HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEORGE. OR IS IT ABE? BOTH? (NEITHER?)
Happy . . . uhhh, President's Day. I never got this one. It's Washington's Birthday, but not really? Or it's Lincoln's birthday, but only the official celebration? Never made sense.
I've got nothing against a three day weekend in the middle of February (thought I'd give it up for an extra one in June), but I don't understand what we're "celebrating."
I really don't get it. Far as I can tell, Abe was born February 12, and George on the 22nd. Am I right so far? Then, we decide that whichever Monday comes most evenly between the 12th & 22nd will be a day off? Is that how it works? But what about this year, when one of the birthday's (Abe's) actually falls on a Monday. Why not have "Presidents" Day on the actual birthday if we're able? Why should this sound radical?
I open the floor to any and all thoughts from my geeky gang of readers. I really want to understand this, and I'd rather hear all manner of folk tales and urban legends before actually trying to look up the answer.
I've got nothing against a three day weekend in the middle of February (thought I'd give it up for an extra one in June), but I don't understand what we're "celebrating."
I really don't get it. Far as I can tell, Abe was born February 12, and George on the 22nd. Am I right so far? Then, we decide that whichever Monday comes most evenly between the 12th & 22nd will be a day off? Is that how it works? But what about this year, when one of the birthday's (Abe's) actually falls on a Monday. Why not have "Presidents" Day on the actual birthday if we're able? Why should this sound radical?
I open the floor to any and all thoughts from my geeky gang of readers. I really want to understand this, and I'd rather hear all manner of folk tales and urban legends before actually trying to look up the answer.
posted by Mike at 10:16 AM
16 Comments:
I personally feel that the entire month of February should be considered a holiday. From Groundhog day through the 29th on leap year, through Washington's birthday on non-leap year. February seems like such a tertiary month overall.
This actually doesn't strike me as that odd. Ever have two family members with birthdays close together, so you pick a compromise date and celebrate both at the same time? It's like that, only America is the family.
Mort - I like February, making me one of one people who feel that way.
The days are getting longer, spring is one month closer. Despite the complaints, always seems like an upbeat month when it's said and done (quickly, due to fewer days).
Toast -
Ever have two family members with birthdays close together, so you pick a compromise date and celebrate both at the same time?
No actually. And these aren't family members!!! This in Honest Abe and . . . Honest George. These men didn't lie. About anything, including birthdays.
A little respect for the Father of our country.
And I've been thinking: if one comes on a Monday, then the other comes on a Thursday, right? We could be creative and get TWO three-day holidays out of that. These modern Amerixcan calendar people are screwing it all up . . . while pissing on the memories of two great men.
I think we Revolt Now.
I like February, just not the electric bills that come along with them.
I'm quite familiar with the Birthday Compromise that Toast is referring to. I had to endure it with my sister growing up and she's continuing the tradition with her sons.
Mike, OT: You heading to Brooklyn for TartFest on Friday? I didn't see any Mikes in Tart's email distro for the event. Surely you wouldn't bail on such an epic event.
But february made me shiver
With every paper I’d deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep;
I couldn’t take one more step.
I can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride,
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died.
So bye-bye, miss american pie.
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
And them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die.
"this’ll be the day that I die."
American Pie, 1971
Toast - I never officially posted a comment at Tart's place saying I was in.
But I'm up for whatever other festivities take place either at or away from her place. That's why I was asking you where you guys were rendezvousing.
Once upon a time, there were 2 days off in February, one for Abe, one for George. Then, a new holiday, for Dr. King was created, and the powers that be decided that we should not gain another off day, the number should remain constant (why pay us to stay home for another day?), so Lincoln and Washington's B-Days were combined to create Presidents Day.
Three-day weekends are good for the economy.
Three-day weekends are good for the economy.
In that they encourage consumer spending? Because they reduce commuting expenditures? Give workers a rest so they can be more efficient?
Just asking. I think they're great, and need little ror no reason to encourage one a month. Seriously.
All of the above.
It's tough for me since I get garbage and recycling pickup on Mondays and it is always a mystery which holidays the sanitation workers will get.
They don't pick up on National Holidays, do they?
I was pissed when they merged the holiday because as a kid we got both Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays off from school. Not that it would make a difference to me now because in my current job I have to work most holidays.
I remember getting a week off in February, as mid-winter recess.
But I have no recollection of how it related to the Presidential Birthdays.
Just as follow up information. They picked up on Presidents' Day.
They picked up on Presidents' Day.
Damn. They don't work on Labor Day, do they?
Post a Comment
<< Home