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The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, December 16, 2013
WHAT TO DO OVER BREAK
To aid those who are cooped up with their family over the holiday break, The Mycenaean compiled suggestions of what to do around Raleigh during the time off school.
MOVIES: COMING SOON --- Find a friend and some extra spending money to escape from your crazy cousins and stressed out parents during the holiday.
American Hustle revolves around the story of con-man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) who, accompanied by his partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), is forced to work for FBI Agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). Rosenfeld and Prosser soon find themselves in the dangerous world of Jersey powerbrokers. American Hustle stars oscar-winning Jennifer Lawrence. In theaters December 18. (R)
A sequel to Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Anchorman 2 follows the crazy and humorous adventures of San Diego anchorman Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) as he and his former news team take on the nation’s first 24 hour news channel. This sequel also stars Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Kristen Wiig. It hits theaters December 20. (RP)
Saving Mr. Banks tells the extraordinarily true backstory of Walt Disney’s expedition to obtain the film rights to the classic Mary Poppins from its unwilling, uncompromising author P.L. Travers who refuses to let her prized novel become askewed by Holleywood. Saving Mr. Banks stars Oscar-winner Tom Hanks and two-time Academy Award winner Emma Thompson. In theaters December 20. (PG-13)
Based on the life of former New York stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), The Wolf of Wall Street portrays Belfort’s quick and unconventional rise to wealth through crime and corruption, followed by his heart-breaking downfall. This movie also features Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie and is directed by Martin Scorsese. In theaters December 25. (R)
Based on the story by James Thurber, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty follows Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), a daydreamer who escapes his boring life by fading into a make-believe world. After realizing his job is in danger, Mitty takes a journey far more adventurous than he could’ve ever imagined. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty also stars Kristen Wiig and Sean Penn. In theaters December 25. (PG)
GET ACTIVE ---
Bundle up and head outside for a hike on one of these interesting and convenient trails if you’re tired of lying around. Falls Lake Trail (Driving time from LRHS: 15 minutes)
Umstead State Park
(Driving time from LRHS: 10 minutes)
This 60-mile trail hugs every curve of Falls Lake, the fifthlargest lake in North Carolina, with road access points every few miles. Take Creedmoor Rd/NC-50 to the lake, then take the western (left-side) branch for a trail with great views of the lake. Or, Raven Ridge Rd towards Falls of Neuse across the bridge, then park on the north side of the road and follow the trail across a peninsula, pretty creeks and lakeside ridges.
A favorite haunt of many Leesville students, Umstead is just a stone’s throw from campus but features 5,500 acres of wilderness with no hint of the suburbia that surrounds it. The 7.2-mile Sycamore loop trail is easy to find and visits many of the noteworthy sights of the park. For the more adventuresome, Company Mill Trail (5.8 miles), accessible only from I-40 and Harrison Ave, follows a sizeable creek along hilly terrain.
Eno River State Park
Raven Rock State Park
(Driving time from LRHS: 30 minutes)
(Driving time from LRHS: 70 minutes)
A drive south on US-401, Raven Rock State Park lies on North Carolina’s other major river -- the Cape Fear River. We recommend heading east from parking on the 2.6-mile Raven Rock Loop Trail, which can be extended to about four miles on the Little Creek Loop Trail. Walk underneath the distinctive cliff known as Raven Rock.
White Pines Nature Preserve (Map shown above) (Driving Time from LRHS: 50 minutes) The three-mile White Pines loop trail, located just outside of Pittsboro, travels through an unusual Piedmont forest of white pines down to the intersection of the medium-sized Deep River and Rocky River. Take a right at the trail fork to go through the tallest trees in the park and reach the marshy banks of the Deep River. The trail then swings around to the Rocky River before turning back to the parking lot.
Follow the Eno River for 33 miles in protected park area as it meanders towards Falls Lake. The central section off of Cole Mill Rd., which includes the suspension bridge the park is known for, attracts the biggest crowds. However, a leisurely hike alongside the river from the parking areas at Pleasant Green Rd. or Valley Springs Rd. can be even more enjoyable.
