One-Eared Insect

The only insect known to have just one ear is the mantis, also commonly referred to as a "praying mantis".  Its single ear has two eardrums and is capable of picking up ultrasonic sounds, essential in detecting the echolocation cries of the bat, one of its biggest predators.

Oddly enough, it was just a few days ago I saw this bit of trivia on the same day of the anniversary of Vincent van Gogh cutting off his ear.

cryophobia

cryophobia - fear of extreme cold, frost or ice.

I don't "fear" those things but intensely dislike them...and it's not so much dislike of them but rather a hatred of the huge heating bills that accompany extreme cold, frost or ice.

Sometimes they make me want to cry...and that's a phobia I can do without.

Holiday Greetings to All!

Sincere holiday greetings to my online friends, family and everyone else who visits my pathetic excuse for a blog. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and a fantastic new year!

Holiday Element

I don't really think these result apply to me at all; I don't shine "especially bright" at this time of year and don't have a lot of fun, nor do I craft fun items.  Since the Cowboys usually melt down during December, I'm usually not enthusiastic or optimistic. I DO try to make the best of the holiday, though.  I really haven't cared about the holiday since my momma passed away. -sigh-

The one thing that's right is that my holiday element is fire- I wish I had a fireplace for a little extra warmth and to lessen the huge natural gas bills during the winter.

Your Holiday Element is Fire

You shine brightly every time of year, but you shine especially bright during the holidays. You have so much fun this time of year - whether you're getting friends together or crafting fun items. You are enthusiastic and optimistic about the holidays. You make the best of whatever holiday you're able to have. You know this is a hard time of year for some, so you try to cheer up everyone you know with cookie deliveries and little surprises.

What's Your Holiday Element?

EDIT TO ADD: No, I don't have a fireplace, but I had forgotten about this Hulu video I saw a while back. Guess I could get my electric heater and put it at chest level while I sit at the computer and have it blast on me while I watch the vid.  There are several versions, some w/ music.

Fireplace for Your Home: Classic Edition (2013)

You Just Might Be A Scrooge

From the archives:

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You Just Might Be A Scrooge...

If your only contact with three spirits on Christmas Eve is gin, vodka and bourbon.

If you turn on the lawn sprinklers on Christmas Eve to keep carolers away.
 
If you buy all of your Christmas gifts at a store that also sells gas.

If your favorite version of "Babes in Toyland" stars Michael Jackson.

If you get your Christmas Tree at a rest stop at night.

If you give bathroom fixtures as Christmas gifts.

If your prized Christmas ornament is Santa Claus shooting the moon.

If your favorite Christmas movie is Jurassic Park.

If your idea of Christmas dinner is a six pack of beer and a cheese log.

If you think "Ho, Ho, Ho" is a line from a Rocky movie.

If your best Christmas tradition involves a fire and reindeer meat.

If your favorite version of "Silent Night" is sung by OJ Simpson.

If your favorite past time is putting defective bulbs in your neighbors' string of Christmas lights or defacing Christmas lawn caricatures with egg nog.

And, finally - if your only holiday decoration is a rotting pumpkin - you just might be a Scrooge.

Silent Night

Silent Night was first performed Christmas Eve 1818 at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria. The song was written a year before, the lyrics by the young priest Father Joseph Mohr and the melody by Franz Gruber.

Over the years, the song's fame spread throughout the world, but neither man enjoyed the work's success. Mohr died penniless in 1848 and Gruber lived in obscurity and died in poverty in 1863.