Friday, September 5, 2008

Anniversay Gifts

The History Behind Traditional Anniversay Gifts

Nobody can say with any amount of certainty when the tradition of giving anniversary gifts started. Most probably it evolved over time. Traditionally, each wedding anniversary is celebrated by giving a gift made from a different material. The first anniversary is symbolized with paper, and subsequently anniversary gifts become more precious or scarce to reflect the growing number of years a couple has remained together.

Some say calling the twenty-fifth anniversary Silver Anniversary and the fiftieth anniversary Gold anniversary may have originated in medieval Europe, where wives were given a silver wreath to celebrate their twenty-fifth year of marriage and a gold wreath for their fiftieth anniversary. Diamonds are traditional in both the sixtieth and seventy-fifth years.

The traditional anniversary gifts list may seem somewhat boring, but it doesn't have to be. There are many ways you can turn each year's theme into a special gift. The traditional paper and cotton gifts for the first years can include a lovely origami booklet, paper tickets to a movie or a scrapbook with a plush cotton cover, filled with memories.

A bit of creativity can twist tradition to give an enchanting new flavor. For instance, you can celebrate the yearly tradition even if you want to break away from it to give another type of gift. Or use the yearly theme to wrap your gift or trim it with any item made from that year's material.

You can go a step further and make the theme material of your traditional anniversary gift a carrier for your gift, like tucking a ring in a leather wallet, or tying a cluster of roses together with a bracelet. You can even try hiding a necklace inside the pocket of a silk robe or fold a cozy woolen shawl around another gift.


A Perfect Gift For A Perfect Wife

Personalized Picture Purse: A Perfect Gift For A Perfect Wife

Because you forgot about your wedding anniversary last year, you now know that the saying "hell hath known no fury than a woman scorned" is an understatement. Forgetting about your wedding anniversary while you're out drinking with your friends can really make your wife beyond furious.

Of course, now that you know that it is essential for you to remember your wedding anniversary or in any case, any occasion, like your wife's birthday, you would make all the necessary plans this year to make it special. You made dinner reservations to your favorite restaurant, you make sure that you leave work early, and you even set the alarm on your PDA hours before the big event.

However, you may be forgetting something. Because you will be celebrating your wedding anniversary or your wife's birthday, it is just right for you to buy her a special gift. A gift for your wife should be something that she will truly appreciate. It should be something that will remind her of all the special moments you shared together and one that should be truly unique.

If you're thinking of buying her that new gaming console you have been wanting, forget about it. It should be something that she can appreciate and should not be something you want.

To start thinking of a perfect gift for your wife, you should think of what will remind her of the special times you shared together. If you thought of a picture, then you are on the right track. However, giving her a picture that reminds her of the special times both of you shared isn't enough.

Why not enhancing the photo? Why not try and printing it to something that she uses everyday? Why not give her a purse that is personalized with the picture of you and her looking very happy. A personalized picture purse is one of the best gifts you can ever give to your wife. You can even add another surprise by buying and putting that expensive pearl necklace she always wanted inside the purse.

A personalized picture purse is simply a purse where the photo of your choice will be printed on it. It is something that she can use everyday and it will be something that will remind her of the great times both of you shared in that romantic vacation or on your wedding day.

Today, there are a great number of websites that offer personalized photo purse services. Here, you can choose the kind of purse you want to give your wife. All you need to do is send a digital photograph via email and give out your home address or work address to avoid spoiling the surprise then pay for it. Some website offers credit card billings while there are others that accept cash on delivery.

Getting her a personalized picture purse is one of the best gifts you can ever give to your wife. It will show your creativity and at the same time, show how thoughtful you are as well. Add a little something she wants (she will be giving you hints months before the occasion so pay close attention to her) inside the purse and double the surprise.

So, if you are looking for a perfect gift for your wife on a special occasion, such as your wedding anniversary, her birthday and others, a personalized picture purse with a little something inside is the perfect choice.

Top 25 Environmental Gift Ideas

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas gift buying is in full swing. The challenge is on! With only a few shopping days left and perhaps many gifts still to buy; here are a few ways to minimize your shopping time and frustration and simultaneously make a significant difference for the environment. When making a few changes in your buying styles and habits you can have a considerable impact on the environment with little effort.

It’s really fairly easy. Just follow some of the gift ideas below and enjoy the satisfaction of being part of the “green” movement by greening your gifts. Make it a truly “green” holiday this year. Take heed!

Remember try to give gifts that people need, can use and are practical. Be creative! Try these……

1. Tickets to movies, concerts, museums, sporting events, outdoor activities or an annual pass to national parks.

2. House or garden plants, herbs, seeds and bulbs. Pots and planters boxes made from natural ingredients.

3. Gift certificates to clothing, electronics, books, grocery, or vitamin stores.

4. Donate to one or more Charities in the name of your recipient.

5. Give the gift of YOU! Make coupons for services such as babysitting, a night out at the movies, dinners dates, weekends away, massages, yard work, dog-walking or help write a resume or article, give a computer lesson or offer some other talent or skill you can share.

