And then, once a year, we steal an hour back from the dark.

Daylight Saving Time isn’t just about clocks springing forward or falling back — it’s about light winning, about stretching the day like a golden ribbon across the sky. It’s about that first evening when the sun lingers just a little longer, brushing buildings in amber, turning ordinary streets into movie sets.

Time is the one thing we can’t negotiate with. It doesn’t care about fame, money, or status. It moves — steady, relentless, democratic. But Daylight Saving Time? That’s our tiny rebellion. Our collective decision to chase the light.

And if you’re going to celebrate stealing back the sun, you do it with the best of the best.

You gather the visionaries, the artists, the dreamers — the ones who understand that an extra hour of light is an extra hour to create, to perform, to love, to build legacy. The composers who turn daylight into symphonies. The singers who stretch a sunset into a standing ovation. The storytellers who know that every second counts because every second is currency.

Daylight Saving Time is a reminder:

We don’t just mark time — we make something of it.

It’s cocktails on rooftops while the sky blushes pink.

It’s rehearsals that run long because inspiration doesn’t clock out.

It’s laughter that spills into the evening air, unhurried and unapologetic.

We don’t fear the ticking clock.

We toast to it.

Because the best of the best know something most people forget — time is not meant to be managed. It’s meant to be lived. Stretched. Celebrated.

So, when the clocks shift and the light lingers, step into it.

Stand taller.

Dream bigger.

Create louder.

Top 20 Songs Out Right Now

1. “Twisted” — Scarecrow
2. “Spit” — St. Divine
3. “Younger” — Irene Michaels
4. “Texas Hold ’Em” — Beyoncé
5. “Fortnight” — Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone
6. “Lose Control” — Teddy Swims
7. “Flowers” — Miley Cyrus
8. “Another” — Paulino
9. “Orane” — Avohee Avoher
10. “Vampire” — Olivia Rodrigo
11. “Greedy” — Tate McRae
12. “On Time” — Leroy Thomas
13. “Dance The Night” — Dua Lipa
14. “Cruel Summer” — Taylor Swift
15. “Espresso” — Sabrina Carpenter
16. “Lovin On Me” — Jack Harlow
17. “Calm Down” — Rema & Selena Gomez
18. “Good Luck, Babe!” — Chappell Roan
19. “End of Beginning” — Djo
20. “Saturn” — SZA

Top 20 Indie & Rising Songs Turning Heads Right Now

The independent music world has never been more electrifying. Across rock, pop, alternative, and soul, a new wave of artists is commanding attention with fearless creativity and powerful storytelling. From gritty rock anthems to emotionally charged pop, these songs are building serious momentum across streaming platforms, radio, and live stages.

1. “Twisted” — Scarecrow

A thunderous rock statement with dark theatrical energy, Twisted delivers a cinematic punch. With the powerful presence of legendary rocker Dee Snider on the track and the commanding vocals of lead singer John Blaze, the song feels like a modern metal opera — intense, rebellious, and unforgettable.

2.   “Spit” — St. Divine

A fierce, unapologetic rock track fueled by attitude and razor-sharp energy. Spit explodes with gritty guitars and raw emotion, establishing St. Divine as a band unafraid to challenge expectations.

3. “Younger” — Irene Michaels

An uplifting pop anthem celebrating vitality and reinvention. Irene Michaels delivers a sparkling performance reminding listeners that youth is a mindset and life only becomes richer with experience.

4. “Another” — Paulino

“Another” is the energetic new single from Paulino, inspired by the simple but familiar moment of pouring another drink. Built around a catchy groove and Paulino’s signature rock-leaning vocals, the track captures the mood of late nights, good company, and the carefree feeling that comes when the music is loud and the glasses keep getting refilled. Fun, relatable, and full of attitude, “Another” turns an everyday moment into a sing-along anthem about living in the moment and going back for one more.

5. “One Moment At A Time” — Bex Lindsey

A deeply personal alternative pop release that explores healing, mental health, and resilience through haunting melodies.

6. “Orane Piano Solo (12V)” — Avohee Avoher

A breathtaking instrumental piece where the piano becomes a storyteller. Elegant and emotionally layered, the composition feels both classical and modern.

