Christmas 2014 - Bishop Canevin High School

A Word from the Editor
By: Maggie Dormer ‘15
Leonid Editor
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas, Leonid readers! If you're
anything like me and are obsessed with Christmas, this month's
issue of the Leonid will treat you well. Flip the pages to indulge
in every Christmas-related article and more! Our beautiful cover
is yet another Lauren Kanavy creation. I hope this issue will get
you in the holiday spirit! Perhaps these articles will inspire you
to make this year's Christmas the best one yet. Maybe there's a
special gift you made that you're very excited to give to a loved
one. Maybe you're just plain happy to have two weeks off. (I
know I am.) Whatever it is that has you excited about this Christmas, I hope this month's issue
will be the cherry on top!
FBLA Leadership Conference
By: Christina Vaccarello ‘15
Guest Writer
On November 2nd and 3rd, the FBLA officers attended the 2014 PA FBLA State
Leadership Conference at Penn State. Maggie Frost, Bailey Burgess, Simone Lardieri, Mary
Olivia Philbin, and Christina Vaccarello attended the "Time to a Play!" "Leadership All Stars,"
"Choose Your Own Adventure: College Edition," and "What is EveryBODY Saying?"
workshops where they learned both leadership and business skills. In addition, the officers, along
with Mr. Wanamaker, participated in a dodgeball tournament. The team, "The Average Tims,"
made it to the second round, but failed to advance any further. The girls plan to bring their new
leadership skills back to the Bishop Canevin community.
2 A Night To Remember
By: Maggie Dormer ‘15
Leonid Editor
November 28th was a very special night
for some of our very own seniors at the
downtown William Penn Hotel. It was the night
of the Medallion Ball. Since they were in 8th
grade, seniors Dominique Servati, Simone
Lardieri, Mary Frances Philbin, Mary Olivia
Philbin, and Christina Vaccarello have been
preparing for this night. All were required to
earn 150 service hours in order to qualify for
the big night. Their hard work paid off! The
night was like a fairy tale.
Each of the girls wore
beautiful long white dresses made
of tulle and lace. They were to
choose an escort to the ball, and
some of them were our very own
senior boys: Mark Shorthouse
escorted Mary Olivia, Cory Ziller
escorted Dominique, and Aaron
Alke escorted Christina. Bishop
Zubik presented them with silver
medallions to symbolize their
hard work and to represent their
good characters.
Some of us had the privilege of attending this special night. I was so happy to see my
friends in their beautiful dresses for the night they had been waiting for four years.
Everything was beautiful: crisp
white tablecloths with gorgeous
white centerpieces and a waterfallinspired chandelier in the middle of
the dance floor. A live band
provided the music at the ball. They
played anything from "Shout" to the
Black Eyed Peas.
The girls and their escorts
danced the night away, surrounded
by their friends and family. It was a
truly a night to remember.
3 Senior Spotlight on Bailey Burgess
By Jon Mulick ‘15
Guest Writer
When Bailey was told that she was going
to be the senior spotlight for the Christmas
issue, she could hardly contain her excitement
as she exclaimed, “I have been waiting for this
since freshman year!”
It’s hard to imagine that Bailey has any
time for a social life considering all of the
activities she is a part of. Besides her four
varsity sports, soccer, tennis, cross country, and
track, Bailey is also a part of the musical,
FBLA, Irish Club, Cruzados, Circle of Friends,
NHS, St. Ignatius Scholars, and JA. I don’t
know how she does all of these things. I get
tired just reading about them all. I asked Bailey
what her favorite activity was. “I enjoy tennis
the most because we just goof around and have
a good time. It’s a major stress reliever. And
because Lauren Kanavy is my favorite person in
the world,” she said.
Not only does Bailey participate in all of
these things, she excels. Bailey is a four time state qualifier in track and cross country and
is the tennis team captain as well as the treasurer for FBLA.
Although she says she
will miss all of her friends, Bailey’s Favorites:
Bailey is very excited for
college. She wants to study Favorite teacher: Mr. Wanamaker
Favorite soccer position: Left Bench
business, but is undecided as
Favorite food: Everything
to which college she will be Favorite TV show: “Teen Mom”
attending next fall. I asked Favorite pastimes: Knitting and studying
Bailey what she is looking Favorite hidden talent: “I can recite all my state capitals.”
forward to the most after leaving high school. “I’m excited to get out of PA, experience new things, and meet new
people,” she said.
Bailey Sevier Burgess has been a great friend to me since freshman year. She is a
dynamic individual who will definitely succeed in life. I wish her luck in everything she
does after high school.
4 Senior Spotlight on Jonathan Mulick
By: Bailey Burgess ‘15
Guest Writer
This issue’s senior spotlight, Jonathan
Mulick, is a very active member in the Bishop
Canevin Community. After being homeschooled by
his mother throughout grade school, Jonathan came
to Canevin as a freshman. Once intimidated by girls
and people in general, he has since come a long way.
Jon has had an impressive record throughout his
grade school experience, finishing first in his class
every year! He was also voted Class Clown, Most
Likely to Succeed, and "Mama's Little Helper" by
his eighth grade class of one.
At Bishop Canevin, Jonathan is the alternate
captain for the varsity hockey team along with
playing on various other teams throughout his
lifetime. He is the president of Canevin’s chapter of
the National Honor Society and BC's Science Club.
