The Calendar Blog

National Poetry Month!

2011-04-01T16:51:00.000-04:00

April is National Poetry Month!

The Calendar Blog: Daylight Savings Time Begins Today!

2011-03-13T17:03:00.000-04:00

The Calendar Blog: Daylight Savings Time Begins Today!:

"Daylight Savings Time began earlier tonight. Last night at 2am, we're supposed to turn our clocks ahead one hour. (It is also suggested that this is the time of the year that you change your smoke detector batteries)

Employee Appreciation Day

2011-03-04T07:41:00.000-05:00

Even though I work from home and have a Working From Home blog I know that there are still many, many people who work outside of the home and who also work for other companies big and small.

That's why I can appreciate such a day as Employee Appreciation Day which honors employees everywhere. (Just in case you're wondering, yes, there is also a Boss's Day which occurs in September too).

Here is an excerpt about Employee Appreciation Day

"Celebrations today should be created and executed by your company. Recognitions vary widely, and may include a lunch, snack, cakes, or other munchies, and small recognition gifts. Don't expect a day off. Chances are, it just won't happen.

Origin of "Employee Appreciation Day" -

According to David Nuualiitia "Employee Appreciation Day first arrived on calendars in 1995. One of Recognition Professionals International’s founding Board members, Bob Nelson, together with his publishing company, Workman Publishing, created Employee Appreciation Day as a way of focusing the attention of all employers, in all industries on employee recognition."

There are a lot of local and company specific celebrations for Employee Day and week. They are spread across the year.
"

source

Holiday Insights.com

President's Day

2011-02-21T17:07:00.003-05:00

President's Day is set aside to honor all of the presidents - both current and past! The third Monday in February is set aside as President's Day. It is an official federal holiday. And there will be many different events honoring this day.

Since it is considered a federal holiday non-essential federal government offices are closed. All federal employees are paid for the holiday; those who are required to work on the holiday receive wages for that day in addition to holiday pay. Private banks, stock and futures exchanges are generally closed on these days as well.

source
Wikipedia

President Day Links

Presidents Day Sales (About 30 years ago a lot of stores closed on this day!)
What I have found that is very interesting about the observance of this holiday is that different states have different official ways of observing this holiday. You can read more about it by clicking here
Link to the official website of the White House's website for more information about President's Day

Fun Facts!

In New Mexico, President's Day, at least as a state government paid holiday, is observed on the Friday following Thanksgiving
This day is also used to honor war veterans
Over time, as with many federal holidays, few Americans actually celebrate Presidents Day, and it is mainly known as a day off from work or school, although most non-governmental workers do not get the day off.
Community celebrations often display a lengthy heritage. Historic Alexandria, Virginia, hosts a month-long tribute, including the longest running George Washington Birthday parade

Daylight Savings Time Ends!

2010-11-07T01:01:00.001-04:00

Just in case you didn't know daylight savings time has ended!

What this means is that it is time to turn back the clocks one hour.

Believe it or not there have been some serious debates that question the validity of using daylight savings time!

Many countries observe DST, and many do not. The reason many countries implement DST is in hopes to make better use of the daylight in the evenings, as well as some believe that it could be linked to reducing the amount of road accidents and injuries. The extra hour of daylight in the evening is said to give children more social time with friends and family and can even boost the tourism industry because it increases the amount of outdoor activies.

source

Timeanddate.com

It is also suggested that you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. And if you don't have smoke detectors then now would be a good time to buy some!

National Punctuation Day

2010-09-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

National Punctuation Day

National Punctuation Day, September 24, celebrates the importance of proper punctuation.

Source
National Punctuation Day.com

April 15th! - Tax Day!

2010-04-15T12:26:00.002-04:00

I didn't really notice it until I signed in to my AOL account but this is the last day to file your taxes! April 15th is definitely the last day to file your taxes before you will be charged a penalty!

I was able to send in all of my tax returns a few days ago so I managed to beat that last minute bad rush!

Since I work from home myself, I won't be getting a tax refund. Since I am self-employed there is a self-employment tax that I have to pay.

There is also a local tax in my own local area that I have to pay on my income as well!

So all together that is 3 tax forms that I have to fill out yearly! But I'm glad to say that I did manage to get all three done in time!

Other sources of money: Have you heard of "unclaimed money"? You may be on the list for unclaimed money and not even know it! You could also have a spouse or family member who is on the list for unclaimed money. Check out my blog, The Unclaimed Money Blog to find out more information about unclaimed money - which is yet another source of free money that the "experts" are always talking about!

