Catholic Epiphany, Orthodox Christian Theophany, Three Kings Day devotions from the Bible

The word "epiphany" to refer to a revelation or recognition of importance. Epiphany, in the Catholic and Orthodox Christian liturgical sense, is a feast day in Christmastide. On Epiphany, January 6, Christians honor the visit of the Magi (also called wisemen or Three Kings) to Baby Jesus, his Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph in the stable in Bethlehem. Here are Bible devotions for Three Kings Day or Theophany ("vision of God") which Eastern Orthodox Christian churches also observe on Jan. 6. Theophany celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan river. The Bible says that when John baptized Jesus, he understood and proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. St. John the Baptist said "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."   Catholic Epiphany, Orthodox Christian Theophany, Three Kings Day Bible devotions | Examiner.com

SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests

In startling and historic news, SeaWorld will end orca whale shows at its San Diego theme park after decades of using captive orca in its show. The Guardian reported on Nov. 9, that the decision came in the wake of animal cruelty protests over Tilikum and other killer whales featured in the 2013 "Blackfish" film. Dwindling admissions and sinking profit margins have left SeaWorld floundering. SeaWorld announced that the iconic killer whale shows will be phased out by 2017 and replaced by a "new orca experience" focused on natural environment of whales. 2016 will be the last year guests will see performing killer whales at San Diego SeaWorld amusement park. But ending the orca whale shows is only a ripple in the pond. SeaWorld is completely restructuring the entire venue. SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests | Examiner.com

Teach children holiday generosity, unselfishness, not greedy gimmes at Christmas | Examiner.com

  Ask any normal red-blooded kid what he looks forward to most about Christmas and he will unabashedly state, "the presents!" (and stop just short of adding "duh!") Children aren't selfish, per se; they like getting presents and have been taught to expect things. So before you say a child is spoiled or selfish, look to home. Because parents talk big about the importance of giving over receiving and they overspend, overindulge and over-gift children. This reinforces to kids that getting is the essence of Christmas. Need ideas to teach children holiday generosity and unselfishness? The best medicine for the greedy, green-eyed gimmes is giving. Here are pay-it-forward activities. Teach children holiday generosity, unselfishness, not greedy gimmes at Christmas | Examiner.com

SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests

In startling news, SeaWorld will end orca whale shows at its San Diego theme park. The Guardian reported on Nov. 9, that the decision came in the wake of animal cruelty protests over Tilikum and other killer whales featured in the 2013 "Blackfish" film. Dwindling admissions and sinking profit margins have left SeaWorld floundering. SeaWorld announced that the iconic killer whale shows will be phased out by 2017 and replaced by a "new orca experience" focused on natural environment of whales. 2016 will be the last year guests will see performing killer whales at San Diego SeaWorld amusement park. But ending the orca whale shows is only a ripple in the pond. SeaWorld is completely restructuring the entire venue.SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests | Examiner.com

 

Halloween asteroid to whiz by Earth: Super-fast mega 2015 TB45 to flyby Oct. 31 | Examiner.com

A massive Halloween asteroid will whiz by Earth in time for Trick-or-Treat, reported USA Today on Oct. 21. The super-fast, mega asteroid named 2015 TB45 will do a flyby past earth on Oct. 31. Scientists say asteroid 2015 TB145 will be traveling at "unusually" high speeds. The giant Halloween asteroid was discovered on Oct. 10 by the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, said a report from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at NASA.Halloween asteroid to whiz by Earth: Super-fast mega 2015 TB45 to flyby Oct. 31 | Examiner.com

 

Zimbabwe can't charge American hunter Walter Palmer for killing Cecil the Lion

 Reuters reported Oct. 12, that Zimbabwe can't charge American hunter Walter Palmer for killing Cecil the Lion. The dentist trophy hunter Palmer shot Cecil, a beloved "pet lion" in July. But he was within his rights to do so, ruled a Zimbabwean Cabinet minister. This decision refueled the feud between trophy hunting supporters and conservationists. Being cleared won't do Palmer much good. Having the required legal documents to hunt or not, Palmer is persona non grata in many sectors for his infamous kill.Zimbabwe can't charge American hunter Walter Palmer for killing Cecil the Lion | Examiner.com

Muslims want public schools closed for Islamic holidays, like Christian holidays | Examiner.com

 Public schools in the US close to observe Christian holidays and now other religions are asking for equal time. Muslims want public schools closed for Islamic holidays, just like Christian holidays, reported the Christian Science Monitor on September 23. September 23 is Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice for Muslims. Greater Eid is a major holy day in the Islamic year. Administrators are considering whether or not to close school in observance of that feast day. In New Jersey, nearly 2 percent of the population identifies as followers of Islam. Some schools observe Muslim holidays and others don't.Muslims want public schools closed for Islamic holidays, like Christian holidays | Examiner.com

