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December 20th, 2013 Volume 71 Issue 4 A Season of Many Holidays Joyous Kwanza!

By Madison Mosher tional African dishes as well as During this season those featuring ingredients Afri- there are two main holidays that cans brought to the United States, will be celebrated. Yet, one is al- such as sesame seeds (benne), pea- ways is always forgotten, or not nuts (groundnuts), sweet potatoes, understood, just as Rudolf once collard greens, and spicy sauces. was. This least celebrated holiday Especially at karamu, is known as . Kwanzaa is celebrated with red, Dr. Maulana Karenga, black, and green. These three col- professor and chairman of Black ors were important symbols in Studies at California State Univer- way, but celebrations often include ancient Africa that gained new sity, Long Beach, created Kwan- songs and dances, African drums, recognition through the efforts of zaa in 1966. After the Watts riots storytelling, poetry reading, and a Marcus Garvey's Black Nationalist in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga large traditional meal. On each of movement. Green is for the fertile searched for ways to bring African the seven nights, the family gath- land of Africa; black is for the -Americans together as a commu- ers and a child lights one of the color of the people; and red is the nity. He founded US, a cultural candles on the Kinara for the blood that is shed in the organization, and started to re- (candleholder), then one of the struggle for freedom. search African "first seven principles is discussed. The The candle-lighting cere- fruit" (harvest) celebrations. principles, called the Nguzo Saba mony each evening provides the Karenga combined aspects of sev- (seven principles in Swahili) are opportunity to gather and discuss eral different harvest celebrations, values of African culture which the meaning of Kwanzaa. The first such as those of the Ashanti and contribute to building and rein- night, the black candle in the cen- those of the Zulu, to form the basis forcing community among African ter is lit (and the principle umoja/ of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is not asso- -Americans. Kwanzaa also has unity is discussed). One candle is ciated to any religion, so many seven basic symbols which repre- lit each evening and the appropri- people often celebrate sent values and concepts reflective ate principle is discussed. along side it. It is estimated that of African culture. An African Celebrities who have been over 18 million Americans cele- feast, called a Karamu, is held on known to celebrate Kwanzaa brate Kwanzaa. December 31. This year Kwanzaa every year include Bob Marley, The name Kwanzaa is will be celebrated from December Oprah, Maya Angelou, Chuck D, derived from the phrase "matunda 26 to January 1. Angelina Jolie, and Synthia Saint ya kwanza" which means "first Karamu may be held at a James (who designed the first fruits" in Swahili. Each family home, community center, or Kwanzaa .) celebrates Kwanzaa in its own church. Celebrants enjoy tradi- 2 Happy !

By Jordan Wright Mattathias and his five sons, a of a nine-branched large rebellion broke out against menorah. On each Hanukkah is a holiday Antiochus and the Seleucid of the holiday’s known to the Jews as a rededica- monarchy. When Mattathias eight nights, another tion day. Not very many people died in 166 B.C., his son Judah, candle is added to know a lot about the holiday it- took control. Within two years the menorah after self. Hanukkah began around the Jews successfully drove the sundown; the ninth 200 B.C. in Judea, which is also Syrians out of , relying candle, called the known as the Land of Israel, af- largely on guerrilla warfare tac- shamash or the “helper”, is used ter the country came under the tics. Judah called on his follow- to light the others. Jews recite control of Antiochus III, the Se- ers to cleanse the Second Tem- blessings during this ritual and leucid king of Syria. He allowed ple, rebuild its altar and light its display the menorah prominently the Jews who lived in Syria to menorah—the gold candelabrum in a window as a reminder to continue practicing their relig- whose seven branches repre- others of the miracle that in- ion, but his son, Antiochus IV sented knowledge and creation, spired the holiday. Also Jews fry Epiphanes, outlawed the Jewish kept burning for eight nights foods in oil like potato pancakes religion and ordered the Jews to leaving them to find a fresh sup- and jam-filled donuts. They also worship Greek gods. In 168 ply. The event inspired Jewish play with dreidels, and exchange B.C., his soldiers descended sages to proclaim a yearly eight gifts with one another. Hanuk- upon Jerusalem, massacring day celebration that followed the kah has exploded with commer- thousands of people and dese- rededication. cial phenomenon, largely be- crating the city’s holy Second cause the holiday falling near Temple. The Hanukkah celebra- Christmas time, but still remains tion revolves around the kindling Led by the Jewish priest a minor holiday.

Merry Christmas!

