in Houston to carry Victor Velyan. Other renowned designers that will be offered are John Hardy, JudeFrances, Jack Kelége, Kwiat, Forevermark, and Tudor.

During the first week of December, Lewis

Jewelers Uptown will highlight a different designer daily, where each designer will showcase exclusive pieces from their collections.

Designers that will be highlighted during this Welcome Week include Kwiat, Jack Kelége, Gumuchian, and JudeFrances.

“Our Clear Lake community has supported us for three decades. We appreciate that and we could not be more excited about opening our second location and expanding our Lewis Jewelers community

in Uptown,” explains Cindy Lewis, second-generation owner.

For 30 years, Lewis Jewelers has served the Houston and Clear Lake area, focusing on their relationships with clients.

Now with a second location and new look, the Lewis family tradition of customer service remains the same.

Lewis Jewelers Clear Lake is a full service jewelry store that designs and manufactures custom jewelry and does minor to major jewelry and watch repairs on site.

| The Holiday Gift Guide

Monday, November 24, 2014 | 11

Winter Movieland: Five films to watch by the fire SARA SAMORA

NEWS EDITOR

@THEREINVENTIONS

'Tis the holidays, and if one is searching for a nice break in between shopping, or spending a quiet day with family, there are holiday movies to keep one occupied.

Here are five movies to enjoy:

Bad Santa Starring Billy Bob Thornton and the late Bernie Mac, this dark comedy is definitely not for the kids.

However, grown-ups can get a laugh out of Thornton’s portrayal of a con-man in a Santa suit.

Despite Willie’s (Thornton) cold heart and sneaky motives, the movie does contain warmth and the feels.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Watch the 1966 animated short, not the live-version Jim Carrey remake.

The cartoon has Dr. Seuss’s rhymes, which is really the big winner out of this story.

For if it weren’t for Dr. Seuss, there would be no Grinch to steal Christmas.

Home Alone Macaulay Culkin stars as 8-year-old Kevin, a boy left behind by his family.

The film also co-stars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the neighborhood thieves.

Watch Kevin live the dream of a kid being free, eating and sleeping whenever he wants.

Then watch him use his childish wits to fight back against the crooks.

It's a Wonderful Life Starring James Stewart, the film is of a man who wanted to end it all, only to have an angel show him how life what life would be like had he never existed.

The film is a classic in that it reminds folks of the simple things in life, regardless of how bad things can be, it could be worse.

A Christmas Story He writes an essay about it, he asked Santa at the mall, but all the replies he received are: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

Those are the words little Ralphie hears throughout the movie when he asks for a

Courtesy of The Cat in the Hat Productions

Red Ryder B. B. gun.

Does Ralphie eventually get his Christmas wish?

Who knows. TBS will begin a mara-

thon of the classic 1983 movie at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and run for 24 hours straight. There will be time to find out.

Have fun watching!

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| The Holiday Gift Guide

Major retailers are a great source of party supplies for low-budget college students. | Jenae Sitzes/The Cougar

Rockin' that Christmas tree

Throwing the perfect holiday party for friends or family JENAE SITZES

MANAGING EDITOR @JENAESITZES

It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are once again upon us.

As the days grow chillier and the semester draws to a close, people often find themselves wanting to wrap up the year with their closest friends and family.

Holiday parties are a fun and festive way of bringing your loved ones together, and they’re a great way for college students to celebrate the end of finals and the start of a monthlong break. As students, we’re usually limited with money and space, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your evening of festivities:

Assemble a guest list The most important thing to consider when deciding how many people should receive that special invite is how much space you’re working with.

It’s tempting to invite everyone you’ve met since freshman year, but if you live in a small apartment, people will be tripping over each other and spilling their drinks. Limit your guest list to a reasonable number of close friends.

Plan a shopping trip Make a list of everything you need before you hit the store. Categorize the list into food, decorations, tableware and entertainment and think about where you need to go to buy these things. Most major retailers have a great selection of holiday decorations and party supplies for the low-budget college student.

Organize a menu Unless you’re a Hilton student who loves organizing large meals and thrives when event-planning, try to plan your party after dinnertime.

That way, you only need to provide snacks and/or dessert. Pinterest is a fun source for festive food ideas, like Reindeer Cookies and Christmas Tree Cupcakes. If you don't have time to bust out your baking skills, House of Pies has ready-made cakes, pies and cookies that can be picked up at either of its two locations. When it comes to drinks, ask people to bring their favorite wine or have everyone pitch in for a bottle of champagne.