Jonathan’s other leadership roles include student
government representative, blood drive coordinator,
and JA leader. He is also an active member in the
Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF) and the St. Ignatius Scholars
Program. Jonathan hopes to attend either Virginia
Tech or Penn State to study chemical
Jonathan’s Favorites: engineering.
Favorite class: English
In addition to his academic career in the
Favorite cafeteria food: Buffalo
school, Jonathan also excels in other academic
competitions, especially his participation in
chicken pizza
PRSEF. Jonathan won numerous awards and
Favorite teacher: Mr. Fazio
thousands of dollars worth of scholarship money
Favorite red food: Apple
for his chemistry project "Toxicity and Analysis
Favorite green food: Apple
of Hydraulic Fracturing Waste Water." Among
Favorite Christmas tradition:
these awards, he won first places in the Senior
hanging wooden ornaments my
Chemistry Division and seven Corporate Sponsor
grandpa made for my mom on our
awards.
tree
Jon is a fantastic athlete, student, and
friend and is sure to succeed with everything and
anything he does in his life. Good luck, Jon.
5 Freshman Retreat: Eye-opening
By: Ashley Giger ‘18
Leonid Staff Writer
On December 3, the entire freshman class participated in their first BC retreat. This
event was hosted at Ss. Simon and Jude Elementary School and Church. Thanks to the
contributions of Father Jay, Mr. Lang, The NET Team's seventh group, and many others, the
retreat was a success.
However, who is the NET Team? The acronym NET stands for National Evangelization
Teams Ministries. The entire NET Team Company is composed of 150 adults between the ages
of 18-28 who eventually are split up into 14 teams.
These selected few leave their lives behind to travel
the country and spread the Gospel of the Lord to
younger adults. In our case, we were lucky enough to
host a retreat with group seven. Through the retreat,
we listened to some of the group members' personal
experiences, watched several dramas acted out by the
NET Team, and split up into small groups to discuss
our personal situations with our faith.
In my opinion, I felt the retreat was an eye
opener to my faith. I would like to thank the adults for
this lovely experience and also tip my hat to the NET
Team members for their devotion and service to
others.
Kairos: A Leader’s Perspective
By: Susie George ‘15
Guest Writer
Kairos is a retreat for juniors and seniors where participants are
kept from knowing what happens throughout this special weekend.
Going from being a member of Kairos to becoming a leader are two
completely different experiences. Being a leader this past year really
made me see so many things from a different point of view, and to get a
totally different perspective of Kairos. I was able to watch the students
attending Kairos for the first time experience all the things that I did the
year before, and to know that, as leaders, we contributed to the 8th
annual BC experience of understanding “God’s Time.” It is an extremely rewarding feeling
because of how meaningful it was for me. I loved finding out what Kairos was all about last year
and being surprised throughout the weekend. However, I have to admit that being a leader and getting to plan out what goes on increased my understanding of what God is asking of me at this time in my life. Each year is different, but I wouldn’t change one thing about either year. Kairos is by far one of the best experiences I have ever had at Bishop Canevin. 6 Kairos Retreat: A Great Experience
By: Jayde Morgan ‘16
Leonid Staff Writer
To explain why Kairos is amazing would be to give away all of its secrets, and I cannot
do that. So, if you truly would like to know what Kairos is and what happens there, I suggest you
attend the retreat. For now, I can only tell you the top five things I discovered while at Kairos.
1. Everyone has a story. Some stories have happy endings while others do not, and we cannot
pass judgment on others until we know every part of their story. Only after I accepted diversity
was I able to relate to and get to know others.
2. Many people accuse Kairos of being a “cult.” It is. When you look up the definition of “cult”,
after scrolling through the usual religious definitions, you find this: “a cult is a situation in which
people admire and care about something or someone very much.” When you attend Kairos, the
people all care about you and making your experience worthwhile.
3. I also found friendships that I know will
last a lifetime. By actually listening to people
and their stories, I realized that I had things in
common with people I would never suspect.
4. When you arrive at the Gilmary Retreat
Center, you see a dingy, rundown building. I
think I speak for all when I say that it was less than desirable, and maybe even a little
frightening. Kairos was, in fact, a retreat, not a resort. However, by the end of the retreat, the
lack of clean sheets and fear of “little critters” only added to the experience. So, I learned that a
place cannot be judged by its outward appearance. To grasp its hidden treasures, you must pull
back the slightly gray sheets and discover the marvelous people and remarkable experiences
within.
5. Finally, I found something I never would have suspected. I found God. As a person who
threatens to convert to Judaism or Hinduism at least once a day, I was completely shocked. But,
as I reflected on my trip, I realized it was difficult not to see God in a place where there was no
judgment, only friendship, kindness, and compassion all around.
Kairos was truly an experience of a lifetime. I encourage all upperclassmen to attend next
year if you can. There are many preconceived notions about Kairos. I hope you have the courage
to discover for yourself. LT4
“…I found something I never would have suspected. I found God.” 7 Coping with Midterm Stress
By: Brendan Shaughnessy ‘16
Leonid Staff Writer
Around this time every year, the stress is like no other. It's one of two
times a year that 4-6 of our classes pile on all the information of what we have
learned and jam it into one big test—midterms. Midterms are by far the hardest
six tests of the year, and this time is quickly sneaking up on us. We have three
days of exams in mid-January, each day filled with two one-hour tests and then
we have the rest of the day to do whatever we want.
