IT SNOWED! (12/27/02)

Due to technical difficulties, we apologize for the delay in your
horoscopes.

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Ah, nothing like a white Christmas. It snowed here on Christmas
evening and
Bob, Russell and I walked through Central Park. It was really
beautiful. I
hope everyone out there had a beautiful Christmas or at least a
tolerable
Festivus :)

It's SNOWWWING! (12/27/02)

Ah, nothing like a white Christmas. It snowed here on Christmas evening and Bob, Russell and I walked through Central Park. It was really beautiful. I hope everyone out there had a beautiful Christmas or at least a tolerable Festivus :)

I LOVE BAGELS (12/19/02)

Ah a day late, but still thinking of you...

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Hi all -- Christmas is upon us. I have summarily avoided going to the shops by purchasing all of my gifts online. There was an ad on the side of the bus this morning for Yahoo Shopping which said, O come all ye lazy, which appropriately fits my shopping mood this season. I think that the economy (the bad e-word) is making this season not so merry and bright. But we all have to do what we can. The way I combat the holiday blues is to send Bush angry emails. Yes, I have become one of those wacky people who sends emails to politicos, complaining about something or other. It's hard to avoid NOT using the Internet to reach out and touch someone. Of course, I would like to slap the little bas***d, but that's neither herenor there (and I would get slammed into jail for avery long time if I did so). Don't you wish sometimes that presidents still had the Sunday afternoon chats, where they allowed the commoners to "drop" by and speak their minds? I would give Bush a piece of mind and then steal a giant wheel of government cheese(Does anyone remember if it was Madison or Jackson who opened the White House to guest and offered them giant wheels of cheese, among other party favors? ProbablyJackson. He knew how to have a good time. And wha tis it with the people's love affair with government cheese? Maybe it is a Southern thing, but some of the wealthy snobby people I knew growing up loved their government cheese).

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As you all know, I love television. I think all of those formative years spent in front of the old black and white changed my brain chemistry to leave a large section of my white matter addicted to TV. I have finally gone over the deep end and signed up for digital television. The digital part is lost on my tv-- not that sophisticated; BUT the 300 channels as well as the four premium channels (HBO, Cinemax, TheMOvie Channel and Showtime) definitely make up for the less crisp picture. So if you are in the neighborhood, call and drop by to watch the telly -- it's amazing how there really isnothing to watch on TV anymore, especially when you have 300 choices to choose from.

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This week's horoscopes go out to:
-- Bob and Russell
-- Alex
-- Mike & Jen (and Graham)

If you had wings, if you had wings, if you had wings, had wings, had wings... (12/11/02)

Did you visit Disney World in the 70s and 80s? Well, I was getting nostalgic and found that the Disney website (I know! They are EVIL, but what can I say? I grew up 3 hours away from that Evil Empire and anytime anyone came to visit, we went to Disney World. I have been there at least 40 times.) that they have audio clips of some of the "retired" rides. Yes, they have retired several rides, most of which were quite boring, but it was the kitsch of it all that made them great. In particular, my favorites were "If You Had Wings" sponsored by Eastern Airlines (remember that?The crazy cop directing traffic of flamingos?[http://home.cfl.rr.com/omniluxe/iyhw-music.htm]) and"Carousel of Progress" sponsored by General Electric [http://disneylandsource.com/tom/history.html]. I could spend hours explaining what the rides were like, but I don't have to. Freaks like me have already created web sites devoted to these retired rides. Unbelievable. Now if people would just spend this kind of energy helping each other...

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The following has been cribbed from an email from Mark Steyn, who is too brilliant for words:

"Song of Satan: There are two strong contenders at the moment, prime candidate one being Jennifer Lopez with Jenny from the block, which as far as I can tell is a cloying attempt to convince us all that beneath the successful, millionaire, hollywood, pop star exterior she's just the same old j-lo she's always been. Hmm. However, I think I'm going to have to give it to Christina Aguilera for Dirty. In this case it's not so much that I object to the song, it's just that everytime I see the video it makes me want to shake her and tell her to go put on some clothes!"

Girlladyfriend's response: When I see that video, I just want to take everyone in it and make them take a shower and wear something decent. I am tired of Christina wearing bandaids and bad hair extensions onTV. She needs an emergency makeover.