Winter Solstice

2009-12-21T21:58:00.002-05:00

Because I am also a hedgewitch the seasons are something that I am greatly interested in.

During the winter solstice - it marks the beginning of winter and is also the shortest day of the year.

Be Sure To Watch Out For Those Holiday Scams!

2009-12-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

With the Christmas season upon us there is an online article that is listing some of the top holiday scams that are out this season.

Of course some of them include scams that appear all year round including phony work at home scams, government grant scams and scams that try to steal a person's password.

But there are a number of scams that involve the holiday season as well including phony charity schemes and holiday sites that are specifically created for phishing purposes.

So be on the lookout and beware!

You can read the article by clicking here.

Daylight Savings Time Ends Today!

2009-11-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

In case you don't already know daylight savings times ends today (rather I should say tonight!). This is the time of the year when we turn our clocks back one hour starting at 2am! Theoretically since this occurs on a Saturday night/Sunday morning kind of thing, we're supposed to get an extra hour of sleep.

Here's an interesting fact:

The only states that don't observe daylight saving time are Hawaii and Arizona, although the Navajo reservation in Arizona do make the change.

Halloween!

2009-10-31T00:01:00.001-04:00

Have

A

Very Happy

Halloween!

2009-09-15T07:32:00.000-04:00

CROWLEY HAILS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: Hispanic Heritage Month 2009 is set to run from September 15 to October 15 and Congressmember Joseph Crowley (D- Queens/The Bronx) feels there should be special pride in celebrating it this year.

"We helped to raise the first Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice, our own Judge Sonia Sotomayor," he noted. "Her swearing-in was a tremendous moment for New York and the nation and we should continue to celebrate this achievement throughout the year."

Today Is Alfred Hitchcock's Birthday!

2009-08-13T23:27:00.002-04:00

I'm quite a fan of Alfred Hitchcock's movies! As a matter of fact I think some of his movies scare me more than the more modern day horror movies!

I think my favorite Hitchcock movie is "The Birds".

There's some online information saying that Alfred Hitchcock was born on a Friday the 13th (of August) which makes it kind of a scary co-incidence!

Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

A day to honor and give thanks to Mother's all over the world!

Daylight Savings Time Begins Today!

2009-03-08T00:38:00.002-05:00

Daylight Savings Time begins tonight. Tonight at 2am, we're supposed to turn our clocks ahead one hour. (It is also suggested that this is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detector(s)).

Even though I have mentioned about daylight savings time in this blog before, I have also found interesting the fact that we didn't always have daylight savings time!

It is something that the government started a long time ago and its purpose was to help save energy. It was thought that if people had more daylight hours then they would use less electricity - meaning lights and such. But it was also revealed by researchers that people actually used more electricity instead!

I thought that that was interesting and seeing that it was the government that came up with this idea I wasn't too surprised at the actual outcome of this result.

As someone that does grant research (including government grant programs), I find that there are a lot of ironies in things dealing with the government!

There was also similar research done that said when daylight savings time happens people lose more sleep and thusly can't function as well.

Since I work from home doing grant research and consultations, I pretty much make up my own hours even though even when one works from home they should still have a work hour schedule.

So there you have it - an interesting fact (that I learned) about daylight savings time!

Black History Month!

2009-02-01T01:15:00.000-05:00

Of course February is Black History month here in the United States. What I didn't know was that Black History month is celebrated in Britain in October! It is also celebrated in Canada as well!

You learn so many new things on the Internet!

Black History month is a time to acknowledge the contributions of African Americans to America's history and development.

We Are DEFINITELY In The Middle Of The Winter Season Here!

2009-01-31T06:32:00.002-05:00

It has definitely been cold for the last few weeks here in the Philadelphia area! In my own local area which is just outside the Philadelphia city limits, our temperatures tend to be a little bit more colder than what the temperatures are in the city.

We have just had a bout with some snow but mostly the problem is the ice! It is thick! And I even remember hearing on the news that many people have had accidents slipping on the ice! The ice outside my front door is more treacherous than it is in the street!

The temperatures haven't gone above freezing in the last few days so the ice is still there. While we had some sun during the day, when the temperatures dropped and the sun went down, the ice became a problem again!

For Sunday and Monday we're supposed to have temperatures in the 40's so hopefully that will melt all of the ice!

