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New Year's Trivia Challenge



New Year's Trivia Challenge





Write down your answers, then check them below. (10 total)


1.  _____________ is known for creating the calendar we use today over 400 years ago.

A)  Emperor Constantine
B)  Mansa Musa
C)  Pope Gregory XIII
D)  John Henry

2.  The following describes which period in time?  "The period 9 B.C. to 1 and 1 to 9 A.D., the first nine years of the 1st centuries--there is no year zero (0) in the calendar.  Hence 1 A.D. came after 1 B.C."

A)  The 0s
B)  The beginning of time
C)  When cookies were invented
D)  medieval times

3.  Decade: The word is derived (via French) from Latin _________, from Greek ________.

A)  decadem, decas
B)  decas, decadem
C)  dec, ade
D)  ade, dec

4. True/False: Decades such as January 1, 1800 to December 31, 1809, January 1, 1900 to December 31, 1909, and January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009 are known as “aughts". 

5.  True/False: Century is from the Latin centum, meaning one hundred.

6.  True/False: Centuries are numbered ordinally.  Ordinal numbers refer to a position in a series.  Common ordinals include: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, et cetera. 

7.  Why is the 1700s the 18th century, the 1800s the 19th century, the 1900s the 20th century, et cetera?    

A)  The years 1 to 100 are counted as the first century.  The first century is not 101 to 200.
B)  There was a four year miscalculation in the calendar by Roman Abbott Dionysus Exiguus.
C)  The years 1 to 100 are counted as the first century.  The first century is not 100 to 201.
D)  There was a ten year miscalculation in the calendar by Roman Abbott Dionysus Exiguus. 

8.  True/False: A millennium is a period of time equal to one thousand years (from Latin mille, thousand, and annum, year). 

9.  True/False:  2000–2009 is a decade, 2001–2100 is a century, and 2001–3000 is a millennium (A.D.).

10.  Complete the list of centuries

100 to 1 B.C. = 1st century B.C.
1 to 100 A.D. = 1st century A.D.
101 to 200 A.D. = 2nd century A.D.
201 to 300 A.D. = 3rd century A.D.
301 to 400 A.D. =__________________
1401 to 1500 A.D. = 15th century A.D.
1501 to 1600 A.D. = 16th century A.D.
1601 to 1700 A.D. =__________________ 
1701 to 1800 A.D. = 18th century A.D.
1801 to 1900 A.D. =__________________
1901 to 2000 A.D. = 20th century A.D.
2001 to 2100 A.D. =__________________

Check your answers below.




Answers 

1.  C)  Pope Gregory XIII

2.  A)  The 0s

3.  A)  decadem, decas

4.  True

5.  True

6.  True

7.  A)  The years 1 to 100 are counted as the first century.  The first century is not 101 to 200.  

8.  True

9.  True

10.  301 to 400 A.D. = 4th century A.D.
1601 to 1700 A.D. =  17th century A.D.
1801 to 1900 A.D. =  19th century A.D.
2001 to 2100 A.D. =  21st century A.D.





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Image credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Broiled Corn Recipe by Jesse Bluma



Broiled Corn Recipe




There are many items to serve on a cold winter night.  The flavor of broiled corn is concentrated and aromatic.  A grill is not necessary and one does not need to brave snow and rain to make corn that is crispy, sweet, and slightly charred. Simply print and add to your binder of favorite recipes.

Directions

Preheat oven on broil.

3 cups cut corn from summer cobs or frozen during the winter (look for organic corn in the store)
Apply cooking spray to shallow baking pan
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon paprika (for after broiling)
1 tablespoon olive oil 

Place cut corn from cob or thawed frozen corn in the shallow baking pan; sprinkle with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin; drizzle with olive oil.  *Ensure your pan is able to withstand broiling; do not use glass bakeware.  

Place under broiler for 8-10 minutes.

Sprinkle paprika on corn before serving.  







Artisanal goods by Jesse Bluma at PointeViven
using organic ingredients and inspiration
from California, Central, and South America.

Order online or contact me for catering.

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Image credit:  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Christmas Trivia Challenge




Christmas Trivia Challenge





The first modern Christmas tree shown in this 1846 drawing by the Illustrated London News of Queen Victoria, her consort Prince Albert and their children.

