The Villain Voice, Volume 2

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to become a priest? I was raised in the Catholic faith in Western North Carolina. My family has a small farm outside of Hendersonville. My parents were very insistent that we participate in the life of the church and be active in our faith. My brother and I were altar servers growing up and heavily involved in our youth group through middle and high school. In middle school, we received a new pastor at my parish, and he was an excellent model for the priesthood. It was in middle school that I began to give voice to the possibility that God was calling me to the priesthood. I had a normal high school experience for a kid in public school, but quietly continued my prayer and discernment The Villain Voice FAITH FEATURE FATHER CARTER’S STORY By: Morgan Johnston 1 Volume 2, December 2023 regarding the priesthood. The Vocations Director for the diocese invited me in the Spring of my senior year to apply to the seminary. I had already been accepted into three colleges because I thought I would need some years in college before they considered my application. I entered college seminary in Columbus, Ohio. All in all, what led me to become a priest was seeing excellent priests throughout the diocese and taking part in parish and diocesan events. I saw their joy, fraternity, and prayerfulness; I wanted that fulfillment. What are some of the challenges you face in your pastoral work, and how do you address them? One of the greatest challenges in my pastoral ministry is lukewarmness. Too many people are concerned with worldly pursuits over and above their spiritual pursuits. The faith wows me, draws me in. I couldn’t imagine going a day without mental prayer, a Rosary, and my other devotions. And yet, too many people see living the faith as an “add-on” or an accessory. If they happen to be up on a Sunday morning without other plans, they may consider going to Mass. Trying to draw people to give the attention to a life of faith is a very difficult thing. But when I see people begin to take it seriously, all they want is more. That’s the work of God’s grace. They become more peaceful and less disturbed with the going ons of the world around them, because they weigh everything in the balance of their own growth in holiness and eternal salvation. How do you maintain your own faith and spiritual well-being during challenging times? During particularly difficult times, my faith is maintained through the encouragement of my brother priests. I have so many brothers serving throughout the diocese that a visit, phone call, round of golf, or meal with one or more of them reinforces my dedication to the ministry. We need relationships that encourage us not to run away when life gets difficult or

FAITH FEATURE 2 Is there a particular scripture passage or teaching that has been especially meaningful to you throughout your ministry? On the day of my ordination, I took the motto “Opus manuum nostrum dirige” — “Direct the work of our hands.” These are the last words of Psalm 89, which is a Psalm prayed every morning in the Office of Prime. It celebrates God’s providence and asks for his blessings and presence throughout the day. I am very much a “one day at a time” person. God does not dwell in the past, but in the present. I want this day to be a day in which I can cooperate with his good will and help in building his kingdom. He is the architect, so I must follow his designs. stressful. I also am a planner. I know myself pretty well and plan times away from my pastoral responsibilities. What advice would you give to individuals who are exploring their own faith or considering a religious vocation? When someone comes to me serious about their faith, I encourage them to keep digging. The mysteries of our faith are of infinite depth. They are not problems to be solved; they are mysteries to be entered into and lived. Find others — peers and mentors — who can help encourage that pursuit of truth and goodness. Be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of God’s will. It all starts there. When someone shares with me that they are pondering a religious vocation or call to the priesthood, I encourage them to do three things. First, at least 30 minutes of mental prayer every day, as well as Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. Thirdly, at least one holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament each week. We also have in the Diocese of Charlotte two camps for young people who are asking “What was I created for?” Quo Vadis happens every summer for young men, and Duc in Altum for young women. These camps are run at Belmont Abbey College and give the time throughout the week to consider what God might be calling one to do in his service. Volume 2, December 2023 Father Carter presideing over an all-school mass

With some car manufacturers announcing drastic changes to cars with the new model year coming out, there are many questions concerning the car community. The 1964 Pontiac GTO would start the muscle car era that took America by storm for ten years before environmental regulations and the gas crisis led to decades of low power engines. In the 2000s, the muscle car era was revived by more powerful engines leading to some of the fastest cars the big three American automotive manufacturers ever produced. With drastic changes being made by Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors, something many car enthusiasts wonder is what the future of American muscle cars holds. The Villain Voice AUTOMOTIVE MUSCLE CAR COMPETITION IN THE NEAR FUTURE By: Luke O’Connor 3 Volume 2, December 2023 Dodge is owned by parent company Stellantis. In 2006, Dodge brought back the Charger as a sedan. Then, in 2008, they brought back the Challenger as a coupe like it used to be. In August of 2022, Stellantis announced that they would be ending production of the gas powered Challenger and Charger in 2023. For the 2023 models, they would produce “last call” editions to commemorate the company’s history. The end of production is December 2023. However, the Charger name will continue to live on. Dodge will produce a new generation of the Charger without the Hemi V8 engine, which was originally announced as an EV. Dodge has designed the next generation of Chargers to have similar lines to the late 1960’s Charger. The 400-volt system was rumored to produce 455 horsepower and the 440-volt system to produce 590 horsepower. Although originally thought to be only an EV, the next generation will have an engine to replace the Hemi. The twin-turbo Inline 6 “Hurricane” engine will come as a 3.0 liter standard output engine and a 3.6 liter high output engine. The 3.0 liter engine is said to produce 400 horsepower while the 3.6 liter engine is said to produce 520 horsepower. The main reason Dodge will make a big change by ditching their iconic Hemi engine is to get around emission regulations. With General Motors making massive improvements to the Chevrolet Corvette with the C8 generation, it has lifted the Corvette out of muscle car status and into supercar territory. However, this leaves GM with only the Chevrolet Camaro in the muscle car competition among the big three. The sixth-generation Camaro is said to be discontinued from production in January 2024 and no successor has been named. It is rumored that the Camaro badging will eventually return on an EV but General Motors has made no official announcements regarding a new generation. There will be a collector’s-edition Camaro with the code name “Panther”. It will be available on the LT/RS, LT1, SS, and ZL1 trims. The Panther will

AUTOMOTIVE be limited to only 350 units on the ZL1 package powered by a 650 horsepower LT4 engine. The package will be powered by smaller engines on other trims. While Dodge is ditching V8 engines and Chevrolet is discontinuing the Camaro, Ford has just started production on their S650 (seventh generation) Mustang. Ford first came out with the Mustang in 1964 and has produced it for sixty years. Although many manufacturers are ditching V8 engines, Ford has chosen a different route. They will continue to put the 5.0 liter V8 Coyote in their muscle car. The 2024 Coyote is the most 4 Volume 2, December 2023 Multimatic’s facility where the Ford GT was produced. This Mustang will be built to meet GT3 specifications and will have an improved 5.2 liter supercharged V8 that was previously found in the recent Shelby GT500. The 5.2 liter supercharged V8 is said to produce over 800 horsepower, which will be sent to the rear wheels by an eight-speed dualclutch rear transaxle. The rear transaxle helps provide an impressive 50/50 weight distribution helping it achieve a sub-7 minute Nürburgring time. The GTD will be street-legal but will cost more than $300,000. powerful it’s ever been producing 480 horsepower on GT models and 500 horsepower on the new Dark Horse edition. The Mustang still comes with a six-speed manual transmission with an option for a ten-speed automatic. Along with the 5.0, Ford will continue to also have a 2.3 liter Inline 4 Ecoboost engine which now produces 330 horsepower. With the new generation of the Mustang, Ford will now have the Dark Horse race in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2024. That won't be the only racing for the new Mustang, as Ford revealed the 2025 Mustang GTD in August 2023. The GTD will be built in

As we all know, the holiday season is filled with fun and joy. Families gather to celebrate this special time by cooking meals and enjoying the wondrous Christmas lights. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to experience holiday joy. Many people fall victim to spiritless, ruthless, and coal deserving criminals. It is truly saddening to imagine that not everyone gets the same holiday experience. The Villain Voice CRIME IT’S CRIME TIME! By: Ryan Martin 5 Volume 2, December 2023 increases the amount of crimes committed. Lapsing one’s judgment, individuals may act in ways that they might not act otherwise. The desire to look economically well-off is also a driving factor for increased holiday crime rates. Many people who struggle financially still want to uphold their economic status and may resort to theft. 2. Identity Theft Increased shopping rates, both in-store and online, lead to a higher risk of identity theft. These risks occur year round but are heightened with the increase of holiday shopping. Identity thieves look to steal credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other personal information. With this information, identity thieves will make purchases or commit additional crimes. Why are Certain Crimes More Frequent During the Holidays? The holidays may be the happiest and most joyous time of the year, but they can also be the most dangerous. Crime increases during the holidays for many reasons, including economic stress and opportunistic circumstances. Here are a few of the many reasons for why crime increases during the holidays: Since gift-giving is such a large part of the holidays, people are prone to spending more time away from home. Being away from home, the opportunity for crime spikes as well as the opportunity for porch pirates to steal presents delivered to a house. Increased alcohol consumption during festive events also Most Common Holiday Crimes With emotions running high and parents frantically running around, the holiday season can be a dangerous time. With Christmas approaching, here are a few of the most common crimes that you should watch out for this holiday season. 1. Shoplifting As expected, shoplifting is the most common crime committed during the holiday season. With a rush to buy gifts for children on Black Friday and numerous lastminute stops at stores, customers often shoplift as an alternative to paying for their items. Shopping is at a peak during the holiday season, and even with additional help, there are frequently not enough employees to be fully attentive to the numerous holiday crowds. Shoplifters will take advantage of these conditions and steal more. 3. Drunk Driving (DUI) With increased holiday festivities and celebrations, the consumption of alcohol usually increases. Make sure to choose a designated driver to avoid a fun night turning tragic. All too often, the holiday season brings about a large increase in incidents of drunk driving, fatalities and injuries related to drunk driving, and DUI charges. It is important to note that DUI charges can have significant consequences on your future. You can get your license suspended, large fines, jail time, and even the long term impacts of a criminal record. 4. Domestic Violence Because emotions run high and people are in close proximity to others and levels of stress or irritability are elevated, domestic violence is at a peak

CRIME 6 your children unattended at any time, and check on friends and family during the cold weather. during the holidays. People often lose control of their emotions and behavior, and situations quickly rise out of control. Once the situation escalates, consequences skyrocket and often someone goes to jail. The situation is often further escalated when factors such as drugs and alcohol are involved. Volume 2, December 2023 Holiday Crime Prevention Tips In addition to crimes you should watch out for, here are some holiday safety tips: Vehicle Safety Do not leave any valuable items in your car, and if you do, don't make them visible from the outside. Ensure that you lock your car doors when exiting your vehicle. House Safety Leave your house lights on, or at least on a timer, especially at night. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, especially if you have valuable items visible. If you plan to travel, get a friend to watch over your house to ensure no one is messing with it. Don’t post anything about where you are or when you will be away from your home until you're back from your trip to ensure no one tries to break in while you're gone. Family Safety When the time for shopping comes around, it's the more the merrier. Try to avoid walking out to your car alone with lots of money in merchandise, especially at night. Do not leave Holiday Crime Stats Last Christmas, nearly 5000 homes were broken into between December 24th and December 25th. 2700 break-ins occurred on Christmas Eve, and 2200 on Christmas Day. Each burglary averaged $2900, more than 5% higher dollar-wise than on any other day. An estimated $131 million dollars was lost to the near 85,000 burglaries during the holiday season in 2021 Although ranked in one of the lowest spots for crime rate per month, December’s crime stats show a large increase in holidayrelated crimes. Things such as aggravated assault, larceny, and shoplifting spike starting mid November and do not decrease until after Christmas. A total of 287 counts of aggravated assault took place during the month of December over the past 5 years, averaging 57.4 per year. In addition to spikes in aggravated assaults, there is also a drastic increase in counts of larceny during the month of December in High Point. A High Point Crime Analyst provided information showing a total of 2203 counts of larceny (over five years) in the 30 days of December, averaging to 440.6 counts per year and 14.7 per day. Finally and most relevant, is the record-low shoplifting rates. Despite having a decrease in counts of shoplifting compared to previous years, rates of shoplifting in December are still substantial compared to the rest of the year. This bar graph represents a comparison of crimes for the 12 months of the year for the past few years. Statistics for 2022 are still being finalized.