I mean I know that we are in the middle of the winter season but that ice is just something!

I think that this is one of the colder winters that we have had!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

2009-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of what is opened and closed on this day

What's open and closed today, the holiday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

• Most schools and government offices will be closed, but many businesses will be open. Many workers do not have the day off as a holiday.

• Most Metro buses will operate with a reduced weekday schedule, featuring more services than on weekends but somewhat less than normal weekdays, with some route or individual trip cancellations.

• State ferries will be on regular weekday schedules.

• Some basic services, such as garbage pickup, will be on regular schedules, and some transfer and recycling stations will be open.

• Most banks and credit unions will be closed.

• Post offices will be closed; no home delivery except for express mail.

• Public libraries and state-owned liquor stores will be closed.

January - Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

2009-01-02T05:23:00.000-05:00

"Governor Blagojevich (Illinois)Urges Women to get Screened During January - Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today declared January Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in Illinois and is urging all women, especially women who smoke, to get screened regularly for cervical cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, women who smoke are almost twice as likely as non-smokers to develop cervical cancer."

Hanukkah

2008-12-21T08:26:00.002-05:00

Hanukkah begins at sundown today. Special Hanukkah Prayers will also be used over an eight day period!

Hanukkah (Hebrew: חנוכה‎, IPA: ['χanuka], alt. Chanukah), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, and may occur from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar.

source

Wikipedia

A special candelabrum called the Menorah is used.

Special Hanukkah prayers are recited.

If you would like to receive a copy of these prayers so that you can have them please consider making a $15 donation using the Paypal button on the side of this blog.

Once you make your donation and it has been processed your email address will be needed so that the prayers can be sent to you via email!

This version includes both the English and Hebrew translations!

______________________________________________________________

Latke Recipes!

If you are looking for some simple latke recipies then you can receive a simple latke recipe e-book by donating just $10.

Please be sure to include your email address!

These Ebooks are in .pdf format!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T09:47:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to a very heartwarming story about a woman who opened her home to others for Thanksgiving!

In the article she has said that her and her family faced a lot of hardship in the past and were very nearly homeless (I don't know if this had anything to do with their home being foreclosed on or whether or not their home was in the foreclosure process) but her life has turned around and she wanted to show her gratitude by helping others!

Veterans Day!

2008-11-11T10:26:00.002-05:00

This is the day that we celebrate all veterans - both living and deceased!

There are lots of Veterans' Day activities going on all over the United States today and you can find out more about this day by clicking here

Time To Turn Your Clocks Back One Hour Tonight!

2008-11-01T16:16:00.003-04:00

I don't know if this is when daylight savings time ends or begins but I do know that tonight (at around 2am) is when we are supposed to turn our clocks back one hour - thus gaining an additional hour of sleep!

I'm all for that!

Just found out that since we are turning our clocks back that means that we are going back to standard time!

Columbus Day - Some Thoughts / Opinions....

2008-10-13T07:07:00.001-04:00

Why is it we celebrate Columbus Day??

They forced their way into native settlements, slaughtering everyone they found there, including small children, old men, pregnant women, and even women who had just given birth. They hacked them to pieces, slicing open their bellies with their swords as though they were so many sheep herded into a pen.
They even laid wagers on whether they could manage to slice a man in two at a stroke, or cut an individual's head from his body, or disembowel him with a single blow of their axes. They grabbed suckling infants by the feet and, ripping them from their mothers' breasts, dashed them headlong against the rocks. Others, laughing and joking all the while, threw them over their shoulders into a river, shouting: 'Wriggle, you little perisher.'

Ya' know, I was afraid someone would ask that question.

No doubt, there's no call for celebration in the Father's testimony of the shameful deeds that occurred during that chapter of human history, or in the years that followed on this continent. As a member of the Pagan community, reading them drives home the point of how important it is to respect and honor the preservation of all native cultures.

There's also the fact that Columbus wasn't the first to 'discover' the New World. Far from it.

But...I think most people celebrate the spirit of the holiday, which marks the first voyage across the Atlantic. At least that's how I look at it.

If anyone were to ask me, and I'm sure that won't happen, I'd suggest the holiday be revamped into a memorial day instead of a celebration...for the plight of our Native Americans and a truthful understanding of their 'history' and culture. - That's an excellent idea! I'd suppport it. Should we write to our congressmen? Seriously. - That's a good idea as I was serious.

