celebrate & educate

Thanksgiving Wine

2008-11-24T09:59:00.007Z

What wine should you serve to best compliment your Thanksgiving meal?

This has been a Thanksgiving meal-planning dilema in many homes for years. There are so many different flavors you may think it's a good idea to have a sampling of all types of wines available. But, of course this isn't practical.

If you're like most people you will know that white goes best with light flavors (your turkey, for example) and red with robust falvors (like your potatoes and gravy). So, you just compromise with a Zinfandel?

This, however, is a flavor disaster and an insult to your palate. Not to mention you can't in all honesty praise the cook for the wonderful meal while your face is contorting after every swallow.

Red wine picks up the thicker, richer of the menu items but will provide a shock to the tast buds with the more lighter-toned items. Or, it could even drown out some of the flavors of the meal altogether.

White wine will compliment the most of the meal and, if it doesn't, at least won't be terrible with the rest of the meal. Now let's be clear here. Not all white wines are created equal.

If you want the most complimentary wine for your Thanksgiving meal buy an Alsatian Pinot Gris. If you can't find one, buy an Italian Pinot Grigio.

And of course, for the kids, an apple juice or cranberry juice is customary.

Hope this helps eliminate at least one stress of the day.

Nick Jonas - A Little Bit Longer

2008-11-23T22:57:00.003Z

For those with Diabetes, and especially for today’s youth with Diabetes, there are plenty of role models out there to give us strength and encouragement. For example:

Gary Hall, Jr. – A ten-time medal winning Olympic swimmer who was diagnosed with type 1 in 1999. He’s the ambassador of the Inspired by Diabetes program.

Jay Cutler – Denver Broncos Quarterback diagnosed with type 1 in 2008. He says that 6-weeks after his diagnosis, and with proper insulin management, he feels ten-times better than he did just before his diagnosis.

Scott Dunton – A nationally recognized surfing sensation, now 21, who was diagnosed at the age of 16.

Halle Berry – Movie star diagnosed with type 1 in 1989.

Elliott Yamin – Final-three contestant of the fifth-season of American Idol. He uses the spotlight to encourage young people with diabetes to reach for their dreams.

But the most popular and effective voice yet has been that of pop sensation Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. In their new CD “A Little Bit Longer” the title song is about Nick’s struggle with his Diabetes. During their World Tour Nick also talks about it before they play their song. According to several tweens that attended the concerts, he was known to become “teary-eyed” during the performance. Of course this caused more tween girls to love him even more.

Nick has signed up with a three-year partnership with Bayer HealthCare. You can find him in ads selling blood-sugar meters. The Jonas Brothers have also created a foundation to help support awareness: www.changeforthechildren.org where you can learn about helping the cause and purchase their Limited Edition Diabetes Dog-Tags and T-shirts.

Kids and teens everywhere know more about Diabetes than ever. Two years ago, mention the word “Diabetes” to a youth without the disease in their family and they say, “What’s that?” Now everyone knows. Those with it say they have, “Diabetes, just like Nick Jonas.” Kids are trading their medic-alert bracelets for a medic-alert dog-tag “just like Nick Jonas.”

Parents everywhere are becoming more aware of the symptoms in their children and, therefore, catching the disease before major complications arise. They are also finding it easier to encourage their children by citing stars like the Jonas Brothers.

Whether type 1 or type 2, one in three kids face a future with Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is trying to raise money to find a cure. Visit www.diabetes.org to help them “Kiss Diabetes Goodbye.”

Japan's Labor Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-23T06:27:00.004Z

Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro kansha no hi) is a national holiday in Japan. It takes place annually on November 23. It originated in 1948 as a celebration “for the people to honor labor, celebrate manufacturing and give thanks to one another” for all their hard work and for the fruits of their labors.

This festival is actually a modern name for an ancient Shinto ritual called “Niiname-sai” (Harvest Festival) and was held at the imperial court. During the festival the Emperor would dedicate the years harvest to the gods and taste the rice for the first time. This festival is still observed in the imperial court behind closed doors.

The history of Niiname-sai goes back hundreds of years; the first written account is found in the “Nihon Shoki” (The Chronicle of Japan) – on of the oldest histories of Japan, dating from 720 – which says that a Niiname-sai took place in November 678. Niiame-sai came to be held on November 23 during the Meiji era (1868-1912) and was a nationally celebrated event.

After the World War II, Labor Thanksgiving Day was established to mark the fact that fundamental human rights were guaranteed and rights of workers were greatly expanded in the postwar Constitution. Today, Labor Thanksgiving Day has become a national holiday.

