đNew Year's Resolutionsđ
Hot Chocolate
đŠBird Watchingđïž
Winter Vacations
January
100
What are some of the most common New Year's Resolutions people make?
Improved fitness, improved finances, improved mental health, losing weight and improved diet.
Do you make New Year's Resolutions? What are some of the resolutions you have made in the past?
100
How do you make hot chocolate? What are some different ways it is made around the world?
Hot chocolate is typically made with milk, sugar, cocoa powder and a bit of sea salt, heated all together then topped with whipped cream and marshmallows!
Other places in the world melt down actual chocolate bars and solid pieces of chocolate with milk. Other additional ingredients include cayenne, cinnamon, vanilla extract, honey, cloves, cheese, sweetened condensed milk, cornstarch, cream cheese, tea, ginger, rum, paprika and pepper!
100
The quintessential early bird, these are a common sight on lawns across North America as winter ends, often seen tugging earthworms up out of the ground.
Robin
Robins eat different types of food depending on the time of day: more earthworms in the morning and more fruit later in the day. Robins eat a lot of fruit in fall and winter and when they eat honeysuckle berries exclusively, they sometimes become intoxicated.
100
A vacation to this location is considered an ideal escape from the cold weather, offering consistently warm temperatures, beautiful beaches and opportunities to surf, whale watch and hike.
Honolulu, Hawaii
While winter is the âcoolâ season in Honolulu, the average high in January is 79 degrees Fahrenheit, making for delightfully comfortable days â especially when arriving from colder climates. January also happens to be the clearest month for OÊ»ahu skies, which means youâll have lots of chances to go stargazing! And because Hawaii is in the tropics, the length of days remains relatively consistent throughout the year, so thereâs no need to worry about those long, dark winter nights. Plus, the sunrises are just as beautiful in the winter, and not to be missed if you want to kickstart your day with vibrant hues as the golden sun gracefully fills the horizon.
100
How many days are there in the month of January?
31 days!
These seven months have 31 days each because they follow a pattern established in the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used today. The other months, have either 30 or 28 days, contributing to the overall structure of a year with 365 days. This arrangement helps create a balanced and consistent calendar system.
200
True or False: The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball can display over 10 million colors.
True, it can actually display over 16 million colors!
The Times Square NYE ball's design has been updated four times to reflect improvements in lighting technology; the original ball was 5 feet in diameter, constructed from wood and iron, and illuminated with 100 incandescent light bulbs. By contrast, the current ball is 12 feet in diameter, and uses over 32,000 LED lamps. Since 1999â2000, the ball has featured an outer surface consisting of triangular panels manufactured by Waterford Crystal, which contain inscriptions representing a yearly theme.
200
True or False: Hot chocolate and hot cocoa are different drinks.
True!
In America, âhot chocolateâ refers to any hot drink made with chocolate ingredients. What most people are actually drinking, in fact, is hot cocoa. Whatâs the difference? Cocoa powder is ground up cacao thatâs had the fat stripped away, either through a natural process or a âDutchedâ process that subjects the powder to potassium carbonate. Dutch chemist Coenraad J. Van Houten invented cocoa powder in 1827, and helped make hot chocolate widely available. Hot chocolate (also called âdrinking chocolateâ), meanwhile, is made with shaved or ground cacao that still has its full-fat, slightly acidic profile intact.
200
These birds are similar but slightly smaller compared to ravens, known for their intelligence, playfulness and signature "CAW!" call.
Crows
You might have seen some crows with tags on their shoulders flying about at Kendal, they are actually a part of a large project by Cornell professor Dr. Kevin McGowan! He has been following individual crows in our area for decades. His research has taught us many things about these common and widespread birds, including giving us insight into the epidemic of West Nile Virus and learning about ways crows cooperate.
200
This picturesque winter vacation destination offers stunning views of the Arctic wilderness and the Northern Lights, a Santa Claus Village with reindeer sleigh rides and experiencing the native SĂĄmi culture.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is the northern-most region of Finland and an active outdoor destination that's known for its incredible, year-round light phenomena, vast arctic nature, and Santa Claus. The land of the indigenous SĂĄmi people, known as SĂĄmi homeland or SĂĄpmi, also crosses the northern part of the region. Meet Santa Claus, explore the fells and take in stunning arctic nature.
