Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Swordfish ~ Mrs. Claus' Holiday Cookie Cups ~ National Roof Over Your Head Day

 

 

Good 42º dark super foggy morning. UGH.

 

Yesterday we stayed foggy and topped at 48º.

 

 

Picture of the Day ... Mamma caring for her baby

 

 

 

Interesting about swordfish......

 

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), also known as broadbills in some countries, are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat, pointed bill. They are a popular sport fish of the billfish category, though elusive. Swordfish are elongated, round-bodied, and lose all teeth and scales by adulthood. These fish are found widely in tropical and temperate parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and can typically be found from near the surface to a depth of 1,800 ft. They commonly reach 10 ft in length, and the maximum reported is 14 ft 11 in. in length and 1,430 lbs. in weight.

They are the sole member of their family, Xiphiidae.

 

^{The swordfish is named after its long pointed, flat bill, which resembles a sword. The species name, Xiphias gladius, derives from Greek ξιφίας (xiphias, "swordfish"), itself from ξίφος (xiphos, "sword") and from Latin gladius ("sword"). This makes it superficially similar to other billfish such as marlin, but upon examination, their physiology is quite different and they are members of different families.}

 

 The International Game Fish Association's all-tackle angling record for a swordfish was a 1,182 lb specimen taken off Chile in 1953. Females are larger than males, and Pacific swordfish reach a greater size than northwest Atlantic and Mediterranean swordfish. They reach maturity at 4–5 years of age and the maximum age is believed to be at least 9 years. The oldest swordfish found in a recent study were a 16-year-old female and 12-year-old male. Swordfish ages are derived, with difficulty, from annual rings on fin rays rather than otoliths, since their otoliths are small in size.

 

Swordfish are ectothermic animals; however, along with some species of sharks, they have special organs next to their eyes to heat their eyes and brains. Temperatures of 18 to 27 °F above the surrounding water temperature have been measured. The heating of the eyes greatly improves their vision, and consequently improves their ability to catch prey. Of the 25 000+ fish species, only 22 are known to have a mechanism to conserve heat. These include the swordfish, marlin, tuna, and some sharks.

 

The popular belief of the "sword" being used as a spear is misleading. Their nose is more likely used to slash at its prey to injure the prey animal, to make for an easier catch. The use as an offensive spear in case of dangers against large sharks or animals is under review.

 

Mainly, the swordfish relies on its great speed and agility in the water to catch its prey. It is no doubt among the fastest fish, but the basis for the frequently quoted speed of 60 mph is unreliable. Research on related marlin (Istiophorus platypterus) suggest a maximum value of 22 mph is more likely.

 

^{If you want to read a lot more about swordfish, go here:}

^{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swordfish}

 

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

 

This cookie recipe combines two of Mrs. Claus' holiday favorites: gingerbread and eggnog! Mrs. Claus' Holiday Cookie Cups look great on a Christmas cookie platter, but they taste even better. After all, what could be better than a gingerbread cup filled with a fluffy eggnog cream? (Rumor has it that Santa and the elves really love these!)

 

• 2 (14-1/2-ounce) packages gingerbread cake and cookie mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Prepare dough according to package directions for cookies. Roll dough into 20 balls, place in muffin cups, and lightly press dough down.
3. Bake 10 minutes, remove from oven, and make a well in center of each cookie cup using a wooden spoon handle or small juice glass. Return to oven and bake 4 to 5 more minutes or until set. Press down lightly in center of each cookie cup. Let cool 10 minutes, then run a knife around edges to loosen slightly. Cool 10 more minutes then remove from tin and finish cooling on wire rack.
4. In a medium bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon and beat until mixed.
5. Fold whipped cream into eggnog mixture until thoroughly combined. Pipe or spoon mixture into cookie cups. Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve.

 

 

 

Historically this date....

1910 – Modern neon lighting is first demonstrated by Georges Claude at the Paris Motor Show.

1927 – Putting Pants on Philip, the first Laurel and Hardy film, is released.

1960 – The musical Camelot debuted at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway, and would become associated with the Kennedy administration.

1964 – Berkeley Free Speech Movement: Police arrest over 800 students at the University of California, Berkeley, following their takeover and sit-in at the administration building in protest at the UC Regents' decision to forbid protests on UC property.

1967 – At Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, a transplant team headed by Christiaan Barnard carries out the first heart transplant on a human (53-year-old Louis Washkansky).

1976 – An assassination attempt is made on Bob Marley. He is shot twice, but plays a concert two days later.

1979 – In Cincinnati, Ohio, 11 fans are suffocated in a crush for seats on the concourse outside Riverfront Coliseum before a Who concert.

And births this date include...

1927 – Andy Williams, American singer (d. 2012)

1947 – Patricia Krenwinkel, American murderess

.... so, how u likin' that '3 squares' a day and free room and board? This crazy is up for parole again in 2022!

1951 – Rick Mears, American race car driver

1960 – Daryl Hannah, American actress

1968 – Brendan Fraser, Canadian-American actor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Friday. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

Each year on December 3rd National Roof Over Your Head Day is observed across the United States.

National Roof Over Your Head Day was created as a day to be thankful for what you have, starting with the roof over your head.  There are many things that we have that we take for granted and do not stop to appreciate how fortunate we are for having them.

All across our nation, there are many that do not have the things that necessary to everyday life. They may lack a roof over their heads, enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For those who have those bare necessities, it may be insufficient.

National Roof Over Your Head Day is about remembering to appreciate what you have.  This day follows closely after Thanksgiving, a day to be thankful.  So just like Thanksgiving, be thankful for what you do have and always remember, that it is a better feeling than worrying about what you do not have.

HOW TO OBSERVE

To celebrate National Roof Over Your Head Day you can pick a name or two off of a Christmas Giving Tree, volunteer at or make a contribution to a homeless shelter in your area and maybe someone else will be able to have a “roof over their head” tonight.