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February 10, 2012
Lisa M. Krieger: Man with defibrillator demands access to his own heart's information
David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
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Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
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The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
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Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
February 3, 2012
Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Paul Richter and Ramin Mostaghim: Misreading Teheran's limits -- deadly and economically devastating as they may be -- is a risk administration, Europe seem willing to take
Suzanne Bohan: Warning: Nap-deprived tots missing more than sleep, study finds
Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
January 27, 2012
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Yochonon Donn: In liberal New York City, fervently-Orthodox Jews may soon be getting a district to call their own
Jeannine Stein: An inflated ego and thinking you're 'all that' doesn't just make others sick of you, it can make you ill
Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
January 26, 2012
Ed Koch: To the New York Times, calling for the murder of Jews by those capable of having their incitement taken seriously isn't news
Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
Richard Simon: House passes two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials
Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
January 24, 2012
Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
January 17, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
David Francis: Where to Invest in 2012: With stocks expected to rebound, opportunity abounds for investors
January 13, 2012
Ben Lynfield: Israeli lawmakers move to annex Jewish Judea, one museum at a time
Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
Warren Richey: Supreme Court says no to new rule on eyewitness testimony
John Fauber : Statins found to raise diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
The Kosher Gourmet by Joseph Erdos: This mushroom and barley soup has an intense -- almost nutty -- flavor that mixes robust with Middle East. It has creaminess without cream
January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
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Jewish World Review
Feb. 20, 2006
/ 22 Shevat, 5766
Q&A for Presidents Day 2006
By
Tom Purcell
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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
There seems to be some confusion around the meaning of Presidents Day, so I assembled some frequently asked questions and answers to help set the record straight.
Q: I thought Presidents Day was originally set aside to celebrate George Washington's birthday?
A: That is correct. Presidents Day used to be commonly referred to as Washington's birthday, and it was celebrated on Feb. 22, the day Washington was born. We celebrate his birthday because of his heroism in the Revolutionary War and also the precedent he set as first president. Some urged him to assume the role of a king, but he was adamant that all political power be distributed among the people. In fact, America began honoring Washington on his birthday before he became president.
Q: All great presidents leave behind quotes that sum up what they were about. What do you think that quote would be for Bill Clinton?
A: That's a tough one, but this is one of my favorites: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but I did not have sexual relations with that woman."
Q: Why did we start celebrating Lincoln's birthday on the same day we celebrate Washington's birthday?
A: Lincoln was born on Feb. 12, the same month as Washington. Since Lincoln was a great man, too - he kept America together by fighting the Civil War - his contributions also warrant an annual celebration. In fact, many state and local governments have long celebrated Lincoln's birthday. When Presidents Day was established in 1971, many state and local governments started celebrating Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays on the same day.
Q: How did Thomas Jefferson, another great president, acquire the Louisiana Territory from the French?
A: Jefferson was a highly educated and very clever man. He told the French that if they didn't hand over the territory, he was going to invade Iraq.
Q: I'm confused. What exactly is Presidents Day?
A: The more generic term Presidents Day dates to 1971, when the Uniform Holidays Bill became law. Its intent was to honor both Washington and Lincoln on the same day. It also moved Washington's birthday from Feb. 22 to the third Monday of every February. This way, federal employees would enjoy a three-day weekend, instead of having a lousy day off in the middle of the week. Somewhere along the line, some people began to celebrate all presidents, not just Washington and Lincoln.
Q: Since some presidents were louts and con artists, shouldn't we avoid honoring all presidents on Presidents Day? Why can't we honor only Washington and Lincoln?
A: Interesting thought. According to snopes.com, a bill was introduced in Congress called the Washington-Lincoln Recognition Act of 2001. It proposed that Presidents Day be referred to as Washington's birthday, and that the president issue a proclamation every year to recognize and observe Lincoln's birthday. But the bill was never passed into law.
Q: As is the case with many of our official government holidays, I fear that Presidents Day has lost the true meaning of what we should be celebrating. Can you define what its meaning is today?
A: Unfortunately, I agree with you. When I was a kid everyone knew who Washington was and what he accomplished, but few kids know about him today - few understand how unique our political system is and how the incredible bounty we enjoy can be laid at the feet of Washington. Thus, all that Presidents Day is for a lot of folks is the best day of the year to get good deals on furniture and linen.
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© 2006, Tom Purcell
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