Holiday Trivia: Write down your answers, then check them below.  (10 total)

1. Jesus was born on December _____.

A) 20
B) 24
 C) 25 
  D) 31  
E)  None of the above

2.  Which is the correct spelling?

A) tinsel
B) tinsle
C) tensil
D) tencil

3.  Where did the tradition of leaving cookies and milk for Santa originate?

A) Germany, from a medieval custom
D) California, by miners during the Gold Rush

4.  True/False: Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.

5.  True/False: In 1843, A Christmas Carol was written by Charles Dickens in six months.

6.  True/False: In Greek, X means Christ. That is where the word "X-Mas" originates.

7.  If you received all of the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," you would receive ____ gifts.

A)  364
B)  365
C)  180
D)  None, I would return them all

8.  True/False: Kissing under the mistletoe began in Scandinavia.

9.  Ornament is to a tree as a stocking is to ____________.

 A)  tree
 B)  star
C)  fire
      D)  mantel

10.  Santa loves cookies from _______________

A)  Frosty
B)  Father Time
C)  Naughty boys and girls
D)  Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven...click to order some for good girls and boys



Answers below...





Answers
  1. E, the exact date is unknown.  It is commonly stated that Jesus’ birth was 4 B.C. The "B.C." and "A.D." system was not created until many centuries after the birth of Jesus.  There was also a 4 year miscalculation when the Roman calendar was converted into the A.D. calendar by Roman Abbott Dionysus Exiguus.  That is the reason the birth is not year 0 or year 1.  Jesus has to have been born by “4 B.C.” because the Gospel of Matthew places it within the lifetime of Herod the Great, whom we know from sources died in 4 B.C.  
  2. A
  3. A
  4. True
  5. False, he wrote it in six weeks.
  6. True
  7. A
  8. True
  9. D
  10. D





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Credit: Smithsonian

Pointe Viven: Spirit of Giving Deserves a Cookie


A vast country with immense economic resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has been at the centre of what could be termed Africa's world war. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1076399.stm)

 Contact details for the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.



Liberia is a third-world country whose conditions have been made worse by a fourteen-year civil war (1989-2003). More than 250,000 people were killed. Over 300,000 Liberians are refugees in different West African countries. Additional tens of thousands are internally displaced.  This includes many child sacrifices and children used as soldiers, as directed by General Joshua Milton Blahyi.  




Cranberry Noel Cookies by Jesse Bluma



Cranberry Noel Cookies




Looking for that New Year's cookie?  This it it.  

12 1.5” x 1.5” squares

Noel is Old French for “the Christmas season” and these cookies will be the hit at your party.  The cranberries make for an excellent chewiness and toasted coconut adds beautiful taste.  Order four dozen to create a special cookie cake.






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Sapphire Restaurant Review with Dynamic Photos by Jesse Bluma



Sapphire Laguna





Sapphire offers a global menu with modernized comfort foods.  This is one restaurant to take friends that are visiting in town.  The restaurant is located on a historic corner across the street from the Pacific Ocean.  The former Pottery Shack was a landmark within the city.  Famous for "The Greeter" statue, named after Eiler Larsen, a Danish vagabond that stood on the same spot for years welcoming passers-by. 

"Chef Azmin Ghahreman is a culinary citizen of the world.   Born in Iran and educated in Geneva, Switzerland, he received his formal culinary training in French cuisine at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.  Chef Azmin has served as the executive chef at international 5-star resorts, has partnered with Crystal Cruises, and through the years, has created several of his own highly successful culinary-inspired businesses.  While the cuisine at Sapphire Laguna is characterized by Ghahreman’s distinctive international style, its cornerstone is the freshest possible local ingredients."







My Recommendations

1.  The restaurant is located at 1200 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach, California 92651.  The location is walking distance from the beach, stores, hotels, and businesses.  Street parking is available.  Parking is often a pain in California; too much building.  Beware of damaging your car door or tripping on the high curb if you park in front.  

2.  Make reservations online a week in advance or try your luck with the common table.  Indoor and outdoor patio seating is available.  As well all seating at the snug bar.

