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Thursday, December 31, 2020

Freezing Weather Alert -- 1 January 2021 -- Michigan counties

 from wndu DOT-com (NBC affiliate) - N. Indiana / SW Michigan

  • Berrien, MI
  • Cass, MI

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM EST  TO 7 PM EST  FRIDAY... 

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of one tenth to two tenths of an inch.

 * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana, southwest Michigan and northwest Ohio. 

* WHEN...From 11 AM EST to 7 PM EST Friday Jan. 1, 2021. 

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Freezing rain is expected to overspread the advisory area from south to north late Friday morning through early Friday afternoon. A brief wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is possible at onset, before quickly changing to mainly freezing rain. Any snow accumulations will generally be less than an inch.

Report on the Judiciary -- Chief Justice John Roberts - 12/31/2020

 End-of-calendar-year

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has issued his 2020 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary (pdf).

This is the 16th report Chief Justice Roberts has issued since he was appointed chief justice in 2005.

https://www.uscourts.gov/news/2020/12/31/chief-justice-roberts-issues-2020-year-end-report

Blog Traffic for New Days of New Year (2021)

 Visitors to http://faithfor2008.blogspot.com/

Google Blogger

Thursday (12/31/2020):  40 page visits

New Year's Day 1/1/2021 = 50 page visits

Jan. 2, 2021 = 35 page visits

Jan. 3 = 28 page visits

Jan. 4 = 35 page visits

Jan. 7 - 63 page visits

Jan. 8 - 82 page visits

Jan. 10 = 34 page visits

Jan. 11 = 35 page visits

Jan. 13 = 31 page visits

Jan. 14 = 42 page visits

Jan. 16 = 25 page visits

First Meteor Shower -- 2021 -- Quadrantids (N. America)

Source: EarthSky dot-org / / / /  Date is Jan. 3, 2021


 The Quadrantid meteor shower is 2021’s first major meteor shower. Unfortunately, a bright waning gibbous moon will light up the sky on the expected peak night from late night January 2 until dawn January 3. Although the Quadrantids have been known to produce some 50-100 meteors in a dark sky, their peak is extremely narrow, time-wise. Peaks of the Perseid or Geminid meteor showers persist for a day or more, allowing all time zones around the world to enjoy a good display of Perseids or Geminids. But the Quadrantids’ peak lasts only a few hours. So you have to be on the right part of Earth – preferably with the radiant high in your sky – in order to experience the peak of the Quadrantids. What’s more, the shower favors the Northern Hemisphere because its radiant point is so far north on the sky’s dome.

So you need some luck to see the Quadrantids, and being in the Northern Hemisphere does help. Who will see the 2021 shower? Keep in mind the prediction of the Quadrantid peak represents an educated guess, not an ironclad guarantee. The Quadrantids are capable of producing some bright fireballs, so you might catch a few meteors in spite of the moonlight.

The radiant point of the Quadrantid shower makes an approximate right angle with the Big Dipper and the bright star Arcturus. If you trace the paths of the Quadrantid meteors backward, they appear to radiate from this point on the starry sky.

Now for our usual caveat. You don’t need to find the meteor shower radiant to see the Quadrantid meteors.

You just have to be at mid-northern or far-northern latitudes, up in the wee hours of the morning, and hope the peak comes at just the right time to your part of the world.

The meteors will radiate from the northern sky, but appear in all parts of the sky.

Jan. 1, 2021: Rose Bowl Game has been moved to Arlington, TX

 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

4 p.m. -- National Championship Game Semi-Final: #4 seed versus #1

Questions about Pastor's 2-hour funeral sermon for 71-year-old who died of COVID-19 complications

 Reporter ABC-TV (S. Bend, IN) -- Roxie Elliott Her Source: FaceBook video posted on

Michiana Embassy, N. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120

www.abc57.com/ 

NILES, Mich. -- A family is outraged over a video of a Niles pastor seemingly blaming their family member’s – and one of his parishioners – COVID-19 death on a lack of faith.

Michiana Christian Embassy previously held a funeral service for Les Tom, but now, Lead Pastor Rev. Jeffrey Whittaker’s Dec. 13 sermon is adding to the family’s heartache.

Whittaker spoke about his faith throughout the pandemic during the sermon.

“This is the stuff of where we are living right now, did God know COVID 19 was coming? No, no, it caught him by complete surprise,” said Rev. Whittaker.

Then discussing the funeral service for 71-year-old Tom and calling some parishioners hypocrites for not feeling comfortable attending in-person.