The Villain Voice ENTERTAINMENT By: Abigayl Maryo 7 Volume 2, December 2023 This time of year always brings with it a feel-good movie or three, and there’s nothing better than taking a break in the glow of the silver screen (or your TV) with lots of food. This holiday season, like every other, all you may want to do is snuggle up with your blanket and watch movies all day. Here are five top films that you should add to your Christmas watchlist. As the days to Christmas tick away, there may not be enough time to find every Christmas movie to stream. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Whoville on Christmas Eve. However, the Grinch realizes that Christmas is not all about money and presents. 3. Christmas Vacation Clark Griswold, the wellintentioned walking disaster who has dragged his family through the horrors of traveling in two previous National Lampoon Vacation films, has decided to stay home for the holidays, and the neighborhood will never be the same. BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES 5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas The movie is about a grumpy, solitary creature who tries to ruin Christmas by stealing gifts and decorations from the homes of the nearby town of 4. The Polar Express Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards the mysterious train that waits for him--The Polar Express. When the boy arrives at the North Pole, Santa Claus offers him any gift he desires. The boy asks only for a bell from the harness of Santa's reindeer, but on the way home, the bell is lost. Christmas morning, the boy finds the bell under the Christmas tree, and when he shakes it, the bell makes the most beautiful sound he's ever heard. His mother admires the bell, but she laments that it is broken, for, you see, only a true believer can hear the sound of the bell.

ENTERTAINMENT 8 his house against bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, who are planning to rob every house in the neighborhood. Kevin's mother, Kate, is frantic when she realizes that she and the 2. Elf One Christmas Eve a long time ago, a baby crawled into Santa's bag of toys. Raised as an elf, Buddy grows into an adult three times larger than the biggest elf and realizes that he will never truly fit in at the North Pole. This holiday season, Buddy goes looking for his true place in the world—in New York City. Buddy finds his workaholic father, who's on Santa's "naughty" list; a new mother; and a 10-year-old brother who doesn't believe in Santa Claus or elves. Here now, Buddy discovers his destiny: to save Christmas for New York and the world! Volume 2, December 2023 1. Home Alone Eight-year-old Kevin McAllister is accidentally left behind in suburban Chicago while his family travels on vacation to France during the holiday season. Once he realizes they've left him home alone, Kevin learns to fend for himself and protect FOR ALL THE DOGS ALBUM REVIEW By: Jiseung Ha For All the Dogs was released on October 6th, 2023. Since its release, 402,000 copies have been sold, and it was 200th on the U.S. billboard. The album has 23 songs that make it an hour and 24 minutes long. Many people have considered this album to be the album of the year because of all the astounding features and beats in the tracks. This nearly hour and a half album is truly a work of art. As Drake said in his previous concert before this album had been released, this album would be the “Old Drake,” which everyone had wanted from him. Features on this album included Teezo Touchdown, 21 Savage, J. Cole, Yeat, SZA, PartyNextDoor, Chief Keef, Bad Bunny, Sexyy Red, Lil Yachty, and even his own son, Adonis, received his own little feature in the song “Daylight.” Outstanding tracks on the album included “Virginia Beach”, “First Person Shooter” (feat. J. Cole), “IDGAF” (feat. Yeat), “Drew a Picasso”, and “8am in Charlotte”. “Virginia Beach” became very popular on social media when fans of Drake realized that the background music had included lyrics from an unreleased song by Frank Ocean called “Wiseman”. “First Person Shooter” easily became many people’s favorite in the album as included mostly J. Cole and barely Drake. On “IDGAF”, a surprising collaboration between Yeat and Drake happened in which Yeat’s feature became so popular that people began to say that Drake was the feature on the song instead of Yeat. “Drew a Picasso” is one of the calmer songs on the album which many people enjoyed. “8am in Charlotte” was another calm song that many people enjoyed which featured Drake’s son, Adonis, in the music video. For All the Dogs is truly an outstanding album compared to the other albums produced in 2023. We see that Drake was really trying to go back to his old sounds and style of music which he knew many people wanted to see from him after all these years. For All the Dogs is a great album for all the fans of Drake and even those that want to get into listening to Drake. There is a great diversity of the beats and emotions of the music in the album so that you can listen to this album for days and even weeks. family have unintentionally left Kevin behind. She tries to make it back to Chicago as fast as she can, getting help from a polka band leader named Gus Polinski.

ENTERTAINMENT 9 NOSTALGIA TOUR By: Frank Foppe of November respectively. The tour is highly anticipated by his fans all around the nation. On date of writing, November 14, Rod Wave has performed at sixteen venues during this tour. Most notably he has been to Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. He has brought out various other performers at his shows such as G Herbo and Toosii. As for the man himself, he is proud of his newest album and is excited for his ongoing shows. Before he started the tour, he stated, “I turn it to a butterfly. I’m fullgrown on this one. You know what I’m saying? Like I said in the Rod Wave announced he would be going on tour after he released his new album, Nostalgia. Rodarious Marcell Green (Rod Wave) has been producing music since 2016. He was born on August 27, 1998 in St. Petersburg, Florida. This album is his third straight number one album appearance on the Billboard 200. The most popular songs included in the album are Fight the Feeling, Boyz Don’t Cry, Call Your Friends, and Turks & Caicos which features popular artist 21 Savage. “I feel like on this album, I was able to spread my emotions around, and I have more time just to touch bases on different kinds of points of views on different subjects,” shared the 25-yearold with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1 of Nostalgia. The tour has already kicked off on October 19 in Lincoln, Nebraska. It will continue all the way until December 18 in Jacksonville, Florida. There will also be stops locally in Raleigh and Charlotte on the fourteenth and fifteenth song, right now, while I’m doing shows and doing platinum albums, it’s cool, but I remember once upon a time, it was crazy for me to be saying, ‘I’m going to be a rapper,’ and this why I’m investing all my time and all my money and all my whole life into losing relationships and just a lot of stuff. And it seemed crazy to people at the time, but now they understand it.” Rod Wave compares himself and his music to a full-grown butterfly on this album. People should look forward to attending this string of concerts throughout the end of this year. Volume 2, December 2023 TOP 5 BEST CHRISTMAS SONGS By: Miles Fuehler We all love sitting back and listening to our favorite Christmas songs, right? Luckily for us, there are many jolly songs to choose from. However, figuring out which songs are best can be challenging. I have been inspired to explore and find out which Christmas songs people think are the greatest. I did some research and consulted some of my peers to see which tune they favor most! 5. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey “All I Want for Christmas is You” is the least favored song. On October 29, 1994, Columbia Records released this song from her album. “All I want for Christmas” was the top single in this album. When her song was released, it was so successful that it ended up claiming the number six spot on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary chart. Sixteen million copies of this song have been sold nationally, establishing it as one of the “best-selling digital singles of all time.” 4. “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms During the 1950’s, country music artist Bobby Helms was given a chance to sing a new song, “Jingle Bell Rock.” At first he was hesitant, but later fell in love after hearing the song played. His song became so popular and well liked that several other famous artists covered the single. This includes versions by The Beach Boys, Mariah Carey,

ENTERTAINMENT 10 2. “Jingle Bells” by James Pierpont “Jingle Bells,” originally called “One Horse Open Sleigh” was written over 170 years ago during the early 1850s. It is believed to have been the first “Christmas music” ever recorded. On YouTube, “Jingle Bells” has over 189 million views! Additionally, this was the first song ever broadcasted from space! and Ariana Grande. “Jingle Bell Rock” has received over 600 millions streams on Spotify! Although the song is over sixty years old, it is still played everywhere you go, solidifying itself as a fan favorite. Songs.” “Here Comes Santa Claus” became such a catch that artists such as Elvis Presley, Willy Nelson, and Bob Dylan decided to record their own versions of the songs. Gene Autry’s “Here Comes Santa Claus” now has over 1.6 million views on YouTube. Volume 2, December 2023 3. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Perry Como The hit “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” was written by Meredith Willson. But Perry Como’s version blew up the charts. On Spotify, "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" has racked up over 264 million streams. In 2004, this top song was featured in the Oscar nominated film, “The Polar Express”! 1. ”Here Comes Santa Claus” by Gene Autry "Here Comes Santa Claus" was first written by Gene Autry. This landed Autry a top 10 spot on the top Country and Pop hits chart. His song made the cut as one of the “Disney Sing Along BISHOP CHEERLEADERS PUTTING ON A HALFTIME-SHOW DURING A PEP RALLY

The Villain Voice FASHION MEN AND WOMEN FALL FASHION TRENDS By: Bella Bridges 11 Volume 2, December 2023 Fall is such a cozy and beautiful time: the leaves change colors, pumpkin patches open up, and everyone starts thinking about what they're grateful for, but how does fashion play a role in fall? Fashion is something that changes with the seasons just like the leaves. In summer, the leaves are green and people wear bright colors as well as shorts and tank tops. In fall, the leaves turn red, yellow, orange and start to fall, so what do we wear in the fall? Fall is a very unisex season; a lot of fall fashion is the same for both genders such as sweaters and jeans, for example. Let's explore the differences between men's and women's fall fashion. Women's fall and winter fashion is very trendy, and many people wear similar clothing. For women, it can be challenging to be unique with outfits during this season because fall is a transition season, and most items worn are considered staples. This makes it hard to build a unique and different outfit than what other women are wearing; however, most women don’t mind that we all wear similar things in a few varieties. It is honestly sweet how we all find joy in the same products and outfits. Most women's fashion trends for fall and winter consist of the same things: Uggs, jeans, leggings, chunky sweaters, tight longsleeve shirts, hoodies, corduroy, boots, cardigans, puffer coats, leather, mini skirts, tights, and more. Men's fall and winter fashion is very cozy and appealing. However, men’s fall and winter fashion may still be basic, but it is definitely more unique than women's fashion. While there are trends in men's fashion, they don’t really care about following them and tend to choose clothes that align with their personal style and comfort. For example, men who play sports typically opt for sweatpants and casual looks, but this stereotype isn't always accurate because most people choose what they find stylish and comfortable, not necessarily what their type is associated with. Men's clothing choices for fall typically consist of sweatpants, jeans, puffer jackets, sweater vests, vintage jackets, crewnecks, sweaters, layering, Uggs, Converse, flannels, cargos, and more.

FASHION 12 WEARING YOUR VOICE By: Colin Turner body. This is not a cycle I derive joy from, so here will be my effort to give both as general and as thorough a guide as possible on How to Dress. Without further ado, my first advice is to experiment as much as possible. I find that all too often people get stuck in a rotation of clothes that feel comfortable enough in but that doesn’t suit them very well. To be clear, feeling comfortable in your clothes is very important, but feeling comfortable and looking good are not mutually exclusive, and experimentation can help you find where the two overlap. Experimentation can occur at any stage of the Styling Process. Use filters on Instagram or TikTok or wherever else to virtually try on facial hair and glasses from the comfort of your own home. Go to the mall and physically try on whatever you want. Dig up clothes you don’t particularly like, maybe you bought them whimsically, and try to fit them into an outfit. If they still don’t work, modify them! As an aside, I do not understand the notion that one’s clothes should not be modified. I have known people who don’t even get alterations because for some reason their clothes are sacred, but because your clothes probably do have seams, you are fully within your right to change them however you want. Yes, you take on the risk of ruining your clothes, but alterations really are not that difficult; there are plenty of When you wear a uniform most days, it can be easy for your sense of style to become deadened. It happens all too often that because a person’s stylistic choices are made for them, they forget that they care about what they wear. Clothing becomes purely utilitarian: a means to cover one’s body. While coverage is certainly the primordial aspect of clothing, it is a waste and a tragedy not to express yourself through your clothing. The whole point of such variety in clothing stores is to suit the taste of any individual: where, then, has your taste gone? I only harp thusly because altogether too many of my peers have come to me, of all people, seeking guidance in their fashion. They present me with something of an impossible task because I cannot tell them what to wear without telling them what I would wear. If a purpose of fashion is to express oneself, then by styling another person I am expressing myself on their tutorials to help you; the internet is a vast and wonderful place. “But Colin! How do you fit something into an outfit?” I hear your cry. Again, this is extremely subjective, but over the course of human history there have been efforts to discover universal truths of aesthetics. The entire field of color theory is at your disposal to coordinate the colors in your outfit. To simplify matters far too much, it is generally acceptable to pair complementary and analogous colors; although, there are many exceptions. I like to use splitcomplementary colors because I think they’re just a little more nuanced than the tried-and-true color combinations. Colors like black, white, grey, and brown are considered neutral and can be paired with most any color, but brown is trickier because, as an “earth tone,” it prefers natural colors: avoid pairing brown with neon. Shape also plays a huge role in the composition of your outfit. Renaissance art is often upheld, to this day, as some of the most beautiful and masterful art out there. I think this is at least in part because of its use of symmetry and proportion. These principles are among the most important when it comes to the visual intrigue both in general and in your outfit. How they are used, as always, is highly specific to each individual’s taste, but regardless of one’s preferences these principles will be at play. An outfit will be symmetrical or asymmetrical, proportional or Volume 2, December 2023