Especially IF you have any congressmen in your state that care. Unfortunately there are none of those sorts here. But I would gladly write to others---if there are any of that nature left in Congress thesedays. I only know of one or perhaps 2 that might consider it and the gathering of support of their peers (for the little people) has been what they did well in the past...perhaps you are aware of others?

Why not try?

Enjoying Halloween At ANY Age!

2008-09-24T17:45:00.002-04:00

I don't believe that Halloween is just for the kids!

In my own local area, there are quite a few events going on during the Halloween time and they are not just for kids!

I have noticed that there are less and less areas that give trick-or-treat candies out to kids now a days! I guess people are just trying to be more cautious.

Although I do admit that its nice seeing kids (and adults too) trick or treating. I mean that is what this holiday is about right?

Labor Day!

2008-09-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Surprisingly enough Labor Day falls on the first day of September - which happens to be a Monday! I don't think I ever recall Labor Day coming so early!

If I were a suspicious kind of person I would think President Bush had something to do with it just to get people back to work!

International Worldwide Forgiveness Day

2008-08-03T07:21:00.000-04:00

August 3rd was designated as International Worldwide Forgiveness Day by the visionary Robert Plath. His vision was that it would be a day that would evoke the healing spirit of forgiveness worldwide. He created the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance in 1996 to empower that vision.

Each year on this date, the Alliance honors people who have made a contribution to spreading the message of forgiveness throughout the world, either by the work they have done or by the examples set in their own lives.

Father's Day!

2008-06-15T07:20:00.000-04:00

A special day to celebrate Dads all over the world! Married dads and single dads - all of them - this is their special day!

Flag Day

2008-06-14T07:44:00.002-04:00

It was 1885 and Bernard Cigrand was only 19 years old. Yet, he was responsible for educating inquisitive and impressionable students. It was an awesome task for someone so young. On June 14, 1885, Cigrand wanted to teach a very important lesson by bringing attention to the flag. He placed a 10 inch 38 star flag in a bottle that sat on his desk and directed the waiting students to write essays on the flag’s meaning. It was the first noted observance of Flag Day. Cigrand’s gesture launched a groundswell of support for a day of national recognition for the Stars and Stripes. It took 31 years but he achieved his goal when President Woodrow Wilson issued a declaration calling for the country to officially observe June 14th as Flag Day.

This year as we celebrate Flag Day let us remember our troops who are fighting for the freedoms represented by the banner. Last month, I voted in favor of the GI Bill for the 21st Century that honors the sacrifice of our troops. The legislation provides service members an educational benefit that covers the entire cost of tuition, books, supplies and fees at any four year public college. Additionally, the bill grants to those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least three years, a monthly stipend as they pursue their college degree.

President Bush opposes the measure, saying that it would create an exodus of military personnel by providing the educational benefit after only three years of service. Lawmakers disagree, saying it’s the least service members deserve given their enormous sacrifice.

As the country observes Flag Day 2008, we must remember our duty to the men and women serving under that flag – those who every day put their lives in harm’s way so that we may enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.

source
Chaka Fattah's Newsletter

Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T07:29:00.001-04:00

A time to celebrate Mothers everywhere!

Mother's Day Links:

Earth Day

2008-04-22T07:49:00.000-04:00

Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress.

Our government has a lot of different websites relating to Earth Day. It is also celebrated on an international scale as well!

One of the most simplest and basic things that you can do to help celebrate Earth Day would be to plant a tree or start a garden. Both of these activities helps to make our environment better!

Here is a link to a site that lists things that people can do to help celebrate Earth Day.

Good Friday

2008-03-21T06:09:00.000-04:00

According to Wikipedia,

Good Friday

"also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is the Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus at Calvary."

March = Windy Weather!

2008-03-20T23:34:00.003-04:00

Well it seems that March 2008 is having some of the weirdest weather!

I live in the northeast portion (LaMott, Pa) and today we are under a wind advisory until 5pm tommorrow afternoon!

The wind has been blowing like crazy all day and the day before we had a lot of rain, heavy at times, all during yesterday.

I think tommorrow is supposed to be the first day of spring and while we have had some spring-like weather during the past weeks or days - that is not what is happening now.

The rest of the week and the upcoming weekend weather forecast looks like we will be having chilly temperatures plus the wind gusts will make the temperature feel colder! There is even a chance of us seeing some snow in the next few days!

