Archive for April, 2011

“EASTER, PASSOVER, HOLI, NAVRUZ, ETC.: I ask for blessings for each of you!*”

Vol. 1,  No. 43, April 17, 2011

TITLE: ” EASTER, PASSOVER, HOLI, NAVRUZ, ETC.: I ask for blessings for each of you!*”

INTRODUCTION

Spring is the time to escape winter and look forward to summertime. It also brings holy days: There are many all over the globe; four are predominant: the the celebration of the Christian Easter,  the Jewish Passover, the Hindu Holis and the Persian festival of Navruz. Although specific customs and traditions may differ, adherants embrace the fundamental notion of good over evil.  In addition, the love of life is common to all. This holy day is when people partake of special foods at a big family meal ; it is also a time for giving to loved ones. Furthermore, this is an opportunity for an individual renovation project of the person. My book of the week is “Holy Week: A Spiritual Guide from Palm Sunday to Easter”  [Hardcover] by Emil Bock.  Hence,  today’s topic is Easter and more.

MY LIFE & TIMES*

Easter is a very religious holy day for my family. In springtime, the Catholic holy week, starts with Palm Sunday. I attend early in order to buy  palms (“la palma”) and olive branches; and at the beginning of the mass, the priest blesses them. Following the tradition, I give these palms and branches to loved ones. (Usually on Palm Sunday, this is the day to forgive and forget – that’s another of the lessons to be learned.) The week continues through to Easter Friday and Eastern Sunday (the day of the rising). It is important for me to attend Sunday mass on Easter morning. In the past, I went either with my daughters or alone; but today my better-half goes with me.  (He is not of the Catholic faith, but he accompanies me out of respect and I appreciate it.  My partner celebrates Passover.  I also accompany him on these high -holidays.)  Easter Monday is the day after the fact. 

It is a family Easter tradition that the family gets together for a big meal.  The children are given Easter chocolates. Without fail, it was a pleasant afternoon.  The atmosphere was always joyful.  It also gave us a chance to see each other. When my grandparents were alive, my parents, my aunts, uncles, cousins and myself visited them in the afternoon.  My grandmother had her usual baked goods, “La Colomba”‘ was one of them. My mother did it next and then it was turn. Now that my Mom is less mobile, I am aranging the feast that travels to her.

As well, I am now grappling with the joinder of Easter and Passover. Since it usually occur overlaps, it is difficult for me to give two holiday dinner parties one after another.   I don’t always do it. However, it’s an aim and when I set my mind to do something, I do it! It’s not a turning away from our respective beliefs and customs, rather, it’s an enriching addition for both of us to share. Now that’s a good thought.  

S & R* BONUS FACT * #1: Did you ever really look at the word, “holiday”?

Did you ever look at the word, “holiday”? In actuality, it derives from the phrase, “holy day”. This a good jarring thought to bring you back to the enjoyment of time-off in celebration of a day with religious meaning.

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #1: George Clooney: Easter Bunny“Once, when [George Clooney] was thirteen, he was at home trying on an Easter Bunny costume for one of his dad’s shows. Suddenly, there was an awful rumbling – it was Augusta’s first earthquake in 150 years. Poor George; in his cute suit and huge fake feet, he had to leave the building and stand, humiliated, among the neighbours.”

(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=18636

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #2: Passover – Bob Hope & the Academy Awards

Though he hosted the Academy Awards a record 17 times, Bob Hope himself never won an Oscar. “Welcome to the Academy Awards,” he announced on one
occasion, “or, as they’re known at my house, Passover.”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=17138

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #3:Henry Ford & the Protocols of the Elders of Zion

According to Norman Cohn’s Warrant for Genocide (1966), The Protocols of the Elders of Zion were fabricated by hired anti-Jewish reactionaries in Parissome time between 1894 and 1899. Incredibly, in 1920 The Protocols – according to which no Passover meal is complete without the blood of a non-Jewish child to thicken the dough for the matzos – were endorsed by The Times of London, and distributed across the United States by Ford Motors founder Henry Ford
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=16230
      
S & R* QUOTE #1: Lent debt

“He who wants Lent to seem short should contract a debt to be repaid at Easter” – Italian Proverb quotes
(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://thinkexist.com/search/searchquotation.asp?search=easter&q=

S & R* QUOTE #2: Passover – unleavened bread (Now that’s biblical fast food!)

“And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) / And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.”
Bible quotes
(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://thinkexist.com/search/searchquotation.asp?search=easter&q=

S & R* QUOTE #3: Freedom and Passover

“Passover affirms the great truth that liberty is the inalienable right of every human being”
Morris Joseph quotes
(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://thinkexist.com/search/searchquotation.asp?search=passover

 THE AUTHOR: Emil Bock

Emil Bock (1895-1959), anthroposophist and theologian, was learned and pious. Bock, born in Barmen, Germany, studied languages at the University of Bonn. Then in 1914, after enlisting as a volunteer in the First World War and sent to the front in Flanders, he was wounded. In 1916, he met the theologian Friedrich Rittelmeyer, and from 1918 he studied Protestant theology in Berlin, graduating in 1921. He was one of the founders of the Christian Community in Switzerland. He had leadership qualities. He led the seminar of the Christian Community. Bock was incarcerated by the Nazis in the concentration camp Welzheim, yet survived;  on being released, he  lived under surveillance for the rest of the war. After the war, Bock was instrumental in the rebuilding of the community. In 1838, after the death of Rittelmeyer, he became the head of the community. This was a remarkable man; I was pleased to have learned about him. He was a prolifc author. His book, “Holy Week: A Spiritual Guide from Palm Sunday to Easter” hits the spot this week.
(FactSource: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Bock

SERIES/COLLECTION

Books
Some are:

  • Zur religiösen Erneuerung (mit Friedrich Rittelmeyer), Sonderdruck (aus Die Drei, Jg. 1, Heft 9), 1922
  • Die Kindheit Jesu. Zwei apokryphe Evangelien, Michael Verlag (Christus aller Erde 14/15), München 1924
  • Das lichte Jahr. Vom Jahreslauf und den Festen (mit Rudolf Meyer), Verlag der Christengemeinschaft (Christus aller Erde 4), Stuttgart 1924
  • Gegenwartsrätsel im Offenbarungslicht (mit Rudolf Frieling, Johannes Werner Klein, Eberhard Kurras und Rudolf Meyer), Verlag der Christengemeinschaft (Christus aller Erde 16), Stuttgart 1925
  • Ein Spiel von Johannes dem Täufer. Gemeinde-Spiel zur Sommersonnenwende, Stuttgart 192
  • Beiträge zur Übersetzung des Neuen Testaments, Typoskripte, Stuttgart 1930–33 (neu bearbeitet in zwei Bänden 1950)
  • “Holy Week: A Spiritual Guide from Palm Sunday to Easter” 
  • The Three Years: The Life of Christ Between Baptism and Ascension (Paperback – Dec 2005)
  • Genesis  (Hardcover – Apr 1 1983)
  • Moses: From the Mysteries of Egypt to the Judges of Israel by Emil Bock and M. St.Goar (Hardcover – Jun 26 1986)
  • The Apocalypse of Saint John by Emil Bock and A. Heidenreich (Hardcover – Jul 1986)

THE BOOK: “Holy Week: A Spiritual Guide from Palm Sunday to Easter”  [Hardcover] by Emil Bock

In biblical times, Easter was the worst of times that was yet, also so uplifting for the believers. Bock describes the weeklong Easter holy period from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. He recounts the important events.  He takes us beyond.  He reminds that it is a time for reflection and meditation. He inspires us. He guides us daily to the gospel, offering chances to pray. Pick it up and contemplate. It will do you good!