Create a festive space Setting the mood with lights and decora-

PARTY

Continues on page 14

| The Holiday Gift Guide

Monday, November 24, 2014 | 13

Courtesy of BigStock

Home for the Holidays: shopping for the 'rents JOSHUA COCHRAN COPY CHIEF

Picking gifts for parents isn’t as bad as many make it out to be. Like anything else, there’s an art to it, and most of it involves paying attention, which you no doubt have been doing growing up with them all your life.

But in case you’ve missed something big, or they’re just not very open about their likes and preferences, here are some tips you can use to help shop for Mom and Dad.

Is there anything they use often that you can replace?

We’re often unaware of the things we use in our daily lives, and it’s sometimes shocking when they start losing their zip.

Replacing something as simple as a dull hat, a set of tools, an old cutting board or kitchen knives shows them that you care about the things they do daily.

Accessories Ties, cuff links, bracelets and scarves are things they probably have a lot of, but you can make a special addition that gives them some sentimental pleasure while donning their favorite accessories.

You’ll no doubt put a smile on their faces

every time they glance at what you’ve given them.

A new book from an author they like If your parents are working-class and middle-aged, it’s more than possible that they’ve forgotten about their favorite authors while living a busy life. Look at some of their recent books, check for series missing the latest addition, and look at authors’ websites to see if they’ve got a new read your parents will enjoy.

A favorite movie, or music from a long-lost era Parents sometimes seem like they’re from another planet, but it will also do to appease their otherworldly culture. Go through their CD collections and see what they have, and think about what they might be missing. Likewise, listen to them muse about their favorite films, and see if you can nab one and add it to the DVD rack.

Courtesy of BigStock

Hobby-specific gifts that will last for a lifetime

ends… for every hobby, there’s a list of supplies, trinkets and accessories.

Try to find gifts with a little bit of you and your parents in them to heighten the sentiment.

A new fishing hat and equipment, gardening gloves and exquisitely glazed ceramic pots, paperweights and book-

A card or letter to show your appreciation

Once you’ve chosen a gift, attach a card or letter to it. If you choose to give them a card, write something more than just your name.

Be thoughtful, thank your parents for what they’ve done for you and wish for them to be happy and healthy. They would like to know that you appreciate them.

14 | Monday, November 24, 2014

| The Holiday Gift Guide SPONSORED CONTENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

First things first: get to know TDECU thanks UH students, staff Houston’s First Baptist History Houston’s first Baptist church was organized in 1841 by sixteen men and women.

In 1970 with the great pastoral leadership of Dr. John R. Bisagno the church began to grow, and by 1977 we had to relocate to our current location at the corner of I-10 and the 610 West Loop.

Our Beliefs There’s a God. Only one God, in fact, and he is the Creator of everything. We’re made in His image, which means we’re like him in many ways, except that he’s God and we’re not. He’s loving and just and desires a relationship with us. As individuals with free will, we have the freedom to respond to the relationship God’s initiated with us, or not.

We’re free to choose to live outside the realm of the life God has for us as it’s explained in the Bible.

Put another way, many choices we make either move us closer to God or further

away from him. Making even seemingly small decisions that separate us from God is called sin. We all do it, and we’ll continue to do so. And, even then, God will love us and passionately pursue us.God loves us so much, in fact, that he sent his only son, Jesus, to die so the rest of us could live. The cost of sin was separation from God—spiritual death—until Jesus came and his death paid everyone’s debt. That’s serious love.

Because of that serious, perfect love, this gift from God is waiting for anyone who wants to receive it. This is called Grace.

As for us, we need only to decide whether or not to believe and receive this stuff. If we decide to believe it, we have available to us a new, full life that can start now and never stop. And it’s OK to have a lot of questions along the way.

Although God reveals things to us (including what he’s revealed about himself in the Bible), he remains mysterious and wonderful.

There’s no better time than the holidays to be thankful – and to say thank you – for the blessings of the year.

We would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful student body, faculty and staff of the University of Houston for welcoming us into your community.

From TDECU Stadium to our new branch location at the University Center, our 11 ATMs throughout campus and our support and participation in university life, we look forward to continuing our commitment to UH and our fellow Coogs as the premier financial institution of the University of Houston.