Events are held throughout Japan, one such being the Nagano Labor Festival. The events encourage thinking about the environment, peace, and human rights.

It is not unusual for early grade elementary students to create drawings for the holiday and give them as gifts to local “kobans” (police officers).

John F. Kennedy Assassination

2008-11-22T04:27:00.003Z

The assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, took place on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas at 12:30pm. J.F.K. was fatally wounded by gunshots while riding with his with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connelly in a Presidential motorcade.

Government investigations concluded that the President was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald. The assassination is still the subject of widespread speculation and has spawned numerous conspiracy theories.

In 1979, the House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) found the original investigation to be seriously flawed. The HSCA also concluded that there were at least four shots fired and that it was probable that a conspiracy existed.

In North America and around the world, there was a stunned reaction to the assassination. Schools across the U.S. and Canada dismissed their students early, and 54% of Americans stopped their normal activities on the day.

In the days following people wept, lost their appetite, had difficulty sleeping, and suffered nausea, nervousness, and sometimes anger. The event left a lasting impression on many people. It is said that everyone remembers where they were when they heard about the Kennedy Assassination.

NOVEMBER 22 – NATIONAL STOP THE VIOLENCE DAY

National Stop the Violence Day has been celebrated each year since 1990. November 22 was chosen in honor of President John F. Kennedy, who was a victim of violence on this day in 1963. On National Stop the Violence Day, people wear white ribbons and drive with car headlights on as a show of peace.

Share your ideas about the ways you will pay tribute by leaving a comment below.

Geography Awareness Week

2008-11-22T00:25:00.001Z

Geography Awareness Week is November 16-22. But don’t let your passion to learn more about geography stop there. As Americans, we have work to do. If you don’t think so, check out these statistics…

Did you know that:

…half of Young Americans can’t find New York on a map?

…6 in 10 young Americans don’t speak a foreign language?

…only 19% of young Americans have a world map?

…44% of Activist parents say their child’s school does not focus enough on geography?

…74% of young Americans think that English is the most spoken primary language? (It’s Mandarin Chinese.)

…20% of young Americans think Sudan is in Asia? (It’s the largest country in Africa.)

…only 37% of young Americans can find Iraq on a map? (Even though U.S. troops have been there since 2003).

“My Wonderful World” is a National Geographic-led campaign-backed by a coalition of national business and non-profit organizations-to expand geographic learning in school, at home, and in communities.

Geography is more than places on a map. It’s global connections. People and cultures. Economics and environments.

Our young people need to know geography in order to understand today’s world – and succeed in tomorrow’s. But they’re not getting enough of it, in or out of school.

A National Geographic – Roper survey shows half of young Americans can’t locate world powers liked Japan and India. 20% can’t even find the Pacific Ocean.

Join the campaign, and sign up for the My Wonderful World e-newsletter. You’ll get everything you need – news about just announced programs, tips for getting your kids excited about exploring the world, links to the latest free resources, information about contests and student competitions, and much more:
www.mywonderfulworld.org/get_involved.html

Also, test your own geographic knowledge and play the game at the bottom of this page. Have fun!

Mickey Mouse's Birthday

2008-11-18T17:53:00.001Z

November 18 is Mickey Mouse’s birthday.

Mickey Mouse was created by Walt Disney in 1928, and on November 18, the release of Steamboat Willie was Mickey’s debut to the world.

Mickey starred in dozens of Disney shorts after that. In 1940, he starred in the animated feature Fantasia and became one of the world’s best-known cartoon characters.

After 1950 Mickey appeared only rarely in films and instead settled into a role as Disney’s ambassador in its advertisements and theme parks with Mickey’s mouse ears becoming the company symbol.

Thanksgiving Etiquette

2008-11-16T08:09:00.001Z

What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Will you be a guest or a host? Whichever you are you will need to know proper protocol on how to behave. Unfortunately, some people do not realize what is considered rude and what is not. Some do know but fail to think about them when the time comes. Don’t panic! Here are some etiquette tips for guests and hosts to help make your Thanksgiving both happy and memorable.

Guest

RSVP: Make your host aware of your acceptance of the invitation and of the number of people accompanying you.

Contributions: Call your host ahead of time and offer to bring a dish. Do not dictate the menu. However, you can make special requests for those members of your family with special dietary needs. Better yet, offer to bring the dishes that would meet those requirements.