CONCLUSION

Throughout the world, the spring festival season, amongst others, comprises: the Christian Easter, the Hindu celebration of Holi, the Jewish observance of Passover and the Persian festival of Navruz.

Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.  It is a time to repent, re-evaluate your life and do better. It is also a time to reconnect with family and friends with whom you’ve had a falling out.  Jews observe Passover, which commemorates the Hebrews’ exodus from the Egypt of the Pharoahs and escape from servitude. Easter and Passover are somewhat interconnected.  They both occur at approximately the same time. But there is more.  Jesus was Jewish and a rabbi.  It is controversial that the last supper could have been passover seder.  While the meaning of Easter and that of Passover are different they speak to being thankful for the sacrifices paid in our behalf and doing better as people.  The Hindus light bonfires in memory of the miraculous escape from the fires that young Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Navruz (Nowruz) marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in Iranian calendar.

The point

It is important to believe. Being a good person all year long is a purpose.  Recognizing the power of love and goodness is good for the soul. Many people today neglect to do so. Easter like Passover, Holi and Navruz are not just another day. Make them special and  they will help make you SPECIAL.

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*
Everyone should:
1. Believe;

2. Find your way to observe the holy days;

3. Connect with family and jouin with them in the celebration;

4. Take this to read religious texts or at least spritual material;

5. Be a good person; in this regard, strive to:
5.1 Be forgiving

Happy holy day ….I wish for you and your loved ones good health, long life, prosperity, much love and joy.  “Buona Pasqua!*”

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.

*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
 
——————————————————
Schedule I

“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “Holiday”, “Easter”; “Passover”; “The Last Supper”; etc.

Holiday
A holiday is a day designated as having special significance for which individuals, a government, or a religious group have deemed that observation is warranted. It is generally an official (more common) or unofficial observance of religious, national, or cultural significance, often accompanied by celebrations or festivities.
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_day

Easter
Easter (Old English: Ēostre; Greek: Πάσχα, Paskha; Aramaic and Hebrew: פֶּסחא‎
Pasḥa,) is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year.[1]

According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Some[who?] Christians celebrate this resurrection on Easter Day or Easter Sunday[2] (also Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday), two days after Good Friday and three days after Maundy Thursday. The chronology of his death and resurrection is variously interpreted to be between AD 26 and 36, traditionally 33.
Easter also refers to the season of the church year called Eastertide or the Easter Season. Traditionally the Easter Season lasted for the forty days from Easter Day until Ascension Day. The first week of the Easter Season is known as Easter Week or the Octave of Easter. The week from Palm Sunday to Easter is known as Holy Week. Easter also marks the end of Lent, a season of fasting, prayer, and penance.

Easter is a moveable feast, meaning it is not fixed in relation to the civil calendar. It occurs during the spring, in and around the month of April. Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism, as well as by its position in the calendar. In most European languages the feast called Easter in English is termed by the words for passover in those languages and in the older English versions of the Bible the term Easter was the term used to translate passover.[3][4]
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter

The Last Supper
According to Christian belief, The Last Supper is the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his Twelve Apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion.[1] The Last Supper provides the scriptural basis for the ceremony known as “the Eucharist”, “communion” or “the Lord’s Supper.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Supper

Passover
Passover (Hebrew, Yiddish: פֶּסַח Pesach, Tiberian: [pesaħ]  ( listen), Modern
Hebrew: Pesah, Pesakh, Yiddish: Peysekh, Paysakh, Paysokh) is a Jewish holy day and festival. It commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Passover begins on the 15th day of the month of Nisan, which is spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and is celebrated for seven or eight days. It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays.In the narrative of the Exodus, the Bible tells that God helped the Children of Israel escape slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten plagues upon the Egyptians before Pharaoh would release his Israelite slaves; the tenth and worst of the plagues was the slaughter of the first-born. The Israelites were instructed to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a spring lamb and, upon seeing this, the spirit of the Lord passed over these homes, hence the term “passover”.[1] When Pharaoh freed the Israelites, it is said that they left in such a hurry that they could not wait for bread to rise. In commemoration, for the duration of Passover no leavened bread is eaten, for which reason it is called “The Festival of the Unleavened Bread”.[2] Matzo (flat unleavened bread) is the primary symbol of the holiday.
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover

Passover Seder
The Passover Seder (Hebrew: סֵדֶר‎ [ˈsedeʁ], “order, arrangement”; Yiddish: Sayder) is a Jewish ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. It is conducted on the evenings of the 14th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, and on the 15th by traditionally observant Jews living outside Israel. This corresponds to late March or April in the Gregorian calendar. The Seder is a ritual performed by a community or by multiple generations of a family, involving a retelling of the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. This story is in the Book of Exodus (Shemot) in the Hebrew Bible. The Seder itself is based
on the Biblical verse commanding Jews to retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt: “You shall tell your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.'” (Exodus 13:8) Traditionally, families and friends gather in the evening to read the text of the Haggadah, an ancient work derived from the Mishnah (Pesahim 10).[1][2] The Haggadah contains the narrative of the Israelite exodus from Egypt, special blessings and rituals, commentaries from the Talmud, and special Passover songs. Seder customs include drinking four cups of wine, eating matza, partaking of symbolic foods placed on the Passover Seder Plate, and reclining in celebration of freedom.[3] The Seder is performed in much the same way by Jews all over the world.
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_Seder

Holi

Holi (होली), is a spring religious festival celebrated by Hindus. It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka,[1] and countries with large Indic diaspora populations, such as Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States, Mauritius, and Fiji. In West Bengal and Orissa of India it is known as Dolyatra (Doul Jatra) (Bengali: দোলযাত্রা), or Basanta-Utsav (“spring festival”)(Bengali: বসন্তোৎসব), . The most celebrated Holi is that of the Braj region, in locations connected to the Lord Krishna: Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, and Barsana. These places have become tourist destinations during the festive season of Holi, which lasts here up to sixteen days.[2]

The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli Vandana in Sanskrit, also Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as Kama Dahanam in South India.

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi

Navruz (Nowruz)
For Coptic New Year, see Nayrouz. For other uses, see Nowruz (disambiguation).Nowrūz (Persian: نوروز, IPA: [nouˈɾuːz], originally “New Light”) is the name of the New Year in Iranian calendars and the corresponding traditional celebrations.[5] Nowruz is also widely referred to as the Persian New Year.[6][7][8][9]

Nowruz is celebrated and observed by Iranic peoples and the related cultural continent and has spread in many other parts of the world, including parts of Central Asia, Caucasus, South Asia, Northwestern China, the Crimea and some groups in the Balkans.

Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in Iranian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. As well as being a Zoroastrian holiday and having significance amongst the Zoroastrian ancestors of modern Iranians, the same time is celebrated in parts of the South Asian sub-continent as the new year. The moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year and Iranian families gather together to observe the rituals.

Originally being a Zoroastrian festival, and the holiest of them all, Nowruz is believed to have been invented by Zoroaster himself, although there is no clear date of origin.[10] Since the Achaemenid era the official year has begun with the New Day when the Sun leaves the zodiac of Pisces and enters the zodiacal sign of Aries, signifying the Spring Equinox.

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navruz

STUDY/STATISTICS

The Jewish liturgical year is not simply the basis for Jewish holidays, but for the Christian movable feasts as well—those annual holidays that do not fall on a fixed date but vary according to astronomical occurrences.The celebration of Passover took place just before the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, and the two holidays have been entwined from the beginning—the word Pasch, originally meaning Passover, came to mean Easter as well.
U.S. Census – stats – http://www.infoplease.com/spot/movablefeasts1.html

Passover
Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, the holiday commemorating the Hebrews’ exodus from slavery in Egypt, lasts seven days in Israel and among Reform Jews, and eight days elsewhere around the world. It begins on the 15th day of Nisan, which is the seventh month in the Jewish calendar. It ends on the 21st of Nisan in Israel (and for Reform Jews) and on the 22nd of Nisan elsewhere. Since Hebrew days begin and end at sundown, Passover begins at sundown on the preceding day.
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/movablefeasts1.html

Easter
(Western Churches)
Easter is calculated as the first Sunday after the paschal full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox. If the full moon falls on a Sunday, then Easter is the following Sunday. The holiday can occur anywhere between March 22 and April 25. The Western church does not use the actual, or astronomically correct date for the vernal equinox, but a fixed date (March 21). And by full moon it does not mean the astronomical full moon but the “ecclesiastical moon,” which is based on tables created by the church. These constructs allow the date of Easter to be calculated in advance rather than determined by actual astronomical observances, which are naturally less predictable. See also A Tale of Two Easters. The Council of Nicaea in 325 established that Easter would be celebrated on Sundays; before that Easter was celebrated on different days in different places in the same year. http://www.infoplease.com/spot/movablefeasts1.html

Easter (Orthodox Church)
The Orthodox church uses the same formula to calculate Easter, but bases the date on a slightly different calendar—the Julian calendar instead of the more contemporary Gregorian one, the calendar that is most widely used today. Consequently, both churches only occasionally celebrate Easter on the same day. Unlike the Western Church, the Eastern Church sets the date of Easter according to the actual, astronomical full moon and the actual equinox as observed along the meridian of Jerusalem, site of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. See also A Tale of Two Easters and dates of other Orthodox movable feasts.
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/movablefeasts1.html

S & R* BONUS FACT #2: Jewish liturgical year

The Jewish liturgical year is not simply the basis for Jewish holidays, but for the Christian movable feasts as well—those annual holidays that do not fall on a fixed date but vary according to astronomical occurrences.The celebration of Passover took place just before the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, and the two holidays have been entwined from the beginning—the word Pasch, originally meaning Passover, came to mean Easter as well.
U.S. Census – stats – http://www.infoplease.com/spot/movablefeasts1.html

Schedule II

STUDY/STATISTICS
Schedule III

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2:

”If you are waiting until spring to get active, you are wasting the winter. Physical activity is a great way to break out of the winter blahs, and help
melt away some winter weight. Molson Canadian 67 offers these tips to help runners cross the finish line, stay motivated and have fun.
1. Join a running group to help keep you motivated and increase your social network.
2. Keep warm. Thermal base layers including gloves and a toque that will keep moisture away from your body will keep you comfortable.
3. Get a grip. Running spikes that fit over your shoes will help keep you from sliding on ice.
4. Eat a “balanced diet. Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for aerobic activity. Vegetables, cereal, pasta and bread are a great energy source before a run.
5. Everything in moderation. Running is a great activity to increase your fitness you don’t have to give up the things you love to run.
6. Reward yourself after pounding the pavement. Hit the pub with friends post run. If you have weight loss goals keep the menu and bar options lean with low calorie choices like Molson Canadian 67.
7. A light beer the night before a race is fine, but limit it to one. Beer is a diuretic and, if overdone, can dehydrate you. More information on Molson Canadian 67 is available online at
www.molsoncoorscanada.com.
www.newscanada.com
 

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2:Flavours of Easter can follow tradition, or be served with a modern twist.

News Canada ”For many, the thought of colourful hard“ boiled eggs and chocolate bunnies come to mind when you first mention Easter. But Easter food traditions vary
around the world with different cultures enjoying their own favourite dish. Some of the most popular foods served during this time of year might even
come as a surprise.

Did you know…
Hot Cross Buns and Simnel Cake are both popular Easter treats in the U.K. Traditionally, Hot Cross Buns are eaten on Good Friday and Simnel Cake, a
light fruit cake covered in marzipan, then toasted, on Easter Sunday.In Italy, no Easter table is complete without eggs, bread and La Colomba “ a
traditional Italian Easter sponge cake sprinkled with almonds and sugar crystals on top in the shape of a dove, the symbol of peace. But, the
traditions vary from region to region “ Neapolitans love Pastiera, a pie filled with ricotta and candied fruit.
Eggs are the most recognizable symbol of Easter, and chocolate eggs are especially popular throughout the world. Germany and France were the first
countries to introduce a solid chocolate egg at Easter. In North America, it’s all about the ham. Whether it’s smoked, glazed ham or
honey ham “ there are plenty of ways to showcase the meal’s centerpiece. And, while Canadians are debating which preparation methods to use, they are
also among those leading the way to pure and healthy alternatives to a traditionally savoury meal.
According to the Institute of Food Technologists, the move to real foods is increasing significantly as consumers are looking for ingredients that offer
tasty, better for you alternatives to their food, without artificial flavours and additives. New Schneiders Country Naturals smoked uncured ham
is crafted with only authentic, wholesome, natural ingredients, helping Canadians experience Easter the way it is supposed to taste. Need help
finding the perfect recipe for your Easter meal? Check out www.schneiders.ca for recipe ideas.
Regardless of where you live, it’s the traditions and flavours of the Easter holiday season that bring families and friends together to celebrate.
www.newscanada.com
“News Canada” <article@newscanada.com>   
From: “News Canada” <article@newscanada.com>        
 
CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.

*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

Posted by on April 17th, 2011 Comments Off on “EASTER, PASSOVER, HOLI, NAVRUZ, ETC.: I ask for blessings for each of you!*”

“DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & CONJUGAL ABUSE: I earnestly want to arrest this terrible scourge!*”

Vol. 1,  No. 42, April 10, 2011

TITLE: “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & CONJUGAL ABUSE: I earnestly want to arrest this terrible scourge!*”

INTRODUCTION

Domestic violence is very destructive. It could even get to the point of the commission of murder.  Conjugal abuse causes great suffering. My book of the week is “The Burning Bed” by Faith McNulty.  Hence,  today’s topic is domestic violence and conjugal abuse. 

