Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The History of Thanksgiving.

I absolutely LOVE The History Channel. Even my sons will ask to watch programs on it, and I know they are learning. They strive to be as accurate as possible which is what I find to be the best aspect of their programs. Below is an article that comes from The History Channel website. I want to make sure everyone has access to learning about the first Thanksgiving to share with your family. You can find all of the below info here: http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving

"In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn't until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

More to Explore

PEOPLE AND GROUPS

The Pilgrims

William Bradford

THEMES

Puritanism

Mayflower Compact

Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgiving: Fact or Fiction

The 13 Colonies

EVENTS

Exploration of North America

Did You Know?

Lobster, seal and swans were on the Pilgrims' menu.

Thanksgiving at Plymouth

In September 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers—an assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the New World. After a treacherous and uncomfortable crossing that lasted 66 days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth.

Throughout that first brutal winter, most of the colonists remained on board the ship, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease. Only half of the Mayflower’s original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the remaining settlers moved ashore, where they received an astonishing visit from an Abenaki Indian who greeted them in English. Several days later, he returned with another Native American, Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe who had been kidnapped by an English sea captain and sold into slavery before escaping to London and returning to his homeland on an exploratory expedition. Squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans.

In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days. While no record exists of the historic banquet’s exact menu, the Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Governor Bradford sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the event, and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. Because the Pilgrims had no oven and the Mayflower’s sugar supply had dwindled by the fall of 1621, the meal did not feature pies, cakes or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations.

Check out the Thanksgiving by the Numbers infographic for more facts about how the first Thanksgiving compares to modern holiday traditions.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Don't Pay a Fortune for Printer Ink. How I get mine for so much less!

I use a TON of printer ink. Here's how I get my ink for way less than most people.

First go thru your Big Crumbs account to get 19.6% cash back. (If you haven't signed up yet, do so here: bigcrumbs.com)

Then shop at 4inkjets.com where ink is up to 76% OFF regular store prices http://www.4inkjets.com/
To get cash back, start on the Big Crumbs home page and search for 4inkjets . Then click shop now.

You can also use coupon codes for an additional discount!!!! Most of the time there is a 10% OFF + FREE Shipping coupon code. Visit http://www.retailmenot.com/view/4inkjets.com to get an updated code!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Proactive Cancer Prevention

Today my family lost a dear friend to cancer. In his honor, I wanted to makes sure I spread the word about being proactive in cancer prevention and detection.

The following info can be found at this website: http://www.naturalchoice.net/articles/cancerprevent.htm

Proactive Cancer Prevention

By David Musnick MD

General Facts About Cancer

Approximately 1 in 3-4 people will get some form of cancer in their lifetime.
Some people have genetic risk factors for cancer.
You can be proactive with your diet, supplements and lifestyle and reduce your risk for developing cancer.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is unregulated growth of a particular cell type . It usually starts out in one location, usually in a particular organ. If it spreads to other organs or to the bones it is called metastatic cancer.

Most Common Types of Cancer

Cancer of the breast, uterus and cervix in women
Cancer of the prostate in men
Cancer of the lung and colon in men and women

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is usually caused by damage to DNA. DNA is the body’s template of instructions to let the cell know which proteins to make. The genes are contained within the DNA. If critical DNA is damaged certain cells can multiply without the normal restraints that would keep them limited. These cancer cells are different from other cells. They do not recognize or communicate normally biochemically with other cells. They can multiply beyond control.

What is the Role of Genetics in Cancer Development?

