Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. It's the most common genetic chromosomal disorder and cause of learning disabilities in children. It also commonly causes other medical abnormalities, including heart and gastrointestinal disorders. Better understanding of Down syndrome and early interventions can greatly increase the quality of life for children and adults with this disorder and help them live fulfilling lives.

Symptoms Each person with Down syndrome is an individual — intellectual and developmental problems may be mild, moderate or severe. Some people are healthy while others have significant health problems such as serious heart defects. Children and adults with Down syndrome have distinct facial features. Though not all people with Down syndrome have the same features, some of the more common features include: Flattened face, Small head, Short neck, Protruding tongue, Upward slanting eye lids (palpebral fissures), Unusually shaped or small ears, Poor muscle tone, Broad, short hands with a single crease in the palm, Relatively short fingers and small hands and feet, Excessive flexibility, Tiny white spots on the colored part (iris) of the eye called Brushfield's spots. Short height. Infants with Down syndrome may be average size, but typically they grow slowly and remain shorter than other children the same age.

Intellectual disabilities Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Language is delayed, and both short and long-term memory is affected.

When to see a doctor Children with Down syndrome usually are diagnosed before or at birth. However, if you have any questions regarding your pregnancy or your child's growth and development, talk with your doctor.

Causes Human cells normally contain 23 pairs of chromosomes. One chromosome in each pair comes from your father, the other from your mother. Down syndrome results when abnormal cell division involving chromosome 21 occurs. These cell division abnormalities result in an extra partial or full chromosome 21. This extra genetic material is responsible for the characteristic features and developmental problems of Down syndrome.

Any one of three genetic variations can cause Down syndrome: Trisomy 21. About 95 percent of the time, Down syndrome is caused by trisomy 21 — the person has three copies of chromosome 21, instead of the usual two copies, in all cells. This is caused by abnormal cell division during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell. Mosaic Down syndrome. In this rare form of Down syndrome, a person has only some cells with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This mosaic of normal and abnormal cells is caused by abnormal cell division after fertilization. Translocation Down syndrome. Down syndrome can also occur when a portion of chromosome 21 becomes attached (translocated) onto another chromosome, before or at conception. These children have the usual two copies of chromosome 21, but they also have additional genetic material from chromosome 21 attached to another chromosome. There are no known behavioral or environmental factors that cause Down syndrome.

Is it inherited? Most of the time, Down syndrome isn't inherited. It's caused by a mistake in cell division during early development of the fetus. Translocation Down syndrome can be passed from parent to child. However, only about 3 to 4 percent of children with Down syndrome have translocation and only some of them inherited it from one of their parents. When balanced translocations are inherited, the mother or father has some rearranged genetic material from chromosome 21 on another chromosome, but no extra genetic material. This means he or she has no signs or symptoms of Down syndrome, but can pass an unbalanced translocation on to children, causing Down syndrome in the children.

Risk factors Some parents have a greater risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. Risk factors include: Advancing maternal age. A woman's chances of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increase with age because older eggs have a greater risk of improper chromosome division. A woman's risk of conceiving a child with Down syndrome increases after 35 years of age. However, most children with Down syndrome are born to women under age 35 because younger women have far more babies. Being carriers of the genetic translocation for Down syndrome. Both men and women can pass the genetic translocation for Down syndrome on to their children. Having had one child with Down syndrome. Parents who have one child with Down syndrome and parents who have a translocation themselves are at an increased risk of having another child with Down syndrome. A genetic counselor can help parents assess the risk of having a second child with Down syndrome.

Complications People with Down syndrome can have a variety of complications, some of which become more prominent as they get older. These complications can include: Heart defects. About half the children with Down syndrome are born with some type of congenital heart defect. These heart problems can be life-threatening and may require surgery in early infancy. Gastrointestinal (GI) defects. GI abnormalities occur in some children with Down syndrome and may include abnormalities of the intestines, esophagus, trachea and anus. The risk of developing digestive problems, such as GI blockage, heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux) or celiac disease, may be increased. Immune disorders. Because of abnormalities in their immune systems, people with Down syndrome are at increased risk of developing autoimmune disorders, some forms of cancer, and infectious diseases, such as pneumonia. Sleep apnea. Because of soft tissue and skeletal changes that lead to the obstruction of their airways, children and adults with Down syndrome are at greater risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity. People with Down syndrome have a greater tendency to be obese compared with the general population. Spinal problems. Some people with Down syndrome may have a misalignment of the top two vertebrae in the neck (atlantoaxial instability). This condition puts them at risk of serious injury to the spinal cord from overextension of the neck. Leukemia. Young children with Down syndrome have an increased risk of leukemia. Dementia. People with Down syndrome have a greatly increased risk of dementia — signs and symptoms may begin around age 50. Having Down syndrome also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Other problems. Down syndrome may also be associated with other health conditions, including endocrine problems, dental problems, seizures, ear infections, and hearing and vision problems. For people with Down syndrome, getting routine medical care and treating issues when needed can help with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Life expectancy Life spans have increased dramatically for people with Down syndrome. Today, someone with Down syndrome can expect to live more than 60 years, depending on the severity of health problems.

Prevention There's no way to prevent Down syndrome. If you're at high risk of having a child with Down syndrome or you already have one child with Down syndrome, you may want to consult a genetic counselor before becoming pregnant. A genetic counselor can help you understand your chances of having a child with Down syndrome. He or she can also explain the prenatal tests that are available and help explain the pros and cons of testing.

