Finally wrapping things up

I am going to wrap my topic up sadly because I was interested in my topic. I have learned alot from this topic and I am sorry to all my readers for taking so long to post my blogs. I had no computer access over Christmas break and I couldn't post anything.  I learned that things around the world are very different and it has really different and I am very interested. I also learned that there are many different ways to make Christmas cookies. 

I liked to learn and read about all the different foods that people of different ethnicity. Even when they make my mouth water and I have tried many different kinds of food in my lifetime. I made Christmas cookies over Christmas break and they tasted delicious. I like to bake Christmas cookies and they usually taste delicious. Do you have any more topics for me to try and attempt to do? I will try and keep up with blogging at least until next year when I get the chance. So let me know if you have any new topics. 

Starting to wrap things up part 1

I have really enjoyed learning about Christmas for the past month and a half. I learned so much that I didn't know about Christmas before and I learned about Christmas around the world? Did you learn as much as I did from this experience?  I am going to make my last post about Christmas cookies and at the end I will include links to recipes. One of my favorite Christmas cookies that I have ever had are oatmeal scotchies. They are a delicious cookie and they have a perfect taste that has the perfect combination of oatmeal and butterscotch at the same time.  

My family absolutely loves these cookies. They are easy to make and they have butterscotch and oatmeal in the same cookie that makes it one of the best cookies ever. If you like chewy cookie all you have to do is adjust the cooking time a little bit longer. When my uncle makes these and brings them over to my house they disappear almost instantly and we are begging for more before he leaves. I am now going to share with you the Nestle recipe for this absolutely amazing delicacy. 

What is the true meaning of Christmas?

What is the true meaning of Christmas? Why don't we celebrate Christmas like it's supposed to be celebrated? Why is Christmas just a big commercialized holiday today? In America today Christmas is just a big holiday that most people worry about what they will be getting from people instead of what those that need it most are receiving which is almost nothing. We have become greedy and selfish over the years and it's sad. Do you really want other countries to look at us like we are the country that is too greedy to take our own people off the streets?  

The actual meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ. It's not a time to be worried about what you are getting but what others that need it are receiving. I understand that it's not some peoples fault that they view Christmas as a time to be worried about what they will get because that's all they know is how to tell their parents what they want and they make sure that " Santa" gets it for them. We all need to stop worrying about what we are going to get but what others are going to receive. Christmas is supposed to be about giving to others and not so worried about receiving. We have people that don't have anything but the clothes on their backs if they have any at all. They also haven't eaten for days or maybe weeks and they are so fragile looking.  Will you join me and millions of other people who are in search of the true meaning of Christmas? 

Christmas around the world part 2 cont'd

Christmas in Greece

In 354 a.d. it was arranged for the birth of Jesus Christ to be celebrated at the same time as the birth of Mirtha (the invincible sun god) on December 25th. As people started turning to other gods the popularity of Mirtha decreased. Now the day is celebrated in the name of Jesus Christ. 

Picture of ship

Why is Christmas celebrated in Greece? I learned that on Christmas day the Greeks celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and St. Nicholas " the patron saint of the sailors." According to Greek tradition he comes in with his beard dripping with seawater, his clothes are drenched in brine, and he has sweat on his face from working so hard by helping sailors against the angry sea. The Greek ships never ever left the port without some sort of St. Nicholas icon on board. 

How is Christmas in Greece celebrated? In Greece Christmas is a 12 day period. This period of time starts on December 25 and ends on January 6th. On January 6th the Greek have a feast commemorating St. Nicholas day. The Greek serve the traditional meal on December 24th this meal is stuffed turkey. They also go a caroling on Christmas eve, New Years, and January 5th. Like most countries some Greek people decorate Christmas trees! 

Do you know all their is to know about Greek Christmas? Here are some interesting facts about Greek Christmas:

• Shallow wooden bowls are the major symbols of Christmas celebrations. 
• Usually people in Greece don't buy Christmas trees. 
• While caroling, if children sang well they were sometimes given money, dried fruit, nuts and sweets to eat. 
• Over 8 million tourists go to Greece every year. 
• Some people believe that during the 12 days of Christmas goblins appear and do mischievous things. 

