By Katie Stirling
There are a variety of different classes you can take here at Clarksville High School. Some are required while others are chosen. These chosen classes are electives. Many students enjoy the electives we have available already, and others wish there were more options. One of these options is a Home Economics class.
Home economics teaches students about skills needed while adulting. A lot of things change once students start to live on their own. After high school, this class could come in very handy. Home economics, or home science, deals with the interactions and relationships between individuals, families, communities, and the environment they live in.
One main topic many think of when it comes to Home Ec class is cooking. Knowing how to cook and make your own food is a very important necessity in our lifestyles. In the future, students may end up living alone at some point and will have to know how to do this. Many learn from their parents at home, but this only applies to some. If there were a class at school to offer help with this, many students would benefit. They would learn how to properly prepare their food for themselves.
Another part of home economics is budgeting. This is an area that many students lack knowledge in. There are certain classes we can take to learn about financial situations, but the Home Ec class could take it even farther in advance. Without this useful information, we tend to get confused about how to handle finances. College isn’t too far ahead from high school, and we need to be informed of these expenses.
The Home Ec class would be a great opportunity for upperclassmen to be exposed to some of the struggles of adulthood. The material could make lives easier for the better.
Friday, December 13, 2019
My Top 5 Christmas Songs
By: Cole Negen
Christmas is fast approaching. Very fast approaching; I feel like yesterday was Thanksgiving. Christmas is truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I’m a sucker for Christmas lights, old Christmas movies, and all that happy stuff. To celebrate Christmas, I thought I’d countdown my 5 favorite Christmas songs.
For #5, I’m going to go with Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! By Frank Sinatra. Frank is truly the voice of the 50s, and he has a lot of covers that could go on the list. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and of course how could you forget Jingle Bells. But for me, Let it Snow Has stood out to me. While the other ones are fun and cheery, Let it Snow feels cozy, like there is a blizzard roaring down outside to the point where you can’t even see the street, but you just don’t care because you’re just sipping hot chocolate by a fireplace. Frank also does a great job with his performance, making it truly unique. It’s just super easy to enjoy this song, which is why it is my #5.
For #4, I’m going to go with Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives. I don’t know Burl personally, but I almost wish I did, because by the way he sings, it’s almost like he is the voice of Santa. He has a booming voice that fills the room, and you can tell he just has a big smile when he sings. He definitely isn’t the most talented singer, but his voice has almost a feel of a brass instrument. Loud and rustic, but yet beautiful and majestic. Holly Jolly Christmas is the perfect song for Burl. A song about wishing someone a Merry Christmas, just because you feel like everyone should. Burl doesn’t just want you to have a joyful Christmas, his charisma almost forces you to drop whatever you’re doing and get in the holly jolly mood.
For #3, I’m going to go with It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams. There isn’t a ton to say here. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year is in my opinion, the mission statement of Christmas. There is no other time of the year, where everyone is happy, everyone is enjoying themselves, parties and presents are all around, and no school or work. Andy gives a loud, gleeful performance, with loud instrumentation. It isn’t quite as inviting as when Burl Ives sings, but the song is so fun and in your face that you can’t help but like it. The way it is presented, every other Christmas song is just the backdrop, and Andy gives us the main attraction. It can be a little too much, and I don’t think it is a super casual listen, which is why it isn’t higher on the list.
For #2 I chose Winter Wonderland by Bing Crosby. In this performance, Bing delivers a performance that is the right amount of powerful and cozy at the same time. At times Bing is super chill, taking in the sweet sounds and sights of Christmas. As the song progresses, Bing gets more and more animated. The song just ties up everything Christmas is to me. Sleigh bells, family, snowmen, and so much more. This song is so much fun every time I listen to it, which is why it gets my #2 spot.