6. An old book or collector’s item. Things with a unique meaning. Shop at antique stores, estate sales or flea markets.

7. Cook home-baked sweets and put in a reusable tin box, a kitchen container, or another usable item.

8. Any homemade item. A knitted hat or scarf.

9. Fair-trade organic chocolate or coffee. Always a hit.

10. Clothes and other items made from hemp, wool, or organic cotton.

11. A roll of postage stamps.

12. Office supplies such as recycled paper and envelops.

13 Energy efficient light bulbs, battery re-chargers, or solar-powered products.

14. First aid kits or emergency road side equipment.

15. Board and card games that will be used over and over again.

16. For your children, you can open a savings account, buy stocks or bonds.

17. A gift gasoline card for your teenager or college student.

18. A calendar marked with important dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and family gatherings.

19. A book of favorite recipes.

20. Carbon offsetting. This purchase erases negative energy footprint of reducing carbon emissions.

21. Music and books. itunes or the equivalent downloadable books and music.

22. Plant trees in the name of your beneficiary.

23. Name a star after

24. Have a party and invite everyone over as your gift.

25. A years membership to an Environmental organization, a health spa, the auto club.

The list is really endless if you just take a moment to think about your purchase. If you consider where the product was made, what it is made of, who made it, what actually went in to the manufacturing of the product, you might want to reconsider that purchase. Fact: A manufactured item will generate 70 times its weight in waste during manufacturing. Wow!

Baby Gift Item

Top Ten Baby Presents - Buy Baby Gift Items That Are Needed

It is always difficult to come up with ideas regarding what to get when you need to buy baby gift items. Baby gifts are as much for the mother as for the baby since there are many items that a mother could use but cannot necessarily afford to buy. So, the next time a baby shower, a birthday party or a christening has to be attended, use the following list of ten ideas to buy baby gift items that will make an impression:

Top Ten Baby Gifts

Baby Toys - These are baby gifts that will never go out of style, and can be actually enjoyed by the baby instead of the parents. There are baby toys that are specifically designed for certain age groups. So, all one has to do is go to the market and buy a toy that is made for the appropriate age, which is put up on the cover or packing of the toy. But the best and the most liked baby toy is a teddy bear or other soft toy, which is appropriate for babies of all ages. So if there is confusion, it is best to buy baby gift toys that are soft and plush.

Baby Monitor - Baby safety is constantly on the minds of the parents. Baby monitors are a perfect solution to end this worry. Now it's possible to monitor and detect the movements, whining and breathing of the baby audibly and visually too. There are many different models of audio-only, audio/video, and motion-sensor baby monitors to choose from in a wide price range.

Baby Bath Care - Getting an expensive bath care set for the baby is the perfect way to show that you care about the welfare of the baby.

Baby Stroller - This a device that a parent cannot do without. It has to be bought anyway, so why not save the parents that much cash? Gift it instead of something that is completely unnecessary.

Baby Books - Gifting the baby with books, appropriate for his/her age, is always good. This actually helps in developing a joy of reading from a very young age. Pictures and colors fascinate the baby's eyes, so make sure your book has a lot of illustrations. Buy baby gift books that have thick, cardboard or other material for durability.

Baby Blankets and Sleep Kits - Getting a cozy baby blanket and other sleep accessories is a perfect way of celebrating the baby's arrival. These days, it is possible to customize the baby blankets. A personalized baby blanket is a truly unique gift. They are available in many colors, materials and designs. The next time you need to buy baby gift items, consider a personalized baby blanket!

Baby Clothes - Smart clothes for the baby will definitely make the parents happy, especially if it's the second child. The baby will be spared from using hand-me-downs! These days, baby clothing is given a lot of importance, and one is likely to find beautifully made baby clothes in the market, keeping in mind the contemporary trends in fashion. To buy baby gift items that are useful, always consider baby clothes.

Baby Bedding - This will include everything from the mattress to the blanket and pillows, as well as the mosquito netting.

Baby Bouncers - Baby bouncers are the baby's sitting place, where he/she can roll and bounce and have the time of his/her life. These are somewhat like a bean bag, with a belt, to ensure the safety of the baby. Buy baby gift bouncers or other mobile-type walker since parents need an item like this.

Baby Jewels - A jewel is a priceless gift that will be cherished for a lifetime. They also make a unique baby gift. There are many websites online which are dedicated to baby accessories that carry baby jewelry and have their items displayed online. They also ship and home deliver the items, so that you don't need to go out and purchase them.

When you have to buy baby gift items, the above choices are always winners!





Thursday, September 4, 2008

6 Gifts Never Give Your Girlfriend

It’s your girlfriend’s birthday or your first Christmas together, and you want to get her the best gift she’s ever had. Gifts mean a lot to women. The right gift tells her you’re thoughtful, observant, and you really understand her. The wrong one, however, can tell her just the opposite. Don’t get stuck in her Bad Boyfriends Book of Records. Here’s a list of the six worst gifts to give your girlfriend.

Exercise equipment. Nothing says, “I think you could stand to lose weight” like a Stairmaster. The same goes for a set of barbells, a Pilates instructional video, or a gym membership. Even if she’s talked about getting fit, this kind of gift will make her wonder whether you like her body the way it is.

