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Stephen Colbert And Norah Jones Have Written The Worst Christmas Song Ever — Real Stories – UPROXX

December 13, 2016 — 1 Comment

There are many “worst” Christmas songs. Esquire says it’s “Wonderful Christmas Time” by Paul McCartney and Wings, a “song whose awesome black hole of musicality is almost powerful enough to suck the life out of everything McCartney did before,” while Paste and the Daily Dot counter with “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” which,…

via Stephen Colbert And Norah Jones Have Written The Worst Christmas Song Ever — Real Stories – UPROXX

Veridis Visconti, 17th Great-Grandmother, Duchess Austria

December 13, 2016 — 1 Comment

Veridis Duchess Austria Visconti

My 17th great-grandmother was born into a noble family in trouble with the papacy. Veridis ( sometimes spelled Viridis) was born in Milan in 1352. Her father was excommunicated 1363 for opposing the Pope in Rome. She is buried at the Cistercian monastery in Sittich ,Obcina, Ljubljana, in modern and Slovenia. Her husband, the duke, died in Lucerne Switzerland, leaving her a widow at the age of 34.

Veridis Duchess Austria Visconti

Veridis Duchess Austria Visconti (1352 – 1414)
17th great-grandmother
Ernst I “Ironside” Archduke of Austria Habsburg (1377 – 1424)
son of Veridis Duchess Austria Visconti
Katharina Archduchess Austria Von Habsburg (1420 – 1493)
daughter of Ernst I “Ironside” Archduke of Austria Habsburg
Christof I VanBaden (1453 – 1527)
son of Katharina Archduchess Austria Von Habsburg
Beatrix Zahringen (1492 – 1535)
daughter of Christof I VanBaden
Sabine Grafin VonSimmern (1528 – 1578)
daughter of Beatrix Zahringen
Marie L Egmond (1564 – 1678)
daughter of Sabine Grafin VonSimmern
Richard Sears (1590 – 1676)
son of Marie L Egmond
Silas Sears (1638 – 1697)
son of Richard Sears
Silas Sears (1661 – 1732)
son of Silas Sears
Sarah Sears (1697 – 1785)
daughter of Silas Sears
Sarah Hamblin (1721 – 1814)
daughter of Sarah Sears
Mercy Hazen (1747 – 1819)
daughter of Sarah Hamblin
Martha Mead (1784 – 1860)
daughter of Mercy Hazen
Abner Morse (1808 – 1838)
son of Martha Mead
Daniel Rowland Morse (1838 – 1910)
son of Abner Morse
Jason A Morse (1862 – 1932)
son of Daniel Rowland Morse
Ernest Abner Morse (1890 – 1965)
son of Jason A Morse
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Ernest Abner Morse
Pamela Morse
You are the daughter of Richard Arden Morse

Viridis Visconti (1352–1414) was an Italian noblewoman, a daughter of Bernabò Visconti and his wife Beatrice Regina della Scala. By her marriage to Leopold III, Duke of Austria, Viridis was Duchess consort of Austria, Styria and Carinthia, she was also Countess consort of Tyrol.

Viridis was born in Milan, Italy and was the second of seventeen children.
Her sister, Taddea Visconti married Stephen III, Duke of Bavaria and was mother of Isabeau of Bavaria, wife of Charles VI of France. Viridis and the rest of her sisters secured politically-advantageous marriages.
Her maternal grandparents were Mastino II della Scala and his wife Taddea da Carrara. Her paternal grandparents were Stefano Visconti and his wife Valentina Doria.
Viridis’ father, Bernabò was described as a cruel and ruthless despot. He was also an implacable enemy of the Church. He seized the papal city of Bologna, rejected the Pope and his authority, confiscated ecclesiastical property, and forbade any of his subjects to have any dealings with the Curia. He was excommunicated as a heretic in 1363 by Pope Urban V, who preached crusade against him. When Bernabò was in one of his frequent rages, only the children’s mother, Beatrice Regina was able to approach him.

Viridis married Leopold III, Duke of Austria, son of Albert II, Duke of Austria and his wife Johanna of Pfirt. The couple had six children:
William
Leopold
Ernest the Iron
Frederick
Elisabeth (1378–1392)
Katharina (1385–?) Abbess of St. Klara in Vienna
Viridis was widowed in 1386 and so their eldest son, William became Duke of Austria.
William was engaged to Jadwiga of Hungary, youngest daughter of the neighboring king, was one of the first attempts of the House of Habsburg to extend their sphere of influence in Eastern Central Europe by marrying heiresses, a practice that gave rise to the phrase Bella gerant alii: tu felix Austria nube (Let others make war: thou happy Austria, marry). The wedding was broken off.
Viridis died in 1 March 1414 and out-lived at least three of six children, since her younger daughter, Katherine’s date of death is unknown. Viridis is buried in Sittich in Lower Carniola.

Source, Wikipedia

Say It in Latin, Qui Bono

December 13, 2016 — 1 Comment

The Borgias

The Latin phrase qui bono means as benefit to whom? In legal cases it is used to determine who might be responsible for criminal acts. I have been watching the series on Showtime, The Borgias, an accurate portrayal of the family and history of Italy. The key figure in the drama is Rodrigo Borgia, who reigned as Pope of Rome Alexander VI. He was Pope from 11 August 1492 until his death on 18 August 1503. He was a highly controversial figure who ruled the Roman Catholic Church with an iron fist and very little respect for church doctrine. His personal excesses were epic, and his bastard children were all lavished with money and power.

The politics of Italy were complex and treacherous, with the Vatican serving as king maker and power broker. Alliances and secret plots were rampant. They Borgias made enemies of many of the families, the most prominent of which was the Sforza clan. First the Pope’s daughter Lucrezia is wed to a Sforza, but obtains annulment from her father a few months into the marriage. Her husband is later murdered by her brother Cesare. Castles are placed under siege and bloody battles are fought between the Sforzas and the papal army. Intrigue inside and outside the Vatican was rampant. The Borgias were known to be masters of the art of lethal poison. A plot nearly succeeds to kill Rodrigo with a glass of wine, but his daughter administers charcoal and saves his life. It was a wild game of liar’s poker.

As I watch the crazy politics unfold in 15th Century Rome and the church I can’t help but be reminded of present day politics. Spies, traitors and terrorists determined the outcome of Borgia power struggles. It appears we are wrapped in a double or triple plot in real time with much subterfuge and mystery clouding our election results. When enemies of enemies betray friends we need to ask a basic question: “Who benefits from this?” This concept was alive in ancient Rome because it points to the cause rather than to the red herrings intended to confuse.

If 400 pound hackers, of Russian or other origin, can change the election results in the United States the question is “Qui bono?” What do you think, gentle reader?

Qui bono

El Tiradito, Tucson’s Sinner Shrine

December 12, 2016 — 1 Comment

We had a houseguest over the weekend who was starting a long car journey to Michigan. I took her on a miniature guided tour of Tucson Saturday afternoon. We stopped at the venerable Arizona Inn, near home, to visit the Christmas tree, the croquet court, and the elegance that is the Inn. Next stop was the U of A Poetry Center. My guest was delighted at the chance to read for about 45 minutes in our fabulous environment dedicated strictly to poetry. She found some great poets, and so did I. From there we travelled to my favorite, often overlooked, art in the city, some forged metal window guards by Tom Bredlow , a Tucson blacksmith of great skill and artistry, that depict the desert animals. Bredlow is now a total recluse who continued a legacy of Raul Vasquez. Tom even purchased some of his tools when Raul passed away. He continued to hammer out super fine metal art that graces the city. These window guards are in the Barrio Viejo de Tucson, looking right at home.

forged metal by Tom Bredlow

Our final destination on the tour was El Tiradito. I had given her a couple of milagros carved from jet to make offering/wishes along her route. The tradition of wishing on this spot is deeply rooted in the history of Tucson. This popular shrine is in use since the 1870s. It stands on what was once part of El Camino Real, or royal road to Mexico City. Padre Kino himself was once walking on this exact location, giving it a connection to the Spanish conquest in the 1600’s. The legend surrounding the shrine is a story of a doomed love triangle and murdered lover who could not be buried in the Catholic cemetery due to his sinful final state. The murdered man was supposedly buried under the stoop of his lover’s house, where she built a shrine. Juan Oliveras is the only sinner to have his own place on the National Historical Register.