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This week's HUZZAHs go out to:

>> Audrey

>> Lori

>> Mark

Festival of Lights (12/04/02)

Hanukkah bus: there is a group who has a caravan of minibuses and campers that have electric menorahs displayed prominently and music blaring from speaker systems. I don't know their names, but they drive around NYC, waving at people, sharing the joy of the Hanukkah season. Orthodox jews sitting in their campers, driving by, waving and smiling. Makes me happy.

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NO SYMPATHY CORNER

I just got my teeth cleaned today and again no cavities. I have never had a cavity or braces. Yes, I am bragging. But the dentist want to add some sort of cap like thing on two teeth because I have worn away the gums around these teeth to overly aggressive brushing. I have to say, I am scared. I know it's a simple thing and he will just be gluing on these small thingies, but... what if I get a cavity? What if he puts on things that are too big and then I get a toothy grin?

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This week's horoscopes are dedicated to the usual suspects:

>> Russell and Bob

>> Ann and Dabney

>> Diane

>> Fiedler, get well soon!

>> Michelle E

Paint smells. (11/27/02)

THINGS I NOTICED THIS WEEK:

-- BIG WIDE WORLD

There are so many cultures and peoples in NYC. It really is amazing. And people bring their cultural idiosyncrasies with them. For example, in Asian countries, people are used to squatting, especially if they are from the older generations. If they are hanging out by the corner or cooking near a stove on the floor, they squat. Anyway, I was walking towards the Amish Market near work, and these two fairly young Asian guys were walking towards me, smoking their cigarettes. They noticed the bench outside of the market and decided to cop a squat. Literally. They put their feet on the"seating" part of the bench and then they squatted, like hens. It was really interesting. Maybe they're more germ-phobic than me about sitting on public property? Or it was just more comfortable for them to just cop a perched squat. I don't know. Side bar: Also, although many are considered old school and have been tossed for the new American models, there are still squatting toilets all around the world. Yes, you squat and do your business.

-- BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

It's been getting colder here in NYC, with threats of snow and wind (which have yet to materialize). However, people have brought out their winter wear. Hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, parkas, you name it. A couple of days ago, this woman, in jeans, sandy-colored fur-trimmed parka, sunglasses and frosted hair, walked by. I then noticed her hands. She was wearing boxing gloves for mittens. Now, do you think she was "on a mission?" Mama said knock you out! Or, just a really quirky lady? You know, there was this woman in Boston who used to roller skate around Ann's neighborhood wearing oven mitts on her hands. She was a little mentally off, but if you are rollerblading/skating and don't have the money for safety gear, I think oven mitts are an excellent alternative. And so are boxing gloves.

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Big Thanksgiving Turkey/Tofurkeys to:

* Bob and Russell

* Ann, Dabney, Diane, Jack and Fiedler

* Michelle E.

* Carey and her brother Matthew

Do you hear that? (11/20/02)

So, I hit a major wall at work this week. My job, as some of you know, is working on financial reports. Well this week, I lost the ability to add and subtract. Completely. Couldn't do it. Just numbers floating on a page. It was sad really. Freaked me out. My friends thought that may be this happened because I am bored at work. But I am not, really. I think it is because I have always had a mental block against money. Balancing it, transfering it, paying it off for this and that, borrowing it. Spending it is not a problem. But figuring out where it goes and why there is a daily balance and an APR for the year-- now that makes me want to hurl heavy large things at the credit card companies. Thankfully, my ability to add has come back, slowly. I am not sure what happened. Age? Lack of sleep? Aliens drilling in my brain? I will never know.

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LESSON LEARNED
My super came by two nights ago because it seemed my shower was leaking and causing damage below. So, I said sure, come on in. He worked on it -- put down some new caulk, tinkered behind the taps. I let him be and wandered back to my chair to watch some tv. Didn't want to bother him -- he knew what he was doing-- or so I thought. So yesterday I found out what he did: he did caulk the tub and tinker around. But he also closed up the valve that drains the water out of my shower. So now, the water just builds up, around my feet, grossing me out. Freaks me out even now. All that soupy stuff --euw. Next time my super comes to fix something, I am going to watch.

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This week's horoscopes go out to:
- Kim, thanks for calling in
- Yvette, YOU are the funny one
- Bob, get out the HUMIDIFIER

You got some bagel stuck in your teeth...right there (11/13/02)

I don't have much to contribute this week. If youhave anything you want to say, let me know and I willdistribute it next week.

