Benjamin Franklin
Posted on April 18, 2008 11:50:41
Franklin has been my biggest hero since I can remember. Growing up in Philadelphia probably had a lot to do with it. However, there is no denying that Benjamin Franklin was a genius, a patriot and a success.
There is no one that I can think of that did it all like Franklin did. He did it to help the entire human race, and many of his inventions and ideas are still used today. I could only hope to contribute to the world as Franklin did.
Being Bissextile
Posted on February 29, 2008 18:02:26
I admit that every few years I get confused about being bissextile. It's not an easy thing to talk about. Most people seem confused and somewhat embarrassed by the issue. But what can I do? It's not like I have a lot of control over it.
What really bothers me is that this may always be difficult in our society. It is better than it was a long time ago, but no matter how advanced we become, being bissextile is frustrating.
Maybe in a thousand years or so, we will become advanced enough where it will not be an issue. But even then, will anyone really understand the history? Will they understand all the confusing ways we have tried to cope with the issue?
In other words, will they really understand what February 29 means?
We've added bissextile days or Leap Days to our calendars since ancient times. The Romans even added whole bissextile months to the calendar before Julius Caesar changed everything. That must have been really confusing.
I suppose I just have to live with it. It is what it is. I'll try to live day to day and not worry about it. Although, in four more years, I'll have to deal with it all over again. Perhaps by then, I'll be wiser and better able to deal with being bissextile. If not, I'll just have to "do it" like everyone else.
What really bothers me is that this may always be difficult in our society. It is better than it was a long time ago, but no matter how advanced we become, being bissextile is frustrating.
Maybe in a thousand years or so, we will become advanced enough where it will not be an issue. But even then, will anyone really understand the history? Will they understand all the confusing ways we have tried to cope with the issue?
In other words, will they really understand what February 29 means?
We've added bissextile days or Leap Days to our calendars since ancient times. The Romans even added whole bissextile months to the calendar before Julius Caesar changed everything. That must have been really confusing.
I suppose I just have to live with it. It is what it is. I'll try to live day to day and not worry about it. Although, in four more years, I'll have to deal with it all over again. Perhaps by then, I'll be wiser and better able to deal with being bissextile. If not, I'll just have to "do it" like everyone else.
Valentine's Day
Posted on February 14, 2008 14:03:14
How did February 14 become a day of love letters, flowers and candy?
One legend begins during the reign of Claudius II (268 – 270 C.E.). The large Roman Empire was always dealing with invasions or uprisings. It needed large numbers of soldiers in its armies. However, Claudius noted that the number of new recruits was waning. It seemed that most young men would rather fall in love and marry than volunteer to fight.
To increase the ranks, Claudius passed a law banning marriage. The Emperor reasoned that if young men were not able to take wives, they would be more than willing to fight for Rome.
Needless to say, he was incorrect. People still fell in love after all, and they wanted to get married. Wedding ceremonies were simply moved underground. This was very dangerous. Defying the Emperor would not only mean imprisonment, but also death.
Valentine, a Catholic priest, was very active in helping young couples tie the knot. He would arrange to meet the bride and groom in a secret place and then perform the ceremony. Somehow, Valentine was caught, and he was put to death on February 14.
Another story also involves another Roman citizen named Valentine. It is said on the eve of his execution, he sent a letter to his loved one and signed it "From Your Valentine." He was also reported to be killed on February 14.
The Ides of February (the 15th) was an important holiday for the Romans. It was the beginning of the the festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated fertility and the beginning of Spring. Single men would pull the names of eligible ladies out of a jar, and they would be escorts to these women for the entire festival.
In an attempt to suppress the pagan celebration, the Catholic Church associated the day with the Virgin Mary, and the pairing of young men and women moved to the fourteenth, the feast of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of Love.
The tradition of pulling names out of jars continued well into the Middle Ages. After pulling their partners names, the young men would wear favors given to them by the young women on their sleeves. This is the origin of the expression "Wearing your heart on your sleeve."
Also during the medieval period, Europeans believed that birds returned to their mating sites on February 14. What better time to start the mating rituals of humans – the sending of love notes and giving of presents?
In the sexually repressed Victorian Period, sending a mass produced card on Valentine's Day was a safe way to tell someone that you were interested in a romantic relationship. This later evolved into the giving of flowers and candy.
The true origins of Valentines are hidden in the cloudy past, but if you have a loved one, chances are you will express that love clearly on February 14 with a card, a bunch of flowers, a box of candy, or some other token of affection.
One legend begins during the reign of Claudius II (268 – 270 C.E.). The large Roman Empire was always dealing with invasions or uprisings. It needed large numbers of soldiers in its armies. However, Claudius noted that the number of new recruits was waning. It seemed that most young men would rather fall in love and marry than volunteer to fight.
To increase the ranks, Claudius passed a law banning marriage. The Emperor reasoned that if young men were not able to take wives, they would be more than willing to fight for Rome.
Needless to say, he was incorrect. People still fell in love after all, and they wanted to get married. Wedding ceremonies were simply moved underground. This was very dangerous. Defying the Emperor would not only mean imprisonment, but also death.
Valentine, a Catholic priest, was very active in helping young couples tie the knot. He would arrange to meet the bride and groom in a secret place and then perform the ceremony. Somehow, Valentine was caught, and he was put to death on February 14.
Another story also involves another Roman citizen named Valentine. It is said on the eve of his execution, he sent a letter to his loved one and signed it "From Your Valentine." He was also reported to be killed on February 14.
The Ides of February (the 15th) was an important holiday for the Romans. It was the beginning of the the festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated fertility and the beginning of Spring. Single men would pull the names of eligible ladies out of a jar, and they would be escorts to these women for the entire festival.
In an attempt to suppress the pagan celebration, the Catholic Church associated the day with the Virgin Mary, and the pairing of young men and women moved to the fourteenth, the feast of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of Love.
The tradition of pulling names out of jars continued well into the Middle Ages. After pulling their partners names, the young men would wear favors given to them by the young women on their sleeves. This is the origin of the expression "Wearing your heart on your sleeve."
Also during the medieval period, Europeans believed that birds returned to their mating sites on February 14. What better time to start the mating rituals of humans – the sending of love notes and giving of presents?
In the sexually repressed Victorian Period, sending a mass produced card on Valentine's Day was a safe way to tell someone that you were interested in a romantic relationship. This later evolved into the giving of flowers and candy.
The true origins of Valentines are hidden in the cloudy past, but if you have a loved one, chances are you will express that love clearly on February 14 with a card, a bunch of flowers, a box of candy, or some other token of affection.
