Pagan Traditions of Easter

Easter is a holiday that is celebrated worldwide, with varying traditions and customs. However, it is not just a Christian holiday. In fact, the origins of Easter can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions that celebrated the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature. This article will explore the popular pagan traditions of Easter. One of the most prominent figures associated with Easter is the Easter Bunny. The tradition of the Easter Bunny has its roots in pagan celebrations of the goddess Eostre, who was associated with the arrival of spring and the fertility of the land. The rabbit was one of her sacred animals and was seen as a symbol of fertility and new life. German immigrants brought the custom of the Easter Bunny to America in the 19th century, where it evolved into the popular Easter Bunny we know today [1]. Another popular Easter tradition with pagan roots is the decoration and giving of eggs. Eggs were seen as a symbol of fertility and new life, and were often used in pagan celebrations of the arrival of spring. In many pagan cultures, eggs were painted and exchanged as gifts. Today, the tradition of decorating and giving eggs has evolved into the modern practice of dyeing and hiding Easter eggs for children to find [3]. The Spring Equinox, which falls around March 21st or 22nd, is another important pagan celebration that has become associated with Easter. The Spring Equinox marks the time when day and night are of equal length and represents a time of balance and renewal. This holiday is also known as Ostara, which is named after the Germanic goddess Eostre. During this holiday, pagans celebrate the arrival of spring with bonfires, feasts, and offerings to the goddess of fertility [5]. In conclusion, the popular pagan traditions of Easter have their roots in ancient celebrations of the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature. The Easter Bunny, the decoration and giving of eggs, and the celebration of the Spring Equinox are just a few examples of these traditions that have evolved over time into the modern-day Easter holiday. Understanding the pagan origins of Easter can give us a deeper appreciation for the customs and traditions that have become associated with this holiday.

A Brief History of Easter

Easter is a holiday that is celebrated by millions of people around the world, but many may not know the history behind it. Easter has been celebrated for centuries and has evolved over time to become the holiday that we know today. In this article, we will take a look at the history of Easter, from its roots in ancient pagan celebrations to its current form as a Christian holiday.

The origins of Easter can be traced back to pagan celebrations of the spring equinox. The equinox, which occurs around March 21st, marks the beginning of spring and the rebirth of nature. The ancient pagans celebrated this time of year with a festival called Ostara, which was dedicated to the goddess of spring and fertility. This festival was characterized by the lighting of fires, the exchange of gifts, and the decorating of eggs.

The early Christian church adopted many of these pagan traditions and incorporated them into their own celebrations of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date of Easter was set to coincide with the spring equinox, and the symbolism of rebirth and renewal was applied to the story of Jesus rising from the dead.

The word Easter itself is thought to have been derived from the Old English word Ēastre, which was the name of a pagan goddess of spring. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, many pagan customs were absorbed into Christian tradition, and the celebration of Easter became more widespread.

The way in which Easter is celebrated has also evolved over time. In the early Christian church, Easter was a time of fasting and repentance, similar to the season of Lent. However, as the holiday became more popular, it began to take on a more festive tone. Today, Easter is celebrated with a variety of customs, including the decorating of Easter eggs, the consumption of chocolate bunnies and other sweets, and the holding of Easter egg hunts.

In addition to its religious significance, Easter has also become an important cultural holiday. It is celebrated by people of all faiths and backgrounds, and is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy each other's company.

In conclusion, the history of Easter is a long and complex one, rooted in ancient pagan celebrations and adapted over time by the Christian church. While the holiday's origins may be murky, its message of rebirth and renewal remains a powerful and timeless one. Whether you celebrate Easter for religious or cultural reasons, it is a holiday that brings joy and hope to millions of people around the world.

A Week of Turmoil for US Banks: Silicon Valley Bank Collapse, Emergency Loans, and Interest Rate Hikes

