The UALR Forum: December 4, 2013 - January 14, 2014

Do

Kezia Nanda Staff Writer Kananda@ualr.edu

With as little as $1, college students can make a difference in a local, less fortunate child’s life, according to Non-Traditional Student Program Coordinator Cynda Alexander. This is the second year that UALR has been appointed to be a drop-off location for Toys for Tots.

The program, which was started by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve over 60 years ago, collects new toys and distributes them to children of financially challenged families in the community surrounding the particular drop-site.

Alexander, who coordinates the Toys for Tots drop-off at UALR, said some of these recipients are UALR non-traditional students, many of whom are single parents and of low income striving to get their education.

Alexander said the toys need to be new and unwrapped to ensure safety and so the parents can choose the most suitable present for each child.

“That way the children never know, whether they believe in Santa Clause or not, they don’t know that mother did not provide these for me,” Alexander said.

According to Alexander, gifts as inexpensive as a box of crayons, a coloring book, and a story book, which cost about $1, can have a huge psychologi-

Toys for Tots: ‘Tis the season of giving at UALR

cal impact on the kids who are accustomed to receiving handme-downs. She said when they go back to school in January and hear other kids bragging on Christmas presents, they will not feel left out. Alexander said that she hopes the recipients will feel that someone cares about them.

She said these children are usually given photocopy pages and rarely own a new coloring book. “Picture that little kid on Christmas morning, opening

that up and going ‘Aaahh! It’s brand new! It’s all mine! I get to color every pages!’”

The Toys for Tots drop boxes are located in front of the Office of Campus Life, the UALR Bookstore, the Diamond Cafe, and Starbucks. Drop boxes can also be found in the main lobby of the second floor of the Student Services Center and in the foyer near the cashier’s office in the SSC. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 16.

CLC food drive surpasses 13,000

KenDrell Collins Editor kdcollins@ualr.edu

The Reach 13,000 food drive hosted by the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps has come to a close and the total number of donations is higher than ever.

The organization, which began in 1976 and has hosted the event for three years, surpassed its goal, collecting 14,247 food items - nearly 200 more than last year.

The initiative was started by the Student Government Association and later handed over to the to CLC. It was initially dubbed “Reach 12,000,” but the number increased following trends in enrollment statistics.

Most of the items will be relayed to the Arkansas Food

Bank. A portion of the goods is contributed to the Staff Senate’s Helping Hands program, which plays an active role in the local community.

“They try to put together food baskets for the holidays during Christmas. They need specific items for us. They provide meals for staff and families on campus,” said CLC Program Coordinator Nick Steele.

The organization and department that raise the most food items are named the winner of the food drive. The AAMI/AAFI/HLI Leadership Institutes was the top organization this year, raising exactly 3,132 goods. The back-toback winner, Testing Services, which raised 1,295, accompanies them in victory. The winners will be rewarded with a pizza party to be held at a later date.

CLC raised the most overall with nearly 5,000 items, but after winning two years straight, Steele decided it was unfair for the host team to win.

“Competition breeds excellence,” Steele said. “A lot of the items were Ramen noodles but it doesn’t matter, it’s going to be eaten. I think competition is the key there, to get people involved and donating to a good cause.”

Steele also said he would like to have a Ramen noodle drive during the spring.

“That’s it, nothing but Ramen noodles. Stack up the Ramen noodles, see how many we can get, take pictures in front of it, call the Guinness World Records and say, ‘Hey we have the most Ramen noodles in one spot ever collected by a college campus. Put us in the Guinness Book of World Records.’”

Library will o er extended hours during nals, SGA president says

The Ottenheimer library will be offering extended hours during final exams this year, with the possibility of offering extended hours in the future if students take advantage of the hours, according to Lauren McNeaill, president of the Student Government Association.

McNeaill and Trey Gibeault, vice president of the SGA, spoke to J.B. Hill, interim dean and director of pubic services of the Ottenheimer library, about the possibility of extending the operating hours of the library.

Hill said he would be willing to extend their hours during finals week to see if students utilize the extended hours and to see if it is something the library should do in the future.

Typically, the library is open until 11 p.m. during the week, but beginning Dec. 9, the library will remain open until 2 a.m.

