We’ve all seen the plastic bottles and other plastic waste along our roadsides, in our parks, at the beaches, etc. Many say plastic is the bane of our existence. Many organization are calling for the banning of such items. As these efforts move forward (or don’t as the case maybe), we still need to contend with the here and now.

So there are those who look for innovative ways to recycle such waste. People have built houses out of plastic bottles as well as other waste materials.

So many of these bottles end up in our oceans and waterways. Recently I came across a news story on one of those innovative ways to recycle plastic bottles, one way to put them to good use. Though I admit this isn’t going to cure our wast problem. At least folks are thinking of ways to reduce the present waste while looking for better ways to manage our plastic waste.

Plastic bottles, for water, soft drinks, juices, milk, etc. just do not do it for me. Ever notice how a number of Coke commercials use the old, classic style glass bottles. Truly, I wish they would go back to those glass bottles – I like my cold drinks cold!

Recently I came across a news story on one innovative way to recycle plastic bottles.

Check it out here: http://www.theplastiki.com.

My compliments on one novel idea and I wish them Good Fortune on their voyage!

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Over the past few years many changes in our financial industries, most of them bad, have caused a great deal of harm to us ordinary individuals. Many of these changes have brought about calls for more government regulation of these institutions.

While some new regulations or the overhaul of some existing rules may be needed I am not a fan of big government. Mostly because government doesn’t get it right when they get involved. Yes, the government had their hands in what has happened over the past few years as well. They do the bidding of lobbyists, whether it’s health care or financial reform and most of the rules and regulations are written for them by these same lobbyists.  Most of our representatives don’t even read what they sign.

One of the things that’s always frosted me is the fees financial institutions charge – such as check fees. These days most of them seem to be in the range of $30 to $50 dollars or more. Of course the banks try to convince us they are doing us a favor by paying a financial instrument they shouldn’t and then turning around and charging us a ‘fee’ for doing this – fees which are a source of Pure Profit for banking institutions.

One bank officer told me the banking fees are charged “…in order to teach the customer a lesson…“! Another told me “…we only follow ‘industry standards’ in setting our fees…“, which is bank-speak for ‘a little price fixing’.

I’ve had overdraft protection in the past by tying a second checking or a savings account to my main account. That is legitimate. What’s not is when I don’t ask for or give permission for overdraft protection.

If the bank wants to do me favors like paying a check even though there is no money there, hey, more power to me! Just don’t turn around and charge me for something I never asked for! This year some new government regulations regarding fees/overdraft protection are supposed to go into effect. I want less government not more.

The financial industries brought new banking regulations upon themselves with their treatment of ordinary folks over the last few years, as though the people are their own personal ATM machines! These industries took government money and stuffed their pockets with it and did nothing to help the people who needed it most. Never fear though, the financial industries Will find a way around any regulations – they are good at that.

The industry’s recent “..we’re sorry for the damage we caused…”, to congress aside, ‘Changes Need To Come Not From Government But From the Industries Themselves‘, getting back to the reasons banks were formed in the first place – to help people build and rebuild their lives not to stuff the financial industries pockets with money. What kind of lesson are we teaching the future generations? Greed is never a good thing.

Plenty of greed has fueled what has happened to this country over the last few years! Mom used to say “…money is the root of all evil”. When Money Becomes Your God, it is!

The financial industries should take the medical profession credo to heart – ‘Do No Harm‘!

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I don’t often comment on politics, because I believe a persons politics are their own business. I do sometimes eschew that people exercise their right to vote.

There is a special election coming up on Tuesday, January 19, in Massachusetts. I urge those of you living there to vote, to exercise your right to self determination. To often we feel there is nothing one person can to do change things for the better, myself included.

More importantly, today those in government forget they work for you and me, not the other way around — You can make a difference!

We make all kinds of excuses for not participating, but voting is one of your fundamental rights in a free county like ours. Please, don’t let it go to waste! I don’t.

I’m not sure if all states support permanent absentee ballots but California does and I take advantage of it. My ballots are mailed to me which makes for a much easier process. But if I want to vote ‘in person’ and take advantage of the community of people one finds there, I can hand carry my ballot to my polling place. It’s the best of both worlds. Consider doing  absentee ballots if it makes your life easier.