Diagnosis The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends offering the option of screening tests and diagnostic tests for Down syndrome to all pregnant women, regardless of age. Screening tests can indicate the likelihood or chances that a mother is carrying a baby with Down syndrome. But these tests can't tell for sure or diagnose whether the baby has Down syndrome. Diagnostic tests can identify or diagnose whether your baby has Down syndrome. Your health care provider can discuss the types of tests, advantages and disadvantages, benefits and risks, and the meaning of your results. If appropriate, your provider may recommend that you talk to a genetics counselor.

Screening tests during pregnancy Screening for Down syndrome is offered as a routine part of prenatal care. Although screening tests can only identify your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome, they can help you make decisions about more-specific diagnostic tests. Screening tests include the first trimester combined test and the integrated screening test. The first trimester combined test The first trimester combined test, which is done in two steps, includes: Blood test. This blood test measures the levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and the pregnancy hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Abnormal levels of PAPP-A and HCG may indicate a problem with the baby. Nuchal translucency test. During this test, an ultrasound is used to measure a specific area on the back of your baby's neck. This is known as a nuchal translucency screening test. When abnormalities are present, more fluid than usual tends to collect in this neck tissue. Using your age and the results of the blood test and the ultrasound, your doctor or genetic counselor can estimate your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. Integrated screening test The integrated screening test is done in two parts during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. The results are combined to estimate the risk that your baby has Down syndrome. First trimester. Part one includes a blood test to measure PAPP-A and an ultrasound to measure nuchal translucency. Second trimester. The quad screen measures your blood level of four pregnancy-associated substances: alpha fetoprotein, estriol, HCG and inhibin A.

Diagnostic tests during pregnancy If your screening test results are positive or worrisome, or you're at high risk of having a baby with Down syndrome, you might consider more testing to confirm the diagnosis. Your health care provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of these tests. Diagnostic tests that can identify Down syndrome include: Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). In CVS, cells are taken from the placenta and used to analyze the fetal chromosomes. This test is typically performed in the first trimester, between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. The risk of pregnancy loss (miscarriage) from a CVS is very low. Amniocentesis. A sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is withdrawn through a needle inserted into the mother's uterus. This sample is then used to analyze the chromosomes of the fetus. Doctors usually perform this test in the second trimester, after 15 weeks of pregnancy. This test also carries a very low risk of miscarriage. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is an option for couples undergoing in vitro fertilization who are at increased risk of passing along certain genetic conditions. The embryo is tested for genetic abnormalities before it's implanted in the womb.

Diagnostic tests for newborns After birth, the initial diagnosis of Down syndrome is often based on the baby's appearance. But the features associated with Down syndrome can be found in babies without Down syndrome, so your health care provider will likely order a test called a chromosomal karyotype to confirm diagnosis. Using a sample of blood, this test analyzes your child's chromosomes. If there's an extra chromosome 21 in all or some cells, the diagnosis is Down syndrome.

Treatment Early intervention for infants and children with Down syndrome can make a major difference in improving their quality of life. Because each child with Down syndrome is unique, treatment will depend on individual needs. Also, different stages of life may require different services.

Team care If your child has Down syndrome, you'll likely rely on a team of specialists that can provide medical care and help him or her develop skills as fully as possible. Depending on your child's particular needs, your team may include some of these experts: Primary care pediatrician to coordinate and provide routine childhood care: Pediatric cardiologist, Pediatric gastroenterologist, Pediatric endocrinologist, Developmental pediatrician, Pediatric neurologist, Pediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, Pediatric eye doctor (ophthalmologist), Audiologist, Speech pathologist, Physical therapist, Occupational therapist You'll need to make important decisions about your child's treatment and education. Build a team of health care providers, teachers and therapists you trust. These professionals can help evaluate the resources in your area and explain state and federal programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Coping and support When you learn your child has Down syndrome, you may experience a range of emotions, including anger, fear, worry and sorrow. You may not know what to expect, and you may worry about your ability to care for a child with a disability. The best antidote for fear and worry is information and support. Consider these steps to prepare yourself and to care for your child: Ask your health care provider about early intervention programs in your area. Available in most states, these special programs offer infants and young children with Down syndrome stimulation at an early age (typically until age 3) to help develop motor, language, social and self-help skills. Learn about educational options for school. Depending on your child's needs, that may mean attending regular classes (mainstreaming), special education classes or both. With your health care team's recommendations, work with the school to understand and choose appropriate options. Seek out other families who are dealing with the same issues. Most communities have support groups for parents of children with Down syndrome. You can also find internet support groups. Family and friends can also be a source of understanding and support. Participate in social and leisure activities. Take time for family outings and look in your community for social activities such as park district programs, sports teams or ballet classes. Although some adaptations may be required, children and adults with Down syndrome can enjoy social and leisure activities. Encourage independence. Your child's abilities may be different from other children's abilities, but with your support and some practice your child may be able to perform tasks such as packing lunch, managing hygiene and dressing, and doing light cooking and laundry. Prepare for the transition to adulthood. Opportunities for living, working, and social and leisure activities can be explored before your child leaves school. Community living or group homes, and community employment, day programs or workshops after high school require some advance planning. Ask about opportunities and support in your area. Expect a bright future. Most people with Down syndrome live with their families or independently, go to mainstream schools, read and write, participate in the community, and have jobs. People with Down syndrome can live fulfilling lives.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/down-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355983

WDSD

 

Activities

Spring Activities

The weather is warming up and everything’s turning green. Shed your winter coat and get started on this list of fun ways to enjoy the spring season.