Palm Sunday

2008-03-16T04:43:00.000-04:00

Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast which always falls on the Sunday before Easter.

source
Wikipedia

It's Time To Turn Our Clocks Ahead One Hour!

2008-03-09T01:59:00.000-05:00

Daylight Savings time will be observed today, Sunday, March 9, 2008! That means that at 2am on Sunday it will be time to turn your clocks ahead 1 hour to 3am!

"The federal law that established "daylight time" in the United States does not require any area to observe daylight saving time. But if a state chooses to observe DST, it must follow the starting and ending dates set by the law."

President's Day

2008-02-18T07:45:00.000-05:00

source
Wikipedia

President Day Links

Presidents Day Sales (About 30 years ago a lot of stores closed on this day!)
What I have found that is very interesting about the observance of this holiday is that different states have different official ways of observing this holiday. You can read more about it by clicking here
Link to the official website of the White House's website for more information about President's Day

Fun Facts!

In New Mexico, President's Day, at least as a state government paid holiday, is observed on the Friday following Thanksgiving
This day is also used to honor war veterans
Over time, as with many federal holidays, few Americans actually celebrate Presidents Day, and it is mainly known as a day off from work or school, although most non-governmental workers do not get the day off.
Community celebrations often display a lengthy heritage. Historic Alexandria, Virginia, hosts a month-long tribute, including the longest running George Washington Birthday parade

Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T07:04:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day

Lincoln's Birthday

2008-02-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

According to Wikipedia, Lincoln's birthday is a legal holiday in only some states. A lot of states recognize Lincoln's birthay as part of President's Day.

Although Lincoln's Birthday had never been designated as a federal holiday, it was observed as a state holiday in many parts of the country.

Here is a link to a site that has information about Abraham Lincoln and his life.

And here is a link to a site about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Illinois

Ash Wednesday

2008-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

In the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty days before Easter (excluding Sundays). It falls on a different date each year, because it is dependent on the date of Easter; it can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10.

source
Wikipedia

GroundHog Day

2008-02-02T07:33:00.000-05:00

Groundhog Day or Groundhog's Day is a holiday celebrated in United States and Canada on February 2. In weather lore, if a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, marmot, or ground squirrel, emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees its shadow, it will return into its burrow, and the winter will continue for 6 more weeks

source
Wikipedia

Here Is A List Of Federal Holidays

2008-01-02T14:38:00.001-05:00

In the United States, a federal holiday is a holiday recognized by the United States Government. Non-essential federal government offices are closed. All federal employees are paid for the holiday; those who are required to work on the holiday receive wages for that day in addition to holiday pay. Private banks, stock and futures exchanges are generally closed on these days as well.

Currently there are 11 Federal Holidays

New Year's Day - first day in January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - third Monday in January
Inauguration Day - January 20, every fourth year, following Presidential election

Observed only by federal government employees in Washington, D.C., and certain counties and cities of Maryland and Virginia, in order to relieve congestion that occurs with this major event. Note: Takes place on January 21 if the 20th is a Sunday (although the President is still privately inaugurated on the 20th).
Washington's Birthday - Third Monday in February - Often popularly observed as "Presidents Day" in recognition of other American presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln (who was born February 12). The legal name of the federal holiday, however, is "Washington's Birthday", not "Presidents Day". (historically observed on February 22, prior to passage of the Monday Holiday Bill by Congress)
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Columbus Day - Second Monday in October
Veterans Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November

Traditionally celebrates giving thanks for the autumn harvest, and customarily includes the consumption of a turkey dinner. (historically observed on various days, but finally becoming so fixed to the fourth Thursday in November in the hearts and minds of Americans, that Americans rebelled (albeit politely) when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt attempted to move it to the third Thursday of November, at the request of numerous powerful American merchants)
Christmas Day - December 25

source
Wikipedia

January Is Volunteer Blood Donor Month

2008-01-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

In response to the general shortage during the winter months, January is Volunteer Blood Donor Month.

If you are of age, at least 110 pounds and in good health, consider giving blood through your local chapter of the Red Cross. With each donation, you will help save a life somewhere around the world.

To learn more about how you can donate blood or to host your own blood drive, read this article from the American National Red Cross.

Boxing Day

2007-12-26T19:19:00.000-05:00

Wikipedia

Boxing Day is the day after Christmas, a public holiday in most countries in The Commonwealth. It originated as a day for giving gifts to employees and poor people. It has sporting traditions, especially fox hunting, and is the day when stores launch the most significant sales period in the retail cycle.

