Ok so is anyone else a little disturbed that the people at the airport will be able to scan your body and see everything?? We I found out that I had some misinformation .. here's an article from the A.P. that might put some of our concerns to rest.
WASHINGTON – Travelers still getting used to removing their shoes in public and pouring shampoo into tiny bottles may soon have to adjust to something new in the airport security line — giant machines that that scan their bodies for anything a terrorist might use to cause harm during a flight.
High-tech, full-body scanning machines are already in use at a handful of airports, but they may become more common as security officials around the world respond to the attempted attack on an airliner on Christmas Day. The Netherlands announced Wednesday that the scanners would be used for all flights heading from Amsterdam's airport to the United States, and an official in Nigeria later said that country planned to buy full-body scanners too.
What exactly are these machines, and how do they work? What are the drawbacks to using these types of scans?
Here are some questions and answers about the devices.
___
Q: How do these full-body scanners work?
A: The two main types of scanners are "millimeter wave" and "backscatter" machines. Millimeter wave units send radio waves over a person and produce a three-dimensional image by measuring the energy reflected back. Backscatter machines use low-level X-rays to create a two-dimensional image of the body.
___
Q: What sorts of things can they find?
A: The machines are designed to uncover what a physical pat-down could turn up but a metal detector wouldn't find. That includes plastic or chemical explosives and nonmetallic weapons in a pocket or strapped to someone's body.
The machines would also find guns, knives and other metallic objects that would set off a metal detector.
___
Q: What can they not find?
A: Generally, the machines can't find items stashed in a body cavity. So the scanners wouldn't stop at least one common smuggling method used by drug traffickers.
___
Q: How common are they at airports?
A: Because of fears that the scans infringe on travelers' dignity by revealing bodily contours, European officials have generally limited the machines to tests in airports or train stations.
In U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration has begun expanding the use of full-body scanning machines, although passengers can opt for a physical pat-down instead. The TSA has 40 in place, just bought 150 and plans to buy 300 more.
Six of the machines are being used instead of a metal detector at airports in Albuquerque, N.M.; Las Vegas; Miami; San Francisco; Salt Lake City; and Tulsa, Okla. The other 34 are used for secondary screening of people who set off a metal detector in Atlanta; Dallas/Fort Worth; Denver; Detroit; Indianapolis; Jacksonville and Tampa, Fla.; Los Angeles; Phoenix; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; and two airports in the Washington area: Baltimore/Washington and Reagan National.
___
Q: Is there a way to make the scans less revealing?
A: The technology has evolved to reduce the clarity of identifying details. The systems blur faces, or they produce body images that look like chalk outlines.
Amsterdam's airport is moving ahead with full-body scanners after trying new software that projects a stylized image — rather than an actual picture — onto a computer screen. It highlights the area of the body where objects are concealed in pockets or under the clothing.
The TSA says it uses logistical methods to safeguard privacy. Full-body images are viewed in a walled-off location not visible to the public. The security officer assisting the passenger cannot view the image, and the officer who views the image doesn't see the passenger. If the officer viewing the image sees something of concern, he notifies the agent who is with the passenger to do further screening.
The machines can't store or print images, and the TSA says officers who view the images are not allowed to take cameras or cell phones into the screening rooms.
___
Q: How long does it take to be scanned?
A: The machines are getting faster but still can take up to 15 seconds to scan a traveler, which could make the process slower than using metal detectors.
TSA officials note that in some instances, these machines can be faster. For instance, people with medical devices that typically set off metal detectors wouldn't have to make multiple passes through the machine or be pulled aside for additional screening.
___
Q: Do security officials hope to use the full-body scanners on every person getting on a flight?
A: At the moment, that's probably not realistic — in the U.S. alone, there are 730 checkpoints with 2,100 security lanes at the nation's 450 airports, and there are thousands more lanes at airports around the world. Cost may be an issue — the machines can be $130,000 to $200,000 each.
Taking Amsterdam, where the machines are already in place, as an example: The airport's 15 scanners won't be enough to screen every U.S.-bound passenger, so pat-down searches will still be used. It remains to be seen whether that strategy will be copied at other airports.
___
Q: Do the scanners pose health risks, especially for frequent travelers?
A: The TSA says the technology is harmless.
Millimeter wave energy is common in the world, and the TSA says the scanners produce far less energy than a cell phone. The X-rays in backscatter machines are weak; TSA says the radiation is equivalent to what a person gets in two minutes of flying on an airplane.
If someone fears the technology, the TSA offers a physical pat-down.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tips on how to recycle your old electronics
Chances are good you'll get something with a microchip in it tomorrow morning, and that means you'll probably be getting rid of your old laptop, cell phone, camera, or GPS device shortly afterward. Nothing wrong with cleaning house, but remember that most gadgetry can and should be recycled, so be sure to dispose of that gear responsibly.