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Every one is well aware of the earthquake in Haiti and the problems the nation of the world are trying to address to get the needed relief in to the country. The aid operation is massive.

Having lived in Northern California since 1957, I have been through quite a few temblors and know how devastating they can be. While an earthquake takes a toll on infrastructure, the biggest toll is on the people and their psychological well being. You have a feeling of ‘absolutely no control’ over your well being during an earthquake. They aren’t predictable like a hurricane or tornado where you can seek safety or shelter.

In 1989, I was several blocks from home, driving on a city street, when the Loma Prieta quake hit and basically had no control over what my vehicle did until the shaking stopped. The neighborhood spent several nights ‘camping’ on the front lawns, due to safety concerns.

My heart goes out to the people in Haiti as I look at the pictures coming from there. I believe, that with what they have been through over the last few years, the people have the capacity to rebound and come back better than ever – with the help of the International Community!

I know that everyone wants to help in whatever way they can. The best thing you can do right now is to send a money donation. Please act with caution though, as at times like these there are those who will try to take advantage of the situation. I have already received email solicitations from unrecognized folks. Send your donations, marked for Haiti relief, only to agencies you know are legitimate.

The below links may be of some help but I am sure you can find many local agencies to assist in this tragedy.

http://www.imcworldwide.org/Page.aspx?pid=183

http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

http://www.haitianhealthfoundation.org/

http://www.medicalteams.org/sf/Home.aspx

http://www.opusa.org/

http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/

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Tuesday is an important day in a number of states.

When I look at recent election fraud in foriegn nations, it makes me appreciate the fact that we have an election process in this country which allows us to make choices. Despite the faults in our system we are The one nation many others look to and would like to become more like.

We are a nation that  can correct those faults through our actions, including voting.

Yes, like it or not we – individuals, nations, religions, corporations, etc. – all make missteps. The trick is to realize, acknowledge them and correct them so we don’t make them again. We are a ‘Work In Progress‘!

There are times when I see things not going the way I feel they should in our great county and yes, become ‘less than enthusiastic’.

Whether I am enthusiastic or not one thing I always do and that is I Always Vote! In my local, state and national elections.

In New York, New Jersey, Virginia and California you have a chance to make a difference. It matters not to me what your political leanings are, I simply urge you to get out and vote – Make A Difference!

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Peter Lorre, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff Tribute

Many of the customs we practice to celebrate Halloween today have deep seated roots in the traditions of ancient times.

Trick-or-treating for example, most probably originated from All Soul’s Day parades that were held in England many years ago. Reason being is that during these parades, destitute peoples would plead for something to eat as they could not afford to buy this sustenance Other families in turn would present them with special pastries deemed “soul cakes” as a promise to pray for those in the family that had passed on to the afterlife.

Not to be forgotten, many families would also leave food and drink outside during All Hallows Eve and All Saint’s Day to keep wandering spirits at bay. Some would say that this tradition could be where children dressing up as ghouls and goblins represent the wandering spirits and the candy/food given would coincide with that custom.

Which brings us to why we dress up in costumes today for both parties and the act of trick-or-treating. Long ago, during Celtic times, special ceremonies were held to signify the ending of Summer and the beginning of winter. This was called Samhain.

During these ancient festivities, Celts would wear costumes made from animal skins. The Celts believed that on this night, October 31st, the dead could cross over from their world back in to ours. To keep the spirits from recognizing them, they would dress in costumes to hide their true identities from the wandering spirits.

They believed that by wearing masks, that this would conceal them and make the roaming spirits think they were other kindred spirits simply wandering about and leave them at peace.

By incorporating the disguises and leaving food offerings outside their homes, people of the past believed it would keep restless wandering spirits distracted protecting themselves and their homes from becoming infested with unwanted spirt guests.

Obviously today, there are many other types of costumes we don on Halloween. Not just the traditional witches, goblins, and ghosts of the past.

All of this explains why in current times we wear costumes, throw parties, and go out trick-or-treating on Halloween. To date, Americans spend an estimated $6.9 billion every year celebrating Halloween. That’s a whole lot of candy and costumes!

Halloween has come a long way from it’s beginings so long ago. Whether you love it or despise it, Halloween is the second largest commercial holiday celebrated across America today. And it looks like this ancient tradition isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

I hope this little series has given you a little better understanding of where our Hallowee traditions come from. And that, while some people still consider this to be an evil and fearsome holiday, it really all comes down to having a little bit of fun.

