Mon, 15 Feb 2010

Nothing Much to Say . . .

It's Presidents' Day here in the U.S.; the last day of a three day weekend and a three-fer holiday weekend:

• Valentine's Day
• Lunar New Year
• Presidents' Day

Valentine's day is not much of a holiday -- no time off or anything -- unless you're a greeting card manufacturer, chocolateer, or jewler. Sure, we tell people we love them -- something we should be doing every day, some, who are not in diets, gorge on chocolate, and we send cards with someone else's sentiment on them. Treating other nice is something we should be doing every day of the year, anyway, I'm not certain why we are supporting the greeting card and chocolate industry, but what the heck.

President's day is one of those manufactured holidays to give workers in the U.S. three day weekends. It combines Washington and Lincoln's birthday anniversaries into a single day. Pretty neat concept to get a three day weekend, but it's not like we actually go out and celebrate the legacy of these two great presidents. Stores are open and hoping to take advantage of idle Americans by offering sales. Government services and most offices are closed. Not much else.

Lunar New Year is one of those celebrations, like St. Patrick's day when everyone is oriental, or at least wants to party like they are. This one, at least, is significant to the large oriental community in Sacramento. 2010 (4704 in the Chinese calendar) is the year of the Tiger (Geng Yin). Chinese New Year is the second new moon after the winter solstice. Gung hee fatt choi (Congratulations and be prosperous).

OK, I'm outa here for a walk on a beautiful day. After all, at least I'm on holiday!

posted 10:01 [/bloids] permanent link