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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:06:40 GMT
I just found out that Opera has released an "Widget" which actually looks like a christmas tree with packages, whis are in fact an calendar ! Day one is an "Opera Christmas Cookie" recipe. Alrik, how about posting the Christmas cookie recipe.
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:14:18 GMT
Imported mine directly from Japan. I was a bit worried that the insert would be in Japanese, but it isn't. There's an insert within the insert that's Japanese, but the main part is all in English. And she sings all in English, too. The Japanese seem to love young female Western singers, so I guess the idea was to push her hard over there as she should be an easy sell. I have no idea how well it worked, though I suspect not as well as they'd hoped. The Japanese seem to like their Western role-model girls to have attitude (Japanese girls love that they seem so outrageous compared to traditional Japanese decorum), and Angel seems a bit, well, angelic. Thanks Elliot. I think I am going to order the Japanese import since it has more songs to it. I think you are right about the Japanese loving American female singers. In fact they seem to love alot of American things. I think it's the Japanese girls trying to break away from the old stereotype traditions. Who cares though if it means I can get more songs and an cd cover that I like better. ;D
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:15:48 GMT
Cool links Cleg. Thanks for contributing to our thread. If you have any other post, post, post them. ;D
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:18:42 GMT
I love the Norman Rockwell Coca Cola Santa paintings. So I think I will take some I posted in the art forum last year and post them here.
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:20:18 GMT
Hey whoever said Santa leaves toys without testing them first. ;D
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:21:37 GMT
It was a long trip, but now it is time to kick his boots off and relax.
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:23:42 GMT
Helping Santa get his boots off and bringing him his slippers and pouring him a glass of coke, an elf's job is never done.
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:28:56 GMT
Christmas in EnglandThe English enjoy beautiful Christmas music. They love to decorate Christmas Trees and hang up evergreen branches. One England's customs is mummering. In the Middle Ages, people called mummers put on masks and acted out Christmas plays. These plays are still performed in towns and villages. The English gift giver is called Father Christmas. He wears a long red or green robe, and leaves presents in stockings on Christmas Eve. However, the gifts are not usually opened until the following afternoon. Christmas in England began in AD 596, when St Augustine landed on her shores with monks who wanted to bring Christianity to the Anglo Saxons. Father Christmas delivers them during the night before Christmas. The Children leave an empty stocking or pillowcase hanging at the end of the bed. In the morning they hope it will be full of presents. In England the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day because boys used to go round collecting money in clay boxes. When the boxes were full, they broke them open. In England Christmas dinner was usually eaten at Midday on December 25, during daylight. In England, the only thing that people ate on the day before the feast was Frumenty, which is, was a kind of porridge made from corn. Over the years the recipe changed. Eggs, fruit, spice, lumps of meat and dried plums were added. The whole mixture was wrapped in a cloth and boiled. This is how plum pudding began. In England the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit. In England also they elect Boy Bishops in commemoration of St. Nicholas compassion for children. These mock bishops were allowed to do the duties of the ecclesiastic except deliver the Mass.