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My Winter Speech: Replenishing Fluids
You know, every year I give this speech, but I can't tell you how important it is to replenish your fluids. The heat, mostly dry, depletes you of fluid and those electrolytes that keep your body and immune system going. So, keep drinking that water and Gatorade (I swear by that stuff -- it really does quench your thirst when you are sick -- water just doesn't do it) and get a humidifier. Yes a humidifer. It is a pain in the ass to clean, but your respiratory system (and your skin) will thank you.

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RETRACTION: I received quite a few emails about my NYC etiquette email last week: all dealing with children not deserving seats. I retract that statement and now say that children under 8 deserves eats. I think that children above 8 have the balance and dexterity to stand in a moving bus. Especially if there are elderly or pregnant people on board who are also standing.

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This week's horoscopes are dedicated to:
-- Dabney, Happy birthday!
-- Ann and Dabney, congratulations (again) on the engagement!
-- Sunita and Greg, congratulations on the engagement!

I can't wait to watch Enterprise tonight! (11/06/02)

Rules of NYC Etiquette by Michelle Park:

Chapter IX: BUSES

1) When waiting for a bus, stay in a line and do not cut that line. If you see someone cut the line, feel free to tell that person that there is a line. Sometimes, people are just stupid and don't notice. If they ignore you, feel free to mutter a loud rude comment about them.

2) Do not stand on the curb while waiting for the bus. The bus is a large, fast, heavy beast and if you have the misfortune to be clipped or run over by one because you were standing on the curb, then that's your own damn fault. Always stand at least 2 feetaway from the curb to avoid fatality (This alsoa pplies to intersections -- see chapter VIII: Walking in NYC).

3) Always have your Metrocard or fare ready before you get on the bus. If you are not ready, let others get on the bus before you do.

4) If the bus is crowded, move to the very BACK of the bus. There is ALWAYS room at the back of the bus and sometimes even a seat. Usually, though, there is a tiny sliver of a seat, usually between two people who feel that they need much more room than other people do.

5) If you must stand in the middle of the crowded bus and not move to the back, then be ready to be yelled at and jostled. That's your punishment and NYers have every right to make mean comments about you, unless you are a parent and need to stay near your seated child.

6) Children do not deserve seats. Old, disabled orpregnant people deserve seats. Not children.

7) Do not use your cell phone in public. Refrain from conversations about your stock trading or what you did last night. No one cares. We hate you for talking so loud.

8) Your bags do not deserve a seat either.

9) Always let people off the bus. The more you delay them, the longer you will be on the bus. Be ready to be stepped on. That just goes with the territory of being on a crowded bus. It doesn't do you any good to gripe about it either.

10) Do not talk loudly or carry a loud conversation on the bus: other passengers do not care that you think your child is the brightest thing on the planet. We think he is a rude child that was never taught by you to talk about and point at strangers.

11) Feel free to scream "BACK DOOR" if the bus' back doors do not open.

12) When pressed forcefully, the yellow tape on the back doors open the doors automatically.

13) Do not sigh loudly or act annoyed if a disabled person in a wheelchair gets on board. They have just as much right if not more to be on that bus.

14) Do not eat on the bus -- that's just gross.

15) Say hello and goodbye to the bus driver. S/hemay not respond to you, but it is the polite thing todo.

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PLUG:This Saturday, November 9, ASPCA will be at the Central Park bandshell from 11-4, showcasing some very adoptable dogs and cats. I will be there, doghandling as usual. So if you are interested ingetting a pet, come on by!

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This week's horoscopes are dedicated to:

>> Kim, thinking of you

>> Lori, thanks

>> Michelle E., doing headstands in your office were the highlight of that job

>> Mike, Jen and Graham, thanks for hosting the animals

KUNG FU FIGHTING! (10/30/02)

So Michelle Ertischek and I were having a discussion this week about violence and death, and how the nation has become quite immune to it. I mentioned to her that Steven Segal, renown Buddhist, has no qualms in"acting" in very violent movies -- his three-word-or-less titled movies (have you ever noticed that the titles of his movies are always three words or less: ABOVE THE LAW, HARD TO KILL, UNDERSIEGE) always have lots of fighting, guns, blood, guts, etc., and people obviously go see his movies or he wouldn't keep making them. Of course, take the gory and violent stuff away and you have pretty much 2 minutes of credits. However, how does a Buddhist condone such violent behavior? Ertischek astutely reminded me that Steven Segal is an idiot; which quickly brought me back to reality. I did a little searching and found these great tidbits about Steven:

in 1997 he announced that he was the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama; he has made references to his past in the CIA and his mafia ties; and I don't even want totalk about his music "career."

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So, I haven't had heat for most of October because the boiler in my building went out. Oddly enough, I did have hot water, but they shut that off on Monday when they replaced the boiler. However, I am pleased to announce that last night I actually had both heat and hot water. And I learned something: I can totally live without heat, but can't live without hot water. Just can't. Cold water is horrifying in the winter time. My nightmare. But in the grand scheme of things, that too is not essential. But still!

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This week's horoscopes go out to:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM!

Bob, thanks for shielding my eyes through Red Dragon

Hi Manisha!

'cause I am FREEEEE, FREEEE FALLLLINNNNNNNNNNN' (10/23/02)

Michelle has placed her brain in temporary stasis. Walk on -- there is nothing to see here.

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This week's horoscopes go out to:
>> Ann & Dabney, congratulations!

Here comes Santa Claus! (10/16/02)

Last night, I had the most amazing taxicab ride EVER. Ahmed, the driver, made me laugh so hard -- I can't remember when I laughed that much. He's a character. Laugh riot. He taped recorded our conversation --why? Who knows. But what is really interesting is that he decorates his cab for Christmas -- he's been on Good Morning America because of his cab. And he has pictures to prove it. People call him up just to reserve time to take photos in his cab with all of his Christmas decorations. He has something like 800 lights in his car for the occasion. He also quality tests the dioramas by driving up and down Henry Hudson with the windows open to make sure nothing falls off or apart. Quite the craftsman. He is also probably the nicest cab driver I have ever met. So if you are interested in meeting Ahmed or need a ride, I have his numbers. He doesn't start the Christmas cab until Dec 1 and it runs through Jan 8.

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This week's horoscopes go out to:

>> Kim, BIG HUG :)

>> Graham, (IT'S KOMO) feel better sweety!

>> Blend Engine, YOU ROCK!

Sometimes it's hard to be a woman... (10/9/02)

This week's horoscopes go out to:
>>>Hasta luego, Sally!
>>>Bon anniversaire, Sandy!
>>>Herzlichen Glückwunsch nachträglich, Toby!
>>>Biz hundert azoi ve tsvantsik, Steven!

P-CAW! (10/2/02)

Morning Mishap:
Some of you have heard this already, but it's a funny story...now. I walked out of my apt yesterday morning, late because I couldn't think of what to wear (that and I seriously over slept). Got to the corner and began to drink my iced coffee from my silver thermos. Well, while I was sipping and daydreaming, this guy pointed at me andsaid, "Watch out!" I looked down and it turned out that my cup lid wasn't screwed on. So it all spilled on me. Had to walk back home and change.

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Well, blondes do have more fun. They got the last laugh on the international media this week. I heard this story on the national news and it made me think,who the hell cares????http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/02/health/02BLON.html?pagewanted=print&position=top

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Feng shui-t:
Ok, so I am reading The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui (many f.s. orgs recommend this book). On reading the section on the placement of homes, it turns out that there are a number of bad luck buildings you shouldn't live next to or too near. For example, a school, a hospital and a church -- these locales bring lots of chaos and hurt (the last two because people go there with their problems and seek comfort). I live next to John Jay Criminal College, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital and a pentecostal church is next door. How lucky am I??????

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This week's horoscopes go out to:
Lynn, I want a cupcake now.
Graham, it's KOMO (Korean for Aunt)! Feel better!
Bob and Russell, now we really are having dinner tomorrow, right?

purty fleur (9/25/02)

Ok, I am going to pass on some wisdom for those with the Rat sign. If I haven't told you already, this is the year of the Horse, which is the polar opposite to the Rat. Therefore, this year, you are probably experiencing lots of turmoil/change/dramatic episodes/incredibly surprises/life-changing events. This little tidbit was passed onto me by Amy Arnold. Thanks Amy!

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There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Just ate lunch -- Taco Bell #1 (burrito and taco supreme). That was too much. Feel sick.