“We welcome masks, sit here, sit there; we answered people’s questions for Sheri’s funeral and for Les’s funeral and guess what, they were liars and hypocrites and cowards,” said Whittaker. “Why? Because ‘I want to come but I want to make sure I can social distance.’”

Then – a Facebook post this week from Tom’s granddaughter claimed in that same sermon, Whittaker blamed the victim for his death.

“We do not disrespect Les; he died of COVID because he’s weak, because he has no faith," said Whittaker during the Dec. 13 service.

Whittaker declined to speak with ABC57 on-camera but said the comment was taken out of context and the short clip does not paint the whole picture of his two hour sermon.

Some parishioners who were there that day came to his defense as well.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Dec. 29 - 30, 2020 Winter

 for Berrien and Cass counties, Michigan

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM EST THIS EVENING TO 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY... WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected.

Total snow accumulations of one to two inches

and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch.

Saturday, December 26, 2020

December 2020 Full Moon -- When? What is it termed?

 from Old Farmer's Almanac (www.almanac.com) - Moon Information

WHEN TO SEE DECEMBER’S FULL MOON

December’s Cold Moon reaches peak illumination on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at 10:30 P.M. EST

Start looking for the full Moon just before sunset as it begins to peek above the horizon. To find the exact time that it will appear in your area, consult our Moonrise Calculator.

What makes this full Moon special? It’s most distinctive for its high trajectory across the sky, which results in the full Moon sitting above the horizon for a longer period of time. 

WHY IS IT CALLED THE COLD MOON?

The Moon names we use in The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from Native American, Colonial American, or other traditional sources passed down through generations. A variety of Native American societies traditionally used the monthly Moons and nature’s corresponding signs as a calendar to track the seasons.

Today, December’s full Moon is most commonly known as the Cold Moon—a Mohawk name that conveys the frigid conditions of this time of year, when cold weather truly begins to grip us.

Other names that allude to the cold and snow include Drift Clearing Moon (Cree), Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree), Moon of the Popping Trees (Oglala), Hoar Frost Moon (Cree), Snow Moon (Haida, Cherokee), and Winter Maker Moon (Western Abenaki).

Friday, December 25, 2020

Blog Traffic on this website: Page Visits from Christmas 2020 to Epiphany 2021

 Today is Christmas 12/25/2020 = 234 page visits

St. Stephen's Day / Boxing Day = 37 page visits

Heavy Snow - Dec. 25, 2020

 WHAT...Heavy snow expected.

Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches

with locally higher amounts up to 15 inches.

WHERE...Berrien and Cass MI Counties. WHEN...Until 4 PM EST Friday Dec. 25, 2020. IMPACTS...The hazardous conditions will impact holiday travelers. ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lake Effect snow bands will continue
over southwest Lower Michigan with snowfall rates of
up to 1 inch per hour in the heavier showers this morning.
Snow showers will diminish quickly in intensity and coverage
this afternoon. Significant accumulations will result in snow covered
roads and difficult driving conditions throughout today.

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Warning -- begins 4 p.m. : Berrien County, Michigan Dec. 24, 2020

 WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON 

TO 4 PM EST FRIDAY 12/25/2020 ... 

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches. 

* WHERE...Berrien and Cass MI Counties.

 * WHEN...From 4 PM Thurs. afternoon to 4 PM EST Friday. * 

IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Hazardous conditions will impact the evening commute and holiday travel. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lake Effect snow is expected to begin late this afternoon and continue through Friday morning before tapering off on Friday afternoon. 

Significant accumulations will result in snow covered roads and difficult driving conditions.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Winter Storm Watch (Dec. 2020 : Xmas Eve and Xmas Day) -- SW Michigan counties

 from WNDU weather advisories and alert section

Winter Storm Watch
  • Berrien, MI
  • Cass, MI

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON (12/24/2020)

 THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING (12/25/2020)... * 

WHAT...Heavy snow possible. 

Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches with locally higher amounts 

around 1 foot possible. * 

WHERE...Berrien and Cass MI Counties. * 

WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through Friday evening. *

 IMPACTS...Travel could become difficult by Thursday evening. The hazardous conditions will impact travel on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. * 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest snow is expected Thursday evening through Friday morning.