Midterms are the ultimate test of not only your knowledge, but also
your mental toughness. Three days of tests will make you tired, but here are
three tips on how to pass your midterms with flying colors:
1.) Chew gum while studying. Even though chewing gum is frowned upon here at Canevin, chewing it
at home while studying can help you remember what you studied. It seems weird, but it works.
2.) Download apps. The school is kind enough to provide us with these wonderful iPads and they
encourage us to use them for educational purposes, instead of trying to beat your high score on "Daddy
Long leg. " You can download flash card apps to quiz yourself, such as Quizlet, and foreign language
apps, such as "Duolingo," and "Grammar Guide." 3.) Make a strict schedule. More often than not, when I'm studying I seem to get distracted, such as
going on my cell phone or taking long breaks for food. However, making a strict time schedule for
studying and for breaks should be the best solution for keeping you on task.
The Mystical Midterm Invasion
By: Chuckie Rakaczky ‘18
Guest Writer
The midterm is like a mystical creature that many have seen, but few wish to recall and talk
about. The threat of it lingers in the back of your head every day until the creature attacks. I have heard
the tales told reluctantly by upperclassmen in closely huddled groups in the lunchroom recalling desperate
acts that they had to do, for the fear of being destroyed by midterm’s wrath. I hear that you can feel it
coming. Around a week before it comes, you can feel it approaching, assessing every move and mistake
that you make in class, and basing its weapon choice upon those moments of confusion and stress. You
can feel its black tentacles creeping up from the depths of the school. You can try to prepare for it by
reviewing every single thing you have learned since the first week of school, but it will not help much.
Once you enter into school on that doleful day, you can feel that it has taken control. As you walk to your
classroom, its presence makes your thoughts stall and your heart ache. As you sit down for the test, you
know that the suffering will not be over quickly. No, you are painfully aware that for the next two hours,
midterm’s hold will be on you, causing you stress only to fuel the raging fire that burns in its own sadistic
heart. It works through teachers, using them as its evil disciples and inspiring them to think of the most
puzzling questions. Midterms are pure evil. If you lift your focus from the test, and look at your fellow
classmates, you can see midterm’s shadowy tendrils coiled around the heads of your friends, your
comrades, causing headaches and faces of anguish. All that you can do to keep calm during that day is
pray after each test that the next phase of the creature’s attack will be more merciful.
Most of the time, it isn’t.
8 Has Christmas Really Changed?
By: Harrison Klein ‘17
Leonid Staff Writer
As Faith Hill so famously sang, "My world is changing; I'm
rearranging; Does that mean Christmas changes too?" She was not only
setting the mood in one of one of the most enjoyable holiday classics,
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, she exposed an altogether
horrendous truth of society. We have turned Christmas into nothing
more than an opportunity for personal gain. Although, as Faith Hill questions in her song, has Christmas
really changed, or is it just us? Have we bent and warped the true
spirit of Christmas, or have we just done away with it because it did
not serve us properly? We are a culture of constant evolution and
change, endlessly trying to survive. Things that do not supply us with
immediate and physical gain are often times scrapped and put in the
dusty, old box of forgotten tradition.
I think it's time we clean out the attic and brush off the dust. If we say that there is no
room in our advanced world for the outdated, how does this joy become outdated? When will our
culture outpace the need for happiness? What will be next? The holiday season is equated with
joy, and if we so easily do away with it, what does that say about our own humanity?
They try desperately to close their eyes
Imagining Santa's sleigh flying high above the skies
Leaving cookies and milk for him to indulge
Their secrets about their behavior this year, soon to be divulged
Wondering what would be under the tree at the break of dawn
They say their prayers, slowly suppressing a yawn
The stairs creak as they take one last look
Their stockings still empty hanging above the nook
The Christmas tree glowing with radiance
Filling the room with a warm ambiance
Dreaming about what tomorrow will hold
They close their eyes.... the rest is for the future to unfold
It seems that when we grow older these moments slip away
Leaving us with a feeling that will slowly stray
Into the abyss our childhood pleasures guide
For now the true joy is in disguise
--Schanelle-Marie Saldanha
9 Holiday Happenings
Compiled by: Matt Tutsock ‘16
There are many things to do around Pittsburgh during the Christmas season, from ice-skating at
PPG Place to watching performances at the Benedum Center. Here is a list of some holiday events around
the city:
Every Day: Miniature Railway and Village - Carnegie Science Center - The miniature village and
railroad at the Carnegie Science Center is decorated for the Christmas season.
Nov 21 - Jan 7: Winter Garden - PPG Place - This popular holiday exhibit displays Santas from all
around the world.
Nov 28 - Dec 21 (Weekends): Kennywood's Holiday Lights - This popular summer amusement park is
decorated with over one million lights for the Christmas season. Enjoy light shows and local choirs
singing Christmas tunes.
Dec 5-21 (Weekends): A Musical Christmas Carol - Byham Theater - Enjoy Yuletide melodies and
special effects in this show brought to you by Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and Scrooge.
Dec 6-20 (Saturdays): Skate with Santa - PPG Place - Come to the PPG Place ice rink to skate with
Santa Claus from 2-4 pm.
Dec 5-28: The Nutcracker - Benedum Center - This Christmas classic is back in Pittsburgh performed
by Pittsburgh Ballet Theater.
Dec 31 - Jan 1: First Night Pittsburgh - Market Square - Enjoy new year’s festivities and celebrate the
new year with performances and fireworks at Market Square.