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This week's horoscopes are dedicated to:

>> Yvette, good to see you, girl

>> Mike, Jen and Graham, XOXOXO

>> Sally, Sunita, Alison, cheers

>> Eileen and Michel, good luck with the toilet

Good Day Sunshine (9/18/02)

Job Update:

Day 8: Feeling great. Desk is still the same size, no bigger or smaller. Now have chicken ornament and photos of nephew on desk. Have met people in my department. Learned some new gossip and found decaf tea. Overall, good day.

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REAL TRUTH

Reader's Digest. I have spent a considerable amount of time maligning Reader's Digest, a small magazine that is published in 48 editions and 19 languages and is sold in more than 60 countries. The reason why I hated it was because of the way that they digest fiction and spit out a shortened easy-to-read version of novels, stories, etc. For that matter, they digest everything and spit it out into tiny little pieces that middle America can stomach. Seriously: why read the NY Times when you can just read a two-sentence version of an article? Isn't that enough? Well, I started feeling badly about making so much fun of this magazine, especially since I hadn't read it in many, many years. So I actually read a copy. OK, two copies. And it wasn't bad. Seriously. What I liked about it was, YES, it is easy-to-read, but most importantly, I think that many people can identify with the substance of the magazine. Yes, the messages and news are filtered and digested into easy to read pieces. Yes there is a bit of revisionist history in its articles. But essentially, people identify with the people highlighted in the articles. The silly stories that people submit for $300 a pop are stories that anyone can identify with. Or it could be said that I am getting older and my perspective has changed. So many people in this world don't read at all -- at least they are reading something when they are reading RD. Or it could be said that I am getting soft in the head and can't digest real articles. Hmmm....I don't know. Too many sentences.

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This week's horoscopes are dedicated to:

>> Lynn Kim, who deserves more than basic cable andthe $250m powerball lotto

>> Carey Meyers, who should have warned me about the lethal post-Italian sub onion breath

>> Sally Davis, who gave me the chicken, which proudly sits at my humungo desk at work

GOOD EATS! (orig. post: 9/11/02)

Sept 11th: it is a day of rememberance. I would normally talk about it -- but every channel on every tv, radio, etc. is talking about it. So instead, I will say that I am thankful that we are all safe and friends.

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New Job: It's great. Non-profit doesn't pay much but the benefits rock. My boss is fantastic and I am learning a lot. I am doing lots of financial stuff which is pretty funny considering my monetary habits of late. However, I am loving it.

Current Observations
1. I have a really long desk. It must be seven feet long. I look tiny next to it.
2. I don't have administrator rights to my computer so I can't download AOL or Yahoo instant messenger andI have to say, it's killing me. (I also can't download Free Cell and that is killing me as well)
3. There is no dress code (but people still dress biz casual).
4. Everyone here is pro-choice.
5. The commute sucks. Of all of the weeks to start a job near the UN, it had to be this one. The UN General Assembly is meeting for the next 10 days. Not only that, with 9/11 ceremonies and security, traffic is at a stand still.
6. Bonus: Taco Bell is nearby.
7. Today, I got to send a fax to Nairobi.
8. I have a window.
9. Great benefits -- 24 days vacation!!!
10. I don't have to watch my back like I had to at those &*(&%%%$$##@#@ PR agencies.
11. I wrote a cover note and my boss didn't want to review it at all. She trusted me. Amazing.

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This week's horoscopes are dedicated to:
>> Ann & Dabney
>> Michelle E.
>> Lori
>> Sandy
>> MARK STEYN

Why is it called West Nile? (orig. post date: 9/4/02)

Hey all --I am in Florida this week, watching a tropical storm coming my way -- YAY! So, I hope everyone had a nice long weekend and best wishes for the coming week :)

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This week's horoscopes are dedicated to:
>> Carey and Steven -- Congrats!
>> Kim and Ethan -- Love to you love you baby!
>> Alex -- ;)
>> Cassie -- best long distance toast ever!

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I GOT THE JOB! (orig. post date: 8/28/02)

Hi all! I will be gainfully employed at thePopulation Council after Sept. 9th! I will be in the International Program Division office working on the subaward program :) Thanks for all of your support through this unnerving time. Let me tell you all that unemployment is a good thing -- but I am looking forward to working again and getting a paycheck.

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This week's horoscopes are dedicated to:
>> Carey and Steven
>> Russell
>> Bob
>> Michelle E.

(orig. post date 8/21/02)

So, thanks to everyone who answered the questionnaire.

