One could argue that the two most American holidays, our quintessential just-us days off are Thanksgiving and July 4th. Lots of people still refer to any national holiday — Veterans Day, Presidents Day — as a government holiday. That’s because the government and banks close on many “holidays,” which aren’t holidays for most people who do not work for the government.

Before the 9/11 attacks on New York and the Pentagon, many if not most government workers got each of the national holidays off. It was a matter of fact. Government, banks and schools were closed.
But in the retail sector, or if you work in or manage a restaurant, movie theater, parking lot or a business, today is just another day.

Because of security threats to the nation, many more federal workers are on the job today. And tomorrow. No long four-day weekend for them, even though a few big-chain stores have toned down Black Friday. Bottom line: Even though this is a “government” holiday, lots of you are on duty today. Fortunately, for us.

So from those of us who have the day off, a salute to those who are working. We don’t know what a lot of you are doing, but thanks for doing it!

Nearly Useless Factoid

By Michael O’Connell

One potato chip weighs 0.23 grams.

Source: Answers

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