Monday, December 21, 2020

Eliot Cohen for ATLANTIC MONTHLY: On Trump, Shakespearean villains and ne'er-do-wells

 Online article (Dec. 2020)

Trump, it bears repeating, is no Shakespearean villain—he is too willful, ignorant, undisciplined, and shallow for that. What we are watching is not the despair of Macbeth as he learns that Birnam Wood to Dunsinane Hill doth come and that Macduff was not indeed born of woman. It is, rather, a malignant narcissist’s psyche collapsing in on its hollow core. That process may be of clinical or purely malevolent interest, but it’s not the stuff of tragedy, because Trump is really only a few shards of a genuine human being.

But Shakespeare does have something yet to offer us about this moment when treason against the constitutional order is a matter for serious Oval Office debate. The Bard had a rich sense of the creeps and criminals, sycophants and slimeballs, weirdos and wing nuts who hang around power. And although it is true that in an awful lot of his plays the good guys end up poorly, it is reassuring to know that a lot of the toadies, demagogues, and opportunists get theirs in the end.

Take some of the courtiers to Richard II, a weak and easily flattered king. “Caterpillars of the commonwealth,” the usurper Henry Bolingbroke calls them before dispatching them to the block. They go with a snarl. The duke of Buckingham, faithful aide to Richard III, is at least remorseful when his boss sends him off to meet the headsman: “Come lead me, officers, to the block of shame. / Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame.” Of course, members of Trump’s entourage need not fear so gruesome a fate, and I do not wish bodily harm on any of them. Yet gloomy thoughts of a similar kind may have occurred to more than one of the president’s appointees when he heard the swishing of the Twitter ax descending on his exposed neck.

Of course, the cast of characters in Trump’s mad court was much wider than this. Pious hypocrites? Jerry Falwell Jr. could probably take a lesson or two from Angelo in Measure for Measure. After preaching a rather austere morality (death as punishment for premarital sex), he tries to commit rape and judicial murder, thinking he can cover up his adventures. He cannot. “That Angelo is an adulterous thief, / An hypocrite, a virgin-violator, / Is it not strange, and strange?” Well, quite, and while Falwell is alleged to have merely watched rather than indulged, the ruin is similar, and equally well deserved.

But it would be wrong to think that bad behavior in Trump’s court is a masculine matter only. There is, after all, an odd mix of female political advisers, television personalities, and preachers who have, as does Queen Margaret, “a tiger’s heart wrapped in a woman’s hide.” They have not gone mad, as Margaret does, but they do have Joan of Arc’s misplaced self-confidence, and there is time yet.

Sunday, December 20, 2020

State of Michigan -- changes as of Dec. 21, 2020 - Indoor activities / gathering changes : outdoor dining, carry-out, delivery

 from online article at ABC57 dot-com

During her press conference Friday afternoon Dec. 18, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer provided an update on the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor announced she has signed a order to allow indoor activities where people can remain masked. Casinos, bowling centers and movie theatres will be allowed to reopen with a cap of 100. Food and drink concessions must remain closed and social distancing must be in place.

The order is effective December 21 through January 15, 2021.

Indoor gatherings remain limited to 10 people and two households.

The order also continues the pause on indoor dining in bars and restaurants, but outdoor dining, carry out and delivery are still allowed.

Colleges have been asked to wait until January 18, 2021 to restart in-person classes.

Winter Solstice -- when?

 from almanac dot-com (Old Farmer's Almanac)

The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere 

is marked by the winter solstice, which occurs on 

Monday, December 21, 2020, at 5:02 A.M. EST.

For the northern half of Earth (the Northern Hemisphere), 

the winter solstice occurs annually on December 21 or 22. (For the Southern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on June 20 or 21.) 

The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight 

in the whole year, making it the “shortest day” of the year. 

Thankfully, after we reach the winter solstice, the days begin 

to once again grow longer and longer until we reach the summer solstice—the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.

Think of it this way: Although the winter solstice means the start of winter, it also means the return of more sunlight. It only gets brighter from here!