The Great Outdoors:

Plant something green

See the cherry blossoms

Have a picnic at the park

Find the first crocuses and snowdrops

Jog outside

Take a hike

Play softball

Ride a bike

 Sit outside at a café

Visit a farm to see the animals

Walk on a deserted beach

Play a round of golf

Go horseback riding

Nostalgic:

Fly a kite

Look for four-leaf clovers

Jump in puddles

Get dirt under your fingernails

 Blow bubbles

Climb a tree

 Find a playground and swing on the swings

Feed the ducks at a pond

Wade in a creek

Draw pictures on the sidewalk with chalk

Skip stones across a pond

Plan a spring break vacation

Eat and Drink:

Roast a bunch of asparagus

Steam whole artichokes and eat them leaf by leaf

Bake cupcakes with pink (or lavender or yellow or baby blue) frosting

Eat a ripe apricot

 Visit the farmers’ market and buy spinach and sugar snap peas

Pick strawberries

Eat jellybeans

 Buy a package of Peeps

Mix up a pitcher of margaritas

Just Because:

Listen to the rain

Watch bumblebees at work in a garden

Notice the trees budding

Spot a rainbow

Listen to the birds singing

Go bare-legged

Feel the sun on your face

Leave your windows open to catch a spring breeze

 Pet a bunny

See all the Oscar-winning movies

Send someone other than your mom a Mother’s Day card

Wear open-toed shoes

Buy a fun umbrella

Visit the zoo

Decorate your home with fresh tulips and daffodils

Get caught in a spring shower

https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/spring-activities

Spring

 

Cold And Hot

 

70: Bruce Willis

 

Americans Interned

130,000 American Soldiers (Men and Women) were held as Prisoners of War by either the Germans or the Japanese during World War 2 (1941-1945.)

(Americans being held by the Japanese at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Japanese-Occupied the Philippines during World War 2.)

27,000 American Soldiers were held POW by the Japanese and 103,000 American Soldiers were held POW by the Germans.

19,000 American Civilians (Men, Women and Children) were interned by either the Germans or the Japanese during World War 2 (1941-1945.)

5,000 American Civilians were interned by the Germans and 14,000 American Civilians were interned by the Japanese.

The Japanese attacked and occupied parts of the United States during the War including: parts of Alaska (1942-1943), Guam (1941-1944) and the Philippines (1941-1945.)

Both American POWs and American Civilians, Men, Women and Children were starved, beaten, tortured, experimented on, used as Sex Slaves and murdered by the Germans and the Japanese.

The US Congress passed the War Claims Act of 1948, which created a War Claims Commission (WCC) to adjudicate claims and pay out small lump-sum compensation payments from a War Claims Fund consisting of seized Japanese, German, and other Axis assets.

Payments to POWs held by either Germany or Japan were at the rate of $1 to $2.50 per day of Imprisonment.

The WCC also paid Civilian Internees of Japan $60 for each month of Internment, and Civilians were also eligible for compensation for Disability or Death.

 The War Claims Act of 1948 did not authorize compensation for Civilian Internees held by Germany.

Justice And Order

Trump and DOGE are working to destroy justice and order in the United States.

They are not working to protect justice and order in the United States.

Spring's Coming

 

25: Öresund Bridge

 

The Öresund Bridge has been connecting Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden since 2000  - 25 years now!

It is 25,738 feet long and is the 2^nd longest bridge in Europe.

Part of it is a bridge and part of it is a tunnel.

It allows both trains and personal vehicles to cross.

Cost to cross: During  Peak Hours for crossing the bridge are from 6 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm on weekdays = 65 US Dollars.  Off-Peak Hours costs $52 US Dollars.

Tuesday

 

Day After

 

Bob's Patty's Day

 

IRS Luck

 

Training

 

70: Gary Sinise

 

St. Patrick's

St. Patrick’s Day Facts:

Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dish. In 2009, roughly 26.1 billion pounds of beef and 2.3 billion pounds of cabbage were produced in the United States.

Irish soda bread gets its name and distinctive character from the use of baking soda rather than yeast as a leavening agent.

Lime green chrysanthemums are often requested for St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in the United States on March 17, 1762, when Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City. More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States. New York City and Boston are home to the largest celebrations. At the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade, participants march up 5th Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street. Each year, between 150,000 and 250,000 marchers take part in the parade, which does not allow automobiles or floats.

Places to Spend St. Patrick’s Day:  There are seven places in the United States named after the shamrock, the floral emblem of Ireland including Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia; Shamrock, Texas; Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; and Shamrock, Oklahoma. Sixteen U.S. places share the name of Ireland’s capital, Dublin. With 44,541 residents, Dublin, California, is the largest of the nice, followed by Dublin, Ohio, with 39,310. Other towns with the luck of the Irish include Emerald Isle, North Carolina and Irishtown, Illinois.

Facts about Irish Americans: There are 32.3 million U.S. residents with Irish ancestry, according to a 2016 census. This number is about seven times the population of Ireland itself. Irish is the nation’s second most frequently reported ancestry, ranking behind German. Across the country, 10.2 percent of residents lay claim to Irish ancestry. That number more than doubles to 20.2 percent in the state of Massachusetts. Irish is the most common ancestry in 54 U.S. counties, of which 44 are in the Northeast. Middlesex County in Massachusetts tops the list with 348,978 Irish Americans, followed by Norfolk County, Massachusetts, which has 203,285. Irish ranks among the top five ancestries in every state except Hawaii and New Mexico. It is the leading ancestry group in Delaware, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In 2016 there were approximately 125,840 U.S. residents who were born in Ireland.

https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/st-patricks-day-facts

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 

Working Hard

With everything that is going on take a moment to stop and think about those people who have to continue to work tirelessly all year long.

- Doctors, Nurses, Orderlies, 911 Operators, EMTs, Police, Fire.

- Those taking care of the Elderly in Nursing Homes, Respite Care, Group Homes, Individual Homes, Hospices.

- Those taking care of the Disabled in Respite Care, Institutions, Group Homes, Individual Homes.

- Soldiers that continue to fight and protect us around the globe.