For #1, I am choosing Perry Como’s It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. This song highlights those first moments of the season, when you walk into the mall to Christmas shop and you see Christmas trees and reefs, and lights are up all around town. It captures that feeling of Christmas in it’s early stages. When you have all the festivities to look forward to, but yet snow is falling, and it is time to celebrate Christmas. Not to mention Perry gives a super animated performance that just bounces from start to finish. It makes me want to make Christmas cookies or go caroling or something corny like that. The song is almost too much fun, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which really strikes a chord with me. It may not hit other people like it does me, but I just can’t get enough of this song, which is why it is my #1.
So there is my list. Christmas music, being that it is usually the same thing over and over again, just presented a little each time, is always going to be subjective. Everyone looks for there own thing in Christmas music, so I don’t expect most people to agree with my list, but I just hope you give these songs a try.
Christmas is fast approaching. Very fast approaching; I feel like yesterday was Thanksgiving. Christmas is truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I’m a sucker for Christmas lights, old Christmas movies, and all that happy stuff. To celebrate Christmas, I thought I’d countdown my 5 favorite Christmas songs.
For #5, I’m going to go with Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! By Frank Sinatra. Frank is truly the voice of the 50s, and he has a lot of covers that could go on the list. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and of course how could you forget Jingle Bells. But for me, Let it Snow Has stood out to me. While the other ones are fun and cheery, Let it Snow feels cozy, like there is a blizzard roaring down outside to the point where you can’t even see the street, but you just don’t care because you’re just sipping hot chocolate by a fireplace. Frank also does a great job with his performance, making it truly unique. It’s just super easy to enjoy this song, which is why it is my #5.
For #4, I’m going to go with Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives. I don’t know Burl personally, but I almost wish I did, because by the way he sings, it’s almost like he is the voice of Santa. He has a booming voice that fills the room, and you can tell he just has a big smile when he sings. He definitely isn’t the most talented singer, but his voice has almost a feel of a brass instrument. Loud and rustic, but yet beautiful and majestic. Holly Jolly Christmas is the perfect song for Burl. A song about wishing someone a Merry Christmas, just because you feel like everyone should. Burl doesn’t just want you to have a joyful Christmas, his charisma almost forces you to drop whatever you’re doing and get in the holly jolly mood.
For #3, I’m going to go with It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams. There isn’t a ton to say here. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year is in my opinion, the mission statement of Christmas. There is no other time of the year, where everyone is happy, everyone is enjoying themselves, parties and presents are all around, and no school or work. Andy gives a loud, gleeful performance, with loud instrumentation. It isn’t quite as inviting as when Burl Ives sings, but the song is so fun and in your face that you can’t help but like it. The way it is presented, every other Christmas song is just the backdrop, and Andy gives us the main attraction. It can be a little too much, and I don’t think it is a super casual listen, which is why it isn’t higher on the list.
For #2 I chose Winter Wonderland by Bing Crosby. In this performance, Bing delivers a performance that is the right amount of powerful and cozy at the same time. At times Bing is super chill, taking in the sweet sounds and sights of Christmas. As the song progresses, Bing gets more and more animated. The song just ties up everything Christmas is to me. Sleigh bells, family, snowmen, and so much more. This song is so much fun every time I listen to it, which is why it gets my #2 spot.
For #1, I am choosing Perry Como’s It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. This song highlights those first moments of the season, when you walk into the mall to Christmas shop and you see Christmas trees and reefs, and lights are up all around town. It captures that feeling of Christmas in it’s early stages. When you have all the festivities to look forward to, but yet snow is falling, and it is time to celebrate Christmas. Not to mention Perry gives a super animated performance that just bounces from start to finish. It makes me want to make Christmas cookies or go caroling or something corny like that. The song is almost too much fun, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which really strikes a chord with me. It may not hit other people like it does me, but I just can’t get enough of this song, which is why it is my #1.
So there is my list. Christmas music, being that it is usually the same thing over and over again, just presented a little each time, is always going to be subjective. Everyone looks for there own thing in Christmas music, so I don’t expect most people to agree with my list, but I just hope you give these songs a try.