7. “Rita’s Song” — Quinn Lemley

A glamorous and soulful tribute to the golden age of Hollywood, capturing Lemley’s powerful theatrical voice.

8. “Shadow Lines” — The Midnight Echo

Atmospheric indie rock that builds slowly into a sweeping sonic landscape.

9. “Neon Angels” — Velvet Skyline

Dream-pop textures collide with retro synth energy for a hypnotic late-night soundtrack.

10. “Electric Hearts” — Nova Monroe

A dance-driven indie pop hit with a soaring chorus that refuses to leave your head.

11. “Ghost Town Lovers” — River Saints

12. “Wildfire Eyes” — Luna Vale

13. “Silver Satellite” — Atlas Bloom

14. “Dark Carnival” — The Raven Society

15. “Echoes in the Alley” — Johnny Arcade

16. “Golden Halo” — Stella Gray

17. “After Midnight” — Neon Prophets

18. “Fever Dreamer” — Indigo Riot

19. “Broken Satellites” — The Astral Kids

20. “City of Lights” — Aurora District

Together, these tracks represent the vibrant pulse of the independent music scene — artists who are shaping tomorrow’s sound without waiting for permission. From the explosive rock energy of Scarecrow and St. Divine to the radiant pop spirit of Irene Michaels, the indie landscape continues to prove that the most exciting music often comes from those willing to create their own path.

Top 20 Radio, Podcast & TV Shows Creating Buzz

Across radio, television, and digital platforms, a powerful mix of interview-driven programs, entertainment talk shows, and cultural podcasts are shaping conversations in music, film, and pop culture. From legendary hosts to rising media voices, these programs spotlight artists, creators, and industry insiders.

1. Profiles with Mickey Burns – A respected long-running television interview series featuring in-depth conversations with notable figures from entertainment, politics, and culture.

2. Saturday Night with Tony Orlando – The legendary singer brings his charisma and decades of entertainment experience to a lively talk and music program.

3. Live on Tape with Pete Trabucco – A popular platform known for engaging interviews with musicians, industry insiders, and creatives.

4. The Jeremiah Show – Hosted by Jeremiah D. Higgins, this podcast dives into music, film, and pop culture with thoughtful conversations with artists and innovators.

5. Jim Masters TV – Award-winning journalist Jim Masters hosts an insightful entertainment and lifestyle series highlighting influential personalities.

6. The Andrew Eborn Show – A dynamic program known for celebrity interviews, music discussions, and engaging conversation.

7. Gary Leavitt and Friends – A warm and entertaining show featuring conversations with artists, musicians, and personalities across the entertainment world.

8. Movie Reviews and More with Brian Sebastian – A lively entertainment program exploring film, television, and celebrity interviews.

9. If These Walls Could Talk with Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss – A vibrant interview series where Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss speak with performers, writers, and cultural figures about their journeys.

10. The Indy Hookup – A platform dedicated to independent artists, shining a spotlight on emerging voices in music and entertainment.

11. The Adventures of Pipeman– Hosted by “The Pipe Man” Dean K. Piper, this energetic show mixes music, celebrity interviews, and pop culture commentary.

12. The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell – A widely followed entertainment program featuring celebrity guests and lively conversations.

13. Good News with Paul Sladkus – A feel-good series highlighting positive stories, entertainment, and humanitarian efforts.

14. The Neil Haley Show – A syndicated podcast and radio program featuring interviews with celebrities, athletes, and entrepreneurs.

15. The Mike Wagner Show – A popular podcast where host Mike Wagner interviews authors, musicians, and public figures.

16. Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon – A fast-paced entertainment podcast covering film, music, and celebrity interviews.

17. The Hollywood Times Podcast – Industry conversations with actors, directors, and entertainment insiders.

18. Backstage Pass Radio – A music-focused show featuring artists, songwriters, and behind-the-scenes industry stories.

19. The Creative Coalition Podcast – Conversations with artists and changemakers about creativity and cultural impact.

20. On Air with Brandon Jay – A dynamic interview series featuring musicians, filmmakers, and entertainment personalities.

