Yes, we all know what today is, don't we?
I certainly don't need to write a post to state the obvious, but here goes. I want to wish you all a very special Extraterrestrial Abductions Day (which, of course, always lands on March 20th).
According to tradition, this is the day we keep one eye on the sky and be ready to duck, dodge, and to hide. Yes, UFO's may be everywhere, looking to abduct humans.
You can celebrate today by reading and watching science fiction stories about UFOs and Extraterrestrials. Or, we all know that one sure way to be abducted is to pile into your pick-up truck loaded with really cheap, warm beer and head to the back roads of America's South. Good luck.
From Hugh MacLeod's collection at gapingvoid.com
Okay, I've just notice on my calendar that today is also something called International Earth Day (always on Vernal Equinox). This day is also called Sun-Earth Day.
International Earth Day was initiated to make earth inhabitants aware of their responsibility to care for the planet. This care includes environmental and natural resources. International Earth Day was founded by John McConnell, of Davis City, Iowa. In September, 1969, he proposed the establishment of Earth Day to the San Francisco, California Board of Supervisors. After approval, he gained support from many others, including then UN General Secretary, U Thant.
So, in addition to Extraterrestrial Abductions Day, March 20, 2010, is also special because it's the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere
What Happens at the Equinox?
At precisely 1:32 P.M. EDT (March 20, 17:32 Universal Time), the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. For the Southern Hemisphere, this is the moment of the autumnal equinox.
Equinox Means "Equal Night"
Modern astronomy aside, people have recognized the vernal equinox for thousands of years. There is no shortage of rituals and traditions surrounding the coming of spring. Many early peoples celebrated for:
* their food supplies would soon be restored.
* The date is significant in Christianity because Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
* It is also probably no coincidence that early Egyptians built the Great Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising Sun on the day of the vernal equinox.
* Stonehenge becomes especially crowded this day.
Oh, if you're interested in building your own Stonehenge, go to:
http://www.christiaan.com/stonehenge/index.php?pg=stonehenge-build-your-own-stonehenge
Finally, if you're looking for an event to go to in the States, head to Kinnickinnic, Milwaukee, WI for the 21ST BLESSING OF THE BOCK.
DETAILS: Hosted by "Suds, Wine & Spirits" newspaper, this is a "Bock-only" Brew fest. Hey Folks, it's time to "Get Blessed," Preserving an Eastern European Tradition
MUSIC: Featuring live Polka music by the Squeezettes & The Brewhaus Polka Kings (I kid you not).
BENEFICIARIES: Proceeds go to the Museum of Beer & Brewing (www.brewingmuseum.org) & Riverwest Food Pantry
I'll conclude this little rant with an invitation to find your favorite Spring Beer,
head outside to enjoy the vernal equinox, and keep a lookout for E.T.s. Oh, and if you are abducted, please take copious notes so you can post about your trip!Sir Bowie of "who the... what the... where the hell did you come from... get your suction cup digits off of me... Like hell you're going to stick that up..." formerly of Greenbriar
Dear Mr. Alien Abductor I demand you keep your "hands" or hands-like protuberances off of my vernal equinox.
ReplyDeletepassed up the Blue Moon Spring for another choice as we shopped for the makings for:
ReplyDeletefirst cookout of Spring!
Sir B is making Biff Burger sauce for hot dogs and burgers, as I make
Grandma's mac-n-cheese recipe
and other summerlike foods -
if you're within smelling distance - y'all come!
Thank God for sunshine and the squeals of children playing; even the sounds of lawn mowers as everyone in the neighborhood is outside : )
Lady Suz,
who is remembering past Spring Breaks in Florida and thinking about grandparents and parents and times together
Heh greatly amusing there Big Guy..:))
ReplyDeletehell you know that them there pesky aliens aren't gonna come in silver UFO's .... they'll be clever enough to have cast out virus's into space that travel across eons of galaxies and fall to earth with all the other unseen neutrons...and will now be lying dormant in our DNA :)) ready to attack at a set time..:)) ...
there,..... you feel a whole lot better now... eh?....
Big Yay for the Spring Equinox...i'll drink to that...
and Bowie...seeing as you are keeper of the KMSA site....
....I am lobbying for a Lady Suzzzz Day to be put in our Festive list on the 22nd of March...for her birthday..and while you are at it...put one in for Lady Aileen... on the 13 December too...
Not least because they put up with soooo much from you guys.:)
Sir D ( who is always thinking of the Ladies ) of O
From the great state of Georgia, home of Hogzilla, Sasquatch sightings and strange-looking little banjo pickers, we say to the aliens, "Come on down, ya'll fit right in!"
ReplyDeleteSir Lance, whose baby sister will be 51 tomorrow.
whoa! make that Monday for baby sis.
ReplyDelete...lol...and Lady A's is 31st of December...
ReplyDeleteSir D ( Numberjack I ain't ) of O
I was abducted last night in Viera, Florida by a pack of thirsty Irish aliens! Found my new favorite Spring Beer at the wedding reception, Samuel Adams Pils. Of course, I also found 4 shots of Tequila, 2 shots of Scotch and a Dirty Gin/Vodka Martini. I could have sworn I saw that strange little banjo picker in the corner!
ReplyDeleteFive hours later, reading this blog and getting ready to drive Sir Ryan back to the Orlando airport and then on to brunch before we send my niece and her new husband off on a cruise.
Bring on the Druids...it's time to Party...AGAIN!
Oh, and Sir D...you're such a suck up! LOL! Birthdays are now added.
Sir Hook the HUNGover of Warrick!
I picked up Samuel Adams Noble Pils instead of the Blue Moon Spring (just wasn't in the mood for a "hint of lime.")
ReplyDeleteSafe travels to all.
Sir Bowie