If you really would like to see her exercising more, lead by example. Join the gym yourself. Chances are, when she sees how great you look and feel, she’ll be inspired to join as well. You could also take up a physical activity you could do as a couple, such as cycling, jogging, or hiking. To increase the chances she’ll get into it, pick an activity she’s expressed interest in before. It should also be one you can do relatively easily. Don’t decide to take up sea kayaking if you’re two hours’ drive from the ocean, for example, and don’t pick one that you need a lot of expensive equipment to get started in.

Cookware. The subliminal message here is “Get in the kitchen and make me some supper, woman!” This is a bad gift even if she’s expressed interest in cooking—or if you’d like her to. If you have a master chef for a girlfriend, it’s especially important to pass on this kind of gift. It’s likely she has everything she needs already, and most high-level cooks are picky about their equipment.

If you really would like to encourage her to cook more, start with some positive reinforcement. Praise the meals she does cook. If you tell her you see her as a great cook already, she’s more likely to take more of an interest in the culinary arts.

A vacuum cleaner. The same goes for feather dusters, mops, bottles of Pine-Sol, oven cleaner, Lemon-Scented Joy, and any other household cleaning products. These gifts tell her that you see her as more of a maid than a girlfriend.

A puppy. Animal gifts are tricky. Sure, puppies and kittens are adorable—but they’re also a lot of work. Food and vet bills can be expensive, and many pets require a change in lifestyle to take proper care of. For these reasons, it’s best not to surprise your girlfriend with a new pet.

Part of the fun is choosing the pet yourself. If your girlfriend has told you she wants a dog or cat, offer to take her to the local animal rescue shelter instead and pay for the pet she picks.

Something you want for yourself. You know you’ve been tempted to buy her that subscription to Fly Fishing magazine, new set of golf clubs, or Playstation II. Don’t do it! She’ll see through it instantly.

Jewellery. Jewellery has a great deal more meaning for most women than other gifts. If you give the right one, she’ll see it as a sign that you’re the right guy for her. If you get it wrong, however, at best she’ll laugh about it with her friends for ages. At worst, she could see it as grounds for doubt about the relationship. If you’re going to give her jewellery, you’d better get it right the first time.

What makes giving jewellery so difficult is that every woman has distinct tastes. The jewellery you pick could be too chunky, too eccentric, too classic, too delicate, too cheap-looking or expensive-looking for her. Some women never wear gold, some never wear silver, and most women have a preference for certain precious stones over others. If you really do want to give her jewellery, casually take her into a few stores. See how she reacts to the merchandise. Make note of any pieces she especially likes. Then go back later to buy them.

Most women don’t want practical gifts from their boyfriends. They want gifts that send a positive message about how you see them. A sparkling diamond bracelet tells her you see her as precious and beautiful. Elegant lingerie can tell her you see her as sexy and desirable. A book about something she finds fascinating tells her you take her interests seriously. However, it’s important to take her unique tastes into account before buying her any present. If you do, and if you follow our tips, you should be able to find her the perfect gift.

Cool Groomsmen Gifts

Quick and Easy Ideas for Cool Groomsmen Gifts

Your groomsmen are your best friends. They have seen you fall on your face with girls when you were younger. You have played football with them or gone fishing before the sun came up. All of you nursed hangovers together. So you need to come up with some groovy groomsmen gifts to show how much you appreciate them.

To thank your buddies for standing up for you on the biggest day of your life, you should choose groomsmen gifts that express your feelings for them. We all know how guys do not usually express themselves verbally. So, the best way may be to purchase individual groomsmen gifts. After all, each of your buddies is unique and should be thanked in an original way.

Keep personalities in mind for the groomsmen gifts. If one of your buddies is a teetotaler, do not buy groomsmen gifts that reflect alcohol related items like shot glasses or beer steins. Likewise, if one of your buddies loves music and cultural activities like museums, you would not want to buy groomsmen gifts that are sports related. You are shooting for a reaction like “Wow man, this is cool! I can use this!” when shopping for your groomsmen gifts.

One idea for groomsmen gifts is the Swiss army knife. At some point during your day, you are probably wishing you had a screwdriver handy or pocketknife to open a box or even a pair of tweezers to pull out a paper clip out of your computer keyboard. A Swiss army knife makes for great groomsmen gifts because first of all, they are cool. And secondly, there are useful and practical. This idea for groomsmen gifts also has a universal appeal and could be given to all of your groomsmen. Plus, you can make it extra special by having it personalized with some type of engraving.

If you do have some groomsmen that are social drinkers, the idea of shot glasses and beer steins are good for groomsmen gifts. Personalize them with the wedding date or a thank-you from the groom. Personal flasks are regaining popularity as well. If one of your buddies enjoys his beer, great groomsmen gifts for that interest include his own beer brewing kit or even a six pack of the month club where they get a unique beer to sample each month.

Do your buddies enjoy guy nights out playing poker? Maybe some great groomsmen gifts could include game related items. How about personalized playing cards? Or special poker sets complete with the poker chips and cards in a handsome carrying case? Then there is the fun, useful novelty type of groomsmen gifts like shot glass checkers, where you have shot glasses instead of checker pieces.

Perhaps, instead of tangible groomsmen gifts, you can plan the ultimate guy trip. An offshore fishing trip or a camping trip might be fun and a great last “hurrah” for you, one last guy thing before getting hitched. Commemorate that last hurrah with a personalized engraved compass for each of your groomsmen.

