MIKE'S COMMENTARY
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
NEWS & NOTES BY SUE FOUST
MIKE'S
COMMENTARY
THIS WEEK'S
SCHEDULE
NEWS &
NOTES BY SUE FOUST
MIKE'S
COMMENTARY AND BITS OF WISDOM:
I know this seems a bit early in December to be talking about celebrating a New Year. However, it will be the last KCnet Newsletter published in 2004. So, enjoy the information and be happy that you have almost a full week to procure your party supplies, sauerkraut, and weenies or pork. |
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Years later, Julius Caesar wanted to change the date to a more logical date but that year, January 1, 45 BC was the date of a new moon. To change it would have been bad luck. He did, however, change the calendar system from the Egyptian solar calendar to the "Julian" calendar, named for Caesar. July, the month of Caesar's birth, was also named after him to recognize him for his calendar reform. Up unto 1582, Christian Europe continued to celebrate New Years Day on March 25. Pope Gregory XIII instituted additional calendar reforms bringing us the calendaring system of the day. The Gregorian calendar was adopted by Catholic countries immediately while the reformists, suspect of any papal policy, only adapted it after some time. Today most countries around the world have adopted this calendaring system. From primitive man to today, it has been recognized as a day in which rites were done to abolished the past so there could be a rejuvenation for the new year. Rituals included purgations, purifications, exorcisms, extinguishing and rekindling fires, masked processions (masks representing the dead), and other similar activities. Often exorcisms and purgations were performed with much noise as if to scare away the evil spirits. In China, Ying, the forces of light fought Yang, the forces of darkness with cymbals, noisemakers, and firecrackers. Early European-Americans adopted the New Year celebrations from their homelands. However, it was noted by early settlers that native Americans already honored News Years Day with their own customs. Their rituals coincided with those around the world including fires, explosions of evil spirits, and celebrations. Today many of the New Year celebrations actually begin with a countdown to the New Year on the evening prior. It is customary to kiss your sweetheart when the clock strikes midnight as one of the customs of these New Years Eve parties. New Year Resolutions is simply another way to wish away the past in exchange for hopes of the future. It is where the phrase "turning over a new leaf" originated. New Year's Eve (December 31) In the United States, the federal holiday is January first, but Americans begin celebrating on December 31. Sometimes people have masquerade balls, where guests dress up in costumes and cover their faces with masks. According to an old tradition, guests unmask at midnight. At New Year's Eve parties across the United States on December 31, many guests watch television as part of the festivities. Most of the television channels show Times Square in the heart of New York City. At one minute before midnight, a lighted ball drops slowly from the top to the bottom of a pole on one of the buildings. People count down at the same time as the ball drops. When it reaches the bottom, the new year sign is lighted. People hug and kiss, and wish each other "Happy New Year!" New Year's Day On January first, Americans visit friends, relatives and neighbors. There is plenty to eat and drink when you just drop in to wish your loved ones and friends the best for the year ahead. Many families and friends watch television together enjoying the Tournament of Roses parade preceding the Rose Bowl football game in Pasadena California. The parade was started in 1887, when a zoologist who had seen one in France suggested to the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena, California that they sponsor "an artistic celebration of the ripening of the oranges" at the beginning of the year. At first the parade was a line of decorated horse-drawn private carriages. Athletic events were held in the afternoon, and in the evening, a ball where winners of the events of the day and the most beautiful float were announced. In later years colleges began to compete in football games on New Year's Day, and these gradually replaced other athletic competitions. The parade of floats grew longer from year to year, and flower decorations grew more elaborate. The theme of the Tournament of Roses varies from year to year. Today the parade is usually more than five miles long with thousands of participants in the marching bands and on the floats. City officials ride in the cars pulling the floats. A celebrity is chosen to be the grand marshal, or official master of ceremonies. The queen of the tournament rides on a special float which is always the most elaborate one of the parade, being made from more than 250,000 flowers. Spectators and participants alike enjoy the pageantry associated with the occasion. Preparation for next year's Tournament of Roses begins on January 2. In the warmer regions all around the country there are other games whose names are characteristic of the state. People watch the Orange Bowl game in Florida, the Cotton Bowl in Texas, and the Sugar Bowl in Louisiana. In most cultures, people promise to better themselves in the following year. Americans have inherited the tradition and even write down their New Year's resolutions. Whatever the resolution, most of them are broken or forgotten by February! Interesting facts about New Year Celebrations about the world: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/7214/newyear.htm http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/new_years_day.html http://www.theholidayspot.com/newyear/around-the-world.htm |
