THE SPACE ALIEN WELCOMES 2022 -- WITH SOME CHANGES

All of us here at the unbelievably busy offices of 

the Space Alien Gazette wish our Loyal Readers 

Joy, Success and Good Health in 2022. 

The Space Alien resolves to help others, 

and recommends organizations that feed the hungry, such as Chicago's Food Bank: 

The Greater Chicago Food Depository

https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org

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Note to Loyal Readers: 

This will be the last monthly e-mail 

 of the Space Alien Gazette

"Your Reliable Source for Unreliable Facts"

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Any occasional future issues  

may or may not be e-mailed, 

but will be posted at:

SpaceAlienGazette.blogspot.com 

Thank you for your Loyal Readership!

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THE SPACE ALIEN CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING, 2021

The Space Alien invited guests for Thanksgiving!

But as in earlier years when the Space Alien had extended this invitation, Tom Turkey ran away!          

                                                                                

  

"I'm sorry!" exclaimed Tom Turkey. "I seem to have another appointment!  Gotta go!" 

And the Pilgrim Turkey likewise seemed to be otherwise occupied! 

                           

What to do?  Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without guests!

But the resourceful Space Alien was determined to make the day special, and carefully prepared fall vegetables with plenty of lovely orange and yellow!   

Then the Space Alien baked a beautiful apple pie!  

It would be a lonely Thanksgiving without these friends, thought the Space Alien, but still a thankful one.  Publishing a newspaper read by so many Loyal Readers was surely something to be thankful for!  

But just as the Space Alien sat down to enjoy a beautiful meal, there was a knock at the door!

Why, it was Tom Turkey and the Pilgrim Turkey!  

"Could we join you for your Thanksgiving feast?" they asked.

"Of course," said the Space Alien -- "Please come in and sit down!  I'm so thankful to have friends like you!"

"And we are thankful for you!" replied Tom Turkey and the Pilgrim Turkey.

And they all enjoyed their lovely meal together!  

All of us here in the busy editorial offices of the Space Alien Gazette wish our Loyal Readers -- whether together or separately -- a peaceful Thanksgiving!

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THE SPACE ALIEN ENJOYS A GALA BRUNCH

It was time for a bit of celebration.  The COVID19 pandemic seemed to be under somewhat better control, and people might soon be out on the town!

In anticipation of this, the Space Alien decided to enjoy a fabulous brunch in the exquisite lobby of Chicago’s famous Peninsula Hotel, before the expected crowds arrived.

The chef was thrilled to learn that the Space Alien would soon enjoy some of his delicious creations!

The Space Alien, in turn, was thrilled to greet the chef and his staff and to enjoy an unparalleled view of Chicago's world famous "Magnificent Mile!"

The decisions facing the Space Alien were difficult:  

The Smoked Salmon Benedict looked delicious and the Space Alien considered it carefully, with its English Muffin topped with two poached farm eggs, smoked salmon, hollandaise sauce, chives and lemon!  

The price was no problem as the Space Alien was always the welcome guest of a delighted management!

 

But the health conscious Space Alien also considered the  Peninsula Spa Breakfast, with organic low-fat yogurt, seasonal berries, a healthful muffin, and an egg white fritatta with spinach, asparagus, kale and avocado. 

At last the Space Alien opted for the Buffet, with so many wonderfully delicious and healthful choices!   

It was a lovely morning for the Space Alien!  

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THE SPACE ALIEN OBSERVES GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY

The Space Alien, always concerned for the health and well-being of human friends, has decided that the best "special day" to feature this October would be Global Handwashing Day on October 15.  

You can read more about Global Handwashing Day here:   

https://globalhandwashing.org/global-handwashing-day/community-forum/

Here is some information about this special day:

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. 

This year’s theme, “Our Future is at Hand – Let’s Move Forward Together,” calls for collective action. This community forum serves as a conversational space that curates, collects, and maintains resources, blogs, and content for Global Handwashing Day.

