Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets

 The story of St. Valentine has nothing to do with flowers and candy or Valentine's Day as we celebrate it on Feb. 14. Except in one way (we'll get to that). It has nothing in common with romance as we know it. But Valentine's story is spiritually romantic. Valentinius was a Roman Christian priest. In those days, this was not popular. In fact, it was downright illegal.



Then-Emperor Claudius II decided he'd make marriage illegal too--so men would give up women go fight his battles. Not exactly an even quid pro quo. But Claudius wasn't the most savvy guy. Anyway, Valentine understood human nature better. He performed underground marriages so people could keep sanctified romances and holy love. Valentine was jailed for his pains.



So, being a helpful and proactive kind of guy, Valentine wrote notes of encouragement to his fellow incarcerated. He signed them "Your Valentine." There grew the card-sending tradition--the only part of the real meaning of Valentine's Day that is practiced today. Valentine was martyred on Feb. 14. It became a holy day--holiday--in the Catholic church.



Predictably, the spiritual bits of the story are ignored for the commercial. True, Valentine's story is based on legend, but most stories of antiquity are oral tradition. Anyway, it seems a more fitting expression of the holiday than just flowers and candy. If you do too, here are free printable Catholic St. Valentine activities and lessons.  Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets | Examiner.com

Black History Month movies: African American slavery, abolition, emancipation

 Black History Month, February in the U.S. is about three things: exploring black culture, grieving the struggles of African Americans and celebrate their triumphs. The U.S. Census Bureau released facts about black Americans--where they've been, are and are going--reports PR Newswire, Jan. 21. And while helpful, stats can only show just so much.  Black History Month movies: African American slavery, abolition, emancipation | Examiner.com

Chinese New Year of the Monkey, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival party planner | Examiner.com

Chinese New Year of the Monkey begins Feb. 8, 2106. The Chinese zodiac is distinguished by 12 animals. 2016 is the Year of the Monkey and each year celebrates a different animal--rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Here are activities and ideas for parents to explore Chinese traditions.  Chinese New Year of the Monkey, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival party planner | Examiner.com

Obesity linked to cancer rise: Experts push sugar tax, junk food TV ad bans | Examiner.com

Increasing obesity rates and scary high numbers of obese and overweight children, are compelling scientists to get to the heart of this massive global weight gain, reported the IANS. New research says add cancer to the list of deadly diseases that obesity causes. Health researchers found obesity is linked to rising cancer rates of some kinds, reported the BBC Health. And there's more bad new--3 in 4 people will be obese or overweight by 2035 if current trends continue. That's right, even people who have never had a weight problem in their lives, probably even some of those who have always been "too skinny" will be overweight if they don't change their collision course lifestyles. You probably know being overweight leads to many other killer health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, plaque, heart disease and circulatory problems and more. Now add to that 670,000 new cases of cancer due to healthy weight, says a UK report.   Obesity linked to cancer rise: Experts push sugar tax, junk food TV ad bans | Examiner.com

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