Free printable September 11 lesson plans, 9/11 social studies printables

As Britain commemorates Guy Fawkes Day on November 5, Americans "remember, remember the 11th of September." On the 14th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, how can we commemorate in a proactive way? A nonprofit called My Good Deed, suggests making it a National Day of Service and Remembrance reports the International Business Times. But how do you teach children why September 11 is so important? How do you explain what happened to the World Trade Center, Flight 93 and Pentagon? How can you help them understand war, violence and terrorism? Here are free printable September 11 lesson plans to help.Free printable September 11 lesson plans, 9/11 social studies printables - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

 

Free captive elephants like Mohan, 50 years a slave, on World Elephant Day - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

It's World Elephant Day on August 12. Environmental News Network says it's trunks up for pachyderms! But many elephants won't be celebrating their own holiday. Captive elephants, like Mohan, 50 years a slave, are shackled in chains, underfed, and beaten. Mohan is the friend of Raju, the "crying elephant." Raju is the elephant who famously wept tears when he was released by Wildlife SOS India. Mohan is also in the custody of Wildlife SOS India as per a court order. But he is not freed yet. When rescuers attempted to take him, Mohan's vicious taskmasters beat them back with a 300-person armed guard. For their own safety and Mohan's the rescuers backed off. They've been relentlessly pursuing legal channels to get Mohan into protection. Time and again, they've been put off and rescheduled. Finally, Mohan will have his court day in court, August 13, just one day after World Elephant Day.   Free captive elephants like Mohan, 50 years a slave, on World Elephant Day - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Walter Palmer killed Cecil the lion, rival male lion Jericho may kill cubs

When Walter Palmer killed Cecil the lion, he killed Cecil's offspring in effect, too. AFP reported July 29 that the American dentist paid $50,000 to kill Zimbabwe's beloved "pet" lion Cecil. And now a rival male lion Jericho may kill Cecil's cubs. Cecil was beheaded by big game hunter Palmer, to hang on his trophy wall. And now some people want Palmer's head on their wall. The Minnesota dentist has received death threats for killing Cecil and his progeny by default. Theo Bronkhorst, the safari hunters who organized Cecil's illegal kill has paid his bail. But Cecil not only was well-loved in Hwange National Park, he was also helping with a University of Oxford research program.   Walter Palmer killed Cecil the lion, rival male lion Jericho may kill cubs - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Free printable Canada Day crafts, coloring pages, lesson plans

 Canadians celebrate Canada Day on July 1 (formerly called Dominion Day). Here are free printable Canada Day paper crafts, games and activities. Use these printables if the weather is too hot or too cold and rainy to play outside. Children creating these fun patriotic crafts. Use them to decorate the house for Canada Day and teach kids the significance of the holiday.  Free printable Canada Day crafts, coloring pages, lesson plans - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Free printable baptism cards, baptism invitations, christening cards

 Many faiths celebrate the sacrament of baptism, be it infant baptism or adult. Infant baptism is also called christening in some denominations. Baptism and christenings are usually followed by a celebration. To keep party planning costs down, use free printable christening invitations. To keep gift giving costs down, use free printable baptism cards.Free printable baptism cards, baptism invitations, christening cards - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Don't miss Houma-Choctaw native pow wow at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is all about music and food. But there's a second part to the name: heritage. Everyone comes from somewhere and some people, whether they know from where or whom. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is about preserving that genealogical lore and disseminating it to future generations. New Orleans is redolent of flavorful cultural influences, a vital one being indigenous tribes.   Don't miss Houma-Choctaw native pow wow at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Selfie at NYC explosion site ignites furor over insensitive photo ops

A group selfie at a New York City explosion site ignited furor over insensitive photo ops reported Yahoo News March 30. In the wake of an East Village apartment building explosion, some gals thought it would be cute to snap smiling pics of themselves with the still-smoldering ruins as backdrop. The thrill seekers' tackiness was further heightened by the fact that two men are still missing after the NYC explosion.  Selfie at NYC explosion site ignites furor over insensitive photo ops

Jewish Purim printables, Queen Esther activities, lessons for Hebrew holiday - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

The Jewish celebration of Purim begins at sundown on 14th day of Adar in the Hebrew calendar. That's March 4, 2015. Purim celebrates the bravery and wisdom of a Jewish girl, Esther. Esther became queen of Ahasuerus, King of Persia. Here are free printable Purim activities and Jewish lesson plans to help children learn about Queen Esther.Jewish Purim printables, Queen Esther activities, lessons for Hebrew holiday - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com