Don't Stand So Close To Me - The Police
Monday, 23 March 2015
Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Saint Patrick's Day - History, Traditions and Fun Facts
Top o’ the mornin’ to ya! “And the rest
o’ the day to yourself!” is the typical response.
Today, as they say, everyone is a little
Irish. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world and it’s time we
learn a little more about why this day is a big one on the event calendar.
What
does Saint Patrick’s Day celebrate?
Saint Patrick’s Day is a religious and
cultural celebration held on 17 March, and is a public holiday in Ireland. The
day honours Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, as well
as the culture and heritage of the Irish in general.
Who
is Saint Patrick?
Much of what is known about Saint Patrick comes from the Declaration or the Confessio of Patrick,
which was supposedly written by Patrick himself. It is believed that he was
born in Roman Britain in the fourth century, into a
wealthy Romano-British family. His father was a deacon and his
grandfather was a priest in the Christian church. According to the Declaration,
at the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. It says that he spent six
years there working as a shepherd and that during this time he "found God".
The Declaration says that God told Patrick to flee to the coast, where a
ship would be waiting to take him home. After making his way home, Patrick went
on to become a priest.
According to tradition, Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. The Declaration says that he spent many
years evangelizing in the northern half of Ireland and converted
"thousands". Tradition holds that he died on 17 March and was buried
at Downpatrick. Over the following centuries, many legends grew up around Patrick and
he became Ireland's foremost saint.
What are some of the traditions and customs of Saint Patrick’s Day?
Traditionally, in the churches, the
restrictions of Lent (a period of fasting beginning on Ash Wednesday until Easter
Sunday), including eating and drinking alcohol, are lifted for the day, which
explains why people associate today with alcohol consumption and partying.
On Saint Patrick’s Day green is the
colour to be seen wearing and shamrocks (or more commonly known as 3 leaf
clovers) are important accessories. It is said that Saint Patrick used the
shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, although, the four-leaf clover is said to bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally. Each
leaf is believed to represent something: the first is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck.
What
exactly is the “luck of the Irish”?
Ireland has a very tragic past, as its
people were forced to emigrate due to famine. They left for America and the UK
in order to find a better life. However, many were treated badly and had to
struggle to succeed, which many of them did through determination, strong
character and hard work. Unfortunately, the natives of the USA in particular
despised the Irish settlers who were successful and felt their fortune was down
to ‘luck’ and not due to their hard work.
As a result, the term 'Luck of the Irish' originated in the USA and means bad luck and not good luck as most people think today. It is an ironic phrase used to describe the gloomy history of the people of Ireland. The phrase was also used by the people of America to describe the Irish emigrants who found their 'Pot of Gold' in the Gold and Silver mines.
However, some people feel that the Irish people were born lucky. The people of Ireland seem to have the ability to prosper when others struggle, as previously mentioned, due to their determination and hard work. The Irish, in general, are strong willed, resilient people who have had to work hard to survive. They have never had the choice to 'take things easy'. But even so, the Irish have an amazing sense of humour and pride for their country. People who have to trace their ancestors back three generations or more still feel proud to wear green and celebrate the patron saint of Ireland's special day on the 17th March.
Whatever the origins of the phrase 'Luck of the Irish' was intended to mean, good or bad luck, the fact is the Irish are seen as a very fortunate race of people. They are proud, hardworking, funny, extremely patriotic and loved by nations all over the world. Therefore, it is true, everyone loves the Irish!
So today, worldwide, everyone is a little Irish and we raise our pint glasses in honour of them and Saint Patrick!
As a result, the term 'Luck of the Irish' originated in the USA and means bad luck and not good luck as most people think today. It is an ironic phrase used to describe the gloomy history of the people of Ireland. The phrase was also used by the people of America to describe the Irish emigrants who found their 'Pot of Gold' in the Gold and Silver mines.