Christmas Break Anticipation
By: Grace Litterer
For this week’s blog, I figured I would step away from another “Types of” blog. Now, considering that there are two weeks left of school, it’s time to describe what it’s like when Christmas is coming, or at least Christmas break. It’s a time everyone looks forward to. Kids love it because it means no school and no homework. Teachers love it because it means no papers to grade and kids to deal with. Even parents love it because it means that they don’t have a morning rush to get the kids dressed and lunches made. Yes, it’s a time of giving, family time, and a great break from the normal everyday life. For the next two weeks, everyone is talking about Christmas.
Now there are a few things that happen often in school before Christmas break. Firstly, you hear Christmas music everywhere. In PE, you can hear all of the Pentatonix songs you like. You can listen to Jingle Bells while writing your English paper. You can even hear the faint sounds of We Wish You a Merry Christmas while learning new theorems in Geometry. Yes, it’s a lovely time of cheer and constant mention of a Christmas Countdown. I mean, let’s face it. Every single classroom has a Christmas Countdown. You can practically hear the children cheer as the countdown is changed from 10 to 9. (Of course, we were all looking forward to single digits.)
Another thing exclusive to the Christmas season is the time spent on Amazon. Instead of spending their extra study hall time on Youtube just waiting for the bell to ring, everyone spends their time on Amazon, searching for the ultimate deals on gifts for anyone and everyone they can think of. I mean, honestly, except for maybe gas money, there is no other reason to have a job other than to buy gifts during Christmas time. It is the season of giving after all.
Of course, the holidays are an important time in high school. They are the mid-school year break. Something that everyone looks forward to. In fact, you can see some classrooms starting their countdowns in October. So, if you are ever wondering why each and every high school student has a little extra glee on their face in December, just look to the holidays.
For this week’s blog, I figured I would step away from another “Types of” blog. Now, considering that there are two weeks left of school, it’s time to describe what it’s like when Christmas is coming, or at least Christmas break. It’s a time everyone looks forward to. Kids love it because it means no school and no homework. Teachers love it because it means no papers to grade and kids to deal with. Even parents love it because it means that they don’t have a morning rush to get the kids dressed and lunches made. Yes, it’s a time of giving, family time, and a great break from the normal everyday life. For the next two weeks, everyone is talking about Christmas.
Now there are a few things that happen often in school before Christmas break. Firstly, you hear Christmas music everywhere. In PE, you can hear all of the Pentatonix songs you like. You can listen to Jingle Bells while writing your English paper. You can even hear the faint sounds of We Wish You a Merry Christmas while learning new theorems in Geometry. Yes, it’s a lovely time of cheer and constant mention of a Christmas Countdown. I mean, let’s face it. Every single classroom has a Christmas Countdown. You can practically hear the children cheer as the countdown is changed from 10 to 9. (Of course, we were all looking forward to single digits.)
Another thing exclusive to the Christmas season is the time spent on Amazon. Instead of spending their extra study hall time on Youtube just waiting for the bell to ring, everyone spends their time on Amazon, searching for the ultimate deals on gifts for anyone and everyone they can think of. I mean, honestly, except for maybe gas money, there is no other reason to have a job other than to buy gifts during Christmas time. It is the season of giving after all.
Of course, the holidays are an important time in high school. They are the mid-school year break. Something that everyone looks forward to. In fact, you can see some classrooms starting their countdowns in October. So, if you are ever wondering why each and every high school student has a little extra glee on their face in December, just look to the holidays.
The Fight For the Liberties of Diverse Minorities
By: Tess Lampe
From the beginning of time, many groups throughout the ages have been discriminated against because they differed from a social or religious norm. From this discrimination, people have risen up against those who disrespect them, like Rosa Parks and Henry Gerber. Rosa Parks supporting African-Americans and Henry Gerber supporting LGBTQ+. These leaders, the punishments their people endured, and their attempts at freedom that occurred during the movements towards claiming their rights may have differed, however, they were quite alike in their overall goal.
