The Chicago River turns green for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. In 1962, city workers dyed the river green with 100 pounds of dye, sparking an annual tradition. Originally, the green dye aimed to clean up the river’s waste-filled waterfront areas. Efforts to clean the river increased over time, including constructing waste treatment plants and reversing the river’s flow.

Evolution of the Tradition

When Mayor Richard J. Daley took office in 1955, he aimed to develop the riverfront and used the green dye to trace sewage sources. Initially, Daley proposed dyeing Lake Michigan green, but opted for the Chicago River instead, at the suggestion of a friend. The dye formula, now a closely guarded secret, has evolved from oil-based to powder.

Concerns and Copycats

While the green dye is deemed harmless, advocacy groups like Friends of the Chicago River worry about unapproved imitations. Despite efforts to control the dyeing, unsanctioned events persist. The tradition has inspired other U.S. cities to dye their own waterways, despite environmental concerns.

Future of the Tradition

The Chicago River dyeing tradition continues to draw crowds annually, with thousands gathering to celebrate. As the practice spreads to other cities, calls for environmental protection and evolving traditions grow louder.

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Valentine’s Day is often associated with candy, but if you want to avoid processed, high-sugar options, there are healthier alternatives to consider. According to the National Confectioners Association, chocolate and other candy sales during the Valentine’s Day season reached an estimated $4.2 billion last year. However, many of the sweet options found in grocery stores are processed and contain ingredients like food dyes, which have been linked to behavioral issues in children.

Choose Fruits for Natural Sweetness

Fruits, whether fresh or dried, are a great choice if you’re looking for something naturally sweet and beneficial for your health. Berries, in particular, are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Strawberries, for example, are high in vitamin C and can support your immune system. Apples, on the other hand, promote saliva production and freshen breath. Consider gifting a fruit basket arrangement for a healthy and sweet option.

Indulge in a Cheese Board

A cheese board may not be the sweet option you’re looking for, but it can still be a romantic treat. Cheese offers several nutritional benefits, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it’s important to enjoy cheese in moderation, as it is high in fat and salt. Opt for less processed cheese options and check the ingredients to ensure it’s pure cheese without additives.

Opt for Dark Chocolate or Chocolate-Dipped Fruit and Nuts

Chocolate is a classic Valentine’s Day gift, but not all chocolate is created equal. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content contains more antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate. Avoid highly processed and sweetened chocolates, such as those found in heart-shaped boxes. Instead, consider chocolate-dipped fruit or nuts for a healthier alternative.

Get Creative with Homemade Treats

When you make something homemade, you have control over the ingredients and can ensure it’s a healthier option. Prepackaged and restaurant foods often contain additives and preservatives that can encourage overeating. Consider making homemade energy balls, granola bars, oat cookies, nut-butter cups, whole wheat pancakes, date-coconut balls, or yogurt-covered treats. Just be mindful of portion sizes and package them in a heart-shaped box for a festive touch.

Non-Food Gift Ideas

Not all gifts have to be food-related. Flowers are a classic and thoughtful option. Potted plants have also been shown to have a positive effect on mood. Other non-food gift ideas include books, spa gift cards or baskets, custom photo albums, or engraved jewelry. If you want to give the gift of experience, consider a concert, cooking class, wine tasting, movie night, or weekend getaway.

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Jan. 1 is an opportunity to start fresh for many people worldwide. They make resolutions to eat better, become healthier or take control of finances. Unfortunately, many people also abandon their resolutions by February. Luckily, it’s around this time that I get a second chance to reflect on my year and set the tone for a new one. This year, Feb. 10 marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. It’s one of the most important festivals in many Asian countries, including Vietnam, China, Korea as well as the Asian diaspora.

A Time for Tradition and Celebration

The Lunar New Year prompts what is considered one of the world’s largest annual human migrations as hundreds of millions of people travel back to their familial hometowns for the celebrations, which last up to two weeks. Certain foods are eaten only at this time of year. Often traditional costumes are worn. Celebrants gather to see parades and perform various rites and rituals with elders in order to guarantee a lucky year ahead.

Here in the U.S., I only get to celebrate each Lunar New Year — or Tet, in Vietnamese — for one day each year, as it’s not a federally recognized holiday. Nevertheless, my parents made sure we spent our time wisely. We would all take the day off and put on our traditional ao dai to go visit my grandparents. They’d give us red envelopes, called li xi, filled with “lucky” money — but only after we give well wishes to our elders. On the days leading up to the New Year, we thoroughly clean the house up and spend days making banh chung, a sticky rice cake filled with pork belly and mung bean. Tet was always a reflective day focused on mindfulness and setting ourselves up for another successful year.

Evolving Traditions in the Asian Diaspora

Our celebration is just one example of how members of the Asian diaspora have evolved their Lunar New Year celebrations as they invite loved ones from other cultures to join in. For example, Hoang’s parents are divorced, and she often splits her holiday between her mother, who is Korean, and her father, who is Chinese and Vietnamese. Her mother’s family serves soju and Korean side dishes called banchan alongside photos of loved ones who have passed away. When she’s with her father in D.C., Hoang’s family does a deep clean the day before and wakes up early the next day to visit Vietnamese Buddhist temples in the area to pray and donate money. The family has a big meal in the evening. Food is laid out on an alter to honor and welcome ancestors.

Zhang, who is from Beijing, used to celebrate the Lunar New Year with her family in China by coming together to make dumplings, hand out lucky money in red envelopes, and watch the spring gala on China Central Television before enjoying fireworks at midnight. When she moved to the U.S. for college, she found a community of Chinese students to celebrate with and was able to share the holiday with her non-Asian friends as well. These days, she keeps in touch with her family virtually and plans to continue the tradition of watching the spring gala together.

Duong, on the other hand, has a complicated relationship with the Lunar New Year. His parents are ethnically Chinese but were born and lived in Vietnam. He grew up paying tributes to his ancestors and eating traditional dishes, but the holiday doesn’t hold much significance for him. However, he still calls his parents and wishes them a happy new year, using the occasion as a time for reflection and celebration of the newness of life.

Pao, who grew up in South Carolina with Taiwanese parents, describes Lunar New Year as a “big fun holiday” similar to Christmas. Their celebrations included partying with the local Chinese association, and her grandparents would send red envelopes, clothes, and food from Taiwan. After spending time in mainland China, Pao became more immersed in the traditions and now ensures that her children are familiar with their Chinese roots. To her, Lunar New Year is a time to take stock of the past, celebrate, and get excited about what comes next, all while staying connected to family and Chinese traditions.

Conclusion

The Lunar New Year is a time of reflection, tradition, and celebration for many Asian communities around the world. It’s a time to gather with family, honor ancestors, and set the tone for a lucky and prosperous year ahead. As members of the Asian diaspora invite loved ones from other cultures to join in the festivities, the traditions continue to evolve and adapt, creating a sense of unity and cultural exchange. Whether it’s through traditional rituals, special foods, or simply spending time with loved ones, the Lunar New Year holds deep meaning and significance for those who celebrate it.

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Confetti, champagne, and fireworks are synonymous with New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, another iconic tradition is the lowering or raising of an object to ring in the new year. While the Times Square ball drop in New York City is the most famous example, similar rituals take place across the country, each with its own local flavor.

Havre de Grace, Maryland: The Dazzling Duck Decoy

In Havre de Grace, Maryland, a dazzling duck decoy is used to count down to the new year. This light fixture pays homage to the city’s rich fishing history and its affinity for duck decoys. Havre de Grace proudly calls itself the “Decoy Capital of the World.”

Mt. Olive, North Carolina: The Giant Pickle

For the past 23 years, the Mt. Olive Pickle Company in Mt. Olive, North Carolina, has staged the descent of a giant pickle on New Year’s Eve. Originally attended by just a few employees, the event now attracts thousands of spectators. The installation is raised and lowered with the assistance of the local volunteer fire department’s ladder truck.

Mobile, Alabama: The Electronic MoonPie

In Mobile, Alabama, a 600-pound, 12-foot-tall electronic MoonPie is the focal point of their New Year’s Eve celebration. The MoonPie, a beloved treat across the South, draws not only locals but also visitors from the Gulf Coast. Over the years, it has become the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Central Time Zone.

Flagstaff, Arizona: The Illuminated Pinecone

In Flagstaff, Arizona, a married couple who owns the Weatherford Hotel started a tradition in 1999 by dropping a plastic garbage can covered in pine cones and lights. Today, the pinecone is well-lit, metallic, and stands at about 6 feet tall. What began with 500 spectators has grown to attract thousands in recent years.

Temecula, California: The Oversized Grapes

In Temecula, California, the new year is welcomed by lowering a set of luminous, oversized grapes. This symbolizes the city’s vast wine country, which spans over 33,000 acres. It is a unique way for Temecula to celebrate its thriving wine industry.

Seattle, Washington: Fireworks off the Space Needle

In Seattle, Washington, the final moments of 2023 are marked by a spectacular fireworks display launched from the iconic Space Needle. The observation tower represents the city’s innovative and forward-thinking spirit, making it the perfect symbol to welcome the new year.

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Pearl Harbor survivors Ira “Ike” Schab, Harry Chandler, Ken Stevens, and Herb Elfring attended the 82nd Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii. Schab, now 103 years old, vividly recalls the events of that fateful day. He was aboard the USS Dobbin when he witnessed the USS Utah capsizing and Japanese planes in the air. Despite his young age and small stature, Schab found the strength to assist in feeding ammunition to an anti-aircraft gun. The survivors gathered to pay tribute to the more than 2,300 servicemen who lost their lives in the attack.

Declining Numbers of Pearl Harbor Survivors

The number of Pearl Harbor survivors is rapidly declining, with only one crew member of the USS Arizona, 102-year-old Lou Conter, still alive. The ceremony honored the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and served as a reminder of the stories they shared. The National Park Service’s David Kilton expressed the importance of reflecting on these sacrifices as the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts diminishes.

A Moment of Silence and a Missing Man Formation

The ceremony took place on a field across from the USS Arizona Memorial, with a few thousand invited guests and members of the public in attendance. At 7:55 a.m., the exact time the attack began, a moment of silence was observed. Four F-22 jets flew overhead, with one breaking away in a “missing man formation” to honor those who lost their lives. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the events that unfolded on that tragic day.

Remembering the USS Arizona and the USS Dobbin

The USS Arizona Memorial stands as a tribute to the sailors and Marines who lost their lives on the battleship. Over 1,100 individuals were killed, with more than 900 entombed inside the ship. Schab, who served on the USS Dobbin, remembers the three sailors from his ship who lost their lives during the attack. The survivors and attendees paid homage to these fallen heroes.

Preserving the Legacy of Pearl Harbor Survivors

As the number of Pearl Harbor survivors dwindles, it becomes increasingly important to preserve their stories and honor their sacrifices. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately 131 World War II veterans pass away each day. Schab, who has been sharing his story with family, students, and history enthusiasts, emphasized the need to remember those who didn’t make it and to be prepared for future challenges.

A Message of Gratitude and Reflection

Despite the passage of time, the memories of Pearl Harbor remain vivid for survivors like Harry Chandler. Chandler, who raised the flag at a mobile hospital in Aiea Heights during the attack, still recalls the sight of the USS Arizona exploding. He believes that better intelligence could have prevented the attack and emphasizes the importance of being prepared. The ceremony concluded with Marine Corps Captain Daniel Hower delivering a keynote address, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices, determination, heroism, and courage demonstrated by the Pearl Harbor survivors.

A Legacy to Remember

Ira “Ike” Schab, now in his 103rd year, reflects on his experiences at Pearl Harbor and the years that followed. Despite his age, Schab remains grateful for the opportunity to return to Pearl Harbor with his family and caregivers. The declining number of survivors serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and the importance of preserving their legacy for future generations.

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Taylor Swift, the international superstar and most-streamed artist of 2023, has reportedly moved to Kansas City, Missouri, during a break in her Eras Tour. She is staying in the mansion of her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who is a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. While some may be surprised by this move, Kansas City has a lot to offer and is often underestimated.

Discovering Kansas City

Kansas City is actually spread across two states, Missouri and Kansas. The Missouri side, known as KCMO, is where the Chiefs play and is home to about 510,000 residents. It is also the location of the world’s first stadium built specifically for women’s soccer, which will be completed next year. Kansas City, Kansas (KCK), is smaller with around 150,000 residents and has a diverse population, with nearly a third being Hispanic. It is known as the “true taco capital of the United States.”

Despite being divided by state lines, Kansas City is a vibrant and culturally rich city. It is known as the “City of Fountains,” with over 200 fountains scattered throughout the metro area. The city also has a rich Native American history, with locations reflecting the traditions and influences of various Native American nations.

The Divisions and Tensions

The divisions between Missouri and Kansas run deep, with historical tensions dating back to the Civil War era. Missouri was a slave state, while Kansas fought to maintain its status as a free state. These divisions can still be seen today in the geography and politics of Kansas City. For example, Kansas City, Missouri, does not control its own police department, despite ongoing protests and lawsuits from residents.

Taylor Swift’s Temporary Residence

Taylor Swift is currently living in the suburb of Leawood, Kansas, in Johnson County. This area is growing rapidly and is home to more than half of the metro’s residents. It offers a mild and dry winter season, making it a pleasant place to spend time.

Exploring Kansas City

Kansas City is known for its barbecue, with burnt ends being a local specialty. Popular barbecue spots include Arthur Bryant’s, Gates, Joe’s Kansas City, LC’s Bar-B-Q, and Slap’s. The city also offers a diverse culinary scene, with notable restaurants like Town Topic, Baba’s Pantry, and Wild Child.

For entertainment, Kansas City has a thriving drag scene, celebrated jazz clubs, and a variety of cultural institutions such as the American Jazz Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the National WWI Museum.

A Warm Welcome to Taylor Swift

While Taylor Swift may only be in Kansas City temporarily, there is no shortage of things for her to explore and enjoy. From its vibrant culture to its delicious cuisine, Kansas City has a lot to offer. Welcome to Kansas City, Taylor. It’s been waiting for you.

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