MY LIFE & TIMES*

I feel I know the women who are battered.  I’ve heard some say or “If only I hadn’t said that” or “If only I hadn’t done that”. They aren’t ready to leave. I empathize. I truly feel for them.

Here are several stories – “Domestic Violence Personal Stories.”

1. Linda

“My name is Linda and I started having a bad life at 18. I met what I thought was a wonderful man. He was one of my bosses from work. He was so kind to me at fist. We would spend lovely times together just having fun. I seemed important to him; at least I thought I was.

The hitting became beatings almost every day. Even though I was pregnant, he did not care. He said, “If you were a good girl I wouldn’t have to discipline you so much.” I hated hearing that. Be a good girl- that was screwed up ya’ know?”

2. I Am A Survivor: Eddie’s gal

“In the summer of 1996, I met a guy and we knew each other for about three weeks, and then he moved in with my son and I. And he was good to my son and I, he bought me cards and flowers every day and this went on for three months. One day I went to the grocery store and I had been gone about an hour and when I got home Eddie was furious with me. Eddie slammed me down on the couch, causing me to hit my head on the piano.”

3. Wife of scary guy

“I was married to a man who did everything in his power to hurt me mentally, financially, physically, and sexually. I was with him for 13 years, and he was a great husband until the last couple of years. He changed.
I educated myself, and started a business, and he tried everything to stop me. It seemed the better I did business wise, the more controlling he became.

He started not paying bills. Withholding sex. Ignoring me. Calling me names. One night woke up to him yelling at me at 3 am. He had a knife hanging in the bedroom, with a 10″ blade. I woke several night to being hit, he tried to say he was sleeping, and didn’t know he was doing it. He scared me.”

4. Wife/target of Gunny 

“I saw the gun my husband was holding as he stood in the door way of our kitchen. After years of being intimidated to stay in the abusive relationship, I thought to myself “not this time, gun or no gun”. I defiantly turned my back to him and his AK-47, and walked toward the backdoor that was in the kitchen. Something in my head asked “where is the phone?” I looked up and saw the cordless phone in it’s cradle on the kitchen wall. It was a millisecond later that I smelled gunpowder and heard a pop. I caught myself on the kitchen table with my right hand while my left hand was holding my side actually trying to realize that I had been shot.”
(Source:Mental Health Today) – http://www.mental-health-today.com/ptsd/domestic/stories.htm

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #1:Wife-Beater?
“In April 2002, Billy Baldwin came to brother Alec Baldwin’s defense over allegations of domestic violence. “Is my brother a saint? No. Is he volatile? Yes,” Billy admitted. “But he is not a wife-beater.” So how did Billy explain the National Enquirer’s report of fighting between Alec and his ex-wife, Kim Basinger? “I think what may have happened is that Kim may have taken a run at Alec during a fight, and he may have put his arm up to protect himself or push her off,” Billy hypothesized. “But that’s not beating your wife.”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=14214

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #2: Shoot Britney
“While speaking at a conference at Hood College in Maryland in October 2003, Kendel Ehrlich, wife of Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich, encouraged women to educate themselves as much as possible and to fiercely guard their independence. How fiercely? “Every woman should be able to take care of themselves and their children on their own,” she declared. “It is incredibly important to get that message to young women. You know, really, if I had an opportunity to shoot Britney Spears, I think I would.” The subject of the conference? Domestic violence, of course…”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=15006

S & R* QUOTE #1: Robert Heinlein
“Love is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”
(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/love/index13.html

S & R* QUOTE #2: Anne Frank
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.”
(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/happiness/index5.html

THE AUTHOR: Faith (Corrigan) McNulty

Faith (Corrigan) McNulty, (d.o.b November 28, 1928), is from New York City, the daughter of a judge. She was a college drop-out. She got a job as a copy girl at the New York Daily News. She also worked at Life magazine and, during W.W.II,for the U.S. Office of War Information in London. McNulty was a wildlife writer at The New Yorker magazine for several years. She was an author – she wrote mainly non-fiction and children’s books on wildlife.  She married John McNulty, also a writer; and after he died in 1956, she married  Richard Martin. In her later years, she wrote a weekly column in the Animal Welfare League, which was founded by her mother in southern Rhode Island. She died in 2004 after suffering a stroke. The most notable book was “the Burning Bed” (1980). 
(Fact source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia)
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_McNulty

THE BOOK: “The Burning Bed” by Faith McNulty (book)
It is the true story of Francine Hughes of Dansville, Michigan a battered housewife. Hughes suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, James Berlin (“Mickey”) Hughes. On March 9, 1977, Hughes told her children to put their coats on and wait in the car. She then started a fire with gasoline around the bed in which the abuser was sleeping.With the fire set, Hughes drove to the local police station. Mr. Hughes died and the house burnt down.  Tried in Lansing, Michigan, she defended herself by saying that her husband had been abusing her for 13 years. Hughes was found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity.

Hughes’ story was not only a book; it was also made into the 1984 film, titled, “The Burning Bed”. In addition, Lyn Hardy, a singer, even wrote a song, entitled “The Ballad of Francine Hughes”.
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francine_Hughes
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Burning_Bed

THE MOVIE: “The Burning Bed” (Screenplay by Rose Leiman Goldemberg)

The book was made into a made-for-television movie.`The Burning Bed”, premiered on NBC on October 8, 1984. The movie, directed by Robert Greenwald, starred the late Farrah Fawcett as Francine Hughes and Paul LeMat as Mickey Hughes.The movie was filmed in Rosharon, Texas. The house that served as the house of Farrah Fawcett’s character still stands today.
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Burning_Bed

SERIES/COLLECTION
Books
Some books by Francine Hughes are:
o How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World
o Dancing with Manatees
o The Burning Bed
o ”The Wildlife Stories of Faith McNulty
o Peeping in the Shell: A Whooping Crane Is Hatched
o Arty The Smarty
o Why Must They Die? The strange case of the prairie dog and the black-footed ferret
o Whales: Their Life in the Sea
o Listening to Whales Sing
o How Whales Walked into the Sea
o The Elephant Who Couldn’t Forget
o Endangered Animals
o The Great Whales
o Hurricane
o If Dogs Ruled the World
o The Lady and the Spider
o Mouse and Tim
o Orphan: The Story of a Baby Woodchuck
o Playing With Dolphins
o Red Wolves
o The Silly Story of a Flea and His Dog
o A Snake in the House
o With Love from Koko
o Woodchuck

CONCLUSION

Domestic violence and conjugal abuse is wrong. It is a VERY serious problem.

My personal comments

Violence and abuse betweem spouses is awful. A man who physically abuses a woman is a coward.  Abusive men often apologize after the beating. Then there is the making-up period.  That is what fools the woman into believing that everything is fine and things will change. Of course, this doesn’t happen. I say that this is the phoney peace… the calm after the storm…but before the next thunder shower. The abused feels great shame.  (N.B. While the abused is generally a woman, there are also batttered men.) It robs her of self-esteem. The abused comes to believe that she is worthless. Then there is the fear. It stops her in her tracks. All of this could bring on depression; some women fall into a deep despair. The scars can go VERY deep; some are for life.  I condemn this abuse. 

