On the surface, the feast of Passover or Pesach in Hebrew, is about freedom, family and food. It celebrates the Jews Exodus from Egypt in specifically ordered ways. For example: 1. Passover began Friday night, April 6, at sundown, and continues through April 14. 2. Matzah, an integral part of the Seder, is an unleavened bread used throughout the holiday to represent the Jews' rapid exile from Egypt. Their flight happened so quickly that they didn't have time to allow the dough to rise before baking. 3. The Seder supper is the beginning of the eight days of observance. According to Rabbi Brad …

Here are some places in Emmaus Patch to get your Irish up tomorrow: Vera Cruz Cafe: DJ Antman will begin at 5 p.m. The Cafe will also offer special Irish beers and drinks. Volpe's Sports Bar: DJ Lexus will be entertain from 9 p.m to 1 a.m. Volpe’s will also serve special Irish beers and drinks. Lee Gribben's on Main will serve corned beef and cabbage, offer Irish beer and drinks, have live music beginning at 8 p.m. with several bands, and special entertainment all day. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: WZZO radio will be at the restaurant for its Pub Call Program; From 1-7 p.m.: Happy Hour; From 7 p.m.-2 …

Check out any calendar and you’ll see that the third Monday in February is designated as Presidents Day, a holiday most commonly associated with two of the (arguably) most important presidents of our country, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. But really, only one of those is accurate. Read on to find out who -- and what -- we celebrate on Presidents Day, as well as some other fun facts: 1. Abraham Lincoln and George Washington share the same birth month. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, while Washington was born on February 22, 1732 -- only some 10 days and 77 years apart. But …

Carlen Blackstone, a computer science teacher at Emmaus High School, organized a Computer Science Showcase at the high school last night as part of National Computer Science Education Week. Blackstone wanted to shine some light on the accomplishments of East Penn students in the field of computer science and to point out how much more still needs to be done. These are some of the key messages that Blackstone wants people to consider: 1. Computer science is key to solving the world’s most crucial problems -- environmental sustainability, poverty, hunger and homeland security. It can give the …

It’s a tradition: in less than a week, eager shoppers will rise before the sun and head out in droves to the nearest commercial outlet, forming unending store-wrapping lines, or in some instances even camping out, to grab the supposed best deals of the season. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is on November 25 this year -- exactly one month before Christmas -- and for most it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. (Except for me. I start my shopping on December 22, to maximize my “Christmas cheer.") But since it is a time-honored tradition -- and since I have a mother …

September is World Alzheimer’s Month and Sept. 21 is Alzheimer’s Action Day—a day to wear purple and raise awareness of this devastating disease.  Here are five things to know about Alzheimer’s disease: 1. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people.  It is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.  Symptoms usually first appear after the age of 60.  Estimates vary, but experts suggest that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s …

1. Blame it on Poseidon. Calling a hurricane an “act of God” gets a Hellenic endorsement, although the ancient Greeks would tell you that the God on which to pin the stormy weather would be Poseidon, God of the Sea. According to Greek mythology, Poseidon lost a battle of wits against Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom. The coveted prize? A city. The metropolis we know of today as Athens, Greece is named after Athena. In a fit of anger back in the day, Poseidon cursed the Athenians with sea storms, or hurricanes. 2. Or maybe Zeus. If you prefer Greek mythology of an older sort, it’s said that Zeus …

Pizza Pasta 8 ounces of rotini pasta 1 pound of lean ground beef 1 small onion, diced 1 (28 oz.) jar of spaghetti sauce 4 ounces of sliced pepperoni 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add pasta and cook 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a medium skillet, cook beef and onion until beef is brown.  Drain. Combine beef mixture, pasta, spaghetti sauce, and pepperoni and pour into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 30 minutes. Ham & Cheese Bowties 8 ounces of bowtie pasta…

1. The battle at Hogwarts. With today’s fantastic effects (and the option of seeing it in 3D), the epic battle inside the castle looks pretty promising. 2. The end comes full-circle. The movie brings our sense of innocence back when we get to see a glimpse into Harry’s future as he sends his kids off to Hogwarts. 3. Radcliffe’s talent. Since the last installment (and the entire series) revolves around Harry, we’ll get to see Daniel Radcliffe's true potential. 4. Go Neville, go! We finally get to see the “shy and dopey” Neville Longbottom rise to the fighting occasion and kick some butt. 5. We…

Today is the Fourth of July, known in the U.S. as Independence Day, a national holiday in which we celebrate our country’s liberation. This week’s list is for the patriots, the flag-wavers, the pyromaniacs and for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of this American holiday with five little-known facts. 1. July 4 is not technically our day of independence: On the most semantic level, the 13 original colonies were legally liberated from England’s rule on July 2, 1776 in a closed session of Congress. It took the Second Continental Congress two more days to revise the most famous of …

It shouldn’t come as a shocker to anyone who knows me, or anyone who has been a Patch reader for a while, that one of the top date nights in our house consists of putting the kids to bed, opening up a nice (okay cheap) bottle of wine, and engaging in a Scrabble battle. I will confess, here for all the Patch world to see, that my husband regularly delivers me a good old fashioned whoopin’ during said matches. Yes, I’m the writer. Yes, he’s the expert in advanced mathematics. And, yes, he beats me just about every time. And, we are talking by hundreds of points. I secretly believe that on those…

