[Top image is the backside of The Strutts Family Christmas Tree reflected in the screen of the TV that I watch only once a week. 2nd & 3rd .gifs found in here and here.]
Tag: WIN
Of Christmas Past
[Top image found here. Other images and captions found at Shorpy.]
The Feast Of The Bean Kings
Fest des Bohnenkönigs (Feast of The Bean Kings)
Jakob Jordaens (ca. 1640-45)
The functionary with the above whimsical title played an important part in the festivities of Christmas in the olden time. His duties were to lead and direct the multifarious revels of the season, or, as we should say at the present day, to act as Master of the Ceremonies. The following account of him is given by Stow:
‘In the feast of Christmas, there was in the king’s house, wheresoever he lodged, a Lord of Misrule, or Master of Merry Disports, and the like had ye in the house of every nobleman of honour or good worship, were he spiritual or temporal. The Mayor of London, and either of the Sheriffs, had their several Lords of Misrule, ever contending, without quarrel or offence, who should make the rarest pastime to delight the beholders. These lords beginning their rule at Allhallond Eve, continued the same till the morrow after the Feast of the Purification, commonly called Candlemas Day, in which space there were fine and subtle disguising, masks and mummeries, with playing at cards for counters, nayles and points, in every house, more for pastimes than for game.’
If that description is correct, the Fest des Bohnenkönigs was a celebration that ran for three months every year starting at Halloween, and there’s probably a good reason why the Feast was banned… twice. Click on the link, then zoom, scroll and enjoy the debauchery.
Somewhat related was the British tradition of “The Bean Feast.”
[Top image and description found here.]
Another Great Gift Idea: Tiny Little Big Boy Underwear
[Found here.]
Bob & Jean’s Driveway, Hazard, Nebraska
Traditional Christmas celebration. I love it.
[Images with unedited captions found here.]
Saturday Matinee – Vi Hart’s Eggs, Steel Forge, Tom Waits & The Magic Piano
What a fun Singalong [via].
This fascinates me. No idea what they’re making, but it needs a Tom Waits soundtrack, like this:
Wow. Christmas is only week away, so we need a nice happy video. So many to choose from, and so many sappy ones that I don’t want to post, so here’s one that always makes me smile:
Such a simple brilliant fun idea. I wish there were more clips or an uncut version, but I haven’t found them… yet.
Have a great weekend, folks, and enjoy the holidays.
The .GIF Friday Post No. 464 – Turtle Jerks, Pavlov’s Cats & Penguin Splats
Accident Prone Woman
Each shot ‘tells’ about worn out characters who, as if a sudden black-out of mind and body took over, let themselves crash with no attempt to save themselves, unable, because of the fatigue of the everyday ‘representation’ of living, oppressed by ‘appearance’ instead of simply ‘existing’. –Sandro Giordano
Done: Christmas Tree Time Saving Hint
[Found here.]
Another Great Gift Idea: Medium Leather Wrapped Stone
A paperweight? A conversation piece? A work of art? It’s up to you, but this smooth Los Angeles-area stone—wrapped in rich, vegetable-tanned American leather secured by sturdy contrast whipstitching—is sure to draw attention wherever it rests. A traditional hardening process gives the leather a beautiful ombré effect. Like all Made Solid leather pieces, this one is cut, shaped, sewn and finished by hand in artist Peter Maxwell’s Los Angeles studio. Using vintage leatherworking tools and traditional saddle-stitching techniques, Maxwell aims to create beautiful designs that embody both simplicity and functionality, and that develop rich character and patina over time.
[Related: Hoax or not? I scored a miserable 50%.]
Tacky Raccoons 