However, some people feel that the Irish people were born lucky. The people of Ireland seem to have the ability to prosper when others struggle, as previously mentioned, due to their determination and hard work. The Irish, in general, are strong willed, resilient people who have had to work hard to survive. They have never had the choice to 'take things easy'. But even so, the Irish have an amazing sense of humour and pride for their country. People who have to trace their ancestors back three generations or more still feel proud to wear green and celebrate the patron saint of Ireland's special day on the 17th March.
Whatever the origins of the phrase 'Luck of the Irish' was intended to mean, good or bad luck, the fact is the Irish are seen as a very fortunate race of people. They are proud, hardworking, funny, extremely patriotic and loved by nations all over the world. Therefore, it is true, everyone loves the Irish!
So today, worldwide, everyone is a little Irish and we raise our pint glasses in honour of them and Saint Patrick!
Monday, 16 March 2015
Friday, 13 March 2015
Mental Health Awareness Important To Monash
Student Development hosted the first ever Mental Health Awareness Day on Thursday, 12 March, in Lekgotla Square, to let those who struggle know that they are not alone. The day was combined with Sports Sign-Up Day in order to emphasise the important link between mental and physical health.
As the saying goes - mental health and physical well-being go hand-in-hand. You cannot have one without the other. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Student Development invited numerous organizations to come and speak to the students at Monash in order to educate people on important mental health issues such as how to identify signs or symptoms of a mental disorder and how to help someone who could be struggling with a mental disorder. Representatives were readily available to lend a hand to anyone who may be going through a difficult time.
Exhibitors included:
Caitlyn Cameron from SADAG explained, "There is a certain stigmatization about depression and suicide and so I feel this it is very important for students to talk about their issues regarding this. Students can also come and volunteer here at SADAG and gain experience and see what it is we actually do and see how important mental health is."
Along with the exhibitors, the different Monash sport clubs and programmes had the opportunity to advertise their codes and to give new members a chance to sign up. Students were able to get more information about training schedules and venues and the representatives' contact numbers.
Kegothatso Seerane, a member of the women's soccer team explained, "Soccer is a sport that brings people together. It's about coming to the game and bringing your spirit and coming out with a positive behaviour in the end." Lesego Ramaila, the woman's netball team representative said, "Netball is a social sport. We work together as a team and help build up each other's confidence during practice as well as during matches. We are all in it together." Ismail Kasvosve, the tennis team representative added, "All sports in general help anyone involved in a team or programme to develop their physical health and social life."
External fitness organisations also present were:
Vishal Mayer, a representative from Fight Fit Militia in Sunninghill spoke on behalf of the company saying, "We think that fitness is really important in every student's life. We help you to get fit, keep your physique and get a great body, and that helps with your concentration when you're studying during exam time. Great physical health means a great mental state of mind."
At the end of the day, an open mic session on mental well-being took place and students received answers to some very important questions such as:
Stephen Laverack, a registered counselling psychologist at Monash Student Development said, "The last time we had some sort of mental health awareness campaign, from the files that I've seen, was in 2011, so it was long overdue. The incident that happened in res last year, where a student was found dead, who committed suicide, I think is a valid trigger for us to start taking mental health very seriously and has provided us an opportunity to be able to reach out to students."
For more of Stephen's answers to some of the questions regarding mental health and the help available on campus, watch the clip below.
Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are NOT a sign of weakness. They are signs of having tried to remain strong for too long. Break the stigma of having a mental disorder and speak out. You are not alone.
As the saying goes - mental health and physical well-being go hand-in-hand. You cannot have one without the other. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Student Development invited numerous organizations to come and speak to the students at Monash in order to educate people on important mental health issues such as how to identify signs or symptoms of a mental disorder and how to help someone who could be struggling with a mental disorder. Representatives were readily available to lend a hand to anyone who may be going through a difficult time.
Exhibitors included:
- South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG)
- Akeso Clinic
- SANCA - Phoenix House (Rehabilitation Centre)
- Lifeline (West Rand)
- The Department of Health
Caitlyn Cameron from SADAG explained, "There is a certain stigmatization about depression and suicide and so I feel this it is very important for students to talk about their issues regarding this. Students can also come and volunteer here at SADAG and gain experience and see what it is we actually do and see how important mental health is."