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Best Books List for 2020 -- according to POTUS 44 -- CNN article

 Posted Dec. 19, 2020

Obama's full list of favorite books below:
"Homeland Elegies" by Ayad Akhtar
"Jack" by Marilynne Robinson
"Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson
"The Splendid and the Vile" by Erik Larson
"Luster" by Raven Leilani
"How Much of These Hills is Gold" by C Pam Zhang
"Long Bright River" by Liz Moore
"Memorial Drive" by Natasha Trethewey
"Twilight of Democracy" by Anne Applebaum
"Deacon King Kong" by James McBride
"The Undocumented Americans" by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
"The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett
"The Glass Hotel" by Emily St. John Mandel
"Hidden Valley Road" by Robert Kolker
"The Ministry for the Future" by Kim Stanley Robinson
    "Sharks in the Time of Saviors" by Kawai Strong Washburn
    "Missionaries" by Phil Klay
     [both novels and non-fiction works]

    Thursday, December 17, 2020

    French President Macron -- COVID-19 infection confirmed (Dec. 17, 2020)

     Source: CNN

    French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for Covid-19 after experiencing symptoms and will self-isolate for a week, his office said Thursday (Dec. 17, 2020),

    The Elysee Palace said in a statement that Macron, 42, was diagnosed after he was tested "at the onset of the first symptoms."
    "In accordance with current health regulations applicable to all, the President of the Republic will isolate himself for 7 days. He continues to work and carry out his activities remotely."
    The French President had meetings with a number of other top European leaders in recent days, several of whom announced they would quarantine in the wake of Macron's diagnosis.
      Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and European Council President Charles Michel said they would go into quarantine as a precautionary measure.
      Macron's planned trip to Lebanon next week has been canceled, and French Prime Minister Jean Castex has gone into quarantine.

      Tuesday, December 15, 2020

      National Cathedral (Tolling of Funeral Bell) - Memorial of 300,000 who have died from COVID-19

       www.cathedral.org/

      Washington, D.C.

      PRAYERS OF REMEMBRANCE

      COVID-19 Bell Toll

      The Cathedral will toll its funeral bell 300 times, once for every 1,000 lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Tuesday (Dec. 15) at 5 p.m. Visitors may join the ceremony from the Cathedral grounds, or watch the livestream from the Chapel of St. Joseph of Arimathea.

      Virtual Dante Lecture (17 Dec. 2020) -- "The Triumph of Love: The Passion in Dante's DIVINE COMEDY"

       1 p.m. Thursday -- virtual lecture by

      Paola Nasti, Northwestern Univ. Newberry Library

      Center for Renaissance Studies

      Registration required at

      https://www.newberry.ogr/12172020-triumpth-love-passion-divine-comedy

      Saturday, December 12, 2020

      Geminid Meteor Shower (Dec. 13, 2020) -- begins 9 p.m. Eastern visible across USA

       from Old Farmer's Almanac - www.almanac.com

      WHEN IS THE GEMINID METEOR SHOWER?

      The Geminids occur every year from about December 4 to 16, peaking the night of December 13 into the morning of December 14, 2020. This is the shower’s “maximum”—the time when the most meteors fall per hour. Given that the Geminid meteor shower is the most active shower of the year, expect to see an average of 75 meteors per hour during the Geminids’ peak! The show typically starts as early as 9 P.M., peaks around 2 A.M., and lasts into the morning hours of the next day.

      In 2020, we have an even more spectacular show to look forward to, as the New Moon on December 14 graces us with extra-dark skies that will make stars and meteors truly pop.

      Get more information on our Meteor Shower Calendar page.

      WHAT IS THE GEMINID METEOR SHOWER?

      The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most active and reliable meteor showers of the year! They streak through the sky every minute or two all night.

      It is unique because the meteors are visible all night long, since the constellation Gemini arises just an hour or two after nightfall. Most meteor showers require you to wait until midnight or pre-dawn for the best viewing.

      The constellation Gemini is the radiant of the Geminid meteor shower, which means that it is the meteor shower’s point of origin. The Geminid meteors will appear to fall away from the constellation Gemini. 

      Geminid meteors can be seen all night long because Gemini rises so early, though Gemini is at its highest point (offering optimal viewing) around 2 A.M. However, because the sun sets so early in December, the meteor shower is usually in full swing by 9 P.M.

      WHAT IS A METEOR?

      Meteors occur when the Earth rushes through a stream of dust and debris left behind by a passing comet. When the bits strike the Earth’s upper atmosphere, friction with the air causes each particle to heat and burn up. We see the result as a meteor. Learn more about meteor showers.

      Interestingly, Geminid meteors didn’t seem to be associated with a comet until recently. The Geminid meteor shower was thought to be caused by an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon, which was first detected by NASA in 1983. The odd part of this is that asteroids don’t disintegrate in the same way that comets do to produce meteor showers. Phaethon has therefore been reclassified as an extinct comet that has lost its outer covering. This helps explain why the Geminids are so bright. They’re little pieces of mostly rocky material which take longer to burn up as they fall into the atmosphere, whereas most meteor showers are caused by the softer, icier debris from comets.

