World AIDS Day of 2009

For 21 years, the World AIDS Campaign has worked tirelessly with countries from all parts of the globe to urge government bodies everywhere to stop the increasing number of AIDS outbreaks. As part of their endless campaigning, they have chosen December 1^st as World AIDS Day.

Thanks in part to this organization's help, the rate of HIV infections has been lowered by approximately 17% over the last decade. Besides trying to save people's lives, the World AIDS Campaign is devoted to halting laws that discriminate against people who have contracted HIV and AIDS.

This year's theme is called I Am - Universal Access and Human Rights. According to the World AIDS Campaign, sometimes people do not understand this disease from a human rights perspective, so the organization's top priority in 2009 is to spread the word about human rights awareness.

There are several ways you can help the 33.4 million people around the world who are burdened with this life taking disease. First, you can put on a red ribbon in order to remind people that their support is needed for eradicating AIDS. And of course, there are quite a few money-raising organizations that will accept your financial donations to be used for further research and campaigning. Lastly, there are meetings, services, candle lighting vigils, and numerous other events taking place across the world this December 1^st. Find one in your area and take part in this very important cause.

Happy Thanksgiving – Then and Now

United States was founded on the principles of hard work, faith, and the sheer will to survive: all characteristics of the first settlers, or pilgrims, from Europe to inhabit this country. We all know the story. Yes, times were tough for these people. Many died from a brutal winter that starved them to death, until they met two Abnaki Indians named Samoset and Squanto. Thanks to their help and kindness, the pilgrims learned how to live off the land. So they celebrated, but did you know that is not the complete story?

The next season was they were not so lucky. Their harvest did not bring as much as they had hoped, and they had shared all of their stored food with new settlers. When the 3^rd harvest came around, it was not much better. So the pilgrims decided to do the only thing they could, fast and pray – it worked. From there, our Thanksgiving was born. Even though the concept of Thanksgiving has not changed, modern society no longer fasts and prays to give thanks on this day. Let's take a look at the difference between now and then.

Today, most people consider turkey to be a key part of their Thanksgiving feast. Of course, side dishes and deserts vary from household to household, which includes ham, stuffing, dressing, macaroni and cheese, a potato dish of some kind, pecan pie, apple pie, rolls, and so much more. However, you might be surprised as to what the historical pilgrims chose to serve: duck, goose, deer, fish, wild onion, watercress, multi-colored corn, pumpkin, and squash. You have to remember that these people ate what they could cultivate from the land as well as what was available from the region; many foods that are common in our diet were not even introduced to these people yet.

When the pilgrims had their first feast, it lasted for three days. And no, they did not just eat all three days either, they also had fun too. Some activities included running races, playing the drums, and shooting bows and arrows and muskets. But because modern people have access to awesome technology, we now watch the Macy's Day Parade, football games, and enjoy good times and cheer with family. Many things may change and come and go as the years go by, but most people will always cherish and look forward to the fourth Thursday of every November – our Thanksgiving.