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A recent poll conducted by General Nutrition Centers shows that 59% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Fit in Fitness The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Tame the Bulge Fifty-five percent of adults in America are overweight, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds. Quit Smoking If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life. Enjoy Life More The changed mood of the country following September 11 has brought about a shift in Americans' resolutions for the New Year. Millions of Americans have vowed to make this the year to not only diet and exercise but also to appreciate life itself, according to a national survey released in December, 2002. Quit Drinking While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available. Get Out of Debt Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. Learn Something New Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand. Help Others A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, these nonprofit volunteer organizations could really use your help. Get Organized On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and links should get you started on the way to a more organized life. |
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Here are a few goal setting tips to get you started! Word it Carefully. Let's say your resolution is to relax more in the coming year. Word this carefully. Try not to think of it as "This year I am going to relax." That's a stress-inducer waiting to happen. It forces you into thinking of the resolution as something you must do, not something you want to do. Try to make it sound a little gentler: "This year I'm going to explore different ways of relaxing." It also suggests more of a plan—you'll fulfill the resolution by experimenting with relaxation techniques. The first resolution sounds as if you're going to force yourself to relax by sheer willpower. Make a Plan Once you know what your resolution is, try to break it down. Nobody accomplishes anything of significance by trying to do it all at once. This doesn't have to be a complicated plan; just brainstorm enough to give you a place to start. For relaxing, you might devise a plan like this 1) Surf the Internet to find different relaxation techniques. 2) Make a list of all the techniques that interest you. 3) Pick one of these techniques—meditation, progressive relaxation or self-hypnosis, for instance—and try one for a month. 4) Try a different technique every month until you find one you like. Write it Down. Write down your resolution and your plan of action. Stick it up on the fridge, in your locker, wherever you know you'll see it. That way you'll have a constant reminder of the resolution. You may want to change the wording as time passes and your goal changes. |
| Hey, I know shopping is over
for awhile. But suppose you get hawg-tied and drug along for the
gift return and the after holiday sales. Here are 15 Things
to do for entertainment and time killers at Wal-Mart while your spouse/partner
is taking their sweet time. Actually you can do these anytime, don't
even bother with the shopping excuse.
1. Get 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in peoples carts when they aren't looking. 2. Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals. 3. Make a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the rest rooms. 4. Walk up to an employee and tell him/her in an official tone, 'Code 3' in housewares .....and see what happens. 5. Go the Service Desk and ask to put a bag of M&M's on lay away. 6. Move a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area. 7. Set up a tent in the camping department and tell other shoppers you'll invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department. 8. When a clerk asks if they can help you, begin to cry and ask 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' 9. Look right into the security camera; use it as a mirror, and pick your nose. 10. While handling guns in the hunting department, ask the clerk if he knows where the anti- depressants are. 11. Dart around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme. 12. In the auto department, practice your "Madonna look" using different size funnels. 13. Hide in a clothing rack and when people browse through, say "PICK ME!" 14. When an announcement comes over the loud speaker, assume the fetal position and scream "NO! NO! It's those voices again!!!!" ( And; last, but not least!) 15. Go into a fitting room and shut the door and wait a while; and, then, yell, very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!" |
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Internet and EmailKCNET CLASSES:
Beginner Windows 9x/XP
4 session course
Topics include an introduction to all parts
of the computer, learning about the desktop, mouse features and operation,
and features and operation of the keyboard. Also creating shortcut icons,
using recycle bin, wallpaper and screen savers, toolbars and taskbars,
drag and drop, using window features (minimize, maximize, resize, etc),
control panel, accessing the different drives, and more. There is always
time for questions and general exploration.
