The Winter Solstice came upon us… The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Occurring around December 21st, it's a natural event caused by Earth's axial tilt. Many cultures have celebrated this astronomical phenomenon for centuries, with festivals and rituals symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Examples include the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia and the Norse celebration of Yule. Today, various traditions, such as lighting candles or bonfires, continue to honor the significance of the winter solstice.
Mrs. Claus is a fictional character often associated with Christmas folklore. She's commonly depicted as the wife of Santa Claus. The earliest mention of Mrs. Claus is believed to be in the mid-19th century, appearing in various Christmas stories, poems, and illustrations. Over time, her character has evolved, with different adaptations in literature, movies, and popular culture shaping her image as a supportive and caring partner to Santa Claus.
Everyone has been posting their holiday cocktails lately, making me thirsty ! If you know me, you know my love for espresso, so the espresso martini is one of my favorites, but what’s the history?? ☕️🍸:
The espresso martini originated in the 1980s. Legend has it that it was created by London bartender Dick Bradsell, who invented the drink when a customer asked for a cocktail that would "wake me up and then fuck me up." The result was a blend of fresh espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup, shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass. The combination of caffeine from the espresso and the kick of alcohol made it an instant hit. Over the years, the espresso martini has become a classic, enjoyed worldwide as a sophisticated and energizing cocktail. Cheers!!
I’ve quoted Mark Twain before, but do you know his connection to my home state of Missouri?
Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835, spent a significant portion of his life in Missouri, a state that profoundly influenced his work. Growing up along the Mississippi River in Hannibal, Twain drew inspiration from the vibrant riverboat culture and the people he encountered. His experiences as a steamboat pilot and later as a miner during the Gold Rush shaped his understanding of American society. Twain's Missouri background is notably reflected in his literary masterpiece, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," which vividly captures the spirit of small-town life along the Mississippi. Additionally, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" explores the complex issues of racism and social injustice prevalent in pre-Civil War Missouri. Twain's sharp wit and keen observations, rooted in his Missouri upbringing, continue to make his works timeless reflections of American history and culture.
Building a fire is such a distinctly human ritual that I can’t help but obsess over. I’ve always loved the process of getting firewood, setting up the perfect log fort 🪵 to create the most brilliant flames that keep us warm. I love to keep my home warm and my loved ones comforted. That’s why I stay fanning the flames, in more ways than one. ❤️🔥
Have you met my friend, @dannisgreencorner ? We caught up during a teacher conference in Brooklyn and I interviewed her for my @oftv episode on Cannabis. Check out the episode, and message me if you want to see the fun she and I got into AFTER the work was done 😈 🔥
Caught reading at the bar again.. I put my books down to enjoy a fantastic local IPA on draft 🍺 As a German-American girl, beer is just part of my DNA… let’s go over a very quick little history of this delectable delight 🍻:
Beer has a delicious history dating back thousands of years. Its origins can be traced to ancient civilizations, with evidence of beer production found in Mesopotamia around 5,000 BCE. Sumerians, Egyptians, and later cultures refined brewing techniques, often associating beer with religious rituals. In medieval Europe, monasteries played a pivotal role in brewing, perfecting recipes and introducing hops as a preservative. The Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements, enabling mass production. The 20th century saw a surge in beer diversity, with craft breweries challenging traditional styles. Today, beer is a global beverage with countless varieties, reflecting a fascinating journey of cultural and technological evolution.
My girl @tiffanythemetaphysicist has an awesome series out on @oftv !! You must check out both parts, but I’m obsessed with this demons episode!
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Downtown Columbia, Missouri, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1821. It developed as a trading post along the Missouri River and later became the Boone's Lick Trailhead, a significant route for westward expansion. The University of Missouri, established in 1839, contributed to the town's growth and cultural development. Over the years, downtown Columbia evolved, witnessing economic shifts and architectural changes. Today, it blends historic charm with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, making it a focal point of the community.
Can you take enough pictures in front of the NYC skyline? Anytime I travel I make sure to observe the culture and learn some history about the area.
The New York City skyline has a rich history of growth and change. Here's a brief overview for you! :
Early Skyline: In the 19th century, lower Manhattan was dominated by low-rise buildings, and the skyline was characterized by church steeples and the spire of Trinity Church.
Skyscraper Era: The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the birth of the skyscraper. Iconic buildings like the Flatiron Building (1902) and Woolworth Building (1913) rose, setting the stage for taller structures.
Empire State Building: The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, was a symbol of Art Deco architecture and held the title of the world's tallest building for 40 years.
Post-War Boom: After World War II, New York's skyline saw substantial growth with the construction of buildings like the United Nations Headquarters and Lever House, embracing Modernist design.
World Trade Center: The 1970s brought the iconic twin towers of the World Trade Center, which tragically fell on September 11, 2001, reshaping the skyline and leaving a profound impact on the city.
Contemporary Skyscrapers: The 21st century has seen the construction of numerous impressive skyscrapers, such as One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower), 432 Park Avenue, and Hudson Yards, transforming the skyline further.
Ongoing Evolution: New York City's skyline continues to evolve with ambitious architectural projects and sustainable building designs, reflecting the city's ever-changing identity.
These shifts in the skyline capture the essence of NYC's growth, reflecting its architectural, cultural, and economic development over the years.
Winter is here so I’m breaking out the faux furs ❄️
Fur coats have a long and varied history; here’s a little of it for you:
Ancient Times: The use of fur for clothing can be traced back to prehistoric times when early humans relied on animal hides and fur for warmth. Fur garments were practical for survival in cold climates.
Ancient Civilizations: Fur garments became a symbol of status and luxury in ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Rome. Royalty and the elite wore fur to showcase their wealth and power.
Middle Ages: Fur continued to be a symbol of social status in the Middle Ages. Ermine and sable fur were highly prized among European nobility.
Renaissance and Beyond: The Renaissance period saw the use of fur in elaborate and decorative designs. This trend continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, with fur-trimmed clothing remaining a status symbol.
19th Century: Fur trapping and trading became a significant industry in North America, leading to the popularity of fur in fashion. Beaver and other furs were sought after for top hats and coats.
20th Century: Fur coats became a fashion staple during the early to mid-20th century, with Hollywood stars and celebrities donning them. Fur farms began to replace trapping in the production of fur.
Late 20th Century: Fur's popularity waned due to animal rights concerns and protests. Many fashion designers and brands stopped using real fur in their collections.
21st Century: The fur industry faced increased scrutiny, with some countries and cities implementing fur bans. Faux fur and other synthetic alternatives became more popular.
In recent years, the fur industry has faced growing ethical and environmental concerns, leading to a shift towards sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives in the fashion world. This evolving history reflects changing societal attitudes toward fur and its use in clothing.
