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!
Showing posts with label Yahoo News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yahoo News. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
Transgender Teen " would be treated with the respect and inclusive opportunities that all students deserve“ If She Decides to Attend Thorne MS
 |
| Photo by Asbury Park Press/Facebook. |
The initial report of this story shocked me, I couldn't believe how insensitive and callous school officials were when informed that a student who was known as Brian Pepe by my son and his friends, felt that he no longer could identified himself as a boy and wished to be know as Rachel.
I am happy though that School Superintendent Dr. William George, has decided to embrace the situation as opposed to sticking his head in the sand, hoping that it will go away by issuing a press release earlier today addressing the situation which stated, “ ...administration and staff members pride themselves on character education and welcome diversity. This student is welcome at Thorne, and if she chooses to attend Thorne, she would be treated with the respect and inclusive opportunities that all students deserve.“
A community has an obligation to provide a safe and instructive learning environment for all its students regardless of gender identity. If Middletown's school system doesn't wish to accommodate this student or other students like her, then they are obligated to look into alternative educational opportunities for for such students. I'm glad to hear though that Dr. George and school system is willing to work with this student rather that push her away.
It's times like these that we find out exactly what type of community Middletown is.
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, May 18, 2013
Armed Forces Day
Today is Armed Forces Day. We'd like to thank all who have served and are serving this great country of ours!
As a side note, Yahoo has a fascinating yet haunting slideshow that shows the faces of British servicemen, highlighting both the physical and emotional transformations that the young men have endured before, during and after their deployment to Afghanistan. The pictures span a period of seven months and add credence to the saying "War is hell".
http://www.defense.gov/afd/
As a side note, Yahoo has a fascinating yet haunting slideshow that shows the faces of British servicemen, highlighting both the physical and emotional transformations that the young men have endured before, during and after their deployment to Afghanistan. The pictures span a period of seven months and add credence to the saying "War is hell".
http://www.defense.gov/afd/
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Colin Powell endorses Obama for a second term
And the endorsements just keep rollin' in....
By Chris Moody, Yahoo! News
TAMPA, Fla.—Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican who served under George W. Bush, declared his support for a second term of President Barack Obama.
"I voted for him in 2008, and I plan to stick with him in 2012," Powell said Thursday during an interview with CBS's "This Morning." "I'll be voting for he and for Vice President Joe Biden next month."
Powell said he believed Obama's economic policies were helpful in turning around the sluggish economy and he criticized Republican challenger Mitt Romney's stance on foreign policy.
"I think we ought to keep on the track that we are on," Powell said.
In the interview, Powell insisted he was still a Republican, but "of a more moderate mold." He surprised many within the party in 2008 by choosing Obama over Republican Sen. John McCain.
By Chris Moody, Yahoo! News
TAMPA, Fla.—Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican who served under George W. Bush, declared his support for a second term of President Barack Obama.
"I voted for him in 2008, and I plan to stick with him in 2012," Powell said Thursday during an interview with CBS's "This Morning." "I'll be voting for he and for Vice President Joe Biden next month."
Powell said he believed Obama's economic policies were helpful in turning around the sluggish economy and he criticized Republican challenger Mitt Romney's stance on foreign policy.
"I think we ought to keep on the track that we are on," Powell said.
In the interview, Powell insisted he was still a Republican, but "of a more moderate mold." He surprised many within the party in 2008 by choosing Obama over Republican Sen. John McCain.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Nor'easter Could Bring White Christmas to Millions
Great, just what we need another Nor'easter to make our holidays bright. That is of course if, JCP&L can keep the lights on, Governor Christie doesn't go on vacation and Middletown can plow the streets without crying poverty or saying the storm took them by surprise. Now all of that would make a White Christmas special!
By KEVIN DOLAK | Good Morning America - posted @ Yahoo News
By KEVIN DOLAK | Good Morning America - posted @ Yahoo News
While blizzard conditions may have ended over the U.S. for now, a Nor'easter is now a possibility for December 24 - 25, which might mean a white Christmas for major cities along the East Coast from Washington, D.C. to Boston and hectic travel conditions for millions.
Over the last 24 hours some 24 inches of snow fell in New Mexico, with winds gusting over 70 mph in the mountains. Up to a foot of snow from was seen from Colorado to Kansas and Oklahoma, and 10-foot drifts were reported in Colorado.
