Month: December 2024

Actor Dick Van Dyke Turns 99

December 16, 2024

Dick Van Dyke was born in 1925, and turned 99 on December 13, 2024. His career started in the late 1940s as a radio DJ in Illinois. From there he moved on to television, Broadway theater, and motion pictures.

The actor married for a second time in 2012 to Arlene Silver, who is 46 years his junior. He attributes his well-being to staying active and to his wife. He says that they are very close and that he loves her more every day.

Dick Van Dyke is best known for his role in the movie Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Bye Bye Birdie, and for his tv series The Dick Van Dyke Show.

The life of Dick Van Dyke is celebrated In this 7-minute Coldplay video All My Love.

Good King Wenceslas: A Tale of Christmas Charity

December 13, 2024

Good King Wenceslas is a Christmas carol written in 1853 by John Mason Neale and Thomas Helmore. The song embodies the Christmas season of charity and kindness.

This rendition was recorded in 1999 by the Irish Rovers. The song tells the story of a charitable king and his page. Setting out on a harsh winter night they provide food and winter fuel to a poor man living in a nearby village.

Good King Wenceslas Lyrics

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the Feast of Stephen
When the snow lay ’round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath’ring winter fuel.

Hither page and stand by me
If thou know’st it telling
Yonder peasant who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?
Sire he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes’ fountain.


Bring me mead and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither.


Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind’s wild lament
And the bitter weather.


Sire the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart I know not how
I can go no longer
Mark my footsteps my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.


In his master’s steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore Christian men be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.

Cooking A Christmas Feast in 1820

December 12, 2024

The video demonstrates preparing a typical Christmas dinner in 1820. Working over a crackling open fire, the cook uses traditional early 19th century cast iron pots, wood and metal utensils.

The menu includes Goose & Apple Pie, Bean Cakes with Bacon, and Gingerbread Cookies. The pie is baked in a cast iron pot. Heat is provided by inverting the lid and filling it with hot embers.

Nature’s Candy: Health Benefits of Figs

December 11, 2024
Dried Figs

Figs are nicknamed nature’s candy because of their high natural sugar content. Dried figs have a sweet, chewy soft and crunchy texture.

Dried figs are made from fresh figs that have been dehydrated to remove their moisture content.

Benefits of Figs

Fresh Figs
  • Figs are an excellent source of dietary fiber.
  • Figs contain 7 essential minerals: copper, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
  • Figs contain Vitamins A, K and B6.
  • Dried figs are one of the best sources of calcium. One serving, about 4 figs has 50 – 60mg of calcium.
  • Figs are considered a super snack.
  • Figs help to support intestinal health due to their high fiber content.
  • Figs are low in calories.

Quick and Healthy Cottage Cheese Meal Ideas

December 10, 2024

Cottage cheese is a low calorie food that is high in calcium and protein. A good reason to include cottage cheese in your diet is to prevent osteoporosis since calcium helps to maintain strong, healthy bones.

Cottage cheese provides a quick, highly nutritious breakfast, lunch or snack. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture. Many brands offer a low fat variety. You can add your own flavors by adding herbs such as oregano, basil, onion or garlic granules.

Another important nutrient found in cottage cheese is selenium, an essential trace mineral that supports thyroid health.

Quick Cottage Cheese Meals

  • Cottage Cheese Raw Fruit Salad with Sliced Oranges, Apples or Pineapple
  • Cottage Cheese Raw Vegetable Salad with Raw Carrots, Peppers and Celery
  • Cottage Cheese Spread over Multigrain Crackers or Toasted English Muffin
  • Raw Vegetable Dip with Red, Green or Yellow Peppers

Fitness Inspiration

December 9, 2024

How do you build up your bank account? By putting something in it everyday.Your health account is no different. What I do today, I am wearing tomorrow. If I put inferior foods in my body today, I’m going to be inferior tomorrow, it’s that simple.

Jack LaLanne (1914 – 2011) – The Godfather of Fitness