Hanukkah

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.

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This version includes both the English and Hebrew translations!

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Latke Recipes!

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Thanksgiving

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!

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!

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....

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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.

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Chaka Fattah's Newsletter

Mother's Day!

A time to celebrate Mothers everywhere!

Mother's Day Links:

• Mother's Day Flowers And Gifts
  
  
• Mother's Day Celebration website
  
  
• Mother's Day Poems
  
  
• Mother's Day Clipart
  
  
• Mother's Day Ideas!

Earth Day

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

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!

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

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

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Wikipedia

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

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

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
  

Valentine's Day

Lincoln's Birthday

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

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.

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Wikipedia

Related Links:

• What is Ash Wednesday and what do Christians celebrate on Ash Wednesday?
  
  
• Catholic Encyclopedia - What Is Ash Wednesday
  
  
• Why Ashes on Ash Wednesday?

GroundHog Day

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

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Wikipedia

Here Is A List Of Federal Holidays

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

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.