How Dressing Up For Halloween Began

People love to dress up. Its a fact. And its not just kids. Come Halloween, grown-ups and kids alike take to the streets in decked out from the simple to the outrageous, delighting in every moment of day where you can actually get away with dressing up crazy and not being thought of as a loon.

And in the UK the Brits, who adore “fancy dress”, get dressed up for occassions throughout the year, a “tarts and vicars” party proving to be one of the most popular.

But back to the holiday around the corner, which is Halloween. How did this tradition of dressing up in costumes come about? According to the History Channel:
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Global Warming in Asia

For the past years, the climate has been changing. Initially some people considered the cold climate to fall in the holiday season, something that has been apparent from past years. The warm climate on the other hand would usually set in the summer where people would troop to the beaches and go surfing or swimming.

However, the change in climate has been mind-boggling. A lot has to be connected with the polluting air which has been known to affect the ozone layers leading to a global warming shift. While people have resorted to various practices to attend to such issues, it is obvious that the efforts have not been enough.

The effects can be seen in the rising case of illnesses and weird weathers during known seasons. Natural disasters such as storms, earthquakes and tsunamis have been coming one after another. Could it be the wrath of nature perhaps? Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure, a lot of changes in the natural course of living are sure to be waiting in the wings.

Valentine’s Day Moods and Traditions

Restaurants will surely be filled, florists will have a huge profit margin and courier and delivery services are sure to have a busy day this February 14. While most people have already booked their itinerary and flower sending, the day of the hearts is something that will surely be a busy day for couples all over the world.

There are people who will be booking themselves at hotels for sure. Some would even find themselves enjoying a musical show in celebration of the occasion being serenaded by ballads coming from well-known musical celebrities with various love songs and entertainment. Clubs are expected to be filled as well, mostly lasting until the wee hours of the mornings.

The mood is definitely under a romantic one. For sure, regular traditions shall be held. But the important thing is really celebrating with the person whom people would consider as special to their lives. That is what the day of the hearts is really all about.

The Rose Parade: Star Wars Spectacular

The annual Rose Parade is a much awaited event. This year’s parade was even more special. Dubbed the Star Wars Spectacular, it had George Lucas for its Grand Marshall and naturally Star Wars for its theme. It was very timely since 2007 is the 30th anniversary of the release of the very first Star Wars movie.
The parade had a float set as the moon of Endor with adorable Ewoks swinging around. Another float was dressed up as the garden planet of Naboo. What was probably the most interesting to many though were the 200 Storm Troopers marching along.

These troopers were not professional actors or entertainers. They were all fans, and they came from all over the world to form this very special part of the parade. The Storm Troopers were chosen from the 501st Legion, a major Star Wars fan club. The members of the legion are fans who dress up in Star Wars costumes for charity events and other activities. They were asked by George Lucas to take part and you bet that for them is already a singular honor. George Lucas shouldered the? cost of their flight, hotel and meals. You can bet these Storm Troopers are having a great new year.
George Lucas says that it was a great honor to be chosen to be the Grand Marshall. “It’s always a great honor to be put in a category with other people you admire,” he said. He joins the ranks of Bob Hope, Dwight Eisenhower and Bill Cosby just to name a few.

Ushering In The New Year

The year is almost over and everywhere people are getting ready to countdown to a brand new year. 2006 has been quite an eventual year indeed for many.

There are parties going on everywhere. All the major cities have plans for fantastic fireworks displays and celebrations. Whether you go to London, New York, Paris or down under to Syndey, the new year will be welcomed in with a bang. In New York’s Times Square, plans for 19 stellar performances from some of the Grammy award winners are lined up including Christina Aguilera, the Rascal Flatts and more.

For those who will be joining the London celebration, good news. You need not worry if you don’t have a car since the public transportation system will be running later than usual. In fact, NatWest is sponsoring transportation on the 31st via the London Underground, London Buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and via the tram. Just don’t wait til the last minute since there is bound to be quite a crowd.

You’re sure to be partying hard on this last night of the year but do keep yourself safe. This can easily be done by following a few simple safety tips:

• Stay with your friends. There is always safety in numbers.
• Keep your valuables safely at home or very carefully guarded. There are often pickpockets at crowded events such as these.
• Drink responsibly. No point in getting so drunk you miss out on all the fun. That’s no way to start a new year.
• Wear shoes that you’ll be comfortable in. You’ll have a long night ahead of you. There is no reason not to be both stylish and comfortable.
• Dress warmly. No point in catching a cold when a little common sense will keep you from this annoying bug.