Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Here's a change ...

The first Christmas was June 17, 2 B.C., according to Australian astronomer Dave Reneke. The Star of Bethlehem? It was truly a "bright beacon of light" caused when Venus and Jupiter appeared extremely close together.

There's no news that Reneke's findings will create "peace on Earth" and "good will" between the "Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" factions. It could throw marketers off, causing them to start the holiday shopping season before Memorial Day. How it may impact suicide and depression rates, which both spike high around the December holidays, is still unknown.

The religious observations in public forums issue may lessen since most public schools are closed by June 17. It would be tough to keep the grass mowed if nativity scenes cluttered up the courthouse lawn. But there's always Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Pagan Yule festivals, etc., in December to heighten tensions.

Al Gore, Earth in the Balance prophet, should be pleased. With the increased June daylight, we can cut down our carbon footprint by running the holiday lights less.

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