Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving weekend is over, and so is the guilt traditionally associated with the holiday after extravagant overeating. That seems to be this particular holiday's trademark tradition. That, and leftovers, which by now, are most likely also done for everybody, I'm guessing.
It is also known for being a very long weekend, usually starting off Wednesday afternoon (if not sooner for a lot of people), and going on entirely through the actual weekend, meaning that it is at least a four day weekend for most. That first night, Wednesday, I heard several times is actually the biggest drinking night of the year - bigger even then St. Patrick's Day, which itself is not known for moderation in drinking. So, that's saying something!
I would imagine that the stress that many feel over having to deal with family has a little something to do with it.
In any case, there is another guilt associated with this particular holiday, and I have begun to feel it and think about it more and more over the course of years. That is the guilt with honoring this holiday at all, in fact.
You see, this holiday historically recognizes the first "Thanksgiving" feast that the natives essentially threw for the pilgrims - the same pilgrims that, in effect, would ultimately take the land and lifestyle from the same natives. For many natives, the holiday is a reminder of that betrayal, and of the traditional and convenient invisibility of the natives, and of the less than honorable history that "gave" this land to the whites. Read the history books of old, or read some old quotes, and you will encounter, again and again and again, the notion that the natives were "savages", and that this land was virtually empty, which it most certainly was not.
Many native people today refuse to recognize the holiday as a result, and I certainly cannot blame them. Last year, while attending a small educational program with my son and parents in Essex County, New Jersey, I had an opportunity to talk to some natives, and I asked one woman (who seemed to be the leader, and certainly the most vocal, among the natives there on that day) what her thoughts on the holiday was, and if she celebrated. Her face, which had been more or less smiling as she explained some of her peoples' (the Lenapes) traditions, suddenly showed signs of strain. No, she did not celebrate Thanksgiving, and in fact, it was viewed by her people, and by natives throughout the land, as an insult.
I had heard about this sentiment before, and read about it some, too. But to actually see the reaction by a living, breathing, intelligent human being right in front of me, that was something else.
Yet, I guess it is hard to actually break with tradition, because I have to admit at this point, that Thanksgiving dinner has remained a tradition for me for years and years now, since first contemplating abandoning it a number of years back (can't remember when). If memory serves me correctly, I first heard someone give voice to these native sentiments when reading some of Ward Churchill's stuff. It's not that I don't sympathize. But it's hard, when everyone else is celebrating, including all friends and family. Everyone expects it and, that meaning aside, it is actually a nice holiday, being warm and eating delicious (and mass quantities) of food, while being with those who, presumably, you care about and love the most. I literally don't know any American in my everyday life who does not celebrate it, and that makes it hard.
Still, it has to start somewhere, doesn't it? I have been thinking about doing it, but it just has not happened yet. How often does it happen that everyone is off at the same time, anyway? So, I don't know.
But in spirit, I definitely sympathize with those who do not celebrate or even recognize Thanksgiving, and so, in some small way, by writing about it right now, I am trying to spread the word, so to speak, even if it is merely awareness.
So, although I have not (yet) been able to divorce myself from the holiday, I try and keep in mind, not just what I am thankful for (and I do have much to be thankful for), but also, the often hidden meaning and historical truth behind things that we too often take for granted. This Thanksgiving, and hopefully every Thanksgiving from here on out, I want to remember what happened in history.
Black Friday
This weekend also marks the end of the biggest shopping weekend of the year, and particularly, the biggest individual shopping day of the year. As usual, people went nuts, going to all lengths to make sure that their greed was satisfied.
Two women in California set a record for lining up for Black Friday earlier than anyone else in history, as they set up camp more than a week beforehand. Perhaps they should start setting up their chairs and stuff now for next year's Black Friday.
So, the shopping mania has grown wild. I remember when it was unthinkable for stores to open on certain days like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now, it's not only acceptable, it's pretty much the norm. Many stores now seem to make a point of opening on Thursday evening (on Thanksgiving), and this is called "Gray Thursday". Them, of course there is "Black Friday". I learned that the Saturday following these two days is known as "Small Business Saturday" - something that I might be more willing to support than Black Friday. Finally, today is the online shopping day known as "Cyber Monday".