By Caelin Young Christians believe that Jesus died to trees, attending church, sharing meals forgive all people of their sins. Chris- with family and friends and, of Christmas is both a sacred tians celebrate Jesus' birth on Christ- course, waiting for Santa Claus to religious holiday and a worldwide mas day. arrive. December 25 has been a fed- cultural and commercial phenome- eral holiday in the United States The Christmas trees symbol- non. For two millennia, people since 1870. around the world have been observ- izes staying cheerful. The evergreen ing it with traditions and practices trees stay green through the winter Whether you believe in Je- that are both religious and secular in unlike many other trees, symbolizing sus or not, Christmas day is neverthe- nature. this cheerfulness of Christmas. less a great holiday to celebrate. The exchanging of gifts creates a bond Santa Claus, otherwise Christians celebrate Christ- between people that can be described known as Saint Nicholas, is one of mas Day as the anniversary of the as the “Christmas spirit”. birth of Jesus of Nazareth, Son of the most popular symbols of Christ- God, a spiritual leader whose teach- mas. Popular customs include ex- ings form the basis of their religion. changing gifts, decorating Christmas 3 Top 10 Christmas Fads & Survey of Favorite Moments

By Shana Esselburn glasses. Sixth on the list is the Christmas is coming just Third on the list is the Roku MacBook Air (13-inch). Apple's latest around the corner and everyone has 3. This device is a streaming video Air devices have improved tremen- their picks on what they hope to see box that supports more services than dously with its better graphics, and under that tree. In the world today, anything. More than 750 channels are longer lasting battery life. this generation lives and breathes supported. With that, it also has a built Seventh on the list is the technology ranging from all age in headphone jack so one can listen Philips Hue Connected Bulb. This groups. Many people across the nation without bothering others. bulb is a Wi-Fi connected lighting is most likely are waiting to open up that Fourth on the list is the Sony color changing and can be controlled piece of technology they have been PS4. The PS4 is claimed to be evenly by smart phones. waiting for on Christmas day. People matched up with the other new hot Eighth on the list is the Bose do not want just any piece of technol- gaming device the Xbox One. But SoundLink Mini. This device is one of ogy, they want what is at the top of the CNET Editors think that the PS4 the most popular Bluetooth speakers list. edges out the Xbox for now. It has because of the excellent build quality According to CNET Editors' amazing graphics, runs on a simplified and impressive sound. top picks, starting off the list is the and logical interface, and has a fantas- Finally to end the top picks, Samsung Galaxy S4. This device has tic controller. It is also cheaper than is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. Android 4.2.2. power, an outstanding the Xbox One. This is one of the top picked cameras camera, a quad-core processor, and Fifth on the list is the Fitbit because of the excellence in its photos many software solutions. Force. This wearable fitness device is and videos. It has a 20x zoom lens, Second on the list is the said to be one of the best around. It three inch touch screen, Wi-Fi for Panasonic TC-PST60 series. The TV makes it easier to track your steps, remote control camera, easy sharing, has great over all picture quality from sleep, and calories. The fitness tracker high speed and full HD movie capture, accurate colors to deep black levels. It is even comfortable to wear on your and GPS. also comes with two pairs of 3D wrist.

Lane Harper: Dashing through the Mrs. Carnegie: Watch- snow, in a one open sleigh, ing my kids decorate the over the hills he went laughing all the tree and open their pre- way... lolz sents.

Carissa Duncan: When I woke up Christ- mas morning and saw my brother sitting on the couch. (He came back from the Air- Kaylynn Stone: Going to see Christ- Force). mas lights and making cookies. Miss Leach: Going to Florida. Morgan Kline: Mr. Reynolds: Getting up early be- Family gatherings. fore parents to look for presents. Deseaun Hay- Taylor Nebergall: When I saw Lane hurst: My brother dashing through the snow. showed me that Santa wasn't real. Bobbi Bailey: Waking up and seeing all of the presents under the tree. 4 2013: A Year in Review (Part One)