As the storm crawled across the region it shuttered highways and has been blamed for at least two fatal car accidents, according to The Associated Press and at least six deaths Monday, according to authorities.
"It went from rain to sleet to snow. I slid off into the median and was there for several hours waiting for help," one motorist told ABC News. "It took me three hours to go 30 miles."
The storm has weakened as it moves east, and it may mostly be a rainmaker, with thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast. Some of these storms could produce heavy rain with minor flooding, gusty winds and some hail.
The storm will hit the East Coast Wednesday morning with rain from Atlanta to Boston. Some airport delays are expected as rain and low clouds come into the region. Afterwards, a new storm is predicted to form, which could usher in a white Christmas for millions.
Read more .... Here
Thursday, December 23, 2010
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:
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:
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Iran's supreme leader dismisses Obama overtures
Yahoo News-
Khamenei holds the last word on major policy decisions, and how Iran ultimately responds to any concrete U.S. effort to engage the country will depend largely on his say.
In his most direct assessment of Obama and prospects for better ties, Khamenei said there will be no change between the two countries unless the American president puts an end to U.S. hostility toward Iran and brings "real changes" in foreign policy.
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran's supreme leader rebuffed President Barack Obama's latest outreach on Saturday, saying Tehran was still waiting to see concrete changes in U.S. policy.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was responding to a video message Obama released Friday in which he reached out to Iran on the occasion of Nowruz, the Persian new year, and expressed hopes for an improvement in nearly 30 years of strained relations.
Khamenei holds the last word on major policy decisions, and how Iran ultimately responds to any concrete U.S. effort to engage the country will depend largely on his say.
In his most direct assessment of Obama and prospects for better ties, Khamenei said there will be no change between the two countries unless the American president puts an end to U.S. hostility toward Iran and brings "real changes" in foreign policy.
Read More >>>Here
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Obama Wants To Halve Budget Deficit By End Of First Term
How does he plan to do this? Mostly by scaling back Iraq war spending, raising taxes on the wealthiest and streamlining government, an administration official.
According to the article:
"Obama hopes to achieve his deficit-reduction goal by generating savings as he follows through on three core campaign promises over the next four years.
He has pledged to wind down the Iraq war by withdrawing most combat troops within 16 months of taking office. He also has said he would let the temporary Bush tax cuts expire in 2011 for people making more than $250,000 a year, effectively raising taxes on those people. And, he has vowed to scale back spending and improve government efficiency by eliminating programs that don't work."
To me, it seems like a lofty goal given the current economic climate. He may be relying to much on the hope that the economic climate will change sooner rather than later, which would tend to follow Obama's personnal outlook of being an optimist. The President tends to see a glass half full rather than half empty.
I certainly hope that he is right and I wish him well because if the budget deficit is not brought under control soon the Nation will be looking at annual budget deficits of over a trillion dollars annually for many years to come.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Obama's true colors: Black, white ... or neither?
Does it really matter what color a person is anymore? According to a story at Yahoo News it seems so. People are arguing over whether or not Barack Obama is really the first "Black" president.
Is he really half-white or half-black, mixed-raced or multi-racial. Why should we even care? As long as he is not referred to as a "N" word, why should people get all worked up over his ethnicity?
Why don't just get use to calling him Mr. President!
"A perplexing new chapter is unfolding in Barack Obama's racial saga: Many people insist that "the first black president" is actually not black.
Debate over whether to call this son of a white Kansan and a black Kenyan biracial, African-American, mixed-race, half-and-half, multiracial — or, in Obama's own words, a "mutt" — has reached a crescendo since Obama's election shattered assumptions about race.
Obama has said, "I identify as African-American — that's how I'm treated and that's how I'm viewed. I'm proud of it." In other words, the world gave Obama no choice but to be black, and he was happy to oblige..."
"A perplexing new chapter is unfolding in Barack Obama's racial saga: Many people insist that "the first black president" is actually not black.
Debate over whether to call this son of a white Kansan and a black Kenyan biracial, African-American, mixed-race, half-and-half, multiracial — or, in Obama's own words, a "mutt" — has reached a crescendo since Obama's election shattered assumptions about race.
Obama has said, "I identify as African-American — that's how I'm treated and that's how I'm viewed. I'm proud of it." In other words, the world gave Obama no choice but to be black, and he was happy to oblige..."