The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, December 16, 2013
LAST MINUTE DEALS, EVENTS: If you’re bored at home,
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GREAT READS FOR A COZY BREAK:
check out these events with your friends. Grab a warm cup of joe, a comfy Forever 21’s Holiday Gift Shop For the Holidays, Forever 21 is expanding its shop to both guys and young girls! Now, you can make Forseat and a quiet area, so you ever 21 your one-stop shop for holiday fashion. can bundle up with one of these Gnocchi Day Gnocchi Day is based off of an Italian legend about a bit of luck for a poor family. Every 29th of the month, great books over your holiday. Brier Creek Commons joins the international tradition by offering visitors free, all-you-can-eat Gnocchi. Santa Claus is Coming to Town! You’re never too old to get your picture taken with Santa! The Big Man will be at Crabtree Valley Mall until Christmas Eve. Seasonal Sleigh Rides Brier Creek is offering free sleigh rides on Dec. 21, 22 and 23. Make sure to snap a family photo for $2 to support Breast Cancer Awareness. Black Nativity From December 13 - 21 at the Titmus Theater, The Justice Theater Project presents The Black Nativity by Langston Hughes every Thursday and Friday (8 p.m.), Saturday (3 p.m. & 8 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m.). Admission ranges from $17 - $25. Wendell Wonderland Wendell Chamber of Commerce will host one of the “largest holiday light shows in the State,” recurring daily until Christmas Day. Event times are from 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free.
PREPARE YOUR EARS
While visiting her bum father, Kristina, an honor-roll “goodygoody”, shakes hands with the “crank”, a nickname for crystal meth. While under the influence, Kristina develops an alter-ego “Bree” who is the antithesis of Kristina. After Kristina completely dissipates and Bree takes over, her grades fall and relationships deteriorate, and her life revolves around one thing -- crank. Hopkins writes in unique style that paints clear pictures of Bree/Kristina, taunting readers to read on with pace, flow and shape. Hopkins creates a world dominated by drugs with intricate twists, giving readers something new at every page.
While baking cookies, decorating trees or riding in the car, The Mycenaean recommends these albums to spread holiday cheer. A Very Special Christmas Vol. I-VII by Various Artists A Very Special Christmas Vol. I-VII compiles many of the biggest and most memorable holiday songs from great artists like Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. The newer volumes of this album series also includes modernized versions of classics by artists we know and love today, like Colbie Caillat.
Glee: The Music: The Christmas Album, Vol. IIII by Various Artists For Glee fans and music lovers alike, Glee: The Music: The Christmas Album, Vol. I-III feature some of the greatest holiday hits. Each song is appropriately modernized and covered by the very talented cast of Glee including Lea Michele, Chris Colfer and Darren Criss.
Christmas by Michael Buble Featuring covers of songs like “Jingle Bells” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” Christmas by Michael Buble delivers a timeless take on favorite holiday hits. According to Billboard Magazine, Christmas was the number one selling Christmas album of 2011.
Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey
Wrapped in Red by Kelly Clarkson
Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey covers a wide variety of Christmas music, accompanied by a few of Carey’s own hits, like “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Carey brings out the holiday spirit in her listeners with her powerful vocal range and poppy holiday cheer. According to Billboard Magazine, Merry Christmas is one of the top selling Christmas albums of all time.
Released October 25, 2013, Wrapped in Red is Clarkson’s first holiday album and one of the first newly released holiday albums of 2013. In the album, Clarkson beautifully covers all of her favorite Christmas classics, like “Run Run Rudolph.” Clarkson also incorporates songs of her own, like “Wrapped in Red.” So far, it has received generally positive reviews from music critics.
The Fault in Our Stars follows Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenage cancer patient whose life was saved by an experimental drug, Phalanxifor. After meeting Augustus Waters at “Cancer Kid Support Group”, her world completely changes direction. Green examines life, love and death while toying with reader’s deepest emotions with his realistic style. The Fault in Our Stars won Time Magazine’s #1 Fiction Book of 2012 and is rated 4.74 out of 5 stars on barnesandnoble.com. The Inheritance Cycle is a fantasy series that contains four books: Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr and Inheritance. The series follows Eragon who finds a dragon egg which starts his incredible journey through the books. Throughout the four actionpacked books, Eragon and those he meets throughout his journey through his continent Alagaësia learn more about themselves and the world around them in their quest to save their world. The Inheritance Cycle is rated 4.83 out of 5 stars on barnesandnoble.com.