People love stepping away from reality and life’s daily toils to become someone else. Halloween gives us the opportunity to do this. Even if it is only once a year.

Enjoy a safe and scary Halloween

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When colonial Americans first began participating in Halloween celebrations they would conduct something known as “play parties”. These parties were held as public events in celebration of harvesting crops.

During these play parties, neighbors would get together and tell tales very similar to the ghost stories we tell today. They would also experiment in fortune telling, plus throw in some dancing and singing. Sometimes, there would also be some type of pranks being played. Or “tricks” if you prefer.

However, not everyone across America would participate in these play party gatherings. Even though annual autumn festivals were commonplace, these were not classified as Halloween parties until later.

Around the mid nineteenth century, after the Irish immigrants had arrived in America somewhere along 1846, Halloween became more popular throughout the country. Combining Irish and English traditions of old, people began the more modern day custom of dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treating. During the early days, treats consisted of food items or money, unlike the candy that is traditionally passed out to trick-or-treaters of today.

By the end of the nineteenth century, Halloween was mainly celebrated with home hosted parties. These would be thrown for both children and adults. During these upgraded get togethers, party goers would play festive games, eat seasonal foods, and wear stylish costumes that were popular to the period. Most hosts would steer clear of things considered too frightening such as ghost stories so everyone could have a fantastic night of fun.

When the 1920’s and 30’s rolled around, Halloween festivities received yet another update. Many of the celebrations were centered around community activities such as parades and city-wide parties.

In the 1950’s Halloween was becoming a celebration geared towards the youth of America thanks to the baby boom. During these years, community based parties were drummed down into classroom festivities and home based parties. And it is also during this time that trick-or-treating came back in to fashion.

Bringing back the tradition of trick-or-treating provided communities with a way to enjoy and share the holiday together without the need for huge “town hall” type gatherings. This was considered a great American tradition of being able to celebrate the holiday as a community while keeping costs and vandalism down.

ps: Stay tuned for #5 – The Final Part in this short series

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When the first settlers came to America, they left many old traditions and celebrations from the old world behind, including that of Halloween. Many puritans believed it was a paganistic holiday and had no place in the development of their new life.

So, Halloween was all but forgotten. Until the mid nineteenth century when millions of immigrants came across the ocean to America. With them, they brought along their  long practiced cultural traditions.

Not long after their arrival, America was changing into a veritable melting pot of cultures. And so, adaptations began changing the custom of Halloween into what we now recognize it as today.

Instead of having huge bon fires as part of traditional Halloween celebrations, people would use pumpkins carving out portions and lighting candles inside as lanterns. Ancient costumes worn went from animal skins to more modern attire such as dressing up as ghosts, ghouls, and witches.

And as for the trick-or-treat candy collecting, well, this is believed to have originated from another old tradition that was termed “Souling”. Souling was the practice of people going door to door praying for the souls of the departed at their neighbors homes. In exchange for the prayers, the home owners would offer food to their visitors.

Others also believe that trick-or-treating could have stemmed from people leaving food offerings out on their porches during All Hallows Eve to appease the spirits in letting their home and family be at peace.

The true origins of trick-or-treating are still not known for sure. But what we do know is that it sure is loads of fun!

Even with these changes, some regions of America still frowned upon the celebration of Halloween. In places like New England, strict Protestants did not participate in Halloween. Nor did they allow others to take part in such pagan rituals in their communities.

However, in the earlier years, places like Maryland and many southern colonies celebrated Halloween regularly. And today, thanks to the Irish immigrants coming over during the mid nineteenth century, Halloween has become a national celebrated holiday all across America.
Bringing Halloween To America

When the first settlers came to America, they left many old traditions and celebrations from the old world behind, including that of Halloween. Many puritans believed it was a paganistic holiday and had no place in the development of their new life.

So, Halloween was all but forgotten. Until the mid nineteenth century when millions of immigrants came across the ocean to America. With them, they brought along their  long practiced cultural traditions.

Not long after their arrival, America was changing into a veritable melting pot of cultures. And so, adaptations began changing the custom of Halloween into what we now recognize it as today.