- The Volunteers and Organizations that continue to care, feed and house the Homeless.

- The Food Banks that continue to feed those that are in most need.

- Humane Societies, Animal Shelters, Animal Charities and Veterinarians that continue to protect, treat, feed and care for abused and unwanted animals.

I know I am grateful for all of their hard work and dedication.

Being Green

 

Back In

 

Freezing Leprechauns

With St. Patrick's Day this Monday and the weather supposed to be cold and snowy please don't forget to check on the Leprechauns.

My house will be open as a Warming Center for any and all freezing Leprechauns. I also have enough storage for their pots of gold. Please spread the word.

My Hobbies

 

Friday

 

Father Kowalski

 

114 years ago today (March 13, 1911) Józef Kowalski was born in Siedliska, Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria, Austro-Hungarian Empire (today Poland) the seventh of nine children.

In 1922 he began his studies at the Salesian Institute of St. John Bosco in Oświęcim.

Kowalski was ordained a Catholic Priest of the Salesian Order on May 29, 1938 in Krakow.

The outbreak of World War II in 1939 found him in the Parish of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Dębniki.

The Gestapo arrested Father Kowalski on May 23, 1941, along with 11 other Salesians who worked in Kraków.

They were taken to Montelupich Prison and tortured.

Father Kowalski was sent to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp on June 26, 1941 and registered as Prisoner Number 17350.

In Auschwitz he was known as Father Jozef.

At Auschwitz he ministered secretly to his fellow Prisoners in Block 25, and attempted to strengthen their will to survive day-to-day life in the Camp.

He absolved condemned Victims, usually in secret, but at least once in front of everyone at the moment of mass execution.

At one Roll Call, he was ordered by Blockführer Gerhard Palitzsch to trample upon his rosary when he was discovered with it.

When Father Kowalski refused he was assigned to a Penal Company, a death sentence at Auschwitz. Before leaving for the Penal Company he gave other Prisoners his food.

On July 4 1942 Father Kowalski was mocked, ridiculed and severely beaten by the German Guards for being a Priest and drowned him in a barrel of feces. He was 31 years old.

Pope John Paul II had known Father Kowalski personally before the War, when Kowalski lived and served with the Parish of St. Stanisław Kostka in Dębniki, Kraków.

During one of his return visits to Poland, John Paul II beatified Father Kowalski in Warsaw at a ceremonial three-hour mass of June 13, 1999, attended by President Aleksander Kwasniewski,  in front of 600,000 people.

György Kun

 

The last surviving Boy of Mengele’s Twin Medical Experiments at the Auschwitz Death Camp has died.

György Kun died on February 5, 2025 (but his death was announced this week.)

Kun was born on January 23, 1934 in Vállaj, Hungary to Márton Kuhn, a Farm Manager, and his wife Piroska.

His Brother, Istvan, was born 11 months later.

In 1938 Regent Admiral Miklós Horthy created Hungary’s Version of the German Nurenberg Laws which restricted Jewish Life throughout the country.

On March 19, 1944 the Germans invaded Hungary and György Kun and his Family were sent to a Ghetto.

In May 1944 the Germans deported György Kun and his Family to the Auschwitz Death Camp in German-Occupied Poland.

Upon Arrival at Auschwitz György, Istvan and their Mother stood in front of Dr. Josef Mengele who asked their Mother (in German  - which she didn’t understand) if his Children were Twins. Their Mother replied they were.

György and Istvan went into the Camp and their Mother was sent to the Gas Chamber and murdered.

Upon being registered it was discoverd that György and Istvan weren’t Twins since they had different Birth Dates – which would have sent the Boys immediately to the Gas Chambers.

Ernő (Zvi) Spiegel who, with his twin Magda, had been the oldest of the twins deported to Auschwitz and who, for whatever reason, had been appointed “Zwillingevater,” (“Twins’ Father”) to look after the 80 Twin Boys changed the different dates to the same Birthday making them Twins.

It is not known what Medical Experiments Mengele performed on György and Istvan, but both Brothers survived the Liberation of Auschwitz in January 1945 and went back to Hungary where they found their Father had also survived.

Istvan fled Communist Hungary for the United States when the Soviets invaded in 1956. He died 4 years later.

In 1960 György married Agnes and settled in Budapest. They had a Daughter, Andrea.

 

K9 Veteran Day

The US Military has used Dogs to help their Soldiers.

From being trained in combat, to their use as the Scouts, Sentries, Messengers, Mercy Dogs, Bomb Sniffers and Trackers, their uses have been varied.

The US used 10,000 Military Dogs during World War 2 (1941-1945.) 1,800 of those Military Dogs went to Combat Overseas.

The US used 1,500 Military Dogs during the Korean War (1950-1953.)

The US used 4,500 Military Dogs during the Vietnam War (1965-1973.) 200 of them survived the War and returned to the US.

It is only since the 1980s that Military Dogs were brought home from War (before most were euthanized Overseas when they were no longer needed.)

Today the US Military uses 1,600 Military Dogs.

Leprechaun Elves

 Leprechauns are just Santa's Elves that got fired for drinking Alcohol instead of Hot Chocolate on the job.

Purim

Purim 101

Purim is a joyous holiday that celebrates the saving of the Jews from a threatened massacre in ancient Persia. Purim , or the Feast of Lots, is a joyous holiday that recounts the saving of the Jews from a threatened massacre during the Persian period (539-330 BCE). The story of Purim is recounted in the Book of Esther, whose eponymous heroine plays the leading role in saving her people. The holiday is traditionally celebrated with wild abandon and with the giving of gifts to friends and the poor.

