Courtesy of Cat in the Hat Productions

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

“Bad Santa”

Starring Billy Bob Thornton and the late Bernie Mac, this dark comedy is definitely not for the kids. However, grown-ups can get a laugh out of Thornton’s portrayal of a con-man in a Santa suit.  Despite Willie’s (Thornton) cold heart and sneaky motives, the movie does contain warmth and the feels.

“The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”

Watch the 1966 animated short, not the live-version Jim Carrey remake. The cartoon has Dr. Seuss’s rhymes, which is really the big winner out of this story. For if it weren’t for Dr. Seuss, there would be no Grinch to steal Christmas.

“Home Alone”

Macaulay Culkin stars as 8-year-old Kevin, a boy left behind by his family. The film also co-stars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the neighborhood thieves. Watch Kevin live the dream of a kid being free, eating and sleeping whenever he wants. Then watch him use his childish wits to fight back against the crooks.

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

Starring James Stewart, the film is of a man who wanted to end it all, only to have an angel show him how life what life would be like had he never existed.  The film is a classic in that it reminds folks of the simple things in life, regardless of how bad things can be, it could be worse.

“A Christmas Story”

He writes an essay about it, he asked Santa at the mall, but all the replies he received are: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Those are the words little Ralphie hears throughout the movie when he asks for a Red Ryder B. B. gun.  Does Ralphie eventually get his Christmas wish? Who knows. TBS will begin a marathon of the classic 1983 movie at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and run for 24 hours straight. There will be time to find out.

arts@thedailycougar.com

—
“Must-see holiday movies to celebrate the season” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

On Dec. 8, the Student Fees Advisory Committee released its recommendations to President and Chancellor Renu Khator on how to allocate the Student Service Fee in FY16 (fiscal year 2016, effective in October 2016). The recommendations were released a little over a month after all fee-funded student organizations, like Student Government Association, Student Program Board, The Cougar, Frontier Fiesta and more submitted requests for their allocation of the Student Service Fee.

Khator has not yet confirmed the recommendations of SFAC, although the president and chancellor has a history of approving its recommendations, according to Dr. William F. Munson, associate vice president for student affairs and faculty adviser to SFAC.

Other fee-funded departments and units, like the Veterans Services Office, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Blaffer Art Gallery and more also submitted requests for their allocation of the Student Service Fee.

In the recommendation report, SFAC Chair Nathan Alsbrooks and Vice-chair Rex Mann did not recommend an increase in the Student Service Fee, recognizing “affordability and accessibility as cornerstones that facilitate (the) University’s competitiveness.” Currently, the Student Service Fee’s cap sits at $250, meaning that each student will only be required to pay a maximum Student Service Fee of $250 per semester. In Sept., SGA passed a resolution that recommended raising the fee cap to $270 from $250.

All recommendations made by SFAC must be confirmed by Khator. If approved, these allocations will become available on Oct. 1, 2016.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from this year’s SFAC allocations:

Student Programming Board

SPB requested $376,153 in base augmentation for FY16, to be used for, among other things, organizing “highly engaging concerts as a programming option at Frontier Fiesta,” funding a Luau-themed Spring Fest and implementing a UH “Clue” interactive game under the supervision of the Nights and Weekends Chair.

Over $280,000 of that request was to be funneled into the Homecoming concert. Despite SFAC calling SPB’s Homecoming concert request “beyond reasonable,” SPB was approved an allocation of $220,000 to be used for Homecoming concert programming. SPB’s one-time request of $24,582 for FY15 was approved in its entirety, to be used for a proposed Harry Potter Festival (date unannounced), a UH Carnival and internal organizational expenses.

In total, SPB received over $278K in FY15 one-time allocations, a base augmentation and FY16 one-time allocations.

CoogRadio

CoogRadio became a base-funded organization, and is approved to receive $26,277 in annual base funding. Prior to this, it was receiving no portion of the Student Service Fee. SFAC “applauded” CoogRadio for its quality of its presentation, citing the presentation’s benchmarking data as evidence of “the competitiveness and merit of our radio program in comparison to others at similar universities.”

Frontier Fiesta

The majority of Frontier Fiesta’s requests were approved, allocating $281,430 towards one-time funding for FY15 and nearly $60,000 in one-time allocations for FY16. These requests were made for an increase in operational expenses for “an increase in size” of the event, increase in attractions for Family Funday and other expenses.

SFAC did not approve Frontier Fiesta’s request for nearly $100,000 for the “rental fee charged by Sports and Entertainment for use of (TDECU) Stadium” as a location for Frontier Fiesta. In SFAC’s recommendation report, the committee wrote that it was withholding judgement based on “the fluctuating standing of the student body’s Memorandum of Understanding.” The memorandum was approved of by the student body when it also approved a $45 increase on the Student Service Fee to fund the construction of the new football stadium.