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:34:59 GMT
Ube, if this information is wrong, let me know. Christmas in SwedenChristmas begins in Sweden with the Saint Lucia ceremony. Before dawn on the morning of 13 December, the youngest daughter from each family puts on a white robe with a red sash. She wears a crown of evergreens with tall-lighted candles attached to it. She wakes her parents, and serves them with coffee and Lucia buns. The other children accompany her. The boys dressed as star boys in long white shirts and pointed hats. The custom goes back to Lucia, a Christian virgin martyred for her beliefs at Syracuse in the fourth century. The Saint Lucia ceremony is fairly recent, but it represents the traditional thanksgiving for the return of the sun. Often she is followed by star boys, who wear pointed hats, and carry star wands. Candle-lit processions to Church feature Scandinavian Christmases, where, in the home, it is mother who always lights the candles on Christmas Eve. Christmas trees are usually found in Swedish homes two days before Christmas. Decoration may include candles, apples, Swedish flags, small gnomes wearing red tasseled caps, straw ornaments. The houses may filled with red tulips and smell like pepparkakor, which is a heart-star, or goat-shaped gingerbread biscuit. Swedish Julafton, or Christmas Eve dinner may be a smorgasbord, or buffet with julskinka, or Christmas ham, pickled pigs feet,lutfisk, or dried codfish, and many different kinds of sweets. Risgryngrot a special rice porridge, has hidden in it an almond which as tradition has it the person who finds the almond in his or her bowl will marry in the coming year. Christmas trees are usually brought into Swedish homes one or two days before Christmas. Decorations include: candles, apples, Swedish flags, small gnomes and tasseled caps, and straw ornaments. The house may be filled with red tulips and the smell of pepparkakor - a heart-star, or goat-shaped gingerbread biscuits. After Christmas Eve dinner, a friend or family member dresses up as tomte or Christmas gnome. The tomte, unlike Santa Claus is supposed to live under the floorboards of the house or barn and ride a straw goat. The make-believe tomte, wearing a white beard and dressed in red robes, distributes gifts from his sack. Many are given with funny rhyme that hints at the contents. Swedes eat lye-treated codfish and welcome the Christmas elves and the julbok which is the Christmas goat, who is responsible for the distributing of the presents. In Sweden Jultomten, a little brownie helps Santa Claus give gifts to the children who have been good. On Christmas morning, churches are lit up entirely by candles for the Christmas service. From Mia The Julbock (Christmas Goat) has nothing to do with the Tomte (Santa Claus)... He doesn't ride it. When Sweden was changing from goat to Santa they came together but that was more than 20 years ago. So it use to but no longer. And it was originally to honor the goats that Tor (an old God) used to pull his carriage. Today basically no one knows why we have them. Sadly and the Tomte doesn't live under a barn anymore. Now it is like in America, he lives at the North Pole. In the old days the tomte took care of the farm and lived there but then he had nothing to do with Christmas (then it was the goat). He was mean and hard to work with but he made sure there would be food on the table and looked after all the animals, IF the people on the farm took care of him and behaved well. No Christmas. Balls of Glass are in our trees as well as Tinsels now but most of all: You've forgotten about the most Christmassy in Sweden Donald duck at TV at 15.00 on Christmas Eve. Has been shown on TV since 1960-somethink.
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:39:19 GMT
Eggnog! - History Many believe that eggnog is a tradition that was brought to America from Europe. This is partially true. Eggnog is related to various milk and wine punches that had been concocted long ago in the "Old World". However, in America a new twist was put on the theme. Rum was used in the place of wine. In Colonial America, rum was commonly called "grog", so the name eggnog is likely derived from the very descriptive term for this drink, "egg-and-grog", which corrupted to egg'n'grog and soon to eggnog. At least this is one version... Other experts would have it that the "nog" of eggnog comes from the word "noggin". A noggin was a small, wooden, carved mug. It was used to serve drinks at table in taverns (while drinks beside the fire were served in tankards). It is thought that eggnog started out as a mixture of Spanish "Sherry" and milk. The English called this concoction "Dry sack posset". It is very easy to see how an egg drink in a noggin could become eggnog. The true story might be a mixture of the two and eggnog was originally called "egg and grog in a noggin". This was a term that required shortening if ever there was one. With it's European roots and the availability of the ingredients, eggnog soon became a popular wintertime drink throughout Colonial America. It had much to recomend it; it was rich, spicy, and alcoholic. In the 1820's Pierce Egan, a period author, wrote a book called "Life of London: or Days and Nights of Jerry Hawthorne and His Elegant Friend Corinthina Tom". To publicize his work Mr. Egan made up a variation of eggnog he called "Tom and Jerry". It added 1/2 oz of brandy to the basic recipe (fortifying it considerably and adding further to its popularity). Eggnog, in the 1800s was nearly always made in large quantities and nearly always used as a social drink. It was commonly served at holiday parties and it was noted by an English visitor in 1866, "Christmas is not properly observed unless you brew egg nogg for all comers; everybody calls on everybody else; and each call is celebrated by a solemn egg-nogging...It is made cold and is drunk cold and is to be commended." Of course, Christmas was not the only day upon which eggnog was popular. In Baltimore it was a tradition for young men to call upon all of their friends on New years day. At each of many homes the strapping fellows were offered a cup of eggnog, and so as they went they became more and more inebriated. It was quite a feat to actually finish one's rounds. Our first President, George Washington, was quite a fan of eggnog and devised his own recipe that included rye whiskey, rum and sherry. It was reputed to be a stiff drink that only the most courageous were willing to try. Eggnog is still a popular drink during the holidays, and its social character remains. It is hard to imagine a Christmas without a cup of the "nog" to spice up the atmosphere and lend merriment and joy to the procedings. When you try out some of the recipes on this site, remember that, like many other of our grand traditions, there is history and life behind that little frothy brew.