It is usually celebrated on 26 December, the day after Christmas Day;[1][2], but can move to 27 December or 28 December if 26 December is a Saturday or Sunday. The movement of Boxing Day varies between countries.

The public holiday is recognised in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as many other members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Kwanzaa

2007-12-26T06:57:00.000-05:00

Kwanzaa (or Kwaanza) is a week-long festival celebrated primarily in the United States, honoring African American heritage.[1] It is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year.

Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving. It was created by Dr. Ron Karenga, and first celebrated from December 26, 1966, to January 1, 1967, timed to coincide with Christmas so that it would be remembered. Dr. Karenga calls Kwanzaa the African American branch of "first fruits" celebrations of classical African cultures.

source
Wikipedia

Other Links With More Information About Kwanzaa

Christmas Day!

2007-12-25T21:53:00.000-05:00

Fun Facts!

Americans send three billion Christmas cards a year. If you have the average number of friends, you should get at least 12 cards a year.

Christmas Freebies

If you are still looking for some "last minute" Christmas Freebies, then here are a few links that I have found:

First Day Of Winter

2007-12-22T06:40:00.000-05:00

In the northern hemisphere, the Winter solstice is day of the year (near December 22) when the Sun is farthest south. However, in the southern hemisphere, winter and summer solstices are exchanged so that the winter solstice is the day on which the Sun is farthest north. The winter solstice marks the first day of the season of winter. The declination of the Sun on the (northern) winter solstice is known as the tropic of capricorn (-23° 27').

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, respectively, in the sense that the length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is a minimum for the year. Of course, daylight saving time means that the first Sunday in April has 23 hours and the last Sunday in October has 25 hours, but these human meddlings with the calendar and do not correspond to the actual number of daylight hours. In Chicago, there are 9:20 hours of daylight on the winter solstice of December 22, 1999.

source
Holiday Smart.com

A Bit Of History!

2007-12-08T08:21:00.001-05:00

On this date:

In Ireland, the 8th of December has always been the day that busy farmers took off work to do their Christmas shopping. The towns would all be bustling with country people, who stood out by their dress and accents. Whole families descended on Cork City and it was the day that the rest of the townspeople would stay at home, and let the country folk get on with their business. Of course, it never did seem to happen that way because watching everything that was going on came to be a favorite pasttime!

This whole tradition seemed to have been created because for the many that traveled the long miles into the town on that day, it really was their only chance to get the presents and make sure that Santa would visit their children on the 25th December.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

2007-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Hanukkah

2007-12-05T20:48:00.000-05:00

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is the annual Jewish festival celebrated on eight successive days beginning on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding, approximately, to December in the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, and Feast of the Maccabees, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem by Judas Maccabee in 165 BC after the Temple had been profaned by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, king of Syria and overlord of Palestine.

source
History.com

When Do I Start Putting Up Christmas Decorations?

2007-11-24T23:44:00.001-05:00

I like to wait well after Thanksgiving (but before December 1st) before I start putting up Christmas decorations. I like to be able to fully enjoy Thanksgiving and give it all its "props"!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T07:07:00.000-05:00

Of course this is the day that we all give thanks!

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada.

Thanksgiving-Related Links:

Wikipedia
When Is Thanksgiving (future Thanksgiving dates)
Thanksgiving Recipies
Government Website With Thanksgiving Holiday Safety Information
The Food Network's Thanksgiving Website
The ButterBall Hotline Website

Veterans Day

2007-11-11T07:07:00.000-05:00

Like a lot of other holidays, there are conflicting spellings. According to Wikipedia, the offical spelling is Veterns Day (and not Veteran's Day) - meaning that all Veterans are honored and remembered on this day.

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 in honor of those who have served in the armed forces of the United States.

The United States Department of Veterens Affairs also has a official Veterans Day website where there are photo galleries and downloads available.

Veterans Day was also formerly known as Armistice Day

Related Links:

Election Day

2007-11-06T07:36:00.000-05:00

source
KUMC

Every four years, on Election Day, (Tuesday after the first Monday in November), registered *voters in the United States cast their votes for presidential electors. Collectively, these electors form the Electoral College. The number of electors per state is equal to the number in its Congressional delegation. Thus, each state has at least three electors. Kansas has six electors and Missouri has eleven. These electors meet on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December to elect the President and Vice-President.

