Friday, November 16, 2007

Schadenfreude

For the first time in my life I truly understand the emotional meaning of schadenfreude. O.J. Simpson held over for trial in Nevada, facing life in prison; and Barry Bonds finally indicted, facing thirty years (although most people concede it will only be a couple of years at most).

I'm not exactly happy, but I sure am smug.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Veteran's Day

Today was Veteran's Day. Thank you to all the veterans out there.

What some of you may not know, is that originally today's holiday was called Armistice Day. It marked the official end of combat in World War I. Because communication was so much less sophisticated back then, they had to set a time in the future to cease hostilities to ensure that everyone got the word. So the ceasefire was set for the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was changed to Veteran's Day to celebrate all of our veterans in 1952.

It's still celebrated as Armistice Day in France and Belgium.

It's a completely different holiday in other parts of Europe, including Germany, the Netherlands and Austria. It's St. Martin's Day, and celebrates a Catholic saint. (fittingly enough, he was once a Roman soldier)

In most of the Commonwealth (Including the UK, Canada and Australia) it's celebrated as Rememberance Day.