Have you heard of Shrove Tuesday? It’s becoming more popular for the last 50 years, and local area churches are holding festivals and events for it. It’s the Tuesday before Lent, and the holiday also goes by the name, “Pancake Day,” and people all over the world eat pancakes. The tradition comes from England, and the name ’Shrove’ is past-tense for the word Shrive, which means to get rid of sins and gain absolution, and get rid of foods that are prohibited during Lent. Hence, getting rid of butter and eggs by way of making pancakes. Shrove Tuesday Comes to the US Shrove … [Read more...]
Chinese-American Diplomat Makes Father Proud
Chinese-American Gary Locke spent two terms as governor of Washington State, then he did a stint as US Secretary of Commerce, and now US Ambassador to China. Locke’s father just died in January of this year, but he was so proud when his son was sworn in to a cabinet post for the US. Locke’s grandfather worked as a houseboy for richer people in China, and traded the work for lessons in speaking English. He wanted to come to America, which he indeed did do and he worked as a domestic servant, but later he returned to his homeland. He told all his stories to his kids when he went … [Read more...]
Another Famous Couple Bites the Dust
Prince Charles and Princess Diana had a storybook wedding that was watched by the entire world, and people kept tabs on them, noting every discrepancy and movement the two made. Romania has such a famous couple; Irinel and Monica Columbeau. For almost five years the public has been watching every step they make. Unlike Charles and Diana, this couple is a bit odd in that she’s at least a foot taller than he. If their height doesn’t catch your eye, the age difference will; she was only 19 when they met, he was 49. After their July 2006 wedding, Monica (Gabor) Columbeanu happily held up a … [Read more...]
Your First DUI: What You Need to Do
Usually if you commit an offense for the first time, you get a warning - a nice little slap on the wrist, nothing more. You know what it's like. For instance, you get pulled over, you have a clean driving record; you were speeding 10 MPH over the limit, and the cop just lets you off with a wagging finger. No biggie. Make no mistake, it's not a warning with a DUI, even when it's your first time. The law can be harsh on that, no matter how you look at it. Driving Under the Influence is a big deal. And you should treat it like one. If you're dealing with your first DUI, this is what you get … [Read more...]
Sometimes it Takes a Drum or Horse for Peace
The Dakota and Ojibwe tribes gathered recently in Mille Lacs, MN for an historical meeting of peace, renewing old pledges 132 years old. Residents know that the ceremony of the drums are an important part of First Nation history to the Ojibwe, Menominee and Potowatomi. The Dakota people to the East had no idea about the significance of a drum ceremony. Over 100 years ago a Dakota woman gave a ceremonial drum to a neighboring Ojibwe tribe, causing permanent peace to become reality between them. This year the Dakota people again traveled to Mille Lacs to give the Ojibwe a horse named … [Read more...]
There Will Always be Someone to Help With Financial Difficulty
Living from check to check can be tough, but because of all the expenses demanded by modern life - rent, mortgage, cell phone bill, insurance - living from check to check is all too often a necessity. Most people budget wisely in order to make sure they have extra padding, even if they are living on a more limited income. However, the unexpected is sure to happen at some time, and the unexpected usually has a tendency to become quite expensive. If you are living on a check to check basis, it can feel like an unexpected event spells disaster. If you have budgeted just enough money to pay all … [Read more...]