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FUSED Staff
The Canopy of Lights by Hannah Arroyo Even during a pandemic, the lights must go on.
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Animal Support at Home During Online Learning by Roudra Cha erjea North students discuss the benefits and joy of having pets while stuck at home.
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The Importance of Food, Family and the Holidays
Hannah Arroyo George Balas
by George Balas
Roudra Cha erjea
Fine food, family and tradi ons keep these North students happy and healthy during a the COVID holiday season.
Bronwen Deckard
Seven Evil Holiday Characters
Alex King Isaiah King
by Hannah Arroyo Holiday characters show the dark side of the holidays and pro vide both cautionary lessons and entertainment around the world. Pg 8
Reporters:
Krampus Night in Bloomington
Faculty Adviser: Adam Beaver
by Alex King A virtual version of a Bloomington favorite. Pg 10
Star ng Something New in a Pandemic For advertising
by George Balas
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Freshman reflect on their first semester as senior high students during a year under a pandemic.
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graphic by Ally Stallsmith And, why you should, too.
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Bloomington partakes in its beautiful holiday tradition in spite of a pandemic. by Hannah Arroyo The Canopy Lights is a beloved Bloomington tradition celebrated each year during the holiday season. Bloomington city workers string-up Christmas lights from the Monroe County Courthouse to the surrounding buildings in a radial design. This makes a beautiful display in downtown Bloomington that can be enjoyed in full extent at night.
ABOVE: Looking toward the south at the front doors of the courthouse where strings of lights radiate outward, attaching to surrounding buildings on the square. BELOW: Another angle of the lights streaming from the courthouse dome. Photos: Hannah Arroyo/Fused
The light emissions span for household light bulb, which were miles so many people can enjoy. It much larger than today’s household is meant to serve as a kick-off to the bulbs. holiday season. This year, the lights were The current tradition’s histo- switched on Friday, November 27. ry dates back to 1985, making it 35 However, to everyone’s dismay, the years old this year, however the hol- larger festivities of the tradition were cancelled due to the COVIDiday custom actually began in the 19 pandemic. 1930’s. Ninety years ago, the city only installed about 10 strings of lights from the courthouse dome compared to the 24 strands today.
Originally, the idea came from Robert Sullivan, a downtown clothier. He owned a shop on the square specializing in clothes for smaller men. At that time, the bulbs were actually the size of that era’s basic,
Even though the large, social gathering aspect, complete with food trucks, live music and crowds of families and friends was cancelled, people can still enjoy the lights until Valentine’s Day. Despite living in a pandemic, it is the holiday season, offering hope and joy and 24 strings of lights… at the end of the tunnel.
The lights are traditionally lit by Santa Claus the day after Thanksgiving. It is typically accompanied with live music, entertainers, food trucks, thousands of people and other festivities.
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Animal Support at Home During Online Learning How having and not having pets affect different people while stuck at home.
had fish before. I love how aquariums and terrariums look,” Carter said. However, unlike Buehler, he decided against getting a pet despite quarantine.
By: Roudra Chatterjea
“I considered getting an iguana or snake or something like that, but they are so much work to properly take care of that I decided not to go for it,” Carter said. “Since I can’t really adopt a dog or a cat, the idea of getting a reptile or fish seems a bit impractical.”
It’s no secret that having a pet decreases your stress levels on a daily basis, but in 2020 pets’ roles are even more important than ever because of the pandemic. Around the world there has been a sharp increase in pet adoption.
So, it seems that animal support, despite it currently trending, is not a necessity or an option for According to Kim Kavin Grace Buehler, 12, and her dog Hulie are some people, while for others it’s from The Washington Post perfect snuggle buddies. Courtesy photo something that makes life easier wrote, “Americans kept trying to fill and makes a person happier. People voids with canine companions, eihuge snuggle bug so if I ever need with animals can certainly have ther because they were stuck workphysical attention, she’ll come cud- their lives changed, but for some ing from home with children who people, their lives can change withneeded something to do, or had no dle with me. It’s great,” Buehler said. out them. work and lots of free time, or felt lonely with no way to socialize.” With the pressure of school Cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, vari- and upcoming college applications, ous reptiles and others are a very pets are very natural and important important source of support during stress relievers. these trying times. “When she’s (Hulie) When you are abruptly cut around, she’s a huge destresser. Acoff from your friends and the outtually, I think she’s been realizing side world, which you have been in I’m more stressed, and so she’s touch with your entire life, compan- been hanging out with me a lot ionship and support is vital in more,” she said. Photograph: Grace your home, and pets open up a Buehler whole new world. What if Buehler didn’t have When it comes to animals, a pet? Would she have adopted one? it’s all about trust, and with months “Yes, 100 percent. I would of constantly being together, that go out and bring home a dog mytrust grows stronger. School work, self,” she said. jobs, company and life in general have all been made easier with a pet However, pets aren’t for by one’s side. everyone. Some people are or have Grace Buehler, senior, who family members allergic to certain animals, while some people aren’t Courtesy photo is doing the online version of school, has a dog named Hulie who very bothered by being alone. is eight years old.
Ike Carter, junior, happens to fit both these categories, and he “I think it [quarantine] has currently has no pets. been a million times better with my dog. It’s really nice to have her “My family members are around, and my dog’s a allergic to dogs and cats, but I’ve
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“Well I mean pets are always nice. They’re wonderful and cute and interesting and fun,” Leo Visser, 11, said. “I feel like they help us emotionally, and recently I feel like everyone needs more emotional help than ever.”
The Importance of Food, Family and the Holidays meals are particularly meaningful However, things are quite during the holiday season because different from those in the past. As of seasonal festivities and traditions. COVID-19 cases rise across the country, the Center for Disease North senior Elijah VanPelt’s family enjoys their own Control is warning people not to traditions every Thanksgiving and travel for the holidays. The concern is that family get-togethers could Christmas. He and his family get lead to people coming into close together for a meal of turkey or contact with asymptomatic carriers, ham, bread rolls, vegetables and allowing the virus to easily By: George Balas pumpkin pie. VanPelt explained spread. This means that many peowhy these moments are so im“It’s time away from other ple will not be able to visit their exdistractions, and it is something you portant to him. tended relatives for the holidays to can do with everybody in your fam“Mostly, because I do not share a meal. ily,” Chauncy Craig, sophomore, see them as often as I should, so it is That does not mean that peosaid, who enjoys eating and cooking very welcoming, a warm-heart type ple can't enjoy the holidays over with his family. of thing ,I would say,” he said. meals with your family. It is still Craig has similar experienc- beneficial to have them with your es. He explained that every year he household family. and his family make gingerbread As VanPelt put it, “It would cookies and it has become a tradijust not be the holidays without tion that helps him bond with his them.” family.
Students share their thoughts on how holiday meals brought them closer to their families.
