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Variety: February 2009

Friday, February 6, 2009

VALENTINE DAY: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine. The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers.
The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball. Many view this day as harmless fun, an opportunity to show love and affections towards spouses and partners by exchanging cards, giving flowers and having candle lit dinners etc. The old tradition of love on Valentine ’s Day became multibillion dollar business. With modernity young people celebrate this festival. The greeting shops like Archies will make big business. The tradition of valentine day which symbolises love became controversy in India and abroad. Some Hindu and some Muslim religious groups openly opposing the valentine day saying that this not the culture of the country.
I feel that, with change of time there will changes in culture of any country. Modern days one has to accept things as long as valentine day is celebrated with dignity and decent way of showing love towards partner. These things should not be treated by religious groups as bad things. Every religion has taught love towards partner. How can one say that celebrating festival of love is uncultured? If anyone shows the vulgarity it should be questionable!!!! By any one.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

OBAMA SETTING EXAMPLE TO THE WORLD.

Barack Obama ha taken over reins of USA. He has done campaign to “change America and bring Change in American administration and economy."Americans have sent a message to the world," "If there is anyone out there that still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible... who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." What are the challenges to new president •His first task is to revive economy of USA, economy is in a grip of recession •Subprime crisis, every American wants a shelter and the prices housing sector should not fall any t more. •The greatest three trillion war with Iraq, which is the tax payer money America has spent on Iraq war. Withdrawing of troops from Iraq. •Energy crisis, USA is biggest consumer of energy and it has not signed Kyoto Protocol,(Climate Change) many American wants that USA should go to green technology and save the energy and sign the Kyoto protocol. •Control of terrorism is one more problem the new president may face. •Tackling of unemployment problem and out sourcing is some more big issues. •We have to see Americans who have elected an immigrant and half Muslim to the white house. Immediately after taking over office Obama has said he will give conditional aid to the Pakistan for controlling of terrorism and closing of Guatemala prison with in a year.The representatives have passed $819-billion stimulus package for helping the industry, individuals etc. He has taken policy decision on climate change “We will make it clear to the world that America is ready to lead, from being held hostage" to hostile regimes and the threat of global warming. To protect our climate and our collective security, we must call together a truly global coalition”. Obama has pulled American elite especially the wall street CEO for getting the hefty bonus when the companies are helped by the government on bailout package and he also pulled the citigroup for ordering jet plane when country is facing recession. He has said it is shameful and irresponsible. He is no doubt the peoples president. Obama should ask industry to set the salary structure so that the gap between rich and poor will not be wide.

He is setting standards to the world leaders that he means business and see the welfare of common American when USA is facing economic crisis.
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