200
What holidays take place in January?
New Years Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day
While there are two major holidays observed in the United States for the month of January, there are other holidays celebrated around the world such as Epiphany (or Three Kings Day in Spain), Lohri-Makar Sankranti to symbolize the end of winter and the return of longer days in India, Coming of Age Day in Japan to celebrate those turning 20 and reaching adulthood, Burns Night to honor poet Robert Burns in Scotland, as well as Carnival Seasons starting in Brazil, Spain and the Caribbean.
300
Where is the largest New Year's Eve Party hosted every year?
a. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
b. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
c. Sydney, Australia
d. New York City, USA
a. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, Rio de Janeiro hosts one of the most massive New Year's Eve parties in the world every year. This grand celebration, known as RĂ©veillon, annually draws millions of people to the city's famed Copacabana Beach.
300
During what war did soldiers have hot chocolate in their rations?
a. Revolutionary War
b. Civil War
c. World War II
d. Vietnam War
a. Revolutionary War
The belief in chocolateâs restorative qualities extended well past the reign of the Mayans and the Aztecs. During the Revolutionary War, medics would often dole out cups of hot chocolate to wounded and dying soldiers. Hot chocolate mixes were also given out monthly to soldiers, and sometimes offered in lieu of wages.
300
This large wading bird is often seen standing stoically in shallow bodies of water preying on fish, small amphibians, mammals and reptiles. One of the dining halls at Kendal used to be named after it!
Great Blue Heron
Whether poised at a river bend or cruising the coastline with slow, deep wingbeats, the Great Blue Heron is a majestic sight. This stately heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a gopher. In flight, look for this widespread heronâs tucked-in neck and long legs trailing out behind.
300
This winter wonderland offers seasonal attractions like a Light Festival, Christmas market where you can drink gluhwein and be merry, go skiing and snowboarding in the Alps and watch the Carnival parades.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne is a beautiful city located in central Switzerland. It is situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Due to its scenic location, Lucerne is a popular tourist destination all year round. However, winter is arguably the best time to visit. Lucerne in winter has snow-capped mountains, a Christmas market, and an old town lit up at night to create a magical atmosphere. As an added bonus, youâre not far from winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding, and there are other interesting places within easy reach. So if youâre looking for a perfect trip during the dark winter months, Lucerne is worth putting on your list.
300
Which state was admitted to the U.S. in January 1959 as the 49th state?
a. Hawaii
b. New York
c. Washington
d. Alaska
d. Alaska
From the New York Times in 1959: "By the clock on the mantel in the Cabinet Room at the White House, it was two minutes past noon. In Juneau, capital of the forty-ninth state, it was 9:02 A.M., Pacific Standard Time. President Eisenhower signed the document of proclamation at the long table at which he meets his Cabinet. He used six pens to inscribe his name and the date. Then he took another handful of pens from the drawer in front of him and signed an Executive order setting a new design of forty-nine stars for the official flag of the United States."
400
What famous poem turned song written by Robert Burns is sung to ring in the New Year when the clock strikes midnight?
Auld Lang Syne
Traditionally this is sung to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve/Hogmanay. The poem's Scots title may be translated into standard English as "old long since" or, less literally, "long long ago", "days gone by", "times long past" or "old times". Consequently, "For auld lang syne", as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as "for the sake of old times".
400
What diplomat and third U.S. president was a big fan of hot chocolate?
Thomas Jefferson purchased his first batch of chocolate in 1775, and was immediately hooked. In 1785, Jefferson wrote to John Adams about the future he saw for hot chocolate in America. âThe superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the preference over tea and coffee.â Today, visitors to Monticello can sample hot chocolate made the way Jefferson liked: using stone-roasted cacao, sugar and spices.