Chauncey Craig, 10. Photo: dxnchampions.org
For many people, holiday food is a sentimental thing, especially during the winter season. One of the major contributing factors in this is that it is a way for people to connect with their friends and family. According to Dawn Earnesty of Michigan State University, eating meals as a family can help relatives bond with each other. Earnestly explains meals give family members opportunities to converse and create lasting memories together. Earnestly’s report also noted that people are more likely to eat healthier while with family and that family meals help young children develop social skills. For some people, family
Photo: "Thanksgiving Spread" by CarbonNYC [in SF!] is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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SevenEvilHolid Vile Creatures that Show-up During the Holidays and the Cultures that Love ‘em
tricksters by nature and only inconvenience your life little. They might lick your spoons, slam your doors and commit other petty annoyances. But if by Hannah Arroyo their momma comes, it’s a different The holiday season is all about bringing joy and happiness. story. Today, the Yule Lads now Some cultures encourage children to behave well during the year, come to visit children to celebrate and lists are made: who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. the holiday and are redesigned to How do other people of world teach good behavior, especially durlook a little more jolly. ing the holidays? In many parts of the world, a jolly ol’ Saint Nick character is nowhere to be found. Instead, there are many evil characters lurk- Jólakötturinn ing about, waiting for that one, insolent child to punish, kidnap or maybe even eat! Although sticking coal in a stocking might be easier, these creatures offer more sinister consequences and a morality lesson, if the child pays attention. Here are seven such characters from around the world. And, if you cross paths with one of them, you know immediately which list you’re on. The Yule Lads and Grýla
The Yule Lads with their mother, Grýla, and her husband in the back. Graphic: Artic Portal
Grýla is a child-eating woman who has 13 sons known as the Yule Lads. She’s also the owner of the Yule Cat. She will steal children in a sack to cook a stew that will feed
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her and her husband through the next year. They all live in the mountains, and the Yule Lads come to visit town, one by one, during the 13 days before Christmas. They’re
The large Yule Cat looking into a building. Graphic: PBS
The Jólakötturinn is a huge black cat that also goes by the name The Yule Cat in Icelandic folklore. This cat is taller than most houses so it can peer through the windows and see the children inside. If the cat sees that the child has earned new clothes, he’ll move on. But, if the child has not earned any new clothes, then the cat will eat your dinner. And, for dessert, it will it the child, too. It is meant to inspire other children to give to the less-fortunate so they also will not be eaten. So, the next time your older sister gives you a hand-me-down, thank her for saving your life. Olentzero Olentzero is a Santa-like character that gives gifts. Although this is now-loved Christmas charac-
dayCharacters In southern Germany and Austria, there is a very ugly woman with a beak-ike, iron nose who conceals a long knife under her skirts. If she deems you worthy, then she will leave you a silver coin. However, if she deems you unworthy, she will punish you. This is where the knife comes in handy for her. She’ll open your stomach and replace your organs with straw or garbage. How can children get on her good side? They can leave out some porridge, clean up a messy house and finish spinning the flax.
“An effigy of Olentzero in Hendaia” created by Josu Goñi Etxabe. Photo: Creative Commons
ter in Basque country wasn’t always so jolly. He used to go into towns on Christmas Eve and scout out people that were eating too much food. When he found these over indulgent people, he would take his sickle and cut the throats of the gluttons. The lesson? Children, do not take and eat too much during the holidays.
Danny In South Africa, there is a tale of a boy named Danny. As the story goes, Danny had eaten all of the Christmas cookies that had been left for Santa. This angered his grandmother so much, that in a fit of rage she killed the boy! It is now said that ol’ Danny bou will haunt people’s houses on Christmas Day. The tale is meant to teach children to not be greedy.
Mari Lwyd, a man carrying a polemounted horse skull and draped in white cloth. If you deny entry the Mari Lwyd will start to challenge the owners of the house through song. The house owners from there will have to reply to an even wittier rhyme to Mari Lwyd in song. After this exchange, the Mai Lwyd will be allowed in and everyone will be given food and drink. The Mari Lwyd will often open it’s jaw to snap at anyone that gets too close or to whomever it wants to threaten. Children, the lesson here is simple: learn to rap. Krampus
Frau Perchta Mari Lwyd Krampus at Morzger Pass, Austria. Photo: Ma hias Kabel
A model of the Mari Lwyd in a white cloth and colorful ribbons. Photo: R. fiend
Ar st: Čeněk Zibrt
In southern Wales during Christmastime, a group of revelers travel house-to-house demanding entry and raid it of whatever they want. One of these revelers is the
In central Europe, there is legend that a half-goat, half-man creature that will visit the homes bad children. He’s said to do many awful thigs: beat bad children with a bundle of birch sticks; eat them; take them to hell; or even put them in a bag and toss them in the river! This beast is said to come on December fifth and sixth. Krampus is meant to be a direct contrast or the evil twin of Old Saint Nick.
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Krampus Night in Bloomington An annual night of fun, treats and terror for young and old in B‐town. by Alex King Krampus Night occurs annually before Christmas where children all around the world are believed to be rewarded for their good deeds in the past year. But beware! The naughty children are believed to be punished by the terrifying half -goat, half-demon named Krampus. The celebration’s roots are from pagan beliefs, and the holiday is normally celebrated on December fifth or sixth. During the annual Bloomington Krampus Night Parade, everyone is given either has a naughty or nice sticker. Based on which sticker you display determines whether you are rewarded or punished. In the first part of the parade, St. Nicolas and his angels come through and pass out candy to the nice-stickered attendees. Cora Deemer, sophomore, was fortunate to sport a nice sticker when she last attended. Remarking on the costumed participants, she said the angel’s costumes were “pretty and outgoing.” Lilian Miller, junior said they were “really elaborate.” In the second half of the parade, the Krampuses come out and they perform elaborate fire dances and tricks with whips. They showoff the children they’ve put in cages and will gladly torment anyone in the crowd that is naughty. One year, Miller remembered that she was “hit with a stick by a Krampus,” which is one of her
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ABOVE: Cap on font is arial, size 9. Photos and cap ons span page in column incre‐ ments. Inser ng photo will force text body to move around it. Photo: Adam Beaver (<— italics)
Krampus Night, 2018.
Photos: Lilian Miller
more memorable experiences at the parade. The costumes of the Krampuses are purposely huge and scary. They are covered in fur, rags and horns, and their faces look like monsters. The Bloomington Krampus Krewe, local festival enthusiasts, spends the entire year working on these incredible costumes.
Krampus Night in Bloomington is, as Miller says, “a highlight of the holiday season.” Deemer echoes that sentiments saying “it’s really awesome.” This year, Bloomington Krampus Night was performed fully online through EventBrite.com due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions. The organizers offered at-home activities, hosted costume drawing
contests and other engaging options. It was a balance between being safe while participating and watching from the comfort of your home. Although the event has come and gone, you can visit the Bloomington Krampus page on Facebook for festival highlights, photos and videos through the years.
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Starting Something New in a Pandemic North freshmen’s thoughts about their first semester and how it was impacted by the pandemic. By: George Balas A student's first semester of their freshmen year sets the stage for the rest of their time in high school. It is a time for students to learn the ropes, try new things and build friendships. However this year’s freshmen are getting a very different introduction to the high school experience than anyone before them, as many opted to spend much of their first semester online or following a series of social distancing guidelines. Under ideal circumstances adapting to the new school environment is a challenge as there is a lot to learn about new buildings, new teachers, new classes and new expectations. The class of 2024 is adapting in less than ideal circumstances, but despite the challenges many North freshmen were able to find a solid footing. Freshman Hunter Tang was pleased to share his success in making the transition to senior high. “ It was affected some because there was online school and stuff, but I think it was fine. The shift wasn’t bad,” he said. Fellow freshman Cyrus Visser had a similar experience. “No, there was not really much of an effect. I was able to do most of the things I would have normally done at home without much difficulty,” he said. Despite all the complications related to COVID, both students expressed confidence that not only had their transition gone smoothly but so did their semester as a whole. “I think it went pretty good relative to how I planned. I think I
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Photo: Indiana Public Media
did well in most of my classes, so yeah, it was good,” said Visser about his fall semester. Inevitably, pandemic procedures meant giving up things at school that can not be completely replicated online. Both students reflected on some of the experiences that they feel they missed in their first semester of high school. “In my classes, we were not able to do some of the elective group activities the teachers said we
were going to do but could not because of the pandemic,” Visser said. Tang also explained what was missing for him this semester. “I do not think we got as many interactions, so maybe I would have enjoyed it more,” he said. As the COVID vaccine is rolling out, the class of 2024 can hope for normalcy to return sooner than later.
Photo: Getty Images
Graphic: Ally Stallsmith
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