Showing posts with label month. Show all posts
Showing posts with label month. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Nat'l Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15)

Maybe Sofia Vergara should speak for US Hispanics

Crystal Quintero, the Mexican Buddhist (WQ)
The growing Latinx (Latina and Latino combined) population, popularly referred to as Hispanic (descended from Spain) is too big to be contained in one month. So we take up two, the second half of September and the first half of October.

It might have been better to claim November with its mass celebration of el Dia de los Muertos or "the Day of the Dead," which is quickly becoming the new Cinco de Mayo, the American celebration of "Mexican Independence Day."

Of course, Independence Day actually falls not on the 5th of May (cinco de mayo) but on Sept. 16th (el Grito de Dolores, "Cry of Dolores," which being a place rather than a person called Dolores, should perhaps be rendered "Shout from Dolores," a word that literally means "pains" as in birth pangs) at the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month. What do most Americans want, fanatical popularity or technical accuracy?

If "we are what we eat," can I be Mexican by eating real Mexican food?
(Business Insider) How one chef is fighting to preserve a cooking tool as old as civilization itself | Still Standing: the hand-mill or metate ("mealing stone," quern-stone for grinding ingredients)

What if I want to eat like a real American from the Americas?
Look at the Native women in their native land using their own metate (quern), Palestine 1900

Plant-Based Mexican Recipes for Healing
More than a cookbook, Decolonize Your Diet restores what "traditional" Mexican food means by reaching back through centuries of history to reclaim heritage crops as a source of protection from modern diseases-of-development. It was compiled by partners, California professors, and co-authors Luz Calvo and Catriona Rueda Esquibel.

When Calvo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, they both radically changed their diets and began seeking out recipes featuring indigenous, healthy, vegetarian Mexican foods.

Did Mossad bring Mexico under Jewish rule?
This led to the promotion of a diet rich in plants indigenous to the Americas (amaranth, maize, beans, squash, greens, herbs, and seeds) and a passionate idea that Latinxs in America, specifically Mexicans, need to ditch the colonial garbage, synthetic, artificial, and toxic fast food and return to their own culture's food roots for physical health and spiritual fulfillment.

This vegan and vegetarian cookbook features over 100 colorful recipes based on Mesoamerican cuisine and also includes contributions from indigenous cultures throughout the Americas. It is a winner of the International Latino Book Award for Best Cookbook. More

What's National Hispanic Heritage Month?
Presidenta Sheinbaum, deja me. I'll do the talking for the 65 million U.S. Hispanics, okay?

First flag of the Mexican Empire of Spain
Mes nacional de la herencia hispana
 is observed annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States of America ("America" being a big continent, much bigger than the powerfully hegemonic USA) for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic culture to the nation's achievements, culture, and history [1, 2].


History
What have Mexicans ever done?
National Hispanic Heritage Week was established by legislation sponsored by Democratic Rep. George Brown Jr. of Los Angeles and signed into law by Democratic Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 [3, 4, 5], taking place on the week including both September 15 and 16th [6].

In 1988, the commemorative week was expanded to a month (September 15 to October 15) by legislation sponsored by Rep. Esteban Torres (D–CA), amended by Sen. Paul Simon, and signed into law by Republican Pres. Ronald Reagan [3].

September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the commemoration because it is the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores (early morning, Sept. 16, 1810), which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence.


The original Mexican flag (1821) had no snake
In 1821, this resulted in independence for the imperial New Spain Colony, which was actually a viceroyalty (known in the Native language, which has never been Spanish but rather Nahuatl and the Nahuan/Aztecan family of languages as Yankwik Kaxtillan Birreiyotl, but first called the "Kingdom of New Spain," now the United Mexican States or United States of Mexico, Estados Unidos Mexicanos, the Mesoamerican country's official name, and the Central American nations of Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua), which became the Federal Republic of Central America.

The 30-day period also includes many dates of importance in the Hispanic (Spain-descended) community:
  • Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their anniversary of independence on Sept. 15;
  • Mexico commemorates its independence on Sept. 16;
  • Chile commemorates its independence on Sept. 18;
  • the celebration day of reviled Jewish terrorist and Converso Cristobal Columbus (an Anus'i or Marrano), formerly known as Columbus Day now Día de la Raza [7]. More
What have the Latins ever done for US?