The “fluctuating standing” that SFAC is referring to is this: On Nov. 3, SGA President Charles Haston addressed SFAC and called out Administration and Finance for allegedly failing to honor the Memorandum of Understanding, as the memorandum’s clause “a direct effect on students, including (allowing them) to utilize (TDECU Stadium and Hofheinz Pavilion) with no facility rental fee for events like Frontier Fiesta and Homecoming… considering it’s really students who have paid for these facilities,” Haston said. Any fees charged by Sports and Entertainment would be in violation of this clause.

Executive Director of Media Communications Richard Bonnin said in an email that “costs associated with (Fronter Fiesta) include rental fees for the use of surrounding parking lots, the stadium parking garage and for concessions in the parking areas. These are operational expenses, not facility usage fees.” Any alleged violations of the memorandum are still under investigation.

 news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Major takeaways from SFAC’s recommendations” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

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

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

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

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

Julie Nguyen/The Cougar

UScholars freshman Pardis Jesudasen

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

Julie Nguyen/The Cougar

Nutritional science and pre-optometry senior Sandy Lin

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

Julie Nguyen/The Cougar

UScholars freshman Sade Zibili

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

Julie Nguyen/The Cougar

Supply chain management junior Jesse Lit

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

arts@thedailycougar.com

—
“Cougars share their holiday traditions” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

With just a white mug and Sharpie pens, create a customized mug. | Rama Yousef

Choosing the right gift can be hard—especially when you want the gift to be meaningful and something that the recipient will like. Making a gift yourself is not only thoughtful, but fun as well. For anyone who wants to create a personalized gift and enjoys making crafts, a DIY gift is the way to go this holiday season.

1. Sharpie Mug

Whether it’s coffee, tea or hot chocolate, ’tis the season for a warm drink. Everyone will be attached to their mugs to get through the cold weather. A Sharpie mug is a simple and inexpensive, but you can get as creative as you want with the drawings and words. Perhaps you can write a meaningful quote, inside joke, or a silly coffee pun like the one pictured.

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

Visit this link for instructions: http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Sharpie-Mug-DIY-Project-24955886

2. Instagram Coasters

For your friends with a dorm or apartment, help keep their tables moisture free when they have people over by making these Instagram coasters. Use some of their favorite pictures that they’ve posted or liked and create a set of coasters.

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

Visit this link for instructions: http://foammagazine.com/2012/03/instagram-coasters/

3. Tablet/Laptop Case

Keeping a tablet or laptop safe and more easily portable is a must. A tablet or laptop case will be much appreciated gift for those who tote these devices around on a regular basis. Get creative with patterns and embellishments such as iron on patches, studs, or pins.

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

Visit this link for instructions: http://www.prettylifegirls.com/2013/10/pla-diy-envelope-clutch.html#.VGvKP_nF-So

4. Song Lyric Canvas Art

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

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

Visit this link for instructions: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2011/08/song-lyric-wall-art-diy-project.html

4. Paint by Numbers Pillow

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

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

Visit this link for instructions: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/07/make-your-own-paint-by-numbers-pillow.html

arts@thedailycougar.com

—
“DIY gift ideas for crafty, money-conscious students” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

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

It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are once again upon us. As the days grow chillier and the semester draws to a close, people often find themselves wanting to wrap up the year with their closest friends and family. Holiday parties are a fun and festive way of bringing your loved ones together, and they’re a great way for college students to celebrate the start of a month-long break.

As students, we’re usually limited with money and space, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your evening of festivities:

Assemble a guest list

The most important thing to consider when deciding how many people should receive that special invite is how much space you’re working with. It’s tempting to invite everyone you’ve met since freshman year, but if you live in a small apartment, people will be tripping over each other and spilling their drinks. Limit your guest list to a reasonable number of close friends.

Plan a shopping trip

Make a list of everything you need before you hit the store. Categorize the list into food, decorations, tableware and entertainment and think about where you need to go to buy these things.

Most major retailers have a great selection of holiday decorations and party supplies for the low-budget college student.

Organize a menu      

Nothing brightens up a room like a Christmas tree. Set it up in a spot where it’s the first thing your guests will see when they walk in. Or, make it a fun way to begin the party and have everyone help decorate it. | Jenae Sitzes/The Cougar

Unless you’re a Hilton student who loves organizing large meals and thrives when event-planning, try to plan your party after dinnertime. That way, you only need to provide snacks and/or dessert. Pinterest is a fun source for festive food ideas, like Reindeer Cookies and Christmas Tree Cupcakes.