      Christmas Dinner Giveaway for needy student families (12/14/2020) - Berrien County, MI

       article posted at ABC 57 website

      BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – Coloma Community Schools has decided 

      to hold a Christmas dinner giveaway for student families in need this holiday season.

       Due to how well their Thanksgiving giveaway was received, 

      the schools wanted to help out again with the gift full dinner plates.

      The giveaway happens on Monday, December 14th, 2020 at Coloma High School 

      from 3:15 to 5 p.m.

      Registered families will be able to pick up a Christmas basket 

      containing ham, potatoes, vegetables, cherry pie, and dinner rolls.

      Sunday, December 6, 2020

      St. Nicholas - (Annual Catholic Studies Christmas Lecture, London Global Gateway) - delivered 6 p.m. 7 December (GMT) virtually

       from EVENTS -- http://nd.edu (Notre Dame)

       - 

       

      Location: via Zoom

      Rev Ayo Saint Nicholas Lecture2020

      This year’s Catholic Studies Christmas Lecture, co-sponsored by Durham University and Notre Dame London Global Gateway, takes a closer look at the evolution of St. Nicholas, the saint whose feast the Catholic Church celebrates each year on December 6.

      Join Rev. Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C., professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame, as he explores the origins of the snowy-bearded saint whose legendary generosity morphed into America’s secular Santa Claus figure. Using ancient and medieval sources along with more modern and widely known poems and stories, Father Ayo will describe St. Nicholas as a powerful leader whose acts of kindness far surpassed the modern practice of candy in a shoe!

      Although we can’t gather in person for this year’s lecture, we still very much encourage the Christmas spirit. Feel free to come equipped with a mulled wine and mince pie!

      register at https://events.nd.edu/events/2020/12/07/the-catholic-studies-christmas-lecture/

      Saturday, December 5, 2020

      "Charlie Brown Christmas" to be aired on PBS affiliate (WNIT-TV elkhart, IN): Dec. 13 due to Network drop-out

      For holiday seasons 2020,  Peanuts fans will have even more ways to watch Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang on their holiday adventures as Apple and PBS team up for special, ad free broadcasts of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” To complement their release on Apple TV+ this Nov. and December, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will also air on PBS Michiana - WNIT and PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel on Sunday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will air on PBS Michiana - WNIT and PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel on Sunday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m. PBS Michiana – WNIT is channel 34.1 locally


      Friday, December 4, 2020

      Great Conjunction of 2020 -- planets of Jupiter and Saturn -- Winter Solstice 21 Dec. 2020

       from almanac.com/  (Farmer's Almanac online)

      THE GREAT CONJUNCTION OF 2020

      Get ready for the best conjunction of your lives. Historically called “The Great Conjunction,” this once-in-20-years meeting between our solar system’s two biggest worlds, Jupiter and Saturn, will take place on the winter solstice, December 21, 2020!

      So close are the two planets that they merge almost into a single “star,” near enough to fit together in the same telescope field of view and very much visible with the naked eye. At their closest, they’ll be only 0.1 degrees apart.

      Specifically:

      • The Moon is near the two giant worlds of Jupiter and Saturn on the 16th and 17th.
      • Then Jupiter passes extremely close to Saturn from the 20th to the 22nd, coming closest on the 21st—the solstice.

      Look for them 45 minutes after local sunset, low in fading evening twilight, roughly 14 degrees above the southwestern horizon. Often too close to the Sun to be observable (as in 2000), this conjunction is truly great and not to be missed! 

      Wednesday, December 2, 2020

      Who will be TIME Magazine's "Person of the Year 2020"? Votes are sought online

       from Detroit Free Press website article (Dec. 2020):

      Time magazine is considering Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for its 2020 Person of the Year. 

      Whitmer has garnered national attention this year for her handling of the coronavirus and being the target of attacks from President Donald Trump. She was also included in President-elect Joe Biden's list of potential vice presidential candidates. 

      The FBI foiled a plot to allegedly kidnap and kill Whitmer, 49, in October. Over a dozen men were involved in the plan, which made international headlines. 

      Also nominated for Person of the Year is Dr. Anthony Fauci, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Pope Francis and many more. 

      Time is taking the public's input. Readers can vote here. Time editors ultimately make the decision.

      The Person of the Year graces the cover of the magazine in January.

