Most of us think of holidays as one of those few days our employer actually pays us to stay home. We all know the big ones: New Year's, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. And yes, some employers are a little more generous but most likely you'll have no more than 7 days a year that you consider a holiday. Depending on your religious beliefs you may add a few more to that annual list, and find that you're up to a dozen or so.
For a day to be considered a "National Holiday" it needs to be declared so by Congress. And then of course we have the "commercial holidays" that we all love, which in effect are simply days that have become popular over the years. We all love them, but for some of us that just isn't enough. Organizations, corporation, and even loosely connected groups of people can "declare" a day for any reason they choose. Some of these days catch on and become popular with the general population, some remain only recognized by their creator, and some fizzle out and become a mere memory after only a year or two.
The point is - Every day, somewhere someone is celebrating something.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

November 17 ~ Happy GIS Day

I suppose we should start out by finding out what GIS means...

GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. Use this link to learn more about GIS and why it's important.  GIS Day is a moving holiday, and is always celebrated on the Wednesday of GIS week.

I'll leave you to your own devices to learn about GIS... but will share with you a similar activity that my son taught me about... Geo-caching.  All you need is a GPS tracking device, a few trinkets in your pocket, and some free time....  oh yeah, some bug spray is helpful too, and a flashlight, and water, and a rope...  Just kidding, as long as you don't trust my son to be your guide you'll be fine.  Should I tell you about our adventures?  You might think I was trying to discourage you from this fun activity if I did... But, if any of my family reads this it will definitely make them laugh.

 

 
Posted by Rita Ballantyne at 8:00 AM
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