We are here for you as your on-campus, member-owned credit union and we will work each and every day to not only earn – but keep – your business.

As our promise to you, we are ever mindful of the needs of our UH members and will continue to develop exclusive programs, offers and benefits available only to the UH community.

From checking accounts to auto loans, solutions to help with educational expenses, planning for the future – and everything in between – TDECU has you covered.

We wish for each of you a happy, healthy holiday season.

We also encourage you to take a step back to reflect on all the amazing things that have happened for you in 2014, in an effort to extend those good works into the new year.

Be sure to check out our ad for details on how to put a little more jingle in your holiday shopping budget.

Don’t forget to stop by our new branch at the UC – just past the Information Desk.

MAJOR RENOVATION BEGINNING

All aquatic spaces will be CLOSED from December 19, 2014, through the duration of the renovation. This will also include both the dry sauna and outdoor sand volleyball court. It is anticipated that the spaces will re-open to the University of Houston community in

RENOVATION HIGHLIGHTS Regenerative

in the Natatorium.

Ultra-violet (UV) light technology on all bodies of water.

New spectator seating.

that will also serve as

Three new moveable bulkheads in the competition pools.

Fully functional indoor and outdoor spas.

Ability to host a variety of activities.

| The Holiday Gift Guide

Monday, November 24, 2014 | 15

SPONSORED CONTENT

PARTY

Continued from page 12

Get rid of stress with Stress Free Finals

tions is key to getting your guests into the holiday spirit. Ask your parents or family friends if they have any decorations they wouldn’t mind lending you for the occasion.

Small- to medium-sized Christmas trees are not very expensive, and neither are ornaments if you go to the right places. In the end how much you want to dress up your space is up to you — but try not to decorate to the point where it’s distracting.

Lights around the ceiling, red bows on the doors and a Christmas tree in the corner are cost-effective and simple ways to give your apartment or house a festive flair. Small figurines of snowmen or Santa Claus are also cute to have sitting around.

Think of entertainment When it comes to activities, be sure to consider the group you’re inviting and what is most likely to be a hit.

This could mean giving the party a theme, such as ugly Christmas sweaters or Secret Santa gifts, or making it a casual get-together to chill and watch holiday classics like "It’s a Wonderful Life" and "Gremlins."

Set up your Christmas tree in a spot where it's the first thing your guests will see when they walk in. | Jenae Sitzes/The Cougar

Looking for a snack to go with that? We will also be featuring a Brain Food bar for students to grab whole bananas, apples, trail mix and granola bars. Don’t have time to do laundry and need a spare clean t-shirt?

The UC has done it again with their FREE “Stress Free Finals” shirts that will motivate students and their friends to “break up” with stress.

Finals Mania will also be back this semester! Take a break from studying to enjoy a late night breakfast in the library!

Finals Mania will take place December 8 on the 2nd floor of MD Anderson Library and the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion from 8:30-10:30p.m.

What’s a Finals mania without their pancakes with toppings of your choice, turkey sausage, beverages and more! Just bring your UH ID and you’ll be good to go!

Come out and take a break from the ever so stressful Finals!

All these goodies are brought to you by UH Libraries, Dining Services, Auxiliary Services, Canteen Vending and Coca-Cola.

Does the stress of Finals have you down? Stress Free Finals is right around the corner with countless goodies and events that will ease your way into Finals mode. Stress Free Finals will kickoff with the University Centers on December 2 at 11:30 a.m. at the UC Circle Drive.

A Hot Chocolate bar will be awaiting students at the entrance with various toppings for their hot chocolate such as whipped cream, peppermint sticks, marshmallows and more!

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| The Holiday Gift Guide

16 | Monday, November 24, 2014 SPONSORED CONTENT

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The program provides students with a comprehensive quality undergraduate and graduate education and the opportunity for a creative intellectual experience based on the critical and systematic study of the life, thought and practice of African peoples in their current and historical unfolding.

Within this framework, one of the primary goals of African American Studies is to maintain and strengthen existing links with the community through expanding joint educational and practical projects and exchanges.

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| The Holiday Gift Guide

Monday, November 24, 2014 | 17

Do It Yourself: Creative, cost-efficient Christmas gifts RAMA YOUSEF

Tablet/Laptop Case

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE EDITOR @RMYOUSEF21

Choosing the right gift can be hard— especially when you want the gift to be meaningful and something that the recipient will like.

