1) The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets
2) The Savage Garden
3) Shiver
4) Under the Dome
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The Shark Is Closed for Queries
12 hours ago
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A Bevy of Books
For Christmas I got a bunch of books- just what I wanted.
1) The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets
2) The Savage Garden
3) Shiver
4) Under the Dome
1) The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets
2) The Savage Garden
3) Shiver
4) Under the Dome
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Avatar
One of our Christmas traditions is going to a movie on Christmas. So, today we went to see Avatar, which is about 3 hours long but I barely noticed because the movie was so engrossing. This is a James Cameron movie and a Fern Gully grown up feature film. It mixes drama, graphics, suspense and thriller all in one. I would definitely recommend it on many levels.
And, if you haven't seen Fern Gully - go rent it this weekend. That is a definite must-see for any family with kids.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
SANTA or SAINT NICK?
Why are there so many names for one man? And why does he look so different?
Father Christmas,
Saint Nicholas,
Santa Claus,
Kris Kringle, Old Saint Nick
And what about
elves,
gnomes,
nisses, or companions to help Santa? Why are there so many?
Because there are so many cultures, countries, and people who celebrate Christmas. Some of the celebrations have merged together and people believe these names classify one man but is that true or is it merely a merging of beliefs over the centuries?
I'd say it's a mixture. These names all symbolize the spirit of giving through one heroic iconic individual. Saint Nicholas may not really be Santa Claus but he sure is similar--at least in my opinion.
During the holidays I hear people complain that Christmas begins earlier and earlier every year but did you know that Christmas starts earlier and lasts longer in most other countries?
The United States is a capitalistic society where everything is rush-rush, hurry-hurry but other countries savor the season. Still, I have to warn you that not all the celebrations are based on cheerful legends, in fact, some are pretty gruesome but here is a sampling of stories from around the world. And, some of the countries that celebrate Christmas do it for weeks rather than days.
The Netherlands begin their celebration on December 5th on Saint Nicholas or Santa Klaus Eve.
Saint Nicholas was a fourth-century Bishop born in Spain who brought Dutch children holiday gifts.
In Syria:
In Syria and Lebanon Christmas celebrating begins on the anniversary of Saint Barbara's death. It is said she became a martyr in 235 on December 4th.
Not a happy holiday story but legends tell of a beautiful girl named Barbara who was pursued by many men; however, she had nothing to do with them because they were all pagans and was devoted to her Christian faith. Her pagan father was so angry that he tried to kill her but miracles kept saving her. Finally she was locked away in a prison so no men could see her beauty when the authorities denounced her as a Christian and the pagan judge condemned her to death. Her own father carried out the execution.
Despite her suffering, she never wavered in her love for God. That's why Syrian children love Saint Barbara and are taught of her courage and devotion.
Today Saint Barbara is remembered with a Feast that uses candles, vivid colors and candies to help celebrate.
In Lorraine, France
December 6th begins the celebrating of Saint Nicholas' Day.
Saint Nicholas is said to bring candies and nuts to all the good kids but he has a not so kind companion, Pere Fouettard, who is similar to Holland's Zwarte Piet, he carries a bundle of sticks and remembers which boys and girls have been naughty or nice. Bad little boys and girls have to keep an eye open to make sure they don't get swatted with a switch on their toes as Pere Fouettard passes.
In Sweden:
Saint Lucia's Day is December 13th in Sweden. She wears a white dress with a red sash and a wreath of lit candles on top of her head. She announces the Yuletide. This custom goes back to 304 when legends says Saint Lucia was condemned to death. Another gruesome tale. Folklore says she was born in Sicily to a noble Christian family and had her own eyes removed by a rejected suitor because he was a pagan. The suitor was so angry he denounced her as a Christian and she was imprisoned where she was tortured and killed.
But, Lucia means "Light" and she is honored with the candles.
There are so many different ways to celebrate the season and so many different days that people party but, it seems to me, most countries celebrate the season in similar ways using the cozy comforts of life to make the season memorable. And what better way to celebrate than with good food shared with family and friends? And it never hurts to decorate the house and add a little warmth with the glow from flickering flames and scented candles plus it's always fun to share presents and goodies.
Does your family have any traditions that have been passed on throughout the decades?
Father Christmas,
Saint Nicholas,
Santa Claus,
Kris Kringle, Old Saint NickAnd what about
elves,
gnomes, 
nisses, or companions to help Santa? Why are there so many?Because there are so many cultures, countries, and people who celebrate Christmas. Some of the celebrations have merged together and people believe these names classify one man but is that true or is it merely a merging of beliefs over the centuries?
I'd say it's a mixture. These names all symbolize the spirit of giving through one heroic iconic individual. Saint Nicholas may not really be Santa Claus but he sure is similar--at least in my opinion.
During the holidays I hear people complain that Christmas begins earlier and earlier every year but did you know that Christmas starts earlier and lasts longer in most other countries?
The United States is a capitalistic society where everything is rush-rush, hurry-hurry but other countries savor the season. Still, I have to warn you that not all the celebrations are based on cheerful legends, in fact, some are pretty gruesome but here is a sampling of stories from around the world. And, some of the countries that celebrate Christmas do it for weeks rather than days.
The Netherlands begin their celebration on December 5th on Saint Nicholas or Santa Klaus Eve.
Saint Nicholas was a fourth-century Bishop born in Spain who brought Dutch children holiday gifts.
In Syria:
In Syria and Lebanon Christmas celebrating begins on the anniversary of Saint Barbara's death. It is said she became a martyr in 235 on December 4th.
Not a happy holiday story but legends tell of a beautiful girl named Barbara who was pursued by many men; however, she had nothing to do with them because they were all pagans and was devoted to her Christian faith. Her pagan father was so angry that he tried to kill her but miracles kept saving her. Finally she was locked away in a prison so no men could see her beauty when the authorities denounced her as a Christian and the pagan judge condemned her to death. Her own father carried out the execution.
Despite her suffering, she never wavered in her love for God. That's why Syrian children love Saint Barbara and are taught of her courage and devotion.
Today Saint Barbara is remembered with a Feast that uses candles, vivid colors and candies to help celebrate.
In Lorraine, France
December 6th begins the celebrating of Saint Nicholas' Day.
Saint Nicholas is said to bring candies and nuts to all the good kids but he has a not so kind companion, Pere Fouettard, who is similar to Holland's Zwarte Piet, he carries a bundle of sticks and remembers which boys and girls have been naughty or nice. Bad little boys and girls have to keep an eye open to make sure they don't get swatted with a switch on their toes as Pere Fouettard passes.
In Sweden:
Saint Lucia's Day is December 13th in Sweden. She wears a white dress with a red sash and a wreath of lit candles on top of her head. She announces the Yuletide. This custom goes back to 304 when legends says Saint Lucia was condemned to death. Another gruesome tale. Folklore says she was born in Sicily to a noble Christian family and had her own eyes removed by a rejected suitor because he was a pagan. The suitor was so angry he denounced her as a Christian and she was imprisoned where she was tortured and killed.
But, Lucia means "Light" and she is honored with the candles.
There are so many different ways to celebrate the season and so many different days that people party but, it seems to me, most countries celebrate the season in similar ways using the cozy comforts of life to make the season memorable. And what better way to celebrate than with good food shared with family and friends? And it never hurts to decorate the house and add a little warmth with the glow from flickering flames and scented candles plus it's always fun to share presents and goodies.
Does your family have any traditions that have been passed on throughout the decades?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Word(s) for Wednesday
I usually play a word game on Wednesday but I came across this very fun teach-nology word game/lesson using Christmas words.
For any of you out there with kids, I think you might enjoy this worksheet especially since Winter break is upon us and the kids are probably antsy about opening their presents. This might help give you something to do.
Let me know if you like it.
For any of you out there with kids, I think you might enjoy this worksheet especially since Winter break is upon us and the kids are probably antsy about opening their presents. This might help give you something to do.
Let me know if you like it.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Techy Tip for Tuesday
Customizing Outlook.
I took a class at work recently that showed us some tricks about how to customize Outlook. So, if you have Outlook as your email and calendar software, I hope this helps.
You can change the look of your calendar.
Change the Day/Week/Month view
1. In the Calendar, click on View, point to Arrange by, point to Current View, and then click customize current view.
2. Click Other Settings.
3. Do any of the following:
To change the day display, change the Time Font, Font, and Time scale.
To display appointment end times, under Week or month, select the Show end time check box.
To display weekends together, select the compress weekend days check box.
To display appointments times as miniature clocks, under Week or Month, select the Show time as clocks check box.
I took a class at work recently that showed us some tricks about how to customize Outlook. So, if you have Outlook as your email and calendar software, I hope this helps.
You can change the look of your calendar.
Change the Day/Week/Month view
1. In the Calendar, click on View, point to Arrange by, point to Current View, and then click customize current view.
2. Click Other Settings.
3. Do any of the following:
To change the day display, change the Time Font, Font, and Time scale.
To display appointment end times, under Week or month, select the Show end time check box.
To display weekends together, select the compress weekend days check box.
To display appointments times as miniature clocks, under Week or Month, select the Show time as clocks check box.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Trees 'Round the World
One of the most famous trees of all time is the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree:
Most of the other trees are very impressive.
The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000
ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling
evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.
The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes
of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region.
Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire,
the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city
A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is
projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.
Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square,
and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous
Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains
in the southern Czech Republic.
Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world
for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree
in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone
Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern
reflection of the holiday season.
Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox
calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with
festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical
troika with the Snow Maiden.
He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.
The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall)
can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal.
Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special
enchantment of the city during the holiday season.
'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire,
aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains,
a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.
Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic.
With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and
high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws
more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower
In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square
in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.
The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol
is dressed for a party. Madrid's two-week celebration makes
millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen
will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.
A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II,
the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been
the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.
Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer
Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.
Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Red, White and Blue
Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).
(Author unknown)
Most of the other trees are very impressive.
The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000
ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling
evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.
The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes
of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region.
Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire,
the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city
A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is
projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.
Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square,
and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous
Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains
in the southern Czech Republic.
Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world
for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree
in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone
Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern
reflection of the holiday season.
Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox
calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with
festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical
troika with the Snow Maiden.
He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.
The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall)
can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal.
Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special
enchantment of the city during the holiday season.
'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire,
aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains,
a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.
Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic.
With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and
high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws
more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower
In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square
in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.
The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol
is dressed for a party. Madrid's two-week celebration makes
millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen
will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.
A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II,
the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been
the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.
Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer
Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.
Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Red, White and Blue
Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).
(Author unknown)
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