Happy New Year 2013!

(Dec. 31, 2012) On this last day of 2012 I wish you all the best for the new year.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Winter

(Dec. 20, 2012) The winter season officially begins tomorrow, the earliest winter since 1896 arriving with the solstice at 6:12 a.m. (EST).

This is the shortest day of the year—the time when the Sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky. Although this part of Earth is cooling, its great thermal mass still retains some heat from the summer and fall. As the gradual cooling process continues over the next two months, temperatures will continue to fall, and the coldest temperatures will be recorded.

Here is the Northeast, snow soon will begin to sprinkle down (or dump) onto the landscape, painting everything white. There will be a peaceful sort of silence when you walk through the woods—a muffled kind of quiet. It also means shoveling, snowblowing, dealing with bad roads, and sometimes unbearably cold temperatures.

For up-to-the-minute items about the season and more area news, check out Recorder Community Newspapers and their online blogs at newjerseyhills.com. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of individuals blogging here may call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. This 20th century communication tool is simple and free.

12-12-12

(Dec.  12, 2012) Today is 12-12-12, one of those once in a lifetime dates that intrigue numbers people.

The Ancient Mayan calendar speaks of 12-12-2012 as the end of times as we know it, and the beginning of a new cycle of evolution for planet earth, humanity and the cosmos. Today it has new meaning.

Last month, just four days after Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast, plans for 12-12-12 – a massive benefit concert at Madison Square Garden featuring Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Kanye West, Roger Waters, Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, the Who, Billy Joel and many others – started coming together. Spearheading the effort was the same team that organized the Concert for New York City after the tragic terrorist attacks of 9/11. The benefit show will be televised live internationally starting at 7:30 tonight soliciting donations to help Sandy's victims.

Dates to remember

(Dec. 7, 2012) Today is Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7, the date in 1941 when Hawaii's Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese killing more than 2,400 Americans. The next day President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in a speech to Congress, brought the United States into World War II and said the date "will live in infamy." Today WWII veterans, plus those killed at Pearl Harbor, are remembered for their sacrifice.

Then tomorrow is the first of the winter holidays. Hanukkah 2012 begins at sunset, Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends at sundown, Sunday, Dec. 16. This movable eight-day feast starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, usually in the secular month of December. Known as the Festival of Lights, it commemorates the rededication of the Temple following its debasement by the Syrians many centuries ago. Each night of Hanukkah, which means dedication, families light one additional candle of the eight-branch menorah to symbolize the miracle of the small bit of oil which lasted eight days in the Temple. Additionally, celebrants play related games such as dreidel and sing festive Hanukkah songs.

Winter-summer

(Dec. 3, 2012) Here we go again. What season is it? After last week's winter wonderland snow, we now have moderate temperatures in the 60s. But that's OK because it's perfect weather to get outside and pick up more of the forest debris from Superstorm Sandy. The tree man finally came over the weekend and cut up the big trees which had fallen in the front and back yards. There still is a load of sticks and branches that have to be moved into the woods. The downed trees out there will have to become part of the landscape and habitat for wild animals; there are too many to do anything about them.

Anyway, this is a sample of an individual blog which Recorder Community Newspapers invites readers to write. The process of blogging is simple and free. Anyone interested is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com for details.