Santa Claus gives gifts around the world
By Emily Hughes, senior
Santa Claus, Kris Kringle or Old Saint Nicholas, as he is known in America, is a magical being that brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Santa’s spirit is known around the world and every country has different Christmas traditions.
France- In France Santa is known as Pere Noel. On Christams Eve, children all over the country of France leave their shoes in front of the fireplace. They eagerly wait until morning to find gifts like Candy, fruit, nuts, and small toys that Pere Noel has left for them.
Italy – Instead of a Santa Claus, Italians have a good witch who dresses all in black called La Befana. On January 6th children leave their shoes out and La Befana flies down the chimney on her broom stick and leaves them presents says Santaclaus.com.
England- In England, Santa is called Father Christmas. England’s version of Saint Nicholas is a sterner version than America’s. He brings gifts on Christmas Eve and if the children are bad he leaves coal or onions.
Australia- Kris Kringle is a water skiing version of Santa in Australia. He rides a water ski, wears red swim trunks and dons a white beard.
Spain- Children wait until January 6th for their presents in Spain. The Three Kings or Wise Men bring the gifts and put them in shoes the children have left out. There is usually a giant procession through the streets with floats for each of the wise men and carols being sung.
Sweden- In Sweden, Santa is not a magical man with a big belly and rosy red cheeks but is a Magical Gnome. According to the-north-pole.com, the gnome called "Juletomten" brings gifts to children by riding a sleigh driven by goats.
China- The Chinese Santa Claus is called Lan Khoong or Dun Che Lao Ren. Christmas in China is celebrated similarly to America’s. The Chinese decorate their houses with Christmas trees and cook special Christmas treats.
No matter how it is said, or where it is celebrated Christmas would not be the same without good old Santa Claus and a party to celebrate the season.
Families celebrate together for the holidays
By Natalie Paonessa, senior
Families often forget how important the holidays were to them as children get older. This year, instead of the usual routine, spend more time with the family.
Decorate the house together
On amazing-christmas-ideas.com, you can get some ideas and tips on what to do this year for decorations! Some thoughts are using old Christmas cards to create a collage in the house or instead of classic red and green colors, try decorating a with white exclusively!
Help with cooking and cleaning
Instead of sitting back this year, try to help out your parents as a gift to them for the holiday season!
Play games together
On worldofchristmas.net, you can find fun party game ideas or you can play the classics like Scrabble, Boggle and Monopoly to get your brain going!
Go out to chop down the tree
Places like Allison’s Christmas Tree Farm, Grupp’s Christmas Trees, and Simmons Farm sell Christmas trees that you can either buy or cut down yourself!
Watch the Christmas Countdown on ABC family
Every year on ABC family, they play Christmas movies every day until Christmas day for the public to enjoy!
Spend New Year’s day in Pittsburgh
First night in Pittsburgh is a popular event that involves shows, fireworks, and tons of food. You can hear more about it on Pittsburgh.about.com
Try skiing with the family
Luckily, snow has came early this year so the family can go to places like Seven Springs and Hidden Valley to ski/snowboard or for those who do not know how can go tubing.
Exchange presents with family
Obviously presents are always exchanged during Christmas, but this year put some more thought into gift ideas and get something extra special.
Build a fire and roast marshmallows
Stay warm during the winter and enjoy some gooey marshmallows while you are at it.
Read a story together
Spend time with your parents and younger siblings by reading a touching story about Christmas spirit.
Local fall festivals provide fun for family & friendsBlack Friday shopping causes more than pushes and shoves
By Natalie Paonessa, senior
Although this year of Black Friday shopping was relatively calm compared to the accidents in the past, the early shopping still instigated some fights across the American continent. Shoppers flocked to stores like Wal-Mart, Target, Tanger Outlets, Best Buy and local malls in order to take advantage of the limited time deals on November 24th and 25th. While this early shopping extravaganza is innocent enough, the people that partake in the holiday are so competitive that it often causes violence every year.
In response to the violence that outbreaks every year, a pittsburghlive.com reporter gets comments from Paige Beal, a Point Park professor, “I think they become a victim of their own creation, the Black Friday "frenzy" is good for sales, she said, but "it also goes under a microscope of how people behave."
According to pittsburghlive.com, 10 % more shoppers were reported to be indulging in the Black Friday shopping trips which didn’t nearly prepare stores for the rampage of people that attended the events. North Fayette’s Best Buy had over 1,500 people awaiting the stores opening, over 400 eager parents waited outside Monroville’s Toys R’Us, and a mass of shoppers gathered at Tanger Outlets’s 11:00 PM opening of certain stores.