According to reports I heard on the radio earlier, shoppers last year spent an average of $398, just shy of $400. This year, they spent an average of $423, well over $400. Yet, the numbers were disappointing by some accounts.
I never understood the craze for shopping on such days. People go to such lengths to find a great deal, to the point that they go completely nuts. They line up for hours (sometimes days) in cold weather, in order to be early when the store opens it's doors. there are riots, fights break out. Some poor lady got trampled on a few years back. What's the attraction? It brings out the worst in people, and the whole "holiday" is a testament to greed. Personally, I made a point of staying as far away as humanly possible, maintaining my own "Black Friday" tradition.
On another note, there were protests at some Walmart stores, as people protested low wages and reduced benefits (particularly medical benefits, as I understand it). Many employees did not show up for work, and in fact, joined the protests, I heard. All the power to them! Those of us who work hard should be entitled to real living wages, and to hell with what any of the selfish detractors think! Let them take the power.
Around the World
Israel - Hezbollah's Sheik Hassan Nasrallah declared that it would hit Tel Aviv in a future war. This statement came a little more than a week after a fragile seize-fire came into effect, and has held. Israel, in the meantime, has eased some of the border restrictions for Gaza.
Syria - Activists in Syria claim that ten children have been killed by an MiG fighter jet having dropped a cluster bomb on a playground east of Damascus.
Iran - The death of an Iranian blogger while in police custody has been blamed on "excessive psychological shock". Some more cynical people have suggested that he was tortured. He was being held as a threat against national security.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20463078
Latin America & Caribbean
Galapagos (Ecuador) - Scientists are claiming that they may actually be able to bring back the presently extinct giant tortoise of the Galapagos. The last surviving member of this species, known as "Lonesome George", died earlier this year. Scientists believe that, by a program of cross breeding with seventeen other similar species, they can get a close enough match to make this the first species that could recover after being listed as extinct.
http://news.yahoo.com/scientists-galapagos-tortoise-revived-210419762.html
Mexico - The President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, wants to change the nation's name of the nation, which has been "United Mexican States"" (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) since 1824. "Mexico doesn't need a name that emulates another country", the President said. He continued: "It's time for Mexicans to return to the beauty and simplicity of the name of the country of the name of our country, Mexico, a name that we chant, that we sing, that makes us happy, that we identify with, that fills us with pride."
Mexico - The President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, wants to change the nation's name of the nation, which has been "United Mexican States"" (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) since 1824. "Mexico doesn't need a name that emulates another country", the President said. He continued: "It's time for Mexicans to return to the beauty and simplicity of the name of the country of the name of our country, Mexico, a name that we chant, that we sing, that makes us happy, that we identify with, that fills us with pride."
http://news.yahoo.com/mexicos-president-tries-change-countrys-name-162711977.html
Mexico - Mass graves were discovered in Chihuahua, as scientists are researching nineteen bodies found at the sites.
Argentina - Argentina will appeal a US ruling that has ordered that country to repay loans of $1.3 billion dollars that the country defaulted on in 2001.
Mexico - Mass graves were discovered in Chihuahua, as scientists are researching nineteen bodies found at the sites.
Argentina - Argentina will appeal a US ruling that has ordered that country to repay loans of $1.3 billion dollars that the country defaulted on in 2001.
Vietnam and the Philippines - Some Southeastern Asian nations are very unhappy with the maps portrayed in illustrations for the new Chinese passports, which seem to suggest that the entirety of the Chinese Sea belongs to China, although this is not really the case, geographically and historically speaking.
Kazakhstan - The nation's police raided the offices of media outlets that have been critical of the government. Their efforts have been met by staunch opposition and pointed criticism from the outside, as the French-based Reporters Without Borders has blasted the government's efforts, and claimed that it is anti-democratic. "The government is using the pretext of combating extremism to launch an unprecedented offensive against its critics", the agency said.
China - The Chinese military scored a major victory over the weekend, successfully landing a jet on it's first aircraft carrier.
Pakistan - At least 13 people are dead in Lahore after taking cough medicine that has since been described as "toxic".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20491707
Kazakhstan - The nation's police raided the offices of media outlets that have been critical of the government. Their efforts have been met by staunch opposition and pointed criticism from the outside, as the French-based Reporters Without Borders has blasted the government's efforts, and claimed that it is anti-democratic. "The government is using the pretext of combating extremism to launch an unprecedented offensive against its critics", the agency said.
China - The Chinese military scored a major victory over the weekend, successfully landing a jet on it's first aircraft carrier.
Pakistan - At least 13 people are dead in Lahore after taking cough medicine that has since been described as "toxic".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20491707
Ivory Coast - A new Prime Minister has been named, as President Alassane Ouattara has chosen Foreign Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan for the position of new Prime Minister of the country. The announcement comes a week after Ouattara surprised many by dissolving the Cabinet.
Egypt - Egypt's top Islamist cleric of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohammed Badei, has announced that he is opposed to peace with Israel, instead calling for holy war to liberate Palestine.
Uganda - Uganda's MP's have dropped the death penalty from their controversial anti-homosexuality bill. They did, however, endorse the rest of the proposed bill.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20463887
Australia/New Zealand
Australia - The Australian government is building up a case against regional coal baron Nathan Tinkler, who is a billionaire accused b the government of not paying bills, as well as some commercial disputes.
Australia - The Australian government has apologized for abuse in it's military following a probe after hundreds of allegations of abuse and mistreatment.
Australia - One of my personal favorite authors, and among the most noted of Australian authors, Bryce Courtenay, died of stomach cancer on Thursday, the 22nd. Sad news indeed. His last book, Jack of Diamonds, just came out, and he was to go into permanent retirement after that, having acquired an incurable form of stomach cancer. He probably knew what was coming. Courtenay was 79 years old. RIP, Bryce Courtney (1933-2012). An Australian man of letters who wrote some brilliant works, he will be missed. (I will probably write more on him later).
http://news.yahoo.com/australian-author-bryce-courtenay-writer-power-one-20-012209522.html
Canada
A court case is brewing in Canada presently, as the use of temporary workers for China has exploded into a huge controversy, with allegations of racism. Victor Wong of the Chinese-Canadian National Council has claimed that this case shows "anti-China bias" and claims that this "has allowed some of the more racist views to come to the surface." The workers came from their native China to the Murray River coal mine in northern British Columbia, but this case has brought allegations of exploitation and discriminating policies towards Chinese workers, specifically. This is not the first time that such a story has come to make the wrong kinds of headlines in Canada. Wong suggested that the government created these policies that were bound to be mired in corruption and exploitation, and he is not the only one who thinks so. "They have no rights," declared Jim Sinclair of the British Columbia Federation of Labour, speaking of migrant workers.
http://news.yahoo.com/advocates-urge-discussion-not-discrimination-foreign-worker-debate-090709169.html
Sports
The big news in sports right now, obviously, would be the death of Hector "Macho" Camacho. He was shot in the face last week on Wednesday, and was declared brain dead. The family pulled the plug this past weekend, and Camacho died.
I remember Camacho back in the 1980's, although his career stretched on quite a bit longer than that. He knocked out Sugar Ray Leonard in that legendary boxer's last fight ever. He also defeated another legend in the ring, Roberto Duran. It should be noted that both of those boxers were already well past their prime for those fights, although it added considerable star power to his resume, if you will.
In his boxing career, he was a former boxing world champion (several times, in more than one weight category), and compiled a career record of 79-6-3.
He was very colorful and flamboyant inside and outside of the boxing ring, but the media never seemed to warm to him, as they did with some other guys that fit that bill, such as Muhammad Ali, or Sugar Ray Leonard.
Also, former British boxing superstar Ricky Hatton was knocked out in the 9th round of his attempted boxing comeback against Vyacheslav Senchenko. He was evidently doing well at the time, even ahead on the cards, to my understanding, but received a body shot to the side, that hit him either in the kidney or the ribs, and downed him. He was unable to beat the count, and in obvious agony.
