The Hobbit

Kennedy George

The Hobbit, which was released on Friday, December 14, is a prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It was directed by Peter Jackson, and it starred Andy Serkis, Martin Freeman, and Ian Mckellan. The movie follows the early adventures of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. The story is based on the book, The Hobbit, by J. R. R Tolkien, and will be separated into three different movies.

The detail in the plot and setting of the movie is amazing. Characters’ story lines are followed from beginning to end, and there are many characters from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The scenery is vivid and the wardrobe for all of the characters is very convincing and realistic. The scenery is especially amazing when seen in 3D! The soundtrack steals the show, though. Throughout the movie, there are elaborate instrumental pieces that set up the emotions of the scenes for the audience. Without this soundtrack, the movie would not have panned out as well.

The only two complaints I have are that the movie could be shorter, as a lot of the content was not necessary to the plot of the movie. Sitting through a film that is almost three hours long (166 minutes, exactly) can be tiring, and it makes it hard to concentrate on the details. The second complaint I have is of the few songs the dwarves sing. The scenes with the songs in them feel out of place. The songs diminish the serious mood of certain scenes and the movie, as a whole.

Overall, though, The Hobbit deserves four out of five stars.

The Craft of Knitting

Rachel Case

How much do you know about knitting? Not only does the craft have a long and diverse history but it is a hobby that still interests people today!

Knitting has very early origins. The first pieces of clothing that have been found were made with techniques similar to those used in knitting and needlework. Some of these pieces included socks and stockings. The first references to knitting in Europe appeared in the early 14th century. During the Elizabethan Era, stocking were knitted with very fine wool for both men and women, in Britain. These became very fashionable necessities during the time, and their popularity grew. The Scottish became very involved in knitting during the 17th and 18th centuries. They were known for their sweaters with elaborate designs and their fancy stockings.

Knitting didn’t become popular in America until the 1930’s and 1940’s, when it was relied upon for clothing items for the army and navy. During the 50’s and 60’s, knitting enjoyed a boost of popularity, as it was incorporated into more high-fashion items. One popular item was called the “twinset.” This was a knitted, short-sleeved top, worn under a knit cardigan. There were also many more colors and styles of yarn introduced, during this time. Girls were being taught how to knit in school, as it was a very useful skill to have. During the 1980’s, however, the craft of knitting started to decline.

In the present day, knitting is slowing re-gaining popularity. Designers are including knit pieces in their fall and winter collections, and knit blankets are becoming popular, again. Knit hats and scarfs are both seen in department stores and in magazines, around the world. Knit sweaters that are made out of wool have also become very trendy and popular among many age groups, and men are wearing these sweaters, too. People enjoy wearing these knit clothing items; therefore, knitting is becoming a relaxing and popular hobby, once again.

Bowling Team a Success

Liam George

The Homer High School bowling team is in its second year this season. Two years ago a group of students and parents from the community approached the Board of Education to propose the formation of the team. After a lot of hard work, the team was created last year. Under the coaching of Mr. Nasiatka and Mrs. Carboine, the bowling team reached sectionals in their first year. Coach Nasiatka said that the boys and girls teams this year should be even better. The team practices at Hi Lanes in Homer, but all matches are held at Strike and Spare in Mattydale. Homer bowls against schools such as CBA, Grimes, Cortland, Fulton, ESM, Chittenango, and Solvay. Both the boys and girls teams have ten members this year. Four of the boys are freshman and one of them is an eighth grader.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

Julia Fouts   

On Thursday, December 6, the Homer High School band performed songs to get into the holiday spirit. The concert started at 7:30 pm and lasted for over an hour. The jazz ensemble, directed by Mr. David Shiffman, went first and played five songs. Mr. David DiGennaro, the high school instrumental teacher, directed the concert band, which performed four songs.

The jazz ensemble featured saxophones, trumpets, guitars, bass guitars, trombones, and a piano. The musicians played five songs, “In the Stone,” “It’s the Holiday Season,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Flashback,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” There were several solos, and the songs got everyone into the Christmas spirit.

        Mr. DiGennaro directed the concert band, which played after the jazz ensemble. The instruments in the concert band included piccolos, flutes, oboes, bassoons, clarinets, bass clarinets, saxophones, and trumpets, french horns, trombones, euphoniums, tubas, and percussion.  The band performed, “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Pillars of the Earth,” “Prelude and Fugue in G Minor,” “The Spirit of Orpheus,” and “Sleigh Ride.” Jordan Laundry, a freshman who plays clarinet, said, “Our band worked very hard for this concert, and our time and effort invested really showed in our performance.”

Great job to all the instrumentalists!

Be a Part of SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon!

Be a Part of SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon!

What do you do? Wear red or a World AIDS Day t-shirt!

When? December 21st, before first period.

Why? To show your support for AIDS awareness!

SADD is asking all students and staff at the high school to participate in SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon on December 21st. This annual event is held to support AIDS awareness. Before first period on December 21st, students and staff, dressed in red, will gather on the turf in the shape of a ribbon for a picture. Be sure to join us!

Wildlife Wednesday: Holiday Decorations #3 Frosty the Gangsta Snowman

Mary Cope

Winter break is quickly approaching, and many of us are now frantically finishing up shopping, wrapping, and decorating! Unfortunately, instead of hearing the friendly crunch of frosty snow beneath our feet, we hear the slosh of mud puddles and the pitter-patter of rain on our rooftops. Since Mother Nature has thrown us a curveball, and as this holiday may turn out to be a very wet, damp one, this winter idea may have to wait, a month or so. It turns out that you can make an animal-friendly version of Frosty the Snowman! All you need are a few, simple substitutions!

We all know from the popular song that Frosty has a button nose, but adding a carrot, instead, will attract squirrels and deer! His two eyes made out of coal can be created from pine cones coated with peanut butter and bird seeds. His arms, if made with sturdy sticks, can hold suet, as well as some special pine cone bulbs! If you sprinkle bird seed around Frosty, that, too, will attract many creatures to brighten up your yard and keep your snowman company! If you come up with any leftover fruit pieces, those can be thrown around your snowman, too. The birds, squirrels, mice, and deer will thank you for their holiday treat! If your snowman’s appendages begin disappearing, simply replace them to keep your holiday friends coming back for more!

(Mary Cope is a junior whose interests span from dog shows to falconry. She particularly enjoys flying her hawk, Theron, in the woods behind her home. Mary’s immersion in the natural world for her various hobbies has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and the many creatures to which it is home.)

FFA Holiday Raffle - Ends Today!

Julia Fouts

Julia Fouts

Happy Holidays! FFA is raffling off a holiday food basket to all Homer High School students. The basket consists of cookies, holiday noodles, and candy; it’s great for the holidays! The tickets are on sale from Monday, December 17th until Wednesday, December 19th.

FFA is an organization geared towards educating young adults about agriculture. It teaches leadership skills, public speaking, money management, and communication skills. This youth organization opens doors to new clubs and opportunities for high school students. With this raffle, the club is able to raise money to support Homer FFA.