This week's horoscopes are dedicated to:
Ann, Bob,Sandy, Steven, Dan/Pluto, Kim, Gobi, Holly, George,Cheryl, Alex, Kevin, Michelle E.

Take a stab at my middle name: Mii-Kyung (Mee-Key-Young)
My favorite answer: Korean translation of GirlLadyFriend

Do I smoke? Truth time: Yes I do. I started up again in April.
This is my favorite answer:Yes, no, yes, no, yes again. I'm hoping I'm missing anew "no" at the end there.

Do I believe in God? In the gods, definitely. There is something that weall believe in, even if it is something that we createfor ourselves. Buddha, definitely. However Buddhareally isn't a god.Some of your answers are:God, no. Buddha, maybe. perhaps if God is a SHE
What's my age? 30!!! And my birthday? Aug. 15

Do I have any siblings? yes, 1 bro, Mike.

What's one of my favorite things to do?Actually, your answers are pretty right on:
Nap in your LazyGal ;-)
See friends.watch animal planet

What's my favorite type of book to read and how long does it take me to read your basic novel?Romance dressed up as fine literature and I eat them up. It usually takes a couple of hours (I am a very fast reader) and I tend to block out everything while I am reading. I have been known to stay up all night reading. I just can't read one chapter and put a book down.
Your answers:
Trashy British romance under the guise of modernfiction/literature. An afternoon.
Nasty, trashy, disgustingly romantic romance novels, -usually takes about 4 nights of non stop reading preventing you from sleeping.
you INHALE books you don't read them from what i recall.
everybody knows your favorite book to read is hardcore porn.

What is the best feature about me? These are my favorite answers:
you're very tall for your height
You're fun & lively and slothy & relaxed at all the right times.

Am I shy or outgoing? I would say that I am shy, but some of you feeldifferently.
Some of your answers
You can be shy in social situations, but generally outgoing with those you know
Outgoing on the outside - shy on the inside. And about as subtle as a Mack truck.
Pseudo-outgoing. Probably shy, but very loud.

Am I a rebel or do follow all the rules? I think I follow the rules more than I rebel, but your answers made me laugh:
you follow rules
That's tricky - and I'm trying to answer honestly. I think you follow the rules, but subvert them. It's a little more subtle than rebellion; it's more like behaving and misbehaving at the same time.
You follow rules, but not the stupid ones.

Any special talents? I feel that my special talent is listening. But someof you had some different answers:
artiste, excellent writer, damn good at crosswords, knitter
You're not afraid to ask for things; you can make finger puppets; you can take charge.
Animales, technology, decorating with cute things, miniature things
The ability to cut to the heart of a matter.

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be?
I love these:
Farty McFartison
Mick
Nuts
Poopie
Mishi

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would I bring?
Michelle E. got it in one: a washing machine.
But your answers are not far off at all: your knitting (it's crochet! And did you know I am a member of the Crochet Guild of America?)
Hopefully a cell phone
A cooler filled with sweetened ice tea.
Something to beat me with

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If I had a million dollars (orig. post: 8/15/02)

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! Yes, I am now 30 years old. Let me tell you my theory of the early decades. Iconsider the 20s my freshman year: time to make themistakes and learn to walk. The 30s are going to bemy sophomore year: I know how to talk the talk andwalk the walk. So all in all, it's a good time. During my 40s I hope to spend as my junior yearsabroad, either physically or mentally. My senioryears will be 50s and I think by the time I am 60, Iwill be ready to graduate.

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Yes, early on this day in 1972, my mother walked tothe Roosevelt Hospital emergency entrance, and withthe little English she had, intimated that she was inlabor. Soon after, I was born (I started to come outwhile they were getting her on the stretcher)!!! Today is also the Feast of the Assumption (Catholic):The Feast of the Assumption is an important day in theCatholic religion. It is the principal feast of theBlessed Virgin, the mother of Jesus Christ. This feastcommemorates two events - the departure of Mary fromthis life and the assumption of her body into heaven. And it is also Korea's Liberation Day. With theofficial surrender of Japan to the Allied forces onAugust 15, 1945, the 35-year colonization of Korea bythe Japanese came to an end. August 15, 1948 alsomarks the establishment of the Republic of Korea.It's also Congo National Day and India's IndependenceDay.So, all in all, it's a day to celebrate!

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Horoscopes not included on this post. If you should like to see the horoscopes for the week of August 15, 2002, please let me know.