Christmas Music

It seems that holiday music is everywhere these days. You hear it on the radio, in the malls, on television and sometimes, even in my classroom! Some local radio stations are playing nothing but holiday music.

Maybe you have a favorite artist of group that makes holiday music. Some artists like Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra produce mainly holiday music. Other artists (probably including your favorite) have done a holiday song or two. I have posted videos from three of my favorite songs.  Take a look. 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, with Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas" coming in a close second..

What is Kwanzaa?

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

This celebration looks at seven principles that some have described as "the best of African thought and practice..."

Take a few minutes and peruse the official website of Kwanzaa. It has lots of great information and is quite interesting to read. There are many things you can learn about this celebration.  I know the website is from 2012, but you can answer all my questions and do your research off this site.

Your assignment is to learn at least three facts about Kwanzaa. Put these facts in your post. This is an important celebration, so put some effort into this!

One of my goals as your teacher is to increase your awareness of the world around you. Take advantage of this opportunity.

Car vs Train

Almost all the time the train wins in car vs train.  I don't think that anyone reading this will disagree with me when I say that trying to get across the tracks before the train does is dangerous and not very smart.  Unfortunately that is what happened to Untron Drew last week in Waverly.  Check out the story on Wavy 10.

Mr. Drew is quite fortunate to be able to survive the crash.

Now for your assignment, After watching the two videos and reading the news article tell us your thoughts.  Was Mr. Drew lucky?  Would you try to beat the train across the crossing?  Or, would you stop and let the train go through?

I Want a What for Christmas?????

Maybe you have heard the song "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas."  Sung by 10 year old Gayla Peevey in 1953, this novelty song was a big hit that year.  You may have heard this song recently playing on one of the local radio stations that are playing Christmas music. For more information on this song, check the hyperlink. 

A novelty song is one that  is  a comical or nonsensical song.  It is designed to be funny and get you to smile or at least laugh.  Did it have that effect on you?  What do you think of the song?  Do you want a hippo?  Remember to give us at least three sentences.  Enjoy your weekend.

Many thanks to Hunter Stephens for writing this. It was my idea but he helped.

Don't Forget About Me!

You have probably flown on an airplane somewhere before.  And you may have heard the horror stories of people who miss connecting flights, have flights cancelled or get stuck overnight in an airport.  If you fly a lot, sometimes these things may happen to you.  Having flown many times over the years, my opinion is that these things happen all too frequently.  And yes I have been stuck in airports over night and have had flights cancelled.  

Meet Tom Wagner.  it seems that Mr. Wagner woke up recently to find him self in a deserted, locked airplane cabin.  Check out the news story.   What do you think of that?

Fortunately the story has a happy ending as Mr. Wagner was able to get help to unlock the plane a little later.  You have to wonder if airline workers  checked the plane before locking it up. Mr. Wagner was compensated with a free hotel room that night and a $250 airline voucher.  

Now for your questions.  Whose fault was it that he was left behind?  Do you think he was compensated fairly?   Will this change your desire to fly places?  Is the airline's apology enough?  

Happy Birthday Mustang

That most iconic of American cars, the Mustang will soon have a 50th birthday.  Take a look at the new Mustang.  Next April the Mustang will have been around in many forms over 50 years.  A short history of the Mustang is contained in the first hyperlink; the second hyperlink looks at the 50th anniversary edition.  The video is a celebration of the car.  Enjoy it.

Now for your assignment.  Check out both links and watch the video.  Learn about the history of this auto.  In your post today, tell us one fact that you have learned about the 'stang.  Also tell us what kind of car you want and why.

Finally, most of you know that I have a 1966 Mustang at home.  I may bring it to school before the end years!

Holiday Light Shows

You probably know many people who put up lots and lots of lights for the holiday season.  They decorate their houses, boats (yes, I have seen that), buildings and even their cars and trucks.  And , of course, there is always the tacky lights that turn up all over at this time of year.

And then there is the light show as shown above.  Thousands of lights set to music that entertain us as we drive by and watch on television and YouTube.  Today's questions are simple.   Do you like  holiday lights?  What kind do you like best?   Do you like simple displays?  Maybe you are a fan of tacky lights or enjoy the kind of light you have viewed here.  Proofread your work!