The extended hours will be observed Dec. 9 – 12 and Dec. 15 and 16.

“After great discussion, Interim Dean J.B. Hill has agreed to run trial periods of extended hours during the week of finals, beginning with this fall semester,” McNeaill said in a press release.

“This is an excellent opportunity for student organizations, administrative offices, and academic departments to show their support for student success,” she added.

She said that student organization involvement, as well as involvement from administrative offices and academic departments, can help boost student turnout.

“If this trial period is a success, meaning that students take advantage of the extension, this will be an initiative that continues to take place,” McNeaill said in the press release.

If your organization, office or department would like to participate, McNeaill asks that you send her an email for more information at lmmcneaill@ ualr.edu.

Christmas ads come early despite consumer opinion

Alexis

Williams Staff Writer aawilliams3@ualr.edu

Apeek into the nearest retail store—even as early as October—might fool one into believing Christmas came early this year. The reality is that many businesses are opting to display their yuletide merchandise weeks before Dec. 1, and they are not asking for permission.

In a CBS Connecticut online article entitled, “Stores Nationwide Begin Holiday Season Early Despite Negative Reaction,” psychology professor Laura Brannon at Kansas State University explains a possible logic behind this interesting phenomenon:

“Even if the media doesn’t influence people’s attitudes toward a candidate, for example, focusing a lot on the economy gets people thinking about the economy,” she said. “Similarly, stores are probably trying to get people into the shopping spirit by getting them to think about a shopping season.”

This means that the retailers are not waiting until it is traditionally-appropriate to advertise and display merchandise. They are taking an active role in pushing consumers toward earlier Christmas shopping by putting it in their faces sooner than expected.

How does this idea fare with students on campus?

Kelly Montgomery, a sophomore psychology major, said she liked Christmas’s earlier appearance.

“Retail stores are certainly getting ready for Christmas earlier and earlier each year. This year, I saw Christmas decorations going up as early as September. I enjoy seeing Christmas decorations going up right after Halloween. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I like to keep it around as long as possible,” she said.

Though she largely approves of the practice, Montgomery expressed a desire for more inclusion of the November holiday.

“I do wish that stores would put

out Thanksgiving decorations or advertisements. With retailers pushing Christmas almost directly following Halloween, it seems like Thanksgiving is almost forgotten.” Montgomery also said that she thinks Christmas decorations should start going up the week before Thanksgiving; doing so allows shoppers to jump right into Christmas shopping following Thanksgiving.

“As for Christmas shopping, I try to get mine done before Black Friday,” Montgomery said. “It may sound silly to be finished shopping by the beginning of November, but it sure is nice avoiding the holiday crowds.”

Junior Brittnie Tippitt, an early childhood education major, shares Montgomery’s festive spirit but said she is uncomfortable with early advertising.

“Christmas decorations were out before Halloween this year.

I feel it is okay to start shopping earlier, but displaying [decorations] earlier and earlier takes away from the joyous season. You can buy a ghost and witch’s costume on one aisle, then a Christmas tree and angel on the other.”

“Right after Thanksgiving is when I start playing my Christmas music, decorating my house, and watching Christmas movies. It’s always been that way for me,” Tippitt continued.

“Christmas sales and shopping can start early to help those who need it, but it can take away from the enjoyment of the season if [it is] out too early or overly advertised. Seeing Santa while it’s still 85 degrees is not hot!”

One might think that the opinions of these students, as well as of the ordinary consumer, would seem be top priority for retailers.

However, another psychology professor, Krystine Batcho of Le Moyne College, disclosed in the CBS article a very alarming outlook about the consumerproducer relationship that this current trend engenders.

“At this time, business own-

ers might ignore consumer complaints [about seeing early Christmas advertising], because they feel that consumers have little choice,” Batcho said.

“Holiday buying is so expected in our culture, that people feel obligated to buy gifts regardless of any irritation they might feel about early advertising.”

The decision to move up the Christmas shopping season was not a spontaneous one; it actually arose from a number of factors: the loss of six selling days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the consensus among retailers that “The sooner, the better” and the recent spike in competition between physical stores and online stores.