Together these programs represent a vibrant ecosystem of media platforms that champion artists, storytellers, and cultural influencers, giving audiences a front-row seat to the conversations shaping entertainment today.

Most Interesting Books to Read Right Now

From mind-bending science to mystical traditions and deeply personal storytelling, these books explore the universe, human spirituality, creativity, and the search for meaning. The following titles offer a fascinating journey across science, culture, and imagination.

1.The Case of the Sexual Cosmos – Howard Bloom

A bold and provocative exploration of evolution, desire, and the cosmic forces shaping life. Bloom connects biology, culture, and the universe in a sweeping narrative that challenges conventional thinking.

2. Modern Witchcraft Book of Natural Magick— Judy Ann Nock
A beautifully written guide to working with natural energies, rituals, and spiritual traditions rooted in the earth. It blends history, philosophy, and practical magic.

3. Waiting for Adam— Eileen Shapiro
A deeply personal and reflective story about patience, love, and the human journey of hope and transformation.

4. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind— Yuval Noah Harari
A sweeping history of humanity that examines how biology, culture, and imagination shaped our civilization.

5. Cosmos— Carl Sagan
A timeless masterpiece exploring the universe and humanity’s place within it.

6. The Power of Now— Eckhart Tolle
A spiritual guide encouraging readers to embrace presence and consciousness.

7. The Alchemist— Paulo Coelho
A philosophical novel about destiny, dreams, and listening to one’s heart.

8. A Brief History of Time— Stephen Hawking
A fascinating explanation of black holes, time, and the nature of the universe.

9. The Celestine Prophecy— James Redfield
A spiritual adventure that blends fiction with philosophical insight.

10. The Four Agreements— Don Miguel Ruiz
A guide to personal freedom based on ancient Toltec wisdom.

11. Man’s Search for Meaning— Viktor E. Frankl
A profound reflection on resilience, suffering, and purpose.

12. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry— Neil deGrasse Tyson
Complex cosmic ideas explained in accessible, engaging language.

13. The Tao of Physics— Fritjof Capra
A fascinating bridge between modern physics and Eastern mysticism.

14. The Secret— Rhonda Byrne
A global bestseller exploring the concept of manifestation and intention.

15. Thinking, Fast and Slow— Daniel Kahneman
A groundbreaking study of how humans think and make decisions.

16. The Artist’s Way— Julia Cameron
A creative recovery guide beloved by artists, writers, and performers.

17. The Immortality Key— Brian C. Muraresku
An intriguing investigation into ancient spiritual traditions and psychedelics.

18. The Hidden Life of Trees— Peter Wohlleben
A fascinating look at the secret communication systems of forests.

19. The Universe in a Nutshell— Stephen Hawking
A visually rich journey through cosmology and theoretical physics.

20. Big Magic— Elizabeth Gilbert
A joyful meditation on creativity and living with curiosity.

Together these books explore science, spirituality, creativity, and human purpose—from Howard Bloom’s cosmic perspective to mystical traditions and deeply personal stories.

Here are some exciting upcoming events in music, entertainment, and culture featuring acclaimed performers, rising talent, and meaningful celebrations.

March 13 – 7:30 PM

Randy Edelman at Cinema Arts Centre

Legendary composer Randy Edelman appears for a special evening at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington. The event celebrates his iconic film music and career, featuring conversation, stories from Hollywood, and an intimate look at the creative mind behind some of cinema’s most beloved scores.

March 14 – 6:30 PM

Randy Edelman at Aman New York Jazz Club

An elegant night of music as Randy Edelman performs at the luxurious Aman Jazz Club. Known for its intimate setting and world-class acoustics, the evening promises an unforgettable live performance.

March 29 – 10:00 PM

FENIX Rising Showcase at The Bitter End

The legendary Greenwich Village venue hosts another FENIX Rising night, spotlighting emerging artists and creative voices in a high-energy music showcase.

April 22 – All Day

Earth Day Celebration in Times Square

Produced by Paul Sladkus, this all-day event brings music, activism, and environmental awareness together in the heart of New York City. The celebration highlights sustainability, unity, and global responsibility.