Global Handwashing Day is sponsored by UNICEF,  USAID, and, not surprisingly, by major soap manufacturers as well.  Learn more about supporters of this special day at: https://globalhandwashing.org/global-handwashing-day/supporters/

At this precarious time, the Space Alien gently reminds Loyal Readers: Wash Your Hands!                                      

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A NEW YEAR FOR THE SPACE ALIEN

Beginning at sundown on Monday, September 6, 2021, through nightfall on Wednesday, September 8, the Space Alien will observe Rosh Hashanah, the Birthday of the World, for the year 5782!

The Space Alien resolves to work hard in the coming year to relieve suffering everywhere, and to preserve and enhance this wonderful creation.

The Space Alien and Your Editor wish our Loyal Readers a good, sweet and healthy year!  

Learn more about this holiday at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_Hashanah

Read more about the Space Alien's activities on this day at: 

http://www.spacealiengazette.com/2020/09/the-space-alien-greets-5781.html

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THE SPACE ALIEN ENJOYS A DAY OF SAILING

As summer drew to a close, the Space Alien decided to go sailing and invited Your Editor aboard.   

The Space Alien, an expert skipper, was at the helm and Your Editor was thrilled to perform minor crew duties!  

We hope our Loyal Readers are enjoying these last beautiful days of summer!

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THE SPACE ALIEN OBSERVES INDEPENDENCE DAY

Instead of wild carousing on the Fourth of July this year, the Space Alien is visiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia to consider the meaning of this day in our Nation's history!                        

We hope that as Loyal Readers enjoy this historic holiday they will also take some time to think about how these words might best inform our lives today!    

Here is a link to an article from the National Archives that the Space Alien will continue to study!  It has lots of history and other information about the important document that we celebrate each year on Independence Day, July 4th!  You might like to look at it too!

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

And enjoy the Space Alien Gazette online at https://www.spacealiengazette.com

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THE SPACE ALIEN REVELS ON MIDSUMMER NIGHT

Each year the Space Alien revels on Midsummer Night, an evening observed with festivities in many lands around the time of the summer solstice which in 2021 falls on June 20.  

In years past, the Space Alien delighted summer theatre audiences by playing the role of Puck in performances of Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream.   

Once again we are pleased to share these exclusive pictures of the Space Alien in the role of Puck, dressed in traditional rustic garb.

And in the same role in another production the Space Alien wears an exquisite Elizabethan costume! 

Unfortunately COVID-19 may put a damper on these events where the Space Alien once played to huge and wildly appreciative audiences. 

If you are not familiar with this play, there are many online information sources and even productions.  The Space Alien hopes you will will use this extra daylight to examine them!  

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June 8, 1625 was the birthday of Giovanni Domenico Cassini, the famous astronomer who, among many other things, discovered the satellites and rings of Saturn.   

The Space Alien Gazette dedicated an issue to this genius and the spacecraft named for him at: https://www.spacealiengazette.com/2017/09/the-space-alien-says-arrivederci-cassini.html   

Giovanni Domenico Cassini

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On June 19th the Space Alien will mark Juneteenth, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and slavery.  The Space Alien will study these websites and other sources and consider the meaning of this day.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth

https://www.waysideyouth.org/2020/06/18/10-things-we-want-white-people-to-do-to-celebrate-juneteenth/

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 This month marks the Fifth Anniversary

 of the Space Alien Gazette, on the Internet since June, 2016.  

The Space Alien invites you to review back issues at www.SpaceAlienGazette.com.

 Thank you, Loyal Readers, for your interest in the 

Space Alien Gazette! 

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THE SPACE ALIEN CELEBRATES A SPECIAL DAY IN MAY

Today is Limerick Day! 

Limerick Day is observed on the birthday of the great limerick writer Edward Lear, born on May 12, 1812, who encouraged everyone to write limericks!  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki /Edward_Lear

The Space Alien decided to observe Limerick Day by writing some limericks, including one in honor of Your Editor!   

Here is some of the Space Alien's original work:

1. To My Editor:

I'm lucky to have a great Editor,
Who checks every comma and let-ti-ter!
Despite my bad spelling,
She never starts yelling,
She just tries to make it all bet-ti-ter! 

2. To our Loyal Readers:

We feel an immense sense of gratitude, 

If the S.A.G. brightens your attitude, 

We work year after year,

Without favor or fear,

And we print neither triteness nor platitude!

Inspired by the Space Alien's efforts, this is what Your Editor wrote for the Space Alien: 

Your home is in Space, that I know,

But you've lived here since ages ago,

Please remain at this station, 

You're our inspiration, 

Although your job pays little dough! 

 

We encourage each of our Loyal Readers to join the Space Alien in writing limericks!   

                                                   

And now Your Editor and the Space Alien will sit down together to enjoy the Space Alien's very special cake!  

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Loyal Readers desiring more information about this important day and the poetic form it honors are directed to the following websites:  

1.  https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/limerick-day

2.  https://nationaltoday.com/national-limerick-day/

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Lear

And please note:  The SAG Earth Day Edition posted April 22 was not mailed to subscribers, but is posted at: http://www.spacealiengazette.com/2021/04/the-space-alien-observes-earth-day.html

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     The Space Alien is thrilled that a Talented Team of Loyal Readers took up this challenge and immediately responded with the following excellent Limericks!

We look forward to the Gazette with such glee

And all the fine news we shall see 

It’s a welcome respite

When your day goes to &%*$

Now where are my crumpets and tea

The readers of every fine issue,

Whether humorous or requiring a tissue,

Send warm greetings this day

And take a moment to say

We love you so much and we miss you

And for the Space Alien themself

The Space Alien’s a very fine friend

One’s sprits they lift and they mend

At tachyonic speeds

Attending to needs

From sunup until the days end

Your adoring readers.

THE SPACE ALIEN OBSERVES EARTH DAY

 

The Space Alien knows how precious and fragile our Earth is, and hopes human friends will protect it!  

April 22, is Earth Day; a good day to remember this!  

Editor's Note: In the interest of not overwhelming Loyal Readers, this post will not be e-mailed to subscribers.  However, we hope Loyal Readers will notice and appreciate the important message!

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THE SPACE ALIEN SEEKS TAX ADVICE

The deadline for filing Federal Income Tax returns was approaching, but the Space Alien had no idea how to proceed with this important task.

Expert help was surely needed, so the Space Alien scurried to an open window and traveling at tachyonic velocities exceeding the speed of light soon arrived at the office of Mr. Charles Rettig, Commissioner of the United States Internal Revenue Service.  

The Commissioner was thrilled to meet the Space Alien!

"I've heard so much about you!" the Commissioner exclaimed.  "How may I help you?"

The Space Alien explained the problem and the Commissioner said the Space Alien would need to declare all income for the year 2020.  

Reaching into a worn valise the Space Alien spread out the following items on the Commissioner's desk: 

A half-finished jar of peanut butter, an open box of crackers, and a toothbrush.  

"This is what my Editor gave me last year!" exclaimed the Space Alien.  "She is unbelievably generous!" 

"But didn't you get any money?" asked the Commissioner, carefully wiping cracker crumbs from his mahogany desk.  

"I know people have money" said the Space Alien.  "I think my Editor has some in her handbag, but I really don't need it.  I just like to share the peanut butter and crackers with hungry birds and squirrels, and my Editor knows I am meticulous about the care of my teeth.  I'd like to take a look at yours, and I could brush them for you too if you'd like!" 

And with that, the Space Alien picked up the toothbrush.    

"Oh, that won't be necessary!" said the Commissioner backing away.

Then the Commissioner pressed a button on his desk, and an assistant appeared in the doorway.   

"Ms. Smith," said the Commissioner, "would you kindly escort our distinguished visitor to the front door and mark our records: Space Alien: Paid in Full!"   

Then he turned to the Space Alien: "Thank you for your visit today! You are a fine example for every citizen!"  

The Space Alien departed, first thanking the Commissioner for making sure there would be enough cash on hand to run the government.   

All in all it was a good day for the Space Alien! 

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THE SPACE ALIEN HELPS DURING BLIZZARDS

The Space Alien worked overtime during recent winter snowstorms clearing snow from miles of highway so needed supplies could be delivered to stores and hospitals!