By Carson Chipner country, Kim Jong-un, promised species such as frogs, mice, cats, 2013 has been quite an to launch a nuclear strike against sheep, pigs and cows. But in clon- eventful year. From events of ex- the US and South Korea, saying ing mice, scientists have thousands treme sadness to events that made that he has voided the cease-fire of eggs to work with. Human eggs you warm and fuzzy inside, 2013 from 1953. As threatening as Kim are a lot more precious and hard to has seen its shares of emotions in Jong-un's claims were, they were come by in contrast to animal these 12 months. With such an dismissed by the public and some eggs. Also, the cloning process amazing year coming to an end, government officials as a “little that happens to a human and to a we here at the Redbird thought man vying for attention”. Never- mouse would have to be com- that it would be a good time to theless, the UN passed more and pletely different. recap the most important events of more sanctions against North Ko- The cloning process in- the each month through-out the rea in order to keep Kim Jong-un volves removing all nutrients be- year. So please enjoy this list of in check. ing provided to the cell. Mice can the largest and influential events April cope with this and produce their of 2013. Boston was a scene of own nutrients for the ample January great tragedy and sorrow as the amount of time it takes scientists While it may not be one Boston Marathon was attacked by to complete the process. Humans, of the most important events ever, a duo of Russian terrorists. Two however, cannot accomplish this. it still shocked sports fans when pressure cooker bombs were Even if an egg were successfully famous athlete Lance Armstrong placed at the finish line and ex- cloned, there is an extremely high admitted to using steroids to help ploded around 2:50 P.M. Three risk of death and the large chance him win all seven of his Tour de people were killed and at least 170 of development abnormalities that France victories. After dodging were injured. The suspect, fortu- blocks any further mainstream around drug test for years, Arm- nately, made a mistake of appear- research on the topic. strong finally admitted to doping ing on camera in a short video clip June up to power himself through cy- showing the hooded pair acting The US government came cling tournaments. It is quite suspicious around the area where under massive criticism after the amazing how he managed to the bombs exploded. A warrant NSA leaked that they had been dodge around the federal agents was put out for their arrest. Soon spying on web activity and emails for this long. thereafter, the two attempted to of US citizens. The program is February escape Boston and one, Tamerlan known as PRISM and grants the February was rocked with Tsarnaev, was gunned down after NSA direct access numerous web the news that long-time Pope a shoot-out with the police. The and social networking sites such as Benedict XVI announced that he other, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, evaded Facebook, Youtube, Skype, would retire. This made him the police for a full seven hours before Google, Apple, Yahoo, etc. first pope to retire since 1415. being found in a boat in the back- PRISM also gives the NSA access Benedict listed old age and muscle yard of house in Watertown. of credit card transactions of three deterioration as the reasons for his May major phone service providers. retirement. When he officially re- News that scientists have Later that month, a newspaper also tired on February 28th, elections in successfully used cloning to pro- filed a report on a program called the Vatican began almost immedi- duce human embryos got the Boundless Informant, which gave ately. The new Pope, Pope Fran- world thinking: Could cloning a the government access to monitor cis, was elected on March 13th. person become possible in the everyday life in countries around March near future? The embryos were the globe. On June 8th, President North Korea began a long produced for the purpose of creat- Obama recognized PRISM's exis- line of threats against the US and ing stem cells. Ever since the tence and its use to monitor the South Korea this month. New 1950s, scientists have been suc- online activity of the US. “president” of the communist cessfully cloning different animal 5 2013: A Year in Review (Part Two)