The abuser creates the problem. He or she needs help. More often than not, the abused also needs help.

I  believe that the children, who witness this abuse, are also deeply affected. Theywill most probably have problems with their relationships.  Some fall into the same situation. Others will rebel and consciously choose a partner that is not abusive.    

The point

No one should ever be the victim of domestic violence and conjugal abuse.

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*

The battered person (abused) should:

1. Acknowledge the problem and address it immediately;

2. Determine that she is not at fault – that’s a good first step;
3. Recognize that it’s not about her – the problem lies with him;
4. Take such measures, as early as possible, if and when, she finds herself  in an abusive relationship;

5. Make every effort to alter the situation
6. Seek help immediately; the abused should:
6.1 Go alone to counselling, if your partner refuses to go; 
6.1.1 Attend support groups by yourself if your partner will not comply;

7. Be aware of the bystanders – the children; in this regard,

7.1  Note that it is a parent’s duty to give them a loving and peaceful home;
7.2  Change the situation for the sake of the children; it’s unfair to put them in a violent and stormy atmosphere. 
8. Leave, if there is no sugnificant change, for the sake of your children and also yourself – you’re worth it!
The abuser should:
9. Acknowledge that you have a problem;
10. Seek help immediately; 
11. Go into therapy.

“DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & CONJUGAL ABUSE: “SEE no evil, HEAR no evil, SPEAK no evil“
I can`t – it is evil, so I will look for it and listen for it and shout out about it from the highest mountain top!* 

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.

*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
 
——————————————————
ANNEX I

“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “domestic violence”, “child abuse”, etc

Domestic violence

“Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, family violence and intimate partner violence (IPV), can be broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation.[1] Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation.[1] Alcohol consumption[2] and mental illness[3] can be co-morbid with abuse, and present additional challenges when present alongside patterns of abuse.Awareness, perception, definition and documentation of domestic violence differs widely from country to country, and from era to era. Estimates[citation needed] are that only about a third of cases of domestic violence are actually reported in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the Centers for Disease Control, domestic violence is a serious, preventable public health problem affecting more than 32 million Americans, or over 10% of the U.S. population.[4]”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

Child Abuse
“Child abuse is the physical, sexual, emotional mistreatment, or neglect of children.[1] In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.[2] Most child abuse occurs in a child’s home, with a smaller amount occurring in the organizations, schools or communities the child interacts with.[citation needed] There are four major categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, and child sexual abuse.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_abuse

_______________________________
ANNEX II

S & R* BONUS FACT * #1: Murder
“In 2005, 1,181 women were murdered by an intimate partner.1 That’s an average of three women every day. Of all the women murdered in the U.S., about one-third were killed by an intimate partner.2”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:  Intimate Partner Violence or Battering
“Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.3 According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, women experience about 4.8 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rapes every year.4 Less than 20 percent of battered women sought medical treatment following an injury.5”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
“According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, which includes crimes that were not reported to the police, 232,960 women in the U.S. were raped or sexually assaulted in 2006. That’s more than 600 women every day.6 Other estimates, such as those generated by the FBI, are much lower because they rely on data from law enforcement agencies. A significant number of crimes are never even reported for reasons that include the victim’s feeling that nothing can/will be done and the personal nature of the incident.7”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

THE TARGETS
“Young women, low-income women and some minorities are disproportionately victims of domestic violence and rape. Women ages 20-24 are at greatest risk of nonfatal domestic violence8, and women age 24 and under suffer from the highest rates of rape.9 The Justice Department estimates that one in five women will experience rape or attempted rape during their college years, and that less than five percent of these rapes will be reported.10 Income is also a factor: the poorer the household, the higher the rate of domestic violence — with women in the lowest income category experiencing more than six times the rate of nonfatal intimate partner violence as compared to women in the highest income category.11 When we consider race, we see that African-American women face higher rates of domestic violence than white women, and American-Indian women are victimized at a rate more than double that of women of other races.12”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

IMPACT ON CHILDREN
“According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, “growing up in a violent home may be a terrifying and traumatic experience that can affect every aspect of a child’s life, growth and development. . . . children who have been exposed to family violence suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as bed-wetting or nightmares, and were at greater risk than their peers of having allergies, asthma, gastrointestinal problems, headaches and flu.” In addition, women who experience physical abuse as children are at a greater risk of victimization as adults, and men have a far greater (more than double) likelihood of perpetrating abuse. 13″
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

IMPACT ON HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
“The Centers for Disease Control estimates that the cost of domestic violence in 2003 was more than over $8.3 billion. This cost includes medical care, mental health services, and lost productivity. 14”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

LEGISLATION
“In 1994, the National Organization for Women, the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund (now called Legal Momentum), the Feminist Majority and other organizations finally secured passage of the Violence Against Women Act, which provided a record-breaking $1.6 billion to address issues of violence against women.15 However it took nearly an additional year to force the Newt Gingrich-led Congress to release the funding. An analysis estimated that in the first six years after VAWA was passed, nearly $14.8 billion was saved in net averted social costs.16 VAWA was reauthorized in 2005, with nearly $4 billion in funding over five years.17”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

VIOLENCE BETWEEN SAME-SEX COUPLES
“According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, “domestic violence affecting LGBT individuals continues to be grossly underreported . . . there is a lack of awareness and denial about the existence of this type of violence and its impact, both by LGBT people and non-LGBT people alike.”18 Myths regarding gender roles perpetuate the silence surrounding these abusive relationships; for example, the belief that there aren’t abusive lesbian relationships because women don’t abuse each other. Shelters are often unequipped to handle the needs of lesbians (as a women-only shelter isn’t much defense against a female abuser), and transgendered individuals. Statistics regarding domestic violence against LGBT people are unavailable at the national level, but as regional studies demonstrate, domestic violence is as much as a problem within LGBT communities as it is among
heterosexual ones.19”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

S & R* BONUS FACT * #2:
“Women’s violence towards men is a serious social problem.[30] While much attention has been focused on domestic violence against women, researchers argue that domestic violence against men is a substantial social problem worthy of attention.[4] However, the issue of victimization of men by women has been contentious, due in part to studies which report drastically different statistics regarding domestic violence.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) –  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_domestic_violence#Against_men

S & R* BONUS FACT #3: Child abuse, Child protection, and Child sexual abuse
“When it comes to domestic violence towards children involving physical abuse, research in the UK by the NSPCC indicated that “most violence occurred at home” (78 per cent). 40—60% of men and women who abuse other adults also abuse their children.[40] Girls whose fathers batter their mothers are 6.5 times more likely to be sexually abused by their fathers than are girls from non-violent homes.[41]”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_domestic_violence#Against_men

——————————————————-
ANNEX III

STUDY/STATISTICS: Violence Against Women in the United States: Statistics
“Despite the fact that advocacy groups like NOW have worked for two decades to halt the epidemic of gender-based violence and sexual assault, the numbers are still shocking. It is time to renew our national pledge, from the President and Congress on down to City Councils all across the nation to END violence against women and men, girls and boys. This effort must also be carried on in workplaces, schools, churches, locker rooms, the military, and in courtrooms, law enforcement, entertainment and the media. NOW pledges to continue our work to end this violence and we hope you will join us in our work.”

