St. Nicholas Day: Santa Claus is coming to town in spades

by Jamie Rhein on

Two Sundays ago, we saw our first Santa Claus of the season riding on a float at the end of the Holiday Lights Parade in Gahanna, Ohio. Since my son is five, I’ve come up with elaborate reasons why Santa is in so many places at the same time.

On December 6, Santa Claus–aka St. Nicholas– has his own special day. St. Nicholas Day, a holiday started to honor Bishop Nicholas, the man who used his inheritance from his wealthy family to feed the sick and clothe the poor, particularly children, back in 3rd century Greece. He started the Santa Claus tradition.

Today finds St. Nicholas visiting schools, churches and museums, plus taking part in town parades and festivals. Most of them are in Europe, but he pays visits elsewhere to spread the idea that it’s good to give–even Walt Disney World, the Epcot Center is passing the word. Here, St. Nicholas is visiting guests at the Germany Pavilion. In some places, St. Nicholas has been making visits since the middle of November, but today is the feast day.

If you want to find St. Nicholas close to you, here’s a link that lists the various countries with St. Nicholas activities. Those links lead to links of specific events. The one in the photograph actually took place last Sunday in Germany. From what I can tell the spirit of St. Nicholas is catching on with my son. Yesterday, when I showed him a Toys For Tots present I bought to give away, he didn’t say, “I want one too.”

Seven (new) natural wonders of the world: cast your vote!

by Catherine Bodry on

The seven wonders of the world were one of my earliest inspirations for travel and learning. Seven is a manageable number, and it seemed plausible to see them all. Well, evidently there’s more than seven wonders, since earlier this year seven new ones were chosen. Over 100 million people participated in selecting the new destinations. Among the new person-made structures are Machu Picchu, Peru, and Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue. (The pyramids of Giza are the only structures carried over from the original list).

Now it’s time to nominate the seven new wonders of the natural world. Currently there are around 300 suggestions from 6 continents. Beginning in January 2009, people will be able to vote via mobile phone, Internet or telephone.

Original wonders include the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, and the Grand Canyon. What would you choose?

Thanks to munkeygirl on Flickr for the photo of the Great Barrier Reef.

Liberal Housemate Wanted (Madison, WI)

by Iva Skoch on

I just saw this sign at Just Coffee (fair trade coffee shop) in Madison, Wisconsin this weekend and it made me laugh. It also made me realize it’s been a while since I looked for a roommate. Apparently, people no longer look for housemates based on their inherent sense of cleanliness and ability to pay rent on time. Today, what one seeks in a roommate is a “liberal” way of life. Republicans need not apply. What about embracing diversity, kids?

The poster says “we are serious about recycling, voting, not wasting food, water, electricity, etc.” Is that honestly what “liberal” has become in this country? And, what do you mean by “serious about voting”?

Honestly, in a town like Madison, the nest of American creativity (just a reminder – Jon Stewart, S. Colbert, The Onion…- all started here), is it even possible to find a non-liberal housemate?

Sigmund Freud is not suicidal even though he’s hanging from a building

by Jamie Rhein on

There’s a life-size statue of Sigmund Freud hanging high above the ground outside the Trade Center Building in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s created quite a stir. Good Samaritan types saw the statue hanging by one hand from a pole 7-stories up and thought it was a real man in distress. After they called the police and the truth was discovered, there must have been a sigh of relief. “Oh, it’s just Freud.”

This statue of Freud by Czech sculptor David Cerney has been hanging around in a variety of spots for a year or more. Most recently, Freud was hanging in out in Chicago. Before that, he was hanging from a pole in Prague. Freud will be in Grand Rapids, possibly accumulating more than a dusting of snow, until the spring thaw.

As for Cerney, here’s an intriguing interview with him in the Compass Prague. He moved back to the Czech Republic since the Americans he met in New York City were a bit too friendly. That’s not something you hear that much. (Actually, this is my interpretation of what he said. I may be off the mark.) [via New York Times]

Southern California’s best hotel Christmas light displays

by Neil Woodburn on

I’m a big sucker for Christmas lights. Not the simple ones hanging on family homes, mind you, nor the ostentatious ones the shove Christmas down your throat. No, I love the classy displays found so often at major hotels.

For whatever reason, high-end hotels in Southern California seem to go bonkers with lights at this time of year but they do it so tastefully and with so much class that I usually find myself visiting at least one local hotel every year to simply soak up the spirit.

For those that feel the same way I do, and plan to be in Southern California for the holidays, Valli Herman has penned a nice article for the LA Times detailing the very best light displays at local hotels and resorts.

I was very happy to see that my favorite, the Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena was included on her list. But don’t be intimated by these high-end, pricy resorts–you don’t have to check in and spend the night, just swing by the bar for a drink and enjoy.

Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa – Pasadena
The Mission Inn – Riverside
St. Regis Resort – Monarch Beach
Four Seasons Hotel – Westlake Village
Bacara Resort & Spa – Santa Barbara
Montage Resort & Spa – Laguna Beach