There are certain genes that seem to run in families that seem to increase a persons risk for developing certain cancers. It has been estimated that approximately 5-10% of all cancers are the result of a mutation(alteration) in a particular gene. These genes have certain names but can generally be called “susceptibility genes”. It is very important to recognize that having a susceptibility gene does not mean that a person will definitely develop cancer. It means that that person is at higher risk of developing a certain cancer than someone the same age without the gene.
Breast Cancer as an Example
Among Breast Cancer cases (BCs), how many are of predominant genetic origin? Approximately, 5% to 10% of BCs are hereditary and 15% to 20% occur in family clusters. In the latter case, environmental and cultural factors may coexist with genetic factors, inducing higher rates of BC in women of the same family. BC may occur in men, although with a very low incidence rate. The gene that is most well known for increasing the risk of breast cancer is the BRCA1 gene. If breast cancer seems to be running in a family women in that family can be tested for that gene. There is always an interaction of the genes with the conditions in the body and the things that a person is exposed to.
It has been recently been discovered that the risk of breast cancer for women who harbor mutations in the BRCA1 gene is significantly reduced among those who have breast-fed for a cumulative total of more than 12 months. The protective effects of breast-feeding seem to be much greater for BRCA1 mutation carriers than for women in general population. The breast feeding reduction in cancer frisk was recently reported in Reuters Health in an interview with Dr. Steven A. Narod from the Centre for Research in Women’s Health in Toronto told Reuters Health.
Genes are Not the Whole Story
Genes can start acting up in relation to triggering substances or conditions that may cause them to become active. They can be dormant for a long time or never become active if they are not exposed to certain conditions.

Cancer and Aging

Cancer risk increases as people age. There are many reasons for this. The cumulative exposure to chemicals and metals increases with age. A person's immune system which has a role in surveillance of the DNA for defects becomes less effective with age.
If a person develops cancer when they are over the age of 40 they can age very quickly. Part of managing and slowing the aging process is taking steps to decrease your risk of developing cancer. These will be discussed in the latter half of this article.

Environmental and Chemical Exposures

There are many things that might cause cancer and they are usually related to exposure to toxins in the form of certain chemicals, heavy metals, pollutants in the air and water and radiation. Exposure to certain bacteria and viruses can also predispose to cancer. The biochemical milieu of the cells is also very important and may be quite related to hormones and other internal cellular exposures that a persons body is producing. Cancers linked to environmental causes make up at least 80 percent of all cancer cases, according to a second new report by the National Cancer Institute, this one published with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in the US. Environmental causes include exposure to agents in the air and water as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet.
“Most epidemiologists and cancer researchers would agree that the relative contribution from the environment toward cancer risk is about 80-90 percent,” said Aaron Blair, Ph.D., the chief of the Occupational Epidemiology Branch in NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. “There is very solid evidence that environmental factors are the major cause of cancer,” he said.

Preventing Cancer

You can be proactive and take a number of actions to prevent cancer.
Action #1: Stop smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking greatly increases a persons risk for lung and other cancers as well as increases the risk for heart disease. If you are a smoker seek the help of your physician to get into a program to stop your unhealthy habit.
Action #2: Exercise aerobically 5-6 days a week according to the Truestar guidelines for exercise. Aerobic exercise done 5-6 days per week for 30 minutes in your training heart rate zone has been shown to decrease risk for certain cancers but especially cancer of the colon.
Action #3: Do the cancer screening behaviors suggested by your doctor. This includes pap smears, mammograms and breast self exams for women and testicular self exams for men. Both men and women should do screening for Colon Cancer. This includes stool exams and fiber optic scopes of the colon. Virtual colonoscopies can be done to screen for cancer and genetic tests that can be run on the bowel movements are becoming more cost effective and more available.
Action #4: Choose organic foods. Organic foods are less likely to have heavy metal and pesticide contamination. They also will likely be tastier and have more mineral content. Do this by the following suggestions:

Choose organic fruits and vegetables when possible.
Choose free range eggs and chicken when possible.
Choose grass fed, free range beef when choosing beef.
Avoid nonorganic strawberries as they have the highest content of pesticides of any fruit

