Category: Cultural Snapshot
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Memorial Day
Memorial Day Photo by Sharon Schweitzer As Memorial Day approaches in the U.S., our readers inquire about its meaning and history. We created this fun quiz about its culture and background. Find out how much you know with these ten quiz questions! ____ 1. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1922.…
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Czechia in Focus: Olympics, Culture, and National Headlines
Czechia in Focus: Olympics, Culture, and National Headlines Image by: https://www.czechcenter.org/blog/2022/5/27/the-czech-flag-a-century-of-waving From record-breaking Olympic participation to cultural milestones and shifting consumer trends, the Czech Republic is making headlines at home and abroad. As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Czech athletes, public figures and everyday citizens together highlight the events…
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2025 Holiday Tipping Guide
2025 Holiday Tipping Guide Photo by https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/holiday-tipping-survey/ In Canada, Boxing Day occurs on December 26, a holiday that many Canadians use to tip those who make their lives easier. In Mexico, Aguinaldo (Ah-gee-nahl-doh), represents an annual Christmas bonus equivalent to at least 15 days’ wages that companies are required to pay their employees before…
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5 German Christmas Traditions 2025
5 German Christmas Traditions 2025 In Germany, Christmas decorations appear before December 1. Many Germans take pleasure in beautiful scenes with the snow-covered straße (streets), colorful lights, Christmas-themed markets, and warm treats. My father’s side of the family is German, and we enjoy many German traditions. It is these country customs and the cultural…
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Unique Czech Christmas Traditions
Unique Czech Christmas Traditions Joza Upraka Exhibit at National Gallery 2011 The Czech Republic is recognized…
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Boardroom Etiquette Culture-Asia
Boardroom Etiqutte Culture-Asia Photo by Gildan Media 2018 By Ralph Ward, Publisher/Editor Even with the push for more boardroom refreshment and diversity, by the time you’re named to a corporate board, you’ve learned a few lessons on how to conduct yourself in top business settings. But in Western countries, much of your boardroom…
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Graciously Responding to Tragedy
Graciously Responding to Tragedy Photo by Sharon Schweitzer; Garabito,Costa Rica By Sharon Schweitzer Our goal is to share guidance on living graciously; this includes knowing what to say in times of joy as well as sadness. Our Central Texas Hill Country has been devastated by torrential rain and flash flooding. We have received…
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Memorial Day
Memorial Day As Memorial Day approaches in the U.S., our readers inquire about its meaning and history. We created this fun quiz about its culture and background. Find out how much you know with these ten quiz questions! ____ 1. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1922. ____ 2. Memorial…
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Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month: 4 Ways to Celebrate 2025
Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month: 4 Ways to Celebrate 2025 Since 1979, U.S. Americans have celebrated the contributions and culture of Asian-Pacific Americans in our country’s history. Originally a ten-day celebration in May, in 1990, the observance was extended to include the entire month as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month was signed into law. May includes…
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International Sculpture Day
International Sculpture Day By Sharon Schweitzer Sculpture has personal significance for me and my Czech – Slovak family. This beautiful mother with children piece was created by my great-uncle Franta Uprka in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic near the Slovak border. I discovered this piece 10 years ago when I was…