WASHINGTON, DC — In this week's address, the President and First Lady wished Americans a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. They celebrated the values of the season, and in that spirit of gratitude honored all the brave men and women in uniform fighting to keep us safe, as well as the families that stand by them. The President and First Lady asked that everyone take time this holiday season to visit JoiningForces.gov, and find out how to give back to the troops, veterans, and military families in your community.
Showing posts with label Happy Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Happy Holidays. Show all posts
Friday, December 25, 2015
Thursday, December 25, 2014
President Obama's Weekly Address 12/25/14: Happy Holidays from the President and First Lady
WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President and First Lady wished Americans a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and thanked our brave troops for their service. Especially as our combat mission in Afghanistan comes to a responsible end in the coming days, we are reminded of all that military men, women, and families sacrifice to keep us safe. The President and First Lady asked everyone to take some time this holiday season to visit JoiningForces.gov and find out how to give back to the men and women in uniform who have given so much for all of us.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
President Obama's Weekly Address 12/25/13: The President and First Lady Wish Everyone a Happy Holiday Season
WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. They also thanked our brave troops and their families for their service and sacrifice, and reminded everyone to visit JoiningForces.gov to find ways to give back to our military families this year. Both the President and First Lady said that during this holiday season, we should all come together to find ways to support our communities, continue caring for each other and keep working to be the best parents, children, friends, neighbors, and citizens we can be.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Happy Festivus Everyone!
From Yahoo News-
Commercialism of Christmas got you down? Not feeling the holiday spirit? Perhaps Festivus (aka "the holiday for the rest of us") is just what the doctor ordered.
Made famous by a 1997 "Seinfeld" episode in which George's father explains the alterna-holiday, Festivus has since taken on a life of its own.
Celebrated on December 23, the nondenominational holiday involves a metal pole (instead of a Christmas tree). Instead of exchanging gifts, participants are encouraged to air their grievances. After that come the feats of strength (push-ups, for example). The party continues until the head of the family is wrestled to the floor.
The story of how Festivus came to be famous is almost as hilarious as the holiday itself. According to a 2004 article from The New York Times, it all started with Dan O'Keefe, who invented the holiday back in 1966. His son, Daniel O'Keefe, a writer on "Seinfeld," told the story of Festivus to his co-workers. Before you can say "Vandelay Industries," the writers worked up a show about it. The holiday has been in the public consciousness ever since.
Web searches are certainly on the rise. Over the past week, online lookups for "festivus poles" and "festivus activities" have both spiked over 150%. Also getting a seasonal bump: "festivus cards" and "how to celebrate festivus."
To answer that last question: Just get a pole, hang some tinsel, tell your family what you really think of them, and then wrestle grandma. Boom! Instant Festivus!
Get up to speed on Festivus with this "Seinfeld" clip:
********
I updated this post slightly, it first appeared on Dec. 23rd, 2010. Happy Festivus!
Commercialism of Christmas got you down? Not feeling the holiday spirit? Perhaps Festivus (aka "the holiday for the rest of us") is just what the doctor ordered.
Made famous by a 1997 "Seinfeld" episode in which George's father explains the alterna-holiday, Festivus has since taken on a life of its own.
Celebrated on December 23, the nondenominational holiday involves a metal pole (instead of a Christmas tree). Instead of exchanging gifts, participants are encouraged to air their grievances. After that come the feats of strength (push-ups, for example). The party continues until the head of the family is wrestled to the floor.
The story of how Festivus came to be famous is almost as hilarious as the holiday itself. According to a 2004 article from The New York Times, it all started with Dan O'Keefe, who invented the holiday back in 1966. His son, Daniel O'Keefe, a writer on "Seinfeld," told the story of Festivus to his co-workers. Before you can say "Vandelay Industries," the writers worked up a show about it. The holiday has been in the public consciousness ever since.
Web searches are certainly on the rise. Over the past week, online lookups for "festivus poles" and "festivus activities" have both spiked over 150%. Also getting a seasonal bump: "festivus cards" and "how to celebrate festivus."
To answer that last question: Just get a pole, hang some tinsel, tell your family what you really think of them, and then wrestle grandma. Boom! Instant Festivus!
