Zeitgeist 2011: Year In Review

See how the World Searched with Google's 2011 Zeitgeist

United Nations Year in Review 2011

United Nations, New York, December 2011 - Earth's 7 billionth resident was born into a world of contradiction and change. There could be enough for all, yet a billion people remain hungry. Around the world protestors fought for freedom and better opportunities. From conflict in Libya to nuclear disaster in Japan and famine at the Horn of Africa - the UN provided relief and solutions. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared sustainable development and lifting people out of poverty the main goals of his second term in office.

Silent Night by Beyoncé

Legoland Florida Christmas Bricktacular

Legoland Florida is the newest theme park in Central Florida and this is the first year it will be celebrating its Christmas Bricktacular with all its fans. This year a massive 30 foot tall LEGO tree made out of over 270,000 Lego and Duplo blocks is on display for all to see along with hundreds of decorations throughout the park.

Osaka Station, Kyoto, Water clock in Christmas mood

Hanukkah at the White House: Celebrate Hanukkah December 20-28 2011

On Tuesday evening December 20 light one candle on your menorah. The basic elements of a kosher menorah are eight holders for oil or candles and an additional holder, set apart from the rest, for the shamash ("attendant") candle.

The Chanukah lights can either be candle flames or oil-fueled. Since the miracle of Chanukah happened with olive oil – the little cruse of oil that lasted for eight days – an oil menorah is preferable to a candle one, and olive oil is the ideal fuel. Cotton wicks are preferred because of the smooth flame they produce. Source: Chabad



Hanukkah also romanized as Chanukah, Chanukkah, or Chanuka, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch. The extra light is called a shamash and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for use, as using the Hanukkah lights themselves is forbidden. Read more at: Wikipedia

Silent Night by Peter Hollens & Savannah Outen

Use MBDC's Holiday Gift Guide to shop for Cradle to Cradle Certified products

Struggling with what to get your loved ones this holiday season? Take a peek at MBDC's Holiday Gift Guide. If you are going to buy a gift this season, choose from this list of Cradle to Cradle Certified products for everyone on your list. All of the products listed have been evaluated by MBDC for material health, material reutilization, use of renewable energy, water stewardship, and social responsibility.

Read more at: MBDC's Holiday Gift Guide