Harley Hahn Newsletter #60

Harley Hahn Newsletter
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  HARLEY HAHN NEWSLETTER
           #60

    December 17, 2009
 
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"There are two widely celebrated winter holidays:
one has to do with Santa Claus; the other has to
do with Jesus. These two holidays have nothing to
do with one another."

 -- Harley Hahn


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Holidays and Celebrations
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People love holidays and celebrations. Throughout
history, every culture, every society and every
religion has always had special days and
observances. But where do all these holiday
originate?

To find out, I interviewed Alphonse
Featherstonehaugh Hipplehauser of the World
Holiday Federation.

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"Harley Hahn: Mr. Hipplehauser, most people are not
even aware of the existence of the World Holiday
Federation. Could you please tell us something
about your organization?"

"Alphonse F. Hipplehauser: I sure can, Harley, but
before we start...


Holidays and Celebrations: The real truth

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And while we're on the topic of holidays, take a moment
to explore the holiday-related resources in Harley
Hahn's Internet Yellow Pages":

Holidays and Celebrations: Cool stuff to explore

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Is There a Santa Claus?
=======================

One hundred and six years ago, a young girl sent a
letter to a New York City newspaper, asking
whether or not there really was a Santa Claus.
Virginia's question was answered by an editorial
writer named Francis P. Church.

In the last hundred years, Church's editorial
("...Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...")
has been reprinted countless times and has become
a firm part of the Christmas mythos.

But was Church's answer really a good one?

Frankly, I don't think so. I think the editorial
was silly and condescending. Bah Humbug!

But don't take my word for it. Read the original
essay, and then compare it to my answer to the same
question:

Is There a Santa Claus?

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Ask Harley
==========

When you get a moment, check out "Ask Harley".
Here you will find a collection of fascinating
questions and answers covering a variety of
topics.

I love learning, and I love explaining.  Within "Ask Harley"
I will explain things you may have wondered about but never
really understood.  I have just added answers to the
following questions:

* What happens to fish in the winter when the water freezes?

* What causes thunder?

* Why do governments take a census?

* What do men need to understand about women who were born
  after 1960?

Ask Harley:
  http://www.harley.com/ask-harley/

Check back from time to time, and you will find
new questions and answers to enjoy.

-- Harley Hahn