Canada In Europe

From the CBC:

“As Russia masses its troops, Canadian soldiers in Eastern Europe keep watch”

(Canadian soldiers are seen recently at Camp Ādaži, near Riga, Latvia, as part of NATO military drills. Most of the soldiers are members of the Royal 22nd Regiment based out of Valcartier, Que.)

From an elevated bunker overlooking a mock battlefield, Canadian Lt.-Col. John Benson has an excellent view of the NATO armoured vehicles spinning their machine gun turrets and manoeuvring through the mud and snow. He likes what he sees. "We have absolutely no doubt that we are able to accomplish the tasks that are given to us," Benson told CBC News during an exercise dubbed "Winter Shield" at Camp Ādaži, about an hour outside the Latvian capital, Riga. Benson is the battle group commander in charge of the 500 Canadians stationed here, Canada's largest overseas military presence. Most are members of the Royal 22nd Regiment based out of Valcartier, Que. The base, which hosts soldiers from 13 NATO countries, is roughly 300 kilometres from the border with Russia and is considered a key part of the alliance's eastern Europe defence. The Canadians stationed here are monitoring the build-up of as many as 100,000 combat-ready Russian troops to the south, on the border with Ukraine. Belarus, which shares a border with Latvia, has also just started new military exercises along its frontier with Ukraine.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and other NATO foreign ministers are meeting in Riga this week to discuss how to respond to the Russian build-up and any potential attack. Both Stoltenberg and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly were at the base Monday in advance of the NATO meetings. If Russia makes a military move against Ukraine, "there will be consequences, and there will be costs," Stoltenberg told CBC News, emphasizing that "Ukraine is a close NATO partner."    The crucial distinction is that Ukraine is not a NATO "member," and while its defence is seen as key to European security, the alliance is under no legal obligation to respond to a Russian attack. This has created a bit of a guessing game among many, including Canadian soldiers here, about precisely what consequences Russia would face if hostilities broke out, and what role NATO troops in the region might be called upon to play.

No wish 'for anything to spark off'

(Lieut.-Col. John Benson is the commander of the Canadian battle group near Riga.)

Russian troops took over and illegally annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. Shortly afterward, Russia began providing support to separatists in Eastern Ukraine, helping fuel a conflict that has lasted seven years and claimed more than 13,000 lives. This past spring, Russian forces staged another troop mobilization but backed off after President Vladimir Putin secured a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. But U.S. officials have warned Russia's build-up in recent weeks appears more organized and combat-ready. Canadian soldiers in Latvia told CBC News they are following developments closely and wondering how events could affect their deployment.  "Among the ranks, we do shoot the breeze a bit in the shacks and talk about possibilities," said Lieut. Alexander Boom, a transport officer with the Canadian battle group. "But it wouldn't be a decision that comes down to us." Boom also emphasized that the soldiers, "would never, ever wish for anything to spark off." Maj. Jocelyn Roy, a mechanized Infantry company commander, said whatever happens, he's confident Canada's military could do whatever is asked of it. "We do follow [the politics]," he said. "But at my level, at the company level, I focus on my job, which is making sure my company is always ready to fight and ready to operate with our partner nations."  Benson said the Canadian battle group closely monitors the situation. "We currently have not had to change our situation, our alert state," he said. "But again, the best deterrence is always demonstrating our interoperability and demonstrating constantly that we can go out and train."

'We're a strong ally'

(A soldier holds a Canadian flag at a welcoming ceremony for dignitaries at the Canadian base in Latvia on Monday.)

Canada's other major European military presence is farther south, in Ukraine, as part of a 200-member operation dubbed Unifier. Stationed near Lviv, in western Ukraine, more than 1,000 kilometres from the ongoing conflict with Russia-backed separatists in Donbas, the Canadian mission has helped train more than 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers over the last seven years. Since the recent Russian build-up, Great Britain has indicated it may beef up its troop presence in Eastern Europe, and the U.S. has indicated more military aid for Ukraine is also under consideration.

(Foreign Minister Melanie Joly meets Canadian soldiers at the NATO base.)

Foreign Minister Joly touted the Latvian exercises as "a success" but refused to speculate about an increase in Canada's presence in Ukraine. "We've always been there to support Ukrainians," said Joly. "We're a strong ally, and that's why we're monitoring the situation very closely." Putin accused NATO on Tuesday of building up its military infrastructure in Ukraine and said Russia is concerned about "military drills" near its borders. It's not clear if he meant the Canadian-led exercise in Latvia, but Benson suggested Canada's posture remains strictly defensive. "The enhanced forward presence in Latvia has been here for almost five years now," he said. "It's a consistent, stable contribution. There's been no significant changes to what we do here in Latvia."

^ I hadn’t realized just how extensive Canada is in Latvia and in Ukraine. It’s good they are there. ^

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canada-ukraine-russia-military-1.6267674

Cuomo Suspended

From the BBC:

“CNN's Chris Cuomo suspended over help to governor brother”

CNN star Chris Cuomo has been suspended indefinitely over help he gave his ex-New York governor brother while he was battling sex abuse allegations. The decision came after the New York attorney general released new documents that showed the extent of his work for his older sibling, Andrew Cuomo. CNN said the documents show "a greater level of involvement in his brother's efforts than we previously knew". Andrew Cuomo resigned in August after prosecutors said he harassed staff. The thousands of pages release by Attorney General Letitia James on Monday show that Chris Cuomo continuously pressed the governor's staff to let him play a large role in his older brother's defence. "You need to trust me," he texted Melissa DeRosa, the governor's secretary, in March. "We are making mistakes we can't afford," he added. The network had previously defended the communications Cuomo shared with his brother. But CNN said in a statement on Tuesday: "The documents, which we were not privy to before their public release, raise serious questions. "When Chris admitted to us that he had offered advice to his brother's staff, he broke our rules and we acknowledged that publicly. "But we also appreciated the unique position he was in and understood his need to put family first and job second. "However, these documents point to a greater level of involvement in his brother's efforts than we previously knew." Scores of emails and text messages show the level of involvement the prominent TV anchor had with the governor's staff. "Please let me help with the prep," he texted a senior aide. He also pledged to contact other US media outlets in order to try to learn of other allegations that were forthcoming. At one point, Ms DeRosa asked him to help by checking his "sources". "On it," the primetime host responded.

^ CNN doesn’t seem capable of finding the truth even when it is one of their own. I’m glad Chris Cuomo is indefinitely out. ^

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-59485945

Wreaths Across America

From News Nation:

“Giving Tuesday: How Wreaths Across America gives back honoring fallen heroes”

Every December Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies across the United States, but an even more significant part of their mission is to remember, honor and teach all year long. The organization developed a plan to safely place the wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery and across more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

Arlington National Cemetery will close for an entire week so soldiers can place most of the wreaths. A small group from Wreaths Across America will place wreaths in a designated section of the cemetery. “We have almost 2 million volunteers that will place those wreaths, and we say the names; it’s important to say the names because these are not a statistic; these are people,” Karen Worchester, the executive director of Wreaths Across America, said Tuesday on NewsNation’s “Morning in America”. Worchester continued, “The teach piece of our mission is the most important, and we teach our kids to love this county and be proud to be Americans by introducing them to the names and the stories of the people that we honor.”

Wreaths can be sponsored for $15 each.

National Wreaths Across America Day is set for Saturday, Dec. 18.

To sponsor a wreath or to find a location near you to volunteer, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org

^ Since December 2015 I have sent 3 wreaths to a National Cemetery in New York for my Grandfather's grave, my Mom's grave and in honor of my Great-Uncle  (who was buried elsewhere.) I have sent 1 wreath to a National Cemetery in Texas in honor of my Sister-In-Law's Father. Lastly, I sent 1 wreath to the Veteran's Cemetery in my State (to the grave of a complete stranger.) It's one way to honor those that risked so much for us. ^

https://www.newsnationnow.com/morninginamerica/giving-tuesday-wreaths-across-america/

Giving Tuesday

 

^ Today is Giving Tuesday. I help charities and organizations that help: Soldiers, the Hungry, Military Families, the Homeless, those in Hospice, Veterans, the Disabled and Animals. You can help in so many ways: donate food, clothes, money or even just spreading the word. ^

Dortmund's X-Mas

From the DW:

“Festive market under Germany's biggest Christmas tree opens, despite the pandemic”

Amid many Christmas market cancellations, the Dortmund Christmas market is welcoming visitors. But some changes and rules may dampen the festive spirit. At dusk, numerous stalls of Dortmund's famous Christmas market on Hansaplatz are lit up and sparkling. The scents of bratwurst sausages, mulled wine and roasted almonds fill the air. In the center of it all is the world's largest Christmas tree. Reaching 45 meters (147 feet) and weighing 40,000 kilograms, the tree has been illuminating Hansaplatz since November 22 and, pandemic permitting, will stay in place until December 30. The giant tree is the centerpiece of the market, but it's not the only pine — 1,700 spruce trees lit up with 48,000 lights dot the Hansaplatz. The annual tree-lighting ceremony is typically a major event. Each year, Dortmund's mayor turns on the lights at 6 p.m. sharp. "This year, everything was a little different," Verena Winkelhaus, managing director of the Markthandel- und Schausteller-Verband Westphalia (Market trade and Showman Association) told DW. "Starting at 5 p.m., we set up a live feed," she said. Due to the pandemic, the lighting ceremony did not take place with guests on site — instead, it was streamed online. Yet despite the change, Winkelhaus is happy that the market could take place at all. "I'm glad I didn't spend the whole year working towards this for nothing," she said.

The '2G' rule applies The 300 stalls have been reorganized to create more space in the market, which is spread out over several locations. In addition, eight new light installations await visitors at the various locations this year, providing additional illumination in the city center. Yet not everyone will be able to attend — the "2G" rule applies everywhere, so only those who are vaccinated or have recently recovered from COVID-19 can visit the market. Instead of showing vaccination certificates at the entrance, random checks are carried out at the stands and by officials in the market. After they are checked, visitors receive a wristband which can not be taken off and given to someone else. Anyone who is found breaking the rules will receive a 250 Euro ($280) fine. In addition, it is compulsory to wear a mask everywhere in the market.

Coronavirus rules dampen Christmas spirit Restrictions like these are not welcomed by everyone. An employee working at one of the Christmas market stalls, who asked not to be named, complained about the "2G" rule. Instead, she is in favor of a general testing requirement. So far, she hasn't seen a big difference in the behavior of the attendees this year. While market-goers are perhaps a bit more reserved, it's the same as ever. She said the weekends are especially crowded, "as if nothing was wrong," she told DW. Others, however, have mixed feelings about the Christmas markets. Elmar Gusejnov of market vender Royal Nuts described the mood as tense. "We have concerns that the Christmas market will be shut down," he said. However, he feels the checks are working well and most people are abiding by the rules. He points out that the atmosphere is much more relaxed during the day than after nightfall, when it is more crowded — but the fact that more space was made in the market area makes him feel safer. Elli Hadjibeigi, who spoke to DW while visiting the Christmas market, is also happy to be back at after a year's break. But she is concerned about the rising case numbers of coronavirus infections and doesn't feel comfortable visiting all places at the market. "I hope people will just be considerate and get tested more," she says.

Still crowded at night Marion and Jürgen Kiehl are pleasantly surprised by this year's turnout. The couple volunteers at the Dortmund AIDS Help booth. "People are very relaxed and do not feel like they are being controlled," says Marion Kiehl, despite the number of random document checks carried out on the market. "But it is noticeably different, there are fewer people visiting the market than in previous years," she says, while pointing out that they aren't selling as much merchandise as in the past, which is a downside. Nearby, people gather around the Christmas tree at Hansaplatz, enthusiastically taking pictures. Although it is still unclear whether the Christmas market will be able to stay open until the end of December as planned, at least, for now, the festive spirit is in the air.

^ I miss going to Christmas Markets. I went to the Dortmund Christmas Market in December 2014 and it was fun. ^

https://www.dw.com/en/festive-market-under-germanys-biggest-christmas-tree-opens-despite-the-pandemic/a-59936919

Kabul Small Animal Rescue

From the Kabul Small Animal Rescue Facebook/GoFundMe:

Facebook: On this #GivingTuesday2021, as temperatures drop in Afghanistan and people elsewhere turn their attention to the holidays, we are asking you to help us save the souls we love so much.

After three months of heartbreak and sleepless nights, we are ready to evacuate our dogs and cats, with paperwork and crates and landing permits in hand. Our sheep and peacocks will remain in Afghanistan due to livestock regulations, and our tortoises and parrots will stay with us until it's warmer (and the tortoises wake up!). We need your help to cover the remaining cost of the long-haul flight for our babies. Please stick with us this last leg, like we have stuck with our precious furry charges. Let's finally bring them home.

GoFundMe: In August of this year, the Kabul Small Animal Rescue tried to evacuate, and like tens of thousands of others, we were not able to. Worse, our dogs were seized against our will by the US military, troops we believed were there to protect us, and released onto the grounds of the Kabul airport, which they knew would be taken over hours later by the Taliban forces they had been fighting for two decades.

We did not give up, and despite the unforgivable and unnecessary deaths of many of our animals on the airport grounds, deaths that will always break our hearts, our staff worked constantly to recover the animals we were able to, provide care for those taken into custody at the airport, and sustain the many dogs, cats, tortoises, peacocks, and parrots that came into our shelter over the last three months. We have mustered our courage and made cordial relationships with the Taliban-led government, from whom we have seen far more compassion and humanity for our animals than was extended to us during the August withdrawal. With the help of many people who don’t sleep, we were granted an OFAC license to continue our work as a non-profit in Afghanistan, and we will continue working here for as long as it is safe to do so. To continue this life-saving work, we must evacuate the animals filling our shelter to their homes and rescues worldwide.

The majority of the funds raised for the planned August-withdrawal were saved for the evacuation flights, but much has been spent in these three months as prices for all food and medicine have tripled, and we have hired surge staffing to assist with the increased animal population. We are now asking that you help us with the final costs needed for our animal evacuation flights, $400,000 USD, which will go directly to the costs of the long-haul flight and the transit care for our 300+ animals in Dubai. With enormous gratitude to the Taliban leadership for kindness, compassion, and patience, KSAR has been granted permission to export the dogs and cats in our care, and we plan on wheels up within the next two weeks. We need your help to complete this massive effort. We will not leave behind those that cannot protect themselves, those we are responsible for.

^ The KSAR is run by American Charlotte Maxwell-Jones and has been left to deal with the Taliban (who hate both Americans and Women) since Biden abandoned them in August 2021. Please consider helping them (using the link below) as they continue their hard work helping animals. ^

https://www.gofundme.com/f/32vmsq-lets-get-them-home

Vaccinated Travel

From the CBC:

“Unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 barred from planes and trains as of today”

Unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 won't be able to board a plane or train in Canada beginning today, and a negative COVID-19 test will no longer serve as a substitute for most people. The policy came into effect on Oct. 30, but the federal government allowed a short transition period for unvaccinated travellers who could board as long as they provided a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before their trip. The stringent new requirement comes into effect as Canada reacts to the emergence of the new, highly mutated omicron variant of the coronavirus. The discovery of the new variant has prompted border closures and heavier screening in Canada and abroad over fears it could prove more transmissible. The risk related to the omicron variant is very high, according to the World Health Organization, but there is still a lot public health officials and scientists do not know about it. While anyone coming into Canada or boarding a plane or train inside the country must be vaccinated, there are currently no quarantine measures in place except for people who have recently transited through southern Africa. While many airlines have so far been doing random spot checks to ensure travellers are vaccinated, Air Canada and WestJet have confirmed they will ask for proof from everyone boarding in Canada as of today.

Other public health measures still in place Other measures, like masks and health screenings, will still be mandatory. "If you indicate to your airline or railway company that you're eligible to board, but fail to provide proof of vaccination or valid COVID-19 test result, you won't be allowed to travel and could face penalties or fines," the government's website states. The government has issued warnings on social media that even Canadians and permanent residents abroad will not be able to return home without a full slate of approved vaccines. There are some exceptions, including valid medical exemptions, travel to remote communities only accessible by plane, and those transiting through Canada en route to another destination. Most people who qualify for an exemption will need a recent COVID-19 test. The vaccine mandate was met with a positive reaction from Canada's airline industry when it was first announced in October, though some companies worried about making the necessary preparations in time. Since then the federal government announced a standardized proof-of-vaccination document, which has been distributed by provinces and territories for domestic and international travel.

^ Hopefully this won’t cause the Unvaccinated to become even more violent then they have been. ^

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/unvaccinated-travellers-rules-1.6267648

Republican Barbados

From the BBC:

“Barbados becomes a republic and parts ways with the Queen”

(Prince Charles attends the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony to mark the birth of a new republic in Barbados at Heroes Square in Bridgetown)

Barbados has officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and become the world's newest republic. In an overnight ceremony in the capital, Bridgetown, Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as president. The Prince of Wales and Barbadian singer Rihanna attended the event, which coincided with the country's 55th anniversary of independence. In a speech, Prince Charles acknowledged the "appalling atrocity of slavery" the Caribbean island suffered.

The new era for Barbados ends Britain's centuries of influence, including more than 200 years when the island was a hub for the transatlantic slave trade. To signify the official change of power, a final salute was made to the British monarchy and the Royal Standard flag was lowered and replaced. Speaking as the guest of honour at the event, Prince Charles reiterated the continuing ties between the two nations despite the constitutional status change. He described the moment as a new beginning before being awarded the prestigious Order of Freedom of Barbados by the new president. The Queen sent the country her "warmest good wishes" for "happiness, peace and prosperity in the future" and said the nation holds a "special place" in her heart.

Dame Sandra Mason, 72, the island's governor-general since 2018, was named as president-elect of the nation following a vote in parliament last month. She now replaces the Queen as the head of state. "Vessel Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage. May she weather all storms and land our country and citizens safely on the horizons and shores which are ahead of us," she said after being sworn in.

Barbados announced its plan to become a republic last year, but it will remain within the Commonwealth. Formerly known as the British Commonwealth, the Commonwealth of Nations is a loose association of former British colonies and current dependencies, along with some countries that have no historical ties to Britain. Leading national figures, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley, swore allegiance to Barbados in front of the new president at the ceremony, which lasted for several hours. She later announced that pop star Rihanna would be named a national hero by President Mason. The artist and businesswoman, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was previously named an ambassador by her home country in 2018. "May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation," Ms Mottley said, in reference to one of Rihanna's songs.

Analysis box by Daniela Relph, royal correspondent In the heat of a Barbados night, the handover ceremony has combined pomp and ceremony with one big party. It has been a show of national pride with a sprinkling of this island's most famous names as VIP guests including the cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers and the singer Rihanna. In between them both sat the Prince of Wales. It must have been a moment of mixed emotions for him - he took the final salute and watched the Royal Standard lowered for the last time as his mother was removed as head of state. He used his speech to emphasise the pain of slavery and the enduring friendship of the two nations. The mood music from the royal household has been positive and pragmatic. They can't stop a constitutional shift but they can try to ensure positive relationships remain.

The country's prime minister has described the move to a republic as a "seminal moment" which will see Barbados fully leave its colonial past behind. It was one of England's first slave colonies. English settlers first occupied the island in 1627 and, under British control, it became a sugar plantation economy using enslaved people brought in from Africa. Slavery was abolished in Barbados in 1834 and the country became fully independent in 1966. In his speech on Tuesday, Prince Charles spoke of the "appalling atrocity of slavery" which he said "forever stains our history". Before Barbados, the last nation to remove the Queen as head of state was Mauritius in 1992. With a population of about 285,000 people, Barbados is one of the more populous and prosperous Caribbean islands. Once heavily dependent on sugar exports, its economy has diversified but has been hit hard by Covid-19 hurting tourism and rising prices caused by supply chain disruptions.

^ I don’t see much changing for Barbados, the Commonwealth or the World now that it is a Republic. ^

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-59470843

Chanukah Candles

Chanukah Candles

Hanukkah candles are lit to pay tribute to the Miracle of Oil. The legend goes that The small amount of purified oil found in the Holy Temple was worth lighting only one candle. Miraculously, the oil lit all the eight candles on the Menorah for eight days continuously. This gave rise to the festival of Hanukkah in which, lighting candles on the special candelabrum is amongst the most important traditions. A wide variety of Menorahs, such as those made of glass, porcelain, crystal and metals including silver, brass, aluminum, and gold, is available in stores. A combination of different materials is also used to make beautiful Menorahs, for the festival of Hanukkah. Nowadays, plastic Menorahs, with electrical Chanukkah lights, are also available in the market.

Beautiful candles, such as the popularly used multi-colored ones and blue and white ones, are available in the stores during the Hanukkah season. Since Menorah is vital for the festival, without which the occasion is incomplete. Hence, it is important to know certain defining characteristics of Menorah. You should also know the pattern of lighting the Hanukkah candles. Here is a brief description about Menorah and Hanukkah candles. Read on.

Seven-branched Menorah, called as 'Shabbat', is available in the stores. But, the Menorah used in Hanukkah has nine branches. It is called as Chanukiah (or Hanukkiah).

All the eight candles of Chanukiah must be in a straight line while Shamash (the 'servant candle') should be out of alignment with the other candles and should be positioned at the middle of the candelabrum, positioned slightly higher than the rest of the candles.

Hanukkah candles should be lit only after the sunset or later. The candle on the extreme right of the Chanukiah is lit on the first night. The first two Jewish prayers are chanted before lighting the first candle. On the second night, light the two candles on the right using the already lit Shamash. On the third night, place three candles on the extreme right and again, light the candles using the Shamash. Repeat the above procedure on the following days. Remember, all the candles should be lit ONLY with Shamash. The ideal position of the Menorah is window or the open door, where the passers by could see your Hanukkiah.

http://www.hanukkahcelebrations.com/candles.html

Chanukah: Day 3

 

Shutdown Looming

From AFT:

“This week in Congress: Shutdown threat looms again”

(During the October 2013 partial government shutdown, federal sites like the Lincoln Memorial were closed to the public because of a lack of funding for normal operations.)

Once again, Congress is looking at the possibility of triggering a partial government shutdown if lawmakers can’t reach an agreement on a stopgap budget measure by the end of this week. Lawmakers avoided a shutdown in October by passing a short-term budget extension through Dec. 3. At the time, the hope was that time would give Democratic and Republican negotiators time to work out a full-year spending plan for fiscal 2022. Instead, two months into the new fiscal year, that agreement still appears far away. House and Senate leaders are considering whether to agree to another budget bill until the end of the month, in hopes of finding a path ahead, or push the issue into 2022, after the holiday season. If those talks break down or stall in coming days, the result could be federal worker furloughs and pauses in non-essential military activities as agencies are forced to halt operations due to a lack of funding. Both chambers also hope to make progress on the annual defense authorization bill this week. The Senate is expected to finalize its draft of the massive military policy and spending legislation early this week, with the goal of negotiations with House lawmakers and final passage sometime next week.

^ Another threat of the Federal Government shutting down this Friday (December 3rd)  - meaning thousands of people would be forced to stay home without pay and thousands more would be forced to work without pay - until the Shutdown ends. Biden, the Republicans and the Democrats need to all make sure this doesn't happen. ^

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/11/29/this-week-in-congress-shutdown-threat-looms-again/

Latvia Calls For US

 From Reuters:

“Latvia calls for permanent U.S. troops to guard against Russia threat”

(Latvian President Egils Levits attend a news conference in Riga, Latvia November 29, 2021.)

Latvia needs a permanent U.S. military presence to deter Russia and wants to boost its defences with U.S. Patriot missiles, Defence Minister Artis Pabriks said on Monday as NATO's chief visited allied troops in the Baltic country. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was due to arrive in Latvia's capital Riga late on Monday before a meeting on Tuesday with 29 NATO counterparts. The alliance is alarmed by a Russian military build-up on Ukraine's borders. "We need additional international assistance," Pabriks told Reuters. "We would like to have a permanent United States (military) presence in our country. And sea and air defence means basically going down to such systems as Patriot (surface-to-air missiles)." NATO troops were rehearsing battle skills in a snowy Latvian woodland with camouflaged tanks and live rounds, with 1,500 troops seeking to stop an attack on Riga by disrupting and stalling the unidentified adversary's advance north of the city. "Deterrence is critical," said Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John Benson, commander of the NATO battlegroup in Latvia.

Prompted by Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Moscow's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, NATO has deployed four multinational battalion-size battlegroups to defend Poland and the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia since July 2017. Moscow says it has no intention of invading the Baltics or Poland and accuses NATO of destabilising Europe by moving troops closer to Russia's borders. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said there was "no imminent threat" against NATO. In May, Russia amassed 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine, the highest number since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Western officials say. NATO says there was another large military build-up on Ukraine's border this month.

The Baltic states are seen as NATO's most vulnerable flank as they are linked to the alliance's main territory only by a land corridor of around 60 km (37 miles) between Poland and Lithuania known as the Suwalki gap. Military experts warn that Russia, via Belarus, might capture the gap, gaining a land corridor to its heavily fortified exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. U.S. troops are stationed in Germany but might not reach the Baltics fast enough in the event of such an attack, experts say. "We have revisionism at this moment going on in Russia ... from that perspective we cannot be late here," Pabriks said, referring to a statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would reverse the collapse of the Soviet Union if he had a chance to alter modern Russian history.

^ Russia has continuously shown itself to be a major threat to Europe (invading Georgia and Ukraine) and so NATO especially the US needs to be ready to stop them from invading any other country. ^

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/latvia-calls-permanent-us-troops-guard-against-russia-threat-2021-11-29/

The Bridge House

From Laconia Daily Sun:

“A Bridge for veterans and their dogs”

(Joseph Krol and his dogs Blue – seated – and Athena – standing.)

For Joseph Krol, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, there’s an invisible line etched in sand that survives life’s wind and waves.   It’s defined by a single expression, “Love me, love my dog.” For Krol, age 72, that translates to living wherever he can, as long as it’s with Athena, a nine-year-old American Bulldog-Dalmation mix, and Blue, a nine-year old rat terrier. The canines are inseparable from from Krol, and he from them. “They love you, plain and simple,” said Krol, who would choose to live outside in his truck if he couldn’t find a place indoors with Athena and Blue – a housing option that has been difficult to find or afford. When the smaller dog suffered a debilitating stroke in October, “I told God, you can’t take this dog now. I need him. I told God, it’s what I want for Christmas.” Krol’s eyes turn glassy when he smiles down at the scruffy canine dressed in a sweater with little squirrel ears, who gazes back and struggles to stand with Krol’s help. It’s a bond that has endured the ravages of time.

Thanks to The Bridge House, which aids veterans down on their luck who are “living rough” outside or wherever they can find a place to hang their coat, Krol has not been forced to make the choice between affordable housing and keeping Athena and Blue. After three months at Bridge House, followed by a stay at the Copper Top Inn, which welcomed him and his dogs, Krol now has an apartment in Plymouth above a flower shop and nursery on Tenney Mountain Highway – a place where he can grow beans, corn and tomatoes out back and glimpse flowers in spring.   “This is a safety net,” said Cathy Bentwood, a registered nurse and executive director of Bridge House, which began in 1989 with eight beds and now offers more than 20. It’s the state’s only shelter that accepts pets, which serves veterans of military service who are without permanent addresses. It also helps veterans who have critical financial needs they cannot meet with their limited resources. “We have a unique commitment to people who served,” said Bentwood. That mission is critical today, considering less than one percent of the US population has enlisted or served. The Veteran’s Administration committed to ending veteran homelessness by 2015, but the challenge remains .Three years ago, when Krol returned to New Hampshire, where he grew up, from Florida, where he had worked as a trucker, The Bridge House was a waystation that eliminated the choice between having permanent or temporary shelter and losing his life’s companions. Most of the guests at The Bridge house are older, single men. Many lack connections with human families. A dog “is the one faithful companion who expects nothing,” said Bentwood.  It’s an abiding source of love that people in crisis are loathe to surrender, said Freeman Toth, an outreach worker for Belknap-Merrimack CAP, who helps people who have lost housing, jobs or both. “It’s what they’ve got left. It’s their last thing. For a lot of people it’s their Alamo” – their last stand against grief, and a living connection that brings joy and hope. Toth said his clients will often chose to camp in their vehicles before they will give up pets who are more loyal than most of the people they’ve known. For veterans who served during war time then returned to a society with little knowledge or understanding of what that was like, a pet means guaranteed acceptance, a ready-made and non-judgemental family in a world where humans are fickle, and lasting relationships are few.

(Brian Farmer and Sammy)

Brian Farmer, 77, an Air Force veteran, has lived at Bridge House for two years. His closest connection is with Sammy, a 12-year-old brown lab mix, who shares his room at the shelter and sits quietly with him in the living room. Farmer recently had a stroke and if it weren’t for wanting to live out his days with Sammy, he would likely reside in a nursing home, Bentwood said. “If Sammy couldn’t be here, I wouldn’t be here,” Farmer said. “He’s my closest friend. I love him. It’s like he’s a member of the family.”  That deep connection sustains Krol, who was invited, along with Athena and Blue, to Thanksgiving dinner at The Bridge House, even though he now lives in his own apartment on Tenney Mountain Highway. When his terrier collapsed suddenly in October, Krol thought he, too, would fall apart. “I was crying for days,” said Krol. A devout Catholic, he prayed and went to Mass to collect holy water to sprinkle on Blue. “I was praying, God, please don’t take this dog from me.” “I take them everywhere,” he said. “All around Plymouth. “They hop in the back of the truck, wherever I go.” The trio is a cause celebre at Biederman’s Deli on Main Street, where Krol orders a breakfast sandwich for himself and two sausage patties which he breaks up and feeds to the dogs.

Fundraising enabled The Bridge House to purchase special insurance that covers residents with canines, most of whom are mixed-breed. The policies available won’t allow the shelter to accept those considered too risky around strangers, including Dobermans, Rotweilers, pit bulls, and German Shepherds. THE Bridge House makes it work by placing child safety gates in the doors of residents’ rooms, requiring dogs to be on leashes elsewhere in the house and outside, and requesting residents to clean up messes indoors and out.

In the past two years, Belknap House, a shelter on Court Street in Laconia for homeless families, has received two requests from families who would like to bring their dogs or cats  – an impossibility in close communal living with young children, and others who may have allergies, according to staff. Separating families from furry family members is not ideal, especially for uprooted people already experiencing loss, house manager Tom Sica concedes. Belknap House board member Lee Cheshire tries to find temporary placement for pets, including kennels, veterinary practices and foster families who are equipped to accept them temporarily. “It’s sad, a mother and a teenage boy living in a car with a pet, and we couldn’t take them in. We don’t have the ability to have dogs with the families, with the families so close to each other,” said Cheshire. “Homelessness is a time of tremendous upheaval and loss, whatever the cause,” said Sica. “To separate from a family pet that’s given solace is an extraordinary ask of people.” In the past year, the two families with dogs opted not to come to Belknap House. One went to live with friends who were willing to include their pet. “This is part of the trauma of being homeless, the things you have to give up,” said Sica. “The focus around a pet is not imagined.” “It’s a living, breathing thing they have history with. It’s not a possession, it’s a companion,” said Toth. “It’s a family member.” A single person who’s had a pet for 10 years “would rather die in their car with their pet than separate,” said Toth.

For most shelters, hygiene and safety concerns are a deal-breaker when it comes to hosting animals, even for a brief stint. “What might be a source of safety and security for one person could be a source of anxiety” or medical issues for another, said Sica.  “The challenge is we’re in communal living with little children.” At its location on Court Street, Belknap House has no room for a kennel, and leaving a pet unattended all day in a room is not safe or optimal.   Toth encourages his clients who are asked to give up pets to search for foster pet care on Facebook, which has groups of users who rescue pets, and spread the word until a solution is found.

The Bridge House, with mostly single residents and few children, can be more flexible in its mission – which is to serve veterans’ where they’re at, in recovery or in times of housing and food insecurity, sometimes after years of struggle. In October, Temple B’Nai Israel of Laconia’s annual “We Care” concert raised $24,000 for The Bridge House, and this month the congregation presented the charity with a check for the event proceed: $8,435. Of that, $4,760 went to Joseph Krol to repair the engine on his truck. Krol had originally approached Bridge House to co-sign a loan – he didn’t want a gift. An account was set up through Bank of New Hampshire, linking Krol’s monthly repayments to Bridge House’s account. With help from the We Care donation, the amount Krol will have to pay back will be reduced to $3,700.

For the former Bridge House resident, that’s a blessing without any disguise, and another reason to be thankful this holiday season. Krol said he is grateful, too, for the apartment he can afford with his VA and Social Security checks. He counts the 19 steps he climbs to get there each day. They’re well worth the opportunity to live above a florist and next to a flower garden. Flowers are what Krol delivered for years when he drove his tractor-trailer from Florida to stores as far north as Minnesota.  “I lived in the rose capital of the world,” he said. “It was also the fern capital of the world.” To donate to the The Bridge House or for more information, go to tbhshelter.org

^ This is  so important (to help Veterans and to keep them and their dogs or cats together.) Each helps the other. More places across the country and the world need to do this. ^

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news/local/a-bridge-for-veterans-and-their-dogs/article_b66684c6-4d61-11ec-94d2-730588a23ae8.html

Botswana Upholds Ruling

From Reuters:

“Botswana appeals court upholds ruling that decriminalised gay sex”

Botswana's Court of Appeal on Monday upheld a 2019 ruling that decriminalised gay sex, a decision hailed by gay community as establishing the southern African country as a "true democracy". Monday's decision in effect struck off two sections of the penal code that had outlawed homosexuality. Before the 2019 High Court ruling, which was praised by international organisations and activists, engaging in gay sex in Botswana was punishable by up to seven years in prison. The state had argued on appeal that the penal code outlawed gay sex and there was no evidence that people's attitude towards homosexuality had changed. Reading the unanimous decision by five judges, Court of Appeal Judge President Ian Kirby said the criminalisation of consensual same-sex activities violated the constitutional rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender persons to dignity, liberty, privacy and equality. "Those sections have outlived their usefulness, and serve only to incentivise law enforcement agents to become key-hole peepers and intruders into the private space of citizens," Kirby said. Wearing rainbow-coloured masks, members of the gay community at the court reacted with loud cheers. Some wept for joy. "This will forever change the landscape of democracy, human rights and equality in Botswana. Finally the state will have no business in what two consenting adults do in their privacy," Sethunya Mosime, chairperson the Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), said outside the court. "This case has tested Botswana democracy and independence of judiciary. We can strongly say Botswana is a true democracy." Botswana's penal code, drawn up under British rule, outlaws "carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature". Those convicted face up to seven years in prison. It also outlaws "indecent practices between persons" in public or private, punishable with up to two years in prison. Government officials were not immediately available to comment on the ruling, which cannot be further appealed as it was decided by the highest court.

^ This is a great day for Botswana as it now enters the 2020s. I hope other countries (in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Caribbean, Russia, etc. follow Botswana’s example and give basic equal rights to Homosexuals.  ^

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/botswana-appeals-court-upholds-ruling-that-decriminalised-gay-sex-2021-11-29/

Holiday Pet Safety

 

Smollett Trial Begins

From the BBC:

“Jussie Smollett: Jury selection begins in actor’s trial”

Jury selection in the high-profile trial of US TV actor Jussie Smollett begins on Monday, nearly three years after he claimed he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack. Mr Smollett, 39, claimed in January 2019 that he was attacked by two men who yelled pro-Donald Trump slogans and tied a noose around his neck. Authorities accused him of staging the attack on himself as a publicity stunt. He has denied any wrongdoing. Authorities allege that Mr Smollett paid two brothers $3,500 (£2,630) to carry out the attack to promote his career because he was "dissatisfied with his salary". Mr Smollett has claimed that the payment was for one of the brothers to work as a personal trainer. The former Empire show actor was indicted by a special prosecutor in Illinois last year on six counts of lying to police. Previous disorderly conduct charges against him had been dropped following an emergency court appearance in March 2019, prompting Chicago police and the city's mayor to accuse courts of letting Mr Smollett "off scot-free". A special prosecutor, Dan Webb, was later assigned to investigate how the case was handled. Mr Webb said that his office had obtained "sufficient factual evidence" to argue that the case should not have been dropped. In a statement, Mr Webb said that prosecuting the case was "in the interest of justice", partly due to the "extensive nature of Mr Smollett's false police reports" and the resources expended by Chicago police to investigate.

How the Jussie Smollett drama unfolded If convicted, Mr Smollett faces a prison sentence of up to three years. Given Mr Smollett's lack of previous convictions, however, legal experts have said a lighter sentence or probation is more likely. It remains unclear if Mr Smollett will testify during the trial, which is expected to last a week. The two brothers accused of carrying out the attack - Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo - are both expected to take the witness stand. Both men had worked as extras on 'Empire'. Ever since authorities cast doubt on his claims, Mr Smollett has repeatedly maintained his innocence. In an Instagram Live interview with US author Marc Lamont-Hill last year, Mr Smollett said that the last two years had been "beyond frustrating". "They won't let this go…there is an example being made," he said. "The sad part is it's an example being made of someone that didn't do what they're being accused of."

^ This is long over-due. He needs to be found guilty and be punished. By faking a Hate Crime he committed a Hate Crime. ^

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-59439796

Evacuations: Now And Now

From Military.com:

“What Happened to the Afghanistan Evacuation?”

The evacuation of American citizens and others from Afghanistan didn’t end with the departure of the last U.S. troops on Aug. 30, but it did slow to a trickle. The U.S. airlifted 124,000 people from Kabul, the capital, over about six weeks as the American-backed Afghan military and government fell to the Taliban. Since then, several thousand people have managed to get out, mostly on flights arranged by the State Department or private groups and individuals. That includes some high-profile efforts, such as the Nov. 18 flight chartered by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West for members of Afghanistan’s women’s youth development soccer team and their families. Most of the departures, however, have been carried out quietly for remaining American citizens, U.S. residents or people with the special immigrant visa for those who worked as military interpreters or otherwise aided the 20-year, Washington-led war effort. But people involved in these efforts are calling on the United States and other nations to do more to help people escape Taliban rule.

A look at the current situation:

Who got out during the initial phase and where did they go?  As the Afghan government and military fell to the Taliban in August, the U.S. hastily sought to evacuate as many people as possible through the main airport in Kabul. It was a chaotic scene because the collapse happened more quickly than the U.S. government anticipated. The evacuation, mostly on military cargo jets, prioritized American citizens, U.S. permanent residents, special visa holders or those whose work would likely make them eligible, along with their families. The flights also carried people who were considered particularly vulnerable to Taliban retribution or their harsh rule, including journalists and human rights advocates. The 124,000 people evacuated in the initial phases included about 6,000 American citizens. Some Afghans from these flights have been temporarily moved to at least eight countries that agreed to take people who may ultimately reach the U.S. as refugees or will be resettled elsewhere. The U.S. has so far admitted 73,000 Afghans from this initial phase. They will eventually move to communities around the United States with assistance from private organizations. About 40,000 are still being housed at seven military bases in the U.S. as they complete immigration and medical processing and await resettlement.

What has happened since?  In September, the Taliban started to allow some charter flights to leave the country with American citizens, U.S. residents and visa holders, as well as people from other countries and Afghans with proper travel documents. Private organizations with names such as Allied Airlift 21 and Task Force Argo have reported getting charter flights out with hundreds of people. The State Department has chartered flights and says it has evacuated 435 American citizens and 325 people with permanent U.S. resident status — green card holders — since Aug. 30. People involved in these efforts estimate the total number evacuated at perhaps about 8,000. It's limited for many reasons, including the fact that people are in hiding or have destroyed or lost personal documents when the Taliban took. Applying for an immigrant visa to the U.S. at this point is difficult because the the American Embassy has closed; Qatar recently agreed to handle some consular services for the U.S.

Are there still American citizens in Afghanistan?  Yes. Biden administration officials said this month they believe several hundred remain in Afghanistan. The State Department continues to offer passage out to any citizens or people with permanent resident status. As the U.S. military evacuation ended, Secretary of State Antony Blinken put the number of Americans left behind at under 200, “likely closer to 100." The number flown out by the State Department since then is more than four times that amount. Blinken has since said the department is in contact with American citizens who have indicated they want to leave. But private organizations such as Task Force Argo and others say they have heard from dozens of people in Afghanistan who have yet to be contacted by the U.S. government. It's a hazy picture for good reason. Americans in Afghanistan were not required to register with the embassy and some people with U.S. citizenship or green cards may be hiding from the Taliban. Blinken also has said some people do not want to leave because they do not want to leave behind family members.

What about other people who want to leave?  Human rights groups and organizations working to help Afghans say there are at least tens of thousands of people in Afghanistan who could face reprisals and need to escape. That includes people who worked for the U.S.-backed government or military but also members of ethnic minorities or people who are LGBTQ. Some have fled on their own to other countries and may be able to apply to get to the U.S. elsewhere as refugees. AfghanEvac is a coalition of more than 100 organizations working to help people get out of Afghanistan country; many of those groups were started by military veterans. Representatives from AfghanEvac recently met with Blinken as part of a campaign to persuade the U.S. to step up the evacuation effort. Groups are also enlisting help from Congress, hoping to expand the categories of people who would qualify for the special immigrant visa, perhaps to include those who served in elite Afghan military units. Some are also seeking more financial support from the U.S. government. “We need some help, we really do,” Scott Mann, founder of Task Force Pineapple, which aims to connect people in Afghanistan with flights out of the country. “This is a problem of scale and it is outpacing us quickly.”

^ It’s important to remember what happened during the initial Withdrawal and Evacuation in as August as well as to keep up with what is currently going on inside Afghanistan over the past 100 days  (for Americans and Afghans there.) We also need to keep pressure on Biden, Blinken and other Government Officials so they don’t simply “forget” their promises of helping those who are still abandoned in Afghanistan as well as helping those who got out. ^

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/11/27/what-happened-afghanistan-evacuation.html

27 More Out

From Reuters:

“Moscow says 27 Russian more diplomats due to leave U.S. in January”

 Russia's ambassador to the United States said that 27 more Russian diplomats and their families were expelled from the United States and would leave on Jan. 30. "Our diplomats are being expelled...A large group of my comrades, 27 people with families, will leave us on January 30... We are facing a serious staff shortage," Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in a video interview for the Soloviev Live Youtube channel aired late on Saturday. Russia has previously said that over 100 of its diplomats with families had been forced to leave the United States since 2016 when the relationship between the two countries worsened. As of Oct. 29, nearly 200 Russian diplomats were still in their jobs in the United States, included the staff of the Russian mission to the United Nations, according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. President Joe Biden's administration said last month that the staff of the U.S. mission in Russia had shrunk to 120 from 1,200 in early 2017 after a series of expulsions and restrictions, and it was difficult to continue with anything other than a caretaker presence at the embassy. read more The U.S. Embassy in Moscow stopped processing non-diplomatic visas this year and added Russians to a list of "homeless nationals" who can apply for visas in third countries.

^ This should come as no surprise to the Russians. They have forced Americans out of Russia so it’s only right that the Americans force the Russians out of the US. It doesn’t seem like this diplomatic spat will end any time soon. It’s really up to Russia to stop this. ^

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moscow-says-27-russian-more-diplomats-due-leave-us-january-2021-11-28/

Chanukah Facts

Chanukah Facts

Hanukkah is the annual Jewish Festival of Lights that starts on the 25th day of Kislev as per the Jewish calendar. It is an eight-day festival of religious observance by Jews across the world. In 2008, Hanukkah will be celebrated on 21st December. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of Jewish troops led by Judah Maccabee over the Greek soldiers, the miracle of purified oil, which lit Menorah for eight days continuously, and the rededication of Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In this article, we have compiled some interesting facts about Hanukkah. Read on to get important Hanukkah facts.

Hanukkah for Jews is as important as Christmas for Christians.

Hanukkah is spelt differently by different people. Some name it as Chanukkah while the majority of people name it as Hanukkah.

As per the Western calendar, the date for the commencement of Chanukah varies every year.

Lighting of Menorah is the main Hanukah tradition.

The Hanukkah candles are added onto the special candelabrum from right to left, but are lit only from left to right.

'Hanerot Hallalu', an ancient Hanukkah song is recited or sang while lighting the candles.

According to Chanukkah tradition, the candles on the candelabrum should not blow out until the end of the festival.

Traditional Hanukkah food is cooked during the festival. Oil is the key ingredient of the foods, which is a sign of tribute to the miracle of purified oil.

Gifts are also exchanged during the festival of Hanukkah. This tradition is probably adapted from the Christmas tradition of gift giving.

Gambling is considered almost a sin. However, a gambling game called as "dreidel" is a popular Hanukkah tradition. People play this game with a square spinning top. However, the game is not played for hefty sum, but for pennies or chocolate coins.

http://www.hanukkahcelebrations.com/facts.html

Chanukah: Day 2

 

Chanukah's History

Chanukah History

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.

The events that inspired the Hanukkah holiday took place during a particularly turbulent phase of Jewish history. Around 200 B.C., Judea—also known as the Land of Israel—came under the control of Antiochus III, the Seleucid king of Syria, who allowed the Jews who lived there to continue practicing their religion. His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, proved less benevolent: Ancient sources recount that he outlawed the Jewish religion and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. In 168 B.C., his soldiers descended upon Jerusalem, massacring thousands of people and desecrating the city’s holy Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls.

Did you know? The story of Hanukkah does not appear in the Torah because the events that inspired the holiday occurred after it was written. It is, however, mentioned in the New Testament, in which Jesus attends a "Feast of Dedication."

Led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons, a large-scale rebellion broke out against Antiochus and the Seleucid monarchy. When Matthathias died in 166 B.C., his son Judah, known as Judah Maccabee (“the Hammer”), took the helm; within two years the Jews had successfully driven the Syrians out of Jerusalem, relying largely on guerilla warfare tactics. Judah called on his followers to cleanse the Second Temple, rebuild its altar and light its menorah—the gold candelabrum whose seven branches represented knowledge and creation and were meant to be kept burning every night.

The Hanukkah “Miracle”  According to the Talmud, one of Judaism’s most central texts, Judah Maccabee and the other Jews who took part in the rededication of the Second Temple witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply. This wondrous event inspired the Jewish sages to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival. (The first Book of the Maccabees tells another version of the story, describing an eight-day celebration that followed the rededication but making no reference to the miracle of the oil.)

Other Interpretations of the Hanukkah Story   Some modern historians offer a radically different interpretation of the Hanukkah tale. In their view, Jerusalem under Antiochus IV had erupted into civil war between two camps of Jews: those who had assimilated into the dominant culture that surrounded them, adopting Greek and Syrian customs; and those who were determined to impose Jewish laws and traditions, even if by force. The traditionalists won out in the end, with the Hasmonean dynasty—led by Judah Maccabee’s brother and his descendants—wresting control of the Land of Israel from the Seleucids and maintaining an independent Jewish kingdom for more than a century. Jewish scholars have also suggested that the first Hanukkah may have been a belated celebration of Sukkot, which the Jews had not had the chance to observe during the Maccabean Revolt. One of the Jewish religion’s most important holidays, Sukkot consists of seven days of feasting, prayer and festivities.

Hanukkah Traditions The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.

In another allusion to the Hanukkah miracle, traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil. Potato pancakes (known as latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are particularly popular in many Jewish households. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts. In recent decades, particularly in North America, Hanukkah has exploded into a major commercial phenomenon, largely because it falls near or overlaps with Christmas. From a religious perspective, however, it remains a relatively minor holiday that places no restrictions on working, attending school or other activities.

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah

Chanukah: Day 1

 

What's Advent?

What Is Advent

Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas (or sometimes from the 1st December to Christmas Day!). Advent means 'Coming' in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.  There are three meanings of 'coming' that Christians describe in Advent. The first, and most thought of, happened about 2000 years ago when Jesus came into the world as a baby to live as a man and die for us. The second can happen now as Jesus wants to come into our lives now. And the third will happen in the future when Jesus comes back to the world as King and Judge, not a baby.  Advent Sunday can be from the 27th November (which it was in 2016) to the 3rd December (which it was in 2017)! Advent only starts on the 1st December when Christmas Day is on a Wednesday (which will happen in 2019)! No one is really sure when Advent was first celebrated but it dates back to at least 567 when monks were ordered to fast during December leading up to Christmas. Some people fast (don't eat anything) during advent to help them concentrate on preparing to celebrate Jesus's coming. In many Orthodox and Eastern Catholics Churches, Advent lasts for 40 days and starts on November 15th and is also called the Nativity Fast. (Advent also starts on November 15th in Celtic Christianity.) Orthodox Christians often don't eat meat and dairy during Advent, and depending on the day, also olive oil, wine and fish. You can see what days mean now eating what foods on this calendar from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. In medieval and pre-medieval times, in parts of England, there was an early form of Nativity scenes called 'advent images' or a 'vessel cup'. They were a box, often with a glass lid that was covered with a white napkin, that contained two dolls representing Mary and the baby Jesus. The box was decorated with ribbons and flowers (and sometimes apples). They were carried around from door to door. It was thought to be very unlucky if you haven't seen a box before Christmas Eve! People paid the box carriers a halfpenny to see the box. There are some Christmas Carols that are really Advent Carols! These include 'People Look East', 'Come, thou long expected Jesus', 'Lo! He comes, with clouds descending' and perhaps the most popular Advent song 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel!'.

There are several ways that Advent is counted down but the most common is by a calendar or candle(s).

Advent Calendars:   There are many types of calendars used in different countries. The most common ones in the UK and USA are made of paper or card with 24 or 25 little windows on. A window is opened on every day in December and a Christmas picture is displayed underneath. In the 19th Century, German protestant Christians counted down to Christmas by marking 24 chalk lines on a door and rubbing one off every day in December. Paper calendars were first popular in Germany in the early 1900s, although people made their own ones from the 1850s. There's a debate about exactly where and when the first mass produced calendar was printed - but it was certainly in Germany in the early 1900s. During World War II, the production of Advent calendars stopped due to a shortage of cardboard. When they were first made, scenes from the Christmas Story and other Christmas images were used, such as snowmen and robins, but now many calendars are made in the themes of toys, television programmes and sports clubs. Some of these types of calendar even have chocolate under each window, to make every day in December that little bit better! I used to like those when I was a little boy (and still do now!!!)! The first calendar with chocolate in it was made in 1958, although they only became really popular in the 1980s. Some European countries such as Germany use a wreath of fir with 24 bags or boxes hanging from it. In each box or bag there is a little present for each day. There are also now all different types of Advent Calendars used to sell and promote different products including chocolate, perfumes, alcohol and beauty products. You can even get advent calendars for your pets with dog or cat treats in them! The world's largest advent calendar was made in 2007 at the St Pancras Train Station in London, England. It was 71m tall and 23m wide and celebrated the refurbishment of the station. The most expensive advent calendar ever was made in 2010 by a jewellers in Belgium. It was made of 24 glass tubes each containing some diamonds and silver! It was worth about $3.3 million (€2.5 million | £2.1 million)!!!

Advent Candles:    There are two types of candle(s) that are used to count down to Christmas Day in Advent. The first looks like a normal candle, but has the days up to Christmas Day marked down the candle. On the first of December the candle is lit and burnt down to the first line on the candle. The same is done every day and then the rest of the candle is burnt on Christmas day.  Lutheran Churches in Scandinavia used 24 little candles to count down through December from the 1700s. An Advent Crown is another form of candles that are used to count down Advent. These are often used in Churches rather than in people's homes. The crown is often made up of a wreath of greenery and has four candles round the outside and one in the middle or in a separate place. Sometimes a more traditional candelabra is used to display the five candles.

One candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, two are lit on the second Sunday and so on. Each candle has a different meaning in Christianity. Different churches have given them different meanings, but I was taught the following:

- The first represents Isaiah and other prophets in the Bible that predicted the coming of Jesus

- The second represents the Bible

- The third represents Mary, the mother of Jesus

- The fourth represents John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, who told the people in Israel to get ready for Jesus' teaching.

The middle or separate candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Jesus, the light of the world. In Germany this fifth candle is known as the 'Heiligabend' and is lit on Christmas Eve. In many churches, the color purple is used to signify the season of Advent. On the third Sunday, representing Mary, the color is sometimes changes to pink or rose.

https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/advent.shtml

1st Advent

 

KSAR: Bea

From the Kabul Small Animal Rescue’s Facebook:

“Bea is going home! We are delighted and beyond grateful to announce that we have been granted an export permit for a charter plane to fly our 165 dogs and 145 cats from Afghanistan. We are indebted to the IEA leadership at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Agriculture, and most especially the head of the airport, Director Abdul Hadi Hamdan, for their cooperation and coordination in this enormous and complex task. Ensuring that we have the proper registrations up to date in Afghanistan as well as obtaining an OFAC license from the United States so that we can legally continue to operate here has been a long process, but worth every bit of effort.

Our staff have worked around the clock to prepare the crates and the proper health certificates and customs paperwork for each animal to travel through transshipment zones and into Canada, all while keeping over 300 animals healthy and happy. This massive operation will start in early December, but we can't do it alone! We are grateful to be working with some well-established rescues in North America, and we are putting out a call for volunteers to help. Our plane will land in Vancouver, Canada, and we are looking for volunteers that can help with administrative tasks, ground transportation, animal care at the primary facility, and fosters and rescues to temporarily house dogs and cats. If you would like to help our amazing animals, please email KSAR.relocation@gmail.com and let us know what you're up for and we'll work on putting together a database for the rescues coordinating this awesome circus!”

^ This is great news! ^