Get up to speed on Festivus with this "Seinfeld" clip:
********
I updated this post slightly, it first appeared on Dec. 23rd, 2010. Happy Festivus!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
President Obama's Weekly Address 12/22/12: The President and First Lady Extend a Holiday Greeting and Thank our Troops for their Service
WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and thanked our brave troops and their families for their service. The President and First Lady asked the American people to visit JoiningForces.gov to find ways to honor and support our veterans and military families, and said that we must all come together, as we always do, to care for each other during this holiday season.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Holiday Safety Tips #1
The following tips are ways for you to keep safe during the hustle and bustle of this joyous season.
While you are shopping:
· Stay alert and be aware of everything around you. Take a minute to observe who may be watching you.
· Park in a highly visible well-lighted space. It may be daylight when you arrive at the Mall, but when you come out at 5 or 6 P.M. it will be dark.
· Lock your vehicle both when driving and parked.
· Carry your purse close to you body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
· Have your car keys in your hand and be ready to open the car door immediately.
· Place all shopping bags, packages and gifts out of sight (trunk, under seat).
· Always know where you have parked your car, so you do not spend unnecessary time walking around the parking lot.
· Look inside and under your car before entering.
· Avoid carrying large amounts of cash – use debit card, credit card or check.
· Do not overburden yourself with packages. This will help deter pickpockets or purse snatchers.
· Do not park next to a van or truck where people can hide.
· If you take children shopping, teach them to go to a police officer or a store security officer if they get separated or lost. Ensure children know that mommy and daddy would never send a person they did not know to “take them home” or “take them to find mommy or daddy.”
If you are going out for the evening:
· Turn on lights, television or radio so that it appears that someone is home.
· Lock all doors and windows, even if you plan to be gone for a few minutes.
· Holiday gifts should not be displayed where they can be seen from the outside.
If you plan to travel for the holidays:
· Ask a neighbor to watch your house or apartment, ask them to park in your driveway or space from time to time.
· Use automatic timers for your lights.
· Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.
· Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you are away.
Be safe while you are driving:
· Be alert at intersections and stoplights. They can be favorite spots for persons with a criminal intent.
· Keep your car in gear. If you are threatened, blow the horn, and then drive away. Leave enough space between you and the car in front of you to pull around if necessary.
· Keep windows rolled up and doors locked at all times.
· Keep valuables (purses, packages, wallets, etc.) out of sight.
· If followed – do not drive home. Go to a police station, fire house, gas station or other public place.
· If car breaks down, stay with the car and accept NO rides. If someone stops to help, ask them to call the police. Use a cell phone if available.
· Keep your vehicle well maintained and gassed up.
· When partaking of “holiday cheer,” good judgment is always in order. Remember seat-belts do save lives.
While you are at home:
· Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you step out for a moment.
· Mark all your property with an “identifier” type number. DO NOT use your social security number. Some prefer their driver’s license number
· Video tape valuables as a record of ownership.
· Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wiring before you hang them.
· If you are using a ladder to hang holiday decorations, make sure it is properly secured.
· Keep holiday decorations and plants away from young children and pets. Some are poisonous!
· Place your holiday tree, decorations, etc. away from heating vents or fireplaces to reduce the risk of fire.
· Keep fresh cut holiday greenery watered.
· Use extreme caution when using lighted candles as part of your holiday celebration.
· Beware of strangers coming to the door asking for charitable donations. Ask them four questions:
o Can you show some identification?
o Is the donation tax deductible?
o How the funds will be used? and
o May I have a receipt?
If you are not satisfied with any or all the answers tell them “no thank you” and close the door. Help a work sponsored charitable group or a charity that has special meaning to you or a loved one
While you are at the ATM:
· Stay Alert. Be aware of your surroundings when you use an ATM, especially at night. Park in a well lighted area and have someone accompany you.
· Report Suspicious People. If you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket your card and leave IMMEDIATELY. Go to a safe place and call police.
· Be Prepared. Have everything ready (deposit slips, card) when arriving at the ATM. When you have completed the transaction, pocket your cash and card immediately. COUNT YOUR CASH AND PUT YOUR CARD AWAY LATER!
· Drive-Up ATM. When using a drive-up ATM, remember to always keep doors locked, all other (except driver’s side) windows up and the car running.