Be sure to have a plan for your budget for the groomsmen gifts before heading to the store. They should convey the feeling of “Hey, you’re my best buddy and I appreciate you.” No matter what you decide for the groomsmen gifts, your friends will appreciate the thoughtfulness.


"Thank You" Gifts for Coaches

It goes without saying that a coach should be thanked at the end of the season. Thanking someone is important; it’s a base of our social upbringing and it shows reverence to the person we honor. The phrase is muttered everyday, from saying “thanks” to the toll booth worker to mothers around the nation saying to their child, “Now what do you say?” upon any receipt of kindness from anyone.

Yet, when it comes to the unique relationship between coach and athlete, many adults have no idea the way to go about thanking the coach properly.

First, know that the coach probably doesn’t expect much. They probably just envision that the last day that the team comes together that they will be the one thanking the team and telling the team how proud they are of them. The coach, up until the last moment, if they are a good coach, will be focused on bringing a sense of personal and group esteem and fulfillment to each participant. The coach may even be thanking the parents.

There are many personalized gifts that are very appropriate, one of such is the plaque. One can, at almost any mall or online, find a suitable, economical plaque that can be personalized with the team name, the year, the coaches name and an “in honor of” or “recognized for” exceptional coaching and so forth.

Do not discount that a card, signed by all participants would also be a great gesture. If the coach is local, and folks are aware of a hobby or interest, or preference, it is possible that a gift certificate to a local eatery, store or entertainment outlet would be welcomed.

One or two people should in the beginning of the season appoint themselves to take responsibility and meet with parents via personal meeting or telephone. At this point, an agreement of how much per person, participating families are willing to spend is gathered. From this, it is also a good idea to collect ideas on gifts for the end of season, or at least begin to think of generic ideas.

Another meeting, telephone call or email can be followed up in a couple of weeks and then again, at the end of season.

It should also be discussed on how to present the gift or gifts. One parent could open their home as an evening to celebrate the end of season, or perhaps more informally, at the end of the last team meeting, the gifts are presented at that time by players to the coach.

To summarize, thanking the coach is important and teaches the players respect and acknowledgement.

Way to support this learning would be to:

1. Gather a group to institute the end of season “thank you”

2. Decide upon a proposed amount per person for giving

3. Allow everyone to submit ideas for gift giving and narrow down the most popular or logical responses

4. Perhaps a group gift inclusive or as a stand alone, such as a plaque where the coach can display and remember the year as one of productivity and accomplishment

5. Personally signed card from all team players and/or parents for a remembrance and to give intimacy to the gift giving.

6. If money is an issue and a gift is not possible, a poster or card that is well thought out and personal is also acceptable.

In closing, the thank you need not be costly or impressive; however it should be heart felt and show respect, admiration and understanding for the time and effort, teaching and support that the coach has given during the season.
Creative Valentine Gifts for Her - 4 Ideas That Will Make Her Adore You

As every man who’s ever been in-love knows, women love romance. And they especially love romantic gifts. But a clever and romantic gift will be a grand slam every time.

Women love creativity. Anyone can go to the store and just buy a gift. But a creative gift shows your willingness to go the extra mile to make her feel loved. Plus creative Valentine’s Day gifts are usually one of a kind, which makes them more personal and ultimately extra special.

Some of these ideas may seem a little bit challenging, but anyone can handle it as long as they’re willing to put in the effort.

And just think – after she receives the gift you’ll get to brag to her about all the trouble you went through just to show her how much you love her. And then she’ll get to brag to her friends about all the trouble you went to. Women love to brag about their men when their men make them feel special.

Try one of these ideas and she will be absolutely amazed and impressed with your creative abilities.

(1) Design a Personalized Valentine’s Day Card

Make her a Valentine card using your personal computer and printer. Use elegant fonts to create a romantic appearance. Fonts can be downloaded for free online. You can also find unique little Valentine images in the form of Dingbat fonts, which can also be downloaded for free online. These can be used to dress up the appearance of the card. Use a graphics program to put it all together. If you don’t have a graphics program just download a free trial version such as Adobe Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro from Corel. Print the card on an elegant paper such as fine art paper. Special papers can be purchased at most office supply stores. And don’t forget the bouquet of roses.

(2) Create a Love Poem on Fine Art Paper

Write her a love poem or find a poem you like – be sure to include a personal message for her including her name. If you’re not poetic, just write, “I love you because” and then list all the special things you love about her – and make it a very long list. Women love to feel appreciated. As with the Valentine card suggested above, use elegant fonts and images and print it on fine art paper. As an elegant finishing touch have the poem framed by a professional.

(3) Create a Web Page Dedicated to Your Love for Her

Register a romantic domain name such as create a simple web page. The page can include photos of the two of you, a romantic poem or something original such as “The Top Ten Reasons I Love Jessica Smith”. If you don’t know anything about designing web pages don’t worry. Many web-hosting companies provide simple web page editors you can use to design the page. If you want something that looks extra unique do an Internet search for “free romantic website templates”. You can find lots of templates for as little as five dollars that look very nice as well as some that are free. You can also find basic web hosting for very cheap or even free in some cases.