-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐ The Perfect Christmas
Colorful lights dance on houses
Majestic trees shine through the windows
Nativity scenes reenact the birth
Christmas is here again
Johnny Mathis sings in the distance
Advent wreaths light the tables
Stockings hang over the crackling fireplaces
Christmas is here again
Snow is falling
Carolers are singing
And families are gathering
Christmas is here again
Presents are nowhere to be seen
Enormous lists were never written
But no one minds
The perfect Christmas is finally here
--Julian Bonds ‘17 10 The Magic of Christmas
By: Brendan Shaughnessy ‘16
Leonid Staff Writer
Ever since I was little, Christmas was a special time for me. However, Christmas is
different now that I'm older, and the magic that was once there has faded. I remember the
excitement of rushing down the stairs in the morning to see what Santa Claus left me. It has now
turned into a mellow walking down the stairs to get my morning coffee. There is no denying that
Christmas has changed for all of us at this point in our lives.
Every year on Christmas Day, my family goes
over to my pap's house. When my cousins and I were
young, we always used to brag about what Santa brought
us. We were so innocent, and that innocence is a big part
of what made Christmas so magical. As teens, we may
look at Christmas in a different light. It may be a day
filled with loud relatives, over-priced gifts, and sappy
music.
What happened to the innocence that we once had
when we were younger? Is there any way to get some of that “magic” back? Christmas will
always be a special time of the year for most of us, but it will never be as special and magical as
when it was when we were children.
The Story Behind Mistletoe
By: Katie Melisko ‘16
Leonid Staff Writer
Since early times, mistletoe has been a magical,
mysterious plant in European folklore. This plant was sacred
to the ancient Celtic Druids. Robed Druids would cut the oak
mistletoe with a golden sickle. Two bulls were then
sacrificed amid prayers that those receiving mistletoe would
prosper. In the Middle Ages, branches of mistletoe were
hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. In Europe, they
were placed over doors to prevent the entrance of witches. Kissing under the mistletoe is first associated with
the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive
marriage rites. In Scandinavia, it was considered a plant of
peace under which enemies could declare a truce or feuding
spouses could kiss and make up. In 18th century England, kissing balls were held at Christmas
time. Young ladies standing under the trimmed ball of mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed.
Today, kisses under the mistletoe are exchanged at any time during the holiday season.
(Source: http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/mistletoe.htm)
11 Christmas Symbol Origins
Compiled by: Hannah Kaupinis ’15 and Liz Moyer ‘15
Holly: Holly has been traditionally connected to Christmas and festivals
associated with it for centuries. Like Christmas songs and trees, its origins
can be traced back to Northern Europe and was actually first celebrated as a
plant of great importance by the Pagans. Its leaves are green with slightly
jagged edges, which may have been part of the reason that the druids used it
as a ceremonial headwear when they went into the forest. Originally, the
holly was a type of offering that was giving to the God Saturn by the
Romans during the festival of Saturnalia. Holly is typically separated into
two types the “she-holly” and the “he-holly.” Both types can be distinguished by the properties
of the leaves. The “she-holly is near smooth along the surface, which understandably makes it
more feminine, while the “he-holly” is more prickly and rougher, clearly demonstrating more
masculine properties.
Candy canes: The Christmas candy cane originated in Germany about 250
years ago. They started as straight white sugar sticks. Around 1900 the red
stripes were added and were flavored with peppermint or wintergreen.
Sometimes other Christian meanings are giving to the parts of the canes, but
there is no definite proof. Around 1920, Bob McCormack, from Georgia,
started making canes for his friends and family. They became more and
more popular and he started his own business, Bob's Candies. Bob
McCormack's brother-in-law, Gregory Harding Keller, a Catholic priest, invented the Keller
Machine that made turning straight candy sticks into curved candy canes automatic! In 2005,
Farley and Sathers bought Bob's Candies, but they still make candy canes!
Christmas cards: The custom of sending Christmas cards is
credited to Sir Henry Cole of the UK in 1843. He was a government
worker who was very interested in the new 'Public Post Office.’ He
wondered how ordinary people could use it more. The first postal
service that ordinary people could use was started in 1840 when the
first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began. Before that, only
very rich people could afford to send anything in the post. Cards became even more popular in
the UK when they could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one halfpenny - half the price of
an ordinary letter. As printing methods improved, Christmas cards became much more popular
and were produced in large numbers from about 1860. The first cards usually had pictures of the
Nativity scene on them. Christmas Cards appeared in the US in the late 1840s, but were very
expensive and most people couldn't afford them. In 1915, John C. Hall and two of his brothers
created Hallmark Cards, which is still one of the biggest card makers today.
12 Santa Claus Around the World
Compiled by: Bridget Imler ‘15
There are many places around the world that celebrate Christmas. These places also call Santa by
different names. In America, we know him as Santa, but many other places know him by many other
names. Here is a sampling:
Belgium -- Papa Noel
Brazil -- Papai Noel
Chile -- Viejo Pascuero (“Old Man
Christmas”)
China -- Dun Che Lao Ren (“Christmas
Old Man”)
Netherlands -- Kerstman
Finland -- Joulupukki
France -- Pere Noel
Germany -- Weihnachtsmann (“Christmas
Man”)
Hawaii -- Kanakaloka
Hungary -- Mikulas (St. Nicholas)
Italy -- Babbo Natale
Japan -- Hoteiosho (a god or priest who
bears gifts)
Norway -- Julenissen (“Christmas gnome”)
Poland -- Swiety Mikolaj (St. Nicholas)
Russia -- Ded Moroz (“Grandfather Frost”)
Sweden -- Jultomten (“Christmas Brownie”)
United Kingdom -- Father Christmas
(Source: http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0877748.html)
-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐ Pokemon Christmas
-- D. Brown
Memorable Christmas movie quotes: "Bless this highly nutritious
microwavable macaroni and
cheese dinner and the people who sold it on sale. Amen."