The Space Alien brought food to those unable to get out to shop! 

Now that the worst days of winter are past, the Space Alien will take a nice vacation! Your Editor may be unable to accompany, but wishes the Space Alien a lovely and well-deserved holiday!  

  Thank you, Space Alien! 

Have a wonderful trip!

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THE SPACE ALIEN WRITES A VALENTINE FOR 2021

Your Editor found the Space Alien hard at work in the overwhelmingly busy Editorial Offices of the Space Alien Gazette.  

"What are you working on?" she asked.

"Have you forgotten?" exclaimed the Space Alien.   "Valentine's Day is here and I've written a poem for the occasion!"

"Let's see it!" said Your Editor.  "I know you were most impressed with our Presidential Inaugural Poet, our very first National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman."

"Yes," said the Space Alien, now blushing shyly.  "I watched her on Inauguration Day, January 20, and she took my breath away!  She is a superb poet, and the youngest poet ever to read at a Presidential Inauguration!" 

"I would love to meet her," continued the Space Alien, "and I hope she might like my work!  Perhaps she could even give me some advice!  She has been a true inspiration for me!"

"You chose a fine role model," agreed Your Editor, "so let's see how you are doing with your Valentine poem!"

The Space Alien handed Your Editor a sheet of paper with these words:

           For my Space Alien Valentine:

I like you a lot and you know what I mean,

You're as dear as a shot for COVID-19!

Your poems are as strong as a needle with serum,

Your words are inspiring and I love to hear 'em!

For so many reasons, each one of them mine,

I hope you will be my Sweet Valentine!

 Your Editor spent a moment in silent reflection before she spoke, as the Space Alien gazed at her questioningly. 

"This is a beautiful poem!" she exclaimed.  "It touches my heart, and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated!"  

So, dear Loyal Readers, all of us here at the unbelievably busy offices of the Space Alien Gazette offer you this original work of our very own Space Alien, with our warmest wishes for St. Valentine's Day, 2021!

                          

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"For there is always light, 

If only we're brave enough to see it.

If only we're brave enough to be it."

from: "The Hill We Climb" by Amanda Gorman,

2021 Inaugural Poet

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To read the text & watch the video of Amanda Gorman's reading: 

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/20/amanda-gormans-inaugural-poem-the-hill-we-climb-full-text.html

And for more about Amanda Gorman see:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Gorman

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THE SPACE ALIEN IS INVITED TO A PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

The Space Alien was thrilled to receive an engraved invitation to the upcoming Presidential Inauguration to be held on January 20, 2021 and scurried to the impossibly busy Editorial Offices of the Space Alien Gazette to show Your Editor.

Your Editor was somewhat annoyed to see this.

"I never got such an invitation!" she muttered.   

"Well you didn't work as hard as I did on the election!" answered the Space Alien. 

Your Editor took a closer look at the invitation.

"This isn't even for this inauguration!  It's from years ago when President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were inaugurated!"

"Well, they hadn't yet printed the ones for this year," said the Space Alien, "but President Elect Biden and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris especially wanted me to be there when they were inaugurated and sent this early so I'd be sure to save January 20!  I'm very excited!"

"You don't even have proper clothes to wear to an inauguration!" snapped Your Editor, still miffed at being overlooked for this important occasion.

"I'll be helping the Secret Service!" said the Space Alien.  "They were worried about possible shenanigans this year so I won't need special clothes.  I'll just be myself as a plainclothes deputy blending anonymously into the crowd!"

"I'm sure you will be very convincing in this role," answered Your Editor, "but what about the Inaugural Ball?  Do you even know how to dance?"

"Oh you know what a fine dancer I am!  I was a hit dancing the CanCan at the when I visited Paris!  No problem there!"   

                                                       

"It's not that kind of dancing!" said Your Editor, "but I'm sure you will figure it out!  And the most important thing is that we will soon have a wonderful new President and Vice President!"

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Visit the Space Alien at:

 www.SpaceAlienGazette.com

Contact Your Editor at:

SpaceAlienGazette@gmail.com