(4) Make a Gift Basket with Her Favorite Goodies

This is the easiest and least creative idea but can still be very special. Purchase a really pretty basket, some filler for the basket in her favorite color and a beautiful ribbon to wrap the handle and tie a bow. These items can be purchased at a craft store. Fill it with some of her favorite things such as her favorite perfume, bath soaps, scented candles, gourmet cookies, something soft and silky wrapped in beautiful tissue and tied with a ribbon and perhaps a little teddy bear. You could also include a music cd she’s been wanting and perhaps a piece of jewelry also wrapped. By including some of her favorite things, it shows how closely you pay attention to her wants and needs.

Make your gift special by showing her you care. Put that clever masculine side to use and be creative and romantic. You can do it and she’ll love you for it. Have a happy Valentine’s Day.


Tuesday, September 2, 2008

International Friendship Day


International Friendship Day celebrations take place on the first Sunday of August every year. The tradition of dedicating a day in honor of friends began in US in 1935(no references). Gradually the festival gained popularity and today Friendship Day is celebrated in large number of countries. On this day people spend time with their friends and express love for them. Exchange of Friendship Day Gifts like flowers, cards and wrist bands is a popular tradition of this occasion.

Friendship Day History


There is not much literature on Friendship Day history as we celebrate today. However, there are supposedly numerous folktales and mythological legends that have come up after the celebration of the day started that shows that friends and friendship have been valued since the beginning of civilized world. As an intrinsically social creature, men love to make friends to further this process of socialization.

History of Friendship Day in US


Considering the valuable role friends play in our life it was deemed to fit to have a day dedicated to friends and friendship. The United States Congress, in 1935, proclaimed first Sunday of August as the National Friendship Day. Since then, celebration of National Friendship Day became an annual event. The noble idea of honoring the beautiful relationship of friendship caught on with the people and soon Friendship Day became a hugely popular festival.

Following the popularity and success of Friendship Day in US, several other countries adopted the tradition of dedicating a day to friends. Today, Friendship Day is enthusiastically celebrated by several countries across the world including India.

In 1997, the United Nations named Winnie - the Pooh as the world's Ambassador of Friendship

Importance of Friendship in Bible

The Bible, the primary text of the western civilization, reflects upon friendship as the bond that forms the foundation to human faith, trust and companionship. Following verses from the bible aptly portray the importance of friends:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

“Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13-15

Besides, there are several tales from the Old Testament and the New Testament about the value of friendship and how true friendship is a treasure to unearth. A noticeable point is that, both the versions make a difference between the two broad meanings of friendship- one is a mere acquaintance, the other is a more affectionate relation.

In the Old Testament, Abraham is called the “friend of God” because of the intimacy of his relations. God speaks to Moses face to face “as a man…unto his friend” (Ex 33:11). The romantic friendship of Ruth and Naomi, the devotion of the subordinate Hushai for David, or the mutual relation between David and Jonathan - the Old Testament is replete with these interesting tales of friends and friendship.

In the New Testament, the relationship between Jesus and his disciples clearly depicts how human friendship can constantly grow. From being teacher and disciple, to lord and servant their relationship finally grew to an unparalleled friendship.

Importance of Friendship in Thirukural


"The following works of art and literature are among the most remarkable contributions of the Tamil creative genius to the world's cultural treasure and should be familiar to the whole world and admired and beloved by all in the same way as the poems of Homer, the dramas of Shakespeare, the pictures of Rembrandt, the cathedrals of France and the sculptures of Greece..... the Thirukural, one of the great books of the world, one of those singular emanations of the human heart and spirit which preach positive love and forgiveness and peace....."

Verse 781 What is as difficult to secure as friendship? And what greater security is there against foes?

Verse 782 Among wise men, freindship waxes like the crescent moon; Among fools it wanes as surely as the full moon must.

Verse 783 The bonds that good men share, like good bound books, Reveal new enjoyments at each new encounter.

Verse 784 The object of friendship is not merrymaking But a stern rebuking when friends go astray.

Verse 785 It is not constant meeting and companionship But mutual sensibilities that confer the alliance of friendship.

Verse 786 Friendship is not seen on a friendly face, But felt deep within a friendly heart.

Verse 787 To divert a man from wrong, direct him toward the right And share his sorrow in misfortune is friendship.

Verse 788 As swiftly as the hand moves to seize a slipping garment, Friendship acts to assuage a friend's distress.

Verse 789 Where does Friendship hold her court? It is where friends May find constant support in every possible circumstance.

Verse 790 To boast, "He means so much to me and I to him," Merely belittles a friendship.

Track listing & Personnel


All songs written by Breakfast with Amy.