400
This bird is often seen perched atop cattails and telephone wires in the summertime, known for their vibrantly colored shoulder patches.
Red Wing Blackbird
Male Red-winged Blackbirds do everything they can to get noticed, sitting on high perches and belting out their conk-la-ree! song all day long. Females stay lower, skulking through vegetation for food and quietly weaving together their remarkable nests. In winter Red-winged Blackbirds gather in huge flocks to eat grains with other blackbird species and starlings.
400
This chilly North American vacation destination offers experiences like a hotel made of ice, a winter carnival, waterfalls which can be used for ice climbing in the winter months, a historic Citadelle to visit, toboggan sliding and snow tubing areas.
Quebec City, Canada
Colourful lights, wooden kiosks, smells of cinnamon, gingerbread, and sausages... The German Christmas Market recreates the warm atmosphere of the major European Christmas Markets, in the magical setting of Old QuĂ©bec. Once the German Christmas Market is over, the activity on the sites continues with KalĂ©idoscopes where visual arts, theater, music, performing arts and literature are presented throughout the Holiday Season. Head to QuĂ©bec Cityâs greatest gourmet destination, Le Grand MarchĂ©, and take your pick of over 1,000 local products offered at the Christmas Market.
400
What is the birthstone for January?
Garnet
The name âgarnetâ comes from the Latin word granatus, which means pomegranate. In ancient times, the word âcarbuncleâ was used for red garnets and other red gemstones. Carbuncle is believed to be one of the four gemstones that God gave to Solomon. In the Middle Ages, garnet was believed to cure depression, protect against bad dreams, and cure certain physical ailments. They were also highly favored by the clergy and nobility.
500
What is the annual parade which takes place in Pasadena, California on New Year's Day called?
Tournament of Roses
The earliest Tournament of Roses welcomed 3,000 spectators to its first parade filled with orange-blossom-bedecked, horse-drawn carriages. More than a century later, the parade floats are a marvel of state of the art technology, all tucked away beneath flowers and other all-natural materials. Every New Year, visitors experience the beauty of the floral floats along with spirited marching bands and high-stepping equestrian units along the 5 1/2 mile route down Colorado Boulevard.
500
In early Mesoamerica, warriors of what army would drink cacao before going into battle?
Azetec Warriors
The pure cacao drink that early Mesoamericans crafted was high in calories and antioxidants, and delivered a jolt of caffeine. So naturally, they believed it had restorative properties. Aztec warriors would often drink cacao before going into battle, while Montezuma II was rumored to guzzle as many as 50 cups each day. The drink also gained a reputation as an aphrodisiac. After the recipe came to Spain in the 16th century, monks locked it away for a time to prevent widespread philandering.
500
What is the New York State bird? What are some other common birds found in New York?
The state bird is the Eastern Bluebird. Some other common ones are the Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse and American Goldfinch.
Most of the country drives during an eastern North American summer will turn up a few Eastern Bluebirds sitting on telephone wires or perched atop a nest box, calling out in a short, wavering voice or abruptly dropping to the ground after an insect. Marvelous birds to capture in your binoculars, male Eastern Bluebirds are a brilliant royal blue on the back and head, and warm red-brown on the breast. Blue tinges in the wings and tail give the grayer females an elegant look.
500
This winter vacation destination is located in the Northwestern United States, offering activities like dog sledding, fly fishing, sleigh ride dinners, resort stays, sledding and tours of a famous national park with stunning winter landscapes.
Big Sky, Montana
With 5800 acres of skiable terrain and a 4350 foot vertical drop, Big Sky resort offers a breathtaking experience for skiers, snowmobilers and snowboarders alike. Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter allows for beautiful views of the winter landscape with a smaller percentage of park visitors than in summer months. If you're getting a bit too cold, Montana offers many hot springs that are just a short road trip away from Big Sky.
500
January was named for the Roman god Janus, what does this god represent?
Janus was known as the protector of gates and doorways, which symbolize beginnings and endings.
Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future. What a fitting symbol for this first day of the year; this month is our door into the new year! The Romans often made promises to Janus and exchanged good wishes.