LET’S GET COMFY
Home for the holidays? Check out these television specials that are airing throughout December! ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas” • 25 days of non-stop, classic holiday movies • The Polar Express and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas • Started Dec. 1
I Love Lucy • CBS will air two back-to-back episodes of I Love Lucy • Episodes will be vintage colorized • Airs Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.
A Christmas Story • 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story on TBS • Starts at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve
iHeart Radio Jingle Ball • CW will present the iHeart Radio Jingle Ball 2013 • Airs 8 p.m. on Dec. 18 • Some of the artists scheduled to perform: Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Fall Out Boy and Selena Gomez
Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich during the reign of Nazi Germany, willingly puts her life on the line to steal the one thing she loves most -- books. After stealing The Gravediggers Handbook, Liesel learns to read, falling in love with literature. Zusak creates a world within the Book Thief that appeals teenagers and adults alike, with the realistic characters, poetic writing and enticing plot. The Book Thief is rated 4.49 stars out of 5 on barnesandnoble.com.
Although this novel was written in 1975, Forever’s lessons about teenage relations and sexuality are relevant today. The novel follows the relationship of Katherine and Michael; as their relationship blooms, the two make decisions about love, the future and their relationship. Intertwined with the lovers’ story, readers are included in the lives of Erica and Michael, the duo’s best pals and the troubles they are faced with. Michael and Katherine’s bond (and the book as a whole) is fun, loving and relatable -- and the decisions with “first true love” between Michael and Katherine make Forever a great, read. Forever is rated 4.21 stars out of 5 on barnesandnoble. com.
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First Night Information Location and Costs: • 10 stages along Fayetteville St. and City Plaza • “All Day Passes” are $10
Times:
• Children’s Celebration: 2 -7:30 p.m • Raleigh’s Acorn drops at midnight
Music:
• Big Sam’s Funky Nation (urban funk band) • Ten Strings and a Goat Skin (a young folk fusiontrio) • The Gawler Sisters (folk) • Fran Smith
Comedy:
• ComedyWorx (improv comedy group)
Dance:
• Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble
Activities:
• Giant Gondola Wheel • People’s Procession (parade around capitol- 6-7:00) • Fireworks show at 7 p.m. and the New Years countdown at midnight • Acorn Drop, countdown to New Years
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, December 16, 2013
bu•ku takes you around the world By: Camille Churchwell Editor-in-Chief
My aunt and I wandered downtown looking for an interesting place to eat. We came to the corner of Wilmington and Davie streets, and I immediately noticed the vibrant atmosphere of bu•ku’s outdoor seating area. Filled with young professionals, the covered deck bustled with laughter and conversation. I reached for the large glass doors and entered into a dimly lit, beautifully designed interior. The friendly hostess welcomed us and offered my aunt their extensive gluten-free menu, and without hesitation, we decided to stay for dinner. We were led through an equally beautiful dining room to a cozy booth toward the back. We looked at the menu again, only to realize how confusing it was. Before either of us could verbalize our daze, our friendly waitress greeted us and offered some help. She explained to us the premise of bu•ku. They serve “global street food” (hence the foreign names), meaning one could find this food on the “pushcart vendors across the globe.” There are large plates and small plates on the menu, not to mention their house sushis, salads and soups. The large plate of “Indian Tandoori-style Chicken” garnished with “sautéed chickpeas, spinach, cauliflower, butternut squash,
VOLUNTEER OPTIONS!
Heartland Hospice heartlandhospice.com
Marbles Kids Museum marbleskidsmuseum.org
Raleigh Rescue Mission raleighrescue.org The chocolate souffle and almond ice cream duet is quite possibly the best dessert I have ever had. Our friendly waitress recommended it to us and did not steer us wrong
cherry tomato and cucumbermint raita” caught my eye, while my aunt ordered two small plates for herself. The ambiance of the dining room allowed us to enjoy our conversations and company. The food took about twenty to thirty minutes to arrive, but we were so enwrapped in talking, that we paid no mind. The food was delivered; our eyes widened and mouths watered at the sight. The presentation was absolutely stunning, but I quickly devoured the entire dish, savoring each distinct bite. The spiced chicken complimented the obviously fresh vegetables, making a beautiful medley in my mouth. We eagerly accepted the dessert menu, as the waitress explained her love for their “chocolate
souffle with almond ice cream.” We trusted her suggestion and ordered it, planning to share the large treat. Upon its arrival, we dug into the large serving of souffle and savored each tiny bite of the almond ice cream. The souffle was more than scrumptious and so was the ice cream; however, the portion of ice cream was far too small. We cleaned each morsel off of the plate and sat happily until the check was delivered to us. Overall, my experience at bu•ku was exceptional. From the variety of delicious foods, to the beautiful atmosphere, bu•ku far exceeded my expectations. For a night on the town and adventurous meal, stop by bu•ku; you won’t be disappointed.