The US banking system has experienced a tumultuous week, with multiple events threatening its stability. Here are some of the key developments: Silicon Valley Bank Collapse [[1][4][5]]: On March 13th, Silicon Valley Bank, a bank specializing in providing financial services to tech startups, collapsed due to a large number of bad loans. The collapse sent shockwaves through the banking system, raising concerns about the health of other banks that had made similar loans. Emergency Loans [[1]]: To shore up the banking system, the Federal Reserve unveiled an emergency loan program on March 16th. As of March 23rd, banks had borrowed $11.9 billion from the program. Interest Rate Hikes [[2]]: On March 23rd, the Federal Reserve announced that it would raise interest rates by 0.25%. The move was seen as an attempt to combat inflation, but it also raised concerns about the impact on banks, which may face higher borrowing costs. US Banking System Capital Levels [[3]]: Despite the recent crisis, the US banking system is in a strong position, with capital levels at a multi-decade high. However, rising yields and fluctuations in the economy have exposed vulnerabilities in the system. Stress Tests [[7]]: The 2010 Dodd-Frank Act requires banks to undergo annual stress tests to ensure that they can weather future economic downturns. However, some critics have questioned the effectiveness of these tests, particularly in light of recent events. Overall, the US banking system is facing significant challenges, but it remains relatively stable. While the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has raised concerns, the emergency loan program and high capital levels should help mitigate the damage. However, the interest rate hike and ongoing economic fluctuations may continue to pose risks for the banking system in the coming weeks and months.

Coinbase Faces Potential SEC Lawsuit Over Crypto Lending Program

Coinbase, the leading cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, is facing the prospect of a lawsuit from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over its proposed crypto lending program. The SEC has issued a "Wells Notice" to Coinbase, indicating that the regulator is considering legal action against the company. The SEC has been scrutinizing Coinbase's proposed lending program for several months, expressing concerns that it might be offering securities without proper registration or disclosure. The lending program would allow users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings by lending them out to other users. Coinbase maintains that the lending program is not a security and therefore does not require registration with the SEC. However, the SEC disagrees, arguing that the program involves the offer and sale of securities. The Wells Notice is a formal notification that the SEC intends to pursue legal action against Coinbase, giving the company the opportunity to respond and make its case before the regulator makes a final decision. Coinbase has stated that it plans to defend its position and work with the SEC to find a resolution. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry as a whole. The SEC has been cracking down on unregistered securities offerings in the crypto space, and a lawsuit against Coinbase could set a precedent for other companies that offer similar lending programs. Coinbase is not the only crypto company to face regulatory scrutiny recently. Last year, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs, alleging that its XRP token was a security and that the company had engaged in unregistered securities offerings. The lawsuit is ongoing, and its outcome could also have far-reaching implications for the crypto industry. As the crypto industry continues to grow and evolve, regulatory oversight is becoming increasingly important. Companies that fail to comply with regulations risk facing legal action and damaging the reputation of the entire industry. The outcome of the SEC's investigation into Coinbase's lending program will be closely watched by industry participants and regulators alike.

Coinbase and the SEC

Coinbase is a popular cryptocurrency exchange platform that allows users to buy, sell, and trade digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a government agency responsible for enforcing federal securities laws and regulating the securities industry. In 2021, Coinbase announced its plans to go public through a direct listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange. This move raised concerns among some industry experts and regulators, including the SEC, about potential regulatory and legal issues surrounding Coinbase's business practices and the cryptocurrency market in general. The SEC has been closely monitoring the cryptocurrency industry and has expressed concerns about the lack of regulation and potential risks to investors. In particular, the SEC has raised concerns about the potential for fraud, manipulation, and other illegal activities in the cryptocurrency market. In November 2021, Coinbase received a Wells notice from the SEC, indicating that the agency was considering taking enforcement action against the company for alleged violations of securities laws related to its lending program. Coinbase had planned to offer a new lending product that would allow users to earn interest on certain cryptocurrencies, but the SEC argued that this product was a security and would need to be registered with the agency. Coinbase has disputed the SEC's claims and has stated that it has been engaged in ongoing discussions with the agency about its lending program. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry as a whole, as it may set a precedent for how cryptocurrencies are regulated and treated under securities laws.

Trump's Possible Charges

As of March 23, 2023, former President Donald Trump has not been charged with any crimes related to his tenure in office. However, there are ongoing investigations by the Manhattan district attorney's office into hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016, as well as allegations of obstruction of Congress related to the January 6th Capitol attack [1]. Trump has denied any wrongdoing in these matters [2], but reports suggest that charges related to the hush money payments may be imminent, with some sources suggesting they could come as soon as this week [3]. The Manhattan district attorney's investigation has been ongoing for several years and appears to be nearing a decision regarding whether to charge Trump with a crime related to the $130,000 hush money payment made just before the 2016 election [4]. In response to these reports, workers have erected barricades around a Manhattan courthouse, and New York City is bracing for potential protests and unrest [7]. It should be noted that Trump has escaped law enforcement inquiries in the past, and it remains to be seen whether he will face charges related to these investigations [10].

New Beginnings

After months of careful planning, the day had finally arrived. Emily stood at the entrance of her new apartment building, taking in the fresh scent of the crisp autumn air. She had always been a city girl, but the hustle and bustle of the big city had become too much for her. She needed a change, a fresh start, and that was exactly what she was going to get.

Emily had left her old life behind - a demanding job, a failing relationship, and a cramped apartment. Now, she had a new job, a new city, and a new apartment. Everything was new, and she was ready for it.

As she climbed the stairs to her new apartment, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was her chance to start over, to make new memories, to find new friends, and to be the person she had always wanted to be.

Emily opened the door to her new apartment, and it was just as she had hoped - bright, airy, and spacious. She took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the sun streaming through the windows. This was her new home, and she was ready to make it her own.

Over the next few days, Emily explored her new city. She walked along the river, visited the local markets, and even found a cute coffee shop where she could sit and read for hours. She was amazed at how friendly the people were, and she felt like she was finally starting to belong.

On her first day of work, Emily was nervous. She didn't know anyone, and she wasn't sure if she was going to fit in. But as the day went on, she realized that her new colleagues were just as welcoming as the people she had met in her new city. She felt like she was part of a team, and that was a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time.

As weeks turned into months, Emily settled into her new life. She had made new friends, found new hobbies, and was thriving in her new job. She felt like she was finally living the life she had always wanted, and she was grateful for the new beginning that had brought her here.

Looking back on her old life, Emily realized that leaving it all behind was the best decision she had ever made. She had found happiness and contentment in her new life, and she knew that it was just the beginning of a new journey.

Sent My Passport Off For Renewal

Today I got my passport pictures taken at CVS, which cost about $17, less than I was expecting it to be and a quicker process as well. Think it took about 10 minutes all togeter. Completely forgot about the possibility of any USPS building having a passport office, but luckily didn't have to since it would have required an appointment anyways. Saved myself a little bit of trouble that way. Took the bus to the USPS building after the pics, and ended up having to get a money order to pay for the processing of my passport at it's final destination. For some reason I was thinking I'd be able to pay for everything up front at the post office. Come to find out a check or money order is needed so that it can be sent with the materials and processing. Seems like a receipt would have been more convenient, allowing for everything to be paid at the origination so that everything is set and no worries needed. It was a clear day with warm weather today allowing for a comfortable bus ride and walking in between. Allowed for a good scenic view when waiting for the bus home as well.

A Trip To Lusaka In The Making

     My mom's cancer treatment has been every two weeks, with a three day treatment process. It's got it's ups and downs, with a new drug that doesn't give her adverse reactions to cold. She's been seeming to react well to the previous treatment, the current treatment is to see what more progress can be made. 

     Recently found my passport, as I need to renew it. Planning on visiting Lusaka, Zambia. Have a friend I'll be visiting there. She's currently got one child, a daughter who's in school as a 9 year old. As it turns out, even though my passport is expired,  there's a 15 year period from the initial issue to be able to mail it in with pictures which simplifies the process, I think. Had it been past the 15 years, I would have to do the whole process again as if for the 1st time. I'll have to wait 6 months after it has become valid again before I can consider the trip to Lusaka. It'll give me time to save and plan for the trip.

Time Begins

The family member pretty much starts a once a month treatment next week for a once a month treatment. This week has a couple procedures that will look at any physical indicators for any other things that currently exist. The treatment for the cancer is a 4 hour process while sitting in a chair once  a month. A drug form of chemo has been developed that will be delivered through a port that will be put in this week.

Going to have to at least start doing a little bit of research to have an idea of what's going on. Money's going to be a little tight with everything going on, with the family member quitting their job. Wondering what side gigs would be significant enough without a car to at least increase income while at home. Maybe there's a community that will be able to point out the right direction to go.

A Family Member Has Cancer

Cancer. What's the best way to call it evil? A family member has been diagnosed and all of a sudden you feel useless. Doctors are the best option, being watched from the sidelines. Incapable of doing anything except to just be there for them whenever they may need you. Right now it's just been caught at stage 4, treatment to come and planned. What's next? Plenty of success stories to believe in against this invisible enemy, especially during a pandemic. Hope is the option where nothing else exists. Coping with the struggle, one foot at a time, one in front of the other, one day at a time. Of all the progress made and the most evasive is this?

Mitch McConnell a Russian Crony Proof

https://youtu.be/wk9VYQXEs_4