El Tiradito

Today is Virgin of Guadalupe Day, 12 December, the day Mexico celebrates the day of its patron saint. Before the Spanish conquest Mexico had a female deity protecting it. Tonantzin was on the job since prehistory as an Aztec goddess. Her history and tradition is preColombian. She is, and has been, the local female deity for centuries. Our friend went to Mesilla, New Mexico on her first stopover after leaving us. The nearby village of Tortugas is the site of one of the oldest Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations in this country. She is being fully initiated by our local Enchantment before heading north into the snow. Her mystical as well as her physical journey is now blessed by both Tonantzin and Juan Oliveras. Nice benediction.

It’s a distracted Taurus Moon today 12-11-2016 — Libra Seeking Balance

December 11, 2016 — 3 Comments

The day starts off on a productive note for the Taurus Moon as she enjoys a trine to Pluto in Capricorn. However by midday she has to put up with distractions from Jupiter in Libra and then the Sun-Saturn conjunction in Sagittarius. What sounds like fun to those boisterous planets may cause the home loving […]

via It’s a distracted Taurus Moon today 12-11-2016 — Libra Seeking Balance

Weekend Coffee Share, Embracing Darkness

December 10, 2016 — 7 Comments

#WeekendCoffeeShare

Welcome to the coffee party. I am glad you have the time to drop in for a cup of coffee, tea, or good cheer. If we were having coffee today I would invite you to stay for a while to tell me what is up in your life. We have a very festive table set for your visit today. I just whipped up some cranberry rhubarb sauce, and am sipping on my new favorite tea, roiboos lemon cloud. In the back yard I am grilling up eggplants and a very large batch of green chiles I picked up at the produce bonanza this morning. The selection this week ( We get 60 pounds of produce for $10) was small, but the quality very high. Nothing says Christmas in Tucson like perfect green chile, so I filled the box to the brim. We brought home watermelons, green peppers and eggplant too. I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to use/ and or give away all the fresh vegetables before they rot. There will be sour cream enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and some chilaquiles later today. Stick around if you like Mexican food. I made great tomatillo/jalapeño salsa last week that is outstanding. We like it spicy around here.

If you are not fond of Mexican food we have great leftovers from an impromptu party we threw this week. I made an English Christmas Pudding, which created discussion, which in turn lead to a weeknight party with great old friends. One of our guests lives close enough to walk over, and has vast experience with pudding like this. His family has a traditional holiday pudding called a puzzle pudding, which they inherited from their ancestors in Wales. I made one with apples and rum raisins, and served it with great quantities of whipped cream. We partied on homemade spinach artichoke dip, crudités, olives, and cheese fondue while sipping hot spiced cider. It was perfect for our low key style. We had a great time catching up with our friends, and the effort was minimal.

As we head into the darkest days of the year I am going extra dark next week. I have an appointment to receive a light treatment at my dermatologist’s office that is kind of tedious. It requires that I stay at the office for about 2 hours, which is not so severe. After the treatment I must avoid light of all kinds for about 3 days to ensure proper healing. It is even contraindicated to sit by a window inside the house. I have rolling shutters downstairs, so I can effectively create a black out inside. While the rest of the world rolls by I will spend three days 18-21 December in total darkness binging on television and hopefully doing some writing and art. I may do some cooking, but am feeling kind of finished with holiday meal preparation. I am accentuating the winter solstice for full effect. I have candles, essential oils, and fancy red robe to dress up like Mrs. Santa Claus. I will be going into deep cover. I hope to emerge refreshed and ready for a brand new year. I wish you all a happy Saturnalia.

I appreciate the chance to share coffee and more with this group of talented writers. Stop by Diana’s blog to read, comment, or post your own coffee stories. The group is welcoming and intelligent. We welcome your point of view.

Green Chiles

Your Past does not need to Follow you into 2017…

December 9, 2016 — 1 Comment

Be here now

The Responsive Universe

lightburst

When looking back on the past does not interest you anymore…. Well, you know you are heading forward in the right direction…. It is amazing how much energy we can expend on thinking about the past: Our failures and mistakes; our stresses and worries about things we probably can’t change. The past is the past….

The only control we have is the present moment… right here, right now… It is the actions we take right here; right now that can change the future; thus rewriting any past negativity. Remember that as we head into a New Year. Your past does not need to define you. Further, you have complete control over the present moment which can dictate the future…

Peace, Love and Illumination!

John C. Bader is a photographer, wellness advocate and consultant specializing in spiritual self-evolution, meditation, and bio-energy healing. In his writing, he bridges science with spirituality and…

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The First One Hundred Years Of Kirk Douglas

December 9, 2016 — 1 Comment

Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas celebrates his 100th birthday today. He is not only a piece of cinema history, but has portrayed historical roles, the most famous of which was Spartacus. He wrote a warning recently to the American people. He shared the wisdom of his perspective as a boy who joined the navy after Pearl Harbor to fight. He is married to a woman who was born in Belgium. They have both been shocked by the rhetoric of the recent election and the resulting prevailing unrest and distrust. They have direct experience with the dangers of extremism and hate based politics. He opposed the Hollywood blacklists, and lived to tell about it.

I urge you to read his entire statement. Here is an excerpt to tempt you to do so:

“Until now, I believed I had finally seen everything under the sun. But this was the kind of fear-mongering I have never before witnessed from a major U.S. presidential candidate in my lifetime.

I have lived a long, good life. I will not be here to see the consequences if this evil takes root in our country. But your children and mine will be. And their children. And their children’s children.

All of us still yearn to remain free. It is what we stand for as a country. I have always been deeply proud to be an American. In the time I have left, I pray that will never change. In our democracy, the decision to remain free is ours to make.

My 100th birthday is exactly one month and one day after the next presidential election. I’d like to celebrate it by blowing out the candles on my cake, then whistling “Happy Days Are Here Again.”

As my beloved friend Lauren Bacall once said, “You know how to whistle don’t you? You just put your lips together and blow.”

I wish Kirk and his friends a very festive day. His doctor promised him a shot of vodka if he made it to 100 years. He plans to take the offer at an afternoon party for 150 or so of his closest friends. Cheers to a happy birthday! Twitter is all a twee with #IamSpartacus today in tribute.

movie star

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017 Is Greenery — TIME

December 8, 2016 — 1 Comment

The Pantone Color Institute has spoken: at a time when it seems everybody is in need of some hope, the bright “greenery” should help provide some as the 2017 Color of the Year. The idolized color authority announced its choice of the shade Pantone 15-0343 (generally called “greenery”) on Thursday. Pantone chooses a color each…

via Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017 Is Greenery — TIME This is the green that will lead 2017. Greenery will sprout in the spring of the year, bringing brightness, merriment and cheer. Despair not, lose the fear. Pantone Color Institute is here to perk up our year.

Carved Copal Art By The Cruz Family of Oaxaca

December 7, 2016 — 1 Comment

I had the pleasure of meeting Agustín Cruz Prudencia and his nephew Jesus at the Tucson Botanical Gardens yesterday. The copal wood carvings they brought to Tucson for sale are lively and brightly colored. I fell in love with the figures instantly. I am officially on restriction from buying any art, but I could not pass up the chance to own a piece of their stunning work. I was in a pinch for time, but made a choice to buy the frog that is happily decorating my living room now. It goes with all the art in my house, and yet has a unique quality that makes it stand out. It will be a prized momento from my encounter with these incredible craftsmen.

They are Zapotec from a tribe that lived, and still lives in a remote part of the state of Oaxaca. Agustín’s father moved his family to the capitol city of Oaxaca in order to make a living by selling his art. They now have a workshop that employs about 15 family members carving and painting the folkloric figures. The super fine painting is done without stencil or straight edge. They develop the ability to create super intricate geometric patterns by eye, by hand. The apprenticeship to learn this craft takes a long time. It is easy to appreciate all the fine work that goes into each piece. With both delicate carving and intricate paint designs these little characters pop with personal style.

They are going home for Christmas to be with their family. They will be celebrating with banana leaf tamales and other special seasonal dishes. They are very proud of their culture and cuisine, and rightly so. Both of my new young friends had spoken their native mother tongue as children, but have lost the ability to speak it after years in the city. They suffer from heavy discrimination against indigenous tribes in the city, so speaking it is dangerous. They still understand their mother tongue when they hear it. Their elders dressed in traditional clothing, and those members of the tribe in remote mountains still do. Modern Zapotec life as an artist is complicated, and includes borders and customs. I am glad they made the effort to bring this unique folk art to Tucson. I hope the sale works out very well for them so they will return. If you are in Tucson this weekend you can make a purchase at the United Nations Association of Southern AZ on 10 and 11 December. They have gifts in all price ranges for all art lovers.