"Peace cannot be kept by force." - Albert Einstein

In 1958,  Gerald Holtom, a British conscientious objector, drew a sign to stand for nuclear disarmament. The symbol was a combination of the letters N and D taken from semaphoric signals used by the British navy. Over the years, this symbol became a universal symbol for peace.

In the late 1960's, hippies first used the symbol to represent peace rather than just for nuclear disarmament. Today it is seen on clothing, banners, buttons, jewelry, and painted walls throughout towns all over the world. It's an extraordinary example of branding that has become embedded in our every day lives.

Holtom's design was created to remind us of the dangers of the nuclear industry, be it the waste from nuclear power plants, the death and suffering from nuclear fallout, or the destruction from radiation poisoning for future generations.

The threat of nuclear proliferation still remains today as wars continue to be fought all around planet Earth. Isn't it ironic that Albert Einstein once said, "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding."

Native Americans referred to the December full moon as the Full Cold Moon or the Full Long Night Moon for during the month of December, nights grew longer and darker and the winter cold gripped the earth. The full moon won't be seen tonight because of the clipper snowstorm that passed over Long Island today. The skies are dull grey and the rain is washing the little bit of snow we had away. Last night, however, I got a picture of the moon over Long Lane in East Hampton, New York. The scene captured for me the spirit of the season - a softening of hearts and a universal search for peace.

It is my wish for our world that peace dwell in our hearts, our homes, and in our world. Happy and Healthy holidays to everyone and Peace to all mankind!