DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

   The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.    Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers,

   The general notion of life in France is that it is filled with glamour, high fashion, extraordinary art and architecture and fine cuisine. However, little known to the outside world is that people of France also love to let their hair down, get messy and act absolutely silly. French people, especially of the countryside are famous for their highly entertaining festivals and fun-filled events. The annual Festival of the Pig held in the little commune Trie-sur-Ba'se every August, located in the southern France, is one of the many bizarre festivals that are held in France each year. To celebrate the pig, often considered chubby and cute and a delicious meal by meat-eaters world over, is indeed a strange cause. But, to the villagers of this commune this festival is a time for some asinine fun and a way to attract hundreds of tourists to their homeland.     First held in 1975, the festival is widely known in France as La Pourcailhade or La Fete du Cochon . At the festival,