Thanks to websites like BlackFriday.com, shoppers can filter through available online deals advertised days before the eponymous holiday.

“The largest sales of the year for most retailers is the holiday season. The hope is that we shop earlier and continue to buy during the season and increase overall spending,” said Jane Wayland, dean of the College of Business.

Dean Wayland said that moving up Chrismas does not necessarily increase profits.

“Deep discounts eat into profits, so profits will depend on how deep the discounts will be made just to move the merchandise. The economy and the weather will always affect sales.”

Chris Harms, North Little

Rock Hobby Lobby store manager , proposed another reason his store displays merchandise earlier: because they need to.

Hobby Lobby is not a typical retail outlet in its merchandise.

“Since we are an arts and crafts store, we get stuff out early so that people can begin making their decorations. Our Christmas trees go out in the middle of August. If we wait until closer to Christmas, people will not have enough time to decorate their homes.”

Harms disagreed with the notion of “too early” for displaying Christmas merchandise. “[Displaying] gives customers an idea as to what they want to make.You’ll get some people who will look at ornaments right around when school starts.”

“People say, “Man, you guys already have out Christmas stuff?” Yes we do. People want it in the middle of summer. That’s when they begin looking for trees, “ Harms said. “We are already out of trees, and it’s not even Thanksgiving.”

For Harms and Hobby Lobby, preparing for the Christmas crowds is not only a tactic but a rule. “Black Friday is not our busiest day. Dec. 17 will probably be our biggest day of the year. That’s when we get hit really hard on decorations for home and things like that,” Harms said. “After Christmas or a little before, we start setting up for spring.”

Museum reveals Arkansas ghosts of Christmas past

Rachel

Wright Staff Writer rswright@ualr.edu

Christmas in Arkansas is based on traditions, but where did the traditions come from and has it always been celebrated that way, and how was Christmas celebrated over 100 years ago?

Documents record Arkansas Christmas events as early as 1837. Traveler Robert Brownlee arrived in Little Rock, Ark. on Christmas Eve and woke the next morning to gun shots and canon fire. He wrote in his memoirs that no one seemed to care, it was just how they celebrated and at least one man was killed.

The Historic Arkansas Museums’ website also has information about Hannah Donnell Knight, who moved from New York to Little Rock and wrote

to her family about the events on a Christmas morning in the 1850s. She was awaken by canon fire on Main Street and said it was so loud windows in some of the houses broke.

British traveler William Featherstonhaugh, wrote about a party he attended in Little Rock’s early years - a dance that lasted all night and had more men than women. He wrote that the land lord said, “one hundred men and three women. Everyone had a great time, and only a few shots were fired in fun.”

The Yule Log was another tradition. According to the Historic Arkansas Museum, slaves were allowed a break the week between Christmas and New Year, but would still have to prepare a fire for their masters. They would find a huge log before Christmas and soak it in a creek and when it came

time for Christmas they would burn that log, allowing a longer break.

Celebrations quieted down after the Civil War.

In the early 1900s, Little Rock butcher Alex George would dress up Christmas Bulls with garlands of flowers around their necks and other decorations to make them “dressed up, fit to kill.” In the 1990s, the museum tried to celebrate with a Christmas Bull by renting a bull to dress up (but not kill). History interpreter Starr Michell said they were unable to dress the bull because it had been dehorned and would not let anyone near it. In the late 1800s to early 1900s, the Christmas tree and presents would not come until Christmas Eve when the children were in bed. Michell said parents would put the tree up that night and children would wake

to lights and presents. The first reported Christmas tree in Arkansas was in Fayetteville in 1839. A German put up a tree and decorated it with wood carvings and wax ornaments.

A more recent tradition is the Historic Arkansas Museums 46th annual Christmas Frolic on Dec. 8, with dancing, gingerbread and hot cider.

“Some families have made it their tradition to start Christmas,” History Interpreter Jane Keathley said. The Museum makes its own malt cider for the Christmas Frolic. “Getting ready for Christmas Frolic makes everyone (at the Museum) so happy,” Michel saidl.

Eggnog is a tradition that has European heritage. On Dec. 13, the Museum will have their 9th Ever Nog-Off. TheNog-Off allows people to share and make eggnog from historic recipes.