3.  Sapphire offers brunch, lunch, and dinner.  The following are my favorites. 

Indian Spiced Salmon featuring Tomato-Cucumber Couscous and a Madras Curry Yogurt 



Vietnamese Beef Carpaccio

Dutch Mule:  Ginger Infused Ketel One, Ginger Beer, and Lime Squeeze




Nice to see on a rainy winter day

October at the beach


One big pumpkin in October 





Sapphire Laguna Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato 


Disclaimer:  Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven is editorially independent.  No payment is accepted for editorial coverage.

Credit:  facebook. com/pg/SapphireLaguna

Surprise! My Unexpected Visit



Surprise!  Me Unexpected Visit 




My surprise arrival to my sister's birthday.  I baked and brought these to Texas with me from California.  Biscoitos de Azucar are the ultimate flakey and buttery cookies.  Topped with gourmet blueberry spread. 


Strawberry cake with strawberry frosting...so good.


Having fun at the party.






WORLD WAR II RE-ENACTMENT WEEKEND

 Downtown Waxahachie, TX World War II enthusiasts bring their wonderful antique vehicles and authentic costumes to pay tribute to the Veterans of World War II in a spirited re-enactment of battles between the Germans and the Allies.





The feed store downtown



Making candy trains with the nephews in preparation for Christmas.





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High-Rise Pancakes by Jesse Bluma



High-Rise Pancake 





Looking for that perfect brunch in bed recipe?  Easily print and follow the directions to make what will be your new favorite.  Each high rise pancake is light, full of flavor, and comes out of the oven with unique undulations and curves.  You can make two at a time in a double oven.   

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons butter (I use Smart Balance)
2  large organic eggs, cracked and and beaten 
1/2  cup organic all-purpose flour
1/2  cup non-fat milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of fresh ground nutmeg
Walnuts, toasted
Northern Comfort Vermont Maple Syrup, Homemade Blackberry Jelly, Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar (I use balsamic vinegar from 41 Olive)
Powdered Sugar, sifted
Cooking Spray (I use Smart Balance)


Directions


Walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
 Arrange walnuts on a cookie sheet in a single layer.
 Bake 8 to 10 minutes, checking frequently.
Remove and set aside for garnish.


Pancake Mixture

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (or 218 degree Celsius).
Coast the bottom and sides of the pan well with cooking spray.
Put the butter in a 9-10 inch ovenproof skillet (or ovenproof non-stick pan--make sure the handle will not melt).
Mix dry ingredients together using a whisk.
Crack and beat the eggs.
Add the beaten eggs into dry ingredients.
Mix well.

Place pan in oven to melt the butter.

The pan will be HOT, use oven mits for the next step.
Use oven mits to open the oven door and pull forward the rack.
Coat the bottom and sides of the pan again with cooking spray.

Pour the mixture into the pan.
Use oven mits to swirl the pan to ensure even distribution of the mixture on the bottom of the pan.
Use oven mits to push back the rack and close the oven door.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until puffy and evenly browned on the outside.

Use oven mits to remove from oven.
Carefully use oven mits and a spatula to remove the high rise pancake from the pan.


Toppings

Sprinkle with toasted walnuts.   

Drizzle with Northern Comfort Vermont Maple Syrup, Homemade Blackberry Jelly, or Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar.

Sift powdered sugar and dust pancake.  

Northern Comfort Vermont Maple Syrup

Homemade Blackberry Jelly

Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar







Artisanal treats by Jesse Bluma at PointeViven
using organic ingredients and inspiration
from California, Central, and South America.

Order online or contact me for catering.

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Sign-up for email updates.     


Photo Credit:maplegrove.com

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taste in cookery, culture, and
community, provides gourmet goods
made with organic ingredients, inspired
by the culinary worlds of California,
Central, and South America, and
engages in a community of customers
and readers with lifestyle content,
reviews, and expertise. © Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven

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Jesse Bluma at Point Viven liberates taste in cookery, culture, and community, provides gourmet goods made with organic ingredients, inspired by the culinary worlds of California, Central, and South America, and engages in a community of customers and readers with lifestyle content, reviews, and expertise. Use and redistribution of original content allowed only with explicit permission of site owner and author.