FASHION not proportional: there is no right answer. As a rule, I find that outfits that are symmetrical and fit your proportions are more formal and clean-cut, but throwing off the balance of your outfit can help to emphasize certain features. For example, if you want to style some big and clunky combat boots, you could balance them with a heavy jacket, or you could emphasize the boots by opting for a more lightweight top; this will draw attention away from your upper half, allowing the boots to shine. The world of fashion is full of such theoretical shrubbery that I could spend pages hacking through with my metaphorical machete, but at the end of the day what matters is that people wear the clothes they like. This article is not an attack on those with understated taste in fashion; rather, it should serve as rails to guide the stylistic bowling ball of the amateur to a striking appearance. If you get nothing else from this article, remember that experimentation is key in developing your style: expanding your comfort zone just means more room to be comfortable. UPCOMING SHOE RELEASES 13 Volume 2, December 2023 By: Madison Felts Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Year of the Dragon” Color: Sail, Cedar, Oil Green, Light Pumice, Dark Red Release Date: January 24, 2024 Price: $160 Style Code: FN3727-100 These shoes will be a big hit because of the comfortable material and overall quality of the shoe. Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1 Low OG Color: Black, Sail, Metallic Release Date: February 15, 2024 Price: $140 Style Code: FN0432-017 These shoes will be popular because of the soft colors and their being a new collaboration with Trophy Room. Air Jordan 4 “Bred Reimagined” Color: Black, Fire Red, Cement Grey, Summit White Release Date: February 17, 2024 Price: $215 Style Code: FV5029-006 Air Jordan 1 High OG “Reverse Panda” Color: Black, White Release Date: February 24, 2024 Price: $180 Style Code: DZ5485-010 These shoes will be a hit because of the clean black and white colorway. Also, these shoes will go with pretty much any outfit. Air Jordan 1 High OG “Metallic Gold” Color: White, Metallic Gold, Gum Light Brown Release Date: February 14, 2024 Price: $180 Style Code: FD2596-107 These shoes will be loved among most because of the soft white and glossy gold colorway.

The Villain Voice FOOD By: Emilee Harrell 14 Volume 2, December 2023 For these upcoming holidays, I will be coming up with 5 different dinners for you to make and share with your family including appetizers, entrées, sides, and little snacks as well! The food items will be put in a menu style, with an appetizer, an entrée, and a side for each of the five meals. I will be including links to the recipes so that these holiday menu items will be applicable for anybody, experienced or not! Be ready because during this holiday season your tastebuds will experience the yummiest foods. mashed potatoes, with a little spice. Roasted garlic is a staple vegetable in my house and had to be included with this side. Thanksgiving-Decorated Devilled Eggs. Devilled eggs make the perfect appetizer for a gathering and are light enough to have a few….or ten: I won’t tell! For the entrée, the Brown Sugar Cola Glazed Ham is exquisite. This entrée is made in a crockpot for all my slow cookers. This is the best dish for families that would rather spend time gathering than cooking. To go with the glazed ham, I thought that the bacon-wrapped green beans would pair perfectly. This dish is the perfect mix of that maple, brown sugar, and savory bacon meal! EMILEE’S THANKSGIVING MENU Dish 1: Appetizer: Pumpkin Butter Brie Baked in Filo Puff Pastry Entrée: Rosemary Orange Glazed Roasted Pork Loin Side: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes For the first dish, I thought to include one of my favorite appetizers: Baked Brie. I recently made Pumpkin Butter Brie and realized that it would make the perfect fall appetizer. I am a big fan of incorporating fruits into a nice piece of meat for a meal. The Rosemary Orange Glazed Roasted Pork Loin will create a balanced flavor of both sweet and savory. Finishing it off, I have classic Dish 2: Appetizer: Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini Entrée: Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Side: Green Bean Casserole I thought the best appetizer to have with such a vegetablebased meal would be the Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini. This appetizer not only is on the healthier side, but also tasty enough to be enjoyable. Digging deeper into the vegetable side of Thanksgiving, I thought a good entrée would be the Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach. It is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. Butternut squash pairs perfectly with sausage and makes for a healthy meal. Keeping along with the veggie trend, enjoy a basic but delicious Green Bean Casserole. Dish 3: Appetizer: Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs Entrée: Crockpot Brown Sugar Cola Glazed Ham Side: Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans For this dish, I wanted to keep up the Thanksgiving spirit, so I started this meal with Dish 4: Appetizer: Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Entrée: Herb Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Pecan Stuffing Side: Healthy Fall Salad For all my seasoning lovers, this dish will be perfect for you. For the appetizer, I will be starting off with Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. These are a staple Thanksgiving appetizer and will be devoured by the whole family. Moving on, the entrée is the Herb Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Pecan Stuffing. This dish is so flavorful and packed with so many different seasonings. Lastly, I’m pairing that seasoned turkey with a Healthy Fall Salad that will

FOOD cleanse your palate and prepare you for dessert! HOLIDAY DRINK COMPARISON 15 Volume 2, December 2023 Dish 5: Appetizer: Charcuterie Board Entrée: Baked Crunch Hot Honey Chicken Side: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots For this last dish, I saved the best appetizer for last: the charcuterie board. A charcuterie board is the best appetizer to share with a big crowd. It is so versatile, and you can pick and choose any fruits or vegetables to incorporate. For the entrée, I wanted to pick something unique for all the people who don’t enjoy turkey for Thanksgiving. I picked out Baked Crunch Hot Honey Chicken for the entrée. This dish is so yummy for any occasion and wouldn’t be turned down for Thanksgiving either. With all that deep frying for the chicken, I did add Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots as the side for a little more vegetation in our system. The Best Charcuterie Board By: Alessandro Lopez-Morales What first comes to mind when you think of holiday drinks? If you’re a caffeine lover like me, you might have thought of Starbucks or Dunkin’! Starbucks and Dunkin’s best season for sales is arguably the holiday season. Every year, both franchises launch promotions, special drinks, new menu items, holiday deals, and more. Speaking from personal experience, I can’t wait to try the new drinks and even the same holiday ones they have every year. Most establishments get in on the action and release their menus to anxiously awaiting customers in October. USA Today said, “Starbucks' holiday menu is available one day after competitor Dunkin' released its holiday menu on Wednesday along with the return of "Free Donut Wednesdays" through Dec. 31, offering rewards members a free classic donut with any drink purchase.” These two franchises are leading companies in fast food, especially for coffee and other drinks or food. Starbucks does have a bigger array of options on its menu. Dunkin’ on the other hand only has a few options on their menu. I conducted a survey to see how I could resolve this debate. First, I asked students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School if they were avid caffeine drinkers; in other words, are they coffee fans? About 85% of our students said yes! My following question was simple: Do you like holiday coffee drinks from Starbucks or from Dunkin’ more? In all honesty, the results were exactly what I was expecting: Starbucks won by a landslide. Almost the entire school said they prefer Starbucks. Specifically, about 95% of students said they liked Starbucks more. In conclusion, Starbucks seems to have more fans than Dunkin’ at least among Bishop students.

FOOD 16 STUDENT OPINION: SCHOOL LUNCH AND PRICES By: Jack Brown necessary for both physical and mental growth. Enough nutrition not only supports physical health but also improves the learning environment. A balanced diet increases a student's likelihood of participating in class, remembering the subject, and acting more appropriately. In addition, starting early to develop wholesome, wellportioned school meals promotes healthy eating habits and lays the groundwork for lifelong positive health results. Now, let's investigate the significance of school lunches. Apart from providing nourishment during the academic day, these meals hold substantial value in our daily routine. The cafeteria serves as a spot for meals as well as a place to unwind, chat with friends, and finish homework. Let's look into the utility of school lunches in our academic careers. Students can socialize and share meals with one another during school lunches. Additionally, by giving kids the energy they require to concentrate well in the classroom, school lunches can enhance academic performance. Children can learn about nutrition from school lunches and have the opportunity to try new foods and develop healthy eating habits. School lunch should provide a healthy, well-balanced meal that is appropriate in terms of portion size for a student's academic progress and overall health. The nutritional content of these meals directly affects students' minds, energy, and ability to form clear thoughts in class. A balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is Volume 2, December 2023 An example of an offered lunch here at Bishop At Bishop, most of the student's favorite meal is the Butter Chicken, Jasmine Rice, and Naan Bread. The runner-up was the beef nachos. Around 75% of students said the price was too much for their favorite meal, and honestly, who doesn't want things cheaper? We must also consider inflation before we can just say the price is too high. While it is understandable when students aren’t getting the right portion size for the price, the average price of high school lunches in North Carolina is $3.

FOOD 17 TOP 5 SEASONAL BAKED GOODS By: Morgan Johnston 3. Snickerdoodle A classic cookie with a hint of sweet spice never fails to impress. The best part of Snickerdoodles is the cinnamon sugar cookie taste but with a chewy texture. This recipe can be whipped up in 30 minutes, making around 20 cookies- the obvious choice for a last-minute dessert. The fall and winter seasons are filled with family, friends, and, arguably, the most important food. The best food category by far is desserts. Below, I have listed five seasonal and classic desserts perfect for any occasion you may be invited to. Volume 2, December 2023 5. Sticky Toffee Pudding In contrast to the name, this dessert is not a pudding as Americans know it, but a date sponge cake topped with toffee syrup. This is your choice if you want to be original and bring a show-stopping dessert. This dessert contains dates for a seasonal flare best served with warm toffee syrup. 4. Chocolate Chip Cookies Sometimes, there is no need to be extravagant in your seasonal desserts; a classic is always a solid choice. Chocolate chip cookies are a staple in any baker's back pocket. Without any specific seasonal flavor, chocolate chip cookies will be devoured by all without complaints. 2. Apple Turnovers If you make them entirely from scratch, it's a lengthy process, but the results are to die for. If you do not have two hours to make these from scratch, you can always use premade puff pastry for a similar effect. I made these exactly as the directions specified and found that although the process seemed daunting, it was easy to follow. 1. Pumpkin Muffins When baking, there is always a desire for convenience, and I promise you these muffins are as simple as it gets. It is as easy as a simple dump in a bowl, mix, and bake. These provide the warm aspects of spice with the seasonal flavor of pumpkin, ready to serve at a large gathering since they are already pre-divided into servings. I even brought these into our publications class, which ended with a rating of 9.4/10 and praise for the moistness.