If you don’t have time to bust out your baking skills, House of Pies has ready-made cakes, pies and cookies that can be picked up at either of its two locations. When it comes to drinks, ask people to bring their favorite wine or have everyone pitch in for a bottle of champagne.

Create a festive space

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

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

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

Think of entertainment

When it comes to activities, be sure to consider the group you’re inviting and what is most likely to be a hit. This could mean giving the party a theme, such as ugly Christmas sweaters or Secret Santa gifts, or making it a casual get-together to chill and watch holiday classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Gremlins.” Decide how formal or casual you want your party to be, and think about what activities will best fit the atmosphere.

arts@thedailycougar.com

—
“Rock that Christmas tree: Throwing the perfect holiday party” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

There are so many things about the holiday season that brighten people’s spirits – cold, crisp winter weather, family gathered around a warm fire, sparkling lights, tinsel and holly that adorn Houston homes and the all-around spreading of holiday cheer. But the best part about the holidays is not the quality time you spend with your family or the fun lights – it’s the food and more specifically, the desserts. With thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, these holiday-themed desserts are the perfect addition for your holiday table.

• 1. Sugar Cookies
• 2. Gingerbread houses
• 3. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
• 4. Peppermint Bark
• 5. Pumpkin Pie

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat. Not only are they simple to make, they are both easy and fun to decorate. Cookie-cutters come in all shapes and sizes – snowflakes, reindeers, sleigh bells –the hardest part is choosing which ones to use! Pillsbury classic sugar cookie dough is the way to go – cut out some cookies and throw them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. If you’re more ambitious, make the dough from scratch for a real holiday treat. After the cookies cool, get creative with your frosting and you’re good to go.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Gingerbread houses are one of the best parts of the holidays. They are great for parties with friends or just a night in with your significant other. There are tons of kits you can find just about anywhere with step by step directions that make this holiday treat a cake-walk. Also no oven is required, so you don’t have to worry about burning the house down.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

If you haven’t heard of Hersheys’ Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, you have not truly lived. These cookies are the ultimate treat for the holidays – best served warm, these treats feature a Hershey’s kiss pressed into the middle of sweet, crumbly peanut butter dough that’s sure to have your taste buds tingle. To add some holiday flare, use peppermint Hershey’s kisses instead of milk chocolate.

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.
2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Makes about 48 cookies.

Recipe courtesy of Hershey’s

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Peppermint bark is another classic holiday treat. It’s perfect with hot cocoa around a warm fire and is a great gift idea. This treat may take some extra time and skill – check out Food Network’s take on the perfect piece of peppermint bark.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1 pound good-quality white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 candy canes or 12 round hard peppermint candies, crushed

Directions:

1. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles. Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming.
2. Put all but 3/4 cup of the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and stir until one-third of the chocolate is melted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat. Gradually stir the reserved 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted. Return the bowl to the saucepan, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate, if needed. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate.
3. Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Firmly tap the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set aside at room temperature until almost set, about 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl. Stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; pour over the semisweet chocolate and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle immediately with the crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the white chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Lift the bark out of the pan using the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 ¼ cups evaporated milk or half and half
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 Pillsbury™ Pet-Ritz® frozen deep-dish pie crust

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 425°F. In large bowl, mix filling ingredients. Pour into pie crust.
2. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; bake 40 to 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 2 hours. Serve or refrigerate until serving time. Store in refrigerator.

Recipe courtesy of Pillsbury

arts@thedailycougar.com

—
“Festive recipes for the holiday season” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

UH’s decision to fire Tony Levine as head coach prompted strong reactions on social media from team members and the UH community.

—
“Twitter reacts to the firing of Tony Levine” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

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

Here’s a playlist to help bring out that holiday cheer:

“Jingle Bell Rock” — This song may have come out in 1958, but this Bobby Helms hit still keeps rolling through the holiday season as a fan favorite. Who could resist a little rock and roll to bring in the holiday cheer?

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

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” — Mariah Carey’s 1994 single from her first Christmas album “Merry Christmas” has become an instant staple around the holiday season, cementing Carey’s superstardom and giving generations to come a reason to get up and dance.

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

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” — Lady Antebellum put their own country spin on this Christmas jingle, slowing it down and really letting the meaning of the song shine.

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

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” (from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”) — Your childhood is about to come back to life with a song about a certain small-hearted villain who is trying to take Christmas presents away from children.

“Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” — Michael Buble’s piano-laced hit gives a pep to your step and is the perfect tune to do some cold weather Christmas shopping.

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

arts@thedailycougar.com

—
“Get in the holiday mood with these catchy tunes” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

The Radio City Rockettes delivered a captivating performance on Friday at the Hobby Center.  |  Courtesy of MSG Entertainment

The Radio City Rockettes have a history of perfection, and they stuck to that tradition during their performance in Houston on Friday at the Hobby Center.