1. "[Sample - Listening Advice]" – 0:25
2. "Ralph's Garage" – 2:39
3. "[Sample Loop]" – 0:07
4. "Jello Wiggle" – 2:57
5. "Song Of The Humpback Whale" – 0:41
6. "[Sample - Audio Balance Established]" – 0:05
7. "Uniform Tree" – 5:04
8. "Paul Calls Mr. Rhumba From A Plane" – 0:40
9. "Velvety Dave At The Naugahyde Lounge" – 0:42
10. "Voices " – 1:42
11. "Edwin Loves TX!" – 1:07
12. "Fashion Gal" – 2:51
13. "Toth Calls Rumby" – 0:14
14. "[Accordian Warm-Up]" – 0:30
15. "Jonas' Russian Accordian" – 1:24
16. "The Tollhouse Waltz" – 4:00
17. "Ad America (Baby Baby Baby Version)" – 3:07
18. "Videos And Food" – 4:47
19. "Mrs. Rhumba Calls Mr. Rhumba" – 0:16
20. "Happy Song (Featuring Sol And Hank, The Metro Twins)" – 2:30
21. "You (Live)" – 4:04
22. "Social Studies (Live)" – 5:08
23. "Mum Calls Dave" – 0:29


Personnel

* David Koval — vocals, electric sitar, acoustic guitar
* Edwin Wohler — bass guitar
* Christopher Colbert — guitar
* Caryn Colbert — guitar
* Paul Pelligrin — drums
* Michael J. Pritzl — acoustic guitar
* Christopher Colbert — engineer
* Mr. Rhumba — assistant engineer


Miscellaneous Info

* The album tracks on Love Gift are incorrectly listed

Love Gift


product # bvcd 3482 (love gift) or Love Gift is the third and final studio album by the Christian alternative rock band Breakfast with Amy, released in 1992. Love Gift was the band's last release on Blonde Vinyl Records, and ended up being one of the last releases by any record label owned by Michael Knott. The album is considered a concept album with random audio inserts, short phone conversations, instrumental jams, and pre-song warm ups, as well as two self-described "dramas". Also included were two live songs from a previous tour. Musically, Love Gift continues with the punk/alternative rock sounds of their previous release Dad, and could be considered their most progressive album to date.

The original version of Love Gift was to be released on the Vox Vinyl label. The Vox Vinyl version of the album (most cuts were re-recorded for the Blonde Vinyl Records album) remains unreleased.


Special Gifts


A gift or a present is something (usually money or a good) which is given to someone. People give gifts voluntarily and don't expect anything in return. A gift is usually something that family or friends give to each other on special acations like a birthday or a holiday. For example you will give gifts and presents at Christmas time, Chocolates for Easter and thats about it. Gifts are usually something that you really want to get.If it is a birthday gift, it would be clothes, money, or a toy that is not very expensive. A small gift is usually wrapped up in wrapping paper, a big gift is most likely to be just given to or have a bow at the top.


"Simple Gifts" in popular culture


A folk-nouveau version of the song was used as the theme music for the PBS series Craft in America, airing first in May 2007.

The Copland version of the melody was used as the theme music for the CBS News series of documentary specials, CBS Reports, the earliest of which (1959) were hosted by Edward R. Murrow (who was born to a Quaker family).

The song was also used in a film about a mentally disturbed child. The movie concerns Tarra, a troubled child, who develops a friendship with a grown man no more than a child himself. The film was made when the actual girl, on whose story the movie is based, turned seven. "Simple Gifts" went to Cannes Film Festival the spring of 1998.

The melody of the song was also heard from the background in the Election night of 1996 when President Bill Clinton and his family exited the Arkansas Governor's mansion and were greeted by crowd when it was announced that he had won re-election.

An ABC western from the early 1970's, "Alias Smith and Jones" featured the song in several episodes. It was sung in the last episode Only Three to a Bed, by guest star Jo Ann Pflug.

In episode 10 entitled "Alethea" in the first season of the 1970's Kung Fu television series starring David Carradine guest child star Jodie Foster who plays the character Alethea Patricia Ingram sings the song, accompanied by her lute.

The song was featured in the Christmas episode of the PBS television show Shining Time Station, titled "'Tis a Gift".

The song was featured in the Broadway show Blast!

The song is used by West Virginia University; the clock tower at Woodburn Hall, on the downtown campus, plays the melody daily at 12:20 p.m. and it has been played by the Pride of West Virginia during pregame at all home football games since at least 1977. This arrangement of the song is a highly anticipated moment during the show where the band tightens into three concentric circles at the middle of the field before expanding them during the melody.

The song is used by Appalachian State University; the Marching Mountaineers play it right before 'Hi Hi Yikas' (the Appalachian fight song) in the football pregame show, effectively whipping Kidd Brewer Stadium crowds into a frenzy.

The song is also featured in the movie A Time for Dancing.

A more classical version of Simple Gifts was recorded by Yo Yo Ma on cello with Alison Krauss, the vocalist. It's currently listed as twenty-first among Itunes' Top 40 Classical Songs and is on Yo Yo Ma's album - Classic Yo Yo.

Abbreviations of the song are used by a Renaissance band Blackmore's Night in a song Lord of Dance/Simple Gifts. The album was released on November 7, 2006.

A small section of the song is also featured in the Broadway show Legally Blonde the Musical.

Weezer's 2008 self-titled album features a song called "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)" which features some derivations from Simple Gifts.

The song was also in Bedlam's Bard by Mercedes Lackey and Ellen Guon. Its in the first of the two books in the volumn, named Knight of Ghosts and Shadows.

Birthday Gift

Birthday

Birthday is the name given to the date of the anniversary of a person's birth. People in many cultures celebrate this anniversary. In some languages, the word for birthday literally translates as "anniversary". Birthdays are traditionally marked by celebrations including a birthday party or, in some particular cases, a rite of transition.

Origin


It is thought the large-scale celebration of birthdays in Europe began with the non-Christian cult of Mithras, which originated in Persia, and was spread by soldiers throughout the Roman Empire. Such celebrations were uncommon previously so practices from other contexts such as the Saturnalia were adapted for birthdays.[citation needed]

Because many Roman soldiers took to Mithraism, it was distributed widely and its influence was spead throughout the empire until it was supplanted by Christianity.

Opposition


The celebration of birthdays is not universal. Many religions oppose celebrating birthdays, relating it to paganism,and other religions.

Orthodox Christianity prefer celebrations of name days. Some Christian communities may celebrate both naming days and birthdays.

The Jewish perspective on birthday celebrations is disputed by various rabbis.[1] In the Hebrew Bible, the one single mention of a celebration being held in commemoration of someone's day of birth is for the Pharoah. [1] The bar mitzvah of 13 year old Jewish boys, or bat mitzvah for 12 year old girls, is perhaps the only Jewish celebration undertaken in conjunction with a birthday, however, the essence of the celebration is entirely religious in origin (the attainment of religious maturity according to Jewish law) not secular, despite modern celebrations where the secular "birthday" elements predominate. With or without the "birthday" celebration, the child still automatically attains his or her bar or bat mitzvah, and its celebration may be any date following his 13th or her 12th year anniversary of birth.

Many Islam scholars oppose birthdays, but some allow celebrating the birth day of the prophet.

In addition, one group, Jehovah's Witnesses, do not celebrate birthdays since they believe it has deep roots in paganism and is not supported in the Bible.


Diwali Gifts

The best known of the Hindu festivals, Diwali is celebrated throughout India, at the New Moon on the fifteenth day of the month Kartika, or Ashwin (october/november), as well as in Indian communities throughout the world. Diwali or Deepawali, is also known as the Festival of Lights. Sanskrit word "Deepavali" - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row.

In Hindu custom Light signifies the goodness. During this festival oil lamps (DEEP) are burned throughout the night. All Homes (indoor as well as outdoor) are filled with "Deeps" and decoration lights. This is a five days festival each of the five days in the festival of Diwali is marked with a significant 'puja' of a certain God/Goddess.

The five days celebration of Diwali begins with "Laxmi Puja". "Laxmi Puja" is the day to worship Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Indian culture has never considered wealth to be corruptive . According to the Indian culture a wealthy man is considered to be God's beloved child, he is rewarded for the good deeds done in past life.

Diwali Celebrations

First Day DhanTeras Or Dhanatrayodashi


Dhanteras is also known as Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the month of ashwin. (i.e. after two days of diwali). The word "Dhan" means wealth. As such this day of the five-day diwali festival has a great importance for the rich mercantile community of western India. Houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of rangoli designs to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights. On this auspicious day women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils. Pooja is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- are sung in praise of Goddess Lakshmi.

Second Day Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali

The Second day is called Narka-Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali which falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali is celebrated with same zeal and enthusiasm as the main diwali but it is on comparatively lower scale. Just like diwali people light diyas on chhoti diwali to fill their homes with light, worship Goddess Laxmi and offer prayers to Her and they also burst firecrackers but all these things are not as grand as they are on the day of main diwali (Badi Diwali).

Third Day Lakshmi Puja


Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi-puja and is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the dark night of Amavasya.Lakshmi Pooja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth, is the main event on Diwali in North and West India. It is extremely important to keep the house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshiped on this day with offerings of Turmeric and kumkum. Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up Her path.

Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of every auspicious act Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms - Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books and learning), and Mahakali Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped.

Fourth day Govardhan puja


Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on this day. Govardhan is a small hillock in Braj, near Mathura and on this day of Diwali people of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar build cowdung, hillocks, decorate them with flowers and then worship them. This festival is in commemoration of the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Krishna. As per Vishnu-Puran the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worshiped him after the end of every monsoon season but one particular year the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul.
People were afraid that the downpour was a result of their neglect of Indra. But Krishna assured them that no harm would befall them. He lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger and sheltered men and beasts from the rain. This gave him the epithet Govardhandhari. After this, Indra accepted the supremacy of Krishna.
This day is also observed as Annakoot Meaning Mountain of food. Pious people keep awake the whole night and cook fifty-six or 108 different types of food for the bhog (the offering of food) to Krishna. In temples especially in Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are given milkbath, dressed in shining attires with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones. After the prayers and traditional worship innumerable varieties of delicious sweets are ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the deities as "Bhog" and then the devotees approach the Mountain of Food and take Prasad from it.

Fifth Day Bhayya Duj


The festival of Diwali is not complete without yet another festival, known by the name of "Bhayya-Duj" in the Hindi-speaking belt, "Bhav--Bij" in the Marathi-speaking communities, "Bhai Phota" to the Bengalees and in Nepal by the name of "Bhai-Tika". It is observed on the second day following Diwali or the new moon. As the legend goes Yamraj, the God of Death visited his sister Yami on this particular day. She put the auspicious tilak on his forehead, garlanded him and led him with special dishes and both of them together ate the sweets, talked and enjoyed themselves to their heart's content, while parting Yamraj gave her a special gift as a token of his love and in return Yami also gave him a lovely gift which she had made with her own hands. That day Yamraj announced that anyone who receives tilak from his sister will never be thrown. That is why this day of Bhayyaduj is also known by the name of "Yama-Dwitiya" Since then this day is being observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers. It became also imperative for the brother to go to his sister's house to celebrate Bhayya-duj.