Making a gift yourself is not only thoughtful, but fun as well.

For anyone who wants to create a personalized gift and enjoys making crafts, a DIY gift is the way to go this holiday season.

Sharpie Mug Whether it’s coffee, tea or hot chocolate, 'tis the season for a warm drink.

Everyone will be attached to their mugs to get through the cold weather.

A Sharpie mug is a simple and inexpensive, but you can get as creative as you want with the drawings and words.

Perhaps you can write a meaningful quote, inside joke, or a silly coffee pun like the one pictured.

Materials: white mug (you can get these at a dollar store) and sharpie markers (some suggest using oil based or paint sharpies).

Instagram Coasters For your friends with a dorm or apartment, help keep their tables moisture free when they have people over by making these Instagram coasters.

Use some of their favorite pictures that they’ve posted or liked and create a set of coasters.

Materials: 4 inch round, flat cork pieces, Modge Podge glue, cardstock paper, Instagram printouts and foam or felt mounting dots

Keeping a tablet or laptop safe and more easily portable is a must. A tablet or laptop case will be much appreciated gift for those who tote these devices around on a regular basis.

Get creative with patterns and embellishments such as iron on patches, studs, or pins.

Materials: pleather fabric, acrylic paint, paint brush, painter’s tape, brads, buttons, needle and thread (or sewing machine)

Song Lyric Canvas Art This canvas art piece is great for the friend who loves decorating their room, especially those who want to give their dorm room a more homey feeling. Choose lyrics from one of their favorite songs or one that brings up a lot of great memories.

Materials: paint by numbers painting or other painting, letter stickers, white paint (acrylic or spray)m paint brush, scissors

Paint by Numbers Pillow If you’re a hardcore DIY fan, super artistic or like a challenge make a paint by numbers pillow case. An artsy friend will appreciate having a more interesting pillow to look at. Choose a relaxing landscape or any other interesting painting you come across.

Materials: paintbrushes; fabric marker/ pen; paint pot strips; masking tape; paintby-number guide; fabric paint; heavy weight cotton for pillow back; plain, light colored utility fabric for pillow front; poly-fil, scissors, coordinating thread, hand sewing needle

Hand-made gifts add a personal touch of creativity. | Rama Yousef/The Cougar

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church You Are Welcome Here

Services every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve Services

12:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.

Candlelight Service 11:00 p.m.

1805 West Alabama Houston, TX 77098 713-528-6665

church.ststephenshouston.org

| The Holiday Gift Guide

18 | Monday, November 24, 2014

A season of Houston: city-events for the college-budget EILEEN HOLLEY

Zoo Lights

STAFF WRITER

Nov. 19 to Jan. 4

With the essence of the holidays in the air, it’s always good idea to cuddle up next to the fireplace and listen to tunes that will get anybody into the holiday Looking for something fun to do this holiday season?

Check out these events going on all around Houston. From light festivals to plays, there’s something for everyone.

Festival of Lights Nov. 15 to Jan. 3

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy Moody Garden’s waterfront light spectacular featuring a mile-long trail of more than 1 million lights in 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays.

There will be hot chocolate, festive food, holiday buffets and nightly live entertainment.Moody Gardens will also have an outdoor ice-skating rink and the Arctic Ice Slide until January 4.

Price: $8.95 for Festival of Lights admission. $7 each for ice skate rental and the Arctic Ice Slide.

Be you. Belong.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas Nov. 21 to Dec. 24

This annual light display at the Houston Zoo is back and even brighter, now with more than 2 million lights.

Stroll through the Zoo while the animals slumber and enjoy the colorful decorations as well as the food, drinks, and musical entertainment.

Price: $12.95 at the gate and $10.95 online for Value Nights. $14.95 at the gate and $12.96 online for Prime Nights.

Discounted prices for Zoo Members.

The Alley Theatre presents this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ tale of redemption and holiday spirit while located at the University of Houston during renovations of its downtown building.

Price: $14 for students with valid ID or online using promotion code UHSTUDENT.

The ICE at Discovery Green

Holly Jolly Jingle Symphony Spectacular

Nov. 25 to Feb. 8

Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.

Create magical winter memories at Discovery Green’s 7,716 square foot outdoor ice rink in the heart of Downtown.

Attendees can also enjoy outdoor movies every Friday, live music and DJs, ice sculptures and “Field of Light,” a fiber optic art installation illuminated nightly.

Price: $13 for ice rink admission and skate rental. $6 on Cheap Skate Nights.

Ring in the holidays with performances of holiday classics and popular carols at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

Gates open at 5:30 pm, so arrive early to ride the Candy Cane Express, frolic in the snow, enjoy arts and crafts, visit the petting zoo and more.

Price: Free

CALLING ALL TOO-SMART-TOPASS-UP-$300-CASH COUGARS. We are offering all University of Houston students, faculty/staff and alumni the opportunity to open a FREE TDECU personal checking account with a recurring direct deposit and get $1501 . And if you refinance your auto loan from another lender with TDECU, we’ll give you another $1502 and an annual percentage rate as low as 1.99%. We don’t have to tell you what a great value that is. You’re a Houston Cougar, after all!

Open your FREE TDECU checking account today and get access to more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 20 convenient branch locations in the Greater Houston area, including our new branch on the U of H campus.

No opening deposit is required — in fact, we’ll cover it for you! Your account will even earn interest!

Visit our new University Center Branch, now open!

It’s time to start expecting more.

So Be You and Belong.

TDECU.org/CheckingAuto 800.839.1154

Offers valid through December 31, 2014. TDECU membership required. For full terms/conditions, contact TDECU. Federally insured by NCUA. 1To receive the $150 bonus, you must establish a recurring direct deposit in the amount of $100 or more within 60 days following the new primary checking account opening date. The bonus will be paid to your new checking account the month after a recurring direct deposit has been established on your account. Bonuses are considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT. 2APR and benefits are accurate as of November 1, 2014, and are subject to change without notice. To receive $150 bonus,

| The Holiday Gift Guide

Monday, November 24, 2014 | 19

Winter Movieland: 5 films for the holiday season GLISSETTE SANTANA

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @GSANTANA347

With the essence of the holidays in the air, it’s always good idea to cuddle up next to the fireplace and listen to tunes that will get anybody into the holiday spirit. The holidays come and go, but the music never ends.Here’s a playlist to help bring out that holiday cheer:

"Jingle Bell Rock"

This song may have come out in 1958, but this Bobby Helms hit still keeps rolling through the holiday season as a fan favorite.

Who could resist a little rock and roll to bring in the holiday cheer?

"Santa Baby"

Eartha Kitt’s 1953 classic is filled with her tongue-in-cheek Christmas list which includes everything from sables, yachts and maybe even a little something from Tiffany’s.

"All I Want for Christmas Is You"

Eartha Kitt's smash hit "Santa Baby" has become a Holiday season staple. | Wikimedia Commons

Mariah Carey’s 1994 single from her first Christmas album “Merry Christmas” has become an instant staple around the holiday season, cementing Carey’s superstardom and giving generations to come

DAY 1

UMOJA (UNITY)

DAY 2

KUJICHAGULIA (SELF-DETERMINATION)

DAY 3

UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY)

DAY 4

UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE ECONOMY)

DAY 5

NIA (PURPOSEFULNESS)

DAY 6

KUUMBA (CREATIVITY)

DAY 7

IMANI (FAITH)

UH AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A

a reason to get up and dance..

"Feliz Navidad"

This song wasn’t expected to be a hit but that didn’t stop Jose Feliciano’s bilingual smash from becoming one of the most recognizable (and downloaded) songs on the planet.

"Silent Night"

Sarah McLachlan brings this classic back to life with her silky vocals and smooth tempo to be just what you need to relax around the Christmas tree.

"You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"

Your childhood is about to come back to life with a song about a certain smallhearted villain who is trying to take Christmas presents away from children.

"Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow"

Michael Buble’s piano-laced hit gives a pep to your step and is the perfect tune to do some cold weather Christmas shopping.

"Wonderful Christmas Time"

No list is complete without one of the Beatles showing up, and Paul McCartney’s holiday time hit is sure to get you in the mood for hanging out with friends and family all season long.

628 AGNES ARNOLD HALL, HOUSTON, TX 77204-3047 (713) 743-2811

HAPPY KWANZAA!

20 | Monday, November 24, 2014

| The Holiday Gift Guide