With that in mind, the Consumer Electronics Association offers some reminders and tips on how to recycle your old gear, and it's all good advice:
> Start with the manufacturer -- Most equipment makers now have "take back" programs, many of which are free. The retail outlet where you bought the item originally may also offer a recycling plan. Best Buy takes any and all electronics, too. Also, be sure to check with your city, as many towns operate recycling programs as well.
> Not all recyclers are created equal -- Some less savory outfits don't recycle products but rather ship them to third-world countries where they are scrapped and melted down and ground up into silicon salumi, creating a problem worse than merely dumping it all in a landfill. Ask your recycler what they do with recycled gadgets, and check with the ISRI and ICER, two recycling trade groups, to see if your recycler is a member. (Find links in the story linked above.)
> Donation is even better -- If your equipment is still in working order, there's no reason to scrap it. Give it to Goodwill or another charity for re-use.
> Wipe that data -- It's critical to fully erase and scrub any hard drives, memory cards, and cell phone memory before you donate or scrap it. Used gear is a common source for the information used for identity theft.
> Start with a green product -- Many new electronics devices are using recycled or biodegradable materials when they are initially produced, making them more attractive for the environmentally conscious.
With that in mind, the Consumer Electronics Association offers some reminders and tips on how to recycle your old gear, and it's all good advice:
> Start with the manufacturer -- Most equipment makers now have "take back" programs, many of which are free. The retail outlet where you bought the item originally may also offer a recycling plan. Best Buy takes any and all electronics, too. Also, be sure to check with your city, as many towns operate recycling programs as well.
> Not all recyclers are created equal -- Some less savory outfits don't recycle products but rather ship them to third-world countries where they are scrapped and melted down and ground up into silicon salumi, creating a problem worse than merely dumping it all in a landfill. Ask your recycler what they do with recycled gadgets, and check with the ISRI and ICER, two recycling trade groups, to see if your recycler is a member. (Find links in the story linked above.)
> Donation is even better -- If your equipment is still in working order, there's no reason to scrap it. Give it to Goodwill or another charity for re-use.
> Wipe that data -- It's critical to fully erase and scrub any hard drives, memory cards, and cell phone memory before you donate or scrap it. Used gear is a common source for the information used for identity theft.
> Start with a green product -- Many new electronics devices are using recycled or biodegradable materials when they are initially produced, making them more attractive for the environmentally conscious.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tracking Santa
Every Year NORAD tracks where Santa is in the world... click here to find out where Santa is.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The history of some of our favorite Christmas Songs
I sometimes wonder where some of my favorite Christmas songs came from after doing a little research this is what I found.
* "Deck the Halls"
"Deck the Halls" -- one of the all-time Christmas favorites -- is a "melting pot" song. Its melody has traditional Welsh roots, but its lyrics came from the United States in the nineteenth century. You can't listen to this buoyant song without getting into the Christmas spirit. Learn about its history and reacquaint yourself with the lyrics.
* "Good King Wenceslas"
"Good King Wenceslas" is a tribute to a beloved ruler whose kindness has never been forgotten. King Wenceslas (who was actually the Duke of Bohemia) was silenced by a jealous brother in 929, but centuries later, his memory surfaced as the subject of this children's song written by John Mason Neale.
* "Christmas is Coming"
"Christmas is Coming" is a classic Christmas round. The author of the lyrics is unknown, but the music was composed by Edith Nesbitt in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.
* "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written sometime during the sixteenth century to honor the Christmas custom of giving 12 gifts to loved ones, one every day from Christmas to Epiphany. Whether singing of golden rings or fat geese, those unable to buy such luxuries could at least hold these lyrics as promises of heartfelt gifts to come during this glittering season of giving.
* "Ave Maria"
Few sacred hymns are as universally known as "Ave Maria." Originally a Roman Catholic prayer, "Ave Maria" was actually derived from biblical scripture: Luke 1:28. Franz Schubert orchestrated this version of the hymn in 1825. Many people consider "Ave Maria" to be the most sacred of all hymns.
* "Here We Come A-Wassailing"
Also known as "Here We Come A-Caroling" and "The Wassail Song," this jolly English ditty is steeped in tradition. Imagine a British cobblestone street, snow soft in the streetlight's glow. Despite constant hardship, beggars and orphans would dance and sing in the streets at Christmas, hoping to receive a bowl of wassail, which combines ale, wine, and spices to warm the heart as well as the soul.
* "Jingle Bells"
Some songs are known for their appeal to adults; others for their popularity with children. "Jingle Bells" enchants both audiences, but it might surprise you to know that the original music, composed by Boston Sunday school teacher James Pierpont, was conceived as a Thanksgiving song in 1857.
* "O Christmas Tree"
Folktales describing how evergreen trees came to symbolize Christmas can be found in nearly every culture. Centuries-old lore describes evergreen trees blooming in every forest on earth the night Jesus was born. These stories are the basis of the ageless German song that praises all trees at Yuletide: "O Tannenbaum," or "O Christmas Tree."