Kohl’s also is notorious for having some special “doorbusters” on Black Friday. Ashland Hoffman, senior, visited the store and was able to get a $45 dollar blanket for only $8.99. Hoffman states, “The hour and a half line was well worth the wait for my Christmas shopping deals.”
Fortunately, there were no tragic injuries in the Pittsburgh area, while those shoppers in other states in the U.S. did not have safe shopping trips. A woman from California was reported to have pepper sprayed fellow shoppers outside of Wal-Mart in order to beat them into the store, according to csmonoitor.com. The woman is unidentified and authorities continue to search for her. Also at a Wal-Mart in Florida a man started a fight by the jewelry counter along with the gunshot that started in the parking lot before the store even opened. Through all the disputes, waits and injuries, shoppers now question whether Black Friday is really worth the dangers that it presents.
In the past, deaths have marked the history of Black Friday shopping. In 2008 a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death and also a woman miscarried due to the aggressiveness of the crowd. Other accidents that occurred in the past have been extremes that ranged from injuries to casualties.
Visit this link to find out venues & dates!
http://pittsburgh.about.com/cs/events/a/fall_festivals.htm
On-line guide for haunted houses in Southwestern PA
Click on the following link to plan your scary night of haunted house hopping!
http://www.swpenna.com/hauntedhouse.asp
Homecoming dinner ideas
By Abby Miles, senior
Choosing what to do before and after the homecoming dance at Canon-McMillan on October 8th can be a hassle with so many options, but with these few dinner suggestions planning can be a breeze. Taking a group out to dinner before homecoming is a meaningful way to connect with one another before actually arriving at the dance. To make it a little easier here are some fabulous restaurants, suggested by past attendees.
Franco’s Trattoria: Franco’s is an elegant Italian restaurant where many can enjoy popular well-known Italian dishes. “Franco's offers the best in CASUAL Fine Dining. Candles grace the tables for dinner, where families and business associates are equally at home.” For more, visit www.francostrattoria.com.
The Hardrock Café: At the Hardrock, one can order one a famous hamburger or a more fanciful entree. “The Hard Rock Cafe, Pittsburgh is located at Station Square between the Grand Concourse Restaurant and the Sheraton Station Square Hotel. A one-story building with an industrial ceiling and exposed-brick stage, the newer HRC has indoor seating for 200 people with additional seating on our outdoor patio to accommodate 70 guests.” For more information, visit www.hardrockcafe.com. 
Capstone Grill: Definitely the place to be for seafood lovers, Capstone Grill has yummy seafood and delicious options from which to choose. “At the Capstone Grill, it is our mission to procure, prepare and serve the freshest seafood, meats and vegetables in a way that is uniquely our own. Your fresh fish or steak is cut to order, ensuring the freshest meal possible. We offer a variety of fresh fish from around the globe, with over twelve preparation styles to choose from. In addition to our fresh seafood and meat selections, our menu offers a wide variety of dishes to please each individual palate. We are open for lunch and dinner and offer an all-day dining menu, so whether you are in the mood for a full meal or just a sandwich, we have what you’re looking for.” See hours and menu options at www.capstonegrill.com. The Olive Garden: The Olive Garden is a well-known and popular Italian restaurant. With a beautiful building and a superb menu everyone will be satisfied. “Olive Garden is a family of more than 750 local restaurants committed to providing every guest with a genuine Italian dining experience. It’s what we like to call Hospitaliano; our passion for 100% guest delight.” Search www.olivegarden.com to discover more.
Fusion Japanese Steakhouse: Watching the waiters cook guests' food right in front of them is fascinating, but what is even better is the actual food. At Fusion everyone can enjoy his/her own choice of specialty Japanese food. “Fusion specializes in Japanese Hibachi Style cooking, featuring only the finest cuts of mouth-watering steak, chicken and seafood. We also provide a full-service sushi bar and a wide array of fine Asian cuisine. We are committed to providing service that is nothing short of legendary, along with entertainment and the genuine sort of personal care and attention that creates a dining "experience" worthy of our valued customers.” Learn more about this new eatery at www.fusionsteakhouse.com. From Italian food to good old American food there are many dinner options for a special night. Make homecoming a memorable night by enjoying one's time with friends and hopefully choosing a delicious restaurant to start, or conclude, this memorable evening.