- Kevin McCallister - Home Alone
"And they'll feast, feast, feast, feast. They'll eat their
Who-Pudding and rare Who-Roast Beast. But there's
something I just cannot stand in least... Oh no. I'm
speaking in rhyme!" - The Grinch - How the Grinch Stole
Christmas
"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups:
candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup." - Buddy Elf
13 Some Christmas Traditions
Compiled by: Bridget Imler ‘15
France -- Children leave their shoes by the fireplace filled with carrots and treats for
Père Noël’s donkey, Gui, before they go to bed. If the children are good, Père Noël
leaves presents in their shoes-- money, candy, or small toys.
Sweden –Tomte is a mythological creature from Scandinavian
folklore associated with the Christmas season. He is no taller
than three feet. He has a long white beard, and he wears colorful
clothes. Tomte is known as the gift bearer and is considered the
Swedish and Norwegian version of Santa Claus.
Germany -- Krampus, a beast-like creature from Alpine Folklore,
punishes the children who misbehaved during the Christmas season. He captures the
children in his red sack and takes them to his lair. In Croatian culture, St. Nicholas gives good children
gifts and Krampus gives bad kids wooden sticks.
Russia -- Ded Moroz brings children presents, but unlike Santa
Claus, Ded Moroz brings presents in person at New Year's Eve
parties and other celebrations.
China -- The Christian children of China decorate trees with
ornaments made from paper in the shapes of flowers, chains, and
lanterns. They also hang muslin stockings hoping that the Christmas
Old Man will fill them with gifts and treats. An American Christmas
By: Sherry Qiao ‘15
Leonid Staff Writer
Before I came to America, I heard that Christmas was considered to be the most popular and
important holiday. I thought that it would be similar to the Chinese New Year celebration. I knew that
Christmas would have Santa, Christmas trees, delicious food and presents. In China, we also celebrate
Christmas, but we just go to a restaurant on Christmas night and have dinner together. We do not have big
parties or celebrations. New Year’s Day is more important than Christmas to us.
I came to America and I was glad to have my first real Christmas here. From the decorations to
the delicious food, everything shows its importance. Since the middle of December, the Christmas
atmosphere is everywhere. I saw many American students give presents to each other at school, such as
earrings and scarves. They did not seem to care if the presents were expensive; they care more about their
family or friends' feelings. After exchanging presents at school, Christmas vacation is almost here. It is
my favorite part, because we will have two weeks off. We can go traveling or hang out with our friends.
Most Americans seem to stay at home to decorate their houses, like the home where I am staying.
Last year, we borrowed a neighbor’s truck and drove to pick up our tree. Although it was very cold, there
were still a lot of people buying Christmas trees. I saw people choosing trees very carefully and
discussing the prices with the sellers. We could feel the excitement in the air. After we took the tree back
home, we cleaned it and put a lot of decorations on the tree.
Christmas is just one day, but we can feel it the whole month. It's the part of the year where we
feel the most relaxed. The decorations, presents, families and friends fill our lives with happiness. I can
now say that I enjoy Christmas just as I do New Year’s Day. 14 NBA Christmas Jerseys Unveiled
By: Dylan DiRenna ‘16
Leonid Staff Writer
It seems as if it wasn’t that long ago that we saw children in costumes, and that yesterday
we filled our stomachs past their limit; however, once again, Christmas is upon us. Each year the
NBA selects ten teams to play on Christmas Day. The teams selected are usually the most
popular among the fans of the sport. The high-scale match ups are not the only treat the NBA has
for its fans. Each year, the teams playing receive alternate Christmas jerseys to wear for the
game.
The jerseys that were unveiled on November 16 are already considered to be an upgrade
from last year’s jerseys. 2013's "sherzy" was arguably the worst ever released. Last year’s shirts
sold well as they always do, but they was graded by most as “ugly.” (They also had sleeves and
were very tight fitting.) This year’s jerseys are sleeveless and will have the players’ first names
on the back, instead of their last names. They also are much plainer than the norm. Alternate
jerseys are always hit or miss, but these are for sure not the worst. To see all of the alternates, go
to uni-watch.com
Christmas schedule:
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks
15 Have a Heavy Metal Christmas and a Head-Banging New Year!
By: Eric Cleis ‘15
Leonid Staff Writer
Christmas and heavy music make for a strange
combination. That said, a handful of rock and metal
personalities have managed to knock out holiday sets that are
actually really good, both placing their muscular stamp on
Christmas classics and crafting entirely new yuletide tunes.
Read on for 10 hard rock and metal Christmas albums that
might prove the perfect fit for background music at
Christmas dinner. Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but,
nonetheless, these releases sure rock!