Merry Christmas

Christmas around the world cont'd again

Christmas in Finland: What is Christmas like in Finland? Do they believe in Santa clause? Do you believe in Santa clause or do you believe in some other person? Why, or Why not? Keep reading to find out what Christmas is like in Finland as we discover the traditions and foods or Finland during the Christmas holidays.

Christmas in Finland goes from December 24 to the 26th. During the Christmas season cookies are made, decorations are hung, and homes are prepared. Christmas traditions in Finland have been known in over 130 countries largely because of the traditions they have repeated every year. Their Christmas dinner consists of Pork Roast, Fish, and Salad. For desert they enjoy a Christmas pudding. Sometimes they put an almond in the pudding, and whoever's pudding has the almond in it is believed to have a year of good luck.  After dinner joulupukki visits the good children in their homes, if they were good he rewards them with presents. Christmas in finland is finished. Do you think that there's is better? 

Christmas Cookies

cookie monster devours mankinds deliciousness

I didn't eat this 

 Traditional cakes and cookies were around long before Christmas was celebrated like we do today. People would make them for parties, birthdays, special occasions, or just to make them because they are delicious. Christmas cookies as we know them today trace their roots back to medieval times, where cooks would prepare large amounts of them for special occasions. ( feasts, victory, etc.) Many of the ingredients they used are still used today, they used cinnamon, almonds, dried fruit and many more. Dutch and German settlers introduced cookie cutters, molds, and festive holiday cookie decorations to America. The Dutch's New Years Cookies were often times molded into crazy designs and patterns. The German Lebkuchen (gingerbread) was the first known cake or cookie to be associated with Christmas.  Did you know that animal crackers originated as edible ornaments? 

By the 1500's, Christmas cookies had caught on all over Europe. German families baked up pans of Lebkuchen and buttery Spritz cookies. Papparkakor (spicy ginger and black-pepper delights) were favorites in Sweden; the Norwegians made krumkake (thin lemon and cardamom-scented wafers). The earliest Christmas cookies in America came ashore with the Dutch in the early 1600's. Do you have a favorite Christmas cookie? Where did it originate from? Do you know the recipe? Leave your response below. 

German Gingerbread isn't very different
from the gingerbread today!

Dutch New years cookie

talent vs. hard work

In my opinion hard work will outdo talent if talent doesn't work hard. You can be talented at something but unless you stress to get better by working hard what does talent provide you? In a scholarly article called Talent Is Overrated: what really separates world-class performers from everyone else, I found this article using Google scholar and it proved to be very useful by providing me with information for my topic.  In research provided by scientists it shows that those who are viewed as the greats today like LeBron James and Tiger Woods didn't show any signs of talent in what they do as a kid. The greats worked hard to be where they are today in the article it says "When researchers have looked at large numbers of high achievers, at least in certain fields, most of the people who became extremely good in their field did not show early evidence of gifts." Did any of the greats possess these gifts as a child? (Comment below)

In another article called Hard Work vs. Talent: The Eternal Debate. Which is a blog post I found a debate that supported my view point that hard work beats talent. In this article it says "  the studies that suggest that in the long run, hard work and constant practice can overcome a lack of natural talent, which can often take people farther and higher than talent alone." This really made sense to me because I knew from previous reading of quotes by Michael Jordan and other professionals that succeeded very highly in their fields. That leads to my conclusion I think that hard work will overcome talent any time because in scientifically proven results the greats did not possess the skills they have today in most cases and they had to dedicate themselves to their field and put in all their time and money to it. I challenge you to find a professional that has a quote that supports my viewpoint. Can you do it? Do you respectfully disagree with my viewpoint? Let me know below in the comments.  Thanks for reading I hope to see your comment below. 

Hard work vs. Talent

Dorothy explains that When you get tired and life gets you down you have to keep working hard
dorothy tells Marlin of the hard work conspiracy

Christmas lights new findings

Merry Christmas

Jack the pumpkin king

snowflake neon

I  know that you know alot about Christmas lights now but do you know anything about how they work and what happens behind the scenes when these beauties are being set up? Well, I am going to explain what goes on behind the scenes putting up these lights and including some examples of my personal experiences of putting these lights up. I have previously watched a show called the Christmas light fight. This show airs on ABC on Monday  nights during December until Christmas every week at 8 p.m. This show is where people travel around the united states to the best and well known Christmas displays in the country. There was this one house that talked and it was very cool. There was also this one guy that had 5 acres of land since he is a farmer and he lit up the entire property with a huge path through his entire winter wonderland.

