Named after the guy who discovered America — where discovered America equals Christopher Columbus may or may not have been on a boat which mistakenly bumped up against the Bahamas where they killed everything that moved — Columbus Day takes place on October 21st in the Gregorian calendar and October 12 in the Julien calendar, which is why it makes all kinds of sense it’s being celebrated on October 11th on Bossy’s calendar.
Any questions so far?
A federal holiday since 1934, certain groups have historically attached to Columbus Day with more zeal than others — such as the Catholic community since Columbus was Catholic, and such as Italian-Americans since Columbus was Italian, and such as Latin American countries since they’ll celebrate anything.
Columbus Day is observed by banks, the bond market, the post office, federal agencies, state governments, businesses, and all school districts unless you are talking about Bossy’s school district in which case they are all Columbus who?
Surrounded by controversy, there remains a lot of opposition to Columbus Day because of two main issues, namely:
- Columbus
- The things Columbus did.
and
p.j. says
October 11, 2010 at 10:03 amGood morning, Bossy! I work for the County government, so I have the swell fortune of being IN MY OFFICE on this beautiful fall day. But of course the people I need to talk to at the State gov’t are not there!
Bossy’s daughter is definitely rocking the teenager.
Take care and enjoy the day, p.j.
MetroDad says
October 11, 2010 at 10:11 amI’ll never forget going to college at Berkeley and learning that the town was legally changing the holiday to “Indigenous People’s Day.” To commemorate the event, performances were scheduled that day for “Get Lost (Again) Columbus,” a a Native-American opera.
It was right about that time that I started thinking to myself, “Holy shit, I’ve got to get my ass back to New York.”
Judy says
October 11, 2010 at 10:23 amGreat lesson, Bossy. Thank you. I am in the same boat with Bossy’s daughter as I have to work today! Grrrrrrr.
Alison says
October 11, 2010 at 11:31 amAmerica is named after Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian explorer who in the early 1500s had the idea that the lands that Christopher Columbus sailed to in 1492 were part of a separate continent. Just to add to the history lesson.
joeinvegas says
October 11, 2010 at 11:42 amNever worked for a company that gave us off this holiday. Oh well, wasn’t planning on banking anyway.
La Suzette says
October 11, 2010 at 11:56 amAnd here in Seattle, where the banks ARE closed and the schools are OPEN, we still have to plug the parking meters today. No justice in the world.
And anyway, didn’t some Scandihoovian discover North America long before Chris? Make mine a Mai Tai.
Lovelyn says
October 11, 2010 at 12:55 pmNo one should have to go to school on Columbus Day. I’m sorry that Bossy’s daughter will miss the parades and sales and barbecues and whatever else happens on Columbus Day.
bdaiss says
October 11, 2010 at 1:00 pmMove to South Dakota and you get to celebrate “Native American Day” instead of “Columbus Day”. Whatevs. I still have to work. As Bill the Cat would day – Pbbblllt.
Mrs. Tuna says
October 11, 2010 at 1:22 pmI always found it interesting that my daughter “Sheldon” had to go to school on Columbus Day but was off for Veteran’s Day. How many of those little kiddies have actually served in the military for Pete’s sake.
GrandeMocha says
October 11, 2010 at 1:38 pmAnd it is Coming Out Day. Not sure what that has to do with Columbus Day or Candian Thanksgiving.
Angela@beggingtheanswer says
October 11, 2010 at 2:18 pmIt’s Columbus Day? And here I forgot to put up my Columbus Day decorations. I should really get around to buying a calendar.
gg says
October 11, 2010 at 2:37 pmToo late with this news flash. Wish I had known…I already went to the bank this a.m. and, naturaly, it was closed.
Whit says
October 11, 2010 at 3:46 pmIf the annuals of injustice have taught me anything, it’s that genocide is a small price to pay for 30% off at Macy’s. ALL. WEEKEND!
Sheryl W says
October 11, 2010 at 3:55 pmYea, we don’t get it off either. The kids are taught Anti-Columbus stuff here, it’s rediculous really…
Grammar Nazi says
October 11, 2010 at 4:19 pmUse “which” (surrounded by commas) if a group of words adds information. Use “that” if it restricts. *mwah!*
KathyB says
October 11, 2010 at 7:41 pmNot a state, school holiday here. But since is a federal one and state is requiring some unpaid furlough days for most state workers, my sister had an unpaid day off today.
We took a small road trip came home today.
kathleen says
October 12, 2010 at 3:29 amI’m a Respiratory Therapist. No holidays for us. Good thing I became a sahm. No more bargaining for Christmas off! I didn’t really notice Columbus Day. Heavy duty Fall cleaning. Bleh…
Jami says
October 12, 2010 at 12:38 pmBoth my kids were in school, and I was at home. They had the chutzpah (can’t say “balls” because only one of them has ’em) to complain about that fact. I then reminded them that they get Christmas break, spring break and summer away from school. I won! Oh, wait – since I have to work more, maybe not.
DawnA says
October 12, 2010 at 1:05 pmAnd 10/11 is my bday! My office wasn’t closed but I took the day off.
Liz @ Peace, Love & Guacamole says
October 12, 2010 at 1:25 pmAs far as my kids are concerned, Columbus Day is “Oh No We Only Have 3 Weeks Till Halloween and We Don’t Have Costumes Yet!!” Day.
km says
October 12, 2010 at 1:54 pmdid you know he had red hair?