“Conversely, the red plant itself burns a brighter red when set off by the green than when it grows among its peers. In the bed I always reserved for poinsettia seedlings, there was little to distinguish one plant from its neighbors. My poinsettia did not turn scarlet until I planted it in new surroundings. Color is not something one has, color is bestowed on one by others.”
― Arthur Japin
― Arthur Japin
Poinsettia Day, a day to celebrate the ever popular red flower used around the Christmas holiday season. When looking at a Poinsettia, all we can think of is “The Poinsettia is to Christmas like a pumpkin is to Halloween” But where is the Poinsettia from, and how did it become a Christmas staple? That’s why we’re here to find out what Poinsettia Day is all about!
To find out where the Poinsettia flower originated from, we have to take a look in the past. In 1480 to his death, Aztec King Montezuma adorned his palace with Poinsettia or Cuetlaxochitl as it was known by the Aztecs, having his people cultivate the flower as a gift from the Gods. Poinsettia was served as a reminder of the sacrifice that the Aztec gods had made to create the universe and that the debt would be repaid in human sacrifices. The Aztecs used the Poinsettia’s sap to cure fevers and the leaves make a dye.
Then, in the 17th century after the Conquistadors invaded Mexico, the blood red wild flower became a part of Christian ceremony for the first time when it was used in the nativity procession, the Fiesta of Santa Pesebre. It’s around this time that many legends originated, attempting to explain why the plant, beginning to be called “La flor de Nochebuena,” or Holy Night had acquired its bright and beautiful red color.
After being discovered in 1828 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the poinsettia became a popular specimen among botanists. One Botanist in particular by the name of Wilenow, in 1833 he named the Poinsettia “Euporbia pulcherrima.” But after only four years another botanist by the name of William Hickling Prescott renamed the flower to “Poinsettia pulcherrima” in honor of the man who brought the flower back to be studied, Joel Poinsett.
Yorkshire-based intricate paper silhouette artist Pippa Dyrlaga has a lovely portfolio of cut paper works. Each piece is cut from a single sheet of paper and is infused with a rich pattern of repetitive cuts that form the scaly details of twisting snakes to the patterned plumage of parrots or the fur of cats. Dyrlaga has degrees in Contemporary Art Practice and Art and Design and Curation from Leeds Metropolitan University and now works on a variety of freelance and commissioned projects. Her work is beautiful to behold as well as impressively detailed.
Word of the Day
| |||
| Definition: | (noun) The state of being stretched beyond normal dimensions. | ||
| Synonyms: | distention | ||
| Usage: | He suffered from severe dilatation of the stomach, an abdominal swelling that left him writhing in pain. | ||
Idiom of the Day
lead nowhere— To ultimately yield or achieve no useful, beneficial, or successful result or outcome. |
History
The Battle of Nineveh (627 CE)
The Battle of Nineveh was fought between the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanid Dynasty, the last dynasty of native rulers to reign in Persia. Heraclius, the Byzantine emperor, was able to draw his Persian adversaries onto a favorable battlefield by feigning a retreat, thereby securing victory for his troops. The loss seriously damaged the Sassanids' power. Within decades, the weakened Sassanid dynasty would be toppled by the Arab Conquest.
John Jay (1745)
Though Jay initially deplored the growing conflict between Britain and its American colonies, he became a staunch supporter of the revolution once it began. He was heavily involved in early US government and urged ratification of the Constitution. He served as the first chief justice of the Supreme Court, among other posts. Today considered one of the "Founding Fathers," Jay once joked that he could travel from Boston to Philadelphia by the light of his burning effigies.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (United States)
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated by Roman Catholics in the southwestern United States, where the Spanish influence is still strong. At the pueblo just north of Taos, New Mexico, there is an impressive torchlight procession on December 12. At the Jemez Pueblo, matachines (clowns or buffoons) perform a variety of ceremonial dances. At churches and plazas throughout New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, such traditional Native American dances as the arc and arrow, gourd, braid, feather, palm, owl, and snake dances are performed on this day.
Scientists just found the oldest known black hole, and it's a monster
Eduardo Bañados had three nights to spot something that might not even exist: a supermassive black hole close to the beginning of time.READ MORE:
Scientists just found the oldest known black hole, and it’s a monster
1792 - In Vienna, 22-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven received one of his first lessons in music composition from Franz Joseph Haydn.
1800 - Washington, DC, was established as the capital of the United States.
1870 - Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina became the first black lawmaker to be sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives.
1896 - Guglielmo Marconi gave the first public demonstration of radio at Toynbee Hall, London.
1897 - The comic strip"The Katzenjammer Kids" (Hans and Fritz), by Rudolph Dirks, appeared in the New York Journal for the first time.
1899 - George Grant patented the wooden golf tee.
1917 - Father Edward Flanagan opened Boys Town in Nebraska. The farm village was for wayward boys. In 1979 it was opened to girls.
1925 - The "Motel Inn," the first motel in the world, opened in San Luis Obispo, CA.
1946 - A United Nations committee voted to accept a six-block tract of Manhattan real estate to be the site of the UN's headquarters. The land was offered as a gift by John D. Rockefeller Jr.
1955 - British engineer Christopher Cockerell patented the first hovercraft.
1957 - Disc Jockey Al Priddy of KEX, Portland, Oregon, was fired for playing Elvis Presley's rendition of "White Christmas." He had violated the radio station's ban against the song.
1970 - In New Orleans, LA, the Doors made their last appearance with Jim Morrison.
1985 - Dionne Warwick received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1989 - Leona Helmsley was fined $7 million and sentenced to four years in prison for tax evasion.
1997 - Denver Pyle received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2001 - Flutist James Galway received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.
If You Were Born Today, December 12
You have a distinctly dual nature that, at your best, makes you versatile, and at your worst, downright confused (and confusing!). While a great lover of peace and harmony, you are also determined and fiery. While idealistic, you mostly have your feet on the ground. In relationships, the need for partnering and cooperating is strong, but freedom also matters to you. You are a natural counselor, offering excellent advice. There is usually quite a bit of drama and colorful emotion in your relationships, whether it’s because you bring this to the table or attract these kinds of people. Famous people born today: Frank Sinatra, Edward Koch, Connie Francis, Jennifer Connelly, Bridget Hall, Bob Barker, Dionne Warwick.
1.
Wonderland of Lights 2017
Nov 22 - Dec 31, 2017 | Marshall, TX
Downtown Marshall near Historic Harrison County Courthouse|200 W Houston St
Wonderland of Lights is one of the top Christmas lighting events in the country. The month-long event launches the end of November in Marshall, Texas, with the Annual Lighting Ceremony. Throughout the following weeks, guests can enjoy the outdoor ice-skating rink, Santa’s Workshop, carriage rides and family fun and entertainment. The lights and activities will remain open every evening through the end of the year.
further information: City of Marshall Texas Official Site
2.
Argosy Christmas Ship Festival 2017
Nov 24 - Dec 23, 2017 | Seattle, WA
Lake Union Park & Other Puget Sound Communities|860 Terry Ave N
Holiday traditions in the Northwest start on the water with Argosy Cruises. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Pacific Northwest tradition since 1949. Every year, the Argosy Christmas Ship™ sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, around 65 in total. Choirs on board give 20-minute performances to these communities, all broadcast via our state-of-the-art speaker system. On shore, thousands of people gather around roaring bonfires anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Ship™.
further information: Christmas Ship™ Festival | Argosy Cruises
3.
Omaha Holiday Lights Festival 2017
Nov 24, 2017 - Jan 2, 2018 | Omaha, NE
Downtown Omaha around Gene Leahy Mall|Douglas St & S 13th St
Tis the season to be jolly at the annual Omaha Holiday Lights Festival in Nebraska. Held over the course of six festive weeks and spanning 40 city blocks, the engagement features a Thanksgiving lighting ceremony, musical performances by brass brands and carolers, an ice skating rink, a family festival and a fireworks display on New Year's Eve.
further information: Omaha's Holiday Lights Festival
A female Eurasian bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) photographed in Lancashire. This small passerine bird in the finch family was listed in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae. It is breeds across Europe and temperate Asia, where it is mainly resident, though some birds may migrate. Birds of this species feed mainly on seeds and the buds of fruit trees.
MYSTIC SHED
A cold night on the top of this hill in Lapland, Finland near the Russian border waiting for the dancing lights in the sky. All around, snow ghost are watching, standstill.
thanks, Sheri
knit. 3 - 18 mths
thanks, Adele
knit, Christmas
Polar Bear Knit Holiday Sweater
knit, Christmas ornament
thanks, Gabby
Caution to the Wind Scarf
crochet
thanks, Marilyn
crochet, Christmas
crochet, Christmas ornament
thanks, Shelley
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER POPCORN TRUFFLES
livevegan
These easy, chocolaty truffles are perfect for a party or holiday—or for anytime, really. Prep in advance and keep in the refrigerator for optical delicious-ness when you're ready to nosh 'em down or serve 'em up. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
4 cups popped popcorn + extra for garnish
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup agave syrup
1 cup vegan chopped dark chocolate chips or chocolate chips
1 tsp. coconut oil
1 to 2 Tbsp. chopped peanuts for garnish
4 cups popped popcorn + extra for garnish
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup agave syrup
1 cup vegan chopped dark chocolate chips or chocolate chips
1 tsp. coconut oil
1 to 2 Tbsp. chopped peanuts for garnish
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the popcorn and oats. In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter and agave syrup. Heat the peanut butter mixture for 30 to 40 seconds or until heated through. Add the peanut butter mixture to the popcorn and oats and use a rubber spatula to fully combine.
2. Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper. Using wet hands (this will help keep the popcorn mixture sticking to itself rather than you hands. Re-wet your hands after every couple balls), shape the popcorn mixture into balls just slightly smaller than golf balls (something you think you could easily devour in two bites). Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Once all the balls are made, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. In a double broiler or a glass bowl situated on top of a pot of boiling water, melt the dark chocolate and the coconut oil. Once completely melted and smooth, remove from the heat.
4. Use a spoon to dip one popcorn ball into the melted chocolate and use the spoon to roll it around until fully coated. Use the spoon to place it back on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining balls. While the chocolate is still wet, top each truffle with little pieces of popcorn and/or chopped peanuts. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate has hardened. Keep chilled in an airtight container until ready to serve.
thanks, Hazel
How To Make Candy Cane Candlesticks
Candy Cane Candlesticks are super easy to make. We’re talking fifteen minutes for two. They are super inexpensive too, costing about $1.50 each. Let’s get to it:
How To Make Candy Cane Candlesticks
Supplies to make two:
- 20 candy canes
- 2 taper candles
- hot glue gun
- scissors
I started by cutting off the plastic wrapper on just the two ends of the candy cane, leaving the remaining wrapper in tact. You could leave your ends on, by mine were pretty long and buggin’ me.
Next I took the wrapper off, leaving about six inches on the bottom. To measure how far you want to go down, just hold a candy cane to the candle, you want to wrapper to be below the candle.
Then run a thin strip of glue along the candy cane and press onto the candle, with the hook on the bottom. I will warn you, you can’t play much with the candy cane once it is on, it dries fast! I worked the rest of the way around by holding the candle in my hand by the hook (so the candle was upside down), and found that to give me the best control when placing on the canes.
Continue gluing the canes on, trying to keep the same angle of placement, and the base of the hooks at the same level. Let dry and you’re done! So so easy. On one of mine I did not have much room for the last candy cane, so it sticks out a bit, but I figure I am the only one that will notice. 
I do think they look cutest with a little bow tied on, but I only had enough ribbon to squeak out one bow, yet another trip to the craft store…dang it. For the candle at the top of the post I used a grosgrain ribbon and tried to keep it small. Go to big and you might just overwhelm it.
Snail on Cactus Jigsaw Puzzle
| about after beet boisterous boll border | cheek chore coffin consequence crave dace dance | effort esteem fail feed focus generous gentle | kindness laugh legs lobe medal meet | obelisk origin reach ready rote second smoke some sweet | timid treasure vixen windy yellow |
solution:
houseofbliss
houseofbliss
CLEVER
Create a tree tower using boxes.
Why Do We Eat Latkes on Hanukkah?
These delicious pancakes celebrate the miracle of the oil — but potatoes are a relatively newfangled tradition.
thenosher
One of the best parts about Chanukah is arguably the fried food, especially the latkes! Emblematic of the olive oil that miraculously lasted eight days, latkes are a delicious way to tell the story of this eight-night holiday.
But if you think about it, potato latkes are kind of a newfangled tradition! Potatoes certainly hadn’t crossed the Atlantic when Jews first celebrated their liberation from the Syrian-Greeks, so what did they eat? And when did potato latkes rise to such popularity? What traditions were left behind?
The late food historian and rabbi Gil Marks had the answer in a 2010 article: We’re not exactly sure what foods were traditionally made prior to the 14th century, when two types of Hanukkah foods emerged on the record, dairy foods and fried foods.
The Sephardic Jews made many variations of fried sweets for the holiday, while Ashkenazi Jews in Northern Europe made fried blintzes and donuts. Italian Jews in the 15th century made fried ricotta cheese pancakes (“cassola”) which were arguably the first “latkes.” Fried cheese commemorated the heroine Judith, who was central to Hanukkah celebrations during this time.
Latke recipes changed from region to region, depending on what resources were plentiful and accessible. In Northern and Eastern Europe, for example, schmaltz (chicken fat) or duck fat was used in place of oil. Along with cheese latkes, buckwheat latkes were the norm. Roasted goose, a seasonally anticipated dish, was also traditional on the Ashkenazi table.
Initially regarded with suspicion and fear, ugly, knobby potatoes were soon embraced by the peasants of Europe in the late 18th century due to a series of crop failures and famine. Potatoes safeguarded them against the unpredictable rise and fall of grain prices, and kept them healthy and full. In fact, according to the Smithsonian Magazine, potatoes were so successful in Europe that “the effective result, in terms of calories, was to double Europe’s food supply.”
Thus, potatoes changed the diet of Europe, became central to Hanukkah latkes, and the rest of the day-to-day menu.
Classic Potato Latkes Recipe
Ingredients
5 large potatoes, peeled
1 small onion
2 eggs lightly beaten
¼ cup bread crumbs, matzah meal or flour
1½ tsp coarse salt (1 tsp if using kosher salt)
freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Grate potatoes coarsely or finely, according to your preference. Finely grate the onion.
Place grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze tightly until all of the liquid is strained.
Place the strained potatoes and onion in a large bowl and add the eggs, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper.
Heat the 1-inch of oil in a large pan and drop 6 to 8 spoonfuls of mixture into hot oil. Using the back of a spoon, pat down each latke to flatten it. Put as many as you can in the skillet without crowding. Putting them too close together will make them soggy.
Fry 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp around the edges; repeat procedure until finished with all the batter.
Blot excess oil with paper towels and serve warm with desired topping.
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