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!  No problem there!  Just look at my credits!" 

                                                       

"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

 

THE SPACE ALIEN PREPARES FOR HOLIDAYS IN DANGEROUS TIMES

 The Space Alien always looks forward to holidays, especially those that brighten dark winter days. 

But this year it would be hard to celebrate.  Some human friends had become ill with COVID-19, and others were rightly afraid to enjoy holiday gatherings.  

Hanukkah began the evening of December 10, and while the Space Alien customarily lights the menorah candles each of the eight nights of this holiday, and loves to play with a dreydl, somehow it now seems quite dreary because it would not be safe to have friends over for a wonderful party with special songs and foods to celebrate.

 

And soon it would be Christmas.  In years past the Space Alien would join friends to wish them joy at this special season.  But this year such gatherings would not be safe.      

To express these concerns, the Space Alien wrote these words to a popular holiday tune:*  

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, 

But there’s no jingle-belling, 

And who can be telling us words of good cheer,

As in past wonderful times of the year!

It’s the most worrisome time of the year!

Can we be celebrating,

if we’re also hating and living in fear?

At this most feverish time of the year!

It’s the most pitiful time of the year.

When we all should be shopping,

Until we are dropping, at malls far and near.  

It’s the most frustrating season, that’s clear! 

It’s the most blunderful time of the year.

Our leaders have failed us, 

A dire ill ails us, and leaves us in fear!

At this most dangerous time of the year!

Your Editor was doubtful.  "This isn't the sort of depressing message we like to print in the Space Alien Gazette!" she insisted. 

"But didn't you say we only produce the most honest journalism?" asked the Space Alien? 

"I guess you're right," agreed Your Editor, "but can we still wish our Loyal Readers a better, brighter 2021?" 

"Of course we can!" said the Space Alien. "That's the best thing we can do!"  

And with that, the Space Alien began to sing some beautiful, traditional holiday songs, and hopes you will join in!  

All of us here in the unbelievably busy offices of the Space Alien Gazette wish you, our Loyal Readers, a bright, and healthy year ahead!

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* When you are done reading this post, you can hear The Most Wonderful Time of the Year sung by Andy Williams:   

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFGC_YgeQ5w

And read some history of this holiday favorite!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_the_Most_Wonderful_Time_of_the_Year  

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