Oaxaca: the most Native part of Mexico
  • Crystal Quintero, CC Liu, Sheldon S. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Reflections on Vesak (May 2026)


Buddhism for All: The Joyful Path
Vesak Month 2026: A Month-Long Celebration of the Buddha | Buddhism.net One day isn’t enough to honor the Enlightened One. While Vesak Day falls on May 31, 2026 [the second full moon of the month on the Gregorian calendar], we’re celebrating at Buddhism.net all month long, with five special episodes of "Vibe with Venerables." Join our global community throughout May to commemorate the Buddha’s birth, great enlightenment, and final nirvana, featuring five special "Vibe with Venerables" episodes. Three leading Buddhist masters -- Bhante Buddharakkhita (Theravada), Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche (Vajrayana), and Roshi Joan Halifax (Zen) -- will host sessions on the Buddha, alongside two joint sessions with Pali canon sutra experts Bhante Sujato and Venerable Canda. Register

Mahamevnawa Meditation
Vesak (Mahamevnawa Meditation Center, North of England) Namo Buddhaya! Commemorating the sacred threefold anniversary of our Great Teacher, the Supremely Enlightened Buddha, Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Liverpool, proudly presents a Glorious Vesak Festival 2026 for the 4th consecutive year. We warmly invite all to witness the splendor of Vesak and gather merit. The festival will be held with great devotion at the Liverpool Mahamevnawa Monastery premises on: May 15, 16, and 17, 2026.

(Buddha Lotus Mantra [AI slop]) Robotic dreams of Vesak

Get ready for change! The Vesak (Wesak) Full Moon Festival of Lights 2026 ignites

(WTC) As we are now experiencing the Full Moon of Scorpio on May 1, 2026, it brings with it the ability to step into a transformative energy that allows us to expand more deeply into a new phase of a divine plan. Self comes into focus.

This means that the alignment of Cosmic energies are opening up so that each individual can enter more deeply into the shadow of self and allow for deeper healing to occur within the body's full system (physical-etheric-emotional-mental).

While that may seem like so much “esoteric verbiage,” it carries with it a very real-world shift in what is occurring in terms of our spiritual potential.

The moon in Scorpio can be intensely emotionally challenging each year, as it is a time of deep reflection that allows for an opening of the subconscious mind into a state of purity. This is a rare occasion for humanity to allow for reflection. Doing so can cause emotional upheavals and challenges to occur.

For most of us it is difficult to realize that there are elements in our reality that no longer are working... More: walkingterrachrista.com

Friday, March 13, 2026

Friday 13th? Remove 13, ruin calendar

Earth's calendar timekeeper, the Moon (Luna, Soma, Chandra) over Los Angeles

Friday, November 7, 2025

It's Native American Heritage Month

Native Americans dancing used to be so beautiful in full regalia. Now we party nearly naked:

.
White Indigenous tribes of Scandinavia (Sami)
Tell us more about Native American Heritage Month. National Native American Heritage Month celebrates the culture, contributions, and heritage of Indigenous populations called Native Americans or American-Indians.

In 1990 Pres. George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Decolonize Your Diet (vegan recipes)
Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.

This month is a time to educate the public about Native American tribes, raise a general awareness about the unique challenges the Indigenous (First Nations) have faced, and to illuminate the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.
Native American Food Sovereignty

Progressive plant based Native eating
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, join the Los Angeles County Public Library in highlighting how Native communities are taking control over their food sources and production by revitalizing traditional, healthy [predominantly vegan], and localized food sources.

In this hands-on workshop, learn how to start a Salvia columbariae plant and explore its cultural uses among various Native groups. This event has multiple dates and locations throughout November. View events list below to find the program at the nearest location.
The Americas are home to many tribes

Tongva (Kizh) Cultural Classes
Main Altadena Library, burn scar, Los Angeles County
Altadena Library District
On Nov. 1st, 2025, we learned to make Cloth Medicine Bags with Councilwoman Neminski and Councilwoman Murillo of the Gabrielino/Tongva (Kizh) Nation, who taught the workshop for ages 10 and up.

Beaded Wire Wrap Bracelets Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2:00-4:00 pm: Councilwomen of the Gabrielino/Tongva (Kizh) Nation teach class for ages 8 and up.

Pine Needle Basket Medallion
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2:00-4:00 pm: Councilwomen teach class for ages 8 and up.

Friday, October 31, 2025

Hollywood's Halloween vs. Irish Samhain



University of Edinburgh, Oct. 31, 2016
Samhain
(SOW-in) or Sauin is a Gaelic festival in Ireland that falls on the Mexican Day of the Dead, Nov. 1st, marking the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year [1].

It is also the Irish and Scottish Gaelic name for November. Celebrations begin on Halloween, the evening of October 31st, since the Celtic day began and ended at sunset [1].


The seasons and festivals of Ireland
This is about halfway between the autumnal equinox and winter solstice. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals along with Imbolc, Bealtaine, and Lughnasa.

Historically it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Its Brittonic Celtic equivalent is Calan Gaeaf in Wales. More


The Citizens of Halloween: "This is Halloween" (from Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas")
(DisneyMusicVEVO) Oct. 14, 2021: Stream “Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” on Disney+, the only place to stream favorites from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more [because there's absolutely nowhere else to stream. All hail the Disney Corporation!]