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Post by Elliot Kane on Dec 14, 2006 3:57:22 GMT
Imported mine directly from Japan. I was a bit worried that the insert would be in Japanese, but it isn't. There's an insert within the insert that's Japanese, but the main part is all in English. And she sings all in English, too. The Japanese seem to love young female Western singers, so I guess the idea was to push her hard over there as she should be an easy sell. I have no idea how well it worked, though I suspect not as well as they'd hoped. The Japanese seem to like their Western role-model girls to have attitude (Japanese girls love that they seem so outrageous compared to traditional Japanese decorum), and Angel seems a bit, well, angelic. Thanks Elliot. I think I am going to order the Japanese import since it has more songs to it. I think you are right about the Japanese loving American female singers. In fact they seem to love alot of American things. I think it's the Japanese girls trying to break away from the old stereotype traditions. Who cares though if it means I can get more songs and an cd cover that I like better. ;D Not just Americans, Shan, trust me *** More songs! Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) by The Darkness (A personal favourite) The Christmas Song by Christina Aguilera Jingle Bell Rock by Billy Idol(!) Greatest Time Of Year by Aly & AJ
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 3:58:44 GMT
If you would like to try making your own eggnog, here are some recipes.
Rich Eggnog! - Recipe 1
6 Large eggs 3/4 c Sugar 1 1/2 c Brandy 1/2 c Rum 4 c Milk 4 c Cream 1/2 c Icing sugar Nutmeg to sprinkle
Separate the yolks from the whites of the eggs. Beat the yolks slowly while simultaneously adding the sugar; do this until the mixture is pale and golden. Now slowly add in the brandy and rum, then beat in the milk and half the cream.
Set aside until just before serving, then whisk the egg whites until stiff and fold them into the eggnog mixture. Whip the remaining cream and icing sugar until thick. Top each glass of eggnog with whipped cream and a shake of nutmeg. This yields eight servings.
Eggnog! - Recipe 2
Basic Versatile Nog
6 separated 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 quarts thick cream 1 1/4 tumblers whiskey, brandy or rum Dashes of cinnamon or nutmeg
Beat egg yolks and sugar together until they are senseless (or lemon-colored). Set aside while you beat the egg-whites stiff followed by some harshly thrashed cream. Dump all this into the yokes along with your choice of liquor. Then chill.
Eggnog! - Recipe 3
Basic Non-alcoholic Eggnog
12 eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 quart cream to taste vanilla dash of nutmeg
Separate eggs at room temp. Beat yolks till creamed with about half of sugar, whites till peaked then add other half of sugar. Beat cream till stiff. Then fold all together. Add vanilla to taste - but remember that a little bit of vanilla goes a long way.
Place into containers keep in refrigerator for at least one day. Shake before serving.
Eggnog! - Recipe 4
Eggless Eggnog
8 cups milk 1 3 oz package of French Vanilla Instant pudding 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp of nutmeg
In a large bowl, mix the pudding with 1 cup of the milk. When pudding is formed, add in the remaining ingredients and mix very well. Chill.