Blues overshadow holiday cheer, experts say

Hillary

Perkins Staff Writer hdperkins@ualr.edu

Alot of work goes into preparing for the holidays, and that preparation has both positive and negative psychological effects.

People have a good time celebrating the holidays with their families. Then again, people invite a lot of stress during the holidays because their agendas are too full and their expectations too high.

People may feel obligated to buy the perfect gifts for everyone, which can strain their finances. They may also feel obligated to buy the perfect dinner. If preparing for the holidays is a way to celebrate love for one’s family, then any imperfection could make someone feel inadequate.

When it comes to cooking for the holidays, certain types of food are considered traditional.

“It is comfort food,” counselor Mike Kirk said. Those traditional foods bring back a lot

of memories, and it might not seem like a holiday without that one special dish.

People may suffer from acute stress during holiday preparation. Acute stress is temporary stress which can make it difficult to complete a task and lead to irritability, the most common sign of stress. Stress can lead to a weakened immune system, which could put catching a cold on the list of holiday to-dos.

“People often expect the holiday season to be of joy and excitement, but some individuals have developed negative association s with the holidays, possibly due to sad or traumatic experiences in childhood,” said Robert Hines, a professor in the psychology department.

The long winter nights can also take a toll on mental health.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs during winter months, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It can be treated with light therapy, talk therapy and antidepressants, it said.

A positive attitude can make the holidays less stressful, as can sharing the holidays with loved ones.

“Family and friends are a big social protection from stress,” said Elizabeth Sherwin, a professor in health psychology.

Christmas is right around the corner and some of you may wonder how French celebrate it.

I have never celebrated Christmas with an American family, but from what I have been told , French and Americans celebrate Christmas differently.

In France, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity, marked by family reunions, gifts and chocolate. In the beginning of December, children are given advent calendars filled with chocolates in anticipation of Christmas. Children have a chocolate each day before Christmas. During that time, the local postman or fire fighter (or both) may knock on every door selling calendars for the coming year.

When it is Christmas time, cities are decorated with lights, candles, Christmas trees and ornaments. Many cities also have Christmas markets where people can buy homemade gifts, food and drink hot wine. In Orléans, there are two Christmas markets held during the Christmas season as well as an outside ice skating rink and a Ferris wheel. In some cities, Christmas celebrations start at the beginning of December. For instance, in eastern and northern France, the Christmas season begins on Dec. 6 with Saint Nicholas Day. In Lyon (in southeast France), Christmas celebrations begin on Dec. 8 with the Festival of Lights in which inhabitants pay homage to the Virgin Mary by putting candles at their windows to light up the city.

Before Christmas, it is common to decorate houses with lights, a mistletoe hung above the door to bring good fortune throughout the year and, of course, a Christmas tree. On Dec. 24, children put their shoes under the tree or by the fireplace in hopes that Santa Claus will fill them with gifts, and they are told Santa Claus will bring them gifts only if their shoes are under the Christmas tree or by the fireplace.

Children are also told that Santa Claus comes into the house through the fireplace, therefore, no fire is made on Christmas Eve. Another important aspect of the Christmas decoration in France is the crèche (nativity scene) filled with santons and displayed in churches and many homes.

Although fewer and fewer French attend the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, it is still an important part of Christmas for many families. Churches and cathedrals, large and small, are lit and echo the joyful melodies of carols, bells and carillons.

Christmas Day is the most important day, as it is a symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ’s birth and is the culinary high point of the season, which may be enjoyed at home or in a restaurant.

Each region in France has its own traditional Christmas menu, but a typical French Christmas menu include dishes such as foie gras (goose liver), snails, oysters, a capon or turkey stuffed with chestnuts, and boudin blanc (similar to white pudding). The typical Christmas dessert is the bûche de Noël (Yule log). It is a logshaped cake typically made of chocolate and chestnuts. Food takes a huge place during Christmas Day, and some families stay at the table eating lunch for hours, and then have dinner afterward.