Food Bank of NC foodbankcenc.org
Wake Med wakemed.org
Live Work Play goliveworkplay.com
Downtown Raleigh Alliance godowntownraleigh.com
For more volunteering around Raleigh, check out these sites: activategood.org volunteermatch.org
ComedyWorx provides laughs for the whole family By: Lindsay Baker Staff Writer
ComedyWorx Comedy Club, located downtown on 431 West Peace Street, is sure to deliver good laughs. At first look, the ComedyWorx venue gives you a bad impression. It’s a dated building and doesn’t exactly live up to typical comedy club venue expectations. When imagining an ideal comedy club, most of us think of a classy, clean cut lounge area with a big stage up front. Instead of this, there are numerous outdated tables and chairs squished into a small, dim room. The first time I visited ComedyWorx, I assumed that, based on the decor, the show wouldn’t be very funny. This assumption was incorrect. “The ComedyWorx Show” was one of the funniest comedy shows I’ve ever seen. The show is composed of two teams of four staff members. Calls are made by another comedian staff member wearing a referee outfit. The referee keeps the show family friendly. When a player is caught making crude remarks or using a bad pun, the referee makes them stand in a box on the stage outlined by duct tape, where they are then forced to
make and improvisational apology to the audience. If the audience accepts the player’s apology, they may continue playing. If not, they must sit out a round. Throughout the course of the show, the two teams play numerous improv games using things or subjects given to them by audience members. Whichever team the audience favors the most, wins. The improv games are random and you never know what’s going to be said next. The unscripted nature of the show only adds to the hilarity. The staff is very strong in terms of their comedic experience, making ComedyWorx one of the best comedy clubs in Raleigh. It seems like the workers were always smiling and happy to help out and answer questions. Each member was also very personable. The lighthearted staff really made my first comedy club experience a
memorable one. ComedyWorx also had reasonable prices and frequent productions, making it easy to fit one of their shows into your schedule. “The ComedyWorx Show” runs at three different times every Saturday. The first show (matinee) is at 4 p.m. and costs $6 for each person. The second show is at 8 p.m. and generally costs $12, but exceptions are made for college students and seniors. The 10 p.m. show is recommended for adults only. All censorship is removed at this show. If you attend the 8 p.m. show, you are welcome to stay for the 10 p.m. show for free. Although most shows are kept family friendly, I definitely recommend any ComedyWorx show to teenagers looking for some good late-night fun. The staff and show material will have you laughing until you cry and is sure to leave you with a lasting impression of
The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, December 16, 2013
BEST THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU GO DOWNTOWN: If this is your first time traveling to the city, here are quick facts you may want to know while taking on downtown.
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The Pit, a sweet, southern and mouthwatering spot
Parking Decks
There are 18 parking decks around downtown Raleigh and almost every deck costs about $1 an hour. Most decks typically have the first 15 minutes free and a limit on how long cars can be parked there.
Street Parking
Around downtown, there is the option of parking on the street for those who feel able to parellel park. From Monday- Friday, (8a.m. to 5p.m.), parking for an hour costs $1 and 15 minutes costs 25 cents. Pay stations accept coins, Visa and Mastercard.
Using the R-Line
The R-LINE is a free and eco-friendly bus service that connects citizens to restaurants, retail, entertainment venues, museums, hotels, and parking facilities in downtown Raleigh. Buses run every 10-15 minutes and there are stops at the State Capitol, West & Peace Street, along Glenwood South, Raleigh Convention Center, the Performing Arts Center and Moore Square.
Easy way in, easy way out
To easily remember how to get in and out of downtown, remember this saying “In on Dawson, out on McDowell”. If you can find McDowell (going north) when you’re lost, you can find your way out and back home.
Where to avoid
While traveling around downtown, make sure to avoid driving in the right lane due to street-parked cars.
Stay aware
Compared to the quaint Leesville Community, downtown has many more pedestrians and one way streets. Stay aware of people who are jaywalking and not afraid of crossing the street. Plus, some roads are one way, which may make routes into places different than leaving them.
PLAY CALENDAR
Raleigh Little Theater Cinderella (holiday musical) from Dec. 6 - 21, 2013
Burning Coal Theater The Tempest from Dec. 5 - 22, 2013
Fletcher Opera Theater Frosty the Snowman from Nov. 29- Dec. 24
DPAC A Christmas Carol from Dec. 19 - 22
Raleigh’s rink brings cheer to holiday season By: Jill Schuler Staff Writer
Every year Raleigh holds the annual Winterfest celebration which includes an outdoor ice rink and other festivities in Downtown Raleigh. The ice rink is open through February this winter season, extending winter cheer through the new year. The rink opened on Nov. 22 and will stay open until Feb. 1. It is open to the public six days a week, Mondays being reserved for private parties. When it comes to getting there, it was easy to find. Conveniently located at the end of Fayetteville Street, finding parking was easy as there are multiple parking decks and free parking on the streets in front of the rink on the weekends. Because of the cost to maintain the rink in Raleigh’s not-so-cold
weather, it costs $9.00 per person to skate-- including skate rentals. The way the rink was presented in the picture made it look a lot bigger than it was. The rink was 45’X90’, less than half the size of a professional ice rink. The lack of space restricted skating opportunities, but the rink was still a great experience. There was a variety of citizens who came out to enjoy the unique opportunity. I saw several different relationships over the course of my hour long skate. There were families, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons and friends out enjoying the ice-- however it wasn’t that crowded. The fact that it’s open for a little over three months provides citizens with multiple opportunities to skate, encouraging the individual to get out and spend their time outside and downtown.
PHOTO COUTRESY OF JILL SCHULER
Raleigh’s Winterfest ice rink is located in downtown Raleigh. Because of Raleigh’s warm weather, the rink is small and the price to maintain it is costly.
Memorial Auditorium Nutcracker - The Carolina Ballet Dec. 20 - 29
Meymandi Concert Hall Holiday Magic: Cirque de la Symphonie on Dec. 20
While The Pit feels like home with its inviting scents and cozy atmosphere, it is definitely not fast-food. The Pit is dressy yet relaxing and easygoing.
By: Davis Raynor Staff Writer
Nestled between W. Davie and S. Harrington Street, The Pit stands as one of North Carolina’s most successful barbecue restaurants. As you enter, the smell of sweet sauce lapping over smoky pork, cheesy macaroni, buttery mashed potatoes and fried hush puppies fill your nose, and you know your need for a delicious Sunday lunch will be satisfied. The twinkly lit patio out front sits as a perfect place to overlook downtown streets while enjoying your meal, but the softly lit, warm-mahogany interior is enticing. You’re immediately caught off guard by the ease with which the restaurant flows. Waiters are never annoying, food is always prompt and sweet tea refills are always only seconds away. The only problem at The Pit -- deciding what to order. Both the lunch and dinner menus overflow with appetizing choices. From several types of barbeque to ribs to fried chicken to barbeque chicken to meatloaf and even turkey, the selections for meat are
endless. To fulfill your growling stomach until the main dish arrives, The Pit offers numerous appetizers like fried pimento cheese, fried tomatoes, onion rings, deviled eggs, an assortment of fries, cornbread and more. After completely stuffing yourself with mouthwatering sweet tea, pork and vegetables, you’ll still somehow have room for all of The Pit’s classic southernstyle desserts. Chocolate cake, apple crostada, carrot cake and an American classic -- banana puddin’. For those over 21, The Pit offers a varied selection of wine, beer and cocktails. Additionally, there is a kids menu for those looking for something lighter. The Pit is a great place to go anytime of the year, especially during winter. Warm, seasonal apple cider and steaming fresh food instantly warms your day and even your mood. It’s an intimate, yet not stuffy, place to go with family or friends to savor sweet barbeque and good times. The Pit is located at 328 W. Davie St. and opens at 11 a.m. every day.