* "The Holly and the Ivy"
"The Holly and the Ivy" likely originated as a print ad posted in England around 1700. The song was published in 1861 by Joshua Sylvester, who admitted to its commercial heritage. Though lavished with symbols predating Christianity, this song's lyrics don't completely explain the meaning behind the greenery in its title.
* "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy"
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky completed his ballet "The Nutcracker" in 1893. First performed at St. Petersburg's Maryinsky Theater the following Christmas, "The Nutcracker" continues to thrill audiences -- particularly those eagerly awaiting the ballet's crown jewel: "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy." To read the story "The Nutcracker," click here.
* "Up on the Housetop"
When Clement Clarke Moore penned "A Visit From St. Nicholas" as Christmas entertainment for his children, he probably had no idea that his story would continue to be told for hundreds of years. The charming tale of Santa's annual visit has been chronicled for all time as "Up on the Housetop." If Moore hadn't revealed Santa's entry point and Benjamin Russell Hanby hadn't later set it to music, children everywhere might still wonder how all those Christmas presents are delivered!
* "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas"
This traditional American jingle sums up every child's Christmas dream -- finding out what treasured gifts Santa will be leaving under the tree this year. "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" is a bouncy and fun-filled Christmas classic.
* "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" got its lyrics from a poem by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a Unitarian minister. American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes described this hymn as "one of the finest and most beautiful ever written." Listen to it, and you'll realize that Holmes was right.
* "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" is especially beloved by those who appreciate a literal interpretation of the nativity story. This hymn closely replicates the Bible's description of events on the night of Jesus' birth.
* "Angels We Have Heard on High"
"Angels We Have Heard on High" began as a shepherd's exclamation ("Gloria in excelsis Deo!") shouted from hill to hill to celebrate Christmas. The version we sing today was first published in 1855.
* "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Composer Felix Mendelssohn wrote the music for "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" for a cantata dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg. The tune was later matched with words written by Charles Wesley, a Methodist poet.
* "We Three Kings of Orient Are"
"We Three Kings of Orient Are" was written in 1857 for an elaborate holiday pageant. It depicts the journeys of the three wise men who traveled from separate parts of the globe to pay homage at the crib of Jesus in Bethlehem.
* "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
"Angels from the Realms of Glory" is a reverential carol by James Montgomery and Henry Stuart. It celebrates the angels who first told shepherds in their fields of the Messiah's birth. For those who want to really get into the Christmas spirit, it's well worth a listen.
* "Coventry Carol"
It is speculated that "Coventry Carol" has its roots in melodies that women of Bethlehm would sing to their firstborn sons during King Herod's reign of terror, when he ordered the murder of all infant sons to ensure the death of newborn Jesus. As you can see from the subject matter, this Christmas song is known for its intensity.
* "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Minister Phillips Brooks wrote "O Little Town of Bethlehem" after traveling to Bethlehem and finding himself deeply moved by the experience. It was premiered by his church's children's choir in 1868 and developed into a Christmas classic in the ensuing years.
* "Silent Night"
In 1818, a broken organ forced Father Joseph Mohr and organist Franz Gruber to pull together "Silent Night" for voices and guitars at the last minute. They barely finished in time for their Bavarian village's Christmas Eve celebrations. It's a good thing the song was completed -- "Silent Night" has enchanted generations of listeners. To read the inspirational story of how "Silent Night" came to be, click here.
* "Away in a Manger"
"Away in a Manger" is of unknown origins, although many people have been considered possible composers (including Martin Luther and James R. Murray). While the mystery surrounding "Away in a Manger" continues, one thing is certain: This lullaby continues to soften hearts during the holidays.
* "Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella"
"Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella" probably originated as a a lively court dance in fourteenth-century France. The song as we know it was first published in 1553 by a well-to-do nobleman. Read the lyrics, and you'll see that it's an interesting addition to our collection of Christmas songs.
* "What Child Is This?"
"What Child Is This?" shares its melody with that of the traditional English song "Greensleeves." Words from the Dix poem "The Manger Throne" were added to "Greensleeves" to form the Christmas carol we know today.
* "Good Christian Men, Rejoice"
"Good Christian Men, Rejoice" originated as "In Dulci Jubilo" in 1601 and has undergone many transformations since then. The version we sing today was translated from German by Reverend Dr. John Mason Neale. The fact that the song has survived so many revisions speaks to its power and durability.
* "O Holy Night"
This song was composed in France by Adolphe Charles Adam. Although "O Holy Night" was not initially well received by French church authorities, audiences have long loved this popular Christmas Eve solo.
* "The First Noel"
This is a quintessential Christmas song. "The First Noel" most likely originated in thirteenth- or fourteenth-century Mystery Plays (dramatizations based on Bible stories) to tell the tale of Jesus' birth. The version we know was first published in 1833.
* "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
"Go Tell It on the Mountain" celebrates Jesus' promise of liberation for all people. The upbeat tempo reflects the power of that promise. This rousing spiritual became popular after a performance by Fish University's Jubilee Singers in 1879.
* "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"
The originally German "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" was written in 1905 and, once English lyrics were added by Ballard Macdonald, quickly became an American Christmas standard. But even if you listen to the American version of the song, you'll probably notice that it has German origins.
* "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
Almost everyone is familiar with this Christmas classic, which is a traditional caroling tune. Caroling groups in England, known as "waits," often employed this tune in hopes of earning a sweet treat for themselves.
* "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
This is another song that seemingly everyone knows. "O Come, All Ye Faithful" (or "Adeste Fideles," as it was originally known) was first published around 1751. About a century later, it became a popular church hymn when Frederick Oakeley translated it into English from Latin.
* "Joy to the World"
Here's yet another Christmas standard. The lyrics to "Joy to the World" were first attributed to George Frideric Handel -- probably a ploy by the composer to increase the song's popularity. We now know, after much research from musicologists, that the words for this melody come from the Psalms of David.
* "I Saw Three Ships"
The imagery represented in "I Saw Three Ships" is still puzzling to historians. Does it represent the Trinity? Columbus's voyage? Whatever the lyricist's intent, the song has been popular since its publication in 1666.
* "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen"
"God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" was another favorite of the caroling groups, or "waits," in seventeenth-century England. It was also used by Charles Dickens in his classic holiday story "A Christmas Carol." To read "A Christmas Carol," click here.
* "Auld Lang Syne"
How can anyone ring in the New Year without a rousing round of "Auld Lang Syne?" This traditional song finds its roots in Scotland and was made popular by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians.
List from http://christmas.howstuffworks.com/traditions/christmas-songs.htm
* "Deck the Halls"
"Deck the Halls" -- one of the all-time Christmas favorites -- is a "melting pot" song. Its melody has traditional Welsh roots, but its lyrics came from the United States in the nineteenth century. You can't listen to this buoyant song without getting into the Christmas spirit. Learn about its history and reacquaint yourself with the lyrics.
* "Good King Wenceslas"
"Good King Wenceslas" is a tribute to a beloved ruler whose kindness has never been forgotten. King Wenceslas (who was actually the Duke of Bohemia) was silenced by a jealous brother in 929, but centuries later, his memory surfaced as the subject of this children's song written by John Mason Neale.
* "Christmas is Coming"
"Christmas is Coming" is a classic Christmas round. The author of the lyrics is unknown, but the music was composed by Edith Nesbitt in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.
* "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written sometime during the sixteenth century to honor the Christmas custom of giving 12 gifts to loved ones, one every day from Christmas to Epiphany. Whether singing of golden rings or fat geese, those unable to buy such luxuries could at least hold these lyrics as promises of heartfelt gifts to come during this glittering season of giving.
* "Ave Maria"
Few sacred hymns are as universally known as "Ave Maria." Originally a Roman Catholic prayer, "Ave Maria" was actually derived from biblical scripture: Luke 1:28. Franz Schubert orchestrated this version of the hymn in 1825. Many people consider "Ave Maria" to be the most sacred of all hymns.
* "Here We Come A-Wassailing"
Also known as "Here We Come A-Caroling" and "The Wassail Song," this jolly English ditty is steeped in tradition. Imagine a British cobblestone street, snow soft in the streetlight's glow. Despite constant hardship, beggars and orphans would dance and sing in the streets at Christmas, hoping to receive a bowl of wassail, which combines ale, wine, and spices to warm the heart as well as the soul.
* "Jingle Bells"
Some songs are known for their appeal to adults; others for their popularity with children. "Jingle Bells" enchants both audiences, but it might surprise you to know that the original music, composed by Boston Sunday school teacher James Pierpont, was conceived as a Thanksgiving song in 1857.
* "O Christmas Tree"
Folktales describing how evergreen trees came to symbolize Christmas can be found in nearly every culture. Centuries-old lore describes evergreen trees blooming in every forest on earth the night Jesus was born. These stories are the basis of the ageless German song that praises all trees at Yuletide: "O Tannenbaum," or "O Christmas Tree."
* "The Holly and the Ivy"
"The Holly and the Ivy" likely originated as a print ad posted in England around 1700. The song was published in 1861 by Joshua Sylvester, who admitted to its commercial heritage. Though lavished with symbols predating Christianity, this song's lyrics don't completely explain the meaning behind the greenery in its title.
* "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy"
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky completed his ballet "The Nutcracker" in 1893. First performed at St. Petersburg's Maryinsky Theater the following Christmas, "The Nutcracker" continues to thrill audiences -- particularly those eagerly awaiting the ballet's crown jewel: "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy." To read the story "The Nutcracker," click here.
* "Up on the Housetop"
When Clement Clarke Moore penned "A Visit From St. Nicholas" as Christmas entertainment for his children, he probably had no idea that his story would continue to be told for hundreds of years. The charming tale of Santa's annual visit has been chronicled for all time as "Up on the Housetop." If Moore hadn't revealed Santa's entry point and Benjamin Russell Hanby hadn't later set it to music, children everywhere might still wonder how all those Christmas presents are delivered!
* "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas"
This traditional American jingle sums up every child's Christmas dream -- finding out what treasured gifts Santa will be leaving under the tree this year. "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" is a bouncy and fun-filled Christmas classic.
* "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" got its lyrics from a poem by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a Unitarian minister. American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes described this hymn as "one of the finest and most beautiful ever written." Listen to it, and you'll realize that Holmes was right.
* "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" is especially beloved by those who appreciate a literal interpretation of the nativity story. This hymn closely replicates the Bible's description of events on the night of Jesus' birth.
* "Angels We Have Heard on High"
"Angels We Have Heard on High" began as a shepherd's exclamation ("Gloria in excelsis Deo!") shouted from hill to hill to celebrate Christmas. The version we sing today was first published in 1855.
* "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Composer Felix Mendelssohn wrote the music for "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" for a cantata dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg. The tune was later matched with words written by Charles Wesley, a Methodist poet.
* "We Three Kings of Orient Are"
"We Three Kings of Orient Are" was written in 1857 for an elaborate holiday pageant. It depicts the journeys of the three wise men who traveled from separate parts of the globe to pay homage at the crib of Jesus in Bethlehem.
* "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
"Angels from the Realms of Glory" is a reverential carol by James Montgomery and Henry Stuart. It celebrates the angels who first told shepherds in their fields of the Messiah's birth. For those who want to really get into the Christmas spirit, it's well worth a listen.
* "Coventry Carol"
It is speculated that "Coventry Carol" has its roots in melodies that women of Bethlehm would sing to their firstborn sons during King Herod's reign of terror, when he ordered the murder of all infant sons to ensure the death of newborn Jesus. As you can see from the subject matter, this Christmas song is known for its intensity.
* "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Minister Phillips Brooks wrote "O Little Town of Bethlehem" after traveling to Bethlehem and finding himself deeply moved by the experience. It was premiered by his church's children's choir in 1868 and developed into a Christmas classic in the ensuing years.
* "Silent Night"
In 1818, a broken organ forced Father Joseph Mohr and organist Franz Gruber to pull together "Silent Night" for voices and guitars at the last minute. They barely finished in time for their Bavarian village's Christmas Eve celebrations. It's a good thing the song was completed -- "Silent Night" has enchanted generations of listeners. To read the inspirational story of how "Silent Night" came to be, click here.
* "Away in a Manger"
"Away in a Manger" is of unknown origins, although many people have been considered possible composers (including Martin Luther and James R. Murray). While the mystery surrounding "Away in a Manger" continues, one thing is certain: This lullaby continues to soften hearts during the holidays.
* "Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella"
"Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella" probably originated as a a lively court dance in fourteenth-century France. The song as we know it was first published in 1553 by a well-to-do nobleman. Read the lyrics, and you'll see that it's an interesting addition to our collection of Christmas songs.
* "What Child Is This?"
"What Child Is This?" shares its melody with that of the traditional English song "Greensleeves." Words from the Dix poem "The Manger Throne" were added to "Greensleeves" to form the Christmas carol we know today.
* "Good Christian Men, Rejoice"
"Good Christian Men, Rejoice" originated as "In Dulci Jubilo" in 1601 and has undergone many transformations since then. The version we sing today was translated from German by Reverend Dr. John Mason Neale. The fact that the song has survived so many revisions speaks to its power and durability.
* "O Holy Night"
This song was composed in France by Adolphe Charles Adam. Although "O Holy Night" was not initially well received by French church authorities, audiences have long loved this popular Christmas Eve solo.
* "The First Noel"
This is a quintessential Christmas song. "The First Noel" most likely originated in thirteenth- or fourteenth-century Mystery Plays (dramatizations based on Bible stories) to tell the tale of Jesus' birth. The version we know was first published in 1833.
* "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
"Go Tell It on the Mountain" celebrates Jesus' promise of liberation for all people. The upbeat tempo reflects the power of that promise. This rousing spiritual became popular after a performance by Fish University's Jubilee Singers in 1879.
* "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"
The originally German "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" was written in 1905 and, once English lyrics were added by Ballard Macdonald, quickly became an American Christmas standard. But even if you listen to the American version of the song, you'll probably notice that it has German origins.
* "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
Almost everyone is familiar with this Christmas classic, which is a traditional caroling tune. Caroling groups in England, known as "waits," often employed this tune in hopes of earning a sweet treat for themselves.
* "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
This is another song that seemingly everyone knows. "O Come, All Ye Faithful" (or "Adeste Fideles," as it was originally known) was first published around 1751. About a century later, it became a popular church hymn when Frederick Oakeley translated it into English from Latin.
* "Joy to the World"
Here's yet another Christmas standard. The lyrics to "Joy to the World" were first attributed to George Frideric Handel -- probably a ploy by the composer to increase the song's popularity. We now know, after much research from musicologists, that the words for this melody come from the Psalms of David.
* "I Saw Three Ships"
The imagery represented in "I Saw Three Ships" is still puzzling to historians. Does it represent the Trinity? Columbus's voyage? Whatever the lyricist's intent, the song has been popular since its publication in 1666.
* "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen"
"God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" was another favorite of the caroling groups, or "waits," in seventeenth-century England. It was also used by Charles Dickens in his classic holiday story "A Christmas Carol." To read "A Christmas Carol," click here.
* "Auld Lang Syne"
How can anyone ring in the New Year without a rousing round of "Auld Lang Syne?" This traditional song finds its roots in Scotland and was made popular by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians.
List from http://christmas.howstuffworks.com/traditions/christmas-songs.htm
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Christmas Shipping Info
Attention, consumers: Only 11 more shopping days until Christmas. As for how many shipping days are left — well, that's a little trickier.
That question is top of mind for Web shoppers, who want to make sure their packages arrive in time to go under the tree. We took a look at some of the shipping charts from the USPS, UPS, and FedEx and summarized our findings below.
USPS
The economical choice for getting gifts from point A to point B has created a calendar for shipping Santas. According to its official site, if you're going to send something via First-Class Mail, the cutoff date is December 21. Ditto for Priority Mail. If you're willing to spring for Express Mail, you can slack off a little longer and ship things out on the 23rd. Frugalistas who choose Parcel Post should hustle — the cutoff is the 16th. Oh, and if you're going to the post office today (Monday), remember to bring a book. It's the busiest shipping day of the year.
UPS
If you're one of those people who'd rather rely on the private sector to deliver your precious fruitcake to Aunt Mildred, you can go with UPS. Big Brown has its own holiday schedule up on its official site. According to the delivery company, the latest you can ship a regular "ground package" and have it arrive before Christmas Day is this Wednesday, the 16th. If you're willing to spend more for two-day shipping or overnight, you can wait until next week. But beware of bad weather — UPS says that severe weather can delay deliveries.
FedEx
Prefer the purple and orange of FedEx? The shipping experts have posted a chart that lists all the various deadlines. Folks looking to ship via FedEx Ground or FedEx Home Delivery need to get things packaged up by the 17th. Other (more expensive) options will get your presents to their destination by the 23rd. If you're really lazy, you can apparently wait until Christmas Day, and then ship via "FedEx SameDay." Perfect for folks with little time and lots of money.
That question is top of mind for Web shoppers, who want to make sure their packages arrive in time to go under the tree. We took a look at some of the shipping charts from the USPS, UPS, and FedEx and summarized our findings below.
USPS
The economical choice for getting gifts from point A to point B has created a calendar for shipping Santas. According to its official site, if you're going to send something via First-Class Mail, the cutoff date is December 21. Ditto for Priority Mail. If you're willing to spring for Express Mail, you can slack off a little longer and ship things out on the 23rd. Frugalistas who choose Parcel Post should hustle — the cutoff is the 16th. Oh, and if you're going to the post office today (Monday), remember to bring a book. It's the busiest shipping day of the year.
UPS
If you're one of those people who'd rather rely on the private sector to deliver your precious fruitcake to Aunt Mildred, you can go with UPS. Big Brown has its own holiday schedule up on its official site. According to the delivery company, the latest you can ship a regular "ground package" and have it arrive before Christmas Day is this Wednesday, the 16th. If you're willing to spend more for two-day shipping or overnight, you can wait until next week. But beware of bad weather — UPS says that severe weather can delay deliveries.
FedEx
Prefer the purple and orange of FedEx? The shipping experts have posted a chart that lists all the various deadlines. Folks looking to ship via FedEx Ground or FedEx Home Delivery need to get things packaged up by the 17th. Other (more expensive) options will get your presents to their destination by the 23rd. If you're really lazy, you can apparently wait until Christmas Day, and then ship via "FedEx SameDay." Perfect for folks with little time and lots of money.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Winter Car Care Tips
The American Automobile Association says there are some ways to make sure your vehicle works properly during these freezing temperatures.
1. Have the battery and charging system tested. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.
2. Have the brakes checked to ensure they work properly and apply smoothly, which helps prevent the wheels from locking on slick surfaces.
3. Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can be dangerous, and may suffer damage. Remember, the air pressure in your tires will decrease 1-2 psi for every 10 degree drop in outside temperature.
4. Use the tire size recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer for best snow traction. Overly wide tires tend to float on top of the snow, reducing grip.
5. Make sure the engine coolant provides anti-freeze protection down to the lowest temperatures you are likely to encounter; -30oF/-34oC is a good guideline.
6. Visibility is critical in adverse weather conditions, so replace worn windshield wipers that streak, and be sure the washer reservoir is filled with a winter solvent that will not freeze.
7. Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to minimize condensation buildup that can lead to gas line freeze-up. If the fuel in your area does not already contain alcohol, use a gas line “dryer” additive periodically to absorb moisture.
8. Carry a winter driving kit for use in the event of an emergency. The kit should include a small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter), a small snow shovel, a snow brush, traction mats, a flashlight with new batteries, window washer solvent, an ice scraper, a cloth or roll of paper towels, jumper cables, a blanket, warning devices (flares or triangles), drinking water and extra clothes.
9. Program your radio for AM 530 or 1610 stations, as you may see signs referencing those frequencies for important traffic advisories.
10. Carry a cellular phone and car charger. Program the phone with important numbers including a reliable roadside service provider that will be able to assist you during inclement weather if you have signed up in advance.
1. Have the battery and charging system tested. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.
2. Have the brakes checked to ensure they work properly and apply smoothly, which helps prevent the wheels from locking on slick surfaces.
3. Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can be dangerous, and may suffer damage. Remember, the air pressure in your tires will decrease 1-2 psi for every 10 degree drop in outside temperature.
4. Use the tire size recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer for best snow traction. Overly wide tires tend to float on top of the snow, reducing grip.
5. Make sure the engine coolant provides anti-freeze protection down to the lowest temperatures you are likely to encounter; -30oF/-34oC is a good guideline.
6. Visibility is critical in adverse weather conditions, so replace worn windshield wipers that streak, and be sure the washer reservoir is filled with a winter solvent that will not freeze.
7. Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to minimize condensation buildup that can lead to gas line freeze-up. If the fuel in your area does not already contain alcohol, use a gas line “dryer” additive periodically to absorb moisture.
8. Carry a winter driving kit for use in the event of an emergency. The kit should include a small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter), a small snow shovel, a snow brush, traction mats, a flashlight with new batteries, window washer solvent, an ice scraper, a cloth or roll of paper towels, jumper cables, a blanket, warning devices (flares or triangles), drinking water and extra clothes.
9. Program your radio for AM 530 or 1610 stations, as you may see signs referencing those frequencies for important traffic advisories.
10. Carry a cellular phone and car charger. Program the phone with important numbers including a reliable roadside service provider that will be able to assist you during inclement weather if you have signed up in advance.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sandra Bullock: A blessing to meet, portray a real Christian
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From the AP
LOS ANGELES - Actress Sandra Bullock says meeting Leigh Anne Tuohy, who she portrays in The Blind Side, showed her there really are some Christians who "walk the walk."
The Blind Side (movie poster)The film, which opened the week before Thanksgiving, presents the true story of the Tuohys -- a well-off white family in Tennessee -- who welcome a homeless black youth into their home and then adopt him as their son. That young man, Michael Oher, became an All-American selection for Ole Miss and a first-round draft pick. He now plays for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.
Bullock says thanks to the Tuohys, who attend Grace Evangelical Church in Memphis, she now has "faith in those who say they represent a faith." Getting to know Leigh Anne Tuohy, says the actress, showed her that religious faith can be authentic. "She was so open and honest and forthright," Bullock shares, "and I said, wow, I finally met someone who practices but doesn't preach."
Tuohy isn't like some hypocritical church-goers she's known, adds Bullock. "The beauty of Leigh Anne was one of my biggest questions was how people use their faith and their religion as a banner," she says. "And then they don't do the right thing, but they go 'I'm a good Christian and I go to church and this is the way you should live your life.'"
Sandra Bullock ('The Blind Side')Bullock admits she was wary of Christians before she met the Tuohys. "Whereas...before I was like, do not give me a lecture on how to live my life when I know I'm a pretty decent human being," says the actress. "I might not go to church everyday, but I know I do the right thing or try to. You're going to church and you're still sleeping around on your wife...how are you better than I am? So I finally met people who walk the walk."
Leigh Anne Tuohy says she hopes The Blind Side inspires more people to help others. "You don't have to go out and bring a child into your home -- that's not what's required," says Tuohy. "But you can do something -- everybody is capable of doing something. So whatever your something is, do it well. Make a difference."
Oher's mom says she enforces a behavior code when she watches her adopted son play for the Baltimore Ravens. "I had to have a little 'come to Jesus' talk with my section at [the] Ravens' stadium," she says. "I had to explain to everyone that, okay, we're going to have a change of attitude. There is a two-drink limit, there is no cussing in this [section]. You don't know who you're sitting next to -- I'm a player's mom."
