Thursday, December 19, 2013

Dear Santa: Christmas Wishlists to Santa from 1913 to 2013

MyHeritage, a family history website, went through the historical newspaper collections to find the top 10 gifts requested by children in 1913 compared to today. While children in 1913 were more interested in receiving food and clothes, today children seem intent on only requesting the latest gadget and toy. Check out the lists below and see where your child falls.


The MyHeritage list of the most commonly requested gifts from 100 years ago:

1913:
1. Candy
2. Nuts
3. Rocking horse
4. Doll
5. Mittens/gloves
6. Toy train
7. Oranges
8. Books
9. Handkerchiefs
10. Skates 






The items most sought after by today's children:

2013:
1. Furby Boom
2. Teksta Robotic puppy
3. LeapPad Ultra
4. Flying Fairy
5. Bug Hugs Elmo
6. Barbie Dream house
7. Giggly Monkey
8. Nerf Gun
9. Ninja Turtles
10. Lego

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Who's your favorite Holiday Icon?

The holidays aren't just about opening Christmas presents and stuffing your face with holiday cookies. It is the one time of year where legendary figures are abundant. From watching "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" to reading 'Twas a Night Before Christmas," each brings one or more holiday icon to life. With so many amazing characters to choose from, we want to know: which Christmas icon is your favorite?

 Who's your favorite Christmas figure?
  
pollcode.com free polls 

Friday, December 6, 2013

Christmas Carols: Which One is Your Favorite?

For centuries people have been gathering to sing songs in celebration of Christmas and the holidays. As time passed, those songs became known as Christmas carols and in the 13th century, with the encouragement of St. Francis of Assisi, people began to singing Christmas carols in their native languages. While many songs are in celebration of the Christmas season and the Yuletide, others symbolize the merriment associated with the Christmas traditions of decorating and the expressions of joy, love, hope, and happiness that are associated with the season. What is your favorite Christmas Carol to ring in the holiday season?


What is your favorite Christmas carol?
Winter Wonderland
Silent Night
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Deck the Hall
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
O Holy Night
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Jingle bells
Poll Maker

Friday, November 22, 2013

Thanksgiving History: Meal-Time Taditions

While Thanksgiving may have started out as a religious celebration, over the years it has lost most of its religious significance in American households. Instead of being a day devoted to religious warship it has become a day centered around family, friends, cooking and celebration. While the holiday has evolved over the years, the one tradition that remains the same is eating a bountiful meal and one food staple that has become synonymous with the holiday is Turkey. With over 91% of Americans consuming this flightless bird, it has become the one Thanksgiving tradition almost all Americans share. While other traditional foods, like cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are common in many households, non are consumed as much as Turkey.


Thursday, November 14, 2013

World's Most Dangerou's Roads: Trollstigen Road in Norway



In Norway there is a road alongside a 1050-foot Stigfossen waterfall that contains 11 hairpin turns at grades of up to 9 percent. If this wasn't enough to deter the lucid driver, each turn takes you higher and high up the mountain pass until you reach 2,790-feet. Also known as the "Troll's Way" by locals, this dangerous stretch of serpentine road is not one I suggest trying with.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Three Fall Car Care Tips

Don't let your vehicle be ill prepared for the fall and winter weather. Check out the tips below to make sure your vehicle stays in proper working order until spring.

1. While it is rare that your vehicles cabin will fill with deadly exhaust fumes, it is also good to have your vehicles exhaust system checked for any problems or leaks. Also, be sure a mechanic checks the vehicles floor boards and trunk for any small holes that could fuel the fumes. 

2.  A major item that can be left unchecked until disaster strikes is your vehicles transmission. Before going off on a long winter road trip, be sure your vehicle has had routine checks and fluid changes at the correct times to prevent any costly damage.  

3. During the fall and winter months, driving along icy roads and in snow can get extremely dangerous. In order to prevent yourself from getting stuck in a tough spot be sure your vehicle is always equipped with an emergency kit which includes: gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, extra batteries, a cell phone, and an extra car charger. Also it's a good idea to keep a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.