Purim History While the origins of Purim appear clear from the Book of Esther, historians have looked in vain for any sort of extra-biblical corroboration of the events of the story. Be that as it may, it is a tale that purports to take place during a time when many Jews were living in Persia. A young Jewish woman, Esther, rises to be Queen of Persia under the tutelage of her guardian Mordecai. All, however, is not right. The Jews have enemies, and a certain Haman, the grand vizier, plots the Jews’ destruction. Even though Esther has hidden her Jewish identity from all, Mordecai prevails on her to risk her life by revealing her true identity to the king. She does this and denounces the evil Haman’s plot. At the end of the story, the Jews are able to turn the tables on their enemies, who are then punished in place of the intended victims. This story is one of the most beloved in the Jewish community, because of the hope that it gives a minority living in an oftentimes hostile majority culture. In Masekhet Megillah (scroll), the Talmudic tractate devoted to Purim observances, Rabbi Akiva declares the Book of Esther to be divinely inspired. Some commentators believe this eventually led to the inclusion of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, despite the omission of God from the book. The Greek versions of Esther contain a number of additions–including God’s name–not found in the Hebrew story.

Purim at Home In distinction to various other holidays, such as Pesach (Passover), Purim is the quintessential community holiday. Nonetheless, there are a number of activities that are centered in the home. One of the favorite activities in preparation for the holiday is the baking of hamantaschen, the triangular filled pastries that are the traditional food at Purim time. In addition, following the commandment to give gifts to friends and the poor, the preparation of so-called mishloah manot baskets is a fun activity to engage in, as is their distribution on the holiday. The centerpiece of Purim’s home celebration is the seudah, a festive meal accompanied by alcoholic beverages.

Celebrating Purim in the Community Purim is a community holiday of joyful celebration. The centerpiece of the communal celebration is the reading of the Scroll of Esther, the Megillah, in the synagogue. This is a raucous affair, with whoops, hollers, and noise being made every time that Haman’s name is mentioned, so no one can hear the name of this horrible evildoer. Another tradition is the Purim shpiel, the Purim play, during which fun is poked at community leaders and members. Purim has often been called the Jewish carnival, and dressing in costume and taking part in a Purim carnival heighten the levity of the day, on which one is encouraged to engage in activities that at other times of the year would be somewhat more restricted in scope, such as drinking.

Purim Themes and Theology The overriding theme of Purim is the saving of the Jews from a mortal threat. Even though God is not mentioned at all in the Book of Esther, from a Jewish perspective, God is the one who is pulling the strings of redemption behind the scenes. The holiday of Purim has become one of the best-loved holidays of the Jewish year. The reasons for this are easy to see. It is a joyous holiday on which everyone just lets go. Most significant, however, is the paradigmatic nature of the story of Purim. It is not difficult to see how a story in which a small and threatened Jewish community in exile is able to triumph over its foes would prove to be a powerful image for a Diaspora community faced over the centuries with threats from many different sources. The story of Purim, however, holds out the hope that no matter how bad the circumstances, things will turn out well in the end.

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/purim-101/

Happy Purim!

 

337 Drones

Ukraine launched 337 Drones on Russia – the largest attack.

(A  damaged apartment building in Ramenskoe District, Moscow, Russia in March 2025.)

Whereas Ukraine is regularly hit by Russia using 100-200 cheap Shaded Drones (from Iran) and have no navigation system so they land and explode anywhere – including inside Russia – Ukrainian Drones are higher grade and use the latest technology to get around Russian radar, avoid its surface-to-air missiles, and fly on to targets accurately by navigating themselves.

This includes Ukraine’s homegrown Palianytsia “missile-drone” which carries a 50kg warhead and can fly 600 miles at about 800mph.

Russia bombing Kyiv, Ukraine is like Nazi Germany bombing London, England during World war 2.

Ukraine bombing Moscow, Russia is like the British bombing Berlin, Germany during World War 2.

Real State

The DOGE cuts continue so more Government Services will end or be impacted.

Trump's Tariffs continue so Ordinary Americans can expect to pay at least $1,200 more on groceries, gas, etc. this year.

Every Color

 

April 11th Deadline

Starting on April 11, 2025 Foreign Citizens (including Canadians) 14 years and older who stay in the United States for more than 30 days at a time will have to create an Online Account with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, make an appointment and then go in to give their fingerprints and other requirements taken.

They will then have to carry their documents with them at all times in case they are randomly stopped anywhere across the United States.

This includes the 1 Million Canadian Snowbirds (who enter the United States and stay for up to 6 months during Winter.)

While Other Nationalities coming to the US without needing an American Visa can stay in the country for up to 90 days and have to register with Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA and pay $21 before they travel to the US and then are fingerprinted at the US Land, Sea and Air Borders under the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology or US-VISIT Canadian Citizens, who have never been required a Visa to enter the United States for up to 6 months, also do not have to get an ESTA or do US-VISIT.

Those that do not have to register under this new rule are: US Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders), Nonimmigrants issued a Paper or Electronic I-94 or I-94W, those issued with either an American Immigrant or Nonimmigrant Visa.

Ukraine Agrees

 

After Zelenskyy agreed to a 30 Day Ceasefire with Russia today the United States started to share Intelligence Information and Security Assistance with them once again.

The United States will now have to convince Putin to the Ceasefire for Russia.

 

Southwest's Bags

From Yahoo/Business Insider:

“Southwest will charge for bags for the first time, months after saying it wouldn't”

Southwest Airlines is set to charge passengers to check bags for the first time. The new policy takes effect from May 28 and is the latest fundraising move from the airline. As recently as September, the airline said it wouldn't make customers pay for checked bags. Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday that it would start charging passengers to check bags for the first time. The offer of checking two bags for free has long been a popular foundation for the airline. "Two bags fly free" is listed as a registered trademark on Southwest's website. But from May 28, passengers who aren't part of a loyalty program or traveling on its most expensive fare, Business Select, will have to pay to check a bag. Frequent flyers with "A-List Preferred" status will still get two bags, while A-List level members and Southwest credit card holders will get one free checked bag. The airline said the move was intended to "deepen and reward loyalty" for its "most engaged customers." It added that it would also introduce a basic economy fare, with additional options for assigned seating and extra legroom. Charging for luggage is the latest move in the budget carrier's shake-up of its business model — as it has faced pressure from the activist investing firm Elliott Management. Just six months ago, the airline said it wouldn't start charging for bags.

In July, Southwest ended its long-standing open-seating model, which allowed passengers to choose their seats upon boarding. It also announced plans to let customers pay for seats with extra legroom. But "two bags fly free" appeared to be an untouchable perk. In an earnings call the same month, CEO Bob Jordan told analysts the airline wasn't planning "at this point" to start charging for checked bags. "After fare and schedule, bags fly free is cited as the No. 1 issue in terms of why customers choose Southwest," he added. The airline also stood firm on the policy as it outlined a three-year plan in September. It said research showed the policy set Southwest apart from its competition, and removing it would reduce demand and "far outweigh any revenue gains created by imposing and collecting bag fees." Like its previous moves, introducing checked bag fees brings Southwest in line with its competitors. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, US airlines made $5.5 billion from baggage fees in the first three quarters of 2024.

^ Now I don’t see any real reason to fly Southwest. ^

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/southwest-charge-bags-first-time-111502476.html

Melt

 

Moscow Bombed

 

1 person was killed and 3 injured in Moscow, Russia today when 73 Drones were launched at the city.

Each drone is finally breaking the Russians’ Bubble of the War in Ukraine and what Russia and Putin are doing there.

Today seems to be retaliation (although there have been no official response from Ukraine) for Russia’s sending 264 Drones to Ukraine in the past 48 hours that killed 24 people.

Picture: An apartment in Moscow, Russia after a drone hit it.

Oregon Trail

 

Remember playing "Oregon Trail" at school and including the teachers and students you didn't like in your wagon and hoping they got a broken arm, a snake bite or died of dysentery? Simpler times

Arsenal Cuts

The Watervliet Arsenal in New York is planned to lose 40% of its workforce under Trump, Musk and DOGE.

Founded in 1813 it is the oldest continuously active Arsenal in the United States, and today produces much of the artillery for the Army, as well as gun tubes for cannons, mortars, and tanks.

Feeds His Soul

 

Soldiers Speak

From Yahoo:

“US Military Members Are Getting Honest About Donald Trump — Here's What They Had To Say”

Recently, Redditor u/androgynee asked active and reserve US military members to share their thoughts on the Trump administration and the general consensus among their colleagues. Amid Veterans Affairs layoffs and jeopardizing America's relationship with long-standing allies like Canada, here's how veterans and US military members are responding:

1."I'm active duty. My spouse knows and understands that I'd go to prison before supporting any military action against our allies. And even if the US President claims Canada is no longer our ally, it doesn't change the decades of history and friendship that say otherwise. I'm not alone in this thinking, either."

2."I'm 10 years in, some active, now reserve. I've avoided discussing Trump directly at drills. The only consensus reached was, 'This is wild.' I'll be getting out as soon as possible."

3."I'm American, and it's heartbreaking. I've never felt such unease in my life. I feel the need to watch what I say at work since I'm surrounded by MAGAs. The network of friends I've built around the world is concerned, too. My parents are seriously looking to move out of the country, while other relatives are laughing at our concern and denying anything negative about our sitting president. It feels like being in an abusive relationship where you're constantly gaslit and need to walk on eggshells. I've been in relationships like that before, and this is one that I can't afford to simply walk away from."

4."I was active for 25 years (Clinton to Biden), and I really don't think people understand how apolitical we really are. The vast majority of us look at conflicts the same way firefighters look at a fire. We didn't choose the fire to be there, but here we are putting it out. That said, we really are the best microcosm of America you'll find. Pick any town in America, and you'll find a veteran. We're not the sheep some people imagine us to be — we take oaths to the Constitution and are trained in laws of armed conflict and rules of engagement. Like, if we hosed a protester down with a chemical like the police do, that'd be called a war crime. It's a totally different culture. Currently, I think you'll find a lot of people researching what constitutes a legal order, and I think they're worried about their benefits. But I don't see a country-invading-country situation."

5."Sadly, many active US military are 18–19-year-olds who don't have opinions about the current situation."

6."I'm active and don't agree with any of this. I didn't vote for Trump, but I've never gotten to choose my bosses anyway. Politics aside, completely forgetting our allies' help after 9/11 and the lives they lost is completely unforgivable. They died for our war on terrorism. I'm glad the majority of WWII veterans are gone because I would NEVER want them to see what this country is doing and how their sacrifices and PTSD meant nothing to a draft dodger, a Nazi, and a boot-licker."

7."I made an oath to defend the Constitution against all threats, both foreign and domestic."

8."I served beside 3PPCLI soldiers in Afghanistan. A Canadian friend I made was killed on that deployment. Our allies are literally brothers in blood. It's physically sickening to see this man stirring shit up between us."

9."I was listening to a veteran at lunch today talk about the VA layoffs. He doesn't strike me as especially enamored with Trump, but he was also completely ambivalent about the layoffs because, as he put it, the VA is already so poorly run that you'd hardly be able to tell there was any deterioration in services.

10."I'm a former Army reserve. I would never enlist or encourage my kids to enlist after seeing all this idiocy from the current administration."

11."I'm 12 years in active duty. I'm straight-up not having a good time. I don't see why we're poking and prodding our allies (among other concerns). I'm currently working with said-allies in Germany, and I've very concerned about my future in my current role."

12."I'm currently on active duty. I'm concerned for my fellows in arms and myself. I would never wish harm on my neighbors from the North or my compadres from the South, and I do not share the same sentiment with many people I work with. It disgusts me that my compatriots are willingly supporting the shenanigans afoot in DC. I am sincerely worried about my future. I'm supposed to retire in 2027, but I'm worried that may not happen. I will not betray my country, but I may betray certain orders should push come to shove. There are lines I will NOT cross!"

13."Active duty coast guard here. Most of us are pumped — we're excited to be doing counter-drug and counter-migrant missions. Too many people won't admit it, but the silent majority is excited to have a president who seems to put America first. We had the opportunity to talk to Harris for Christmas, but nobody wanted to. Everyone wanted to meet Trump. Like I said, though, it's a silent majority. People demonize the right, so everyone mostly just keeps quiet. It's all doom and gloom from, like, four people I work with, but the rest of my colleagues love that we're getting rid of the DEI BS and moving on to actual work."

14."I'm active. I think the vibe is the same as the general population: some are very concerned while others have blindly bought into Trump's BS (again)."

15."I don't respect a leader who doesn't respect his veterans."

16."I've been an active military member for the past 20+ years (and counting). I voted for Trump in 2016, and while I didn't approve of everything he did, I generally approved of his first term, except for his handling of COVID-19. I didn't vote for him in 2024, but between the two candidates, I preferred him to win. The government is too big and spends too much, and a person who has a bone to pick with the government is generally the best suited to reduce the size of it. That said, he is uncouth, sometimes obnoxious, and appears to be destroying our relations with foreign allies."

17."I'm worried that I'm going to die on a beach somewhere in the Pacific because our leadership doesn't see the value in upholding our alliances."

18."I was once ridiculed for mentioning the fact that I'm a Cold War veteran who detests Trump. I think Trump is a traitor and a Russian asset. When we vote alongside Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Iran on a UN resolution to call out Russia as an aggressor, there seems to be no further proof that the US is compromised. I am disgusted by the traitors who wrap themselves in the American flag yet support Putin and fascism. To me, MAGA is a collection of propaganda-consuming traitors."

19."There are a few hardcore Trumpers in my unit, and I can't stand working with them. The amount of bullshit they spew is ridiculous. I tried doing research to battle their stupidity, but it was no use. I'm just waiting for shit to fully hit the fan."

20."I retired last summer after 20 years. I was disgusted by the amount of mindless support among my peers. I swore to defend and uphold the Constitution, not declare loyalty to a king. I don't know what these other guys saw in Trump or what they thought their service meant, but I'm now questioning what I spent the last 20 years defending because it sure as hell wasn't this."

21."I've done 10 years of active and reserve. Seeing what this country has done...it was a total waste of time."

22."I'm active. Both my dad and grandpa fought for decades against the dictatorship in the country they came from. Watching Americans throw away all of their freedoms and futures in the trash just to make their neighbors' lives more miserable is disappointing. Ultimately, when a dictator takes power, they end up even purging or imprisoning members of their own party in order to consolidate power entirely. These people are chiefly animated by hate, jealously, and entitlement. They want to be part of the 'winning group' and benefit from the suffering of their fellow citizens."

23."Navy Seal here. I've never seen a bigger clown president than Trump."

24.Lastly: "I'm active. I hate what is going on, and I'm severely disappointed in my fellow service members and veterans who fully support Trump. He is destroying our relationship with our allies, their governments, and their citizens, and he's making a mockery of our Constitution. I'm ashamed to be overseas right now. My biggest worry is what will happen to my family if I'm ever given an unlawful order I refuse to follow."

^ It is refreshing to see so many agree with me.. ^

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-military-members-getting-honest-224003308.html

Harriet Tubman Day

 

Today (March 10th) is Harriet Tubman Day.

It was first proclaimed at the Federal Level in 1990, in Maryland (where she was born a Slave  - in 2000) and in New York (where she lived the last years of her life – in 2003.) March 10th was chosen because that was when she died – there are no accurate records of when she was born.

Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross c. 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an American Abolitionist, Humanitarian, and an Armed Scout and Spy for the United States Army during the American Civil War (she was the first Woman to lead an Armed Expedition in the War, she guided the Raid at Combahee Ferry, South Carolina - which liberated more than 700 Slaves.)

Born into Slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made 13 missions to rescue 70 enslaved Families and Friends, using the network of Antislavery Activists and Safe Houses known as the Underground Railroad. She later helped Abolitionist John Brown to recruit men for his raid on the Harpers Ferry.

 In the Post-War era she was an active participant in the struggle for Women's Suffrage.

In 1844, she married a Free Black Man named John Tubman and changed her name to Harriet. Laws at the time said that any Children the couple had would be considered Slaves as it was “passed down” from the Mother’s side so she decided not to have any Children until they could be free.

In 1849 she fled the South and Slavery for the North. According to the Federal Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 she was still considered the property of her Slave Owners even in the North where Slavery was illegal.

Despite Slavecatchers and huge bounties on her head she was never caught. Because of her work in the Underground Railroad and the fact that her Husband was a Free Man and she was a Slave they never had any Children and divorced in 1851.

She only became a Free Woman in 1862 after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – as she was still considered, under the Law, to be a Fugitive Slave until then.

After the War she went to her home in Auburn, New York (which she had received in 1859 and officially purchased as a Free Woman in 1862), took care of her aging Parents and became involved in the Fight for Women’s Suffrage.