      ___________________________________________________________

      Winners are President-elect Joe Biden and VP-elect Kamala Harris (12/11/2020)

      Tuesday, December 1, 2020

      Madrigal Dinner (Dec. 5, 2020) virtual event details (food must be pre-ordered)

       from SaintMarys dot-edu EVENTS:

      Christmas Madrigals return - in virtual form!

      In coordination with the Saint Joseph County Public Library, Saint Mary’s College will present a virtual Christmas Madrigals performance on December 5 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. This link will be provided free of charge. A recording of the performance will take place live throughout the next day.

      Following in the tradition of past Madrigals, the performance will include sacred music and photos from previous years, a special presentation of the Boar’s Head Carol from the 2020-2021 SMC Womens Choir, under the direction of Dr. Nancy Menk, and live performances by the actors.

      A drive-through, pick-up meal service provided by the new Saint Mary’s Campus Dining will be available to those wishing to follow in the true tradition of Madrigals. Meal orders will only be accepted until Wednesday 5:00 p.m. (eastern).

      The menu package is designed for two and includes the following:

      • Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts
      • Artisan Dinner Roll Assortment
      • Wassail
      • Haricot Verts with Almonds
      • Parmesan Rosemary Smoked Fingerling Potatoes
      • Slow Roasted Beef Brisket Sliced with a wine reduction sauce
      • Individual Holiday cheesecakes

      $40.00 per package - (serves two)

      Meal pickup will occur between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. on Dec 5 at Dalloways Clubhouse. Warming instructions and a full list of ingredients will be provided. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate substitutions, special meal requests, or half orders.

      To order the meal, please place your order below. 

      MADRIGALS DINNER

      The performance starts promptly at 7:00 PM (eastern time).

      World AIDS Day (Dec. 1 annually) - 12/1/2020 - worship led on-line by Bishop Trimble, Episcopal area Indiana

       from UM Communications dot-org

      Each year, the world community commemorates World AIDS Day on December 1. This day is a valuable time to remember those who have died from HIV or AIDS. It is also an opportunity to share pertinent information about HIV.

      On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee (UMGAC) will sponsor an online worship service. "Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility" is the theme for the service, which will be available for viewing on this page. 

      Bishop Julius Trimble of the Indiana Episcopal Area, chairperson of The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee, will offer a special sermon. Jorge Lockward of The United Methodist Church of the Village (New York, New York) will lead the music. The Rev. Youngsook Charlene Kang, UMGAC vice chair, conceived and designed the service. 

      Join us for this special time of worship together.

      December 1, 2020
      2pm EST

      Monday, November 30, 2020

      Penumbral Lunar Eclipse - Nov. 30, 2020

       November 29-30, 2020: Penumbral Eclipse of the Moon. This eclipse is visible from North America. The Moon will enter the penumbra at 2:30 A.M. EST on November 30 (11:30 P.M. PST on November 29) and leave the penumbra at 6:56 A.M. EST (3:56 A.M. PST) on November 30.

      Calls to Prayer and Action -- Week of Advent (following Sunday Nov. 29) 2020

       https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/morning-prayer-for-monday-30-november-2020?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

      Pray for the churches and people of Myanmar

      World AIDS Day / People with Disabilities activism and advocacy

      Blog Traffic (Nov. - Dec. 2020)

       Page Visits -- 28 -- Nov. 29, 2020

      Today is Monday, 11/30/2020 = 50 page visits

      December 1 = 62 page visits

      December 4 = 46 page visits

      Dec. 7 - 56 page visits

      Dec. 15, 2020 - 29 page visits

      Dec. 18, 2020 = 24 page visits

      Sat. 12/19 = 23 page visits

      12/20/2020 = 37 page visits

      12/23/2020 = 20 page visits

      Sunday, November 29, 2020

      Winter Storm Warning (from Nov. 30 - Dec. 1) - Berrien County , Michigan

       posted at Weather Dot-com

      Nov. 30 (Monday, 6 a.m.)