Every battle always has a person or people who help define or lead the fight. Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, and James Farmer all progressed their fight for civil rights while Henry Gerber and Craig Rodwell were doing the same for the Gay Rights Movement. The one thing they all have in common, as they were treated like they were monsters, they continued to fight on for their equality for decades. Many things Rosa Parks and James Farmer did had to do with equal transportation, service, etc (Biography.com Editors). Henry Gerber created the Society for Human Rights that helped protect the rights of homosexuals. Craig Rodwell created the first gay bookstore and a very important march that is now known as Gay Pride Week. These things helped the gays to be able to show their real selves in public. Nonetheless, everything these people did for their rights drastically progressed and improved the Civil Rights and Gay Rights Movement.
Even with all of the effort people put in to gain their rights, a large majority of people disregarded these efforts by punishing protesters every chance they got. These punishments were also applied to anyone who protected or helped the two groups. It began as authorities invading their free spaces, like the Stonewall Inn or African-American homes/meeting places. Likewise, many were forcibly humiliated and abused as well. However, homosexuals, especially those who were in the military or army, were frequently questioned to find any other gay person who may have joined the military to find those like them. If the victim refused to tell the questioner, they were beaten or threatened to be outed (Kuhn 25). Similarly, hundreds of people in the government were fired if anyone was suspicious of them being gay because others thought gays communists. On the other hand, African-Americans could not hide who they were, and therefore were not questioned or threatened to bring out their true selves. Instead, they endured the segregation of water fountains, bathrooms, buses, and job opportunities/equal charge. If they started to show any resistance, they were turned in and accused of wrongful things. In the same way, groups of African-Americans were abused and provoked by groups of white people in public.
Despite what both groups were unwillingly put through, many refused to give up the fight for freedom. Bus segregation was a large problem for the majority of African-Americans. In 1955, Rosa Parks and the NAACP organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a protest against bus segregation (Parks/Haskins 126-132). Pamphlets were sent out to many African-Americans to notify them not to ride the buses in response to Rosa Parks’ arrest. This occurred for nearly a year until the federal court ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional. This became a large victory for the African-American community, as they could now get to work, school, and their homes without being treated poorly and separated from others. Meanwhile, as the fight for gay rights had many ups and downs, its most important victory took place less than five years ago. On June 26 of 2015, former President Barack Obama officially legalized gay marriage in all U.S. states (Ariane de Vogue & Jeremy Diamond, CNN). This was the most important because not only were people of the LGBTQ+ community recognized, they were finally able to marry the one they loved without repercussions like everyone else could. These major victories differ because the Montgomery Bus Boycott was indeed important, but only a stepping stone of the other battles African-Americans had yet to win. However, gay marriage being legalized was the victory that the community has been waiting for since they were first discriminated upon; it was, as of now, the last legal win for gay people. In the end, the most important thing in common between these victories is that they greatly progressed the fight for equal rights for both communities.
In conclusion, both the African-American and LGBTQ+ communities have long fought for their liberties and endured the punishments forced upon them. Nonetheless, every single person involved overcame the obstacles thrown at them. Today, both communities still struggle with public acceptance, but it may be believed that their most difficult battles are over. Tragic occurrences also take place today, like the Pulse Shooting and police brutality, but this is a time where history repeating itself when it comes to winning battles may be what some people need.
Bibliography
Parks, Rosa & Haskins, Jim. Rosa Parks: My Story. New York: Dial Books, Puffin Books, 1992. Print.
Kuhn, Betsy. Gay Power! Minneapolis, MN: Twenty-First Century Books, 2011. Print.
Vogue, A. & Diamond, J. (2015, June 27). Supreme Court rules in favor of same-sex marriage nationwide. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-ruling/index.html
The Biography.com website. (2014, April 2). James Farmer Biography. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/james-farmer-21349629
Bayard Rustin - leader for social movements such as civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights.
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