Homecoming 2011 after party ideas
By Abby Miles, senior
Getting dressed up for homecoming at Canon-McMillan on October 8th this year and attending the dance can be a fascinating high school memory, but having something fun to do after the dance will make one's night even more memorable. With these fun party ideas one can enjoy a nice calm night by a fire or a fun lively night running around having fun with friends.
For those who plan to party outdoors on a beautiful autumn evening, here are some exciting ideas for outdoor parties. A bonfire is always fun for a group and a fantastic way to stay warm while enjoying S'mores and hotdogs after the dance. The weather may be a bit chilly for night-swimming, but this can be loads of fun if a member of your group has a heated pool. Playing games outside will also be a hit. Games like flashlight tag and jail break are fun and entertaining for active teens.
These few ideas can help make a good night great. Don’t let your friends down this year at homecoming and keep them active and entertained after the dance. Stay safe and have fun!
Fall fortunes formulate your back to school horoscopes
By Kristin Salaky ('11) and Emily Hughes, senior
With the arrival of the new school year, students are wondering what to expect. Try these horoscopes to find out what the stars have in store for you this year.
Libra--(September 23-October 23) Libras are very open and ready for new experiences. Your goal for this month should be to get out there and try something new. New friends are also in your future, but Libras be careful, don’t be too pushy for your friends to try new things with you, let them do their own thing.
Lucky days: 12, 10, 28
Scorpio-(October 21- November 24) Scorpios this is a very special month filled with happiness. It’s the perfect time to find a new beau, but don’t try too hard to impress, just be yourself and everything will take course. This is going to be a long steady relationship so get ready for the rollercoaster and have fun!
Lucky days: 29, 6, 7
Sagittarius – (November 22- December 21) Money! Money! Money! You are about to come into a small fortune. You are a hard worker and your boss is going to notice. If you don’t have a job, you’re about to find a well paying one and if you are employed a raise is definitely in your future.
Lucky days: 2, 4, 26
Capricorn- (December 22-January 19) This is going to be a difficult month for you, dear Capricorns. You are going to have to make some important decisions that will be hard and may cause a few tears. Whether it involves letting go of certain people that are bringing you down in life or an item that is enabling you, it is time to start fresh. This month might be a tough, but once you make your decisions everything will run smoothly.
Lucky days: 24, 16, 5
Aquarius- (January 20-February 18) Although you are not usually the level -headed one amongst your friends, there is a fight brewing and you are going to be the one who has to fix it. It may not be easy for you, but after listening to both sides of the story you have to make each of your friends realize it’s better to get along than to fight. Your reward will be having all of your friends’ respect.
Lucky days: 8, 17, 30
Pisces-(February 19- March 20) This is a month full of sunshine and bliss for you, Pisces. The end of the warm months is coming, but your mood isn’t brought down, you’re ready to soak in the sun and have fun! You’re also going to have an amazing time during these first few months of school finding new clubs to join, new friends to make and maybe even a new love interest.
Lucky days: 12, 16, 19
Aries-(March 21-April 20) With the new school year approaching, Arians tend to set high personal expectations. This year can be the best year ever, but you don’t have to sweat it! Use your exuberant personality and channel it into an activity like a sport or theater. If you branch out, you may be surprised what sparks your interests.
Lucky days: October 3, 16, 22
Taurus (April 21-May 21) Your attitude makes you an excellent friend. You may meet some new friends in your classes, but don’t forget about your old ones! Make time to bond with new friends, and to reminisce with old ones, even try to bring both groups together. With your generous nature, there is enough attention to go around.
Lucky days: October 8, 19, 27
Gemini-(May 22 to June 21) A material attitude could mean some awesome taste in clothes for back to school. It could also mean a serious damage to your bank account. Try consignment shops, sale racks and even swap with some friends. They can help curb your appetite for retail and your budget.
Lucky days: October 6, 12, 14
Cancer-(June 22-July 22) With school comes homework, papers and projects. With your independent nature, you may first start to work on your own, but Cancers also have a need for emotional interaction. Try working on a few smaller projects with friends. New ideas and concepts could even enhance your grades.
Lucky days: October 1, 13, 29
Leo-(July 23 to August 21) Leos love to be the center of attention, but are very independent. The new school year provides sports, theater, clubs and more where you can show your stuff. Just be careful not to steal the spotlight for too long!
Lucky days: October 4, 18, 30
Virgo-(August 22 to September 23) Virgos are usually really organized, get good grades and excel at many endeavors on their own. Unfortunately, these things can lead to routine lives. Grades are #1, but after a week of studying, it’s important to unwind with family or friends.
Lucky days: October 5, 11, 28