The Blind Side has earned more than $100 million dollars at the box office so far.
Christmas Specials
I love this time of year all my favorites come on ... here is a full list of when your favorites will be on tv. Click Here.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
World Aids Day
6,500 Africans will die today because of AIDS. Next year there will be 4.2 million children orphaned by AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Yet, surrounded by these statistics, I am reminded that AIDS is a disease that kills one person at a time. It is a disease that destroys the body one blood cell at a time. It destroys families one person at a time. It creates a void, a deep emptiness where hope and health should be one story at a time. The way to solve a problem like this is not to step back, but to press inward. Move toward these people, move in so that we all learn the face and story and need of one person. One person that is a brother or sister, one person that takes on a character and a shape all their own. Today, I am thinking about how I can help one person. How I can love and act, and advocate on behalf of one person. And in the midst of this great and challenging fight, we may one day realize that we have the opportunity to not be able to visualize the millions of stories that have regained their threads of hope, and sustained their health.
Can you think of one person? Can you put yourself in the place of someone wrestling with HIV/AIDS? Do you wonder what their fears might be? Do you wonder what their families might be going through? Do you consider the moment that they have to bring the news of their illness to their family? Is there room in your heart, in my heart to feel what they feel?
What must it be like to find out you have a disease, one without a cure, one that carries not only the weight of physical pain, but the brutal force of stigma and fear? The ripple effects of this disease will be death to their children, to their spouses, and death to their ability to live in community and die with dignity. So how do we process this? What do we do with these stories? And what would it look like to do our best to ensure that those wrestling on this day under the weight of AIDS can make it to the next?
This day is marked for us to be reminded that AIDS is real, that the stories of those who suffer are real, and yet it is a day that can carry hope. Hope - that if enough of us - enough doctors and politicians, teachers and artists, leaders and pastors, students and children, fathers and mothers will care and act, World AIDS Day will become a holiday commemorating the end of this disease.
I believe that God has given us a great privilege to be a part of this act of healing. It is in our hands. It is our ideas, our passion, our willingness to learn, to fail, to search, to love, and to fight that will bring forth the ideas and the designs to beat HIV/AIDS.
It is my hope that we will continue to feel the urgency of this great need. It is my desire that we will continue to open our hearts to the stories of people all around the world who suffer. Please join us in praying, in knowing, in loving, and in serving. There is more work to be done, and we hope your generosity will continue to make this good work possible.
With great hope,
~ Dan Haseltine
Blood:Water Mission
& Jars of Clay
How can you get involved and help ?? Click Here
Yet, surrounded by these statistics, I am reminded that AIDS is a disease that kills one person at a time. It is a disease that destroys the body one blood cell at a time. It destroys families one person at a time. It creates a void, a deep emptiness where hope and health should be one story at a time. The way to solve a problem like this is not to step back, but to press inward. Move toward these people, move in so that we all learn the face and story and need of one person. One person that is a brother or sister, one person that takes on a character and a shape all their own. Today, I am thinking about how I can help one person. How I can love and act, and advocate on behalf of one person. And in the midst of this great and challenging fight, we may one day realize that we have the opportunity to not be able to visualize the millions of stories that have regained their threads of hope, and sustained their health.
Can you think of one person? Can you put yourself in the place of someone wrestling with HIV/AIDS? Do you wonder what their fears might be? Do you wonder what their families might be going through? Do you consider the moment that they have to bring the news of their illness to their family? Is there room in your heart, in my heart to feel what they feel?
What must it be like to find out you have a disease, one without a cure, one that carries not only the weight of physical pain, but the brutal force of stigma and fear? The ripple effects of this disease will be death to their children, to their spouses, and death to their ability to live in community and die with dignity. So how do we process this? What do we do with these stories? And what would it look like to do our best to ensure that those wrestling on this day under the weight of AIDS can make it to the next?
This day is marked for us to be reminded that AIDS is real, that the stories of those who suffer are real, and yet it is a day that can carry hope. Hope - that if enough of us - enough doctors and politicians, teachers and artists, leaders and pastors, students and children, fathers and mothers will care and act, World AIDS Day will become a holiday commemorating the end of this disease.
I believe that God has given us a great privilege to be a part of this act of healing. It is in our hands. It is our ideas, our passion, our willingness to learn, to fail, to search, to love, and to fight that will bring forth the ideas and the designs to beat HIV/AIDS.
It is my hope that we will continue to feel the urgency of this great need. It is my desire that we will continue to open our hearts to the stories of people all around the world who suffer. Please join us in praying, in knowing, in loving, and in serving. There is more work to be done, and we hope your generosity will continue to make this good work possible.
With great hope,
~ Dan Haseltine
Blood:Water Mission
& Jars of Clay
How can you get involved and help ?? Click Here
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