624221 Temporary Shelters
“This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing (1) short term emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse and/or (2) temporary residential shelter for homeless individuals or families, runaway youth, and patients and families caught in medical crises. These establishments may operate their own shelters or may subsidize housing using existing homes, apartments, hotels, or motels.

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in providing emergency shelter for victims of domestic or international disasters or conflicts are classified in Industry 624230, Emergency and Other Relief Services.”
(Source: US Census Bureau) – http://www.census.gov/naics/2007/def/NDEF624.HTM
Table 307. Violence by Intimate Partners by Sex, 1995 to 2007, and by Type of Crime, 2007
[Violence includes rape and sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault and homicide. Intimates are defined as spouses, ex-spouses, current boy/girlfriends, and ex-boy/girlfriends. Based on the National Crime Victimization Survey; see text, this section and Appendix III. Table data have been revised]
Year and type of crime
All persons Female victims Male victims
Number Rate per 1,000 1 Number Rate per 1,000 1 Number Rate per 1,000 1
1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  975,510 4.5 858,100 7.7 117,410 1.1
2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  670,900 3.0 560,230 4.8 110,670 1.0
2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  588,020 2.5 498,210 4.2 89,810 0.8
2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  540,700 2.3 444,140 3.6 96,560 0.8
2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  612,650 2.5 474,250 3.8 138,400 1.2
2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  493,110 2.0 385,850 3.1 107,260 0.9
2006 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 779,040 3.2 617,190 4.9 161,840 1.3
2007, total . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      646,790 2.6 564,430 4.4 82,360 0.7
Rape or sexual assault . . . . . . . .55,110 0.2 55,110 0.4 (B) (B)
Robbery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43,270 0.2 37,320 0.3 5,960 –
Aggravated assault. . . . . . . . . . . 85,010 0.3 69,010 0.5 16,000 0.1
Simple assault . . . . . . . . . . . . . .446,510 1.8 399,370 3.1 47,140 0.4
Homicide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1,531 0.5 1,185 0.8 346 0.2
– Rounds to zero. B Base figure too small to meet statistical standards for reliability of derived figure. 1 Rates are for the number of victimizations per 1,000 persons aged 12 or older. Except for Homicide, the number of victimizations is per 1000,000 persons aged 12 or older. 2 Due to changes in methodology, the 2006 national crime victimization rates are not comparable to previous years or to 2007; and cannot be used for yearly trend comparisons. However, the overall patterns of victimization at the national level can be examined. See Criminal Victimization, 2007, at <http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs /abstract/cv07.htm>.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization
Survey, Intimate Partner Violence in the United States, Series NCJ-210675, December 2007 and Crime Victimization, annual,
Series NCJ-224390; <http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/intimate/ipv.htm>.
(Source: US Census Bureau) – http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s0307.pdf
________________________________

ANNEX III

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: Man arrested on domestic violence
“A Springfield man was arrested early this morning after he was accused of striking a woman he knew in the head and throwing a glass bottle at her.Robert C. Jones, 20, of 312 Gruen Drive, was arrested on charges of domestic violence and assault after the incident at his home between 3:20 and 3:38 a.m. A report from the Springfield Police Division showed Jones fled the scene as police arrived, but they found him hiding in a nearby field a short time later. He was taken to the Clark County Jail.”
(Source:  Google News Alerts) – http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/crime/man-arrested-on-domestic
violence-charge-1128693.html

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2:“Canadians can dine out to support a safer and more just world for women June 2011 
“Throughout the month of June, Canadians in select cities can enjoy a night out while helping to build a safer and more just world for women by joining Amnesty International’s Taste for Justice.Participating Taste for Justice restaurants and other food based businesses are donating part proceeds towards Amnesty’s human rights research and campaigns, and helping to raise awareness about issues of violence and discrimination against women worldwide, including Canada. Some business owners have been a part of the campaign since it began in 2005, such as Estelle Matheson of Mozart Bakery in Langley, BC. For Matheson, Taste for Justice is a unique way to raise funds and promote awareness:  I feel it is important to be involved in my community by using my business as a vehicle to educate people about global issues that matter to me.While most Taste for Justice restaurants are located in Ottawa, Toronto, and Victoria, other communities across Canada are also participating.”
“News Canada” <article@newscanada.com>

Posted by on April 10th, 2011 Comments Off on “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & CONJUGAL ABUSE: I earnestly want to arrest this terrible scourge!*”

“PRACTICAL JOKES & PRANKS-April Fools’ Day:I want to laugh & have fun!*”

Vol. 1,  No. 41 , April 3rd, 2011
TITLE: “PRACTICAL JOKES & PRANKS – April Fools’ Day: I want to laugh & have fun!*”

 INTRODUCTION

April 1st is a day when people joke around and play pranks; and some work unbelievably well. My book of the week is: “Fooled You!” Fakes and Hoaxes Through the Years” by Elaine Pascoe  (writer) and Laurie Keller (illustrator). On the occasion of this date, my topic  is jokes and pranks .

MY LIFE & TIMES*

My Dad had a great sense of humor. (I like to think that I do as well.) Many years ago, a  few young girls, friends of my daughter, worked at a bakery part-time after school. One day, they were talking about an older gentleman who came daily to the bakery to buy bread. They looked forward to this customer because he always joked with them. The man in question turned out to be my Dad.  I guess it runs in the family.

I have never played a prank on someone; but I have friends who have tried to fool me on April 1st. As a result,I’ve been on my guard. 

One of my favourites is the prank played by one of my cousins, who is a big joker. He went to a lot of trouble to find fake hair and braid it.  You see there was a lady who worked in his office and always braided her hair. One day, while carrying on a conversation, he picked up a pair of scissors and pretended that he was cutting her braid. Of course, he had the fake ready to show her.  She was stunned, thinking the braid was hers. Once told that it was all a joke, she laughed hysterically.  Everyone in the office talked about the prank for weeks afterwards.
 
Here are a few seriously good joke stories that I discovered while researching this post article.