After the Christmas festivities, it is customary to leave a candle burning in case the Virgin Mary passes by.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break, and Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas)!

xmas mixtape

THE WAITRESSES

“CHRISTMAS WRAPPING”

With “Christmas Wrapping,” The Waitresses created one of few radio-friendly rock alternatives to Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” and the very pressing version of “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby. The Akron, Ohio band was key to the new wave scene of the ‘80s, and their signature song illustrates a playfully shallow dilemma about a young woman and the object of her affection. Despite the semi-dated sound that’s partially owed to its brass section, the song has become a Christmas mainstay and while people might not recognize the name, most listeners know it when they hear it.

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SUFJAN STEVENS

“GET BEHIND ME, SANTA!”

Before he scored indie cred with 2006’s “Illinois,” songwriter Sufjan Stevens released a five-disc box set packed with covers and carefully tailored Christmas originals. “Get Behind Me, Santa!” is a feel-good track smashed between two traditional songs, offering some balance to the sometimes stifling nature of older poems and carols. Sufjan’s appealingly soft voice pairs with a choir and multiple instruments to concoct a warmhearted song that’s a mix of storybook fiction and witty wordplay.

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THE POGUES

“FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK”

Celtic punks The Pogues set a new mark for holiday standards with the 1987 release of “Fairytale of New York,” a Sid and Nancy narrative of dark humor and woe. Featuring late English vocalist Kirsty MacColl, the song tells a story of disillusioned love fraught with dependency, painting a grim, personal portrait of its two subjects. But there’s also something inde-

scribably moving about it, and it’s “Fairytale’s” last verse that makes it timeless, ensuring its spot on any holiday playlist.

THE KINKS

“FATHER CHRISTMAS”

Written by Kinks ringleader Ray Davies and featured on the reissue of “Misfits,” “Father Christmas” spins a tale of a mall Santa getting beaten by lower-class ruffians. But despite the seriousness of its classist message, the single has become a staple since its initial airplay in 1977 and remains one of few timeless rock standards. Davies’ trademark vocals, which work flawlessly in conjunction with his brother’s guitars, make for a satisfying alternative to the horrible synths of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” during the winter season.

THE FALL

“NO XMAS FOR JOHN QUAYS”

Those familiar with The Fall’s Mark E. Smith know he is the last person anyone would expect to write about any holiday. But the post-punk poet, who came to prevalence as part of the late 1970s punk scene in Manchester, managed to pen something entirely nonsensical, so much that the meaning of “John Quays” is debated among fans. But the song’s questionable content - along with the yelping of “You, Me, Xmas!” - has made it a classic for fans of the postpunk era, and it somehow manages to work its way into the most avant-garde of Christmas mixes. 5

RUN-DMC

“CHRISTMAS IN HOLLIS”

Sparing songs by Kanye West and Ludacris, good hip-hop holiday tracks are hard to come by.

But “Christmas in Hollis,” released as a single in 1987, is both infectious and reflective, radiating with humor only a childhood in Queens could bring. Between DMC rapping about collard greens and Run discovering Santa’s

Second ‘Hunger Games’ installment gains momentum, catches re at box o ce

Caleb Mitchell Staff Writer

cfmitchell@ualr.edu

When the first installment of “The Hunger Games” film series was released in 2012 with a PG-13 rating, reception from fans and critics was mixed. Some thought director Gary Ross had done a good job of making an adaptation of a book about children battling each other to the death in highly publicized, gladiator-style games without sacrificing the book’s integrity. Others cried foul in regards to Ross’s heavy usage of “shaky-cam” techniques to obscure much of the film’s violence, thus avoiding a dreaded R-rating. More of the same arrived when it was announced that Ross would not be returning to make the second film, which would instead be directed by Francis Lawrence of “I Am Legend” fame. But with “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” finally released, it seems silly to think that anyone ever doubted Lawrence given the caliber of his previous films. This is because “Catching Fire” succeeds on virtually every level that its predecessor failed, and the result is one of the best movies of the year.

One of the areas many found weakest in “The Hunger Games” was the acting. While the film was overflowing with a number of big-name actors, many of their performances felt either jilted or over-the-top. Every actor who returns in “Catching Fire” - be it Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson or Elizabeth Banks - puts on a fantastic performance fitting of their characters, who now feel more in tune with their book counterparts and come across as more authentic.