Holiday season decorations used in the home or small business are generally limited by availability and cost to conventional non-flashing or randomly flashing lights commonly used for decorating indoor and outdoor trees. It is often desirable to employ flashing lights that contain visually interesting patterns or sequences such as fading, chasing or flickering. I think that the flashing lights are the best kind of lights because they draw the attention of the young and old people a like. But positioning lights on roofs and trees and making cool designs are often frustrating and result in long hours on a ladder stringing electrical cords and making sure that all the lights are strung perfectly and precise. This can be tiring and attract the attention of few that appreciate your hard work. This can be frustrating but in my opinion it is always worth it. The objective of Christmas lights is to make the easiest way to hang up the lights, lowest cost, cheap electric costs, and the best lights available on the market today. But in my opinion many of these attempts fail and the consumers are happy once they are up but they are frustrating while putting them up. Do you think that christmas light companies complete the objective? Why, or Why not? ( Comment below)

All you need to know about Christmas lights

Christmas lights


Christmas lights prezi



Every parking spot is filled. Families and couples walk in crowds to get a glance at these magnificent light shows that only happen once a year.  Children hop up and down in excitement of seeing this winter wonderland at their perspective. Do you know all there is to know about these bringers of magnificence?

Appearance: 
 Christmas lights are similar in appearance they are small light bulbs of various colors strung together on a single wire. There are multiple styles of these lights, some having lights of all one color, some having longer wires then others, or having bulbs of different shapes and sizes. These lights are usually hung on house frames, fences, garden decorations and christmas trees. They help add spice to boring household items. What do you use them for?

Origin:
 Before these lights were even invented people used something called a yule log to spice up their houses. The only light was the one provided by the one that the yule log gave off. This tradition is believed to have started in Germany. The yule log was a representation of the warm sun that was to come during the spring. In later years candles were hung on Christmas trees and this replaced the yule log. Actual Christmas lights were not invented until 1880 by Thomas Edison. Did you know that? Do you want to know more? Go to the other prezi link and come back and comment about it.

what is Snow?

Snow Pictures










Do you know what snow is? If you don't,  then you need to keep reading in order learn all you need to know and more about this bad and good thing called snow! Some southerners have no idea what snow is like because they have never seen it unless they travel to the north during the winter months. Do you think that is a good or bad thing?( let me know in a comment) Snow is ice that falls from the sky in the form of snowflakes. Lots of snow can cover over large and small surfaces and freeze on the ground if the ground is cold enough. Snow is generally white but on the roads it is also a brown slush that is disgusting in my opinion.


snowboarding chimps

There are many different ways to get around in the snow. You can use a snowboard, skis, sleds, snowmobile, or a car. Although, sometimes you need the snow to be pretty deep to go sledding, snowboarding, or skiing. Snow can also cause car accidents because it has the ability to stick to the ground and stay there for a while. How do you like to get around in the snow? Is there a form of transportation that you havent tried but would like to try? Let me know below in the comments.
snow for the unbelievers

Pln journey 3 introduction to Christmas cont'd

I am going to continue my topic of Christmas around the world but I am also going to do some extra topics that have something to do with Christmas. One topic I might do is snowflakes. I like how they fall to the ground softly and no 2 snowflakes are the exact same. When ever I think about snowflakes though I think about a silent night and it makes me sleepy. I like to sleep because sleep is a beautiful thing and snow makes Christmas one of my favorite holidays.

You should read and follow my blog account.  I am not only going to share what goes on in the united states. But I am also going to blog about Christmas that everyone loves.  I will try and connect more during this topic. I will also try and blog on Christmas day or Christmas eve if I have the time so come and read my posts people. Do you have any suggestions for what I should blog about? Would you rather have Christmas in a warm state or have it in a cold state?

Christmas around the world part 5

Christmas in Iceland:

• Christmas is taken very seriously
• Everyone receives new clothes, the entire house is spotless, families get together to have enormous parties, and cookies are baked
• Anyone who doesn't get new clothes is in danger of getting eaten by the Christmas cat. 

