Exclusive! The A-Listers of Christmas - Baby Jesus, Santa, Rudolf, Frosty - Reveal Their Stories

When it comes to the biggest characters of the Christmas season, you might initially think of all of your television favourites. After all, what Christmas would be complete without at least the possibility of sitting down in front of the TV - post-lunch - and enjoying a repeat of ET, James Bond, Indiana Jones or - shock horror - perhaps even Mary Poppins? There's Rambo too, but not until after the kids have gone to bed. Or perhaps the Queen comes to mind when one thinks of the most important faces of Christmas. After all, who hasn't tuned into to Her Majesty's afternoon slot, and - filled with a sense of pride - listened to what the Queen considers to be the most important highlights of the year that is now drawing to a close? There really are few Christmas Gifts more magical than that.

But, Christmas would not be complete without a few more heavy-hitters; the real A-List celebrities of the festive season. And the Big Daddy of them all is little Baby Jesus. Also known as Jesus of Nazareth and Jesus Christ, Baby Jesus is a central figure of Christianity and a prophet of Islam.

Advent Tradition Circles Around a Wreath

If you ask any Catholic, they will tell you the season of Advent is a period of penance and preparing their heart for the coming of the Baby Jesus. But although not part of the Holy See’s opinion on Advent, the advent wreath, advent season and the family activities helps families stay focused on the real meaning of the season, Jesus, and not the commercialism Christmas has become. 

Wassily Kandinsky

To gain a historical perspective of abstract art it is necessary to first look at the painters that have had a profound effect on the medium. Artist Wassily Kandinsky is one that has to be included in any discussion on the history of Abstract art.

History of Automobiles: 1828-1910

At the same time steam powered vehicles were being developed, other inventors were hard at work developing a horseless carriage run by means of electricity. A Hungarian by the name of Anyos Jedlik built a small model car powered by an electric motor as early as 1828. Similar efforts were produced in the United States in 1834, and the Netherlands in 1835. Scottish inventors made the first full sized electric carriage soon afterward. This led to the rise of electricity-based transport in the US and Europe, at a time when Steam locomotion was also becoming fashionable as a new alternative to old fashioned literal horse power.

Early Years of Automobile History: 1672-1875

 

Although the first modern car running on gasoline was developed by German inventor Karl Benz in 1885, there were a number of precursors that ran on steam. The earliest known design of a steam powered vehicle was invented by a Jesuit missionary to China from Flanders, Belgium, by the name of Ferdinand Verbiest, in around the year 1672. From his recorded description, it appears that this was just a tiny model or toy that was designed for the Chinese Emperor Kangxi. In fact, there is no proof that his design was ever actually built. 

Wolf Paintings

Wolf paintings are among some of the more popular of wildlife art. It may be a portrait of a single wolf or of the pack or a mother with her pups. The most popular of the aforementioned are lone wolf paintings.

There is something mystical about this animal that seems to summon different feelings from people that no other type of art does. That may be because these creatures have been feared for so long and not understood.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg, Germany is probably most well-known for the ill-fated “Nuremberg Trials” where Nazi generals were sentenced to death in light of the country’s defeat in World War Two and the massacres of the Holocaust. This red mark has, sadly, overshadowed the remarkable and generally non-genocidal history of Nuremberg. During the German Renaissance in the 1400s, for instance, Nuremberg was the cultural epicenter of Germany and it was the first city in the country to recognize the Protestant movement in the 1500s. Nuremberg is also one of the most important cities as far as astronomy is concerned. One of the first observatories in history was erected in Nuremberg and Alfred Durer of Nuremberg brought the stars to the masses when he created the first printed star charts.

The Best Dogs For Families With Children

Submitted by: Kelly Marshall

There is much speculation about which dog breeds are the best for families with young children. There is no definitive answer to this question. Almost any type of dog has the potential to do well will kids. Each dog has its own unique personality and you never know exactly how they will turn out. Many factors go into determining a dog's ability to mesh well with children. 

Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for a family dog.

Three Art Projects For Instant Wall Art

Submitted by: Alyssa Davis

While many people choose to buy professionally made wall art, art is something that just about anyone can make. Wall art is a wonderful way to add a one of a kind focal point to any room, so it is a great decorating tool. There are many projects that are simple enough for just about anyone to do at home to decorate their own walls.

How To Use Twitter To Build Your Network Marketing Business

Submitted by: Sandra Essex

Of all of the social networking sites, Twitter has most notably taken the web by storm in the last year. For this reason, getting in on the Twitter craze can be a highly effective method of building your MLM business. In two words, Twitter equals free leads. However, in order for Twitter to be an effective MLM and free lead building tool, it is essential that it is correctly and appropriately utilized for maximum benefit.

By following a few simple guidelines, it can be a very lucrative tool, both financially and in the number of free leads it produces. In fact, many highly successful MLM business entrepreneurs swear by Twitter and its unrivaled ability to generate word-of-mouth buzz, thereby generating free leads.

First of all, do not underestimate the power of reaching potential customers in masses. Even if a large percentage of them are never going to be buying what you’re selling, reaching potential customers in bulk is the single most effective way to get your name out there, and in turn build up a comprehensive list of free leads.

Fictional Computers - Good Vs. Evil [Infographic]

There are so many cool supercomputers, whether in books or movies...

The Team at 'Glow New Media' decided that it would be interesting to take a look at the good and the bad and... made a brilliant infographic about it.

Which side would you bet on?

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

Book Tour: 'Bound By Blood' by Scott Springer [Guest Post By The Author + Book Trailer Included]

"Julia has accepted the Lord and is busy returning her life to order. She is not ready for love, especially when the new site foreman at work stirs up forgotten feelings. She knows a playboy when she sees one, but to Rick Mercado the attraction between them is surprisingly real. Other girls no longer interest him, and if she wants to play hard to get that's fine with him. Let the games begin! 

What he doesn't realize is that her dangerous secret is not a game. 

Julia's brother has returned from the street, strung out and in trouble with rival gangs. Loyalty to her brother draws Julia deeper into a world of drug deals and thugs. Rick doesn't understand why Julia won't simply go to the cops, especially once the bullets start flying. As Julia slips further into a world of violence, Rick realizes how easily his heart can be broken. His brain says to run, but his heart isn't listening. It may already be too late. 

BOUND BY BLOOD. Love and suspense, heartfelt moments and guns a blazing. 

What a killer combination!"

More about this novel and its author in today's post...

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent