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[IceWizard]

Thusday 17 Nov 2016



Beaujolais Nouveau Day



Wine has a long and august history, with an in- depth and diverse knowledge of the various vintages and styles being a hallmark of true upper class sophistication. But even among vintners and Oenophiliacs (wine lovers) there are certain vintages that have a reputation for excellence, and owning them is a hallmark of true wine snobbery.

Those with a proper nose are able to distinguish a wine’s special bouquet, all of the subtle variations such as regions, varietal types of wine, and how the wine was manufactured.

So what does all of this have to do with Beaujolais nouveau day? Read on!

History of Beaujolais nouveau Day

Beaujolais nouveau is a special variety of wine produced from the delicious jewel-like Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais area of France.

Such is the popularity of this vintage, that there is something of a competition to get the first bottles released for sale, and they’re always released on the Third Thursday in November.

Part of what makes this wine unusual is that under the strict regulations on wine to be found in France, it is able to be sold in the same year in which it was harvested.

Such wines are called vin de primeur, and tend towards grapes like the Gamay, capable of short fermentation while giving a rich fruity flavor sweetened by residual sugar.



And



Petroleum Day



Petroleum gets a terribly bad rap most of the time these days, and of course it is true that it has contributed to the pollution of our planet.

However, petroleum is not just used in cars. It is also a key ingredient in other substances we use on an everyday basis, including plastic, detergent, rubber, fertilizers, pesticides, paint, photographic film, makeup, candles and many medicines. In other words, petroleum is a key part of 21st century life.

Petroleum Day is a chance for people to realize just how big of a part it plays in our lives and celebrate all the things this resource provides.

However, the unfortunate truth is that this resource is a finite one, so Petroleum Day gives people the opportunity to focus on ways of conserving petroleum and using it wisely.

The History of Petroleum Day

Contrary to popular belief that it is a substance humanity has only recently started using because it was needed for vehicles, petroleum has been used in one form or another since ancient times.

According to the renowned Greek historian, Herodotus, petroleum was one of the substances used to build the walls of Babylon.

The ancient Persians also used petroleum for lighting purposes, filling their lamps with it, as well as for various medicinal purposes.In the mid-1800s, Scottish chemist James Young began distilling petroleum, resulting in the production of kerosene as well as a thicker, darker oil that was perfect for lubricating machinery.

Today, about 90% of the world’s vehicles are powered using petroleum. Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States currently produce the most petroleum in the world; however, significant deposits are found in many other countries, such as Canada and Venezuela.

Because petroleum is a limited, non-renewable energy source, many scientists have devoted their entire careers to developing new technologies that will be able to replace it once it’s gone.

The use of petroleum has also raised many ecological concerns, as the burning of it releases large amounts of pollutants such as sulfer dioxide into the air, not to mention the havoc it can wreak on an ecosystem if an oil spill occurs.

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November 17 Birthdays




RuPaul - 56



Danny DeVito - 72



Rock Hudson - (1925-1985)



Martin Scorsese - 74



Daisy Fuentes - 50








November 17th

2007: The Eagles reached number one on the Billboard 200 Album Chart for the sixth time with their first studio album in 28 years Long Road out of Eden. The album went on to be certified Platinum seven times.

1994: Bob Dylan began a two day taping of his appearance on MTV Unplugged at New York City’s Sony Studios. The appearance would be broadcast the following month and the album was released the following May.

1990: ZZ Top peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 Album Chart with Recycler which was their fifth top ten album in the U.S. The album went on to go Platinum in the U.S.

1990: David Crosby broke his shoulder, left leg and ankle in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles.

1979: Jethro Tull bassist John Glascock died of a congenital heart defect in London. He was 28 years old.

1978: During Bob Dylan’s concert at San Diego Sports Arena, a fan threw a silver cross onstage which the singer picked up and pocketed. The following year Dylan converted to Christianity and released his religious themed album Slow Train Coming.

1970: Elton John recorded his first live album during a live radio broadcast at A and R Recording Studios in New York City. The album was released the following year as 11-17-70.

1967: The Who began their second tour of North America in Kansas City, KS. The group was on tour opening for The Buckinghams.

1958: Alan Freed learned that his trial for inciting a riot in Boston during a rock show he promoted in May 1958 was postponed until January 1959. The delay was due to prosecutors investigating that Freed broke Massachusetts anti-anarchy laws.





Birthdays:

Gene Clark - Singer and guitarist for The Byrds born in 1944

Martin Barre - Guitarist for Jethro Tull born in 1946