April 23 – 7:30 PM

Irene Michaels at Don’t Tell Mama

Singer and performer Irene Michaels takes the stage for a special cabaret evening filled with music, storytelling, and her signature vibrant energy.

April 25 – 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Talent Showcase at Open Jar Studios

A dynamic afternoon spotlighting new performers, singers, and creatives. The showcase offers rising talent the opportunity to perform and connect with industry professionals.

From intimate jazz performances to major cultural celebrations in Times Square, these events highlight the creative pulse of the upcoming season.

The post Celebrating Daylight Savings Time with the Best of the Best appeared first on Good News!.

URGENTLY NEEDED…
Not BLOOD
But,
An ELECTRICIAN,
to restore the joyful current
between people,
who do not speak
to each other anymore…

An OPTICIAN,
to change the
outlook of people…

An ARTIST,
to draw a smile
on everyone’s face…

A CONSTRUCTION WORKER,
to build a bridge
between neighbors…

A GARDENER,
to cultivate good thoughts…

A PLUMBER,
to clear the
choked and blocked mindsets…

A SCIENTIST
to rediscover compassion…

A LANGUAGE TEACHER
for better communication
with each other…

And Last but not least,
A MATHS TEACHER,
for all of us to relearn how to count on each other…

Spread lots of love, positivity and smiles today. Tomorrow might be too late

Have a wonderful day
??

The post Thought For The Day appeared first on Good News!.

CDs available now!
www.kamalinden.com

Hi Everyone,

Saying goodbye to Summer is very hard for me. I have to go through a period of mourning. It has been a rainy/flood-ridden one, but had Jersey Shore time in between storms and filming. I think I spent more time at the Shore in SEPTEMBER than I did all Summer, including Sept. 21, with plenty of HARVEST MOON and OCEAN PHOTOS to show for it. Besides busking, and running on the boards of Belmar/Spring Lake, I have gotten a chance to swim at the FABULOUS pool at LA Fitness in Brick.

The Jersey Shore folks are as wonderful and supportive as ever, so big shout out to you all. I am only sorry that our time together has been so short-lived. Miss you already!

However, I am PLAYING my FIRST PLUGGED IN SHOW THIS SAT!

Stapleton Saturdays!
Use 81 Water Street, Staten Island NY to MAP the event.
between Bay Street and Wright Street

My set is 12:30pm sharp, supposedly til 1pm, but other acts will start about every hour.
Trying to see if I can get an extra 5/10 min, but let’s just say maybe not, so be there by 12:30pm

I have been added to a few new Spotify Playlists. And am going to have “Dare 2 B Different” from my OG album “Uninhibited 2006” on WNIR “Songs for Good: 2021 Songs for Peace and Justice”. In Dare 2 B Different, I mention the strife of Afghani women, as well as talk about the homeless woman I have seen on the train for so many years. This should start mid-October.

I have added a few videos to my YOUTUBE, and will add more from the summer shortly:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbPp2gMuRtY

Everything In Good Time, If I’m Wrong, Belmar Breezes Holiday Edition 2020 Kama Linden
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpCDUNWkugeH0_H-eoj5wCQ

Everything In Good Time Christmas 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gIeolWkIko

Searching For Madonna Christmas 2020

New Videos are scheduled to pop up throughout the holidays, so if you subscribe to my YouTube Channel, they will come to you:
YouTube sign up:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpCDUNWkugeH0_H-eoj5wCQ

Here is the link to my PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/kamalinden

“If I Am Wrong” did very well on SPOTIFY thanks to A.V.A!

I had 29,878! Overall Followers on SPOTIFY in September.

Alas, I did NOT make it to 30,000, and what goes up, must come down, as I cannot afford to pay that much for promotion every month. But they did do a very good job with both “If I’m Wrong” and “Belmar Breezes”.

But I could only afford 2 months of promotion, so I guess for now it will be word of mouth, but

Thank you A.V.A Radio.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lqGgAk0aiS8xDeMbJBggS

“Everything In Good Time” released June 18th on Digital sites everywhere, and “You’re On Video” had over 8600 streams in 2 weeks.