However, it’s not just the returners who manage to make the film; many of the new faces make waves themselves and fit right in with the rest of the cast.

Newcomer Sam Claflin is a wonderful addition as the haughty Finnick Odair from District 4, and Jena Malone steals every scene as the hilariously snarky and unabashed Johanna Mason. Other standouts include Philip Seymour Hoffman as new head game-maker Plutarch

Heavensbee and Jeffrey Wright as the brilliant and quirky Beetee, but there’s hardly anyone in the film that doesn’t stand out in one way or another.

Another aspect of “Catching Fire” that puts its predecessor to shame is the much-discussed violence. Sadists and literary purists can rejoice knowing the film retains the book series’ violent content more than the first film. There’s a couple of scenes guaranteed to make the squeamish squeal and writhe in disgust, and yet the film is still toned down enough to avoid the R-rating without sacrificing quality or content. This makes the film feel like an honest action movie, and while many were expecting the first film to be full of action, it never managed to come across as a serious attempt, largely due to the amount of censorship, questionable CGI and camera techniques being utilized to dispel the violence.

“Catching Fire” also stands head and shoulders above “The Hunger Games” is in its use of humor. While there was a large amount of so-called “comedy” in the first film, most of it felt forced and only contributed further to the overwhelming sensation that someone was trying to appease the MPAA and the teen demographic. The minute amount of actual humor came primarily from Stanley Tucci as the wildly over-the-top Caesar Flickerman, and this largely remains the same in “Catching Fire.” Banks and Harrelson bring in a lot of laughs as well, but when it comes to comedy in “Catching Fire,” it’s all Tucci’s show.

From the soundtrack to the set designs to the fast-paced action scenes, there are many reasons why “Catching Fire” kicks “The Hunger Games.” This is simply a good movie that happens to be based on a book series written for a primarily teenaged audience. If this wasn’t taken into account, I guarantee most viewers would think this is a phenomenally entertaining film brought to movie lovers everywhere by a talented director. And really, that’s a testament in and of itself to the greatness of what is sure to be the biggest – and possibly best – blockbuster smash of 2013.

wallet, there’s very little room for the nauseating sentimentality that’s usually associated with a typical Christmas; needless to say, it’s worth a few listens.

STEPHEN COLBERT

“THERE ARE MUCH WORSE

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THINGS...” Stephen Colbert’s “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All” is exactly what one would expect from the political comedian. TheGrammy awardwinning special aired in 2008 with special guests Elvis Costello, Keith Urban, John Legend and others and was received with critical acclaim. The entire album has become a must-have around the holidays, but if any track is singled out, it is Costello and Colbert’s duet that falls in the vein of They Might Be Giantstype humor. Lyrics can’t even be mentioned out of context; just give the track a listen and you’ll hear the genius.

BOB DYLAN

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“MUST BE SANTA” Coming straight off 2009’s “Christmas in the Heart,” Dylan’s most recent testament to Christmas is more of a joke to most. The curmudgeonly singer-songwriter ambiguously pairs raspy vocals with reindeer, and it’s hard to tell whether Dylan is paying honest tribute or mocking the capitalist spirit. Regardless, “Must Be Santa” and its accompanying video are new classics designed for those with a slightly off-kilter, “Tim and Eric”-esque sense of humor.

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LOW “SILENT NIGHT” Since “Silent Night” is among the more solemn of traditional carols, no one should do it better than a slowcore band. Duluth, Minn. natives Low are known for sparse vocals and minimalist arrangements, but while this may prove off-putting to the average listener, it works in their favor this time around. Guitarist/vocalist Alan Sparhawk and wife Mimi Parker make the perfect match with this oddly

chilling version of “Silent Night,” which is perfect for a cold winter evening paired with hot chocolate and hundreds of stars.

F—– UP

“DO THEY KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS?”

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is certainly a radio staple between Halloween and New Year’s Day, and only the original version is well-known. But the single, originally performed for charity by Band Aid in the 1980s, received a makeover in 2009 when Canadian hardcore band F----- Up released their own collaboration with multiple artists, including GZA, Yo La Tengo, Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew, Andrew W.K. and Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend fame. Because of this ensemble, the version far surpasses its predecessor in every respect and serves as a time capsule for the indie generation.

