Day 2 - 334 -- A Day of Many Meanings

Today marked many events - past, present and on-going. Sixty years ago today Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a standing white man in Montgomery, Alabama. That was one of several turning points that started the movement towards equity. Giving Tuesday is today, the day that tries to bring some sanity back after the over-the-top commercialism of Red Thursday, Black Friday through to Cyber Monday. This refocus on the world around us encourages us all to give to others by donating time, skills or funds -- a type of pay it forward day. Today is also World AIDS Day -- a day to focus on the ongoing programs to reduce further infections and treat all infected people. In some parts of the world, this infection has become a type of 'chronic' disease, whereas in other parts of the world, drugs to manage the disease are not easily accessible. Each of these three issues requires our attention to move the level of equality and equity to more acceptable levels globally.

On a more local note, it seems that the holiday season is upon us. Last week the tree lighting ceremonies for the campus and the town occurred. On Sunday the annual parade heralded the arrival of Santa Claus, though sadly his work location is still at the mall. Other events are beginning to fill up the calendar with holiday celebrations. Most of these involve food, family and friends, which is closer to the meaning of the season to many. It is a time to give of oneself to help others and take time to ponder the concept of peace and one's personal role in that process. 

The song that I chose to share today deals with the arrival of the holiday season. The mythology of Santa Claus, and several other figures from different cultures, began as a being who provided modest gifts to children. This changed with the commercialization of Christmas to the point that the figure we now recognize as Santa is from an early marketing campaign for a soft drink. Don't get me wrong, I do like the season, just not the over-consumption. The singers of this song provide wonderful harmonies and have fun doing so. Watch the little girl in the video -- she, too, is having a great time <smile>. Enjoy! 

The Old Man's Back in Town -- Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, & Kenny Rogers