Panama Discovery

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A dozen stones were recently discovered in the archaeological mound of Casita de Piedra, at the Isthmus of Panama. It marks the earliest evidence of practicing shamanism in Central America. The question is, why were stones brought in bags around 4,000 years ago?

According to some Panamanian historians, these were used in the practice or shamans, or healers. Indeed, Geologist Stewart Redwood maintains that they were taken from Panama’s gold mining area (known as the Cordillera Central). While there was no sign of gold found on them, these Casita de Piedra stones did have magnetite – a black mineral boasting strong magnetic properties that can deflect a compass needle.

Casita de Piedra was the place where many Native American peoples lived: Ngäbe, Buglé, Bribri, Cabécar and the extinct tribe of Dorasque. These stones – as well as being used by healers – also formed part of legends of contemporary Indians.

Grand Central Centennial

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The Grand Central rail terminal is approaching 100 years.  On Friday 8th February, it will be marking this milestone with a celebration of speeches, a brass band and a cake depicting the infamous multi-million dollar clock.  This date is exactly 100 years to the day of when the station master received the key to Grand Central, midtown Manhattan.     Another way the centennial is being marked is by switching the prices they had that day in 1913: 19 cents for a slice of cheesecake and 10 cents for a shoeshine!

One hundred years following its inception, the terminal is still one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, with a special interest for lovers of architecture.  It was built in the style of Beaux Arts by the Vanderbilt family, but is modern enough to be of efficient service to New York’s commuters. Indeed, around 750,000 people pass through every day.

Grand Central Station boasts a great deal of history.  In the 1970s it was only due to the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ hard work that it was saved from being turned into an office tower.   In 1978 the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of maintaining the station on the basis that cities are well within their rights to protect historic buildings.

This really is quite a milestone.  As Michael Bloomberg, the city’s Mayor pointed out, “it’s not easy to last 100 years in a city of constant change,” but Grand Central Station has done it.

Las Vegas Fossils

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In June 2012, two interesting, somewhat unique fossils were discovered in Las Vegas.  It is said that they belonged to a saber-toothed cat and were unearthed by a team of paleontologists from San Bernardino County Museum, CA. It is believed that the fossils are front leg bones of the cat which existed from 42 million to 11,000 years ago. According to the senior curator of the museum, Kathleen Springer, it is estimated that the fossils are around 15,590 years old.  They had foot-long fangs, a bobbed tail, and a sleek body that was a bit like a large version of today's housecats.

It is believed that this finding is the first ever to be unearthed in Upper Las Vegas Wash – an area of approximately 23,000 acres of land containing fossils from 200,000 years ago.  For over ten years, Springer has been guiding a team that has been examining the wash and assembling fossils there.  She has been doing this within the terms of the contract the museum signed in 2008 with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.  The next step is to continue the study of these bones – those that belong to the only-known saber-toothed cat in the region. It was asked why they hadn’t been dug up in the region until now, but that is probably because in general, there are less predators than prey.   At some point in the future, it is hoped that they will be displayed.

Charity Begins in Colorado

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Employees from ViaWest – a  Colorado data center company – gave even more donations than last year in the charity-giving program.  The program is for employees to give a donation and to be matched by the company.  Well, at ViaWest in Colorado, clearly charity begins at home (or at the office) since the average donation was $50 per person (made of cash and gifts). This is a staggering 60 percent more than the amount that was donated last year.

The donations were given to the Family Tree, a charity that gives services to people in the metro Denver area who are confronting difficult issues in the home like child/domestic abuse; financial problems, etc. As well, Family Tree donates to the Autism Society of Colorado, Servicios de la Raza (which gives culturally responsive human services to all Colorado communities in need) and MaxFund (a no-kill animal shelter).

Delaware County on Health Kick

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Delaware County is trying to encourage its citizens to take a new, healthy approach to living, by instilling a few simple steps.  For example, instead of co-workers bringing in cookies and cake to share with everyone in mark of a celebration for something, the new Delaware County wellness movement is encouraging workers to replace this with a tray of fruit or veggies.  In addition, rather than taking the elevator between floors to meet with other co-workers, the organization is suggesting using stairs. And, just for fun, if you see your colleague using a paper plate as a Frisbee, don’t be shocked – this is part of the new get-healthy thought process as well.

There was a meeting in Delaware between various bodies on improving wellness in the community.  These organizations included: Meridian Services, Verallia/Saint-Gobain, MITS, banks, Youth Opportunity Center and more.

It makes sense for businesses to be focusing on how to make employees healthier.  In turn, there will be less sick days and thus reduced monetary loss to the firm.  Thus it is not surprising that the Ball Brothers Foundation is in total support of Delaware County’s wellness initiative.  It is providing financial support for the program.

It seems therefore that if Delaware County gets 15 workplaces certified it could be the first state to receive the AchieveWELL Community Recognition.