“Belmar Breezes”:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5Kafd6tHkpTuRqXkpqvdrI?si=mbPs1g0MTSmJhljpozb-UA
8.11: 5,482 traffic generated to spotify

Played on broadcast:
August Indie Music Release Radar Listen to this weeks newest singles with Jacqueline Jax https://www.avaliveradio.info/featured/7/29/new-indie-music-release-radar-jacqueline-jax-podcast-6fkyp-kwfdy
8.31: 13,046
to date: 13,060

“If I’m Wrong”:
https://open.spotify.com/track/2Wju6NeaCbsRvMVvro2lgG
29,878 streams Sept. 30th.

If you have a Spotify or Apple Music account, and would be kind enough to add me, it would be greatly appreciated. Adding me and downloading my music will trigger royalties. If you have an account, it costs you nothing extra and helps me greatly. This is true for Apple Music subscribers, https://music.apple.com/us/album/everything-in-good-time/1517559501
as well as Deezer, etc.

I had the best people in Nashville on this one at Misstyx Studio. My best work yet. Each song is a little different, and there is something for everyone. My vocals came out spot-on as well.

Pop/adult contemporary feel-good music with a little rock, and 2 country songs.
I thank you in advance for helping me during this time.”You’re On Video” is the trending song right now, but there is something for everyone.

BANDCAMP allows you to buy all of my albums except for the live album at 25% discount. The MP3s will work on any computer, phone, or player.

https://kamalinden.bandcamp.com/album/everything-in-good-time

Here are the links to both PAST ALBUMS, as well as the Full collection:

https://kamalinden.bandcamp.com/
You can also purchase the Hard copy CDs as well as the MP3s here. On Fridays, BANDCAMP waives the share that they take from the artist.

The CDs are available via www.kamalinden.com

Everything In Good Time

These are PUSH LINKS so that you can find my music on Spotify, Apple, Deezer, YouTube (music), and other sites:
If you click the PUSH link, it will provide the links to the rest:

Everything In Good Time
https://push.fm/fl/2yh4a0ef

Southern Comfort
https://push.fm/fl/sz1jylt7

Uninhibited 2006
https://push.fm/fl/9hlrou9c

Better Late Than Never
https://push.fm/link/ugvf417n

It Takes All Kinds
https://push.fm/fl/59dagdtt

Kama Linden LIVE!
https://push.fm/fl/fwxn9ygu

Other Videos of me:

That Damn Michael Che:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELiajdzYPaY

New Amsterdam
https://vimeo.com/392087521
Or go to www.kamalinden.com
go to VIDEOS
it is the FIRST ONE!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpCDUNWkugeH0_H-eoj5wCQ

Looking for a personal trainer at home?
Online sessions! At home or public space fine as well. www.kamalinden.com
Many of you know I teach fitness, however, for a solid 5 years, I trained people privately in their homes as well, and am looking to do back to doing just this. My prices are low compared to most trainers. I am certified by NASM and AAFA, and also teach seniors, people with corrective exercise issues, pilates, weight training, yoga, and chair exercise. Please contact me if someone you know is interested. $20 half-hour sessions, $30 per hour via zoom, or longer viz skype or facetime. However, mention you are on my list, and 1-hour ZOOM sessions remain at $25 per hour for the remainder of 2020.

I am unafraid of training at home or in the park. The price will depend on where you live but will be more of the regular rate. We have masks, and we will work out what equipment is needed based on your fitness needs, or musical needs.

Your support thus far has been so amazing, and I thank you for it. Although I have had some responses for training online with zoom, I am toying with trying to start a ZOOM class. I would not be able to give the same feedback that I would in personal training, for which I can be very individualized, even on screen, but I would like to start with a 40-minute pilates based mat that we can try @ an introductory rate of $5 a person for a group. I have signed up for SALUT as well, although I am not certain how to get this started.