Eggnog! - Recipe 5
Orange Non-alcoholic Eggnog Float
4 eggs 6 tablespoons sugar 5 1/2 cups fresh orange juice, chilled 1/2 cup lemon juice 1 quart vanilla ice cream 1 quart ginger ale, chilled
Beat the eggs and the sugar until light (no separation necessary here). Stir in the orange and the lemon juice. Place small scoops of ice cream in the punch bowl. Pour the ginger ale against the sides (inside, of course) of the bowl (this is done to preserve as much of the carbonation as possible). Add the orange juice picture slowly, stirring gently. Serve immediately. This will make about 30 servings.
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 4:03:10 GMT
Just a few more Annalee Mice and Elves. Hey, I missed yesterday. I've got to make up for it tonight. ;D Yuletide Mouse in Black Hat
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 4:05:41 GMT
Red Candycane Elf
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 4:07:47 GMT
Woowshop Woodworker Elf
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 4:13:44 GMT
Snowball Thrower Mouse
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Post by Shan on Dec 14, 2006 4:46:31 GMT
Trust you, Elliot? Yeah, why not it's Christmas. ;D Thanks for more song links. I've never heard of the first one. I am familiar with the second and third one, and I think I've heard of the last one. They would have been by different artists though.
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Post by janggut on Dec 14, 2006 5:58:32 GMT
Mistletoe (by Walter de la Mare, 1913) Sitting under the mistletoe (Pale-green, fairy mistletoe), One last candle burning low, All the sleepy dancers gone, Just one candle burning on, Shadows lurking everywhere: Some one came, and kissed me there. Tired I was; my head would go Nodding under the mistletoe (Pale-green, fairy mistletoe), No footsteps came, no voice, but only, Just as I sat there, sleepy, lonely, Stooped in the still and shadowy air Lips unseen—and kissed me there.
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Post by janggut on Dec 14, 2006 6:09:57 GMT
At Christmas (Edgar Albert Guest) A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year; He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season is here; Then he’s thinking more of others than he’s thought the months before, And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for. He is less a selfish creature than at any other time; When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime. When it’s Christmas man is bigger and is better in his part; He is keener for the service that is prompted by the heart. All the petty thoughts and narrow seem to vanish for awhile And the true reward he’s seeking is the glory of a smile. Then for others he is toiling and somehow it seems to me That at Christmas he is almost what God wanted him to be. If I had to paint a picture of a man I think I’d wait Till he’d fought his selfish battles and had put aside his hate. I’d not catch him at his labors when his thoughts are all of pelf, On the long days and the dreary when he’s striving for himself. I’d not take him when he’s sneering, when he’s scornful or depressed, But I’d look for him at Christmas when he’s shining at his best. Man is ever in a struggle and he’s oft misunderstood; There are days the worst that’s in him is the master of the good, But at Christmas kindness rules him and he puts himself aside And his petty hates are vanquished and his heart is opened wide. Oh, I don’t know how to say it, but somehow it seems to me That at Christmas man is almost what God sent him here to be.
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Post by janggut on Dec 14, 2006 6:26:48 GMT
Burning Babe (by Robert Southwell, 1561-1595) As I in hoary winter's night stood shivering in the snow, Surprised I was with sudden heat which made my heart to glow; And lifting up a fearful eye to view what fire was near, A pretty babe all burning bright did in the air appear; Who, though scorched with excessive heat, such floods of tears did shed, As though his floods should quench his flames, which with his tears were fed. "Alas," quoth he, "but newly born, in fiery heats I fry, Yet none approach to warm their hearts, or feel my fire but I! My faultless breast the furnace is, the fuel wounding thorns, Love is the fire, and sighs the smoke, the ashes shame and scorns; The fuel justice layeth on, and mercy blows the coals, The metal in this furnace wrought are men's defiled souls, For which, as now on fire I am to work them to their good, So will I melt into a bath to wash them in my blood." With this he vanished out of sight and swiftly shrunk away, And straight I called unto mind that it was Christmas Day.
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