Celebration of Diwali festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. Crackers resound and light up the earth and the sky.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Religious views


Ritual sacrifices can be seen as return gifts to a deity. Sacrifice can also be seen as a gift from a deity: Lewis Hyde remarks in The Gift that Christianity considers the Incarnation and subsequent death of Jesus to be a "gift" to humankind, and that the Jataka contains a tale of the Buddha in his incarnation as the Wise Hare giving the ultimate alms by offering himself up as a meal for Sakka. (Hyde, 1983, 58-60)

In the Eastern Orthodox Church the bread and wine that are consecrated during the Divine Liturgy are referred to as "the Gifts". They are first of all the gifts of the community (both individually and corporately) to God, and then, after the epiklesis, the Gifts of the Body and Blood of Christ to the Church.

Legal aspects of gifts


At common law, for a gift to have legal effect, it was required that there be (1) intent by the donor to give a gift, (2) acceptance of the gift by the donee, and (3) delivery to the donee of the item to be given as a gift.

In some countries, certain types of gifts above a certain monetary amount are subject to taxation. For the United States see Gift tax in the United States.


Tax deductibility for gifts


Pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 102(a), property acquired by gift, bequest, devise, or inheritance is not included in gross income and thus a taxpayer does not have to include the value of the property when filing for taxes. Although many items might appear to be gift, courts have held that the most critical factor is the transferor's intent. Bogardus v. Commissioner, 302 U.S. 34, 43, 58 S.Ct. 61, 65, 82 L.Ed. 32. (1937). The transferor must demonstrate a "detached and disinterested generosity" when giving the gift to actually exclude the value of the gift from the taxpayer's gross income. Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. LoBue, 352 U.S. 243, 246, 76 S.Ct. 800, 803, 100 L.Ed. 1142 (1956). Unfortunately, the court's articulation of what exactly satisfies a "detached and disinterested generosity" leaves much to be desired.

Some situations are clearer, however.

1. "Gifts" received at promotional events are not excluded from taxation:

For example, Oprah's seemingly good deed of giving new cars to her audience does not satisfy this definition because of Oprah's interest in the promotional value that this event causes for her television show.

1. "Gifts" received from employers that benefit employees are not excluded from taxation:

26 U.S.C. § 102(c) clearly states that employers cannot exclude as a gift anything transferred to an employee that benefits the employee. Consequently, an employer cannot gift an employee's salary to avoid taxation.

In addition, policy reasons for the gift exclusion from gross income are unclear. It is said that no justification exists. It is also said that the exclusion is for administrative reasons, both for taxpayers and for the IRS. Without the exclusion taxpayers would have to keep track of all their gifts, including nominal ones, during the year, and this would create additional oversight problems for the IRS.

Kinds of gifts

A gift may be one of

* an ordinary object,
* an object created for the express purpose of gift exchange, such as the armbands and necklaces in the Trobriand Islands' Kula exchange,
* an alternative gift such as a donation to a charity in the name of the recipient.
* a regift of an unwanted gift previously received by the giver.
* a virtual object as seen on Facebook, LiveJournal, both of which allow you to purchase virtual gifts or in games such as GiftTRAP which allow you to give virtual gifts. These are all examples of the Virtual Economy
* Downloadable gifts refer to virtual gifts like e-books, software and music files which you can purchase and instantly download from web vendors.

Presentation & Occasions

Presentation

When material objects are given as gifts, in many cultures they are traditionally packaged in some manner. For example, in Western culture, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper and accompanied by a gift note which may note the occasion, the giftee's name, and the giver's name. In Chinese culture, red wrapping connotes luck.

Occasions


The occasion may be:

* Expression of love or friendship
* Expression of gratitude for a gift received
* Expression of piety, in the form of charity
* Expression of solidarity, in the form of mutual aid
* To share wealth
* To offset misfortune
* Offering travel souvenirs
* Custom, on occasions (often celebrations) such as
o A birthday (the person who has his or her birthday gives cake, etc. and/or receives gifts) This is most commonly from a family member or girlfriend/boyfriend.
o A potlatch, in societies where status is associated with gift-giving rather than acquisition.
o Christmas (people give each other gifts, often supposedly receiving them from Santa Claus)
o Saint Nicholas (people give each other gifts, often supposedly receiving them from Saint Nicholas)
o A wedding (the couple receives gifts and gives food and/or drinks at the wedding reception)
o A wedding anniversary (each spouse receives gifts)
o A funeral (visitors bring flowers, the relatives of the deceased give food and/or drinks after the ceremonial part)
o A birth (the baby receives gifts, or the mother receives a gift from the father known as a push present)
o Passing an examination (the student receives gifts)
o Father's Day (the father receives gifts)
o Mother's Day (the mother receives gifts)
o Exchange of gifts between a guest and a host, often a traditional practice
o Giving a round of drinks in a bar.
o Lagniappe

Gift


A gift or present is the transfer of something, without the need for compensation that is involved in trade. A gift is a voluntary act which does not require anything in return. Even though it involves possibly a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free.

In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may contribute to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy.

By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other happier or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness.