Happy Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa begins the day after Christmas. Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culture that lasts until Jan 1.

The celebration looks at seven principles that one person terms: "the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world. "

Take a few moments and peruse the link to the official website of Kwanzaa. There are many things that you can learn about this celebration.

Your assignment is learn at least three facts about Kwanzaa. List these in your post. Put some effort into this!

One of my goals as a teacher is to help you learn more about the world around you. Take the opportunity presented to you in this blog!

Christmas Music (Redone)

It seems that holiday music is everywhere these days. You hear it on the radio, in the malls, on television and yes, even in my classroom! One local radio station (2WD) is playing nothing but holiday music.



Maybe you have a favorite artist of group that makes holiday music. Some artist like Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra produce mainly holiday music. Other artists (probably including your favorite) have done a holiday song or two. Look at the videos. Did you enjoy them? What is your favorite holiday music? Do you think it is over done or not done enough.

Who or what is your favorite Christmas/holiday artist or group? Do you have a favorite song? Let us know what it is! My favorite group is Trans-Siberian Orchestra and my all-time favorite song is "Step Into Christmas" by Elton John.

Happy Hanukkah

Tonight at sunset, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah begins. Many people mistakenly refer to it as the "Jewish Christmas." Is that accurate? Probably not.

So, how much do you know about Hanukkah? This website is packed full of information about the holiday. Is it really like Christmas, or something completely different? Do you know people who celebrate Hanukkah? Is it like the Adam Sandler "Hanukkah Song?' with eight nights of presents? Or is it something more?

Here is your assignment. Research this holiday and learn at least two interesting facts about it! Tell us about them in your reply. Let's see two facts should mean two paragraphs. But, I will go a little easy today. Give us at least five sentences! Nothing less! And remember to proofread!

Symbols of the Holidays

You see them everywhere. Christmas Trees, Santas, Menorahs, candles, wreaths and lights. Yes, they are the symbols of the Holiday season. But, how much do you really know about them? Where have all the symbols come from and what kind of history do they have?

Here is your assignment: Pick a symbol of the upcoming holiday season and find out about (research) it. Then tell us about the history, origin or other interesting information about your chosen symbol in your posting!

This should be at least 5 sentences long and be proofread. Have fun and I hope you learn something new! Here is some music to enjoy while you work!

A Charlie Brown Christmas

It originally aired in 1965 and has been on TV every year since then. I remember watching the first year and have seen it most every year since then. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" was the first animated Christmas special to air on prime time television. This is definitely the most popular Peanuts holiday special.

What is it about this show that makes it so popular? Why do people watch it again and again? What do you like about it? In your post tell us why you like (or don't) like it. What is your favorite scene. My favorite is when all the characters are dancing on stage.

Here is a video that will provide some inspiration! Enjoy! Remember to proofread.

My understanding is that this special airs tomorrow night (Tuesday) on channel 13.

Snow Miser

One of the best things about the holidays is sometimes trying something new. I have never seen the television special "The Year Without a Santa Claus." Several students have asked me to blog on the song Snow Miser from that show. Okay, I finally watched it on video. Yes, it was funny and yes it was entertaining. Would I watch it again? Maybe so, maybe not!

Here is the video!

In your response tell us if you have watched this holiday special. Also, what you think of the video and finally will you be doing something different this holiday season?

Thanks to Rocky for the idea!

MOO Power (Redone)

They are everywhere. You see them on billboards, at the mall, in other shopping areas, at Tides baseball games and in commercials on television. They even have their own college football game! That's right, I am talking about those wild and crazy Chick-fil-A cows. Thinking about it, the person who created that advertising idea was very clever.

Do you like to eat at Chick-fil-A? Why or why not? What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Do you like the ads, or have they gotten boring and old?

Check out their website! The history and policies of Chick-fil-A are interesting to read. Let me know what you think! Oh, yes include one neat Chick-fil-A fact in your post. Proofread!