By Maria Vermilya catchy tune and childlike words family. Kennedy’s wife, Jackie O, July stuck in the head of viewers all is still regarded as a Southern Two years prior the royal across the words. The creators have Beauty to emulate. His assassina- couple Kate Middleton and Prince appeared in interviews since and tion was a terrible day; 50 years William, Duke of Cambridge were have said that the song was created later we remember all that JFK did married at London’s Westminster to advertise the third season of the for our country. Abbey. It was a typical Cinderella Comedy Show. But the lingo of a December affair with 1,900 guests in atten- fox wasn’t the only entertainment December 5th brought the dance. Ever since, the couple has in September. On the 17th Grand death of South African philanthro- been living together happily ever Theft Auto V was released, quickly pist, politician, and past president, after; in December it was an- becoming the fastest entertainment Nelson Mandela. He served over nounced that Kate was expecting a product to reach $1 billion in sales. 27 years in prison and was re- child and on July 22nd she deliv- The game reached a mass audience garded by some as a Communist ered her baby, George. The child, selling 29 million copies within the Terrorist, but to others a lobbyer Prince George Alexander Louis of first two months. It was a smash against poverty, inequality, and Cambridge, is third in line for the for gamers everywhere. institutional racism. Mandela was British Crown. October president of the African National August In October the United Congress from 1991 to 1997 and In the month of August the States government experienced a later president of South Africa MTV Music Awards were the per- partial federal shutdown as a result from 1994 to 1999. He was a vi- fect opportunity for some celebri- of political disagreements over sionary saying, “For to be free is ties to remake their reputation. operational spending. This state of not merely to cast off one’s chains, Starlet Miley Cyrus took the world limbo lasted for sixteen days until but to live in a way that respects by storm completely shedding her the shutdown was ended and the and enhances the freedom of oth- Disney Child Star Image and be- government was back in action. If ers.” But in 2004 his health took a coming a new woman without any the shutdown had continued a Bi- turn for the worst and he remained trace of Hannah Montana left. Her partisan deal would have had to be ill until 2013 when he died among performance during the show of struck in the Senate. friends and family at his home at “We Can’t Stop” and “Give it 2 U” November the age 95. Mandela’s voice is one smashed together with Robin In 1963 JFK’s assassina- that had lead tides and raised coun- Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” crashed tion shook the nation. On Novem- tries, he will be missed but I am in like a wrecking ball and finished ber 22nd we remembered all that sure he would hope for a future of off her transformation, giving the was great about the past president peace and freedom. “It always people a lot to talk about. Also on during the 50th anniversary of his seems impossible until it’s done,” August 26th the US Opens Tennis killing. John F. Kennedy was the said Mandela. Tournaments began in New York 35th president of the United States; The year of 2013 has had City. Serena Williams defended he served in office from January its ups and downs but as New her title as singles champion with 1961 to November 1963 when his Year’s rolls around it holds the Belarusian player Victoria Aza- presidency was cut short. He navi- promise of new beginnings and renka taking second. gated the country through the Cu- September ban Missile Crisis and inspired change. But as we change and September was a month of young men to join the military dur- evolve we must remember lessons technological entertainment. On ing the Vietnam War. “My fellow of the past. We must remember the the 3rd two Norwegian brothers Americans, ask not what your Boston Marathon Bombing, the created a video that quickly went country can do for you, ask what death of JFK and Nelson Mandela, viral called “What Does the Fox you can do for you country,” was the birth of a future King, and the Say?” with around 300,000,000 the wisdom he gave to U.S. citi- changing of pop culture for the viewings. The song was the kind zens in times of crisis. He was well that you either love or hate; its loved by the people, as was his better or worse. So Happy Holi- days and a Happy New Year 6 EDITORIAL: Faith in Humanity

By Caelin Young anyone to care for her so she has be their parents or whomever, A taxi driver was nearing to go to a nursing home. The man they learn from someone. What the end of his route when he took her to all of the places they learn influences their deci- stopped at the last house of the around the city that she wanted to sions for the rest of their lives. day. After waiting for an exces- go. As he dropped her off at the Children are taught these awful sive amount of time, instead of nursing home, she thanked the things and are raised in awful en- driving off and leaving the person man for all that he had done and vironments, causing the children without a ride, he instead decided for going out of his way to make to act out and be seen as bad peo- to walk to the door and knock on her feel happiness again. ple. It all begins from childhood the door. An older woman arrived Stories such as these are and then progresses. Humanity is at the door. As they were driving, what make me still have faith in in everyone, we just have to aid the older woman let the man humanity. others in finding that humanity. know that, according to the doc- I believe all people are We cannot teach each other things tor, she didn't have much longer good, but the choices they make that can be seen as inhumane. to live. The man felt so bad for reflect the ways people see each Help someone else out today and this woman so he decided to turn other and evaluate each other. For create a world full of humanity. the meter off. She continued to example, when a person is born, describe how she did not have they learn from others. Whether it

EDITORIAL: No Faith in Humanity

By Carson Chipner ticular leads the charge in the rea- have even built this sense that No other topic has been sons that I feel that this generation they deserve respect, even though widely joked about than human- has little to no future. they have done absolutely nothing ity. Whether you lost it, still have That's the biggest thing to earn any. They act confused it, rethinking your opinion, or just wrong with the current generation and throw fits whenever we don't don't really care, there is always is the attitude. Everyone wants to get something they want. They someone who likes to joke about live in the now, with no future in were served everything on a silver their faith in the human species. It sight. This generation is so self- platter and still haven't grown up. leaves me to question, is there any centered on their own popularity Immature, disrespectful, good left in humanity at all? and self-interest that they ignore and lazy children are sadly be- While there are some sto- the needs and feelings of every- coming the future. While I'm not ries of people doing extraordinary one around them. This usually saying that these traits fit every- services to others, they are spread leads to the selfish, spoiled brats one in this generation, it still is too far between all the things that that we see in movies come to one of the largest social groups are the reason that I have lost life. These people, being the next I've seen in awhile. Which is why faith in humanity. Our generation generation of presidents, lawyers, whatever faith I had in humanity has ruined the rule of cool and and doctors, seem to want to has been lost to the whirlwinds of replaced it with crappy morals spend more time in front of the SWAG and YOLO. and excuses for stupid behavior. Xbox more than anything else. This generation in par- Some of this generation 7 BOOK REVIEW: One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