I have Venmo, CashApp and Paypal (Chase QuickPay and Zelle are no longer options, I am afraid…) I have worked out the sound situation for the guitar lessons, and I use a “mighty mic” when I play so that the sound is clear to my student.
At the end of the lesson, my guitar students will receive a well-recorded video (on my Nikon) so that the sound and picture are clear, to go over what we showed in the lesson.

Strength Training:

Vinyasa Yoga and Abs:

Bronx Park Step:

If anyone can use me for any side work, especially copywriting or voiceover, I am free to do it. I have already recorded a V/O into and exit for someone’s audiobook. I am also offering a discounted rate for personal training.

HEALTHY THINGS YOU CAN DO IN FRONT OF THE TV is a GREAT gift for anyone, including yourself! Please only buy through kamalinden.com

SPECIAL: mailed purchases: Buy 1 Book, get free BFY DVD!

As the publisher Motivational Press was bought out by “Author’s Place”, and they seem to not be reputable (looking to start a class action, BTW), please order the books through my website, or I will give you the Venmo/paypal info. I am also looking for a class action attorney to help all of the authors who have been wronged by Author’s Place Press.

Folks who have already purchased the books from me directly love the layout and the cover, and it kind of reads like an upbeat textbook with LOTS of photos. I could also use some reviews on my FB page, as well as on Amazon. I have also learned that if you get the KINDLE VERSION, you must read it the HORIZONTAL way, not the VERTICAL way.

The Beautiful Exercise Photos were done by ANDREW MARK PHOTOGRAPHY (who is also available for headshots), and the editing by Tom Matkovic, who has 10 books of his own! I am now looking for “PRESS” and “BOOK REVIEWS”, and I am also able to order boxes of hard copies for “classes”. If you want to have an event, where I do a lecture dem, please contact me. Offices, nursing homes, unlikely places…all great!

Please like my page, and please spread the word:

https://www.facebook.com/healthythingsyoucandoinfrontofthetvbook/

https://www.facebook.com/kamalindenmusic/

I am also a regular contributor on MEDIUM!
They actually pay the writer based on the “claps” they receive:

Here are a few of my LATEST ARTICLES:
https://kamalindenmusic2.medium.com/toxic-behavior-in-health-clubs-why-is-a-place-people-come-to-get-healthy-a-breeding-ground-for-118b306af60b

https://kamalindenmusic2.medium.com/buying-a-co-op-buyer-beware-mold-bad-management-corrupt-board-8730687a345d

https://kamalindenmusic2.medium.com/
My Articles

In closing

Much Love for your support, for everything.
It’s been a crazy year for all.
Stay safe and healthy.

Kama Linden
www.kamalinden.com
https://kamalinden.bandcamp.com/
www.bodyfriendlyoga.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5RHPPSDhiiYpmt55p1ONeL?si=-WQaDYe9Ttu9eoj73sTNqg
Apple:https://music.apple.com/us/album/everything-in-good-time/1517559501
Bandcamp: https://kamalinden.bandcamp.com/album/everything-in-good-time

Also, I am not doing real estate, but may return in 2021. I’m Broker Shopping.
I turned off my account, and will no longer pay a monthly fee to a company that just collects close to $100 a month and doesn’t care about the agents and if they earn a living. I might come back in 2021….I am currently broker shopping. I had a bizarre dream where a client approached me telling me that they were looking for a high-end co-op in Riverdale. So I told them all I needed to do was reinstate my license with a new broker, and to give me a few days to do so. Then I woke up. So I think it is a sign that I should return maybe later this Summer, or in the Fall.

During the Summer, I am happy to rent out my living room for NYC travelers. I’d prefer 1 person, but no more than 2 quiet people. It’s a very large and sunny space. Costco is having a sale on Queen Sized air mattresses. I also found a divider wall that will give privacy that I will order and put up for you.

#kama #linden #stapleton #everything #good #time #spotify #apple #music #deezer #bandcamp #kamalinden #harvest #moon #ocean #southern #comfort #better #late #never

The post My first PLUGGED IN show is this Sat! Stapleton Saturdays! 12:30 pm sharp til 1 pm appeared first on Good News!.

The post The Late George Carlin..If you read history appeared first on Good News!.