Action #5: Eat from a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables every day. The phytochemicals in colorful (green, orange, red, purple, etc.) fruits and vegetables have may beneficial properties.
Action #6: Try and eat daily from the cruciferous family (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprout or cabbage) as these veggies have special biochemical(phytochemicals that help decrease damage to DNA.
Action #7: Limit your intake of plastics. Try to avoid using thin plastic clear bottles as the plastic may leach out into the water. Do not leave plastic food containers in a hot car. Do not microwave with plastic.
Action #8: Limit your use of perfumes and makeup. If you like these than go to a health food store to see which brand is considered the healthiest of makeup. Limit products that have sodium lauryl sulfate. Avoid antiperspirant as there is aluminum in it.
Action #9: Avoid mercury amalgam fillings. Mercury has toxic properties which vary from person to person but in general it should be avoided.
Action #10: Avoid exposures to pesticides, herbicides, on your own property and others properties including golf courses. Buy environmentally safe materials to clean your home and to wash clothes with.
Action #11: Do green remodeling or move into a green built home with special features for indoor air quality. Use low VOC paints , sealants etc. to avoid exposure to toxins in the air that can adversely affect your lungs and immune system.
Action #12: Avoid food additives and colorings whenever possible. Avoid Nitrates and Nitrites in lunch meats.
Preventing cancer is very important for your health, quality of life and longevity. You can be involved on a personal level as indicated in this article and you can also get interested in the quality and regulation of the food air and water supply, fertilizers, and environmental waste disposal in your community and country. Making small changes each week can make the actions more manageable.
References1. Michael Murray et all How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine 2002 Riverhead Books
2. Levin B. Colorectal cancer screening: from fecal DNA to virtual colonoscopy. Program and abstracts of the 95th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; March 27-31, 2004; Orlando, Florida.
3. Levin B, Smith RA, Feldman GE, et al. Promoting early detection tests for colorectal carcinoma and adenomatous polyps: a framework for action: the strategic plan of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. Cancer. 2002;95:1618-1628.
4. Levin B, Brooks D, Smith RA, Stone A. Emerging technologies in screening for colorectal cancer: CT colonography, immunochemical fecal occult blood tests, and stool screening using molecular markers. CA Cancer J Clin. 2003;53:44-55.
5. Vitamin d Analogs in Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Recent Results in Cancer Research, 164)
by J. Reichrath, W. Tilgen Hardcover: 432 pages Publisher: Springer-Verlag; August 1, 2003
6. Reuters Health
July 30, 2004 Reference7. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2004;96(14):1094-8

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

New Study finds that volunteering helps your schedule feel less hectic!

I just read this in my latest Better Homes and Gardens and wanted to share the info:
"Hectic schedule making you crazy? Try volunteering. In a surprising University of Pennsylvania study, people who spent precious minutes on a charitable cause felt they had more time to themselves at the end of the day than those who performed a nonaltruistic task. The researchers say that squeezing in a good deed makes people feel good and creates a sense of usefulness, which can put other time demands in perspective. Visit www.volunteermatch.org to find out how you can lend a hand in your community."

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Why I pack boring things in my Operation Christmas Child boxes to go along with the silly items.

Yesterday I bought the very last thing I wanted to put in my Operation Christmas Child boxes! 100 washcloths!!! Now that might not sound very fun, but over the years I have found that it is the mundane items that we take for granted that are the most appreciated. I hear story after story of children being thankful for the toothbrushes and washcloths in the boxes because it means they don't have to share one with the rest of their family. And those toothbrushes and washcloths usually have to last for more than a year. I can't even imagine having to do that.

Last year, I began reading about the plastic boxes that I have seen sometimes being filled. I learned that these boxes are very important commodities for most families. It allows them to transport and store water. Something I had never considered. I made a point of looking for decent sized plastic totes with lids that stayed on well for a good price. Luckily they go on sale during the back to school sales. They didn't have 100 in stock at the Menard's that I went to, but as soon as they heard why I wanted the boxes, they gladly ordered me the extra boxes! (I have noticed that the dollar store has recently stocked clear plastic boxes with lids that shut well and stay closed if you are looking for a good deal.)

Art and school supplies are another set of items that I always include. Mostly because I can get a bunch of these items super cheap during the back to school sales(which start the weekend after July 4th and run through Labor Day). These items, that our kids might use for fun drawings and crafts can actually be a life saver for many children in developing nations. Most of the time children cannot attend school unless they can afford the supplies. Going to school allows them a safe place to go during the day. In some cases it will give them an opportunity to get a meal for the day from the school. And most importantly it allows them to gain an education that can teach them skills needed to succeed in life.

This year I added a new item that is my favorite of all the items...flip-flops!!! Many children's families cannot afford shoes. I have heard of sooooo many boys and girls praying for a pair of shoes to protect their feet when they walk. I was lucky enough to take full advantage of the Old Navy $1.00 flip-flop sale this summer. I spoke with a manager about the 5 flip-flop per person limit. As soon as they heard that I wanted them to donate, they allowed me to get the 100 I needed. I did pay for them 5 at a time and took the colors no one else wanted and allowed any other customers that came up to check out before we rang up more of mine. I have found that if you are honest and nice, you can get a lot accomplished.

Now for the silly items. Although I like blessing children with the things they need, I feel like it is very important to let kids be kids. These children need to be silly and have fun and do things for the joy of playing. In years past I have had great success at finding items at the dollar store. I look for items that will get me more for my buck, ie a 2 pack of spinning tops, a 4 pack of play dough, etc. Last year because I had just had my daughter I decided to supplement my dollar store items with filler items form Oriental Trading Co. I was so throughly impressed with the items and the cost, that I decided to buy all of my "silly" items from them this year. I picked out whistles and balls and pinwheels and puzzles and more nonsensical items. I waited until there was a coupon code for $10.00 and FREE shipping on orders over $75.00. I separated my orders so that each order was just over $75.00 and was able to get $10.00 OFF for each order for a grand total savings of $100.00!!!! I then used the money I saved to go buy 100 bars of soap, toothbrushes, combs, pencil sharpeners and sandwich bags(to put the soap and washcloths in) at The Dollar Store and 100 wash clothes from Walmart(they sell an 18 pack for $4.00). If done right you can get all those items super cheap. Look for multipacks. The soap I got was a 3 pack, the combs were a 12 pack and the toothbrushes were a 4 pack all for $1.00 each!

When it comes to filling your boxes make sure what you get will fit. If you are only filling a couple boxes that won't be a huge issue, but if you are filling a large quantity like me you'll want to keep track. What I do is keep one box out, and as I buy items, I add one item each to the box. This lets me see if I'm about to run out of room, or if I need more filler items.

The last thing that each box needs is $7.00. You can either place a check in an envelope in your box, or you can pay online and print out a unique barcode to affix to your box. Whether you write a check or pay online, you can pay for multiple boxes at one time. Just put the check in one box and tell the person collecting the boxes that the check covers x amount of boxes. If online you can print the barcode label for as many boxes as you need. I like to pay online because the barcode will allow you to get info about where your box(es) went. I like to use this to teach the children about the countries and people around the world. Each box will need a label affixed to the outside top. If you pay online, the barcode will have the label with it. If paying with check you can get a label from your collection center download them from the Operation Christmas Child website or order them from Operation Christmas Child(for FREE to be mailed). These labels tell people giving the boxes out if the box is for a boy or girl and the age group. I like to make my boxes gender neutral and then label half for boys and half for girls. I also personally pick the middle age group simply because my children are that age and it's easy for me to pick items I think they will like. I do know that the older age group gets the least amount of boxes, so if you want to pick a group that doesn't get as many boxes you may want to consider packing for the older children. Once your box is filled, find a collection center to drop it off to, or give it to someone that can take it for you. You can find a collection center here: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/

If you want to spread the word and get others involved, consider hosting a packing party at your house. Make it fun and festive. Have people bring boxes and items to fill boxes, or supply the items yourself and have everyone help fill them. I like to make desserts and play Christmas music and even put up a Christmas Tree to get everyone in the Holiday spirit! Just make sure you have everything ready on time.

National Collection Week for 2013 is November 18th-25th!

For more tips on what to and not to pack in your shoe box, CLICK HERE.
To order promotional materials and labels (if not paying online), CLICK HERE.
To order empty boxes CLICK HERE.
To pay the $7.00 shipping and processing cost for each box, CLICK HERE.
To download and print labels, CLICK HERE (found at the bottom of page)

If you have any questions or tips please be sure to leave a comment. I'd also love to hear what you pack, how many boxes, etc. You can even post pictures of you boxes and items on our facebook page if you like! http://www.facebook.com/ChangingtheWorldPebblebyPebble

I have a table set up with empty boxes, info and an invite to my packing party.

My filled example box

All my items that I have been stock piling, just waiting to be put into boxes.

Here are the items that will be in each of my boxes this year.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

An Alternative to Elf on the Shelf, The Christmas Angel. Teaching the true meaning of Christmas.

A friend of mine just shared this, and I wanted to share it too: "The whole "Elf on the Shelf" thing has always bothered me. I tell my kids God is watching them. Someone mentioned that there is now a Christmas Angel that comes with gold dust & a book." If anyone wants to look into it here's the link:http://www.yourchristmasangel.com/products-page/

From the Christmas Angel website:
"What an amazing opportunity we have as parents to instill values and principles into our children. The Christmas season is about a precious story to celebrate a gift that none of us deserve, but have an opportunity to receive. The birth of Jesus is the greatest example of love. So how can we show the same love to others? Simply by putting others before ourselves. We should help our children focus on giving rather than receiving, for that is the true spirit of Christmas."

Thursday, October 11, 2012

You don't have to adopt or foster a child to provide a safe, loving home for children! Learn More.

A few months ago I posted about Safe Families for Children. I was happy to learn that Bethany Christian Services has partnered with them in an effort to help families and children that need a temporary, save loving home and good mentors.

Here is some info I just received in an email from Bethany Christian Services.

Safe Families for Children™

You don't have to adopt or foster a child to provide a safe, loving home for children! Safe Families for Children™ is a ministry that prevents child abuse and offers families in crisis the temporary support they need. Host families volunteer to care for children while their parents make positive changes to improve their family life. Learn how you can become a host family at www.bethany.org/safefamilies, or call your local Bethany office.

Monday, October 8, 2012

What is Columbus Day and why do we celebrate Columbus Day?

My friend and historical writer, Amy Waters Yarsinske, wrote this about Columbus Day, and I thought it was really eloquent.

"Remembering that today is Columbus Day, here's a bit of the history of why we set aside this day. But there is this important note: Columbus wasn't the first European to reach the Americas. But he made the most of it, for better or worse. As an aside, some western states observe Columbus Day as Native American Day - not as widely known - but a little research and it is easy to find. Some might observe that Europeans and such planted flags in the great colonization of the rest of the world - just do a bit of reading about human migration - including that of Native Americans and other people now considered to precede that colonization. We all came from somewhere other than where we started - the great historian, now deceased, John Keegan, spent a career telling this story and it would behoove any of us today to read his work before calling the European colonization a bad thing. As the continents split apart millions of years ago and land bridges made migrations possible, we as all humanity found the best place here and there to survive. Let's not try to rewrite what is and appreciate where we are today. Happy Columbus Day - really a remembrance of human achievement and endurance more than anything else."

You can learn more about Colubus Day HERE: http://abcnews.go.com/US/columbus-day-2012-hero-villain/story?id=17406546#.UHL94VGb3oM

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

How can coffee help a family? Did you know that with every bag of Just Love Coffee you purchase, you are helping families worldwide?

If you're ever interested in buying awesome coffee that helps others in the process, check this out:

https://justlovecoffee.com/about/beneficiary/thekrausfamily/
The family that started Just Love Coffee wanted a way to help as many people as possible, so they travel and teach families in other countries how to harvest, roast and run their own roasting business, then various people apply to get a commission from the coffee sold thru their personal links to raise funds for them to adopt. The link above helps personal friends raising funds to adopt from ethiopia. They will receive $5.00 for every bag sold for their adoption costs. You can learn more about the Krause Family on our Adopting Families page.The coffee is fabulous and the company and all it does is too.

From the Just Love Coffee website:
"Rob Webb grew up in the coffee business. When he was two years old his father started a coffee company in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that Rob runs today. For years he dreamed of roasting his own specialty coffees. In the spring of 2009, Rob and his wife, Emily, added to their family of four by adopting from Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. While preparing for the adoption, Rob and Emily immersed themselves in Ethiopian culture by reading, talking with Ethiopian-Americans, and learning Amharic- the most widely spoken language in Ethiopia. Being immersed in the culture of Ethiopia and in the adoption process kindled an idea that began to take shape. What if he could create fine, artisan coffees and use some of the profits to help other families raise the funds to adopt? From that idea, Just Love Coffees was born.

Next came the vision of not only creating outstanding coffees, but coffees that are fair and sustainable. Fair- meaning that the coffee farmers are paid a living wage for their work. Sustainable- meaning that the coffee cherries are grown and harvested in a way that protects our precious natural resources. Just Love coffees purchases only organic, shade grown, coffee beans- Fair Trade Certified, when available. In addition, Just Love is a Fair Trade Certified company.

In early 2011, Rob and Emily began to discuss what more they could do through the company to help the plight of the orphan. What could Just Love do to not only help place orphans in permanent homes, through both domestic and international adoption, but help to prevent children in the developing world from becoming orphaned? Through friends, Rob and Emily had contributed to the non-profit organization Charity: Water, and learned about the immense need for clean water in the developing world to promote wellness. They decided that 5% of all sales of Just Love coffee would go to Charity: Water through the Coffee to Water program.

In our first two years of business, we have given away over $200,000 to adopting families, orphan care, and non-profit organizations. Every bag of Just Love Coffee you purchase, every cup you drink at a café, is a blend of coffee and love. Thank you for helping us Share the Love!"

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Sunday, September 2, 2012

What is Labor Day? And Why We Celebrate Labor Day.

The below information comes directly from The Department of Labor's website and can be found HERE: http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm

"The History of Labor Day

Check out our Labor Day 2012 page, complete with videos, photo, resources, and more.

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

A Nationwide Holiday

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker."

Monday, July 23, 2012

Help Me Discover New Charities, Volunteer Opportunities and Non-profit Organizations.

What are your favorite charities/organizations to volunteer for or donate to and why? I would ♥ to learn about more opportunities to help others. If you have links to websites for each that would be helpful too ;)

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Friday the 13th Facts and Trivia. Why is Friday the 13th so unlucky?

I think Friday the 13th is one of my favorite days to sit back and laugh at all the silliness in the world.

If you'd like to learn more about the origins of Friday the 13th, and how it became such a feared day, Wikipedia has some fun facts. (I don't always recommend wikipedia for finding facts, but everything I read in this article are valid.)

For example: The fear of Friday the 13th has been called friggatriskaidekaphobia (Frigga being the name of the Norse goddess for whom "Friday" is named and triskaidekaphobia meaning fear of the number thirteen), or paraskevidekatriaphobia a concatenation of the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή, meaning "Friday"), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς, meaning "thirteen") attached to phobía (φοβία, from phóbos, φόβος, meaning "fear"). The latter word was derived in 1911 and first appeared in a mainstream source in 1953.

According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day making it the most feared day and date in history. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed. "It's been estimated that [US]$800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day". Despite this, representatives for both Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines say that their airlines do not suffer from any noticeable drop in travel on those Fridays.
CLICK HERE to read the entire article.

Another article I found fun to read was in Time and can be viewed HERE.

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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

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