By Kurtis Glasener To think that every day is go- the Siberian weather possibly Think about what it ing to have the same bleak be HAPPY? Then I realized would be like if everyday of outcome really mortified me it. Ivan was grateful for even your life had already been laid as I read this book, knowing the small things. A little extra out in front of you and there that I could not survive one food, no extra work, being was nothing you could do to week in these conditions, yet able to sleep in his 'bed'. change it. If everyone of these Shukhov has ten years. Those things that we as hu- days were exactly the same as As I continued to read mans deserve. the previous. Wouldn’t you further into the novel, I grew Aleksandr Solzhenit- yearn to see the day where it a very strong attachment to syn wrote a truly great book. I would finally change? I know Shukhov. The thought of be- fell in love with the atmos- I would. ing isolated in a world where phere that he set up in the One Day in the Life of insubordination was met with novel: “It's warmed up a bit," Ivan Denisovich was written violence or even death, be- Shukhov decided. "Eighteen by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn came all that I thought about below, no more.” It was if I and is truly a heartbreaking while reading the novel. All was actually there, and the book. It is based on the ex- throughout the book, I felt fresh snow on the ground just periences that Solzhenitsyn awful for Ivan. What could he added fuel to this feeling of had while he was locked up in have possibly done to deserve immersion. multiple Soviet work camps such punishment everyday of It is needless to say for eight horrendous years. his life? that I highly recommend this The plot of the novel revolves One quote from the book. I am very grateful that around Ivan “Shukhov” book really made me realize this novel was recommended Denisovich and tells a story of all the things that I take for to me because I can honestly a life of perpetual recycling granted. “Shukhov went to say that it will change my out- that is so real it makes me sleep, and he was happy.” look on life in many different think of people who are How can a man that is forced ways. locked up in prisons, their to do backbreaking work in loneliness, and aimless lives. the sub zero temperatures of 8 MOVIE REVIEW: The Fire is Catching

By Carson Chipner giving believable performances to are fans of the book. Now, I'm Released on November that work effectively in conveying not saying it is a bad recreation of 22nd 2013, The Hunger Games: some of the emotional themes and the book. As a matter of fact, I Catching Fire was released in the problems faced throughout the think it's one of the most faith- US to a weekend box office of movie. fully recreated movie-spinoffs over 150 million dollars. With a ever created. I actually wish more new director and an even higher movie adaptions could be this budget, the film broke numerous faithful to its source material (I'm records. One of them being the looking at you Percy Jackson). advanced movie ticket-seller Fan- However, the big problem lies dango's top-selling film in the with how well it was transferred companies history. The hype be- from paper onto the big screen. hind this movie was gargantuan, The transition is done so well that but dies it live up to it. I felt bored during most of the The story takes place 6 movie and, at some times, I just months after the end of the first wanted the movie to end. The movie. Both main characters, Kat- twists and turns of the plot will niss and Peeta, are both living most definitely satisfy most happily with their families in Dis- movie-goers who haven't read the trict 12's Victor's Village. Still book. People who have read the haunted by the events of the last book, however, won't get the movie, the pair begin their Vic- Now here is where I find same feeling of surprise when the tor's tour of all other 11 districts. the single flaw in an otherwise movie throws a twist in your face. The story is littered with many exceptional movie. Now don't get While this is just my interesting themes and so many me wrong, The Hunger Games: petty opinion, the character- large plot twists that even M. Catching Fire is an excellent driven movie is still fantastic in Night Shyamalan would be sur- movie, and you should go see it if the acting, theatrical and cine- prised a couple times. you are a fan of dystopian futures, matic sense. There are a few nit- The acting is largely im- drama-filled character relation- picks I have here and there with proved from the last movie with ships and or just want something the movie. But no one can deny the actors given the freedom to to wash away that Twilight after- the massive acclaim around this express and explore more emo- taste from the past few years out movie and it's box-office records. tions. Everyone from Jennifer of your mouth. The only people I Why am I even writing this? Lawrence to Stanley Tucci all wouldn't recommend this movie You've probably already seen it.