The song may refer to a white Christmas, but snow can also be pink and is sometimes called watermelon snow. The coloration is caused by a species of ice-loving algae, Chlamydomonas nivalis. This organism contains chlorophyl (green), but also has a carotenoid, which is reddish (think carrots). When the snow melts, the algae activates the… Continue Reading Were you dreaming of a pink Christmas?
Are you looking to practice resistance, to get your feet moving with a protest anthem that addresses a range of social and political issues, including gun violence, reproductive rights, climate change, and racial injustice? Give a listen to March March by The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks)
The January Share the Plate recipient is Murphy’s Giving Market. This is a largely volunteer organization that primarily serves people in poverty in Upper Darby and surrounding areas. They provide fresh, healthful, and culturally appropriate food options, clothing, and hygiene products; facilitate access to a wide network of resources; and empower clients to create long-lasting… Continue Reading Murphy’s Giving Market
Some people are afraid of snakes, others are afraid of clowns. But people suffering from christougenniatikophobia are afraid of Christmas. A specific type of heortophobia (fear of holidays), the word stems from Greek, meaning “Christ-birth-related-fear.” It is often rooted in childhood trauma, financial stress, or negative associations with traditions like Santa or family gatherings, causing… Continue Reading What is Christougenniatikophobia?
While in Paris in 1891, Tchaikovsky discovered a newly invented instrument, the celesta. He had it shipped to Russia and used it in The Nutcracker Ballet’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. It has been used in recordings by artists from Fats Waller and the Beatles to Pink Floyd and Fiona Apple. And it is… Continue Reading What does a sugar plum fairy sound like?
Chilly air means sniffly noses. When we breathe in, our noses warm the air and add moisture to it as it travels down into our lungs. Cold, dry air irritates your nasal lining, and as a result, your nasal glands produce excess mucus to keep the lining moist. That can cause those drops that drip… Continue Reading Why does your nose run when it’s cold?
In 1972, the first American commercial product sold in the Soviet Union was Pepsi. Because the ruble was essentially worthless, Russia paid for Pepsi with Stolichnaya vodka. In 1989, there was a sanction against Russian products, so they paid for the soft drink with part of their naval fleet, including 17 decommissioned submarines, a cruiser,… Continue Reading Which soft drink company was once a naval power?
Hope is an action, not just a feeling, and it can be found in recognizing our suffering, relying on a community of others, and even looking beyond ourselves for a higher power. Hear now the Bengsons as they sing Hope Comes.
The December Share the Plate recipient is the Making a Change Group. They support individuals and families in the city of Chester, Pennsylvania, and surrounding municipalities striving to achieve positive change for themselves, their families, and their communities. Their programs include violence intervention and prevention, youth mentoring, and multi-level support for families as they work… Continue Reading Making a Change Group