5. How to NOT throw like a girl. And perhaps more importantly, the ability to teach my two sons how to not throw like girls. I didn’t realize how valuable this particular skill set would prove to be in my youth. But having married a European-born male who specializes in “futbol,” rather than America’s favorite pastime, its inherent worth has become more and more evident as time passes. My dad also taught me a solid batting stance, which I am proud to say that I’ve also been able to effectively pass on to my Little Leaguer. Thanks for coaching softball all of those years, dad! 4. How to …

Pistachio Fruit Salad 1 (20 ounce) can of crushed unsweetened pineapple, drained (but keep the juice) 1 (1 ounce) package of instant sugar-free pistachio pudding mix 1 (15.25 ounce) can of unsweetened fruit cocktail, drained 1 (11 ounce) can of mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained 1 (12 ounce) tub of Cool Whip, thawed 1 cup of mini marshmallows Whisk pineapple juice and pudding mix together for 2 minutes. Stir in fruit, then fold in Cool Whip and marshmallows. Cover and chill one hour before serving. Banana Split Salad 1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened, condensed milk 1 (12 ounce) tub of Cool…

1. For the foodie Dad: A monogrammed, forged steak brand. That’s right. Now there will be no question as to who grilled that slab of meaty perfection. $39.95 at www.williams-sonoma.com 2. For the hop-head Dad: His own tap system. The Krups Beer Tender will keep his Heineken cool and fresh for 30 days. $99.99 at JC Penney, Lehigh Valley Mall 3. For the adventurous Dad: Buy him a day of play at Lehigh Valley Paintball, 344 Main Street, Emmaus. Bonus points if you join him. 4. For the rocker Dad: A ticket to party at the new Sands Steel Stage. From Steely Dan to Stone Temple Pilots to Steve …

To quote one of my favorite comedies of all time: “What do you like better, Christmas or wedding season?” “The answer would be, um, wedding season?” “Bingo!” OK, maybe the characters in “Wedding Crashers” had a little more to be excited about than the average person, but wedding season really is right around the corner -- it unofficially runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, May 30 to September 5 this year. According to USAwedlink.com, there are about 2.5 million weddings in the United States every year, and the average guest list is 175. In other words, your chances of being invited to a…

If you’d rather be covered in grass stains and wing sauce than hair spray and lip gloss, listen up! Being a guy’s girl is a gift. But hanging with the fellas doesn’t mean you should dress like them. Here are the Top 5 fashion trends to turn your tomboy into a tomcat. 1. Sporty Spice: With baseball season in full-swing, dugout divas are doing their thing. But cheering on your favorite team can also be trendy. Many teams now offer a girly version of jerseys, tees and hats, making any ballpark babe a little more beautiful. Hey Batter, Batter Fashion Top, Sports Authority, Whitehall, $22.99 MLB …

Put away that winter wardrobe and step out in something fresh! Spring is here, and so are the newest and cutest fashions. But you don’t need to break the bank to look your best…unless of course you want to! Here are five ways to freshen up your spring fashion outlook.  1. Flirty and Floral:  Flowers are a springtime staple, and now they’re sprouting up in stores, too! Fresh floral patterned tops, dresses, and shoes add some flirty fun to any outfit. Save: Ruffled Dress, Aerie, Lehigh Valley Mall, $22. Splurge: Flower Child Dress, Francesca’s Collections, Promenade Shops. $44. 2. Breezy Beauty…

Easter is right around the corner, and for most part, that means family togetherness, colored eggs and chocolate bunnies. For others, it means calling off the self-imposed impediments of Lent. Easter is celebrated in several different ways in dozens of countries around the world. But where did it start? Who named it Easter? And who got the bunny involved? Read on to find out the answers to those important questions and more! 1. Easter is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. OK, you probably did know that one. Easter is two days after Good Friday, the Christian holiday commemorating Jesus’ …

Emmaus and Upper Milford Township are celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 16, with a series of activities at Emmaus Community Park. Here we are highlighting some of those activities as well as some other nearby Earth Day programs that you may want to check out:  1. Litter Pickup and Storm Drain StencilingWhen: Saturday, April 16, 8 a.m.Where: Meet at Emmaus Community Park and you’ll be assigned to various locations throughout Emmaus.How Much: You bring the elbow grease. 2. Electronics and Universal Waste RecyclingWhen: Saturday, April 16, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Where: Emmaus Community ParkHow …

So many places now offer self-checkout options that it’s becoming a new standard to simply help yourself. I’m sure that nearly everyone has experienced the liberation -- and perhaps just as notably, the frustrations -- of self-service. These days, it’s all about helping ourselves. According to "Business Week," self-checkout at retail and grocery stores accounted for $1.39 billion in sales in 2010, which is leading to a boom in the industry. But helping ourselves has always been at least a small part of retail, mostly thanks to the invention of the vending machine. As it is, we’ve got vending …