In 1845, Congress established Election Day in response to abuses caused by the previous system of electing the President and Vice-President. Under the old system, states could appoint electors at any time within 34 days prior to the convening of electors in December.

Daylight Saving Time Ends

2007-11-04T02:00:00.000-05:00

This is the date when we turn our clocks back one hour (you know "spring forward, fall back" in order to observe Daylight Saving Time. From 1986 to 2006 this was the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, but starting this year, it will be observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November (which will be Sunday, November 4, 2007), adding about a month to daylight saving time.

There is still a lot of controversy concerning daylight saving time.

On August 8, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This Act changed the time change dates for Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. Beginning in 2007, DST will begin on the second Sunday in March and end the first Sunday in November. The Secretary of Energy will report the impact of this change to Congress. Congress retains the right to resume the 2005 Daylight Saving Time schedule once the Department of Energy study is complete. You can read more about this federal law by clicking here.

Related Links:

Halloween

2007-10-31T13:50:00.000-04:00

The term has many meanings! Halloween originated from the Pagan festival Samhain, celebrated among the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain. (It is very popular in Ireland!) Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century. Halloween is now celebrated in several parts of the western world, most commonly in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.

Wikipedia has a lot of information about the Halloween holiday.

There is also a Halloween.com website with links to sites that are Halloween-related. There are even some Halloween chats!

United Nations Day

2007-10-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

According to Wikipedia, United Nations Day is observed to recognize the aims and achievements of the United Nations.

It was established in 1945 by Presidential Proclamation

National Boss Day

2007-10-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

According to another website, National Boss Day is always celebrated on October 16th, which this year happens to be on a Monday. If the October 16th date falls on a weekend then it is celebrated on the closest business day.

It is a day for employees to celebrate how nice their bosses have been to them. It was originally only celebrated in the United States but has since branched out to other countries as well.

According to Wikipedia this holiday started when Patricia Bays Haroski registered National Boss's Day with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958. She was working for State Farm Insurance Company at the time and chose October 16 because it was the birthday of her loving boss, her father.

It is customary to give one's boss a card or small gift.

Hallmark has their own special line of National Boss Day cards.

Welcome!

2007-10-13T11:20:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my newest blogs about the holidays! There are times when I have missed the holidays because of work and I don't want it to happen too often in the future. I'd like to take more time out and enjoy the holidays more.

I'll see on my calendar or hear on the tv about an upcoming holiday and I'll stick it in the back of my mind and before I know it the holiday has come and gone - without me enjoying it!

I'm talking about both the big and the little holidays.

I love when tv specials come on that talk about the specific holidays. I even like listening to some radio shows about them too.

So here is to enjoying the holidays more!

The Calendar Blog

National Poetry Month!

The Calendar Blog: Daylight Savings Time Begins Today!

Employee Appreciation Day

President's Day

Daylight Savings Time Ends!

National Punctuation Day

April 15th! - Tax Day!

Winter Solstice

Be Sure To Watch Out For Those Holiday Scams!

Daylight Savings Time Ends Today!

Halloween!

HaveAVery HappyHalloween!

Today Is Alfred Hitchcock's Birthday!

Mother's Day!

Daylight Savings Time Begins Today!

Black History Month!

We Are DEFINITELY In The Middle Of The Winter Season Here!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January - Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Hanukkah

Latke Recipes!

Thanksgiving

Veterans Day!

Time To Turn Your Clocks Back One Hour Tonight!

Columbus Day - Some Thoughts / Opinions....

Enjoying Halloween At ANY Age!

Labor Day!

International Worldwide Forgiveness Day

Father's Day!

Flag Day

Mother's Day!

Earth Day

Good Friday

March = Windy Weather!

Palm Sunday

It's Time To Turn Our Clocks Ahead One Hour!

President's Day

Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day

Lincoln's Birthday

Ash Wednesday

GroundHog Day

Here Is A List Of Federal Holidays

January Is Volunteer Blood Donor Month

Boxing Day

Kwanzaa

Christmas Day!

Christmas Freebies

First Day Of Winter

A Bit Of History!

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Hanukkah

Hanukkah

When Do I Start Putting Up Christmas Decorations?

Thanksgiving

Veterans Day

Election Day

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Halloween

United Nations Day

National Boss Day

Welcome!

Have

A

Very Happy

Halloween!