| Russia National Day by Jane Roseen |
| Russia Day is one of the newest holidays celebrated by the Russian people. This does not mean, however, that it comes without due pomp and circumstance. Although it’s still young, Russia Day is evolving into a holiday revered by the Russian people. |
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| A. Korkunov The History of a Russian Chocolatier by Jane Roseen |
| When the USSR fell in 1991; a new brand of Russian businessperson was born. No longer under the heavy hand of the Communist Party, the Russian version of capitalism rose from the ashes of the latent regime. One of these businessmen was Mr. AndreiKorkunov. |
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| A Father's Day Experience by Jane Roseen |
| One man's story of why Father's Day is especially meaningful to him. |
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| The History of Chocolate by Jane Roseen |
| A journey through the history of chocolate reveals that this mysterious food has woven its story throughout multiple cultures and continents impacting civilizations culturally, socially, economically and spiritually. A study of the history of chocolate begins by going back in time to the realm of the Maya Indians and the Olmec Civilizations of Central America. |
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| The Mysterious Truffle by Jane Roseen |
| The center is called ganache, which is a mixture of chocolate and cream. The exact balance between the two determines the creaminess and texture of the center. More cream, and it’s a smoother, softer truffle center. Less cream, more chocolate, and it’s a firmer, coarser truffle. In addition, the ganache can be flavored with a variety of items to create a new taste altogether. Some of the perennial favorites include nuts, essential extracts, and liqueurs. |
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| The Memory of a Valentine by Jane Roseen |
| We always wanted more children, but didn’t seem to fall pregnant as easily as we had before. However, we were content with our Emily. Until the May just after Emily turned 4. It was the day before Matt’s and my anniversary, and Emily and I were running errands. I was admittedly in a hurry, trying to get everything done before our scheduled 5th anniversary vacation in three short days. |
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| The Legend of Chinese Valentine's Day by Jane Roseen |
| Chinese Valentine’s Day is on the Seventh Day of the Seventh Month on the Chinese calendar, which falls on August 4th this year. Legend has it that the seventh daughter of the Emperor of Heaven, a weaving maid, fell in love and married a cowherd. They were so much in love that they forgot everything else in their lives and didn't complete their farming and weaving duties, which angered the Jade Emperor. |
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| The History of Valentine's Day by Jane Roseen |
| Many people try to complain that Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a “Hallmark holiday” dreamed up by businesses seeking to profit from the desperate masses seeking love. However, nothing could be further from the Valentine’s Day traces its history back to ancient Rome, long before any such businesses started looking towards their bottom line. |
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| The History of St. Patrick's Day by Jane Roseen |
| St. Patrick’s Day has become a celebration of all things Irish. Most public celebrations include quite large quantities of alcohol. Many families serve corned beef, cabbage, and mint chocolate pies every year on March 17th. And some cities like Chicago turn large bodies of water green to commemorate the life of St. Patrick. |
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| The Greatest Mom in the History of the World by Jane Roseen |
| Everyone thinks their mom is the Greatest Mom in the History of the World. When I was a child, my friends always used to try to claim that their mom was the best, and a scuffle would break out. I would just stand to the side and smirk; they were, of course, all wrong. |
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| The Chinese Art of Cloisonné by Jane Roseen |
| Cloisonné is a unique combination of copper and porcelain working skills, traditional painting, sculpting, and etching skills. Originating in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), cloisonné is an intricate process that requires many years of training for an artisan to master. |
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| Travel to Ireland by Jane Roseen |
| In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, our travel destination of the month is to be Ireland. This idyllic isle off the coast of Britain is known for its rolling green hills, friendly faces, and rich history. |
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| Spring Travel by Jane Roseen |
| Spring has arrived, and it’s time to plan that ever-popular Spring Vacation. But where to go? Florida’s always packed to the gills, many of the Caribbean islands can be dicey politically, and Cancun is still in recovery mode after Hurricane Wilma. This year, why not branch out, head a little further south, and discover one of the world’s biggest countries – Brazil. |
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| Spring Customs Around the World by Jane Roseen |
| As spring reaches those of us in the Northern hemisphere, the world is beginning anew. The spring rains are bringing forth new growth all around us, and the temperature is finally creeping warmer virtually every day. It’s no wonder, then, that Spring is considered to be a prime time for celebration throughout the world. |
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| Preparing for the Holidays by Jane Roseen |
| November has come, and the Halloween decorations are being packed away.Now comes the big social months of the year. That’s right, it’s time to plan for the holidays already. But if you prepare now, before the holidays are right upon us, you will save yourself the last minute headache that seems to come every year. |
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| Oktoberfest Celebrations Worldwide by Jane Roseen |
| Can't make it to Munich, Germany, to the official Oktoberfest? Why not check out one of the many other Oktoberfests celebrated around the world. The largest Oktoberfest outside Germany is held in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, around the time of Canadian Thanksgiving. |
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| Neuchâtel, Switzerland by Jane Roseen |
| When thinking of Switzerland, what first comes to mind? Okay, besides yodeling (read about the history of yodeling or listen to yodeling), the Swiss Alps, and watchmakers. Read on to learn about some of the many other fascinating festivals, history, and recipes Switzerland is known for. |
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| Mother's Day Gift Ideas by Jane Roseen |
| This year, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th.And as that date fast approaches, many of us find ourselves wandering through the plethora of gifts available for Mom, trying to find just the right gift for our special lady. Here are some great options for the mother in your life. |
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| How to Celebrate Australia Day by Jane Roseen |
| For those outside of the Southern Hemisphere who wish to celebrate Australia Day, it can seem somewhat difficult to do so in an authentic manner. As January 26th falls during the heat of the Australian summer, people like to celebrate with outdoorsy activities. But the chill of the winter for those of us north of the equator can dampen this sun-loving spirit. No matter! |
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| Holiday Treat Traditions Around the World by Jane Roseen |
| The stores quickly fill up with egg nog, wasail ingredients, and chocolate shaped into just about every shape imaginable. But this year, how about looking at the more traditional holiday treats to spice up your gatherings. By focusing on the traditional and meaningful instead of the gaudy and commercial, you may find that you introduce your family and friends to treats that they love to both eat and discuss. |
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| History of Oktoberfest by Jane Roseen |
| The first Oktoberfest was held on Ocotber 12, 1810, in Munich to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and princess Maria Teresa of Saxony-Hildburghausen on what was to become known as Theresienwieses - Theresa's fields. |
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| Family Christmas Traditions from Germany by Jane Roseen |
| German legend says that, on Christmas Eve, all the rivers turn to wine, the animals speak to each other and to humans, trees bear fruit, church bells ring from the sea, and gems pour forth from the mountains.Is it any wonder, then, that family Christmas traditions in Germany are bold, beautiful, and full of cheer? |
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| Create Your Own Bastille Day Celebration by Jane Roseen |
| Not everyone has the luxury to travel to France for Bastille Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the French version of Independence Day right from your home town. |
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| Childhood Memories of Christmas in Germany by Jane Roseen |
| My grandparents migrated from Germany long before I was even a twinkle in my father’s eye. My father was two at the time and doesn’t remember much of his life in Germany. My grandmother, though, has always stayed in touch with her brothers and sisters remaining in Germany and often longed for a Christmas spent with her family back home. |
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| Bastille Day - France's Independence Day by Jane Roseen |
| Bastille Day is much like Independence Day in the United States - It is the celebration of a new form of government. Bastille Day symbolizes the overthrow of the old monarchy and the beginning of the French republic. |
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