(BbaGumpSkrimp) The Making of The Nightmare Before Christmas

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

It was a time of innocent childishness and evil.
Remember waiting all October for Linus to see the Great Pumpkin? This Halloween classic wasn’t just wholesome—it changed American (and Canadian) TV forever. From hidden gags to production secrets and the real reason it almost got banned, here are 10 wild facts about It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! most people didn’t know. Relive the magic of a simpler time. More

Disney Halloweens used to be easy: skeletons

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Epstein-Trump 'friendship' statue pulled

I know it looks like we molested these girls, but it was only him, Jeffrey, and never me (WJ)
Jeff & Me: The Perverts' Friendship Monument on National Square for Friendship Month 2025

Trump-Epstein 'friendship' statue removed from National Mall in DC one day after it was erected

Benny Johnson (R) shows Jeff Epstein on left
(WUSA) Sept. 24, 2025: A statue of convicted child molester, rapist, and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and Donald John Trump was removed from the Washington, D.C. National Mall by U.S. Park Police, despite a permit allowing it to remain until Sept. 28th, 2025.

Trump: stop fixating on my Epstein Files (Fox)
[Why? Free speech cannot say the king has no clothes. And it sure can't say or even begin to suggest that Donald Trump is a serial child molester, child sex trafficker, or unindicted co-conspirator to Epstein, Maxwell, the Mossad, or whoever was involved with support, funding, or employing Pedo Island, where Epstein still lives, as shown on recent drone footage that caught him outside lounging around talking to one of the island's many employees before he notice the drone and raced away, dodging inside never to emerge again. Busted.]

Republicans fixated on Epstein [Files] are getting 'duped' by Democrats, Trump insists
Trump declares Epstein case is Democrats' new 'hoax' to distract from administration's success.
Reported by Danielle Wallace | Fox News
(FOX News) [Fearless Leader and Indomitable Spirit, Commander-in-Chief and De facto King] President Donald "John" Trump said Wednesday that [right wing] Republicans fixated on [Trump best friend and convicted child sex trafficker and molester] Jeffrey Epstein are getting "duped" by Democrats, further defending [his handpicked] Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the case. During an Oval Office meeting with the crown prince and prime minister of Bahrain, Trump said his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, reversed his first-term energy policies, leading to higher inflation. More

Saturday, March 29, 2025

The Girl Samurai Master: Sasaki Rui



Kabukimono ancient cross dresser
Real-life samurai Sasaki Rui (佐々木 累), or Rui-San, was a Japanese swordswoman, Onna-musha and kenjutsu expert of the early Edo period (mid-17th century). She was known as the "Strangely Dressed Female Sword Master" [1, 2, 3].

Life of Sasaki Rui
Sasaki was born in Koga domain, located in Shimōsa province (modern-day Koga, Ibaraki), exact birthdate unknown. Her father Sasaki Uōto was a member of a clan of kenjutsu masters in service to Doi Toshikatsu and was thoroughly versed in the martial arts.

Samurai attacking on horseback (LACMA)

Ancient samurai in his armor, 1860s
Since Rui-San had no brothers and her attempts to take a husband ended in divorce, upon her father's death from illness the Sasaki clan name became extinct [1, 2, 3].

Rui-San went to Edo, where she rented a house in present-day Asakusa and began teaching the martial arts.

At the same time that her teaching was becoming well-known, she began to be famous for her unusual dress:

Haori crepe formal Japanese jacket
She would leave the house wearing a black silk crepe haori (a man's garment at the time) emblazoned with the Sasaki family crest, her hair done up in an indoor style with hairpins, and wearing the samurai's long and short swords [1, 2, 3].

At that time, the ruffians known as kabukimono or hatamoto yakko were running rampant in Edo, and Rui-San began fighting with the "Shiroe" gang, among other groups [1, 2]. More
What was their religion?
Various samurai clans struggled for power during the Kamakura shogunate. Zen Buddhism spread among the samurai in the 13th century and helped shape their standards of conduct, particularly in overcoming the fear of death and [the wrongdoing of] killing. Among the general populace devotional Pure Land Buddhism was favored however. More

Marriage?
Samurai with wives and concubines, 1804
Samurai had arranged marriages, which were engineered by a go-between of the same or higher rank. While for those samurai in the upper ranks this was a necessity (as most had few opportunities to ever meet women), this was a formality for lower-ranked samurai.

Most samurai married women from a samurai family, but for lower-ranked samurai, marriages with commoners were permitted. In these marriages a dowry was brought by the woman and was used to set up the couple's new household.

A samurai could take concubines, but their backgrounds were checked by higher-ranked samurai. In many cases, taking a concubine was akin to a marriage. Kidnapping a concubine, although common in fiction, would have been shameful, if not criminal. More

How to stay calm in any confrontation