Dress Code: You don’t have to wear a suit and tie or a fancy dress. However, do not wear sweats or anything that could possibly be considered “bum” wear. The best way to describe how you should dress would be what you would wear for work on “Casual Fridays.”

Timely: Arrive on time, and leave on time. Do not arrive or leave any more than an hour before and after the meal designated meal times. Also, do not arrive late or leave before dessert.

Menu: Refrain from editorial comments on the oddities of the meal. Unfortunately, your host may not be considerate of tradition and want to experiment. Even though the rest of the party may feel the same way, do not say, “Dear God! What is that?”

Table Manners: All rules apply here. Napkin in lap, elbows off table, use utensils, do not slurp, smack, or talk with your mouth full. Say, “please pass the rolls” and not reach across others. Also, put a moderate amount of all that you want on your plate, leaving plenty for others. You can always go back for seconds.

Grace: Whether you partake in this activity or not, you must respect the wishes of the household you are in. No matter what, always keep this in mind: do not start eating until everyone else has.

Cell phones: Turn these off and/or keep these in your coat pockets in the other room. Do not take calls at the table.

Talk: Keep the conversations cheerful and peaceful. Avoid conversations that would make anyone else feel uncomfortable.

Gratitude: Always thank and compliment your host. Make them feel appreciated. Help put plates away and clean up. Your host has been on her feet all morning, and probably all of the previous day, preparing.

Host

Invite: Extend the invitations at least a month in advance.

Menu: Your guests will be expecting traditional items on your menu. Do not stray from the traditional turkey and sides. You can, however, add alternatives to accommodate, for example, the recent fad diet you’re on, your dad’s diabetes, and your sister in-law’s vegan lifestyle.

Accommodate: Be prepared for an extra person or two. Make enough food for plenty, and always be prepared to bring out an extra place setting. Accept all offers for special diet accommodations.

Serving: Unless you are doing this buffet style, serve the children and elderly first.

No TV: Eat together. Yes, the game is on, but you will survive for 30-45 minutes while you, family and friends enjoy each others company in an atmosphere of “thanks.” Do not sit on the couch with a TV tray while the rest of the party is at the table.

Thanks: Show that you really enjoyed everyone’s presence. Show appreciation for those who helped in the prep and/or clean up.

International Day for Tolerance

2008-11-16T06:33:00.000Z

The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance declared by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance. It is observed on November 16.

Bearing in mind that the United Nations Charter states: “We, the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, … to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, … and for these ends to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors.”

Among other things, the Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world’s culture’s, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe.

Intolerance in a society is the sum-total of the intolerance of its individual members. Bigotry, stereotyping, stigmatizing, insults and racial jokes are examples of individual expressions of intolerance to which some people are subjected daily. Intolerance breeds intolerance. It leaves its victims in pursuit of revenge. In order to fight intolerance, individuals should become aware of the link between their behavior and the vicious cycle of mistrust and violence in society. Each one of us should begin by asking: Am I a tolerant person? Do I stereotype people? Do I reject those who are different from me? Do I blame my problems on “them”?

Here are 10 ways you can observe the International Day for Tolerance:
www.cultureofpeace.org/calendar/tolerance/UNESCO-10ideas.pdf

America Recycles Day

2008-11-15T18:21:00.005Z

November 15 is America Recycles Day.

With the involvement and enthusiasm of people like you, recycling is back! And so are thousands upon thousands of recycled products made from materials that would otherwise be piling up in the nation’s landfills. It doesn’t just make sense. It makes a huge difference to our environment, our quality of life, and the country’s future.

As stewards of the environment, we are responsible for preserving and protecting our resources for ourselves and for future generations.

DID YOU KNOW:

Every three months, Americans landfill enough aluminum to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet. The average person has the opportunity to recycle more than 25,000 cans in a lifetime. Recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours.

Americans throw away enough office paper each year to build a 12-foot-high wall of paper from NY to Seattle. Making paper from recycled paper reduces contributions to air pollution by 95%. Recycling a stack of newspapers just 3 ft. high saves one tree.

Glass can be recycled an indefinite number of times and never wears out. Making glass from recycled material cuts related water pollution by 50%. Recycling one glass jar saves enough electricity to light a conventional 60 watt bulb for 4 hours. Recycling one glass jar saves enough electricity to light an 11 watt CFL bulb for 20 hours.

U.S. recycled 3.3 billion pounds of post-consumer plastics in 2005, keeping it out of landfills. The plastic recycling industry provides jobs for more than 52,000 American workers. Five PET bottles (plastic beverage bottles) yield enough fiber for one extra large T-shirt, one square foot of carpet, or enough fiber fill to fill one ski jacket.

TOP TEN REASONS TO RECYCLE:

1. Good For Our Economy – American companies rely on programs to provide the raw materials they need to make new products.

2. Creates Jobs – Recycling in the U.S. is a $236 billion a year industry. More than 56,000 recycling and reuse enterprises employ 1.1 million workers nationwide.

3. Reduces Waste – The average American discards seven and a half pounds of garbage every day. Most of this garbage goes into landfills, where it’s compacted and buried.

4. Good For The Environment – Recycling requires far less energy, uses fewer natural resources, and keeps waste from piling up in landfills.

5. Recycling offers significant energy saves over manufacturing with virgin materials. (Manufacturing with recycled aluminum cans uses 95% less energy).

6. Preserves Landfill Space – No one wants to live next door to a landfill. Recycling preserves existing landfill space.

7. Prevents Global Warming – In 2000, recycling of solid waste prevented the release of 32.9 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (MMTCE, the unit of measure for greenhouse gases) into the air.

8. Reduces Water Pollution – Making goods from recycled material generates far less water pollution than manufacturing from virgin materials.

9. Protects Wildlife – Using recycled materials reduces the need to damage forests, wetlands, rivers and other places essential to wildlife.

10. Creates New Demand – Recycling and buying recycled products creates demand for more recycled products, decreasing waste and helping our economy.

TOP TEN ITEMS TO RECYCLE

Aluminum
PET Plastic Bottles
Newspaper
Corrugated Cardboard
Steel Cans
HDPE Plastic Bottles
Glass Containers
Magazines
Mixed Paper
Computers

P.S. You can reuse all your leftover plastic bottles by storing homemade, animal-safe cleaning solutions:

All Purpose Cleaner -

2Tbs white distilled vinegar

1tsp borax

1 1/2 cups very hot water

1/4 cup castile soap (or 1/8 cup liquid soap)

10-15 drops essential oil

Floor Cleaner -

1 2/3 cup baking soda

1/2 cup castile soap

1/2 cup water

2Tbs white vinegar

10-15 drops essential oil

King Hussein's Birthday - Jordan

2008-11-15T07:54:00.000Z

November 14 is King Hussein’s Birthday in the country of Jordan. King Hussein was the ruler of Jordan from 1952-1999. Hussein was educated at Victoria College in Alexandria. He proceeded to Harrow School in England, and pursued further study at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

On 7-20-51, Prince Hussein traveled to Jerusalem to perform Friday prayers with his grandfather, King Abdullah I. A Palestinian extremist, fearing the king might negotiate a peace with the newly-created state of Israel, opened fire on Abdullah and his grandson. Abdullah was killed, but the 15-year-old Hussein survived, and turned to pursue the gunman. The assailant turned his weapon on the young prince, who was saved when the bullet was deflected by a medal on his uniform given to him by his grandfather.

He was appointed Crown Prince of Jordan on 9-9-51. Abdullah’s eldest son, King Talal, was crowned King of Jordan, but within a year was forced to abdicate owing to his mental state (European and Arab doctors diagnosed schizophrenia). King Talal’s son, Crown Prince Hussein, was proclaimed King of the Hasemite Kingdom of Jordan on 8-11-52, succeeding at the age of 16; because this was under the legal age, he was enthroned a year later, on 5-2-53.

He was the Middle East’s longest reigning ruler. His twin legacies – peace with his neighbors, including Israel, and a fairly tolerant, stable society at home – would be impressive in any context. But they are particularly so given the often violent politics of the Middle East and the unpromising country whose stewardship he inherited while still a teenager.

Under his reign, Jordan has benefited from being the most peaceful and advanced country in the Middle East.

By the 1970s King Hussein had made unprecedented progress in economic growth, health, and education levels.

In 1989, in his movement toward democracy, Jordan reintroduces parliamentary elections, enhancing political pluralism.

In 1994 King Hussein concluded negotiations to end the official state of war with Israel resulting in the Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace which he had begun negotiating in secret with the Israelis in the 1970s. King Hussein developed strong ties of friendship of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, with whom he had negotiated the peace treaty. This is what he called his reign’s “Crowning Achievement.”

In October of 1998, King Hussein’s last efforts were aimed at advancing peace between the Arabs and Israel, a goal that had eluded two generations of his Hashemite family. Drawn and pale (he was battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), and made bald by four rounds of chemotherapy, he had left the Mayo Clinic to attend the Wye summit talks in Maryland and help President Clinton coax Israeli and Palestinian negotiators into concluding the next phase of their peace accord.

He died of complications related to his lymphoma on 2-7-99.

King Hussein was an amazing man. You can read more of his remarkable life here: www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/1114.html

He was also not your typical king. According to actor and comedian Mike Myers in an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, King Hussein was a great fan of the Austin Powers movie series, and would do impressions of Dr. Evil at meeting with defense contractors and high-ranking officers of the US military.

At any time you can celebrate His Majesty’s birthday by watching this slide show created in honor of King Hussein. I personally could watch this for hours. He truly looks like he is enjoying life, his family, his country, and world. He is smiling in almost every picture. His joyful composure, and sometimes silly circumstances, will make you smile and just feel good. Enjoy! www.ece.ualberta.ca/~hnosair/

Diabetes Awareness Month

2008-11-13T12:44:00.000Z

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to bring even greater awareness and attention to the seriousness of diabetes, its deadly complications, and the importance of proper diabetes control. This year, the American Diabetes Association is asking you, “Why should you care about diabetes?”

Throughout the month, the American Diabetes Association, will conduct activities – and encourage others everywhere – to get involved in efforts to raise awareness about diabetes and its serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations.

Throughout the US 23.6 million people, that’s 7.8% of the population, have diabetes. 17.9 million have been diagnosed while an estimated 5.7 million remain undiagnosed.

Based on 2002-2003 data, 15,000 youths in the US were newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes annually, and about 3,700 youths were newly diagnosed with type 2 annually. The rate of new cases among youths was 19.0 per 100,000 each year for type 1 and 5.3 per 100,000 each year for type 2.

If current trends continue, one out of every 3 Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

Since 1987 the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45%, while the death rates due to heart disease, stroke, and cancer have declined.

The Mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Help the American Diabetes Association raise $1,000,000 in one month.

Click on the link below to learn more about how you can help “Kiss Diabetes Goodbye.”

http://main.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?JServSessionIdr001=cdz9m6c671.app10a&pagename=kdg_homepage

Santa Cruz Massacre

2008-11-12T13:12:00.001Z

The Santa Cruz Massacre (also known as the Dili massacre) was the shooting of East Timorese pro-independence demonstrators in the Santa Cruz cemetery in the capital, Dili, on November 12, 1991, during the Indonesian occupation of East Timor.

In October 1991, a planned delegation to East Timor consisting of members from the Portuguese Parliament and twelve journalists was cancelled. The cancellation demoralized independence activists in East Timor, who had hoped to use the visit to raise the international profile of their cause. Tensions between Indonesian authorities and East Timorese youths rose in the days after Portugal’s cancellation.

On October 28, Indonesian troops had located a group of resistance members in Dili’s Motael Church. Sebastiao Gomes, a supporter of independence for East Timor, was taken out of the church and shot by Indonesian troops.

A memorial service was held for Gomes on November 12, during which several thousand men, women, and children walked from the Motael Church to the nearby Santa Cruz cemetery. Along the way, members of the group pulled out protest banners and East Timorese flags, chanted slogans, and taunted Indonesian soldiers and police officers. Although it was loud, the crowd was peaceful and orderly. It was the largest and most visible demonstration against the Indonesian occupation since 1975 when Indonesia invaded and occupied East Timor a mere nine days after their declaration of independence from Portugal.

When the procession reached the cemetery, the leading section of the procession entered the cemetery while many continued their protests before the cemetery wall. Indonesian troops had been standing by during this time. Then a new group of 200 Indonesian soldiers appeared and began shooting. Fleeing people ran through the main entrance and deeper into the cemetery and were pursued by the soldiers.

The massacre was witnessed by two US journalists – Amy Goodman and Allen Nairn (who were also attacked) – and caught on video tape by British cameraman Max Stahl, who was filming undercover for Yorkshire Television. Stahl’s footage, combined with the testimony of Nairn, Goodman, and others, caused outrage around the world.

At least 250 East Timorese were killed. Sutrisno, Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian forces, said two days after the massacre, “The army cannot be underestimated. Finally we had to shoot them. Delinquents like these agitators must be shot.”

In response to the massacre, activists around the world organized in solidarity with the East Timorese. The television pictures of the massacre were shown worldwide, causing the Indonesian government considerable embarrassment. Copies of the footage were distributed back into Indonesia allowing more Indonesians to see the actions of their government uncensored.

Commemorated as a public holiday in now independent East Timor, November 12 is remembered as one of the bloodiest days in their history, which drew international attention to their fight for independence.

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T17:37:00.000Z

November 11 is Veterans Day. It is a day that honors the 25 million military veterans in the United States.

Veterans Day is also celebrated today in Guam, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, and the US Virgin Islands. It is celebrated as "Remembrance Day" in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, French Guiana, Scotland, St. Lucia, and the United Kingdom. And it is celebrated as "Armistice Day" in Belgium, France, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, New Caledonia, St. Martin, and Switzerland. Also, two days ago in Switzerland was Volkstrauertag (Remembrance Sunday).

November 11 is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of the war were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday; "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

If you're able to be off work today, go watch your local parade or visit a veterans cemetery. If not, then on your lunch break or way home, stop by a memorial, plaque, or the biggest flag you can find. Stop for a moment of peaceful reflection, and give a salute.

Also, whenever you see a member of military from any branch, shake their hands, give a salute, or just say "thank you."

November 10 - Marine Corps Birthday

2008-11-10T12:44:00.001Z

November 10 Marine Corps Birthday

The US Marine Corps was created during the Revolutionary War on November10, 1775 (originally the Continental Marines).

A committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia to draft a resolution “that two Battalions of Marines be raised” to fight for independence at sea and on shore.

The Marine Corps marks November 10 with a celebration of the brave spirit which compelled these men, and thousands of men and women since, to defend our country.

Since 1921 the birthday of the Marine Corps has been officially celebrated. The first “formal” Birthday Ball took place in Philadelphia in 1925. Traditional observances, that are still kept to this day, include, a reading of the Commandant’s birthday message to the Corps, and the first and second pieces of cake served to the oldest and youngest Marine’s present respectively.

The Marine Corps goes beyond brotherhood. It lasts for life. “Simper Fidelis,” the Marine Corps’ motto created in 1883, is Latin for “always faithful.” It guides the Marine to always be faithful to: the mission at hand, each other, Corps, and country no matter what. Becoming a Marine is a transformation that can never be undone. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

These brave men and women sacrifice their lives for our freedom. Have you thanked a Marine today?

November 9 - The Day the Wall Fell

2008-11-09T12:14:00.000Z

November 9, 1989, will be remembered as one of the great moments of German history. Since its construction in 1961 the Berlin Wall served as the icon of the Cold War and divided not only a city and a country, but a people.

The Berlin wall was a physical barrier famously dividing the city of Berlin and the country of Germany into the West, a democratic area, and the East, a communist area.

More than 200 people were killed trying to flee from East to West Berlin. The East German government issued “shooting orders” to border guards dealing with defectors.

On August 23, 1989, Hungary removed its border restrictions with Austria, and in September more than 13,000 East German tourists in Hungary escaped to Austria.

Protest demonstrations broke out all over East Germany in September of 1989. And in October, a wave of East Berlin refugees fled to the Federal Republic via West Germany’s embassies in Budapest, Warsaw, and Prague.

In order to ease the complications, the decision to allow refugees to exit directly through crossing points between East Germany and West Germany, including new regulations, was to take effect on November 10.

Gunter Schabowski, the East German Minister of Propaganda, had the task of announcing this; however he had been on vacation prior to this decision and had not been fully updated. Shortly before a press conference on November 9, 1989, he was handed a note that said that East Berliners would be allowed to cross the border, with proper permission. Schabowski was given no further instructions on how to handle the information. So, he read the note out loud at the end of the conference. When asked when the regulations would come into effect, he replied, ”As far as I know effective immediately, without delay.”

That night, tens of thousands of East Berliners, who had all heard Schabowski’s statement live on East German television, arrived at the wall. The armed guards were so outnumbered that they gave up and allowed unrestricted access.

Ecstatic East Berliners were soon greeted by West Berliners on the other side in a celebratory atmosphere. In joyful disbelief, Germans from both sides climbed up on the Wall, which had been called “the ugliest edifice in the world.” They embraced each other and sang and danced in the streets. Within the next few weeks over 1 million people per day had seized the chance to see their western neighbors firsthand. Many of them were coming to the wall with sledgehammers in order to chip off souvenirs, demolishing lengthy parts of it in the process.

November 9 is thus considered the date the wall fell.

Do you remember where you were when this happened? Were you or someone you know there? I'd like to hear from you.