Groundhog Day is known as February 2: the day an unassuming groundhog has the ability to forecast the next six weeks of weather (and, to many, a classic movie from the ‘90s starring Bill Murray). Although the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club calls it “a day to take everything a little less seriously,” there is surprisingly some logic behind how this annual event started. As Feb... »
The candy company Necco, or New England Confectionary Company, was founded in Boston in 1847 by a man named Oliver Chase. The first confection candies were in the shape of sea scallops. Instead of messages printed on them, they contained a message inside much like a fortune cookie. Other shapes that made up Necco’s assortment of confection candies included baseballs, horse... »
Omnivorous omelette fans questing for an ideal form of this classic dish—one that’s both warmly comforting and sufficiently hearty to help power through a busy day—need to tuck into the lead item on the list of Signature Breakfasts at Billy’s Diner. Initially unveiled at the flagship Bethlehem eatery 18 years ago, Pano’s Omelette has achieved cult-level status at all three... »
Although Valentine’s Day can be traced back to Roman times, the tradition—or some would argue, requirement—of giving chocolate to a loved one on this holiday is a much more recent idea. Up until the early 1800s, chocolate was primarily consumed as a drink: think hot chocolate. However, at this time Europeans were starting to get over chocolate due to its greasiness, until ... »
Look closely and you’ll find dozens of reasons to visit the Christmas City during the holidays. Here are 10 of our favorites: 1. HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES From November 23 – December 30, experience the old-world romance of the Christmas season as you enjoy a tour of Bethlehem’s downtown National Historic Landmark District by carriage. historicbethlehem.org/carriage-rides... »
Food informs the narrative of life, and positive emotional memories are forged at the table. The sight, smell, and taste of favorite dishes, whether trotted out for holiday feasts, backyard barbecues, or birthday bashes, serve as enduring connections to the people who prepared them. Recreating the special recipes used by those family members—whether that designation is by ... »
Our fathers and grandfathers always seemed to know a quality product when they saw it. Today, despite the amount of information we have at our fingertips, we often know very little about the work and care that goes into the products we buy. And, although most companies opt for increasing productivity or profitability, there are still companies working to put quality and re... »
If you are a person of a certain age, then you can remember what it felt like to pick up a book. It was very tactile—you felt the weight of it, and the thickness of the pages. It may have had an interesting book cover, or been on your parents’ nightstand. Maybe there’s a dog-eared paperback on your bookshelf by J.D. Salinger, Thomas Hardy, or Emily Dickinson that you hang... »
Compatriots, and even Allentown’s Lionel Adda, at times, were uncertain about sharing their experiences in World War II and in the Battle of the Bulge. But since its first meeting in May 1998, then held in Walnutport, the Lehigh Valley chapter of the national organization first called Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge—since changed to the Battle of the Bulge Association—... »
Insights into Cosmetic Dentistry—looking great and feeling confident for the holidays and beyond Your smile is your calling card. It’s the first thing people notice. Having a smile that you’re not so proud of can make you feel bad about yourself, impact your relationships, and your career, says Dr. Fayez Baki of Keystone Dentistry. Baki is seeing more and more patients who... »