      Michigan, Berrien County

      Description

      ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM EST TUESDAY... WHAT...Periodic bands of heavy lake effect snow expected with total snow accumulations of up to 8 inches within the heaviest bands. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow from this afternoon into Tuesday morning. WHERE...In Indiana, La Porte and Starke Counties. In Michigan, Berrien County. WHEN...Until 9 AM EST Tuesday. IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times. The hazardous conditions will likely impact the commutes this evening and Tuesday morning. ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bands of heavy lake effect snow will develop this morning and persist tonight before weakening early Tuesday. Snow accumulations will be extremely variable
      In Michigan, Berrien County

      Description

      ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM Monday 3 a.m. THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING... WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow possible. Total snow accumulations in heavier lake effect snow bands in excess of 6 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph and be accompanied by blowing and drifting snow. WHERE In Michigan, Berrien County. WHEN...From Nov. 30 at 3 a.m. through Tuesday morning. IMPACTS...Travel could become very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact travel Monday morning through Tuesday morning. ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Rain will change to snow Monday morning. Heavy snow bands are expected to develop with snow rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Snow accumulations in this watch area are likely to vary greatly from less than 3 inches to more than 6 inches.

      Saturday, November 28, 2020

      Is it easy to give thanks in 2020 (a pandemic year of COVID-19 with economic travail and election fracas)? POTUS 45 and Pres. Elect disagree

       from www.cnn.com analysis of historic statements by presidents past, present, future

      In a pre-Thanksgiving address on Wednesday, Joe Biden offered heartfelt condolences to grieving Americans this holiday season. "I remember that first Thanksgiving. The empty chair, the silence. Takes your breath away," said the President-elect, who has suffered immense personal tragedy over the years. "It's hard to give thanks. It's hard to even think of looking forward, and it's so hard to hope. I understand."
      "I'll be thinking and praying for each and every one of you at this Thanksgiving," Biden added, urging Americans to "hang on" and to believe that the nation would soon "get our lives back."

      'We will never yield'

      Meanwhile, despite clear guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that Americans should not gather for the holidays, Trump's cheery official Thanksgiving statement seemed to bless the potential super-spreader activity. "Although challenges remain, we will never yield in our quest to live up to the promise of our heritage. As we gather with our loved ones, we resolve with abiding faith and patriotism to celebrate the joys of freedom and cherish the hope and peace of a brighter future ahead," he said Wednesday.
      In 2001, a few months after the 9/11 attacks that ushered in two decades of war overseas, George W. Bush traveled to Kentucky to share Thanksgiving dinner with US troops. "These have been hard months for Americans," he said. "Yet, this Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for. We're thankful for the love of our families. We're thankful for the goodness and generosity of our fellow citizens. We're thankful for the freedoms of our country. And we're so very thankful to you, the men and women who wear our uniform."

      Reclamation

        According to legend, Thanksgiving began with a generous feast shared by Indigenous Americans with colonial European settlers ill-prepared to feed themselves. While there's evidence members that the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe did eat together with Pilgrims in 1621, the relationship would eventually lead to the tribe's decimation and loss of land.
        analysis by Stephen Collinson

        What are Urban Artisan Markets? -- visit them on Nov. 28, 2020 [small business Saturday]

         www.visitsouthbend.com/ 

        You can shop the best in local artisan goods at our 5th annual Urban Artisan Market series that will take place Saturdays, Nov 28 through Dec 19 from 12pm-5pm at MAKE SOUTH BEND.
        We’ve opted this year for a series of smaller markets over the 4 weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Each Saturday we’ll have a selection of different local artists and makers you can shop from and support your local community as you get all your Christmas shopping done. Or just come shop to treat yourself. It’s been a long year after all. This is an indoor market, and masks are required.
        Featured Artists to Include:
        Adina Arts
        Beach Walk Art
        By Silvaan Ruth
        Dogwood Designs by Dani
        Elsa K Design
        Ginger and Olive Art
        Hat Peace
        Hawksglen Carvings
        Junk to jazz
        Lasko Studios
        Love, Emily
        Luminous Library Candles
        Rachelyn Jewelry
        Sanaa Chocolates
        Sculpture By Rhonda Whitledge
        Sorbet Jungle
        Sparrow Farm
        The Stitch is Back
        Traditions in Cloth
        + more
        We’ll post which artists will be at each date by Nov. 15.

        Every Saturday
        Next Date: Nov 28, 2020

        Venue Information

        Make South Bend
        2228 E Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615

        Friday, November 27, 2020

        Green Friday Hike - Nov. 27, 2020

         Harbor Country Hikers (Berrien County club) will offer a two-hour hike beginning

        2 p.m. Friday 11/27.  Fernwood Botanic Gardens -- 13988 Rangeline Road, Niles, MI 49120

        Led by facility and groundskeeper Steve Bornell

        Admission to Fernwood

        Face Masks are required of all hikers

        Our hike will be led by Steve Bornell, Fernwood’s facility and grounds keeper. Fernwood’s 55-acre Nature Preserve is both strikingly beautiful and unusually diverse. A 125-foot drop in elevation has created several natural communities, including dry and wet forests. young second-growth woods, streams and ponds, and a reconstructed tallgrass prairie. Species of endangered Michigan plants and animals are protected in the preserve. And, while you’re there, take time to visit Fernwood’s many facilities and gardens. Dress for the season. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes or boots and insect repellent, and bring water. Depending on the weather, there may be some muddy areas. The Hikers observe social distancing guidelines and the use of face masks is required.