She married Nelson Davis (an Escaped Slave from North Carolina and now Free Man who had fought for the Union during the Civil War – in the 8th United States Colored Infantry Regiment) in 1869 and they remained together until his death in 1883. They had no Children together, but did adopt Gertie Davis in 1874.

She received no US or State Veteran Benefits for her service during the Civil War and only received a Pension because of her Husband’s Military Service after the Dependent and Disability Pension Act of 1890 was passed (7 years after her Husband’s Death and 25 years after the Civil War had ended.)

 In 1899, Congress passed and President William McKinley signed H.R. 4982, which approved $20 per month (the $8 from her Widow's Pension plus $12 for her service as a Nurse), but did not acknowledge her as a Scout and Spy.

In 1908 she opened the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged for “aged and indigent colored people".

 In 1911, after seizures and brain surgery she moved into the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged where she died of Pneumonia on March 10, 1913 around 90 years old. Tubman was buried with Semi-Military Honors at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, New York.

I got my first book about Harriet Tubman at Waldenbooks when I was 8 years old - I still have it in my Library.

 

Shutdown Coming

The Republicans have until this Friday (March 14, 2025) to fund the Federal Government otherwise there will be a Government Shutdown.

Since the Republican Congressmen/women have been so silent while Trump, Musk and DOGE destroy the Federal Government from the inside I don’t hold out any hope that they will do anything to fund it from the outside.

Since the Republicans control the House, the Senate and the Presidency this is solely on them.

Canada's Commonwealth

Canada In Commonwealth

Today is Commonwealth Day.

Out of the 56 Members of the Commonwealth of Nations there are 15 Commonwealth Realms.

Each Realm has its own Monarchy (ie the King of Australia, the King of Canada, etc.)

Example for Canada:

The French Monarchy ruled parts of Canada from 1534 to1763.

The British Monarchy ruled parts of Canada from 1497 to 1763 and then all of Canada from 1763-1982.

The Canadian Monarchy (also called the Maple Crown) was established in 1953 and ruled alongside the British Monarchy until 1982 when the Canadian Monarchy became the sole Monarchy over Canada.

Canadian Citizenship:

Canadian Citizenship wasn’t created until 1946.

From 1633-1763: Those living in the Colony of New France (Quebec) were “French Citizens.” They later automatically became “British Subjects.”

From 1583-1867: Those living in the Colony of British North America (Canada) were “British Subjects”, but not British Citizens.

From 1867- 1914: The British North American Act made those living in Canada “British Subjects with a Connection to the Dominion of Canada.”)

From 1876-2013: The 1876 Indian Act made Indians living in Canada “Wards of the State” subjected to the Federal Government and not the Provinces or Territories. The Federal Government had direct say over what they could and could not do.

It also created a separate “Status Indians” (those who lived on Reservations and are on the Indian Register) and “Non-Status Indians” (those not living on Reservations, not on the Indian Register and neither considered Indians nor Canadians.) Non-Status Indians was done away with in 2013.

From 1914-1946: Those living in Canada became “British Subjects and Canadian Nationals.” The order is important to note.

From 1946-1982: Those living in Canada became “Canadian Citizens and British Subjects.”

From 1946-1967: Any Canadian Citizen living outside of Canada for 10 years or longer or who acquired Citizenship of another country automatically lost their Canadian Citizenship.

From 1960-1982: Status Indians could also become “Canadian Citizens and British Subjects” if they applied for. It.

From 1976- Present Day: Dual Citizenship is officially allowed in Canada.

From 1982-Present Day: Canadians are known as Canadian Citizens as well as Commonwealth Citizens.

From 2009- Present Day: Re-instated Canadian Citizenship to those that had automatically lost it between 1946-1976 if they apply for it. Limited Citizenship to the Second Generation born outside of Canada.

In 2014: Gave Canadian Citizenship to “The Lost Canadians” (Those that should have received Canadian Citizenship since 1946, but were denied it by the Canadian Government despite their undeniable ties to Canada.)

2024: Limited Canadian Citizenship to the Second Generation born outside Canada is deemed Unconstitutional by the Canadian Supreme Court.

Personal:

I am a Dual American Citizen and, since 2009, a Canadian Citizen (as well as a Commonwealth Citizen through Canada.)

I am considered a Natural Born Canadian (not Naturalized) and a Natural-Born American (not Naturalized.)

Canadian Monarchy:

Queen Elizabeth II was the last British Monarch of Canada (from 1952 until 1953) and the First Canadian Monarch and the First Canadian Queen from 1953-2022.

Technically she should be known as Queen Elizabeth I in Canada (since we never had one before her.)

King Charles III is the 2nd Canadian Monarch and the First Canadian King.

Technically he should be known as King Charles I in Canada (since we never had one before him.)

Patriation:

Canada has only been independent since March 29, 1982 (Patriation.)

 Before 1982 every Canadian Law was made by the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa then had to be approved by the British Parliament in London, signed by the British Monarch in London and then sent back to the Canadian Parliament where it was signed by the Canadian Monarch (from 1953-1982.)

Since 1982, the Canadian Parliament makes its own laws and the Canadian Monarch signs them.

 Succession:

Unlike, the British Monarchy – which is Hereditary – the Canadian Monarchy is not. The Canadian Monarch is regulated by the Succession to the Throne Act of 2013.)

Like the British Monarchy (and the Monarchies of the 13 other Commonwealth Realms) the Canadian Monarch has to be a Protestant (there is no Separation of Church and State – the State is the Church.)

Commonwealth Citizen:

Every Citizen of a Commonwealth Member State is a Commonwealth Citizen, but the Citizens of the 15 Commonwealth Realms have more rights and privileges when visiting another Commonwealth Member Country.

Ie. A Canadian Citizen is also a Commonwealth Citizen.

The Commonwealth Realms: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and the United Kingdom.