HEAR THIS PLAYLIST ON OUR WEBSITE OR SCAN THE CODE BELOW TO LISTEN NOW!

Team prepares for tropical island adventure

Alton Young Editor Axyoung1@ualr.edu

The Trojans will play the next four games on the road starting with this weekend’s matchup against Tulsa in Oklahoma and culminating in the BVI Tropical Shootout in the British Virgin Islands Dec. 20-21.

Players and staff will travel to the Caribbean to face Jacksonville State in the first contest and will play either Coppin State or Southern Mississippi in their second game.

While the team will get to enjoy warm weather and more importantly competi-

Swimmers

Ttion on the court, they will be on the road for the holidays as usual. Something that Ted Crass, Director of Basketball Operations, understands well having spent 5 years with the program as a manager and then a player. He knows what a trip like this can mean to the players.

“Overall, it will be a great experience,” Crass said. “Guys that have never been outside their own states, getting a chance to go and see different cultures and see a different world.”

The team continues its tough nonconference schedule this month ending home game against Grambling on Dec. 30, before starting conference play in January. The team is tentatively sched-

tocompeteinfirsthomemeetofseason

Jacob Ellerbee Executive Editor Editor@ualr.edu

he UALR swimming and diving team will compete in its first home meet of the season during the annual Christmas Invitational meet.

It will be the team’s first meet since finishing 4th at the Drury Invite in Springfield, Mo., Nov. 22-23.

This year, UALR will be competing against the likes of Henderson State University, Ouachita Baptist, Drury University and Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas.). Oklahoma Baptist will be competing also, but only in the diving portion of the meet.

In the 2012 UALR Christmas Invitational, HSU won the meet, logging 976.5 points. UALR finished 4th in that meet, with 671 points.

For this year’s Christmas Invitational, senior captain Kara Raney said things will be different.

“We have a lot of new faces and diversity that I think will help us overall to be a better team than we were last year.”

10 freshmen are on the roster this season, compared to just three last year (plus one freshman diver). Raney and her teammates are expect-

ing the eager and energized freshman swimmers to make an impact in the Christmas Invitational this year.

After the Christmas Invitational, UALR will not compete again until Jan. 18 against Southern Illinois, which will be a Missouri Valley Conference opponent- their first as members of the MVC.

After the Christmas Invitational, three of the next four meets will be at home in the Donaghey Aquatic Center.

After that, it’s off to Carbondale, Ill. for the Trojans, as they compete in the Missouri Valley Championships Feb. 13-15 to end the season.

I’m sure most of you overate last week for Thanksgiving and I’m also sure some of you “over watched” the NFL on Turkey day. It’s ok. I’m not going to judge. Mostly because in a few weeks when kids will be looking under Christmas trees for presents, I’ll be looking for mine on television when the NBA unwraps their Christmas day quintuple header.

There was a time when the holidays were about family and friends, but more and more it seems they’ve become about overindulgence in other things like sports, food, presents, or whatever.

I don’t plan on doing much cooking and my budget keeps making my gift list shorter, so I don’t have solutions to those problems. However, I have the sports thing all figured out.

There’s no reason that we can’t enjoy our sports and tolerate- I mean, enjoy- our families as well. As the saying goes: everything in moderation. I am willing to sacrifice time to visit with my family. I solemnly vow that instead of watching every single minute of every single game I will take the time to travel to see family…between games…at halftime…or maybe I’ll just call them.

No, I will see them face-to-face. But, if they don’t let me take over the living room television, it may make for a very short visit.

All jokes aside, this year we can witness the end of the BCS era with the upcoming bowl games as college football will implement a four-team playoff next year. It may even be the end of SEC football dominance in the championship game. I guess it only takes 1 second to go from potential game-winning field goal to the potential end of a dynasty (See: University of Alabama).

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to talk to you guys this semester about sports. I hope the rest of the year and the sports seasons give you all great joy. Here at UALR, we have the men and women’s basketball teams, as well as the swimming and diving team to cheer on for the rest of the semester.

So yes, “I’ll be home for Christmas,” but no, you cannot turn the channel on the television.