        Directions: Fernwood is at 13988 Range Line Road in Niles, Mich.

        https://harborcountryhikers.com/events/

        New Pixar animated feature film "Soul" to debut on pay streaming service Disney+ next month

         Only on 12/25/2020

        from http://abcnews.go.com/ 

        Disney+ is adding quite a few new titles for December to finish out 2020 on a magical note.

        Pete Docter -- the Oscar-winning filmmaker of "Up" 

        and "Inside Out" -- directs this animated film, 

        which stars Jamie Foxx as Joe Gardner, a middle school 

        music teacher who lost his passion for jazz. When a chance accident 

        results in his soul separating from his body, he must find a way 

        to reunite the two before all is lost.

        Originally set to hit theaters, 

        the movie will debut exclusively on Disney+ on Dec. 25.

        Thursday, November 26, 2020

        When is the November 2020 Full Moon? What does it mean for Native Americans?

         from Old Farmer's Almanac (www.almanac.com )

        WHEN TO SEE NOVEMBER’S FULL MOON

        The Beaver Moon reaches peak illumination in the early morning hours of Monday, November 30, at 4:30 A.M. EST. Of course, it will be very close to full the night before, so plan to look for it starting on Sunday, November 29, just after sunset!

        Find out exactly what time the full Moon will appear above the horizon in your area with our Moonrise and Moonset Calculator.

        WHY IS IT CALLED THE BEAVER MOON?

        November’s full Moon was traditionally called the Beaver Moon by a number of Native Americans and colonial Americans. Many Native American groups used the monthly Moons and nature’s corresponding signs as a calendar to track the seasons.

        Why the “Beaver” Moon? This is the time of year when beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges, having laid up sufficient stores of food for the long winter ahead. During the time of the fur trade in North America, it was also the season to trap beavers for their thick, winter-ready pelts. 

        Casablanca: first released Nov. 26, 1942 -- important film that ties in to 1943 Casablanca Conference to liberate N. Africa and Europe

        The film Casablanca opened in New York City on November 26, 1942, as Allied Expeditionary Forces (AEF) secured their hold on North Africa during World War II. Casablanca, Morocco‘s chief port city, was the setting of the film.

        In the film, the hero Rick Blaine settles in Casablanca after fighting fascism in Spain. When his former lover, Ilsa, arrives at his café with her French Resistance-leader husband, Rick helps them escape. By film’s end, Rick and Ilsa take leave of each other to serve a greater good—freedom from fascism.

        Casablanca Conference at Casablanca, French Morocco, Africa. The “unconditional surrender” announcement…. U.S. Army Signal Corps, Jan. 1943. Prints & Photographs Division

        During “Operation Torch”—the Allied invasion of North Africa in November 1942—Casablanca was bombarded under the command of General Dwight Eisenhower. The city served as the site of the Casablanca Conference from January 14-24, 1943. Attended by U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and French Resistance leaders Charles de Gaulle and Henri Giraud, the Allied leadership developed a unified military strategy and decided that Germany, Italy, and Japan must surrender unconditionally. Russian leader Joseph Stalin declined to attend the conference.

        Just as the Allied invasion of Casablanca advanced box office sales of the film Casablanca, so did the movie reinforce the war effort by underscoring the value of freedom and the importance of personal sacrifice. As Variety noted on December 2, 1942, “Casablanca will take the b.o.’s [box offices] of America just as swiftly and certainly as the AEF took North Africa.” Casablanca‘s national release was scheduled to coincide with the Casablanca Conference.

        Miscellaneous building interiors. Theater Lobby V. ca 1920-50. Horydczak Collection.. Prints & Photographs Division.

        Casablanca was nominated for eight Academy Awards. It won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Direction, and Best Screenplay of 1943. In 1989, Casablanca was placed on the National Film Registry of the National Film Preservation Board.

        library of Congress -- on this date -- Nov. 26

        https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/november-26/?loclr=twloc