Instead of having huge bon fires as part of traditional Halloween celebrations, people would use pumpkins carving out portions and lighting candles inside as lanterns. Ancient costumes worn went from animal skins to more modern attire such as dressing up as ghosts, ghouls, and witches.

And as for the trick-or-treat candy collecting, well, this is believed to have originated from another old tradition that was termed “Souling”. Souling was the practice of people going door to door praying for the souls of the departed at their neighbors homes. In exchange for the prayers, the home owners would offer food to their visitors.

Others also believe that trick-or-treating could have stemmed from people leaving food offerings out on their porches during All Hallows Eve to appease the spirits in letting their home and family be at peace.

The true origins of trick-or-treating are still not known for sure. But what we do know is that it sure is loads of fun!

Even with these changes, some regions of America still frowned upon the celebration of Halloween. In places like New England, strict Protestants did not participate in Halloween. Nor did they allow others to take part in such pagan rituals in their communities.

However, in the earlier years, places like Maryland and many southern colonies celebrated Halloween regularly. And today, thanks to the Irish immigrants coming over during the mid nineteenth century, Halloween has become a national celebrated holiday all across America.

ps: Stay tuned for #4 in this short series

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Just in time for halloween, a report on healthfinder.gov - http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.aspx?docID=632369 – is expressing some concern about facepaints for kids. Given that many more kids probably use these products at this time of year than at any other time, you may want to check out this report.

If your kids, or you, are planning on using face paints this halloween It’s best to be as knowledgeable as possible about this possible hazard.

Do a search for ‘Naturel Face Paints’ on your favorite search engine and you will find a number of sites on the subject, including this one I found with recipes for making your own paints at home – http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/3-31-2005-67868.asp!

Have a safe and fun halloween and watch for my third article coming later today about the halloween holiday – “Halloween Comes To America”.

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Around 2,000 years ago in the North Eastern region of Europe centralized around the areas of Ireland, the UK, and Northern France, a group of people known as the Celts held sacred religious rituals on the night of October 31st to celebrate the upcoming new year on November 1st. This celebration was know as Samhain, which is pronounced like “sow in”, and is a word that means “Summer’s End“.

The purpose of celebrating on October 31st was because the Celts believed that this night, the night before the beginning of the new year, was the one night the spirits of the dead came back to their earthly realm and could potentially cause havoc.

On this night, they believed that their priests, also know as the Druids, would be able to communicate with these spirits to predict the outcome of the new year more accurately.

For the Celts, October 31st signified the end of summer, which was also the end of their harvest time, and the start of harsh winter months that many would not survive. This was precisely why the Celts looked to their priests to help them gain insight on what to expect in the coming winter months ahead. To them, it was a matter of life or death.

At the beginning of the Samhain celebration, a sacred bon fire would be lit by the Druids in which participants would then burn crops and animals considered sacrifices to their gods in attempts to appease them with a prosperous new year. The animals used in these ceremonies were selected carefully and believed they were unable to survive on their own throughout the harsh winter months ahead.

Throughout the festivities, Celts would wear lavish costumes constructed mainly of animal skins and heads.

After all the celebrations had ended, each participant would take a bit of the bon fire back to their homes and relight their fireplaces that were extinguished earlier in the evening prior to the ceremonies. They did this as a form of protection to keep themselves safe and their farms prosperous during the dark, cold winter months.

While these traditions were practiced for many years, they were about to change when the Romans conquered the Celts around 43 A.D. This would last for the next four hundred years.

The Romans combined the Celtic celebration of Samhain with two of their own that occurred around the same time. The first was called Feralia. This Roman traditional celebration was for remembrance of the dead. It lasted for one day towards the end of October. The second celebration was a day of honor for the Roman goddess Pomona.

An interesting fact about the goddess Pomona is that she was associated with fruit and trees. Her main identifying symbol was the apple, and could give some explanation in to why at some modern day Halloween gatherings people bob for apples.

With the changing and combining of the three traditions, it gained a new name that we are familiar with today. This new celebration, conducted on November 1st, was deemed All Saint’s Day. It was a day in which all people were granted permission to freely worship their deity of choice.

However, many people decided to also keep the older traditions and celebrate on October 31st in the ancient ways of their ancestors. This day was given the name All Hallows Eve. Now what we commonly refer to as Halloween, or Hallowe’en.

ps: Stay tuned for #3 in this short series

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