PA Kids to Learn Hindi

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Starting next semester, the Bensalem Township School District (BTSD) will be offering its students the opportunity to learn how to speak, write and express themselves in Hindi (India’s official language).  Rajan Zed, Indo-American statesman and chair of the Indo-American Leadership Confederation, welcomed this development, commending BTSD for making this offer to high school kids.  In addition, he urged other school districts nationwide to offer Hindi and other Indian languages including Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.

Zed also pointed out that in addition to high school students forming an understanding of India’s culture and learning its various languages, it would be a good idea – to develop their future business skills – for US children to learn more about India since this country is on the verge of becoming a global economic player. As well, since America is a culturally-diverse society, learning new languages could result in additional harmony and cooperation in communities nationwide.

Florida: Native American Culture Discoveries

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A whole slew of Native American culture – such as pottery shards; coral arrowheads; blue clay and more – has been discovered recently in various parts of Florida.  First discoveries were made close to Wares Creek and Ellenton.  Riverbanks were scoured by someone looking for clay to make special creations that later became extremely hot items throughout the state of Florida.

A small broken piece of soapstone deposit was found at the Ware’s Creek swimming hole that thereafter was used to get the filth of dirty boys, to save them having to take a bath.  A clay deposit was found which was used to make marbles but then some girls thought it would be better put to use to build pots and pans.  But this turned out not to be such a smart idea as it crumbled because it was so dry.  Still, later on in history, a bunch of women grouped together who made a living out of a somewhat more improved sample.

In 1914 Mary Ward made the clay famous though.  When she first came to the state, she was told there was no way she would be able to find good quality clay to use in her pottery business. But, the single mom was desperate to feed her family so she looked and looked and looked and then finally found a substantial clay deposit that had been there all the time at the Riverview Boulevard. 

The rest, as they say, is history and these days a collection of Ward’s work can be found at the Manatee Village Historical Park. In addition, her works are still highly sought after at antique shoes where collectors pay up to $800 for a well-preserved piece.

Culture Enrichment in Hawaii

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More than one hundred events and programs will receive funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) for the 2012 Country Product Enrichment Program.  A budget of $1.6m for the 2012 fiscal year will be used.

A huge variety of events will take place under this program, such as Honolulu’s Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Narcissus Festival, Maui’s Pacific Whale Foundation’s World Whale Day and Kauai’s Music Festival’s Songwriter Conference.  According to Mike McCartney, HTA’S President and CEO, “the wide range of events selected this year showcase what makes Hawaii a special place to visit and live, while also helping to draw visitors during the slower shoulder spring and fall season.  In working with the counties, we were also able to select programs that are unique to each of the Hawaiian Islands and highlight our diverse and rich culture and heritage.”

Culture in Kansas

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If you are looking for a fun time in Kansas City and you want an exciting drink or two as well, you are in the right place. It is now becoming known as one of America’s “next great cocktail cities.” This may come as a surprise to those from other states in America but Kansas City is truly where it’s at these days. According to Manifesto (bar) owner Ryan Maybee, Kansas City’s drinking culture is quite laid back and its bartenders take pride in their work.  In addition, there is no snobbery on what you’re drinking – from top quality cocktails made from freshly-brewed grenadine, to those who just want their beer, whiskey or glass of white wine. It’s just a friendly, non-judgmental, everyone is welcome, Cheers kinda vibe.

There are other bars that are becoming popular in the area too.  For those who want to check out what Kansas City has to offer vis-à-vis food and cocktails with a difference, the Westport Café and Bar serves a cool Whiskey Smash (a mixture of peaches, honey-lavender syrup and bourbon) to scare away those winter chills.  And then there is the Rum flip made from “strudel juice” that is the signature drink at Grunhauer.  Pair some of these with the barbecue food Kansas City is famous for and you’ve got yourself a great night out.  You may want to walk there though and take a cab home though!

Being All American in Missouri

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There is so much that Americans can take pride in.  The country is full of good-hearted individuals who want to help their fellowmen/women and act on this.  Most recently there has been a huge effort, on the part of concerned citizens about those in need over Christmas and how most effectively to give to them over the holiday season.

It wasn’t just a few wannabe good people on the case either.  In Webster County, southwest Missouri, there were many caring businesses and organizations that came to the rescue as well.  For example, Crossroads Mall donated free space; MidAmerican gave money towards the electric bill; apples came in from Community Orchard; eggs from Sparbo and tons of dolls dressed by locals were donated by Wells Fargo Bank. 

Next, more than 200 Bikes for Tykes were collected which thereafter, an army of able-bodied men came to assemble.  A substantial amount of food bags was donated by NEW Co-op too.  Then, turning to the Church, caps, gloves, scarves and quilts were sewn by volunteers who were supported by others who sorted them along with other kind donations that arrived via the Church.

So really, one can feel proud to be an American.  Our concerned citizens didn’t just forget about others during their festivities.  They did what they could to ensure as many people as possible were able to enjoy a very merry Christmas.