Author: S.Z. Estavillo
Celebrating 238 Years of Independence
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of America’s independence, it was John Adam’s attempt to actually make July 2nd the day to celebrate America’s independence from Britain. That was the actual date in 1776 that the Second Constitutional Congress voted to declare its intentions. The Revolutionary War officially ended on July 4, 1783, and it wasn’t until 1938 that the Fourth was declared the actual federal holiday. Ironically John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe all died on the 4th of July, making the day even more memorable.
Another fact that most do not know is that the United States is not alone in celebrating the 4th. Because so many Europeans immigrated to the United States in the 1900s Denmark, Norway, Sweden and, interestingly, even England all celebrate the Fourth of July. The first barbecue grill also made its way to American backyards in the 1950s, thanks to Chicago native Don McGlaughlin. Most American’s will congregate around the grill this weekend and, of course, watching fireworks. Contrary to what some believe, Americans were not the first to invent the barbecue. Anthropologists say that mastering the fire during our primitive years is precisely what today draws man to grill outdoors over flame. Read the rest of this entry »
Put Down the Magnifying Glass & Pick Up a Mirror
There is never a better chance to truly understand yourself than when you are being ultra-critical about someone else. Both joy and anger are two emotions that can be easily impacted for better or worse. Think about it. Have you ever been elated at having such a marvelous day that you tell yourself there is absolutely nothing that can ruin your mood? Or, conversely, you are having the worst day of your life. You are so angry, there is nothing on earth that can take away the wrath you feel in your heart.
What if on your happiest day you receive news that a friend you lent your brand new car to was in an accident? Or you come home and find out you’ve been robbed? Your home and possession are not insured, so although you file a police report you cannot salvage the loss. Read the rest of this entry »
Are You Quirky? Don’t Fight it. Flaunt it!
According to the Cambridge online dictionary, the English definition of “quirk” noun [C] /kwɜrk/ › is an unusual habit or type of behavior, or something that is strange and unexpected:
a personality quirk
It’s just one of the quirks of living there.
quirky /ˈkwɜr·ki/ adjective [-er/-est only]
› a quirky, offbeat sense of humor
According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary quirky <adjective › means different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion.
While there are many, many ordinary individuals on this planet there are quite a few with idiosyncrasies, and let’s just say these extraordinary individuals might be considered, well, peculiar. Google breaks down idiosyncrasy and its origin best: Early 17th century (originally in the sense ‘physical constitution peculiar to an individual’): from Greek idiosunkrasia, from idios ‘own, private’ + sun ‘with’ + krasis ‘mixture.’ Read the rest of this entry »
Rising Debt: Are You Trying to Keep Up with the Joneses?
Ever check out the U.S. debt clock? The national debt continues to rise and rise with each passing second. Trust me, I bet you’ll find it more frightening than your favorite horror movie. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s Not a Matter of IF, But WHEN
Anytime we are told to wait for something we truly anticipate, you want to throw out the window any ounce of patience you have left. Especially in today’s 21st Century, as quick turn-around times for just about anything is an expectation that most of us now have. Remember books, like real books and not e-books?
Remember something called an encyclopedia? Recall homework, pre-Internet, where our elementary or middle school teachers assigned reports we had to write? We were instructed to use the encyclopedia provided to us by the school library. It was a time consuming process. We had to ensure that we had an updated library card, check the book or books out on the given subject and then research further to start putting together our notes for the topical report or essay. Now, we can search the web for nearly everything in an instant. Researching topics have never been easier, as we are in the information and technology age where our gadgets are faster and smaller. It’s also become more challenging to weed through fact or fiction. Read the rest of this entry »
Writing With Hope 