The Yule lads: 

• The 13 yule lads are Icelandic versions of Santa Clause
• for the 13 days leading up to Christmas, children put their best shoe on the windowsill
• Every, Night one of the 13 yule lads leaves a present for the children
• Their names are: Sheepfold Stick, Gilly Oaf, Shorty, Spoon Licker, Pot Licker, door Licker, Bowl Licker, Sausage Pilfer, Peeper, Sniffer, Meathook, and Candle-beggar.   

Christmas around the world part 4

Christmas in Mexico: Christmas in mexico is traditional and reflects their religious beliefs.

Posada    

• Mexican tradition of groups of people going door-to-door asking for a place to stay. 
• This symbolizes Mary and Joseph being refused a place to have baby Jesus. 
• Lasts Nine days. 
• Children participate in a huge pinata party.  

Noche de los rabanos (night of the radishes) 

• Takes place on December 23 
• Booths are set up along streets featuring giant, hand carved radishes
• The radishes are carved into anything the artist desires

Zocalo

• Festival of lights in historic Mexican city
• Goes on from Christmas eve to new years day

Rosca

• Traditional Mexican food eaten on Christmas
• Sweet, ring shaped bread usually home made
• Tiny ceramic doll baked inside
• Whoever gets the doll has to throw a party for the rest of the people there

(to the left is a hand carved radish from the Noche de los rabanos)

below is rosca the traditional treat of Mexicans

 Below is a posado pinata

below is the lighted entrance to Zocalo 

mexican festivals near christmas

Christmas around the world part 3

History of Christmas in the United States:

The pilgrims arrived in America in 1620 and they were extremely traditional in their purity beliefs and outlawed Christmas in Massachusetts and parts of New England. It was still celebrated in the southern colonies though. After the American Revolution Christmas was not celebrated anymore in the U.S. because it was viewed as a English Custom. Louisiana and Arkansas were the first states to make Christmas a legal holiday in 1830/1831. Congress didn't make it a federal holiday in all the states until 1870.  Christmas today is influenced by media, advertisements, materialism, and mass marketing. From once being outlawed to being the most celebrated holiday in the world.

American Christmas delights:

• Cranberry Sauce 
  
• eggnog

As well as glazed ham, roast turkey, greens, Wine and Christmas mince pies and hot chocolate. 

Activities enjoyed during the Christmas season: 

 

Many attend church on Christmas eve where they have church dinners and enjoy choir concerts. Many families also like to build a snowman. These three parted snow built man are pictured with a lower body, torso, and upper body. Then families hang Christmas lights on their houses to decorate and prepare for Santa Clause. 

american christmas

Christmas around the world part 2

Norwegian Christmas and traditions:

Norwegian Christmas is known as "Jul". This day is between mid December and early January. It is a time of drinking and celebrating the harvest.  The first "Jul" dates back to 840 a.d. When King Haakon I of Norway aka Haakon the good who ruled from 934 to 964. During his rule he set "Jul" for December 25 to align with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Norwegian Christmas dinner:
A Christmas dinner consists of cooked cod, roasted pork ribs. Pinnekjot which are steamed lamb ribs that can be either salted, smoked, or dried. They also enjoy potatoes, porridge, gingerbread, and Christmas punch. Then they make sandkruger which is a special holiday cookie.

Activities that Norwegians enjoy during the "Jul" celebrations:
Tromso in Norway is one of the best places to see the Northern lights in the world. The Norwegians claim that Santa Clause lives in the town of Drobek. They like to enjoy visits to Tregaddens Christmas house.  The town of Bergin is known as the world's biggest Gingerbread Town, miniature houses, trains, cars and shops are all made of real gingerbread. Christmas markets in all Norwegian shops are very popular.

Norwegian Christmas traditions:

• In the 1840's a Nordic folklore called " Tomte" or " Nisse" began to deliver presents in Norway. He was portrayed as a short man with a beard, dressed in gray clothes and a red hat almost like a Garden Gnome. He was mischievous and by the 19th century he was replaced with Santa Clause. 

Norway was the birthplace of the "Yule" log. The ancient Norse used the "Yule" log to celebrate the return of the sun at Winter Solstice.  Today the Christmas tree takes place of the Yule log.

prezi norwegian christmas

Christmas around the world part 1

Christmas is celebrated very differently in The Netherlands.

Christmas in the Netherlands:   In the Netherlands Santa is not called "Santa" instead he is called St. Nicholas or Sinterklass. They believe that he comes to the Netherlands on a boat with his helper Black Peter.  The Dutch believe that St. Nicholas lives in Spain, not in the North Pole. On December 5, they have a huge feast. On this day Dutch farmers blow horns early in the morning to chase away the evil spirits.  Also, on December 5th the Dutch exchange presents instead of on December 25th. Dutch The children leave hay and sugar out for St. Nicholas's horse to eat. People say that St. Nicholas comes to the little children in the middle of the night during the year to see if they are being good. Then later on December 5th the families sit around a Christmas tree and sing carols, exchange gifts and tell stories.  Netherlands Christmas

Who is Black Peter:

• Black Peter is St. Nicholas's helper
• He wears Spanish clothes while helping St. Nicholas
• When it is not Christmas he spends all his time recording children's behavior and watching over them. Black Peter

Below is black peter and St. Nicholas.





What is Christmas?

What is Christmas? 

December 25 is the national holiday Christmas. This holiday is celebrated around the world and in a lot of different countries. The holiday is named after Jesus Christ hence the name is Christmas. December 25 is the day used to celebrate Christ's birthday because his birthday isn't actually that day. what is christmas The meaning of Christmas to me is the day that people get to spend time with family and friends. My family and I sit around the table after opening gifts and we have a Christmas dinner. 

Christmas in the modern day

Modernly, Christmas eve is the day that Santa Clause or the father of Christmas delivers presents to all the children of the world. Christmas day is the day that all the little children wake up around the world and they are supposed to be able to open gifts or spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately some people are not as fortunate as my family. Have you heard of anyone that cannot afford to get gifts for Christmas? If so, did you do your part to help them if you did why and if you didn't why? Please respond below ASAP. 

Topic number 2 Introduction

The second topic I am going to do is Christmas because Christmas is about a month and a week away from today and it is snowing now.
Some things I want to learn from this topic are:
How has Christmas lost its meaning?
What is the purpose of even having Christmas?
Some good and bad changes that have happened over the years?
Christmas sales
While doing this topic I want to connect to the owner of a major Christmas company through either feedly or linked in.
Tools I want to use:
Feedly
Quora
Wikivs.
Google scholar
Linked in

NIKE VS. ADIDAS BLOG POST

NIKE and ADIDAS are sportswear companies whose products are very popular around the world and while Nike has the upper hand in sales and sponsorship's, Adidas is growing. Adidas owns Reebok, Taylor made golf company and Rockport.  While Nike owns the Jordan Brand, Umbro, Hurley, Converse and Cole Haan. Nike is currently owned by Bill Powerman and Phil Knight. The name NIKE came from a Greek goddess. The name was originally " Blue Ribbon Sports". The name was created after the company founder Adolf Dassler's nickname adi dassler. Both Nike and Adidas have made some great footwear and they have in my  opinion gotten better over the years.  Look at the charts below and choose which one you like better. Who is better Nike or Adidas and provide a reason why? 
charts  

Adidas Footwear Technologies

Name	Description       (Adidas was originally created for soccer sportswear but today has a target of spreading to all sportswear)
adiPRENE	A neoprene-like material that feels somewhat like "a soft pillow", it is most often used in the heel of a shoe. adiPRENE is quite durable, and is meant to respond to the cushioning needs of active feet.
adiPRENE+	adiPRENE+ is similar to adiPRENE in that it is a neoprene-like material, however it is primarily found in the forefoot of a shoe. It is located in this region because it is designed to provide greater forefoot momentum at toe-off.
a3
Bounce
Torsion	Torsion is a stability technology located in the midsole of the shoe; it is meant to provide natural rotation between the forefoot and the heel, ultimately allowing for better support in the midfoot.
Ground Control System (GCS)
Climacool