Hatton was most famously knocked out in a surprisingly quick and one-sided main event in 2009, when he was completely dominated by Manny Pacquiao. Hatton had declared that he was trying this latest comeback because he did not want to be remembered for the way he was knocked out against Pacquiao, although it seems unlikely that that moment won't now be what he will be most remembered for.
Australia - The Australian government is building up a case against regional coal baron Nathan Tinkler, who is a billionaire accused b the government of not paying bills, as well as some commercial disputes.
Australia - The Australian government has apologized for abuse in it's military following a probe after hundreds of allegations of abuse and mistreatment.
Australia - One of my personal favorite authors, and among the most noted of Australian authors, Bryce Courtenay, died of stomach cancer on Thursday, the 22nd. Sad news indeed. His last book, Jack of Diamonds, just came out, and he was to go into permanent retirement after that, having acquired an incurable form of stomach cancer. He probably knew what was coming. Courtenay was 79 years old. RIP, Bryce Courtney (1933-2012). An Australian man of letters who wrote some brilliant works, he will be missed. (I will probably write more on him later).
http://news.yahoo.com/australian-author-bryce-courtenay-writer-power-one-20-012209522.html
Canada
A court case is brewing in Canada presently, as the use of temporary workers for China has exploded into a huge controversy, with allegations of racism. Victor Wong of the Chinese-Canadian National Council has claimed that this case shows "anti-China bias" and claims that this "has allowed some of the more racist views to come to the surface." The workers came from their native China to the Murray River coal mine in northern British Columbia, but this case has brought allegations of exploitation and discriminating policies towards Chinese workers, specifically. This is not the first time that such a story has come to make the wrong kinds of headlines in Canada. Wong suggested that the government created these policies that were bound to be mired in corruption and exploitation, and he is not the only one who thinks so. "They have no rights," declared Jim Sinclair of the British Columbia Federation of Labour, speaking of migrant workers.
http://news.yahoo.com/advocates-urge-discussion-not-discrimination-foreign-worker-debate-090709169.html
Sports
The big news in sports right now, obviously, would be the death of Hector "Macho" Camacho. He was shot in the face last week on Wednesday, and was declared brain dead. The family pulled the plug this past weekend, and Camacho died.
I remember Camacho back in the 1980's, although his career stretched on quite a bit longer than that. He knocked out Sugar Ray Leonard in that legendary boxer's last fight ever. He also defeated another legend in the ring, Roberto Duran. It should be noted that both of those boxers were already well past their prime for those fights, although it added considerable star power to his resume, if you will.
In his boxing career, he was a former boxing world champion (several times, in more than one weight category), and compiled a career record of 79-6-3.
He was very colorful and flamboyant inside and outside of the boxing ring, but the media never seemed to warm to him, as they did with some other guys that fit that bill, such as Muhammad Ali, or Sugar Ray Leonard.
Also, former British boxing superstar Ricky Hatton was knocked out in the 9th round of his attempted boxing comeback against Vyacheslav Senchenko. He was evidently doing well at the time, even ahead on the cards, to my understanding, but received a body shot to the side, that hit him either in the kidney or the ribs, and downed him. He was unable to beat the count, and in obvious agony.
Hatton was most famously knocked out in a surprisingly quick and one-sided main event in 2009, when he was completely dominated by Manny Pacquiao. Hatton had declared that he was trying this latest comeback because he did not want to be remembered for the way he was knocked out against Pacquiao, although it seems unlikely that that moment won't now be what he will be most remembered for.
NFL
Even though they did not play this Sunday, the Jets still managed to hit a new low in a season of lows. Not only did they get blown out on Thanksgiving at home, but Fireman Ed, their biggest and most famous of fans, left the game early, and decided to quit being the team's unofficial mascot for the remainder of the year. He wrote a letter explaining himself. You can read more by clicking on the link below:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--jets-hit-new-low-as-superfan--fireman-ed--quits-his-beloved-team-for-season-030828017.html
So, what about those teams that were in action on Sunday? Well, like the Jets, the Giants hosted a very successful franchise during the night game in what proved a blowout. Unlike the Jets, the G-Men were the ones who came out on top over the Green Bay Packers, 38-10, giving them a two game lead in the division over Washington and Dallas, with five games remaining. The Packers loss broke the tie for first in the NFC North, since the Bears blew out the Vikings. San Francisco extended their lead in the NFC West in an impressive and convincing victory at New Orleans. Since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers outright lost a tight game to the Atlanta Falcons at home, the Falcons have extended their dominance in the division. In the AFC, the Ravens extended their lead within the AFC North to three games by clipping the Chargers in OT, as Pittsburgh was upset at Cleveland, while the Bengals tied the Steelers with a dominant win over the Raiders at home. The Dolphins are alone at second place in the AFC East following a victory over Seattle in Miami (which was interrupted for a while when the sprinklers went off unexpectedly), and a loss by Buffalo to the Colts, who remain in the driver's seat for an AFC playoff spot. The Broncos extended their control in the AFC West by edging out the lowly Chiefs in KC. Denver could clinch the division next week with a win or a San Diego loss. The Rams remained in the playoff race with a victory over the once powerful Cardinals, who have dropped seven straight after a surprising 4-0 start. Tonight, the Philadelphia Eagles host Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, two teams with a combined total of five wins on the season. Nineteen teams in the league have already reached five wins on their own already. But hey barring an unlikely tie, someone will walk away with a win tonight to break a losing streak!
So, what about those teams that were in action on Sunday? Well, like the Jets, the Giants hosted a very successful franchise during the night game in what proved a blowout. Unlike the Jets, the G-Men were the ones who came out on top over the Green Bay Packers, 38-10, giving them a two game lead in the division over Washington and Dallas, with five games remaining. The Packers loss broke the tie for first in the NFC North, since the Bears blew out the Vikings. San Francisco extended their lead in the NFC West in an impressive and convincing victory at New Orleans. Since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers outright lost a tight game to the Atlanta Falcons at home, the Falcons have extended their dominance in the division. In the AFC, the Ravens extended their lead within the AFC North to three games by clipping the Chargers in OT, as Pittsburgh was upset at Cleveland, while the Bengals tied the Steelers with a dominant win over the Raiders at home. The Dolphins are alone at second place in the AFC East following a victory over Seattle in Miami (which was interrupted for a while when the sprinklers went off unexpectedly), and a loss by Buffalo to the Colts, who remain in the driver's seat for an AFC playoff spot. The Broncos extended their control in the AFC West by edging out the lowly Chiefs in KC. Denver could clinch the division next week with a win or a San Diego loss. The Rams remained in the playoff race with a victory over the once powerful Cardinals, who have dropped seven straight after a surprising 4-0 start. Tonight, the Philadelphia Eagles host Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, two teams with a combined total of five wins on the season. Nineteen teams in the league have already reached five wins on their own already. But hey barring an unlikely tie, someone will walk away with a win tonight to break a losing streak!
MLS
English soccer (football) superstar David Beckham has apparently voiced the desire to move on from the Galaxy, wanting one more adventure on the field. There has been much speculation about what his plans might be, but no certainty as of yet. You can read the article "Beckham itching for one last adventure as a player" by Zac Lee Rig of Goal.com by clicking on the link below:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/beckham-itching-one-last-adventure-231400095--mls.html
English soccer (football) superstar David Beckham has apparently voiced the desire to move on from the Galaxy, wanting one more adventure on the field. There has been much speculation about what his plans might be, but no certainty as of yet. You can read the article "Beckham itching for one last adventure as a player" by Zac Lee Rig of Goal.com by clicking on the link below:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/beckham-itching-one-last-adventure-231400095--mls.html
Tennis
Former men's world number one and three time French open champion Gustavo Kuerten managed to defeat current number one ranked Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match in Rio de Janeiro, 7-6, 7-5. The match was on clay, which was traditionally Kuerten's specialty, and has also traditionally been Djokovic's weakness.
Former men's world number one and three time French open champion Gustavo Kuerten managed to defeat current number one ranked Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match in Rio de Janeiro, 7-6, 7-5. The match was on clay, which was traditionally Kuerten's specialty, and has also traditionally been Djokovic's weakness.
No comments:
Post a Comment