The precision dancers maintained unbelievable poise throughout the Christmas Spectacular. The 18-member troupe wore many hats during the 90-minute performance, switching from full-body fur suits and antlers (assuming the roles of Santa’ reindeer, of course) to their iconic rendition of the Nutcracker’s “Wooden Soldiers.”

The message of the performance rang loud and clear: New York City is the best place to spend Christmas, and all who are there should realize how lucky they are. Most of the scenes with Patrick and his little brother, who is trying to convince him to believe in Santa Claus, took place in the Big Apple. Any other reference to New York City, whether in verse or dialogue was nothing but laudatory. It didn’t alienate the Houston audience, though. When you’re going to see a show that’s normally performed at Radio City Music Hall, you need to know what you’re in for.

The Rockettes’ athleticism was impressive, and Santa Claus did a pretty good job as the informal emcee of the night. A short video detailing the rich history of the Rockettes was genuinely entertaining, and it helped me appreciate the world-class grandiosity of the troupe.

While the show’s tradition of precision and perfection remains unchanged, this wasn’t the same Christmas Spectacular that was showing back in the early 2000s. The Rockettes have grown up a bit — if they haven’t grown up, then they’ve certainly adopted some of today’s technology that made the performance noticeably more pixelated.

Giant stuffed bears and toys were an unexpected whimsical touch, and the young ballerina who played Clara was one of the show’s biggest talents.  |  Courtesy of MSG Entertainment

There was a nearly 3D rendition of a bus ride through Fifth Avenue and Central Park — which, in addition to deviating from the Rockettes’ tried and true formula of maintaining a side-plot with stage characters, was one of their better ventures into uncharted waters. The human-sized teddy bears with Nicki Minaj-esque pouts and pink tutus were downright goofy, drawing positive reactions and intended laughs from the audience. The dancing panda bears, complete with Asian conical hats and kimonos added a nice touch of diversity in an otherwise whitewashed show.

Hard to overlook was the glaring lack of diversity in the troupe. Sure, there were a couple black members of the Rockettes chorus, but the signature troupe was made up of 18 blonde white women, with near identical body shapes. I won’t politicize a Christmas show that isn’t claiming to be anything more than such, and the Rockettes certainly have a history of giving back to the community. But if it was noticeable for a 22-year old white woman, it probably left an impression on any minorities in the audience.

All in all, though, the show delivered what it promised — a Christmas Spectacular that triumphs during the parts its members are most comfortable with. The gravity-defying domino collapse of the “Wooden Soldiers” elicited a roar of applause, and the “Raggedy Ann” Dolls (a new bit, though one founded in tradition) was undeniably endearing. It’s definitely worth the time and the money, and it’s an event for just about anything — family night, date night or just a night to get into the Christmas spirit.

The Rockettes will be performing at the Hobby Center through Dec. 28. Click here to purchase tickets.

arts@thedailycougar.com

—
“Radio City Rockettes bring unconventional Christmas cheer” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

Courtesy of Big Stock

Winter wear: where necessity often crosses paths with looking good. There’s something nice about everyone pulling out their winter coats and long scarves as they embrace the cold weather, but it’s important to stay practical even while trying to look good. Here are some winter fashion tips that will keep friends jealous and the competition on their toes.

Scarves are a fun component, and come in a variety of textures, colors and patterns. Wrapped around the neck and displayed above the chest, they attract the eye and will garner a glance or two. Keep things simple with an infinity scarf or go all-out with a full-length one, and try your hand at a number of artful wraps and knots. Bold and fun patterns go best when worn with large winter coats of a solid color.

Hats are a bit trickier, and it’s better to take the shape of your face into consideration. Larger hats complement more angular faces, while beanies complement rounder faces. When in doubt, look in the mirror when trying out winter hats. Because they come in such bold colors and a variety of styles, hats often make a defining statement. It’s good to try and match accent colors on the hat with accent colors on the coat.

Gloves are great as it gets colder, and convertible fingerless gloves are a neat way to keep one hand on the touch screen and the other nice and toasty. You can match gloves with a hat or a scarf, wear bold and fun patterns against solid coats, or go neutral and pick a white, black, grey or beige that doesn’t clash with anything else you’re wearing.

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

Everyone has an ugly Christmas sweater and a fancy Christmas party sweater. Layer over a dress shirt and an undershirt for a compact insulation system that looks light and sleek, or baggy and comfy. Both sweaters are sure to attract attention – the ugly Christmas sweaters bravely define their own looks.

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

—
“Looking cute in cold weather: It’s an art” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar