The moon may be a little on the bright-side during viewing hours (as it has with many of our meteor showers this year in Connecticut) but we should still be able to see quite a few bursts through the moonlight.
Good luck and happy viewing!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Don't forget: Geminids - December 13 and 14th
The moon may be a little on the bright-side during viewing hours (as it has with many of our meteor showers this year in Connecticut) but we should still be able to see quite a few bursts through the moonlight.
Good luck and happy viewing!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The Origin of the Christmas Stocking
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| Christmas Stockings hung with care |
There are references to pretended lineage to our ancestors leaving boots or shoes full of treats as an offering to the Norse God Odin of ancient times, but most historians would argue that the leap between that tradition, and Christmas Stockings is too great to be considered legitimate. As we know, not everything in history which contains a similarity is connected.
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| Sinterklaas also known as St. Nicholas |
Over time, the tradition morphed into a lesson for children on good and evil behavior. Sinterklaas would come on the evening of December 5th and reward those children who were good by leaving coins or fruits in shoes. That tradition has morphed into December 5th-December 6th gift-giving for children that occurs today. Christmas in Holland is celebrated as a family-religious day with most gift-giving having occurred in early December; although adults tend to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve (December 24).
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| Even today, Sinterklaas and Black Peter parade annually through Amsterdam |
The Stocking were hung by the Chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
Another popular theory about the legend of the Christmas Stocking has no timestamp so it's likely a fable that was inspired by Livingston's Poem, or Thomas Hast's well-known illustration of St. Nicholas. It is the Legend of the Nobleman and his three daughters (reproduced below):
Many believe there was once a kind nobleman whose wife had died of an illness leaving the man and his three daughters in despair. After losing all his money in useless and bad inventions, the nobleman and his daughters had to move into a peasant's cottage. When it came time for the daughters to marry, the father became even more depressed as his daughters could not marry without dowries.
One night after the daughters had washed out their clothing, they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. That night Saint Nicholas, knowing the despair of the father, stopped by the nobleman's house after the family had gone to bed. He peeked in the window and saw the daughters' stockings hanging by the fire.
Inspiration struck Saint Nicholas, and he took three small bags of gold from his pouch and threw them carefully, one by one, down the chimney into the stockings. The next morning when the daughters awoke, they found their stockings contained enough gold for them to get married. The nobleman was able to see his three daughters marry, and he lived a long and happy life.
Since the precise lineage of Christmas Stocking tradition is less traceable than that of either the Christmas Tree or even Santa himself, the best we can do is to identify the earliest references of the business of hanging stockings at Christmastime with the hope of St. Nicholas filling them with treats.
Whether Livingston borrowed the notion from the Dutch in part is not known. The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace - to dry as part of regular daily washing routine had been in practice for hundreds of years. The idea of filling them with gifts may have been in practice for a long time in Europe and in some villages in the United States, but was certainly infused into American Christmas traditions after A Visit from St. Nicholas was published and republished in the mid-1800s.
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| Little Stockings by the Fire Sheetmusic illustration (1878) |
Shades of Night are softly falling, All the world is white with snow
Moaning winds are sighing, calling. About the house they go.
Bells without are loudly clanging. But within a sweeter choir -
Childish hands are busy hanging Little Stockings by the Fire.
Chorus:
Little Stockings by the Fire. Gone is ev'ry care and pain.
Childish hearts have their desire. Santa Claus has come again.
Today, stockings and stocking-stuffing have become a multi-million dollar business into itself. Candy-Canes, Chocolate Santas, and dozens of items can fit into the industrial size stockings that are hung by the Chimney. Being concerned for my health, Santa tends to leave me little candy these days, but plenty of socks, chapstick, handwarmers, and other necessities - including foot powder! But I'm all the better for it, I promise.
Whether we can thank The Dutch or Henry Livingston, the tradition of hanging our stockings on Christmas Eve is a big part of Christmas tradition that will never disappear.
If you have any additional thoughts on Christmas Stockings, or an interesting historical reference to Christmas Stockings, please send them along, and I will update this article and attribute credit to you for your contribution.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Happy Guy Fawkes Day!
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| Guy Fawkes is burned in effigy every year in England and in other English held territories |
Quite a bit known about Guido "Guy" Fawkes from the historical record. We know he was born in York in 1570 to Edward and Edith Fawkes. His parents were protestant and members of the Church of England. His father was proctor and advocate of the Consistory Court at York. His father died when he was eight years of age, and his mother married a die-hard Catholic rebel. Largely due to his step-father, Fawkes converted to Catholicism. He became so caught up in Catholic rebellion that he left England to fight for Catholic Spain against Protestant Dutch Reformers during the Eighty Years War.
According to historical fact, he approached Spanish Catholic leaders and offered to establish a Catholic Rebellion in England. His requests were refused. Upon his return to England, Fawkes met Robert Catesby through Thomas Wintour with whom he served in Spain. Catesby was already helping to lead conspiracy against King James I to restore a Catholic Monarch to the English Throne.
Thus through this association, the "Gunpowder Plot of 1605" was hatched. The goals was to blow up the House of Lords. Fawkes was placed in charge of the gunpowder amount of kegs which were stored beneath the Parliament building. In was sometime in the early morning of November 5th that authorities were provided an anonymous letter outlining the plan in detail - and on that evening Guy Fawkes was caught red-handed guarding 20 barrels of Gunpowder.
Government officials captured Fawkes and tortured him during extensive questioning where he revealed the plot, and his co-conspirators. He was sentenced to be executed publicly on January 31. When his day of reckoning came, he avoided hanging by jumping from the scaffold, but as fate would have it - the villain broke his neck doing so. So he avoided the hangman, although his body was publicly mutilated as was the custom of the day, and his internal organs burned.
Ironically, each year the failed scheme of the Gunpowder Plot is commemorated each year by public firework displays. Guy Fawkes is the central figure remembered, and is burned in effigy cross England in both neighborhood and large scale celebrations - although realistically Robert Catesby was likely the central figure behind the plot. Catesby's intention was to kill James I and replace him with his daughter, Princess Elizabeth on the throne.
Here is the Poem well-known to most English patriots, there and abroad:
Remember, remember, the 5th of November
The Gunpowder Treason and plot ;
I know of no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
'Twas his intent.
To blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below.
Poor old England to overthrow.
By God's providence he was catch'd,
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holloa boys, Holloa boys, let the bells ring
Holloa boys, Holloa boys, God save the King!
Hip hip Hoorah !
Hip hip Hoorah !
A penny loaf to feed ol'Pope,
A farthing cheese to choke him.
A pint of beer to rinse it down,
A faggot of sticks to burn him.
Burn him in a tub of tar,'
Burn him like a blazing star.
Burn his body from his head,
Then we'll say: ol'Pope is dead.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Migrating Bird Species and Bird-Friendly yards
One of the rewards of keeping your bird feeders up past March is get an up close and personal visit from bird species that are either migrating through, or strictly seasonal visitors. Most birds passing through won't pass up a quick stop at your seed or suet feeders, or even your bird bath. If your yard is already "bird-friendly" (more on that below), then the bursts of activity at your feeders by year-round birds are likely to give your yard curb appeal to birds looking for a place to set up shop for the summer. And if you're really lucky, they may even nest if the habitat provides all the right necessities.
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| This Towhee is often found foraging for bugs in leaf piles on the edge of woodland areas. |
This spring I opted to keep the feeders full - if for no other reason, I like to use up the remaining seed since it often goes stale if not used up thereby making it totally useless. Birds, like people, will not eat stale or rotten food. So you might as well use up what's left in the 50 pound bag because it won't be of much use by the time the winter rolls around again.
Obviously, there are alternatives to keeping your feeders full through summer to attract birds, and that includes keeping a bird bath clean and full during the Spring through Fall season, and planting a variety of bird-friendly plants in your yard. Some plant varieties that are good sources of food and shelter include:
Wild Strawberry, Evergreens, Bayberry, Hackberry, Virgina Creeper, Blackberry, Beech, Birch Trees, Cherries, Dogwoods, Elderberry, Hickory, Holly, Maple, Blueberries, Mountain Ash, Oak, Pines, Red Redar, Red Mulberry, Serviceberry, Spruce, Fir Trees, Viburnum Shrubs, Sumac, Virginia Creeper, Wax Myrtle Shrubs, Winterberry. And also seasonal plants such as Sunflowers, and others that provide birds with nutrition.
You may be also included to plant fruit trees such as apple, peach and pear which are also appealing to certain bird species that incorporate fruit into their regular diet. Much to some gardeners' dismay vegetable crops also provide birds with an assortment of goodies to feast on. Before you become to turned off by the notion of our feathered-friends raiding your garden, remember that birds also dine on mosquitoes, and other pesty insects that cause harm to crops, lawns, and gardens. When you go to plant vegetables, remember to plant a little extra - some for you (netted/caged) and some for our feathered friends, and you will reap the rewards ten-fold.
I would be remiss if I forgot to mention planting for our Humingbird friends which dine on plants rich with nectar. In this category you may wish to plant bee balm, delphinium, snapdragons, petunias, lilac, clematis, fuchsia, nasturtium, morning glory, eucalyptus, foxglove, lantana, horse chestnut, and Japanese honeysuckle, trumpet creeper, buckeye, Turk’s cap lily, and flame azalea. Humingbirds are a particularly interesting bird to watch as they whirl through the air at lightening speed between nectar feeders and plants, sure to give you hours of enjoyment.
Hopefully, if you were planning on a little landscaping this year, you might try to incorporate a few of the plants proposed above which will give your yard depth and color, and help provide our feathered friends with shelter and/or an additional food source as part of our natural habitat.
I plan to post articles over the next few months on a number of plant varieties and will provide more detail about the benefits of certain species. I'll also be picking up where I left off with bird species found in the Connecticut region. Hopefully, some of these articles will be of some benefit to you.
Random Selection: http://www.randsel.blogspot.com/
You may be also included to plant fruit trees such as apple, peach and pear which are also appealing to certain bird species that incorporate fruit into their regular diet. Much to some gardeners' dismay vegetable crops also provide birds with an assortment of goodies to feast on. Before you become to turned off by the notion of our feathered-friends raiding your garden, remember that birds also dine on mosquitoes, and other pesty insects that cause harm to crops, lawns, and gardens. When you go to plant vegetables, remember to plant a little extra - some for you (netted/caged) and some for our feathered friends, and you will reap the rewards ten-fold.
I would be remiss if I forgot to mention planting for our Humingbird friends which dine on plants rich with nectar. In this category you may wish to plant bee balm, delphinium, snapdragons, petunias, lilac, clematis, fuchsia, nasturtium, morning glory, eucalyptus, foxglove, lantana, horse chestnut, and Japanese honeysuckle, trumpet creeper, buckeye, Turk’s cap lily, and flame azalea. Humingbirds are a particularly interesting bird to watch as they whirl through the air at lightening speed between nectar feeders and plants, sure to give you hours of enjoyment.
Hopefully, if you were planning on a little landscaping this year, you might try to incorporate a few of the plants proposed above which will give your yard depth and color, and help provide our feathered friends with shelter and/or an additional food source as part of our natural habitat.
I plan to post articles over the next few months on a number of plant varieties and will provide more detail about the benefits of certain species. I'll also be picking up where I left off with bird species found in the Connecticut region. Hopefully, some of these articles will be of some benefit to you.
Random Selection: http://www.randsel.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Get Out and Support The United States Olympic Team
From an Olympic fan standpoint, it seems like we are stuck in a period of forever. The successful Winter Olympics held in Canada last year seems like it took place an eternity ago (of course this years' long winter doesn't help), and the 2012 Summer Olympic games planned to be held in London, England in 2012 feels like its going to take place eons from now.
Television, particularly NBC as of late (ABC in previous years), has brought us some dramatic moments from venues all over the world, and provided us with moments that drove us to excitement, disappointment, anger, and joy. It's not only the competitive nature of the games themselves that we are inspired by, but the stories of athletes overcoming real-life challenges - from rising up from an unlucky upbringing, to coming back from an injury such as where a doctor told the athlete, "You'll never [insert sport] again."
So the Olympics is about much more than winning, its also about the determination of the human spirit, and of course from my perspective - the American spirit. And that is worth, spending time contemplating. We are often so busy trying overcome our own adversities particularly in this current era of great uncertainty. Yet somewhere, right now - a U.S. Olympic athlete is training their hearts out, pushing their limits to focus on their next step of achievement, and their break-out moment. We in the public may never have the opportunity to grace the Olympic stage, but we can take from their example - that with hard work and dedication - we can rise above our station and circumstances to be better, dream more, and achieve more.
As a rule, I do not ask people for money. In fact, if I found my cupboard bare, and needed a cup of sugar to complete a recipe, I would rather trudge in six feet of snow to the store in a blizzard before bothering my neighbor for a favor. But in this case, I will suggest how you can help our Olympic athletes, and reap some benefits in the process.
The United States Olympic Committee requires funding to support athletes, and much of it is collected through corporate sponsorships, and individual contributers. The USOC sent me a recent fundraising letter, and there is a line that speaks volumes: "Being competitive at the world level in an international sport is not easy, nor is it cheap." This is undenyably true given the immense undertaking to provide and maintain the venues and facilities for the dozens of summer and winter sports that our athletes train and compete in.
Several times a year, I receive a little packet from the Olympic Committee which requests a small donation, starting at a minimum of $20. Now I know times are tough so parting with $20 for some may seem like a lot since money doesn't fall from the sky in times like these. But I have to say that the benefits are twenty-fold. First, you are being patriotic by supporting the United States Olympic Team and its athletes. If that isn't enough, for every $20 you send, the USOC will send you some stylish Olympic Wear or Olympic logo'd products that you'll ever find (for the value).
For my meager $20 donation they offer Team USA logo'd clothing including spring jackets, fleece pullovers, shorts, hats (of all varieties), scarfs, long sleeved t-shirts and short sleeved t-shirts. I've also seen Team USA backpacks, bags, blankets, and other products offered. Since I own some of these products, and have for several years - I can tell you first hand that they are pretty well made, wash well, and last a long time. Obviously, they are not $90 quality but you'll certainly feel like a million dollars when you sport the Team USA logo walking down the street.
It's funny. I was an outside event, standing in line for a drink when I happened upon a man wearing a Team USA winter hat. I asked him where he got that, and he let me in on the best kept secret of all time: he directed me to the website and told me about the $20 deal to pick up clothing like his and much more! From that point on, I guess you can say that I'm a regular shopper! I just can't keep my wife from stealing my Olympic-wear!
Well, let me provide you with the information, and you can judge for yourself. I almost feel guilty directing you to give something to get something. But the USOC wants you wear Team USA wear and publicly support the athletes and our team - it serves to promote the games, and when you pass a big time Corporate honcho, and he sees you wearing clothing supporting our Olympic athletes, he just might be inclined to take it the extra step and give Team USA a boost via a Corporate initiative. And heck, it just makes you feel good to promote Team USA.
Here is where you can go to decide for yourself: here is one of several links. I suggest you are best to call them at (888) 222-2313.
Good Luck Team USA!
Random Selection: http://www.randsel.blogspot.com/
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| USOC: Symbol of greatness |
I'm a huge supporter of the International Olympic games. And I can't hide my bias; I'm fanatical about our United States Olympic Athletes. There is something incredible about the notion that some athletes will spend a good part of their lifetime training, practicing, and conditioning their minds and bodies for that one chance at Olympic gold. Some will sacrifice endless hours as a youth, winning local and regional competitions to even begin the first steps for the trials to even be considered a candidate for Olympic level qualification!
And once you weed out the best from the best, you have the core group; those who are talented (and sometimes lucky) enough to make the team. Then comes that special moment of jubilation and stress that they all have been preparing for - their whole lives to compete against the greatest athletes from every country in the world. The drama is unparalleled; there is nothing else like it in global athletic completion on the face of the Earth!
And once you weed out the best from the best, you have the core group; those who are talented (and sometimes lucky) enough to make the team. Then comes that special moment of jubilation and stress that they all have been preparing for - their whole lives to compete against the greatest athletes from every country in the world. The drama is unparalleled; there is nothing else like it in global athletic completion on the face of the Earth!
Television, particularly NBC as of late (ABC in previous years), has brought us some dramatic moments from venues all over the world, and provided us with moments that drove us to excitement, disappointment, anger, and joy. It's not only the competitive nature of the games themselves that we are inspired by, but the stories of athletes overcoming real-life challenges - from rising up from an unlucky upbringing, to coming back from an injury such as where a doctor told the athlete, "You'll never [insert sport] again."
So the Olympics is about much more than winning, its also about the determination of the human spirit, and of course from my perspective - the American spirit. And that is worth, spending time contemplating. We are often so busy trying overcome our own adversities particularly in this current era of great uncertainty. Yet somewhere, right now - a U.S. Olympic athlete is training their hearts out, pushing their limits to focus on their next step of achievement, and their break-out moment. We in the public may never have the opportunity to grace the Olympic stage, but we can take from their example - that with hard work and dedication - we can rise above our station and circumstances to be better, dream more, and achieve more.
As a rule, I do not ask people for money. In fact, if I found my cupboard bare, and needed a cup of sugar to complete a recipe, I would rather trudge in six feet of snow to the store in a blizzard before bothering my neighbor for a favor. But in this case, I will suggest how you can help our Olympic athletes, and reap some benefits in the process.
The United States Olympic Committee requires funding to support athletes, and much of it is collected through corporate sponsorships, and individual contributers. The USOC sent me a recent fundraising letter, and there is a line that speaks volumes: "Being competitive at the world level in an international sport is not easy, nor is it cheap." This is undenyably true given the immense undertaking to provide and maintain the venues and facilities for the dozens of summer and winter sports that our athletes train and compete in.
Several times a year, I receive a little packet from the Olympic Committee which requests a small donation, starting at a minimum of $20. Now I know times are tough so parting with $20 for some may seem like a lot since money doesn't fall from the sky in times like these. But I have to say that the benefits are twenty-fold. First, you are being patriotic by supporting the United States Olympic Team and its athletes. If that isn't enough, for every $20 you send, the USOC will send you some stylish Olympic Wear or Olympic logo'd products that you'll ever find (for the value).
For my meager $20 donation they offer Team USA logo'd clothing including spring jackets, fleece pullovers, shorts, hats (of all varieties), scarfs, long sleeved t-shirts and short sleeved t-shirts. I've also seen Team USA backpacks, bags, blankets, and other products offered. Since I own some of these products, and have for several years - I can tell you first hand that they are pretty well made, wash well, and last a long time. Obviously, they are not $90 quality but you'll certainly feel like a million dollars when you sport the Team USA logo walking down the street.
It's funny. I was an outside event, standing in line for a drink when I happened upon a man wearing a Team USA winter hat. I asked him where he got that, and he let me in on the best kept secret of all time: he directed me to the website and told me about the $20 deal to pick up clothing like his and much more! From that point on, I guess you can say that I'm a regular shopper! I just can't keep my wife from stealing my Olympic-wear!
Well, let me provide you with the information, and you can judge for yourself. I almost feel guilty directing you to give something to get something. But the USOC wants you wear Team USA wear and publicly support the athletes and our team - it serves to promote the games, and when you pass a big time Corporate honcho, and he sees you wearing clothing supporting our Olympic athletes, he just might be inclined to take it the extra step and give Team USA a boost via a Corporate initiative. And heck, it just makes you feel good to promote Team USA.
Here is where you can go to decide for yourself: here is one of several links. I suggest you are best to call them at (888) 222-2313.
Good Luck Team USA!
Random Selection: http://www.randsel.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 5, 2011
My Day Starts with Coffee!
There is something magical about that first morning cup of fresh brewed coffee. In fact, I can't seem to function with any reasonable degree of coordination without gulping down that first 16 oz mug. Of course, this has everything to do with the caffeine which is the main ingredient to this necessary beverage habit.
Coffee has always had a mixed review when it comes to academic studies about whether or not its good for you. My own view is that coffee falls under the category: everything in moderation. My own view is that besides helping to get your day going, there is likely some small benefit that helps to serve as a fat burner since it increases metabolism. On the downside, coffee raises blood pressure, and can help lead contribute to sleep apnea, and acid reflux. My own experience tells me this is true!
Coffee is and agricultural wonder - since it comes from a plant that produces coffee beans which are then ground into fine powder and brewed with hot water. It is said to have been discovered in the 15th century originating in Ethiopia which is a bit ironic in that one of the poorest countries in the world is the birthplace of a product that results in billions of dollars in trade annually. The three main exporters of coffee are said to be Brazil, Vietnam, and Columbia with several other Asian and African countries just behind them. Coffee is grown in climates which tend to be consistently warm year round and unfortunately, the United States is not among the production players, but is clearly one of the largest consumers of the product. There are many websites devoted to the economic details of coffee production, trade and controversies; I'm going to keep this light rather than producing a long-winded dissertation on coffee.
Everyone has their preferred coffee selections and preparation. For the longest time, I took my coffee with plenty of cream and sugar, but I think my tastes evolved in my late 20s and along with my desire to reduce caloric intake (coffee is low to zero calories) by eliminating the fattening qualities of cream and sugar, and I moved to drinking coffee black. I occasionally top off my coffee with skim milk to soften the taste. In the summer, I might opt for an afternoon iced coffee drink, which is something I used to watch my grandmother consume when she would sit and read her afternoon newspaper. There is also the dreaded Coffee Coolata - but this is probably 20% coffee and 80% sugar, syrup, and -- did I mention sugar?
I'm not necessarily loyal to any specific brand of coffee, but just like anyone else I do have my preferred store bought choices. I like 8 o'clock coffee, and also Folders, and might even go with some of the lesser brands that rank just above the generic store version. I have this thing where I think its insanity to spend more that $4-$5 dollars on a single bag of ground bean coffee. Furthermore, its highway robbery that some high end brands demand as much as $9 and $12 a bag. But admittedly, when they are on sale, I may occasionally go with Dunkin Donuts or even Starbucks. The high end brands have there positives, but for the most part they are not so much better as to demand $6 more a bag than say - 8 o'clock coffee, which I fine is relatively close in taste.
When you think about the mark up on coffee, which is near 500% even after you take out distribution and packaging costs, you realize that it really takes gall for coffee companies have to charge you so much by the ounce and by the cup. But they also know that its a necessary evil that people will not give up any time soon. Americans consume coffee by the gallon - a breakfast, break, lunch and afternoon. And many take coffee as an after dinner ritual - sometimes in the form of a latte or expresso.
Because I drink my fair share of regular black coffee, I do opt for some of the flavored varieties that fall within the same price range as the regular brands. I'm preferential to hazelnut as an option, but I'd say that 70% of the time I reach for the basic French Roast Whole Bean variety - I guess I like the deep, dark rich taste of my morning coffee unaltered by sugary powders, artificial flavors, or creamers that are good for only about the first cup. After that, the after-taste leaves your taste buds second guessing your decision.
As a subnote, I strongly believe that instant coffee is a crime against humanity. I don't know what it is, but the taste of these products is a far cry from even the most generic of regular coffee brands - almost so much so that I can't believe marketing laws permit the use of the word coffee as part of its title. If you need caffeine that bad, and you can't get to Dunkin Donuts, you are better off reaching for a Coca-Cola. Instant coffee should be banned, and its consumers scorned. Yuck!
Coffee's chief rival is Tea. But I'll likely cover my enjoyment of tea in another entry because its worth more consideration and discussion than a few meager paragraphs buried in an article about coffee. Notwithstanding, my English friends see my preference of coffee over tea as typically American, and very unsophisticated. However, I remind them that tea was quite popular in the English Colonies until their greedy little empire opted to overtax it (along with many other commodities), thus igniting a little thing called The American Revolution. The war with the colonies sent Americans seeking alternatives to British imported tea, and coffee started its long journey into the hearts and stomachs of Americans.
It took several decades for trade with England to normalize, but there were other options for Americans to go with - including coffee - as an option which was readily available via seafaring nations like Spain which didn't trade as often with India and other nations tied into the Indian export economy. Ironically, England weaned itself off coffee moving toward tea which was much cheaper to grow, cultivate and distribute. By the American Civil War, coffee was a major commodity relied on by soldiers and the general population, although tea did remain popular in households of the privileged, and well to do.
I enjoy both tea and coffee, but couldn't imagine ever replacing my cup of Joe for any other caffeine enriched substitute. So bottoms up! Keep the 'Joe coming!
This original blog entry can be found at http://www.randsel.blogspot.com/
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| Without my first cup of coffee, I'm a pretty useless creature to behold |
Coffee is and agricultural wonder - since it comes from a plant that produces coffee beans which are then ground into fine powder and brewed with hot water. It is said to have been discovered in the 15th century originating in Ethiopia which is a bit ironic in that one of the poorest countries in the world is the birthplace of a product that results in billions of dollars in trade annually. The three main exporters of coffee are said to be Brazil, Vietnam, and Columbia with several other Asian and African countries just behind them. Coffee is grown in climates which tend to be consistently warm year round and unfortunately, the United States is not among the production players, but is clearly one of the largest consumers of the product. There are many websites devoted to the economic details of coffee production, trade and controversies; I'm going to keep this light rather than producing a long-winded dissertation on coffee.
Everyone has their preferred coffee selections and preparation. For the longest time, I took my coffee with plenty of cream and sugar, but I think my tastes evolved in my late 20s and along with my desire to reduce caloric intake (coffee is low to zero calories) by eliminating the fattening qualities of cream and sugar, and I moved to drinking coffee black. I occasionally top off my coffee with skim milk to soften the taste. In the summer, I might opt for an afternoon iced coffee drink, which is something I used to watch my grandmother consume when she would sit and read her afternoon newspaper. There is also the dreaded Coffee Coolata - but this is probably 20% coffee and 80% sugar, syrup, and -- did I mention sugar?
I'm not necessarily loyal to any specific brand of coffee, but just like anyone else I do have my preferred store bought choices. I like 8 o'clock coffee, and also Folders, and might even go with some of the lesser brands that rank just above the generic store version. I have this thing where I think its insanity to spend more that $4-$5 dollars on a single bag of ground bean coffee. Furthermore, its highway robbery that some high end brands demand as much as $9 and $12 a bag. But admittedly, when they are on sale, I may occasionally go with Dunkin Donuts or even Starbucks. The high end brands have there positives, but for the most part they are not so much better as to demand $6 more a bag than say - 8 o'clock coffee, which I fine is relatively close in taste.
When you think about the mark up on coffee, which is near 500% even after you take out distribution and packaging costs, you realize that it really takes gall for coffee companies have to charge you so much by the ounce and by the cup. But they also know that its a necessary evil that people will not give up any time soon. Americans consume coffee by the gallon - a breakfast, break, lunch and afternoon. And many take coffee as an after dinner ritual - sometimes in the form of a latte or expresso.
Because I drink my fair share of regular black coffee, I do opt for some of the flavored varieties that fall within the same price range as the regular brands. I'm preferential to hazelnut as an option, but I'd say that 70% of the time I reach for the basic French Roast Whole Bean variety - I guess I like the deep, dark rich taste of my morning coffee unaltered by sugary powders, artificial flavors, or creamers that are good for only about the first cup. After that, the after-taste leaves your taste buds second guessing your decision.
As a subnote, I strongly believe that instant coffee is a crime against humanity. I don't know what it is, but the taste of these products is a far cry from even the most generic of regular coffee brands - almost so much so that I can't believe marketing laws permit the use of the word coffee as part of its title. If you need caffeine that bad, and you can't get to Dunkin Donuts, you are better off reaching for a Coca-Cola. Instant coffee should be banned, and its consumers scorned. Yuck!
Coffee's chief rival is Tea. But I'll likely cover my enjoyment of tea in another entry because its worth more consideration and discussion than a few meager paragraphs buried in an article about coffee. Notwithstanding, my English friends see my preference of coffee over tea as typically American, and very unsophisticated. However, I remind them that tea was quite popular in the English Colonies until their greedy little empire opted to overtax it (along with many other commodities), thus igniting a little thing called The American Revolution. The war with the colonies sent Americans seeking alternatives to British imported tea, and coffee started its long journey into the hearts and stomachs of Americans.
It took several decades for trade with England to normalize, but there were other options for Americans to go with - including coffee - as an option which was readily available via seafaring nations like Spain which didn't trade as often with India and other nations tied into the Indian export economy. Ironically, England weaned itself off coffee moving toward tea which was much cheaper to grow, cultivate and distribute. By the American Civil War, coffee was a major commodity relied on by soldiers and the general population, although tea did remain popular in households of the privileged, and well to do.
I enjoy both tea and coffee, but couldn't imagine ever replacing my cup of Joe for any other caffeine enriched substitute. So bottoms up! Keep the 'Joe coming!
This original blog entry can be found at http://www.randsel.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Bird Feeding Series: Northern Cardinals: A bird to brighten your day!
This next entry is about one of my favorite birds - the Northern Cardinal. Every year I look forward to seeing Cardinals reappear at my feeding station because of the majestic beauty of the pairs, and the uniqueness of the bird. Day after day, I expect to see many of the smaller species such as the Chickadees and Juncos flying around the feeding station - but when the Cardinals show up, my eyes brighten as if a special guest star has shown up.
I find it sort of fascinating that the male Cardinal with its bright red appearance would prefer to feed at ground level given the greater likelihood that it would be a target for predators. On that note, besides being prey for cats and snakes, it is also prey for hawks, owls, crows, and falcons. Squirrels have also been known to attack and eat nesting fledglings. Raccoons and foxes also appear on the list of Cardinal predators.
It's interesting to note that its rare for me to see a male or female feeding alone at the feeding station without their opposite sex in close proximity. This is one of the few birds that prefers to travel and feeds as pairs. As understood, the male Cardinal is bright red with a pointed crown, strong beak, and a black mask, and the female is nearly identical in over all look with the exception that its a tan color over all
Diet
When its not enjoying the bountiful seeds at neighborhood feeders, the diet of the Cardinal consists mostly of insects, wheat seed, fruits, and flower buds. Cardinals feed on Holly, Grape, Red cedar, Field Cricket, Cabbage White, Lamb's Quarters, Crabgrass, Blackberry, Dogwood, Smooth Sumac, and Virginia Rose (source: fcps.edu).
According to Cornell.edu, the range of the Cardinal has expanded from South to North in just over the past 100 years. Cardinals were found along the Mississippi Valley in the late 1880s, and only occasionally north of the Ohio River during that time period. Steadily the Northern Cardinal expanded its migration and apparently adapted to its new climate and surroundings. I was shocked to learn that Connecticut's first documented Northern Cardinal Nest was found in 1943, and in Massachusetts in 1958. Since that time, its has expanded its range to Southern Canada. This is a pretty amazing fact when you consider that my grandparents had likely grown up in Connecticut having never seen a Cardinal until they reached their 30s or 40s. I guess this is evidence that unexpected changes in our environment can occur in our lifetime - even those with a positive twist!
Cardinals are said to be territorial birds but yet as mentioned I've seen more than one pair peacefully feeding within a few inches from one another. The territorial aspect of their behavior may be limited to nesting rather than overall chasing members of their species away from feeders as I often see occur between woodpeckers.
Studies show that Cardinals tend to reside within a small area for their lifetime, thus they do not migrate. It's likely that it a fledgling moves into your area, it will find a mate and remain your neighbor for the rest of its lifetime which can be between 10 to 14 years.
Nesting Cycle and Reproduction
Cardinals usually mate between March and early summer at a rate of two to three times a season. They tent to nest in shrubs, thickets, and vines about five feet above the ground. Nesting materials include leaves, twigs, grass, roots, tree bark, pine needles, trash, and paper.
The eggs are usually pale or grey with speckles, or blots of purple, grey and brown, and are about an inch in diameter. Nests usually contain three to four eggs. The usual cycle consists of the eggs hatching over a 13 days period with the female caring for the brood while the male retrieves food. After about 10 days, the female abandons the the nest to start a new nest, and the male takes on the full responsibility for overseeing the fledglings including food retrieval.
It's also been reported that Catbirds have been known to lay their eggs in Cardinal nests. Cardinals will not kill the Catbird fledgling but rather raise it as one of its own. Since the laws of natural selection tend to show that half of the babies born from a Cardinal nest do not survive beyond a year or two, the Catbird's inclusion in a Cardinal nest contributes to mediocre odds for Cardinal procreation.
The overall state of the Cardinal population is fairly stable although as mentioned they've become more abundant in Northern North America. Cardinals are able to adapt to human populations and in fact, do rather well given that humans beings provide a wealth of foods through feeders or man-made landscaping beautification. Cardinals and humans did not necessarily start off on a good foot since back in the 1700s and early 1800s they were trapped and sold as pets within the United States and Europe. It wasn't until Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, that this terrible practice was deemed illegal.
A Strange Curiosity
I may be a sucker for odd stories, but several people have conveyed that Cardinals seem to be more aware of humans and recognize the pattern of people refiling feeders. Cardinals have been known to make eye contact with humans inside a home, pick up empty sunflower shells, and drop them as if it indicate its time for someone- a hem - to refill the sunflower seed feeder. I haven't witnessed this behavior, but if anyone has please let me know.
The only other pretty well accepted bit of trivia is that the Cardinal is said to get its name from the illusion to the bright red garments and pointed hat worn by a traditional Catholic Cardinals.
During my research of Cardinals for this entry I found a great Cardinal video at this link. Very entertaining to watch the male cardinal's reaction to having to share seed with other species. (Guess being a mid-size bird has its advantages!)