Along with the exhibitors, the different Monash sport clubs and programmes had the opportunity to advertise their codes and to give new members a chance to sign up. Students were able to get more information about training schedules and venues and the representatives' contact numbers.
Kegothatso Seerane, a member of the women's soccer team explained, "Soccer is a sport that brings people together. It's about coming to the game and bringing your spirit and coming out with a positive behaviour in the end." Lesego Ramaila, the woman's netball team representative said, "Netball is a social sport. We work together as a team and help build up each other's confidence during practice as well as during matches. We are all in it together." Ismail Kasvosve, the tennis team representative added, "All sports in general help anyone involved in a team or programme to develop their physical health and social life."
External fitness organisations also present were:
Vishal Mayer, a representative from Fight Fit Militia in Sunninghill spoke on behalf of the company saying, "We think that fitness is really important in every student's life. We help you to get fit, keep your physique and get a great body, and that helps with your concentration when you're studying during exam time. Great physical health means a great mental state of mind."
At the end of the day, an open mic session on mental well-being took place and students received answers to some very important questions such as:
- What are some of the mental health issues students can face?
- What are the reasons people can experience mental health issues?
- What are the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem?
- What help is available?
Stephen Laverack, a registered counselling psychologist at Monash Student Development said, "The last time we had some sort of mental health awareness campaign, from the files that I've seen, was in 2011, so it was long overdue. The incident that happened in res last year, where a student was found dead, who committed suicide, I think is a valid trigger for us to start taking mental health very seriously and has provided us an opportunity to be able to reach out to students."
For more of Stephen's answers to some of the questions regarding mental health and the help available on campus, watch the clip below.
Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are NOT a sign of weakness. They are signs of having tried to remain strong for too long. Break the stigma of having a mental disorder and speak out. You are not alone.
Monday, 9 March 2015
Sunday, 1 March 2015
March 2015 Daily Holidays, Special and Wacky Days:
March already!? Seems like this year is slipping away! Oh well… at least there’s some interesting wacky holidays to look forward to:
1. National Pig Day
1. Peanut Butter Lovers' Day
2. Old Stuff Day
3. I Want You to be Happy Day
3. If Pets Had Thumbs Day
3. National Anthem Day
3. Peach Blossom Day
4. Holy Experiment Day
4. Hug a GI Day
5. Multiple Personality Day
6. Dentist's Day
6. National Frozen Food Day
7. National Crown Roast of Pork Day
6. Employee Appreciation Day - first Friday in March
6. National Salesperson Day - first Friday in the month
8. Be Nasty Day
8. International (Working) Women's Day
9. Panic Day
10. Middle Name Pride Day
11. Johnny Appleseed Day
11. Worship of Tools Day - guys, you can relate
12. Girl Scouts Day
12. Plant a Flower Day
13. Ear Muff Day
13. Jewel Day
12. Popcorn Lover's Day - second Thursday
14. Learn about Butterflies Day
14. National Potato Chip Day
14. National Pi Day - Why today? Because today is 3.14, the value of Pi.
15. Everything You Think is Wrong Day
15. Ides of March
15. Incredible Kid Day
15. Dumbstruck Day
16. Everything You Do is Right Day
16. Freedom of Information Day
17. Submarine Day - the hero sandwich or the boat??
17. Saint Patrick's Day
18. Goddess of Fertility Day
18. National Agriculture Day (date varies)
18. Supreme Sacrifice Day
19. Poultry Day
20. International Earth Day
20. Extra-terrestrial Abductions Day
20. Proposal Day
21. Fragrance Day
21. National Quilting Day - third Saturday of month
22. National Goof Off Day
23. National Chip and Dip Day
23. Near Miss Day
24. National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
25. Pecan Day
25. Waffle Day
26. Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
26. National Spinach Day
27. National "Joe" Day
28. Something on a Stick Day
29. National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
29. Smoke and Mirrors Day
30. National Doctor's Day
30. I am in Control Day
30. Take a Walk in the Park Day
31. Bunsen Burner Day
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Valentine's Day
I didn’t want to post something about Valentine’s Day (or
as I like to call it: Singles Awareness Day – and yes, the acronym is SAD), so
hence I am only posting something about it a week later.
On a Saturday I usually wake up, say good morning to my
parents in the kitchen and my mom makes me a cup of coffee. I then take it to
the lounge with me and sit on the couch watching TV for a while. However,
during one of the advert breaks I was staring out the window at the bird feeder
watching the pigeons flap about when all of a sudden they scattered. Something
they usually do when they’re spooked by the dogs or a passing car. A little further
down the garden I noticed a blur of red gently floating down and disappear from
view. Curiously I went outside to see what it was. Low and behold there was a
red balloon with white hearts all over it laying on the grass. Smiling, I
picked it up and went back inside. Rather than choosing to logically believe
that the balloon had detached itself from some post at some Valentines event nearby
and chosen to land in my garden, I announced to the family that my prince had
sent me a balloon from a faraway land to say that he’s sorry he’s running late
but he will be there as soon as he can. The much more deflated balloon is still
resting beside my bed.
The point of this story dear reader is not that I am ‘sad’
and ‘lonely’ because I’m single, or that a silly old balloon made me happy on Valentine’s
Day – but rather what I made the silly old balloon symbolise. I made it
symbolize the fact that I know my special someone will come along some day. I’m
trying to steer away from the typical cliché that friends in a relationship tell
their single friends “Aww you’ll find somebody.” I get sick and tired of
hearing that phrase but the fact remains that it’s true. However, I do prefer
to say that he will eventually find me.
My best friend (who is in a relationship) and I used to
joke about the fact that our princes were probably stuck in a tree somewhere
and unable to get down while their noble steeds stared at them from below as if
to say “Come on, man! She’s waiting and we’re already late!”
I loved that. But now her prince whom she loves and adores
and who loves and adores her too, found her. And here I am still waiting for
mine to come round the corner puffing and panting and apologizing profusely for
being so incredibly tardy. But I know that when he does I won’t care about how
long it took him. I’ll just let him sweep me off my feet and we’ll ride off
into the sunset on the back of his horse. Okay, that is cheesy… I prefer
motorbike… but that’s beside the point.
I’ve always had friends and family members who are in a
relationship, more so than they ever are single. I’ll be honest. I get jealous.
How come it is so easy for them to find someone? Or how come someone keeps
finding them? But one thing my mom always tells me that gives me great comfort
is that I’ve probably not had a lot of boyfriends because when I eventually do
have one, he’ll be the guy I marry.
Isn’t that sweet? To some of you reading this, you might
find that corny and pathetic, but to me it means that I don’t have to go
through heartache and pain if that is the case. The only problem is though… he’s
taking forever and I’m bored of being single. It’s not like I want to get
married tomorrow. No, of course not! Don’t think I do. But it’s being in a relationship
itself that inspires love and unselfish caring for another person. If this isn’t
the case in a relationship… then it’s not a relationship. Even if your prince
or princess will not become your King or Queen later in life. What’s that other
annoying phrase people say to try and make you cheer up after a break-up? “It
is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Ah. I’m not
being cynical about relationships. If it comes across that way I do apologize. All
I’m saying it that those in a relationship are each other’s special person or
other half for this time being. So it must be treasured. Whether it lasts
forever or not. And if a couple have found their permanent love, the one who
will become their King or Queen, then congrats to them. My prince one day will
be the luckiest guy out there because I know I’d treat him so right.
So as I sit here on my couch next to my sleeping puppy, I’m
trying to get myself to realize that I should be happy about those who are in
relationships. Even if their prince or princess is not to be their King or
Queen, at least they are happy while it lasts. So ultimately, to anyone who is
in a good relationship and is happy to brag about it with pictures and loving
posts splashed all over Facebook – Happy Valentine’s Day! This day is dedicated
to you. After all… love is what makes the world go round.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)