The Space Alien is Home for Purim

The Space Alien returned from a lovely winter vacation just in time for Purim, which this year begins the evening of February 28 through March 1 (but a bit longer in Jerusalem!), and now it was time to prepare for this joyous festival celebrating the victory of good over evil!

Working at tachyonic velocities exceeding the speed of light, the Space Alien prepared platter after platter of Hamantashen, delicious triangular cookies stuffed with poppy seeds or sweet fruit.

While the Hamantashen were baking, the Space Alien read about the origin of these traditional cookies.  Even Loyal Readers who know the story of Purim may find surprising new information here:  http://time.com/4695901/purim-history-hamantaschen/

Loyal Readers may also recall how the Space Alien observed Purim last year:
 http://spacealiengazette.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-space-aliens-purim-celebration.html.
(In the opinion of You Editor, many of the matters referenced there apply this year as well.)

This year, however, the Space Alien experienced a sense of deep concern, only heightened while reviewing an article published two years ago in The Forward. 

 https://forward.com/opinion/336149/trump-is-not-hitler-and-hes-not-haman-hes-ahasuerus/

But the Space Alien realized it would do no good to dwell on such matters because Purim was at hand.

The Festival of Purim is to be observed in four specific ways, and the Space Alien quickly set about doing this.

  1.  First the Space Alien listened twice to a reading of the Book of Esther -- the only biblical book traditionally written on its very own scroll -- and considered once more how an impulsive and selfish king, influenced by an evil advisor, was finally turned around by a brave young woman.

The Space Alien thought deeply about the importance of being brave enough to do the right thing and not to give in to fear or despair, or to become confused by life's contradictions and discrepancies.

2.  Next the Space Alien prepared baskets of delicious treats for friends and family, sharing pleasure and enhancing loving relationships.

3.  Then the Space Alien shared food and money for some meals with those in need, and experienced the joy of giving and strengthening community ties.

The Space Alien also borrowed Your Editor's credit card to make a  generous contribution to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and urges Loyal Readers to do so as well!

https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org


4.  Finally, the the Space Alien invited everyone to a wonderful party to celebrate the Festival of Purim, to wear costumes and eat yummy food, but most of all, to encourage optimism over despair, and to energize everyone to work for a better future!

  Your Editor, as well as the reporters, editors, press operators and delivery drivers of the Space Alien Gazette join the Space Alien in wishing everyone a Happy Purim!

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The Space Alien Plans a Vacation and Sends a Valentine

Your Editor had enough of winter!  It was cold and dark and icy, and, to make matters worse,  the Space Alien had built a snowman and was going around telling everyone that it "looks just like Your Editor!"

Enough was enough, thought Your Editor, and she had just started packing for a lovely winter getaway to the Cayman Islands when the Space Alien whooshed in carrying a well-traveled valise.

"Where are your going?" asked Your Editor, who was frantically searching for her plane ticket and passport.

"I thought I'd go with you," answered the Space Alien.  "Publishing the Space Alien Gazette is hard work and I could use a little sea and sunshine so I'll join you!  I just checked out the latest Cayman tourist publication and this looks like it would be perfect for me!  Nothing more relaxing than a hammock on the beach!"

Your Editor, watching a quiet, stress-free vacation going down the drain, turned to the Space Alien and asked, "How will you do that?  You don't even have a passport!"

"I've thought about that," answered the Space Alien.  "Since I'm imaginary there's no way I can get a passport, so I'll travel as your Emotional Support Animal!  Not only dogs, but even birds, pigs, hamsters and iguanas have been allowed on planes to give emotional support to travelers, and to tell the truth, you look like you could use this!"

"No!" cried Your Editor picking up a copy of the Space Alien Gazette's main competitor, the Chicago Tribune. "Just look!  Airlines are cracking down on this!"

And she proceeded to show the Space Alien the following articles, which you, Loyal Reader, may find here:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-delta-support-animals-airlines-20180119-story.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-united-emotional-support-peacock-20180131-story.html

 http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-united-tightens-rules-emotional-support-animals-0202-story.html

"YOU are NOT a trained support animal," concluded Your Editor, "so you cannot be flying around free on airplanes!"

"Well I'll just buy a regular ticket then," pouted the Space Alien.  "Of course since I'm imaginary I'll have to use your credit card!"

And with that, the Space Alien scurried out the door, leaving Your Editor envisioning a vacation likely to be considerably more complicated than usual!

Meanwhile the Space Alien enjoyed fantasies of what a wonderful trip this would be!

Here is what Your Editor hopes to find on Grand Cayman Island:

And here is an exclusive peek at what the Space Alien is anticipating:

Before departing, the Space Alien would like to wish Loyal Readers a happy and loving St. Valentine's Day!  The Space Alien made this special one-of-a-kind Valentine greeting, with a cookie baked right inside, just for you!

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