The Villain Voice SCIENCE By: Diego Linares 18 Volume 2, December 2023 The Abominable Snowman, also known as the Yeti, is a creature that is a part of different cultures' folklore. It is said to be a large, hairy creature that roams the mountains of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Despite several expeditions, there has been no concrete evidence to prove that the abominable snowman really exists. Scientific Explanation Despite the lack of concrete evidence, many people believe that the Yeti is a real creature. Some scientists have suggested that the Yeti could be an undiscovered species of primate, while others believe that it could be a hybrid between a human and a large ape. However, there is no scientific agreement on the matter. Most scientists believe that the Yeti is a myth, and that the sightings and evidence can be explained by known animals or hoaxes. The Abominable Snowman remains one of the most popular creatures in the world. Despite the lack of evidence, the creature continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. Whether or not the Yeti is real, it is a reminder of the mysteries that still exist in our world. IS THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN REAL? Sightings and Evidence There have been numerous reported sightings of the Yeti over the years. In 1921, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, reported seeing large footprints that they believed were made by the Yeti. In 1951, Eric Shipton, a British mountaineer, found a scalp and a hand that were allegedly from a Yeti. However, DNA analysis of the scalp showed that it was from a serow, a goat-like animal, and the hand was found to be human. In addition to sightings and physical evidence, there have also been reports of Yeti nests and hair samples. However, these findings have also been inconclusive. Some have been hoaxes, while others have been attributed to known animals such as bears and wolves. SCIENCE BEHIND MUSIC By: Aidon Ingle When you were a kid you probably had your own tradition with family and friends when Christmas time came around. During that time, more often than not, the “Christmas playlist” was playing the whole way through the holidays. After hearing the tunes so often, they become planted in your head, and you can hum every melody by memory. You may have never thought about how you recall every track from Christmas: it is because they are made to be catchy, and there's a science behind it. Science Behind the Music People can get excited for Christmas and into the holiday spirit by listening to Christmas music. This joyous mood has the power to unite people and foster an even happier atmosphere. Additionally, those who appreciate music experience an increase in dopamine in their brains, which makes them feel joyous. Some people find that listening to Christmas music helps them escape the stress of the holiday season. They are able to focus on the music instead of their worries thanks to it. Our recollections are another point. Music and memories are inextricably linked. Psychology Behind Progressions Our brains are able to identify patterns when we hear melodies or rhythms that are repeated and anticipate their return. When our prediction comes true, the anticipation

SCIENCE makes us feel happy and satisfied. A catchy song needs to have a matching rhythm in addition to having memorable lyrics and a strong hook. Literally speaking, "catchy songs" or "earworms" are tunes that are extremely memorable or catchy. Even though it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes a song catchy, there are a number of proven strategies––like repetition, hooks, and alliteration––that are frequently used in catchy music. SEASONAL CHANGES 19 There are four seasons: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring. Along with these seasonal changes comes different weather. There are many different reasons for this, and weather can shift from day to day, but two of the important reasons are the tilt of the earth and atmospheric pressure. This will affect where and with what intensity the sun’s rays will hit the earth. In turn, the tilt will affect the weather and all the different seasons the earth goes through. Fluctuations in atmospheric pressure influence climate patterns by driving air movement, leading to changes in temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns across different regions of the world. Volume 2, December 2023 By: Burns Handy because of changes in atmospheric pressure. While a high atmospheric pressure will lead to clear skies and cold weather. A lower atmospheric pressure will lead to warm temperature, rain, and storms. What is an Earworm? Earworms are fundamentally a type of rumination, and current research indicates that earworms are more common in individuals with anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Example songs most frequently named earworms in study: “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, “Can't Get You Out Of My Head” by Kylie Minogue, and “Don't Stop Believing” by Journey. The Effect of Tilt During winter, the earth is at a 23.5 degree tilt. This tilt will cause less direct sunlight to hit the northern hemisphere and more the southern, making it summer in the southern hemisphere. As the earth tilts, one side is going to tilt toward the sun while the other is going to be farther away. This causes it to have opposite seasons in the northern and southern hemisphere, so when it is summer in the northern it is winter in the southern, and vice versa. Atmospheric Pressure Even though the temperature will usually follow what the average should be, there are a lot of day-to-day changes in weather. This can happen Weather Patterns Seasonal changes affect weather patterns. Changes in temperature can lead to variations in air pressure, wind patterns, and precipitation. For example, the monsoon season in certain regions is driven by seasonal changes in wind patterns, resulting in heavy rainfall during specific times of the year. In conclusion, the Earth's tilt plays a pivotal role in driving the cycle of four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. This tilt causes variations in sunlight intensity across hemispheres, resulting in opposite seasonal experiences in different parts of the world. The impact of these seasonal changes extends beyond temperature variations, influencing atmospheric pressure, wind patterns, and precipitation.

By: Sammi Schultheis Ever since widespread observations became a thing in the 1930s, scientists have noticed the chances of snow lowering each year. Climate change can lead to changes in these predictions; however, the main reason for it not snowing is not the temperature, but the clouds. Snowflakes would form in the clouds, but when it was time for them to drop, they turned to raindrops midway. North Carolina has not had a good snowfall since 2018. Because of this, many people are doubting we will have a lot of snow this winter. However, recently, there have been more storms this fall season, which could lead to a busier winter. Meteorologists have been studying the recent weather trends, to help us know what to expect. They have even 2023-2024 SNOW PREDICTIONS 20 Volume 2, December 2023 been looking at past data, to aid the predictions of the weather trends. The most helpful weather trend to look at is El Nino. When water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean close to the equator are warmer than usual, that is called an El Nino pattern. When they're cooler than average, it's called a La Nina. The past few years, we have been in the La Nina pattern. But this year, it has all changed. Currently, we are facing the biggest El Nino we have seen in years. You may ask, what does all of this mean? This means there is an easier way to transport moisture from the Pacific Ocean across the south of the United States. Which would bring us more frequent storms. Therefore, if it is cold enough outside, we have a decent chance of snow. Now that we have looked at the weather patterns, it's time to reduce everything to a forecast. Looking at historical years and current climatic trends can help us narrow everything down. The biggest indication for this winter is that it will be a little wetter than usual. It's also likely to be the first winter in a few years where we get some really good snowfall. There will probably be a few bursts of arctic air and temperatures that are close to average. To sum it all up, the chance of snow this year is the highest it's been in a long time. SCIENCE

By: Ethan Silva At the start of the 21st century, a new revolution was sparked in the way of technology. Many businesses and companies benefited from this new age; this includes the world of sports. Technology has transformed the way games run, how teams prepare, and players’ health. The National Football League is one of the largest sports leagues that has benefited from this rise in technology, which can be involved everywhere in the NFL whether it is before, during, or after their games. TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTIONIZES THE NFL 21 Volume 2, December 2023 make sure they are physically fit to play or if they are rehabbing from an injury. Player performance trackers are used to help keep track of hydration, heart rate, etc. Catapult Sports is one of the main producers of these trackers which they call PLAYR. SCIENCE Before games, technology is used in terms of preparing teams and coaches for their upcoming games. One instance is that players and coaches watch film on their next opponent. Watching film helps coaches figure out game strategies, and players can help spot out weaknesses in the other team’s gameplay giving them advantages over their opponent. Another instance involves player safety with helmets. The NFL is a brutal sport that suffers a lot from head-related injuries like concussions. The NFL Administration has hired companies to make helmets and other equipment that can keep the player as safe as possible during the game. Many athletic trainers need to monitor a player’s health to During the game, is when technology becomes the most prominent. High-tech cameras, sound equipment, screens, etc. are used for the viewers and fans attending the game. They help engage fans by putting games on cable and streaming services for viewers to watch. There are huge screens in stadiums called jumbotrons which show instant replays or games to keep fans entertained during stoppages of play. Meanwhile, referees have headsets that help them communicate with the other referees and contact rule officials to review plays for any rule infractions. Furthermore, coaches have headpieces they use to communicate with their players (usually the quarterback) on the field. When a player is not on the field, they have tablets on the sideline to help review their plays and see what they can improve on. Moreover, technology has become more used on the side of players’ health. If a player was injured, they could use X-rays to figure out if there was any structural damage. They use medical technology to help rehab players. Those performance trackers become useful for monitoring the player’s well-being during the game. Many scouts affiliated with NFL teams also use online videos or cameras to record and scout younger players for the upcoming NFL draft. Overall, technology has been one of the biggest benefactors to the National Football League in the past decades. Whether it be for a player’s health, a team’s game plans, or reviewing plays, technology has started to become involved everywhere in sports. It has revolutionized the NFL experience for the better of the sport. Hopefully, in the future, technology can become more advanced to assist the NFL in even more ways than it already does.

By: Elena Orozco All for One Day Out of all 200 million turkeys that are killed annually, nearly ¼ of them are killed for Thanksgiving alone. According to PETA, this one day out of 365 in a year contributes to almost 50 million turkey deaths. The question is: is it really worth it? The New York Times proposes nut roast, eggplant parmesan, mushroom pot pie, and many more vegetarian alternative main dishes for Thanksgiving that they consider to be better than turkey. 77.5% of BMCHS students that do have turkey as their main course on Thanksgiving, only 34.6% of these students actually enjoy it, with one response saying, “I enjoy the tradition of eating turkey, but it is not at all my favorite meat.” There are many alternatives to turkey. Some families do not even have turkey as their main course, 17% of BMCHS student families do not have turkey as a main course or maybe not even on their table on Thanksgiving. All in all, the death of turkeys throughout the country for one day is likely not worth it. The Pardoned Turkey The unbelievably large amount of turkeys killed for Thanksgiving alone is so nationally recognized that during his presidency, Harry Truman began a tradition to pardon a turkey. According to White House Archives, it started during the Civil War when Abraham Lincoln was asked by his son to not kill a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, then it became a national tradition. Do People Like Turkey? Is turkey even preferred as a main course for Thanksgiving dinners? A survey was taken and out of the THE TRUTH ABOUT TURKEY POACHING 22 SCIENCE Volume 2, December 2023 AP SCIENCE SEMINAR STUDENTS CARVING PUMPKINS

The Villain Voice SPORTS NFL POSTSEASON AND AWARD FORECAST By: Emersen Marty 23 Volume 2, December 2023 The 2023 NFL season has been one of the most unpredictable in recent history, with no clearcut favorite to win the Super Bowl. Seemingly, a new top team emerges every week, only to be reshuffled a week later as top teams suffer unexpected defeats. As the NFL regular season enters its final month, here are my playoff predictions, MVP, Offensive and Defensive Players of The Year, and my Super Bowl teams and winner. this season; meanwhile, Baltimore's defense is stifling opponents. Lions team has taken command of the division this year. The right combination of new and seasoned players make up Dan Campbell's squad. Despite their imperfections, the Lions should win their first division championship since they were in the NFC Central in 1993. AFC North Champs: Baltimore Ravens Record: 8-3 Right now, the Ravens are playing their best. Any opponent from the AFC North is unlikely to pass them. With the assistance of rookie receiver Zay Flowers, Lamar Jackson is performing like the league MVP AFC East Champs: Miami Dolphins Record: 6-3 Every squad in the division has some sort of flaw. The Dolphins must respond to criticism that the league's best teams bully them, but Mike McDaniel's potent offense will make the difference. The last three weeks of the regular season–when the ‘Fins play Dallas, Baltimore, and Buffalo–will be their real test. NFC North Champs: Detroit Lions Record: 7-2 Based on their impressive season-ending performance from the previous year, the NFC East Champs: Philadelphia Eagles Record: 8-1 Philadelphia still has the best record in the NFL (8-1) despite having yet to find its footing. These Eagles are proven winners and have the genetic makeup to become the NFC East's first repeat champion since 2004. AFC West Champs: Kansas City Chiefs Record: 7-2 The Chiefs have won the AFC West for the past seven seasons, and in 2023, the other teams in the division haven't pressured them to break that streak. AFC South Champs: Jacksonville Jaguars Record: 6-3 The offense has been hampered by costly errors and red zone issues. With an unexpectedly potent defense and a more reliable offense, Jacksonville should be able to fend off challenges from the Texans and the Colts for the AFC South title. NFC West Champs: San Francisco 49ers Record: 6-3 The 49ers took advantage of their Week 9 bye to rehabilitate some injuries, address specific NFC South Champs: New Orleans Saints Record: 5-5 The Saints have an edge over the Falcons in their attempt to outlast them throughout the 18- week season thanks to their defense and more offensive weaponry. In the end, Atlanta will need more offensive production.

SPORTS NBA SEASON 24 By: Cal Barrett Offensive Player of the Year: With the MVP typically going to a quarterback, the Offensive Player of the Year has recently gone to the top wide receiver or running back in the league. AJ Brown is the pack leader this season and is on track to lead the league in receiving yards and receptions and near the league lead in touchdowns. Super Bowl LVIII: As of right now, my predictions for Super Bowl LVIII are the Chiefs and 49ers. Seeing Kansas City back at the top is not surprising, considering they are the defending champions and the AFC's top seed right now. The 49ers have few weaknesses and are strong at every position except the offensive line. No team has won back-to-back Super Bowls since the New England Patriots in 2003-04. That steak ends with a Chiefs victory, 24-20. problems, and integrate Chase Young into an already strong defense. They’ll again look like their old, powerful selves and win the division. MVP: Mahomes is once again favored, which is unsurprising given that he just won his second career NFL and Super Bowl MVP awards. He has the potential to lead the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns each season while maintaining the Chiefs' top spot. He has an ideal recipe for success but will require additional assistance from his receivers. Defensive Player of the Year: Although there has never been more competition for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett is my top pick for this award. He's on pace to record the highest single-season PFF grade ever for an edge rusher and is the most feared defender in the league. introduction of a groundbreaking in-season tournament, a first-of-its-kind addition to the NBA calendar. All 30 teams will participate in this grueling and unpredictable competition, slated to take place during the months of November and December. The tournament will be divided into three distinct groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds. The ultimate victor of this inaugural tournament will be crowned the proud recipient of the coveted NBA Cup, adding another layer of prestige and excitement to the season. In a move aimed at ensuring fairer and more accurate game outcomes, the NBA has expanded its replay review process to encompass fouls and flagrant fouls. This expansion empowers the officiating crew with the ability to scrutinize questionable calls, providing a mechanism to correct potential errors and uphold the integrity of the game. This enhanced review system is expected to Volume 2, December 2023 The 2023-2024 NBA season is poised to be a thrilling spectacle of hardwood artistry and intense competition, marking the 78th installment of the world's most captivating basketball league. As the season tips off on October 24, 2023, a wave of excitement and anticipation sweeps across the basketball universe, fueled by the promise of new rules, an expanded replay review system, and a renewed focus on player health and safety. This season starts the

SPORTS 25 minimize the impact of officiating mistakes, ensuring that the outcome of each game is determined by the actions of the players themselves rather than by human error. Player health and safety remain paramount concerns for the NBA, and the league has implemented a series of measures to safeguard its athletes. New rules targeting the deceptive practice of flopping aim to discourage players from fabricating fouls, promoting a more genuine and competitive playing style. Additionally, a heightened focus on preventing concussions, a serious and potentially debilitating injury, underscores the NBA's commitment to protecting its players' well-being. As the 2023-2024 NBA season unfolds, a multitude of teams thrilled for a chance at the coveted championship title. The Denver Nuggets, reigning champions from the previous season, enter the season as the frontrunners, their star-studded lineup showcasing the formidable talent of Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., and Jamal Murray. However, they face stiff competition from formidable contenders, including the Milwaukee Bucks, led by the unstoppable Giannis Antetokounmpo; the Los Angeles Clippers, boasting the dynamic trio of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Paul George; and the Boston Celtics, spearheaded by the quartet of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis. Baseball United is a new baseball league that has popped up in the Middle East which consists of four teams: the Dubia Wolves, Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, and The Abu Dhabi Falcons. Each represents a city in the Middle East or South Asia. They recently had a ten round draft where each team had two picks per round with multiple former MLB selections. Most notably, Karan Patel who was picked 1st overall, was a right handed pitcher from the Chicago White Sox. The first game will be a two game series November 24-25, 2023 in Dubai’s International Stadium, which will be covered by an American style ballpark. Leading the West division, the Dubai Wolves are being managed by John Mclalren who spent over forty years with the Seattle Mariners as their GM and Félix Hernández who played many years in the majors with six All Star appearances, an American League Cy Young award, and in 2012 pitched a perfect game for the Seattle Mariners. Overall, the team has nine former MLB players including Reggie Mclain and Volume 2, December 2023 With new rules, an expanded replay review process, and a steadfast commitment to player health and safety, the 2023- 2024 NBA season is poised to deliver an unparalleled spectacle of basketball mastery. The stage is set for a captivating season filled with electrifying performances, nail-biting finishes, and the crowning of a new NBA champion. By: Beau Martin DUBAI’S NEW BASEBALL LEAGUE

SPORTS 26 Robinson Cano. The Mumbai Cobras are managed by Barry Larkin, twelvetime All Star, AL MVP, and World Series Champion who is accompanied by his former teammate Chris Sabo, threetime All Star, 1988 Rookie of the year, and World Series Champion. The Cobras have eight MLB players on their roster and are the league favorite with notable mentions like Akeel Morris, Bradon Laird and former High Point Rocker Shed Long. The Karachi Monarchs are managed by Adrián Beltre, a four-time All Star, five-time golden glove winner, and fourtime silver slugger with his partner Miguel Tejada, six-time Volume 2, December 2023 All star, MVP, and two-time silver slugger. The Monarchs have eight former MLB Players, but seem to have the weakest team with some highlights like David Huff and Drew Ward. Finally, the Abu Dhabi Falcons are managed by Dennis Cook who was a MLB journeyman playing for nine teams with one World series and coaching for Sweden in the 2010 Olympics. Alongside Nick Swisher who is a one-time All Star and also has one World Series under his belt. With nine MLB Players on their current roster, the Falcons have plenty of star power like Alex Liddi, J.D. Hammer, and Andre Rienzo. BISHOP MCGUINNESS BOYS SOCCER TEAM PRAYING BEFORE A MATCH GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM AFTER A MEET

The Villain Voice STUDENT LIFE By: Yianni Skoteiniadis 27 Volume 2, December 2023 On November 10th, 2023, a group of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School students traveled to the University of Virginia (UVA) to compete in a Model United Nations (UN) conference. Model UN is a club at Bishop run by President Morgan Johnston (‘24), and Vice President Tacey Miles (‘25). Model UN is an academic simulation of a conference of the United Nations (UN). The goal of a Model UN conference is to practice debate and speech skills, to learn and research topics from the point of view of a country, and to develop problem-solving strategies. Students play the role of delegates from different countries that are a part of the UN and try to solve real-world problems. At UVA, the conference rooms were spread out across the UVA campus, and not all focused on the UN. Some rooms at the conference included: SOCHUM (Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee), DISSECT (Security), Taylor Swift, Star Wars, etc. This article will focus on my day in the SOCHUM conference room. A Day in the Life 7:30 am - Wake Up Everyone on the Model UN trip awoke at 7:30 a.m. to begin preparing for the long day ahead. The dress code for the conference is Western business attire. So we put on our professional-looking clothes, went downstairs to the lobby, had breakfast, and left the hotel at 9:00 a.m. 9:00 am - Depart from the hotel At 9:00 a.m., we boarded the bus to go to UVA. My delegation partner, Ava Lipscomb (‘26), and I started to do some last-minute research following the previous night’s debate. Since we were in the SOCHUM room, we were researching the protection of humanitarian workers, from the perspective of our country, Libya. 9:30 am - Arrive at UVA At 9:30 a.m., everyone headed to their conference rooms across UVA’s campus, to get ready for their committee session, which started at 10 am. I traveled with Rosie Petrovich (‘24), Tacey Miles, and my delegation partner, Ava, to the SOCHUM room to continue our debate. 10:00 am to 1:00 pm - Committee Session II In the committee session, many other delegates tried to come up with resolution papers, which would have been presented at the end of the 3rd committee session. The 3rd session would take place later that afternoon. 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Lunch At 1:00 p.m., we all had lunch. On UVA’s campus, there are a variety of restaurants like Raising Canes, Chipotle, Starbucks, Mellow Mushroom, and many more. On Saturday, I decided to eat at Mellow Mushroom with my friends, and it was delicious. We all had cheese pizzas that we shared, and we were lucky enough to make it in and out quickly. Afterward, we walked around UVA’s food court/shopping area before heading back to our conference rooms. 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Committee Session III During the 3rd committee session, everyone in the SOCHUM room got a lot of ground covered. This was going to be the SOCHUM’s last committee session to discuss our topic: the protection of journalists and humanitarian workers in conflict areas. During the session, we discussed, argued, and strategized ideas for our final resolution paper. We had a lot of conversations, and it was finally time to vote around 5:30 p.m. The room had split into three big groups, and in those three groups, three resolution papers had been finalized and turned in. The room ended up choosing my UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA MODEL UN TRIP

STUDENT LIFE group’s resolution to the conflict, and that marked the end of committee session three. 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Dinner For dinner, some of my friends and I decided to try Raising Canes before we attended the delegate social later that evening. We all decided to get a combo, and the meal was delicious and extremely filling. After dinner, we headed back to the bus, left our stuff, changed out of our dress shoes into sneakers, and went to the social. 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Delegate Social The delegate social was very boring, as we were the only school that was there for longer than 5 minutes. Our faculty chaperones felt it was important for us to be there though, so we stayed until it ended at 10 pm. I enjoyed talking with friends at the social. 10:00 p.m. - Head to Hotel & End of Day After the social, everyone headed to the bus to go back to the hotel. While on the bus, I got to catch up on some homework and started to organize myself for the final day. We arrived at the hotel around 10:30 p.m. I went up to my room and got ready for bed. It had been a very full day at the VAMUN conference. JUNIOR RETREAT REVIEW 28 A Big, Big Thank You! Thank you to all the juniors and teachers who participated in this year's Junior Retreat, and a special thanks goes to Ms. Fischer and her peer ministers who helped make this eventful day work. Volume 2, December 2023 Special Words from Ms. Fischer I want to thank Ms. Fischer for taking a couple moments out of her day to let me interview her on her thoughts about this year's Junior Retreat. 1. What is it like planning these retreats? ⤷“First we come up with a theme based on a scripture verse. Then we figure out what the sessions will be about and who will be at each session.” 2. What do you think went best about the day? ⤷ “Using the teachers more intentionally went really well.” 3. How do you feel about the venue? ⤷ “I like having it at a church because it gives us the option to cater lunch. But at the same time it's hard having it at a church because the outside space is limited.” 4. On a scale of 1-10, how well would you rate the day. (1 being very bad and 10 being perfect). ⤷ “ I think that the day went really well, so if I had to say, I would give it a 7.” By: Ryan Martin Retreat Rundown We’re set for departure early in the morning, heading to St. Pius. From there, with the help of Father Brock, we went to mass in a stunning chapel. After starting the day with God, we continued to enjoy a faith-filled retreat where we not only learned a lot about ourselves and our friends but also a lot about our relationship with the Lord. We broke into our many small groups and began our rotations. While one group was with Coach Holcomb at the fun station, others were with Mrs. Ropko at Discern, Mrs. Katsos at Renew, and Ms. Ziemba at the Rosary Walk. After a certain amount of time, we swapped stations until every group had experienced each station. Oh, and I can not forget about everyone’s favorite: Chick-fil-a for lunch. Lunch was followed by some free time and another rotation of stations. Then, we packed up and headed back to Bishop for the remainder of the day. This shows the results of a survey given to the Junior Class and the teachers who went on the retreat. This pie chart represents the results of the favorite station during the retreat.

STUDENT LIFE MIDTERM TIPS AND TRICKS 29 VILLAINS: LIVE! By: Colin Turner By: Bobby Reddick music room by storm. The Christmas concert is a mainstay of the high school band experience and therefore a very tired tradition, but A Classic Christmas broke convention at every opportunity. The entire BMCHS music department (orchestra, concert choir, and guitar ensemble) played a varied selection of Christmas classics from “Themes from ‘The Nutcracker’” to “Last Christmas”, the latter being arranged for guitar ensemble by Bishop’s own Mr. Bahorich. The audience was not only amazed by the quality performance of the Villain musicians but also kept on their toes by the sing-along finale, “A Christmas Festival”, which was a medley of the heavyweight classics everybody knew the Wanting for nothing, the pedestrian student at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School has at their disposal a number of opportunities for homegrown Villain entertainment throughout the year. In one weekend alone, both the fall play, Puffs, and the Christmas Concert, A Classic Christmas, were put on by the theatre and music departments respectively. The students in these departments have worked tirelessly to produce these shows for faculty, parents, and other students to enjoy, and their effort payed off with dividends. Puffs is an alternative take on the story of Harry Potter that focuses not on its titular hero but on the much-neglected members of the Hufflepuff house. Student-directed by the illustrious Sofia Schnaith-Ivan, this seven-year odyssey has been compressed into a two whirlwind acts of magical misadventure starring especially Samantha Ruelas Reyes playing both Cedrick and Dr. Voldy (two crucial roles!); Ethan Gann playing Wayne Hopkins; Arden Quagliano as Megan Jones; Keenan Griffey as her suitor, Oliver; and Dr. Rashford as Harry Potter himself. Notable also are Minnie Gerhold as the narrator and Abby Barber and Noah Gann for both playing a whopping ten roles! All orchestrated by the incredible tech crew, this rollicking production took the words to. This Christmas concert was certainly one to remember. Bishop is blessed to have such talented thespians and musicians in its student body. I would like to note especially Ethan Gann, Keenan Griffey, Avie Lopez-Rincon, Adleigh Pegram, Arden Quagliano, Nora MacDonald, Sofia Schnaith-Ivan, Douglass Byrd, Sammy Saucedo, and Jake Wunner all of whom worked on both the play and the concert over the same weekend; people called me busy for seeing both shows back to back, but the real feat is making both of them possible. Midterms are right around the corner, and they can cause a huge amount of stress for everyone. It is important to do well on them because they are worth so much of your grade for the semester. There are many different ways that we can reduce stress levels while also preparing for the tests correctly. done for each subject will make the whole process much smoother. After a checklist is made, it is time to study and go through everything. There are multiple good resources for studying like quizlet, flashcards, and even simply writing down terms and definitions can help. Volume 2, December 2023 Studying It is important to have enough time to study for your midterms, so it is a good idea to create a calendar for when you are going to study. When it comes to the studying itself, making a checklist of what needs to be Test Day While studying is extremely important, you need to have test day skills in order to do well. Something that you can do is to make sure to read through all of the directions before answering any questions because there might be valuable information

STUDENT LIFE 30 By: Amanda GeddieGarcia you’re missing. Secondly, if you have enough time after answering every question, it is good to check them over and to use every minute of the test time towards your test. Lastly, do not leave any answers blank! Even if you don’t know something, you can still guess the answer correctly. and videos form a crucial part of the Bishop experience, and without him, many things would be different. Athletes and students alike look forward to the memories at the end of every season, as well as the seniors who wait four years for their bittersweet senior video detailing all the ups and downs of school, sports, and fun. Without O’Meara, none of this would be possible. He has taught every grade in the past and impacted all of the students that have sat in Room 220. Through “three popes and five principals” he has seen many changes but affirms the mission statement and Catholic morals have stayed the same through countless students, and he looks forward to many more. Known for his eccentric tie dye designs and entertaining classes, Mr. Keopf has also been a crucial part of Bishop’s atmosphere, this year being his 32nd year teaching math to students of all grades. Many students are lucky to have him for more than one year, and all seem to enjoy his style of teaching and sense of humor that seems to come with everything he does. In his interview, he jokes about finally having a football team, after not having one for his first few years teaching, but says the biggest change has been the change of location. With the move from Winston-Salem to Kernersville, BMCHS was able to have a more central location to bring in more students from all around the Triad. Keopf looks forward to meeting more of those students, siblings, and experiences that come in at Bishop while, of course, continuing to provide a tie dye t-shirt for every school event he can. Volume 2, December 2023 Aside from studying and the test day itself, getting good sleep and eating a good breakfast before the test can help you. It is proven that eating even a granola bar before a test can help you on that test. It is also better for you to go to sleep early than to stay up all night studying. INTERVIEWING LONG-TIME VILLAINS Now entering its 64th year, Bishop McGuinness Catholic School has seen its fair share of teachers. Many have come and gone, but many have stayed and made the school what it is today. These are the teachers that can and have tracked Bishop’s progress and made an impact on the community through generations. Mr. O’Meara, the freshman and junior religion teacher, as well as our very own self-appointed videographer, has been at Bishop for 36 years and has had the chance to experience more than half of what Bishop has had to offer. He has taught not only students, but is now teaching those student’s children, a feat not many can attest to. His classes

STUDENT LIFE 31 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE CHECK-IN By: Emelia Allred At this point now, I am most excited to see where I actually end up and to see where all of my friends' future homes will be. This year has been bittersweet, but I can't wait for what comes next! College applications are some of the most stressful times of your senior year. You stress about your resume, due dates, and if you get into your dream school or not. The top ten most popular universities that Bishop seniors are applying to are: North Carolina State University (47.5%), University of North Carolina at Charlotte (79%), University of North Carolina at Wilmington (68%), Appalachian State University (85%), University of North Carolina (20%), University of Tennessee (75%), Virginia Tech University (56%), University of South Carolina (62%), Elon University (78%), and High Point University (80%). Everyone in the senior class is anxiously awaiting all of their college letters, so I interviewed four seniors about their college nerves! Theresa Schulties What are you most nervous about? The hardest part will be adjusting to something so new. As excited as I am, it will be hard to not be living with my parents, siblings, and dog. How smooth has Bishop made the application process? Extremely smooth. I have gone to the counseling center a bunch of times and it has been so nice to have it. What is the thing you're the most excited about? I am excited to make new friends and be independent. While it is scary to be independent, I feel ready for it. Volume 2, December 2023 Gracie Stalek What are you most nervous about? I think the waiting after pressing the submit button has been the worst part of the application process. I luckily had finished my applications before school started so I haven’t been as stressed as I thought I would be. How smooth has Bishop made the application process? The application process through Bishop made it really easy to get all of the grades and extracurriculars in order. The counseling center started meeting with us as juniors, so I knew what to expect and what to do to start preparing. Ethan Silva What are you most nervous about? Living without my parents will be very hard and a difficult change. How smooth has Bishop made the application process? Bishop has made the admissions process pretty smooth and as easy as college applications could be. What is the thing you're the most excited about? Going to football and basketball games will be extremely fun! I’m just excited to go to all different types of sporting events. Matthew Salas What are you most nervous about? What I am most nervous about is the whole transition from high school to college and how my parents are going to react. How smooth has Bishop made the application process? I would say Bishop made it pretty smooth. The counselors walked me through it and explained everything I had to do and would regularly check up on me to see how it was going. What is the thing you're the most excited about? What I am most excited about is getting to be away from home and being independent. That and also being a first generation college student.

STUDENT LIFE Words from Mr. Quarles (Club Moderator) 1. How long have you participated in the Special Olympics Program? - “Bishop McGuinness has had a relationship with the Special Olympics for at least 15 years if not longer than that.” 2. Why do you choose to help with this program? - “I choose to participate with the program because I have special educators in my life, my aunt being one. And I believe Bishop McGuinness students have a responsibility to give back. Mark’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and we have a duty to mirror that example.” 3. How does working with the Special Olympics program make you feel? - “Working with the Special Olympics program has always given me and the students that participate great joy. The athletes are so happy to be participating and it is infectious Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities providing year-round training and activities to more than 5 million participants. The organization has grown world-wide and has partners in 172 countries. What do we, Bishop McGuinness, do to help? For many years, Bishop McGuinness has participated in the Special Olympics program by volunteering at multiple events and hosting a club. This year, we attended Creekside Lanes where we helped several elementary schools who care for children with special needs. We aided a multitude of children in playing an entire game of bowling and then proceeded to cheer them on as they received awards. It was a wholesome moment to see the smiles from ear-to-ear on the faces of these children. 32 SPECIAL OLYMPICS By: Ryan Martin for anyone around them.” 4. If you could tell these children one thing, what would it be? - “I think about the athletes’ motto and how it can resonate with all Bishop McGuinness students. ‘Let me win. And if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt.’ I think this motto is a fantastic complement to the Bishop McGuinness motto of ‘Excel so that we might better serve.’” Volume 2, December 2023 OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM FOR STUDENT LIFE AT BISHOP

The Villain Voice HOLIDAY FOOD INSECURITY AND THE HOLIDAYS By: Wilhelmina Bennett 33 Volume 2, December 2023 The Holidays are the most common time for people to donate food to food banks, but why? Why do we feel most generous around this time of year? Why is there such an increase in charitable events? One of the leading causes is food insecurity. Food insecurity is a lack of consistent access to enough food in a household for everyone to live a healthy life. More than 44 million people face food insecurity in the U.S. This can be temporary for the family, or it can last generations at a time. Food insecurity sadly comes along with many long lasting health issues because, “many people are stuck with eating food that is more likely to bring on chronic disease” , says Erica Kenney, assistant professor of public health nutrition at Harvard's T.H Chan School of Public Health in Boston. While it may sound strange, along with food insecurity and poor nutrition comes obesity, stroke, a higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and exposure to various forms of cancer. What Are Food Banks? A good way to combat food insecurity is through the use of food banks. Food banks are usually non-profit organizations I that collect donations of food and distribute it to families in need. Food banks help millions of families each year, but how do they work? Many major food banks such as The Feeding America Organization work with farmers and manufacturers to get the donated items to where they’re needed. Local food banks and pantries distribute food to people within their own communities. There are many local food banks, such as Morris Chapel United Methodist Church and Second Harvest Food Bank, that give out meals during the holidays and are crucial to members of their community, and with the multitude of food banks come many opportunities to volunteer and help the community. Why Do We Donate Around Christmas? The Holidays can be a very stressful time for food insecure families with the added burden of not being able to afford food for themselves or for their families; all the while, many families are also struggling to pay for gas and light at this time. That's why Toys For Tots is such a big organization: it helps get millions of Christmas presents each year to the families that can't afford them. As for the food, food banks and pantries provide a strong hope and sense of community to families in need as well as the meals. Many soup kitchens and food pantries prepare entire holiday meals for families who can't afford it. That's why we donate during this time: to help and provide a sense of hope to all the families in need. That's why you, a student at BMCHS, should volunteer at a local food bank: to help food insecure families enjoy the holiday season as much as you do.

HOLIDAY 34 INFLATION ON THE HOLIDAYS By: Jenna Murphy Why is it Happening? You may be asking why this year specifically has such a noticeable increase in pricing. As stated earlier, this is due to the high demand in products versus the low number of products to sell. This is a difficult situation for businesses because they risk losing income as they raise their prices but, in most cases, it’s their only option. Of course, the goods typically revert to their original price after the holidays are over and as the supply and demand evens out to how it was previously. The more prominent reason for this abnormal increase in money spent on holiday shopping is because of inflation across the globe. Inflation is the “rate of increase in prices over a given period of time.” This has been affecting people globally throughout 2023 and is becoming more notable as the holidays roll around, and the estimated money being spent is significantly higher than last year. The holidays have always been a touchy subject due to money troubles, and this year, believe it or not, it seems it will be an even more difficult time. A simple example of inflation during the holidays lies in the decor, more specifically: Christmas trees. It’s one of the most widely known holiday traditions as it gives people a chance to be with their families and experience joy amongst their loved ones, but this year things have changed. In 2017, the average price for a christmas It’s the holiday season again meaning that prices are on the rise globally due to the high demand for products from gifts to holiday décor. This is typical for the retail world as stores deal with constant supply and demand issues during this time of year; however, this year is different as shoppers are estimated to spend over 29% more on holiday shopping in 2023 compared to 2022. This is because the prices of goods, from items of everyday use to holiday specials, are estimated to have increased by over 3.5%. The items affected by this rise in price include food, gifts, hotel prices, holiday decor, etc. All of which are in constant use and, soon enough, will break everyone's bank accounts. When talking about the “holiday season”, the months of November-January are most prominent. Stores see this as the time to reconsider pricing because holiday shopping has its toll on the businesses, small and big. tree was around $70 while in 2023 the average price is $110. This is a large jump and has been slowly increasing each year as the issue of supply and demand has forced inflation as what's come to be known as the “silent killer.” And Christmas trees are just one of the many pieces of holiday joy that are being crushed by their price tags; shoppers are completely lost on how we as a community can fix this pressing issue both during the holiday season and after it. How Shoppers Avoid the Inflation Unfortunately, there’s no real way to escape the inflation all together, as that is our retail world at the moment; even so, many “expert shoppers” have recommended to begin holiday shopping as early as November to avoid the holiday shopping and the price tags that come with it. By avoiding shopping during the peak holiday season you could save yourself a lot of money. In the long run, smart shoppers always spend less and Volume 2, December 2023

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS Have you forgotten to get gifts for your family and friends? Christmas season is among us, and we have some presents for you! From handmade gifts to flowers, these will bring your family and friends joy this holiday season. Here are some last-minute Christmas gifts and deals for you! Burrr Basket Looking to find a perfect meaningful gift for a friend or family member? Burrr Baskets are the way to go this holiday season. In a burrr basket, you could include blankets, slippers, stuffed animals, gift cards, candy, and your family and friends favorite items and give it to them for Christmas. A burrr basket is one of the best gifts to get for your loved ones. Handmade Items When it comes down to a lastminute Christmas gift, handmade items are a perfect idea. Handmade items are often more memorable and heartfelt than a store-bought gift. The buy more as they seek good “deals” before they’ve been labeled as deals. As of now, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight to the harsh inflation as prices are constantly on the rise even outside of the holidays. This is more of a government issue which, despite our best efforts, must be left in the hands of professionals. For now, shoppers’ daily struggle with inflation cannot be avoided, only navigated through. HOLIDAY 35 By: Alivia Garcia time, effort, and care that you put into making one is a gift in and of itself. Whether it is a pottery mug, baked cookies, a bracelet, a handwritten note, or a picture collage, your family and friends will appreciate you. Stuffed Animals One of the best gifts to give people is a stuffed animal. It is a good gift for kids and adults because if it comes from a loved one, it means that they can remember the loved one, even after they have passed, and it will help them cherish those memories with that person forever. They are cute, and they provide comfort. Giving someone a stuffed animal shows your compassion towards them. If you don’t know what to give someone that you love, you should get them a stuffed animal. Bouquet Getting someone a bouquet for Christmas is very thoughtful. Flowers help express joy, thoughtfulness, and love, and what time is better to do that than Christmas? This is also a good gift idea for people who are hard to shop for: it will brighten up their Christmas spirit! Volume 2, December 2023

HOLIDAY 36 CREATING CHERISHED MEMORIES: HOLIDAY PLANS By: Leo Blacutt destination. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, this tropical paradise offers the perfect setting for relaxation and exploration. Snorkel with colorful marine life, unwind in luxury resorts, and even swim with baby pigs. Caribbean Charms: A Tropical Escape The Caribbean offers a warm climate, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. Whether you choose to sail the surreal waters, explore the historic sites, or simply relax on the palmfringed beaches, the Caribbean offers many experiences. Each island has its unique charm, providing an ideal setting for creating cherished memories with your loved ones. Luxurious Retreats: Resorts to Remember If relaxation and being pampered are at the top of your holiday wishlist, consider a stay at a luxury resort. From spa treatments and gourmet dining to world-class amenities and Are you ready to approach your unforgettable holiday adventures? In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular plans that people make during this festive season. From the snowy peaks of Colorado, to the sun-soaked beaches of the Bahamas, all the way to the vibrant Caribbean, let's dive into the major details of these vacation plans and the incredible benefits they offer. Rocky Mountain Bliss in Colorado Picture yourself surrounded by snow-covered peaks, crisp mountain air, and alpine villages. Colorado is a winter wonderland for adventure enthusiasts and families alike. Skiing down pristine slopes, cozying up by the fireplace in a mountain lodge, and exploring the painting-like landscapes make for an unforgettable holiday experience. Basking in Bahamian Beauty For those seeking sun, sea, and sand, the Bahamas is an ideal breathtaking views, resorts offer more than one can ask for. Whether nestled in the mountains, along the beach, or in a bustling city, these retreats promise a worthy escape. Benefits Beyond the Journey The benefits of these holiday plans extend beyond the destinations themselves. Quality time with family and friends, the joy of discovering new places, and the relaxation that comes with a well-deserved break contribute to the making of extraordinary memories. These shared experiences will be cherished for years to come, serving as a reminder of the joy that comes from exploring the world with those we hold dear. Volume 2, December 2023

HOLIDAY purchasing. The costs of fake Christmas trees can range from $40 to $3000, depending on where you purchase one. They can be very affordable, but if you pay for an expensive, quality tree, it can last years and save you money over the years. They are convenient because not only can you have one shipped to your front porch but you can keep it in storage in your home and have it up and ready whenever you’d like. One last benefit is for people with allergies. Some suffer from allergies to the pine on Christmas trees, so having an artificial tree can help individuals with a Christmas tree allergy. Traditional Trees If you value tradition highly, you definitely have an authentic Christmas tree in your home. The benefits of having a real Christmas tree are small but meaningful. Going out as a family and searching for the perfect tree is a wonderful family bonding tradition. Everyone can relate to the magical feeling of tying the tree on the roof of the car and heading home to decorate it. Purchasing real trees also supports small Christmas tree businesses. Also, you can also never beat the smell of a real Christmas tree: it truly puts you in the holiday mood. One last but important benefit, is that a real Christmas tree is symbolic of the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The branches and shrubs on the real tree represent the immortal love and the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. In this aspect of the Christmas holiday, authenticity is important. 37 REAL VS. FAKE CHRISTMAS TREES By: Alexandra Cupani We have included Christmas trees as a Christmas tradition since the 16th century. These trees would have been decorated with real candles, apples, and roses. Over the centuries though, Christmas trees have become fuller and safer with Christmas lights instead of open flame and ornaments with deep meanings. Even with the cozy familiar feeling of a real christmas tree in the living room, false christmas trees started to rise in popularity. In the 1880’s, Germans created a false christmas tree made out of goose feathers, but it was in the 1930’s when fake christmas trees appeared in the United States. These trees were made from brush bristles and gained popularity quickly. In the 1950’s and ‘60’s, began the mass production of aluminum and plastic trees. Despite the drastic difference, both real and fake christmas trees are still popular today. Always Artifical Over the years many have transferred from using a real Christmas tree to a fake one. This is because there are many benefits to having an artificial Christmas tree. According to inspirations wholesale.co.uk, the top 8 benefits of a fake Christmas tree are cost, convenience, longevity, transportation, disposal, allergies, appearance, and online Volume 2, December 2023

HOLIDAY 38 By: Elena Orozco game sticks to the same format.” Both White Elephant and Dirty Santa are games in which the players take turns choosing wrapped gifts and trading them amongst each other. In these games, you can steal another player's gift on your turn if that is the gift you wish to have. Depending on the rules being played, the gifts might only be tradeable a certain number of times. The Fan Favorite A survey sent to BMCHS students shows that Secret Santa is by far the most popular gift giving game with 95% of students saying they have played in the past and or heard of. It is also the favorite, with 71.3% of the survey takers voting it as their favorite of the three. Personally, I have heard and The Different Christmas Games Secret Santa, White Elephant, and Dirty Santa are some of the most famous Christmas present giving games. Secret Santa, compared to the other two, sticks out like a sore thumb. The Economic Times describes Secret Santa as a “Western Christmas tradition wherein the group's members agree to present one another with a gift. They are all randomly assigned an individual to buy a present.” Secret Santa usually has some price range to prevent someone from receiving a luxury gift and another being gifted a dollar worth of candy. Meanwhile, White Elephant and Dirty Santa are very similar. Southern Living says, “Whether you call it White Elephant or Dirty Santa, the played all three, but out of them all, I would have to say Dirty Santa is my favorite since it adds a dash of competitiveness into a Christmas game. Quite frankly, my family, some friends, and I celebrated Christmas Eve with a fiery game of Dirty Santa. Yet, all three games are a unique and fun way to give presents to loved ones this holiday season! HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE SENTIMENTAL SEASON By: Kate Wolschon Everyone loves Christmas presents, but the same overdone store-bought items can get very boring and repetitive. This holiday season, consider gifting a handmade present. Receiving a handmade gift feels more special because it’s unique and the person who made it put their heart and time into it. Keep reading to find some handmade gift ideas for a range of different skill sets!! For those who know how to crochet, there are so many small gifts that will take no time at all. Firstly, crocheted bandanas are a quick and easy crochet project. It’s constructed with a simple sequence of double crochet stitches and can be Volume 2, December 2023 SECRET’S OF SECRET SANTA made with any type of yarn, making it a great way to use leftover yarn. Another quick crocheted gift is a chapstick holder. These will definitely be well appreciated and can be kept on your loved one’s keychain so they can always have it with them. If you don't know how to crochet, no worries! There are lots of other thoughtful gifts to make. One of my favorites is Victorian style letters. These letters are carefully folded to create a beautiful pattern. Then, you color and draw designs throughout the different layers

HOLIDAY TOP 5 BEST CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES 39 By: Angelo Garrido Corelli If you want to have fun and spend the holidays with your friends, there are a lot of things to do, but I will show you the five most entertaining and popular things to do during Christmas. 5. Baking at Home Baking at home is one of the best things to do during Christmas because you get to have fun while you bake, and at the end, you get to eat the treats you make or save them for the Christmas dinner. 4. Watch Christmas Movies Watching Christmas movies is also enjoyable with your family, especially if it is a cold night. You prepare hot chocolate, rest, and have all the classic Christmas options to watch. 3. Ice Skating Ice skating is one of the most fun activities to do with your friends and family because you enjoy it when you fall and laugh, and the ice rinks are usually open only during the winter. of the letter before writing a message in the middle. These beautiful notes are so easy to personalize for the person you are gifting it to, and you can really make them your own. They also look very impressive and would be a great gift for anyone. A very quick gift is a decorated picture frame. To do this, all you need is a picture frame from the thrift store, a sentimental picture, and materials to decorate with. This can include stickers, beads, puffy paint, or anything you have at home. The picture frame can be decorated however you’d like it to and they can be quite personal. The quick act of decorating the frame transforms the gift from basic to personal. Similarly, you can make a small trinket box with an empty tin, such as an Altoid container. All you have to do is decorate the container with paper, small pictures, beads, and other such things. The person you gift it to will be able to carry around small items in their cute little box. Any of these gifts would be a personal touch to this holiday season! 2. Skiing Skiing is also a really fun activity to do with your friends. You get to ride the bus up the mountain, or you just walk up, and the way down is fun and exciting. 1. Decorate Your Christmas Tree Decorating your Christmas tree is one of the most fun things to do before the holidays because you spend time together with your family buying the tree and decorating it at home. I feel like it is one of the most fun things I do at my house during the holidays. Volume 2, December 2023

HOLIDAY 40 WAYS TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER 2023 By: Lexi Aspiazu TEEN GIRLS VS TEEN BOYS GIFT GUIDE By: Iara Silvagnoli people who might not have enough food during the winter. Start a New Family Tradition Have you ever wanted to start new family traditions but didn’t know how? A fun one to try is “pickle in the Christmas tree” where a family member has to hide an ornamental pickle inside of the Christmas tree, and on Christmas morning, the first one to find it would get an extra present or a good fortune throughout the following year. Some more fun traditions could be taking a family photo every year with matching christmas pajamas or making DIY Christmas gifts for family and friends. Be Helpful to Friends, Family, Peers Being helpful is a difficult thing to do, and lots of people struggle with it. Helping others will increase your positive impact on someone else's day, but it could also boost your day too. There are many simple things you could do to help your friends and family like fold laundry, clean up after dinner, During the Christmas season, there are many things you can do to spread happiness and cheer throughout the holidays. In this article, there will be many examples of what you can do for others to spread the Christmas spirit to the people around you. Playing Christmas Music Music is a fun and easy way to spread the Christmas spirit and spend time with family and friends while listening. There are many things you could do with music like make a playlist with all your favorite Christmas songs, go caroling around the neighborhood or in a park, or sing in the choir at your church. Bake food for Neighbors/Family members Making yummy Christmasthemed food is a good way to spread the spirit throughout the holiday season. This could mean helping out with cooking a family dinner or making a fun holiday treat to give to a neighbor. You could also donate food to local churches and shelters for share things with your siblings and friends, and so many more. Helping someone is a very simple task that can go a very long way. Plan to go see Relatives If you have any elderly relatives that live far away or that you do not see very often, then visiting them during the Christmas season might make them a lot happier than you may think. Visiting them can cause them to have a more enjoyable Christmas. Concluding this article, you can be as creative as you want when spreading Christmas cheer to others who may need it. Christmas is one of the best times of the year for teenagers, but this can be one of the most stressful times of the year for parents, especially those buying for teenagers. Most teens are keeping track of the biggest trends; it seems like their interests are constantly changing. According to the Ramsey Solutions State of Personal Finance, on average, American families are planning to spend $1,300 on Christmas this year. Here are some of my teenage gift suggestions to keep that price down. Volume 2, December 2023

HOLIDAY 41 because all the necklaces are plated with 14k Gold. Kendra Scott also has buy one get one free sales very often. 3. Lululemon Clothes Do you want your teenager to exercise in comfortable, cute, and colorful clothes? Lululemon is the place where you can find athletic shorts, shirts, jackets, pants, shoes and more! As someone with a lot of Lululemon I can contest that the material is very high quality, and the clothes stay new after using them many times. Although Lulelemon does charge a lot for their clothes, all year they have a “We Made Too Much Sale” which offers the same Lulemon items but 20-40% off. 4. Uggs Shown in the picture above are the Uggs Ultra Minis Uggs are one of the most asked for items because of the popularity they have gained this year. The two most popular shoes are the Tasman Slippers and the Uggs Ultra Minis. The Tasman Slippers are $110 and the Uggs Ultra Minis are $150. Uggs are great to keep your feet warm this winter since they are made of sheepskin. Teenage Girls Gift List 1.Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones Shown Above is the Beats Solo3 Headphones in the color Rose Gold Teenagers are constantly spending time on phones and devices, and quality headphones are very important in a teenagers life. Your child can use these to concentrate on schoolwork, prepare for sports activities, or just relax while listening to music. You can get these headphones on amazon for $130. 2. Kendra Scott Jewelry Shown above is the Kendra Scott Ari Gold Necklace and The Elisa Gold Adjustable Bracelet Most teenagers love jewelry to spice up an outfit. Kendra Scott is a very popular brand that is known for their dynamic use of colors, materials, and shapes. They have a wide variety of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings to choose from. The material is very high quality Teen Boys Gift Guide 1.Gaming Chair Shown above is a Gaming Chair from Amazon that costs $50 Gaming chairs are definitely worth the investment for parents with teenage boys who love to play video games. A gaming chair is designed to address poor sitting habits and teach you how to sit with correct posture. Amazon is a great place to find comfortable gaming chairs for under $100. 2.Nike Jackets Shown above is the Nike Tech Fleece and it costs $125 Nike offers a wide variety of jackets including crewnecks, hoodies, and zip-up hoodies. They are designed with highquality materials and innovative technology to keep you warm and protected in any weather. The jackets range from $50-$150. Whether you are a teenage boy who likes wearing jackets for sports or you just want to look cool, Nike jackets have got you covered! Volume 2, December 2023

HOLIDAY 42 GIVING BACK IN THE SEASON OF GIVING By: Caroline Kunkle Christmas is filled with gifts, family, and fun. However, the real purpose of Christmas is giving. During the Christmas season, there are many charity opportunities, whether they are available for groups or for individuals. Here are some great ways to help out during the Holiday season! The SECU family house provides comfortable, affordable living arrangements for people whose family members are in the hospital. There are opportunities for Christmas caroling available with this organization. These are available in 30-minute increments, and you can volunteer in groups. However, you have to create a volunteer profile in order to sign up. In addition, you can bring supplies for the hot chocolate bar with you to volunteer! There are also opportunities for making cozy care packages- for every 10 you make, you get one hour. You don’t have to do this at the actual SECU building. You could have your friends over and all do this together, or even have a service symposium with your family members! Another great organization to volunteer with is Christmas for the City. Christmas for the City is a large, free, party in Winston Salem. It brings local musicians, artists, and nonprofits together to celebrate everyone. One volunteer opportunity with 3. Nintendo Switch The Nintendo Switch has the best original games including The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and Animal Crossing. You can only play all these games on a Nintendo Switch. While the Nintendo Switch is now six years old, there is no sign of its sales slowing down. The switch is also an opportunity for a teenager to sit, share, and spend time with their friends. The Nintendo Switch Lite costs $150 and the Nintendo Switch which includes the blue and red joy-cons is sold for $300. 4. Nike Shoes Christmas for the City may include helping with the Snowball Dance, which is a highschool-style dance for differently abled adults ages 16 and up. Volunteers with the Snowball Dance can choose between working as a server(distributing napkins, beverages, etc), working as a Friend(friendly volunteer who helps facilitate the event), working as a greeter(greeting guests and providing nametags for them), working in the photo booth, and working as a floater(helping with whatever needs to be done). You can also choose to work in Santa’s workshop, and help as a prayer floater at Christmas for the City. This is a great opportunity because you can sign up for different roles within the same organization. You can also sign up individually, or as a group, with your friends or family! There are many great opportunities to serve local communities this Christmas Season, so let’s get serving, Villains! Volume 2, December 2023 Not only has Nike been a trendsetting company, but the shoe brand also seems to find a way to make the best use of the existing styles. Nike has shoes for running and casual shoes like Air Forces. The Nike Air Force 1’s are the most sold shoe of this year. This shoe is the most recognizable with its oversized “swoosh” and air-filled sole. The number one reason behind its rising popularity for teens is because they are a comfortable, cool design with durability. I hope these ideas have helped you decide on what to put on this year's Christmas Wishlist. Although many teens grow out of their interests quickly, I hope that this reasonably priced list has helped you find the gifts you want to ask for this Christmas.

HOLIDAY time of the parade are readily available. The parade will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Tune in from 9:30 am-12:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day to enjoy this spectacular parade with your family. This year's parade promises to deliver renewed excitement with an array of captivating floats, combining tradition with innovation to create a memorable experience for all. Whether enjoyed in person or from afar, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to capture the hearts of spectators, fostering a sense of joy and unity during the holiday season. 43 MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE By: Bacall Sellars o The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved tradition dating back to November 27, 1924, has evolved into a spectacle that marks the beginning of the holiday season. Originally named Macy's Christmas Parade, the event uplifts the holiday spirit and has become an iconic part of Thanksgiving for people across the nation. Rooted in the creativity of Macy's employees who organized the parade to boost holiday sales, the event gained more and more viewers over the years. The introduction of balloons in 1927 added a unique feature to the parade, capturing the imaginations of spectators as these characters floated around the streets of New York. Some of the floats for this year's parade include Pinkfong Baby Shark, People of First Light, Geoffrey’s Dazzling Dance Party, and more. Following the parade, these balloons were traditionally released into the sky, creating a whimsical and awe-inspiring Volume 2, December 2023 conclusion to the festivities. A pivotal moment in the parade's history occurred in 1971 with the introduction of the most iconic float, "Tom Turkey." Leading the procession down Broadway, this larger-than-life turkey quickly became a symbol of the parade itself. Over the years, the parade has continued to evolve, featuring a diverse array of floats that reflect the creativity and innovation of the designers. In modern times, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has adapted to the digital age, making it accessible to a broader audience through streaming services. Viewers can now experience the magic of the parade from the comfort of their homes, providing a unique and immersive way to celebrate the holiday. As technology advances, so too does the parade, ensuring that it remains a relevant and cherished tradition for generations to come. For those eager to tune in, details about available streaming options and the start TOP GIFTS FOR PARENTS THIS SEASON By: Maya Clark Christmas break is a great time to show your parents love and spend time with them. Many kids and teens find joy in buying/making gifts for their parents, and this article will show a list of great ideas. Many fantastic gifts can be handmade, but you can find plenty of others in person or online. Giving a special gift is a wonderful way to give your parents a great holiday. Personalized Gifts: Customizing gifts for your parents is a meaningful way to show appreciation for them. Adding a personal touch is a great approach when getting gifts. In the picture below, there

HOLIDAY Handmade: A handmade DIY ornament is a meaningful and sentimental gift to give your parents this year for Christmas. Unique, handmade gifts are great for adding a special touch to your holidays. In addition, the ornaments can be used in future Christmas decorations. These ornaments are fantastic for giving a one-ofa-kind gift to your parents. Shoes: A cozy, comfy pair of slippers is a classic gift that your parents are sure to love. Figure Four below shows a pair from Target, which is currently available for $25 with the name “ Women’s Chandra Scuff Slippers- Stars Above '', with different color options, including brown and black. A great quality pair of slippers is an amazing way to make their everyday lives easier, ensuring their comfort. Parents tend to spend most of their money on their kids, so it’s nice to get them something in return. The pic below below shows a picture of a higher-end pair of slippers with the brand name of Ugg. They have a price of $120 and have three different color options to choose from. Ugg’s are great shoes to buy when shopping for a loved one. Their whole collection of slippers and shoes is comfortable and stylish. Jewelry: A nice piece of jewelry is always a thoughtful gift that they will enjoy and love. In the first picture, below, a simple gold chain worn by a man is shown. These types of necklaces are available in many stores, including Etsy, Amazon, Target, etc. This type of gift is great for your dad, especially if he’s interested in expanding his jewelry collection. In the picture below, a customized necklace is being worn by a woman. This beautiful piece of jewelry is special and shows meaning as well as thoughtfulness. These necklaces 44 is a canvas made of oak wood, that is personalized. On the canvas, it shows a personal message with pictures of the parents together. This gift demonstrates marriage and their anniversary, but you can customize what the canvas message says. You can also customize the pictures collaged with the message, personalizing it to your liking. The size of the canvas can be adjusted, as well as if the canvas is framed or not. The company to purchase this wonderful gift is “Oh Canvas,” which has a variety of great gift options for your parents. In the picture below, there is a birch wood canvas customized to say, “Mom and Dad, you are the pieces that hold us together” with a diagram below it shows puzzle pieces interlocked together with the children's names on each piece. The size and number of pieces/names can be personalized depending on what you’re looking for. This gift is similar to the one above; they both show a fantastic way of showing your appreciation for your family and parents. This gift is the perfect way to show you care deeply about your parents! Volume 2, December 2023

HOLIDAY Why Make New Year’s Resolutions? Making annual resolutions is America’s most popular New Year tradition. Research shows that 59% of young adults make New Year's resolutions, but only 9% are kept. Why are New Year's resolutions important? And how can we keep them? History Of Resolutions To discover the importance of resolutions, it is important to know the history of them. The Babylonians were thought to be the first people to make New Year's resolutions 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians made promises to the gods to pay back debts and return borrowed goods, and their gods would grant favors to them if they kept these promises. A similar practice occurred in ancient Rome after emperor Julius I sent out a survey to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School students asking what their goals for the New Year are. Bishop students' resolutions include: Maintaining a bullet journal, working out more and eating healthier, being neater and more organized, having better sleep habits, reading something every day, and trying new things. How To Keep Your Resolutions Resolutions are all about being responsible and taking ownership of your actions; however, they are not always easy to keep. Deadlines and milestones can be useful as a reminder to stay focused and on top of your goals. It's important to mentally prepare for change and make reasonable goals considering your school and personal schedules. You also need to be realistic about the time needed to achieve each goal. Break down large goals into smaller, achievable tasks that can be completed in time. Finally, remember to reward 45 are available to buy also from the same stores as mentioned above; this specific necklace was purchased from Etsy. This customized necklace has a woman’s name displayed, written in cursive letters. The name on the jewelry can be personalized, which is a great gift option for mothers. Volume 2, December 2023 GIVING BACK IN THE SEASON OF GIVING By: Lauren Showers Caesar designated January 1 as the start of the new year. Romans presented sacrifices to Janus, the god of transitions, and made promises of good conduct for the upcoming year. Another example of the origins of resolutions comes from early Christians. For them, the first day of each new year was a day of reflection on past mistakes and resolving to do better in the future. Despite the tradition’s spiritual roots, today's New Year’s resolutions are mostly a secular practice. As opposed to making promises to the gods, most people focus solely on making these commitments to themselves. Common Resolutions In an effort to spark positive change, millions of people make New Year's resolutions every year. A healthy lifestyle, improved finances, and learning new skills are recurring themes yearly. Here are some common New Year’s resolutions: 1.Exercise more 2.Eat healthier 3.Save more money Spend more time with family/ friends 4. Spend less time on technology 5. Here is a chart that portrays the top resolutions for America in 2023.

46 HOLIDAY yourself for progressing and reaching milestones. Overall, New Year resolutions are a useful way to have a fresh start and reach the goals important to you. The start of a new calendar brings about a change in our mindset that we should use for the better. This is a great time to think about the changes we would like to make in our lives and how to achieve them. A resolution is a promise we make to ourselves and to others to improve our lives during the New Year. In order to make 2024 a better year for yourself and others, pick resolutions you believe you can stick to, and then stay motivated, plan ahead, make the commitment, and follow through on your goals. Volume 2, December 2023