Editor Corner

by Jackie Damrau, Managing Editor

November brings many opportunities for us to be thankful. What are these opportunities?

• Daylight Savings Time (Nov. 4). In past years, the clocks have changed the last Sunday of October. Yet, George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that mandates we save energy by giving us one extra week in the fall to enjoy the daylight. I’m thankful that I get to run around the apartment changing all the clocks once again. Why? Because I get to get out those “poorly” written manuals to remember how to set the VCR and the digital answering machine.

• Veterans Day (Nov. 11). An American holiday to thank our military veterans and the civilians that served in World War I, World War II, and other wars for their contributions to our (the United States) national security. We also should reflect upon those that sacrificed their lives on our behalf. These men and women gave of themselves and their families on our behalf. Being the daughter of a retired military veteran, I’m thankful that I learned to honor, respect, and embrace the veterans that served to protect the freedom of our nation for all of us.
  
  Internationally, you may celebrate this day as Remembrance Day (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom), Poppy Day (Malta, South Africa), or Armistice Day (France, New Zealand, many other Commonwealth countries). Thank a veteran for their service.
  

• Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 22). A traditional North American holiday in which we are thankful that the early Plymouth Colony settlers celebrated their first harvest in 1621 by sharing their food and praising their religious deities. The settlers shared their food with the Native Americans (Grand Sachem Massasoit and Wampanoag tribes) for their help in teaching the settlers how to make a living off the land.
  
  Our Canadian friends celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October (Oct. 8, if you missed it) in much the same way that we do with the traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, and that delicious dessert, pumpkin pie. The first Canadian Thanksgiving celebration was observed on April 15, 1872 as a celebration of the Prince of Wales's recovery from a serious illness. From 1872 to 1957, the day that Canada observed as its Thanksgiving day changed from October to November many times. In 1957, a proclamation was issued that permanently fixed Canada's Thanksgiving Day to be the second Monday in October.

I’m thankful that I have a wonderful family; a group of local STC members that I get to see once a month (if not more often) to share my experiences with and to learn from; and a group of international STC members that I may not see as often as my local friends, yet we can use online devices like e-mail, instant messenger, and Skype to stay in touch with each.

I’m also thankful for you, the readers of “Technically Write.”

Letters to the Editor

Finally, I want to end this column by sharing the e-mails I received this past month. You all make this newsletter a joy to produce. Thank you!

I enjoyed Susie Fox's walk down memory lane immensely! I sometimes think of all the changes my grandmother experienced in her lifetime. She was born in 1908 and left us in 1994. When she was a youngster, it wasn't unusual to see horse-drawn carts on the road. I sometimes forget the changes that have occurred in my lifetime are also pretty darn impressive. Thanks for reminding me, Susie!

— Jeanne Foster, STC LSC member since 2001