· Treat Your ATM Card Like Cash. Guard your ATM card as carefully as you do cash, debit or credit cards, and checks. Never give account numbers or card information over the phone, unless you know exactly who you are speaking to.
· Keep Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) Secret. Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it written somewhere in your wallet. Never tell anyone your PIN
· Stay alert and be aware of everything around you. Take a minute to observe who may be watching you.
· Park in a highly visible well-lighted space. It may be daylight when you arrive at the Mall, but when you come out at 5 or 6 P.M. it will be dark.
· Lock your vehicle both when driving and parked.
· Carry your purse close to you body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
· Have your car keys in your hand and be ready to open the car door immediately.
· Place all shopping bags, packages and gifts out of sight (trunk, under seat).
· Always know where you have parked your car, so you do not spend unnecessary time walking around the parking lot.
· Look inside and under your car before entering.
· Avoid carrying large amounts of cash – use debit card, credit card or check.
· Do not overburden yourself with packages. This will help deter pickpockets or purse snatchers.
· Do not park next to a van or truck where people can hide.
· If you take children shopping, teach them to go to a police officer or a store security officer if they get separated or lost. Ensure children know that mommy and daddy would never send a person they did not know to “take them home” or “take them to find mommy or daddy.”
If you are going out for the evening:
· Turn on lights, television or radio so that it appears that someone is home.
· Lock all doors and windows, even if you plan to be gone for a few minutes.
· Holiday gifts should not be displayed where they can be seen from the outside.
If you plan to travel for the holidays:
· Ask a neighbor to watch your house or apartment, ask them to park in your driveway or space from time to time.
· Use automatic timers for your lights.
· Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.
· Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you are away.
Be safe while you are driving:
· Be alert at intersections and stoplights. They can be favorite spots for persons with a criminal intent.
· Keep your car in gear. If you are threatened, blow the horn, and then drive away. Leave enough space between you and the car in front of you to pull around if necessary.
· Keep windows rolled up and doors locked at all times.
· Keep valuables (purses, packages, wallets, etc.) out of sight.
· If followed – do not drive home. Go to a police station, fire house, gas station or other public place.
· If car breaks down, stay with the car and accept NO rides. If someone stops to help, ask them to call the police. Use a cell phone if available.
· Keep your vehicle well maintained and gassed up.
· When partaking of “holiday cheer,” good judgment is always in order. Remember seat-belts do save lives.
While you are at home:
· Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you step out for a moment.
· Mark all your property with an “identifier” type number. DO NOT use your social security number. Some prefer their driver’s license number
· Video tape valuables as a record of ownership.
· Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wiring before you hang them.
· If you are using a ladder to hang holiday decorations, make sure it is properly secured.
· Keep holiday decorations and plants away from young children and pets. Some are poisonous!
· Place your holiday tree, decorations, etc. away from heating vents or fireplaces to reduce the risk of fire.
· Keep fresh cut holiday greenery watered.
· Use extreme caution when using lighted candles as part of your holiday celebration.
· Beware of strangers coming to the door asking for charitable donations. Ask them four questions:
o Can you show some identification?
o Is the donation tax deductible?
o How the funds will be used? and
o May I have a receipt?
If you are not satisfied with any or all the answers tell them “no thank you” and close the door. Help a work sponsored charitable group or a charity that has special meaning to you or a loved one
While you are at the ATM:
· Stay Alert. Be aware of your surroundings when you use an ATM, especially at night. Park in a well lighted area and have someone accompany you.
· Report Suspicious People. If you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket your card and leave IMMEDIATELY. Go to a safe place and call police.
· Be Prepared. Have everything ready (deposit slips, card) when arriving at the ATM. When you have completed the transaction, pocket your cash and card immediately. COUNT YOUR CASH AND PUT YOUR CARD AWAY LATER!
· Drive-Up ATM. When using a drive-up ATM, remember to always keep doors locked, all other (except driver’s side) windows up and the car running.
· Treat Your ATM Card Like Cash. Guard your ATM card as carefully as you do cash, debit or credit cards, and checks. Never give account numbers or card information over the phone, unless you know exactly who you are speaking to.
· Keep Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) Secret. Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it written somewhere in your wallet. Never tell anyone your PIN
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
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