                   VERSUS

Nike Footwear Technologies

Name	Description                          (Nike began focused on track but since 1972, they have expanded greatly and now have something for almost all sports)
Nike Ground	Nike Air is the most basic cushioning material used by Nike; it is made out of a polyurethane bladder filled with air. It provides adequate cushioning for the casual wearer, but may not provide sufficient or proper cushioning for serious atheletes with individual preferences. Encapsulated Nike Air - Nike Air that is encapsulated within the heel of the shoe Visible Nike Air - Nike Air that is positioned in the heel of the shoe, but is visible
Zoom Air	Zoom Air is among the more technologically advanced (and expensive) cushioning systems used by Nike. It essentially is a thin bag of pressurized air that, when inflated, has a thickness of 8mm. Inspite of its thin profile, it often provides more than adequate cushioning, and even has somewhat of a "bounce-back" response when compressed. Zoom air is often times preferred by athletes who rely on quickness and speed because the thin profile allows for better court/field feel because your center of gravity remains mostly unchanged, and your foot is located close to the ground. Double Stacked Zoom Air - two Zoom Air packs stacked on top of each other, usually located in the heel Full Length Zoom Air - Zoom Air packs located both in the forefoot and heel, providing optimal cushioning
Max Air	A technique is used that forces air into a pre-formed shape, thus allowing for more pressurized gas to fit into a larger "bag." Max air is generally not larger in size and visible, meaning that the shoe puts the wearer at a higher distance off the ground. Because of this, Max Air is best suited for atheletes who do not necessarily depend on quickness and speed, but rather atheletes who are larger in size, and need a more dependable and firm cushioning system. Air Max 360 Air Max 180
Nike Shox	Nike Shox is a cushioning system developed by Nike that is comprised of polyurethane-foam columns that provide cushioning in a way that keeps the foot parallel to the ground; a benefit of this process is that the cushioning system provide great stability and impact protection. Nike Shox is generally located in the heel of the shoe, but there are an increasing number of shoes that feature a full length shox-based system of cushioning.
Independent Podular Suspension (IPS)	A suspension technology developed for the Air Jordan 20 (XX). The technology utilizes individual, strategically-placed pods that support the foot in key areas.
Foamposite	A polyurethane-based material created by Nike that is both durable and lightweight; it is created from a single piece of molded material. When first worn, it is somewhat uncomfortable, but over time, the material actually molds to the shape of your foot, thus providing a tailored fit that feels quite natural.
Dynamic Fit Innersleeve	A seamless inner sleeve made of lycra that hugs the foot, and is meant to take the place of the shoe tongue. Because it is seamless, many prefer it because it reduces the chance of chafing and has a natural and comfortable feel to it.
Monkey Paw	A thermoplastic urethane structure located either on the outside of the shoe, or between the lining and the outside. It is primarily located around the ankle region and helps to prevent ankle sprains due to ankle inversion.
Nike Free	An outsole structure technology that attempts to simulate barefoot running while wearing a shoe. The technology strengthens foot muscles by providing less constriction.
NIKEiD	An online innovation that allows consumers to design Nike footwear, apparel and other equipment. The product debuted through a web site, nikeid.com, in 1997.
Waffle Sole	Traction technology derived from rubber put on a hot waffle iron back in 1972. Remains the premier low profile traction, second only to actual spikes.

History of Nike post 1

The brand NIKE is named after the Greek goddess for Nike the goddess of victory . A Greek would say, " when we go to battle and we win we say NIKE", synonymous with honored conquest.  NIKE is the twentieth century footwear that lifts the world's greatest athletes to new levels of mastery and achievement. The NIKE swoosh symbol embodies the winged goddess NIKE who inspired the most courageous and chivalrous at the dawn of civilization. The swoosh symbol was designed by Caroline Davidson in 1971 Davidson was a student at Portland State University taking advertising. In spring, 1972 the first shoe with the swoosh symbol on it was introduced. The present day Nike athletic machine started off as a small distributing in the trunk of Phil Knight's trunk. From this Knight's brainchild grew to become the major athletic machine we know today as NIKE!(Nike History)

Nike was originally made for track and running shoes. But today, Nike makes shoes, socks, shirts, shorts, hoodies, glasses and many more. There are many people that favor Nike over any other brand of shoes or sports apparel. In 2014, the company alone was valued at 19 billion dollar which made it the most valuable brand among all other sports apparel businesses. Many people want to work for Nike whether its designing shoes or other athletic apparel or being a salesman for the product. The company does have competition though, who do you think is Nike's biggest competitor? ( Nike history source 2)

Phil knight the guy that made it happen.