S & R* BONUS FACT * #1: Well-known pranks

Taco Liberty Bell: In 1996, Taco Bell took out a full-page advertisement in The New York Times announcing that they had purchased the Liberty Bell to “reduce the country’s debt” and renamed it the “Taco Liberty Bell”. When asked about the sale, White House press secretary Mike McCurry replied tongue-in-cheek that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold and would henceforth be known as the Lincoln Mercury Memorial.[11]”

Left-handed Whoppers: In 1998, Burger King ran an ad in USA Today, saying that people could get a Whopper for left-handed people whose condiments were designed to drip out of the right side.[12] Not only did customers order the new burgers, but some specifically requested the “old”, right-handed burger.[13]”

Apple buys the Beatles: In 2010, Bob Lefsetz released an April Fools’ Day letter which had rumours circulating around the music industry.[14]”

Iceberg from Antarctica:  In 1983, Australian millionaire businessman Dick Smith claimed to have towed an iceberg from Antarctica to Sydney Harbour. He used a barge covered with white plastic and fire extinguisher foam to convince witnesses.[15]”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools’_Day

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE* #1: Nobel Winner

“Among Lev Landau’s colleagues at the Physical Technical Institute was a certain mediocre but arrogant physicist whose copious output was largely plagiarized. One day he received a telegram informing him that he had been nominated for a Nobel prize and should prepare a detailed resume outlining all of his work and submit two copies to the head of the Department of Theoretical Physics (Landau) by a certain date.

With his ego swelling beyond human proportions, the man became insufferable, assuming pompous airs and failing even to greet old friends. When he had completed the monumental task of producing his CV, he arrived in Landau’s office, set the documents on his desk – and was met with a sneer and a surprising question: “Did you really believe that a Nobel Prize would be given for this garbage?” Only then was the man’s attention drawn to the date of the deadline: April 1st.”

[Landau himself later won the Nobel (in 1962) for his work in low-temperature physics.]
Landau, Lev Davidovich (1908-1968) Russian physicist, Nobel Prize recipient (Physics, 1962) [noted for his pioneering work in low-temperature physics and the quantum mechanical study of condensed states] (Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=14036

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE* #2: Enrique Iglesias (practical joke #276)

“While touring, Enrique Iglesias and his entourage regularly played practical jokes on one another. “We played a trick on one of the guys from our record company,” he once recalled. “We left him naked in the hallway outside our hotel room, then called security and told them there was a crazy man outside our door!” (Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=7186

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE* #3: Howard Stern Radio Show – Howard Stern Radio Show

“On April 1st, 1998, Howard Stern and CBS announced that fans would soon be able to watch “The Howard Stern Radio Show” every Saturday night. “Standards have gone to an all-time low,” Stern declared, “and I’m here to represent them!””
Stern, Howard (1958-    ) American radio talk show host [noted for his shocking antics, and for such works as Private Parts and Miss America] [Sources: imdb.com] (Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=20033

S & R* QUOTE #1: BMW’s political car badges

“The car company ran a newspaper ad asking British drivers to “show your true colors” in the runup to the general election there with new BMW hood ornament badges in red, blue and yellow — the colors of the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. “In the event of a hung Parliament, we’ll replace your badge for free,” the ad said. German humor is no laughing matter, of course, which is why BMW has an entire web page explaining all its April Fool’s jokes from years gone by.”

S & R* QUOTE #2: Groupon

“Groupon’s “Groupöupon” luxury site.Coupon site Groupon launched “Groupöupon,” which it described thus: “Groupöupon is the next level—an exclusive, invitation-only, premium marketplace designed to enhance your status. Featuring a select rotation of designer items that transcend function, Groupöupon is the retail portal you never knew you couldn’t live without.” Items on offer included a “sleek” faceless watch and “premium sleeves,” sans jacket.”

S & R* QUOTE #3: “Google (GOOG) has a reputation for playing April Fool’s pranks.

“(This year’s renaming the site Topeka as a twist on Topeka, Kansas calling itself Google is pretty amusing.) And it had an impressive retro one on YouTube, recasting some videos into a “text” mode, similar to how programmers once used ASCII text to simulate images in the days before laser and ink-jet printers. However, this cute twist backfired as users complained heavily about the new video page interface that YouTube had separately introduced.”(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.bnet.com/blog/technology-business/youtube-april-fool-8217s-joke-is-on-google/3187?tag=mantle_skin;content

S & R* QUOTE #4: National Republican Senatorial Committee’s “Low Emission Unicorns

”You can’t let your anger get in the way of your humor, as the GOP does here, but there’s still a couple of good one-liners in this video of Obama’s achievements, including the one about solving global warming by replacing cars with “low emission unicorns.” There was a better joke in here that the Republicans failed to spot, and it starts with the out-of-context clip of Hillary Clinton telling an audience, “the sky will open, the light will come down!” An “ad” created entirely out of Democrats’ actual speeches would have been much funnier.”
(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.bnet.com/blog/advertising-business/the
5-best-april-fool-8217s-jokes-from-advertisers/4628?tag=mantle_skin;content

THE AUTHORS: Elaine Pascoe (writer) and Laurie Keller (illustrator)
 
Elaine Pascoe has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer and editor. She has written 20+ nonfiction books for young readers. She lives in Connecticut.

Laurie Keller is an American children’s book author and illustrator. She has written four books for Henry Holt & Co. Books for Young Readers, and produced illustrations for two others.

Growing up in Muskegon, Michigan and after graduating high school, she took classes and enrolled at  Kendall College of Art and Design, a local community college, receiving a degree in illustration. She worked at Hallmark Cards as a greeting card artist. While there, she was allowed to design entire cards, which caused her to consider writing and illustrating books.
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)  –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurie_Keller  (Sourcc: http://us.macmillan.com/fooledyou)

SERIES/COLLECTION
Books by Laurie Keller
Some are:

  • “The Scrambled States of America” (subject: geography)
  • “Open Wide: Tooth School Inside” (subject: tooth care) – Henry Holt and Co. – 2000
  • “Arnie the Doughnut” (subject: anthropomorphic doughnut) – Henry Holt and Co. – 2003
  • “Grandpa Gazillion’s Number Yard” (subject: numbers) – Henry Holt and Co. – 2005
  • “Do Unto Otters” (subject: manners)
  • “The Scrambled States of America Talent Show” (subject: follow-up to 1998 book) Henry Holt and Co. – 1998
  • “Fooled You!: Fakes and Hoaxes Through the Years” (Elaine Pascoe) – Henry Holt and Co. – 2005

Books by Elaine Pascoe
Some are:

  • “Fooled You!: Fakes and Hoaxes Through the Years” (Elaine Pascoe) – Henry Holt and Co. – 2005
  • “Nature Close-Up – Slime, Mold and Fungi” [Board book]
  • “Nature Close-Up – Pill Bugs & Sow Bugs and Other Custaceans” [Hardcover]
  • “Birds Use Their Beaks (How & Why)” [Library Binding]
    (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)  –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurie_Keller (Sourcc: http://us.macmillan.com/fooledyou)
    (Source: Amazon) -http://www.amazon.com/Birds-Use-Their-Beaks-How/dp/0836830083/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_4

THE BOOK: “Fooled You!” Fakes and Hoaxes Through the Years”by Elaine Pascoe  (writer) & Laurie Keller (illustrator)

In the last three centuries, there have been many great hoaxes carried out. Some were: (a)  Crop circles; (b) Aliens on earth. (c) Fairies caught on film; (d) Giant cats. Pascoe chose 10+ to examine in depth, noting things in common. She inquiried into the doers: “How they did it?”  and the victims: “Why they bought it?” Fool you ….It’s a fun book …Fool it! 
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)  –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurie_Keller  (Sourcc: http://us.macmillan.com/fooledyou)

CONCLUSION

To have a sense of humor is a wonderful quality. Having fun is a valid  aim. Being merry contributes to a positive attitude. Smiles wear very well. A round of laughter is a mood changer. Enjoying a joke is uplifting. This is all good … up to a point.

My personal comments

I am not really a practical joke person. However, this does not mean to say that I don’t have a sense of humor. In contrast, I like to smile and laugh just like the next gal and guy. I believe in good clean fun, of VERY short duration. I insst that noone gets hurt; and we always laugh WITH the person, being the butt of the joke.

I have also noted that some go too far, taking drastic measures in order to play a practical joke.  It  could be quite disagreeable or even damaging. Pranks that cause bodily harm may also result in lawsuits, criminal charges and getting fired.  

The point

Joking and pranking should be light- hearted fun. If it is not, then don’t do it!

ANTOINETTE”S TIP SHEET*
Everyone should:
1. Make sure it’s not to the extreme, especially if it’s at someone else’s expense;
2. Have fun with jokes and pranks, but don’t make anyone feel bad;
3. Ensure that it’s a light and mild prank , particularly in the workplace;
4. Call the person, quickly after the fact, on whom you played a joke, to tell him/her that it was only a prank;
5. Be on guard on April’s Fools;

I am funning, smiling and laughing so much that I am confused. I think that I should say: Ho… Ho …no that ‘s not it. Hi…Hi….no that’s not it….Ha …Ha …Yes that’s it!

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com
The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

Schedule I
IT WORDS FOR ME!*
For today, my word/phrase(s) are:  “April Fools’ Day”, “practical jokes”; etc.

April Fools’ Day
“April Fools’ Day is celebrated in the Western world on the 1st of April of every year. Sometimes referred to as All Fools’ Day, April 1 is not a legal holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day which tolerates practical jokes and general foolishness. The day is marked by the commission of good humoured or funny jokes, hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, teachers, neighbors, work associates, etc.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools’_Day

Practical joke
“A practical joke (also known as a prank or gag) is a mischievous trick played on a person, especially one that causes the victim to experience embarrassment, indignity, or discomfort. Practical jokes differ from confidence tricks in that the victim finds out, or is let in on, the joke rather than being fooled into handing over money or other valuables. Practical jokes or pranks are typically lighthearted, reversible or non-permanent, and made to make people feel foolish or victimized to a certain degree, although in some practical jokes there could be an inherent strain of cruelty present.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Practical_joke

Bonus Fact: April Fools’ Day – Origins

“In Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (1392), the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale” is set Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two.[1] Modern scholars believe that there is a copying error in the extant manuscripts and that Chaucer actually wrote, Syn March was gon.[2] Thus the passage originally meant 32 days after March, i.e. May 2,[3] the anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, which took place in 1381. However, readers apparently misunderstood this line to mean “32nd of March,” i.e. 1st April.[4] In Chaucer’s tale, the vain cock Chauntecleer is tricked by a fox.

In 1509, a French poet referred to a poisson d’avril (April fool, literally “April fish”), a possible reference to the holiday.[3] In 1539, Flemish poet Eduard de Dene wrote of a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on the 1st of April.[3] In 1686, John Aubrey referred to the holiday as “Fooles holy day”, the first British reference.[3] On 1st April, 1698, several people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to “see the Lions washed”.[3] The name “April Fools” echoes that of the Feast of Fools, a Medieval holiday held on the 28th December.[5]

In the Middle Ages, New Year’s Day was celebrated on the 25th of March in most European towns.[6] In some areas of France, New Year’s was a week-long holiday ending on the 1st of April.[5] So it is possible that April Fools originated because those who celebrated on the 1st of January made fun of those who celebrated on other dates.[7] The use of the 1st of January as New Year’s Day was common in France by the mid-sixteenth century,[3] and this date was adopted officially in 1564 by the Edict of Roussillon.

In the eighteenth century, the festival was often posited as going back to the time of Noah. According to an English newspaper article published in 1789, the day had its origin when Noah sent his dove off too early, before the waters had receded; he did this on the first day of the Hebrew month that corresponds with April.[8]”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools’_Day

Schedule II
MORE ANECDOTES

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE* #4:Talking to Morons
“One day at the turn of the millennium, “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” cohost Rick Mercer visited Des Moines, Iowa. As a gag for the popular Canadian show, Mercer interviewed several locals, telling each that, like France, Canada was operating on a 20-hour clock (or, alternatively, a 65-minute hour) and was considering a change to American time. Among those who fell for the ruse? Iowa governor Tom Vilsack: “I’m Tom Vilsack, governor of Iowa,” he announced. “Congratulations, Canada, on getting your first 24-hour clock!”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=4395

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE* #5: “Marvin Gaye Murder: April Fools

“In 1984, soul legend Marvin Gaye, broke and struggling with drug addiction, moved back into his parents’ Los Angeles home. On April 1st, he attacked his father for verbally abusing his mother. The older man (a preacher who had often beaten his children for minor infractions) responded by shooting and instantly killing his son. Sadly, the reverend would never have had a gun – if Marvin had not given it to him as a gift a few months earlier.

[Gay was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to five years’ probation. Doctors examining him after his arrest discovered a possible explanation for his behavior: a cancerous tumor at the base of his brain. When asked whether he loved his son, the reverend replied, “Let’s say that I didn’t dislike him.”]”
Gaye, Marvin Pentz (1939-1984) American musician [noted for various recordings]
[Sources: Blender, Aug/Sept 2001](Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=17953

Schedule III

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1 On the Road to 2010, U. S. Census Bureau Final Report, Faith-Based Outreach Focus Groups
“….
Summary of Comments
Consider changing Census Day to a day other than April 1st. Associating the Census with April Fools Day sends a mixed-message tocommunity members, causing suspicion and creating the unintended perception that participating in the census may be some kind oftrick or joke. Consider involving the census partners in choosing or even creating an alternativeday to kickoff the 2010 Census – an occasion of universally positive nationaland/or cultural significance, i.e., Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, etc. Greater emphasis should be placed on involving children in 2010 Census events, activities,giveaways, etc. Host or sponsor community events and ethnic festivals which involve theentire family. Children are most often the best, most direct way to reach and educate parents, grandparents, and other caregivers to the value and importance of participating inthe census.

Clowns, current popular music, interactivegames, raffles, and giveaways, provide the safest, surest way to gain access to childrenand, through them, their parents. In Dallas, for example, hip hop artist “Little Bow Wow”was a big hit with the youth! In other locations, hip hop songs, sports stars, “American Idol” type entertainment figures, and other culturally significant images can work well in capturing the hearts and minds of the community. Through this means, interest and participation in the 2010 Census and beyond is generated.”
Source U.S. Census Bureau) – http://www.census.gov/cac/race_ethnic_advisory_committees/docs/2007_Oct_Faith based_FG_Report.pdf

Posted by on April 3rd, 2011 Comments Off on “PRACTICAL JOKES & PRANKS-April Fools’ Day:I want to laugh & have fun!*”