Here is a daily guide to tell you how Chinese people celebrate Chinese New Year in 2021.

Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations (Jan. 20–Feb. 10, 2021)
Jan. 20, 2021: Laba Festival
Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for New Year as early as day 8 of the 12th month of the lunar calendar. This is a festival called Laba ( 腊八 Làbā /laa-baa/ ’12th lunar month’ + ‘8’). In 2021, it corresponds to January 20.

Feb. 4, 2021: House-Cleaning

Beginning on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month Chinese people carry out a thorough ‘winter-cleaning’ of their houses.

This is called “sweeping away the dust”, and represents a wish to put away old things, bid farewell to the old year, and welcome in the New Year.

Feb. 4–10, 2021: New Year Shopping
Before Chinese New Year’s Eve, people buy New Year’s food and snacks, New Year’s decorations, and New Year’s clothes. Chinese New Year in China, like Christmas, is a boom time for shopping.

Chinese New Year market
Chinese people may be thrifty most of the time, but they seem to spend generously during their traditional festivals.

For example, they buy everyone new clothes for the festival, whether they need them or not. On the days leading up to the festival, there are many New Year’s street markets.

Chinese New Year’s Eve (Feb. 11, 2021): 7 Activities and Celebrations
1. Putting Up New Year Decorations

Putting up spring couplets
Although some people decorate their houses several days before the festival, most people do it on New Year’s Eve. Houses are decorated with red lanterns, red couplets, paper Cutouts, and New Year’s paintings.

Putting up those decorations are thought to keep evil away and pray for blessing, longevity, health, and peace. 2021 is the Year of the Ox, so ox images will appear on decorations.

Read more about the Top 7 Chinese New Year Decorations.

2. Offering Sacrifices to Ancestors
Offering sacrifices to ancestors shows respect and piety. In addition, ancestral spirits are believed to protect their descendants and help them become prosperous.

Many worships on New Year’s Eve, before the reunion dinner, to show that they are letting their ancestors “eat” first. Offerings of meat, wine, joss sticks, and joss paper are placed in front of the shrine/grave.

3. Enjoying a Reunion Dinner

The New Year’s Eve Feast is a “must-do” dinner with all family members reuniting. Chinese try very hard to make this family event, often traveling long distances. This is the main reason for the huge travel stress throughout China.

Big families including several generations sit at round tables and enjoy the food and time together.

Dishes with lucky meanings must be included in the dinner such as fish, dumplings, niangao (sticky rice cake), and spring rolls. Many New Year foods are symbolic.

4. Watching CCTV’s New Year Gala
It’s become customary for many families to watch the CCTV New Year Gala while having their dinner. The Gala starts at 8 pm and ends when the Chinese New Year arrives at midnight.

It features traditional, folk, and pop performances from China’s best singers, dancers, and acrobats.

5. Giving Red Envelopes (Lucky Money) to Kids

Parents usually give their children red envelopes after the reunion dinner, wishing them health, growth, and good studies in the coming year.

Money in red envelopes is believed to bring good luck, as red is China’s lucky color, so it’s called lucky money.

6. Staying Up Late
This custom is called shousui (守岁/show-sway/‘to keep watch over the year’). In the past, Chinese people used to stay up all night, but now most stay up only until the midnight firecrackers and fireworks die down.

7. Listening to a New Year Bell
A bell is a traditional symbol of Chinese New Year, and Chinese people believe that ringing a large bell can drive away bad luck and bring good fortune.

At midnight on New Year’s Eve some people like to go to large squares or temples where huge bells are rung. In recent years people have begun to go to mountain temples to wait for the first ringing of a bell in the New Year.

Chinese New Year’s Day (Feb. 12, 2021)
Chinese people believe that what they do on the first day of the lunar year will affect their luck during that year.

1. Setting Off Firecrackers and Fireworks

The moment New Year arrives there is a cacophony of fireworks and firecrackers all around, even in rural China. Families stay up for this joyful moment.

In many rural areas, it’s customary to set off firecrackers before dinner, each day from New Year’s Eve to day 3 of CNY. See Why Chinese New Year Must Have Firecrackers.

It’s believed that the louder the firecrackers, the better and luckier it will be for business and farming in the coming year.

Kids, with (mini) firecrackers in one hand and a lighter in another, cheerfully celebrate by throwing the small explosives one-by-one on the street whilst plugging their ears.

2. Putting on New Clothes and Extending New Year Greetings

On the first day of New Year, Chinese people put on new clothes, and say “gongxi” (恭喜/gong-sshee/literally ‘respectful joy’, meaning ‘greetings’ or ‘best wishes’), wishing each other good luck and happiness in the New Year.

It is customary for the younger generation to visit their elders, and wish them health and longevity. See Top 10 Popular Chinese New Year Greetings and Sayings.

In recent years, a new way to do New Year greetings has appeared, especially among the young. People who are too busy to visit their friends or relatives send a New Year’s card, a WeChat red envelope, or a text message instead.

3. Watching Lion and Dragon Dances

Chinese New Year dragon dances
Lion dances and dragon dances are also seen on New Year’s Day. Once very popular in China, they are reappearing in many places. They are more popular in Hong Kong and Macau.

4. Public Celebrations at Parks and Temple Fairs
Beijing’s temple fairs are the places to go for traditional activities in Beijing. Such activities are held in parks from the first day of the lunar year to the last (when celebrating the Lantern Festival).

Generally, parks and temples are the best places to go for festive celebrations at Chinese New Year.

New Year: Day 2 (Feb. 13, 2021)
Traditionally married daughters visit their parents’ home on the second day of Chinese New Year. They bring gifts and red envelopes to families and relatives.

On this day, people offer sacrifices to the God of Wealth, wishing for a luckier and more prosperous year.

New Year: Days 3–7 (Feb. 14–18, 2021)

Chinese people visit relatives and friends from the 3rd day to the 7th day.
From the third to the seventh day of New Year, Chinese people visit relatives and friends.

On the third day, some people go to visit the tombs of their relatives, but others think being outside there on the third day is inauspicious, because evil spirits roam around.

The first house-sweep of the New Year: Chinese people don’t clean their homes during the first two days of New Year, as sweeping then is believed to sweep away the good luck accrued by the litter of firecrackers, red paper, wrappers, and other evidence of celebration on the floor.

New Year: Day 8 (Feb. 19, 2021)
People normally return to work on the eighth day. As eight is the luckiest number in China, most businesses like to reopen on day 8 of the New Year.

New Year: Day 15 (Feb. 26, 2021), the Lantern Festival

Lantern Festival
The fifteenth day of the New Year is the Lantern Festival (元宵节 Yuánxiāo Jié /ywen-sshyaou jyeah/). It is the traditional end of Spring Festival celebrations.

Some people send glowing lanterns into the sky, while others release floating lanterns onto the sea, onto rivers, or adrift in lakes.

Regional Variations in New Year Celebrations in China
Traditions and celebrations vary greatly across China. In the north, Chinese dumplings are the must-eat food on Chinese New Year’s Eve, but south of the Yangtze River most people eat spring rolls or sticky rice cake. For more on this, read How Chinese New Year Is Celebrated in Northern and Southern China.

Chinese New Year Celebrations around the World
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China, but also in several other East Asian countries (among non-Chinese Asians it’s known ‘Spring Festival’) as well as Chinatowns in Western countries.

For the numbers of people celebrating around the world see Chinese New Year Facts.

You can experience Chinese New Year celebrations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, London, Paris, etc. You can walk through their Chinatowns and see the restaurants and shopfronts adorned in red and gold, and experience firecrackers, colorful parades, and dragon dances.
for more info, go to https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/chinese-new-year-celebration.htm#:~:text=Chinese%20New%20Year%20is%20celebrated,some%20are%20quite%20new

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Sean’s Bar and Kitchen, 42 west 48th Street, NYC. What a great time we had. We speak to Bernie and some of wonderful staff. Lots of fun and great food.
Family-owned pub offering Irish & American bites along with many draft beers, plus late hours & TVs.

www.SeansBarandKitchen.com

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