My Blog (Eugene Ward)

Halloween is originally Irish! The modern celebration of Halloween has deep roots in ancient Celtic Ireland, where it began as a festival called Samhain (pronounced Sow-in). Here’s how it connects: Origins: Samhain was celebrated by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was seen as a liminal time when the boundary between the living and the spirit world was thin, allowing ghosts or fairies to cross over. Traditions: People lit bonfires to ward off evil spirits, wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves from ghosts, and left offerings of food for wandering souls — all customs that survive in Halloween today. Christian Influence: When Christianity spread to Ireland, the Church established All Hallows’ Day (Nov 1) and All Hallows’ Eve (Oct 31) — which merged with Samhain traditions. Over time, All Hallows’ Eve became Halloween. Spread to America: Irish immigrants in the 19th century brought these customs to the United S...

 Today the Israeli naional team take on Norway in Oslo. Against the wishes of the majority of UEFA members, Israel is still present in UEFA competitions despite its war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, Why FIFA won’t ban Israel despite Gaza genocide  THE TRUCE The news this week of the ceasefire in Gaza is definitely welcome. Norway is not happy about hosting today's fixture but the fact that the genocide is at an end, at least for now, makes hosting the fixture more palatable SPORTING SANCTIONS Even if the genocide is over, the occupation, the blockade and the apartheid system is not. The threat of expulsion from Eurovision and international football showed the Zionist regime that the world is not on their side.  Sporting sanctions were important in bringing down the South African apartheid system. Exlusion from international rugby in particular hit tye South African hard. The same strategy needs to be used with Israel Many countries are calling for Israel to be banned ...