10. The Vandals, Christmas with the Vandals
To say The Vandals’ Christmas with the Vandals is not your
traditional Christmas album is an understatement. The California punk-rock outfit dishes out
cynical tracks, such as “I Don’t Believe in Santa Claus” and “Thanx for Nothing,” in typical antiestablishment, punk rock tradition. This is a good bet for someone with a sense of humor and
love for DIY punk.
9. We Wish You a Hairy Christmas featuring Warrant, L.A. Guns and more
Who says hair metal fans can’t have a merry Christmas? We Wish You a Hairy Christmas
features glam-rockers Warrant covering The Kinks’ “Father Christmas,” Faster Pussycat putting
their spin on “Silent Night,” L.A. Guns doing “Run Run Rudolph” and more amusing arrivals.
Have a fan of ’80s metal glory on your Christmas list? This set might do the trick.
8. Smash Mouth, The Gift of Rock
Rock is really a wonderful gift, right? That’s the idea behind novelty rock band Smash Mouth’s
The Gift of Christmas, which has the California group covering rock holiday classics (“Snoopy’s
Christmas,” “Come on Christmas, Christmas Come On; “Zat You, Santa Claus?”) instead of
strictly traditional yuletide tunes. Who would you expect anything less from the quirky pop
band?
7. Psychostick, The Flesh Eating Rollerskate Holiday Joyride
With a title like The Flesh Eating Rollerskate Holiday Joyride, it’s no surprise that this
Christmas album is packed with flat-out crazy holiday tunes. From the heavy metal to the
sardonic, song titles like “Holiday Hate” and “Jingle Bell Metal” get the point across.
6. Twisted Sister, A Twisted Christmas
On A Twisted Christmas, Dee Snider and his glam group riddle the cherished Christmas carol
through a hair metal lens, putting their mark on traditional songs, such as “Have Yourself a
Merry Little Christmas,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “White Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for
Christmas.” While the songs no doubt carry Twisted Sister’s heavy metal edge and punk energy,
Snider and company keep relatively close to the originals, and that makes this a surprisingly
conventional score.
(continued on page 17)
16 HEAVY METAL (continued from page 16)
5. The Reverend Horton Heat, We Three Kings
We Three Kings is a group of 12 classic Christmas songs, plus one new original, flogged into an
edgy lather of twang-y guitar and steady percussion by Jim Heath and posse. Fans of rockabilly,
punk and blues will likely find charm in this set, which offers such classics as “What Child is
This,” “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman.”
4. Scott Weiland, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Scott Weiland – the same guy behind ’90s grunge bastion Stone Temple Pilots – is doing a
Christmas album? Really? That was the reaction when the news hit that Weiland was prepping a
set of straight-laced Christmas traditionals! The set titled The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
arrived this fall, and what’s perhaps more surprising is how Weiland captures the Christmas
spirit with ease. His lush tenor proves a perfect fit with jolly, festival tunes like “White
Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “What Child is This?” I give Weiland props for
stepping outside of the grunge rock mold!
3. Halford, Halford III: Winter Songs
Heavy metal and Christmas make for unlikely buddies, but Judas Priest front man Halford makes
it work on Halford III: Winter Songs, approaching Christmas songs such as “Come All Ye
Faithful” and “We Three Kings” with the same seriousness and conviction that he brings to
Priest favorites. While the release still sounds very “metal” and may not be conventional enough
for Christmas dinner, it’s a consistent and listenable release, and the metal genre should be happy
to claim it under their roster.
2. Black Label Society, Glorious Christmas Songs That Will Make Your Black Label Heart Feel
Good
Brawny guitarist Zakk Wylde’s Southern-fried metal collective, Black Label Society, show that
they have the kind of sensitivity to melody that comes with years of honing their skills with this
three-song, instrumental, acoustic Christmas EP. The set features the yuletide favorites “I’ll Be
Home for Christmas,” “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” and “It’s a Wonderful World.” This one
you might actually be able to get by your significant other to play at Christmas dinner!
1. We Wish You A Metal Xmas & A Headbanging New Year featuring ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons,
Dave Grohl and more
On We Wish You A Metal Xmas & A Headbanging New Year, a collection of rock and metal
greats put their talents together to pay tribute to the merriest time of year. Album highlights are
plenty, including Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and ZZ Top’s Billy
Gibbons rocking out together on “Run Run Rudolph” and Testament‘s Chuck Billy and
Anthrax’s Scott Ian putting their spin on “Silent Night.” Further appearances include Alice
Cooper, Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy and Black Sabbath‘s Tony Iommi. It’s safe to call this the
definitive heavy music Christmas album!
Well folks, there you have it. Even though I guarantee most of the people reading this
article won't even listen to a single song off any of these albums, I hope you all have a wonderful
Christmas and a head-banging, heavy metal new year. Peace!
17 Movie Review
Mockingjay, Part 1: Disappointing
By: Ben Zimmer ‘16
Leonid Staff Writer
The title to the third installment in the Hunger Games series gave a pretty
good idea of what the movie would be like: too many words. The film
Mockingjay brings us back to the world of Panem and the story of Katniss
Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). She was last seen at the end of Catching Fire
destroying the force keeping the tributes in and ultimately being saved by the long
dormant District 13, an area believed to be completely destroyed. Part 1 of the
two-part finale to the cherished book series picked up right after, with Katniss awakening and
joining President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the other rebels to jar with the overwhelming
Capitol. The main thing on Katniss’ mind, however, is Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), who
was left behind at the end of Catching Fire. Subjected to whatever the Capitol tells him to do,
Peeta is the main goal for Katniss in the film, and she spends all of her time trying to rescue
him.
Mockingjay, being a Part 1, left a certain feeling after viewing it: want. I always want to
see more and seem unsatisfied with the content of the movie. It happened in the Harry Potter
film series, with Deathly Hallows, Part 1 being a little unsatisfactory and a little bit of a snooze
fest compared to Part 2. Film producers have used the same formula for both series: most of the
climactic material from the book is left for the second film, while the exposition encompasses the
entire first part. There was a lot of talking, to make it simple. I know that Part 2 will be a great
and entertaining film, but I just wish Part 1 could have been a little more enjoyable. Mockingjay, Part 1: Thrilling
By: Colleen Horgan ‘16
Leonid Staff Writer
Even two weeks after the movie came out, the Hunger Games:
Mockingjay Part 1 was still the number one movie in the world. This series of
books has won the hearts of people all over the world since Suzanne Collins
wrote them in 2008. The fans of this trilogy were even more excited when the
novels were made into movies, three out of four released already.
There has been so much anticipation about the execution of the singing of
the Hanging Tree. Jennifer Lawrence, the actress playing Katniss, was nervous about singing the
song. It ended up turning out extremely well. There was no need to auto tune or fix it up at all,
which made the song sound so much better than it would have been with effects. Lawrence
overall plays the role of Katniss unbelievably well, portraying perfectly the heartbreak, strength,
and love seen throughout the movie. In District 13, under the leadership of President Coin
(Julianne Moore), Katniss is urged to take the role of the mockingjay and lead the people of
Panem in a revolution against the Capitol. With her number one motive to save Peeta’s life,
Katniss will do anything to rescue him from captivity. With the change in director, from Gary
Ross to Francis Lawrence, the final product and quality of the movie have increased
considerably. This amazing thriller is sure to steal the hearts of the audience, as it did mine.
18 The Greatest Christmas Movies of All Time
By: Ben Zimmer ‘16
Leonid Staff Writer
The most wonderful time of the year has, as expected, produced some of the most heartwarming
and memorable films ever created. Christmas movies always bring people up and epitomize just what the
spirit of the season is and represents. Below are the top ten Christmas films ever made, picked from
generally accepted films that people love from the genre. The movies range from old time classics to new
comedies, but all are perfect examples of the joy that is Christmas.
(*Note: This list does not include one-hour television specials or TV episodes.)
10. The Santa Clause (1994) - This family flick focuses on Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) who becomes Santa
Claus after accidentally killing the real Santa.
9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - The King of Halloweentown, Jack Skellington, discovers
Christmas but cannot make any sense of it. An innovative animated film that startled some, but brought in
audiences of all ages nonetheless.
8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - The classic tale of Santa Claus in New York City, trying to prove in
court that he is indeed Saint Nick.
7. A Christmas Carol (1984) - Dickens' classic literary work brought to screen, with the disgruntled
Scrooge being visited by the ghosts of past, present, and future trying to convince him of the spirit of
Christmas.
6. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) - Jim Carrey stole the spotlight as the updated Dr. Seuss
character who is constantly annoyed by the joyous Whoville.
5. A Christmas Story (1983) - Considered one of the funniest films of all time, it follows Ralphie as he
tries to convince his parents to get him a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas in the 1940s.
4. The Polar Express (2004) - Picked up during Christmas Eve by a mysterious train, a skeptical boy joins
a conductor and other kids on a trip to the North Pole.
3. Home Alone (1990) - A regular on TV during the season, the movie follows
an 8-year-old boy who fights off two clueless burglars after being left behind
by his family accidentally.
2. Elf (2003) - Regarded by some as the funniest Christmas movie ever, its
spirit is the real thing that makes this film so special. The story centers on
Buddy, a grown man who grew up at the North Pole, who travels to New York
City to meet his real father. However, his father's on the naughty list... 1. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) - The quintessential Christmas film, one that
every person watches at least once during the Christmas season. Its spirit,
humor, and overall lesson on life make this the greatest holiday film ever
created. George Bailey, a failed banker during the Great Depression, is helped
by an angel to discover the true meaning behind life and how important every person truly is. 19 Christmas for a Child
How the snowflakes fall on Christmas morn,
Forming soft, sparkling layers on the ground.
How you will stay up all night,
Just to hear that ringing sound.
How the reindeer float through the night sky,
With the crisp winter wind between their paws.
How no house in the world is left unvisited,
And is all done by one Santa Claus.
How all year long the elves work,
Singing merrily while building toys.
How good Saint Nick has an endless list,
Of all the little girls and boys.
When we grow up,
We learn the truth.
Santa isn’t real,
And there is no proof.
The real truth is simple,
He is real and very much alive.
Don’t listen to the nonbelievers,
And open your own eyes.
Santa is everywhere, all around the world.
Haven’t you heard the glorious songs?
He is the heart and spirit of Christmas,
And has been here all along.
--Olivia Clark ‘18
20 A Winter Rose
A winter rose, lost and alone
solemnly poised amidst the delicate snowfall.
But this winter rose is more than that;
she has more meaning than meets the eye.
Because while some may just see a flower hopeless for life,
I can see the fighter underneath the fragile skin.
I can feel the determination to live from here.
I can hear the unnoticeable cries for help through the sleepless nights.
I can smell the soft scent through the winter storm.
Her beauty is stolen by those who take advantage of her,
and the petals are wearing thin from anger and desperation.
All she gets tonight is pity and peering, blank stares,
for no one wants to reach out to help during these cold nights.
She tries not to give in to their satisfaction
because she knows they watch her.
The emptiness inside takes over
and the last petal falls like the last drop of blood from a vein.
She is no longer a fighter;
all determination has deteriorated;
the cries have been muted by the fall;
and the soft scent of the precious winter rose has been silenced
through the selfish snowfall.
--Colleen Horgan ‘16
21 Sound bytes
at BC
You can't change the schedule, Jesse.
Would you like a cookie? We're doing so good. People are going to vote for him.
I can't believe that. That's the first time it's ever happened.
I literally fell onto this trampoline. I don't even know how it happened.
Blame it on me, once again.
Clam sauce.
You should write that down.
Who sells iPads in a back alley?
I have a soul. I think.
What did you get on that math test? I think I failed.
Did we have religion homework?
I won one dollar and lost eighty dollars.
You got a 19%?
Sorry guys, I don't read for fun. I math for fun.
Yeah, but I'm a good kind of strange.
I just talk to myself.
I'm going to cry… I'm so hungry.
I slept in a 101-year-old building that burned down after I left.
Can I join the shindig? That's what the hip people say in this generation.
I'd like to blame shenanigans.
I could eat these with no teeth.
I got yelled at because I wanted to be a cat.
If you die, you have to re-download the game.
Slow as molasses. And trust me, molasses is pretty slow.
I bought a private jet this weekend. It was the best decision of my life.
Raisins are dead grapes.
If you were an idiot, you wouldn't know that.
Did you get your hair cut? It looks nice. I noticed.
Do we have to know the gender of the colors?
My stomach is literally eating itself.
I swallowed two Oreos whole. I almost died.
22 Question of the Month What is your favorite/least favorite Christmas song?
FAVORITE LEAST FAVORITE Tia Kaupinis
“Do You Hear What I Hear?”
(none)
Rob Goodnight
“Welcome Christmas”
“Jingle Bell Rock”
Lauren Gamble
“All I Want for Christmas is You”
“Rudolph”
Mrs. Tonacchio
“This Christmas”
“12 Days of Christmas”
Mr. Checketts
“Christmas Shoes”
“I Want a Hippopotamus”
Colleen Horgan
“Believe”
“Santa Claus is Coming to
Town
Chuckie Rakaczky
“That’s Christmas to Me”
“Dominick the Donkey”
Zach Kuzel
“I Want a Hippopotamus”
“Santa Baby”
Ben Zimmer
“Christmas Canon”
“I Want a Hippopotamus”
Brendan Shaughnessy “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
“Dominick the Donkey”
Kasey Kaczorowski “Mistletoe” (Justin Bieber)
(I like them all!)
Jon Knoll
“Carol of the Bells”
(none)
Richie Bochicchio
(none)
I HATE THEM ALL!!
Mrs. Finnegan
“Christmas Canon”
“Dominick the Donkey”
Mr. Romano
“I Saw Three Ships”
“Santa Claus Is Coming to
Town” (Springsteen)
Tori Andrews
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
“Christmas Shoes”
Mr. Schlicht
“Little Altar Boy”
“Jingle Bells” (barking dogs)
Mr. Fox
“Carol of the Bells”
“Santa Baby”
Jamie Egan
“Believe”
“Jolly Old St. Nicholas”
Ms. Weaver
“O Holy Night”
“Dominick the Donkey”
Kaylah Alford
“Carol of the Bells”
“Rudolph”
Katie Kelsch
“We Three Kings”
“Dominick the Donkey”
Evan Simpson
“The Twelve Days of Christmas”
“Last Christmas”
Thanks for sharing. Merry C hristmas from the Leonid staff! 23 Holiday Horoscopes
By: Madam Jema
Aries (March 21- April 19) -- You will have great fortune this season. Share this fortune with
others, so they know that you care.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- This Christmas will be one of the best Christmases you have ever
had. Expect major changes in your life during this holiday season.
Gemini (May 21- June 20) -- This time of year will bring joy to you and your loved ones. Your
mood will be brightened throughout the season, and you can expect great things to come.
Cancer (June 21- July 22) -- Be sure to forgive and forget when it comes to relationships this
season. Don't hold grudges; life's too short.
Leo (July 23- August 22) -- Lucky in money, lucky in love, Christmas is your time to make
memories that will last a lifetime.
Virgo (August 23- September 22) -- Start thinking about spending your time in places that will
offer new experiences.
Libra (September 23- October 22) -- Anything can happen. Don't force anything that won't go
your way. Avoid stress and be focused on living your life.
Scorpio (October 23- November 21) -- Even though you have a busy schedule, make time for
family and friends. Enjoy the holidays.
Sagittarius (November 22- December 21) -- There's no place like home during the Christmas
season. Nothing makes you more comfortable than spending time with family. Your family will
always be there for you.
Capricorn (December 22- January 19) -- This will be a very hectic period for you. Try to keep up
with your promises as well as your deadlines. Don't forget to make time for fun as well.
Aquarius (January 20- February 18) -- Watch out what you say and do, because it may come
back to bite you. Choose your words carefully; words can be hurtful to people.
Pisces (February 19- March 20) -- You will come to realize who your true friends are. Surround
yourself with the people who will make you better instead of bring you down.
24