Saturday, November 1, 2008
House GOP leader uses expletive to describe Obama
From Yahoo News -
House Republican leader John Boehner has used a vulgar expression to refer to Democrat Barack Obama and his voting record in the Illinois legislature.
While campaigning for Republican presidential candidate John McCain on Wednesday, Boehner told a small crowd at a bar in the college town of Oxford that failing to vote "yes" or "no" on an issue meant a lawmaker was a "chickenshit."
The Ohio congressman said the last thing the country needs is to have a "chicken" in the White House.
House Republican leader John Boehner has used a vulgar expression to refer to Democrat Barack Obama and his voting record in the Illinois legislature.
While campaigning for Republican presidential candidate John McCain on Wednesday, Boehner told a small crowd at a bar in the college town of Oxford that failing to vote "yes" or "no" on an issue meant a lawmaker was a "chickenshit."
The Ohio congressman said the last thing the country needs is to have a "chicken" in the White House.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Rep. Lewis says McCain 'sowing seeds of hatred'
Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and veteran of the civil rights movement, says the negative tone of the Republican presidential campaign reminds him of the hateful atmosphere that segregationist Gov. George Wallace fostered in Alabama in the 1960s.
Republican candidate John McCain on Saturday called Lewis' remarks "shocking and beyond the pale."
The Obama campaign said the Illinois senator doesn't believe McCain or his policy criticism is at all comparable to Wallace and his segregationist policies.
In a statement issued Saturday, Lewis said McCain and running mate Sarah Palin were "sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse." He noted that Wallace also ran for president.
Republican candidate John McCain on Saturday called Lewis' remarks "shocking and beyond the pale."
The Obama campaign said the Illinois senator doesn't believe McCain or his policy criticism is at all comparable to Wallace and his segregationist policies.
In a statement issued Saturday, Lewis said McCain and running mate Sarah Palin were "sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse." He noted that Wallace also ran for president.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Angry anti-Obama taunts grip McCain, Palin events
From Yahoo News -
LA CROSSE, Wis. - Some of the anger is getting raw at Republican rallies and John McCain is mostly letting it flare. A sense of grievance spilling into rage has gripped some GOP events as McCain supporters see his presidential campaign lag against Barack Obama. They're making it personal, against the Democrat. Shouts of "traitor," "terrorist," "treason," "liar," and even "off with his head" have rung from the crowd at McCain and Sarah Palin rallies, and gone unchallenged by them....
LA CROSSE, Wis. - Some of the anger is getting raw at Republican rallies and John McCain is mostly letting it flare. A sense of grievance spilling into rage has gripped some GOP events as McCain supporters see his presidential campaign lag against Barack Obama. They're making it personal, against the Democrat. Shouts of "traitor," "terrorist," "treason," "liar," and even "off with his head" have rung from the crowd at McCain and Sarah Palin rallies, and gone unchallenged by them....
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Overseas Markets in trouble this morning: Nikkei dives 9.4 percent, biggest 1-day fall since '87
The Nikkei average plunged 9.4 percent on Wednesday, its biggest drop since the 1987 stock market crash, as growing fears of a global recession led investors to wipe $250 billion off the value of Tokyo shares...
...Panic over the fast-spreading financial crisis dragged down markets across Asia, with Japanese steelmakers such as Nippon Steel Corp (5401.T) sliding, as the Nikkei set another five-year closing low. It has lost 19 percent in the past five days.
...Panic over the fast-spreading financial crisis dragged down markets across Asia, with Japanese steelmakers such as Nippon Steel Corp (5401.T) sliding, as the Nikkei set another five-year closing low. It has lost 19 percent in the past five days.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Race questions cast doubt on presidential polls
Can the polls be trusted? A central question about race and politics hasn't changed: Do white people lie — to pollsters or even to themselves — about their willingness to vote for black candidates? A good AP article posted on Yahoo News tries to answer this question.
The bottom line answer to these questions however is yes, whites do lie a little to pollsters when asked about their support for Africa-American candidates. The article does point out however that in this age of YouTube, voters are more racially tolerant then in previous years and are therefore more likely to tell the truth to pollsters when asked their voting preferences.
Click on the headline to read the article from Yahoo News
The bottom line answer to these questions however is yes, whites do lie a little to pollsters when asked about their support for Africa-American candidates. The article does point out however that in this age of YouTube, voters are more racially tolerant then in previous years and are therefore more likely to tell the truth to pollsters when asked their voting preferences.
Click on the headline to read the article from Yahoo News
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