This original blog entry can be found at www.randel.blogspot.com
 |
| Male Cardinal: Probably the most well-known bird to the Public |
In the past, I've had frequent Cardinal visits - but only over the whole of the winter season - but this year, I've been fortunate to see several pairs of Cardinals appear daily. I'm not quite sure what causing the regular attraction to my feeding station this year, since I'm not offering anything different in the way of seed or layout. Cardinals tend to be most interested in my sunflower seed feeder, although I've read that they also feed on safflower seeds - yet I've never witnessed them feeding from my safflower feeder. Cardinal more often than not are seen feeding on the ground.
I find it sort of fascinating that the male Cardinal with its bright red appearance would prefer to feed at ground level given the greater likelihood that it would be a target for predators. On that note, besides being prey for cats and snakes, it is also prey for hawks, owls, crows, and falcons. Squirrels have also been known to attack and eat nesting fledglings. Raccoons and foxes also appear on the list of Cardinal predators.
It's interesting to note that its rare for me to see a male or female feeding alone at the feeding station without their opposite sex in close proximity. This is one of the few birds that prefers to travel and feeds as pairs. As understood, the male Cardinal is bright red with a pointed crown, strong beak, and a black mask, and the female is nearly identical in over all look with the exception that its a tan color over all
Diet
When its not enjoying the bountiful seeds at neighborhood feeders, the diet of the Cardinal consists mostly of insects, wheat seed, fruits, and flower buds. Cardinals feed on Holly, Grape, Red cedar, Field Cricket, Cabbage White, Lamb's Quarters, Crabgrass, Blackberry, Dogwood, Smooth Sumac, and Virginia Rose (source: fcps.edu).
According to Cornell.edu, the range of the Cardinal has expanded from South to North in just over the past 100 years. Cardinals were found along the Mississippi Valley in the late 1880s, and only occasionally north of the Ohio River during that time period. Steadily the Northern Cardinal expanded its migration and apparently adapted to its new climate and surroundings. I was shocked to learn that Connecticut's first documented Northern Cardinal Nest was found in 1943, and in Massachusetts in 1958. Since that time, its has expanded its range to Southern Canada. This is a pretty amazing fact when you consider that my grandparents had likely grown up in Connecticut having never seen a Cardinal until they reached their 30s or 40s. I guess this is evidence that unexpected changes in our environment can occur in our lifetime - even those with a positive twist!
Cardinals are said to be territorial birds but yet as mentioned I've seen more than one pair peacefully feeding within a few inches from one another. The territorial aspect of their behavior may be limited to nesting rather than overall chasing members of their species away from feeders as I often see occur between woodpeckers.
Studies show that Cardinals tend to reside within a small area for their lifetime, thus they do not migrate. It's likely that it a fledgling moves into your area, it will find a mate and remain your neighbor for the rest of its lifetime which can be between 10 to 14 years.
Nesting Cycle and Reproduction
Cardinals usually mate between March and early summer at a rate of two to three times a season. They tent to nest in shrubs, thickets, and vines about five feet above the ground. Nesting materials include leaves, twigs, grass, roots, tree bark, pine needles, trash, and paper.
The eggs are usually pale or grey with speckles, or blots of purple, grey and brown, and are about an inch in diameter. Nests usually contain three to four eggs. The usual cycle consists of the eggs hatching over a 13 days period with the female caring for the brood while the male retrieves food. After about 10 days, the female abandons the the nest to start a new nest, and the male takes on the full responsibility for overseeing the fledglings including food retrieval.
It's also been reported that Catbirds have been known to lay their eggs in Cardinal nests. Cardinals will not kill the Catbird fledgling but rather raise it as one of its own. Since the laws of natural selection tend to show that half of the babies born from a Cardinal nest do not survive beyond a year or two, the Catbird's inclusion in a Cardinal nest contributes to mediocre odds for Cardinal procreation.
The overall state of the Cardinal population is fairly stable although as mentioned they've become more abundant in Northern North America. Cardinals are able to adapt to human populations and in fact, do rather well given that humans beings provide a wealth of foods through feeders or man-made landscaping beautification. Cardinals and humans did not necessarily start off on a good foot since back in the 1700s and early 1800s they were trapped and sold as pets within the United States and Europe. It wasn't until Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, that this terrible practice was deemed illegal.
A Strange Curiosity
I may be a sucker for odd stories, but several people have conveyed that Cardinals seem to be more aware of humans and recognize the pattern of people refiling feeders. Cardinals have been known to make eye contact with humans inside a home, pick up empty sunflower shells, and drop them as if it indicate its time for someone- a hem - to refill the sunflower seed feeder. I haven't witnessed this behavior, but if anyone has please let me know.
The only other pretty well accepted bit of trivia is that the Cardinal is said to get its name from the illusion to the bright red garments and pointed hat worn by a traditional Catholic Cardinals.
During my research of Cardinals for this entry I found a great Cardinal video at this link. Very entertaining to watch the male cardinal's reaction to having to share seed with other species. (Guess being a mid-size bird has its advantages!)
This original blog entry can be found at www.randel.blogspot.com
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