Intermediate Windows 9x/XP
4 session course
Topics include organization of windows programs,
creating and organizing folders, file extensions, saving files from Internet,
folder and file views, formatting floppy disks, installing programs, download
programs from Internet, HTML email, uninstall vs delete, scandisk and defrag,
email attachments, and more. There is always time for questions and general
exploration.
Advanced Windows 9x/XP
4 session course
Topics include a review of the management
of folders and files, an introduction to photo manipulation, introduction
to web page creation, using the sound recorder, attaching recordings to
emails, introduction to eyeball cams and Internet transmission, and an
introduction to burning your own CDs. There is always time for questions
and general exploration.
KCnet Users Group: (formerly
know as "Senior Net Learners" most recently called "Advanced Class").
I wanted to call this class "The Abusers Group", but Sue would not
hear of that. Attendees are persistent in their search for computer
knowledge. They ask great questions and present interesting challenges.
The cost for this class is $0.00 for members of KCnet and $2.00 per session
for non KCnet members. There is no set format for the sessions.
Occasionally we will take a specific subject and do a detailed study over
a period of successive weeks. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
The folks that have been attending for awhile are always happy for a review
and in most cases new or better ways to do things will surface. Questions
stimulate in-depth exploration with the usual result being an understanding
of how and why.
We welcome new attendees from the Advanced
sessions and our forever growing KCnet membership. This is an advanced
group and we cover a lot of territory. We are kind of free flowing.
You never know what will transpire.
It is not necessary for attendees to have
their own computers but it sure helps with the learning curve.
KCnet Advanced Class computer knowledge and
Advanced Class computer skills are necessary.
OTHER CLASSES:
CLICK
HERE FOR ORIENTATION - BEGINNERS - INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED
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| WOW! It evolved into party hearty week.
Somehow we managed to fit some information around celebrating Katie
Carr's birthday with cake, candles and of course a rousing rendition of
Happy Birthday. That was followed by our traditional Christmas feast,
and I do mean feast. There were more than 30 entrees and we only
had 27 attendees. We just got back to business and we were surprised
by a visit of all the grade scholars from McGhee School. All
98 kids and 5 teachers squeezed into the lab and they proceeded to serenade
us with a number of holiday songs including a total rewrite of Santa Claus
Is Coming To Town. You can't top that Wednesday for fun and
learning.
There were cameras flashing all afternoon. I'll have a special page of pics with next weeks newsletter. I need to get some pics from the cameras of Ken , Peg, Sue And Wayne S. so I can build a nice display page. If anyone else has good photos of the doins bring them to class on CD please. Wayne even took some movies. I'll give you one picture this week. I was too busy eating and talking to take a lot of pics. Take a look at the the tables of food and Ms Kitty down there filling a plate for someone. Click here. I want to thank the class for the many nice cards and comments plus the personal gifts. Sue and I will enjoy the certificates and gift cards. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Or maybe even better said, "Have a Cool Yule and a Frantic First." Until next Wednesday... Mike |
Music
Creation
Orientation to KCnet
One-Session Class – No Charge for KCnet Members
Third Wednesday of Every Month 6:00 – 8:00
pm
Instructor: Bob Fenton
Genealogy
Next 4 session course begins January
24
Other sessions are Feb. 28. Mar 28 and Apr
25
All sessions start at 5:30 PM
Instructor: David Wallace
MAC User Group
New Sessions will begin soon.
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month
Time is 4:30 PM
Instructor: Clair Falls
For more class details and to register visit:
http://www.kcnet.org/class/
Registration can be done online, simply click
on the course you are interested in and enter the information requested.
Registration can be done via phone 893-8111.
NEWS AND NOTES WITH SUE FOUST:
Until next week... KCnet Board Of Directors Officers: President Judy Yoho, Vice President Bill Raco, Secretary Donna Lannan, and Treasurer Don Miller. Other members of the board: Carsten Jon Ahrens, Fred Bierly, R. Keith Kelly, Paul Korn, Amy Lapriola, Tom Livingston, Ray McGill, Bob Rolley, and Rich Wykoff. |
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