CLASSICAL MUSIC MONTH

August 31, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

September is classical music month. Classical music differs greatly from today’s standards. However, classical music sets stage for the music we have today.

Classical music has many periods and styles throughout its history. Classical music is actually broken into different smaller periods, each having their own differences. It is interesting to see just how much music has changed over time!

Classical Music Time Periods

(PLEASE NOTE: The dates of the time periods are only estimates since there are no exact dates for when each time period occurred/ began/ended)

Medieval (500ish – 1400) The music of this time was connected to the church. Forms of music from the early part of this period would be Gregorian Chants and Organum.

Some Composers From this Period: Hildegard von Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut

Renaissance (1400/1450 – 1600) The Renaissance era brought many new ideas and gave a little bit more freedom from the church, which allowed for more experimentation with music. The printing press, invented in the 1400’s, also allowed for music to be printed. Instrumental music was developed as well.

Some Composers From this Period: William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, Josquin Des Prez

Baroque (1600 – 1750) The music of the Baroque was very ornate. This period also had the creation of the concerto, canata, oratorio, and the sonata. There were advancements with instruments as well.

Some Composers From This Period: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi

Classical (1750/1775 – 1820) Classical era music was more simple/cleaner than Baroque music, and focused more on the melody. Dynamics (the change in volume) were important. The woodwind section of the orchestra was added during this period.

Some Composers From This Period: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven*, Franz Joseph Hayden

*Beethoven is considered to be a bridge between the Classical and the Romantic periods

Romantic (1820 – 1910) Romantic pieces are know for being very expressive and emotional. The orchestra saw much growth in this period with the expansion of the woodwind and brass section.

Some Composers From This Period: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms

CELEBRATE

Find some classical music to listen to alone or with friends and family. If there is a concert you can go to, go with a few friends or family. If you want to learn how to play an instrument, then go out and find a place to do so. You can learn from various resources such as books, websites, or find a private tutor in your area. If you’re in school, then consider taking band or joining a music club. There are plenty of ways to celebrate! Use #ClassicalMusicMonth to post on social media.

Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

Gregorian Chant for Meditation Chant Music for the Soul#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

NATIONAL LOBSTER NEWBURG DAY

March 24, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Lobster Newburg day on March 25th ushers in a celebration worthy of a sea captain. An American seafood dish, Lobster Newburg includes lobster, butter, cream, cognac, sherry, eggs, and cayenne pepper.

Delmonico’s of New York debut Lobster Newburg in 1876. A sea captain by the name of Ben Wenburg developed the elegant and rich dish. After he demonstrated the recipe to restaurant manager Charles Delmonico, Chef Charles Ranhofer made refinements and they added the creation to the restaurant’s menu as Lobster a la Wenburg. It wasn’t long before the dish grew in popularity.

However, an argument between Wenburg and manager Charles Delmonico caused the dish to be removed from the menu. After many requests from patrons, Delmonico’s returned the dish with a new name. The entree came to be known as Lobster Newburg.

When Delmonico’s first opened in 1930, Brothers Giovanni and Peter transformed a small café into New York’s first customary restaurant with cloth-covered tables and printed menus. Similar to the café’s transformation, Lobster Newburg came about right around the time lobster was transforming from a poor man’s food to a delicacy. See before the mid-1800s, people considered lobster to be fish bait or food for prisoners. It was an undesirable food. But right around the time Captian Wenburg invented the dish, tourism by train and ship was taking off. Couple that with improved canning options (including lobster), people were experiencing the seafood for the first time.

As dishes like Lobster Newburg, lobster tails, lobster bisque, and others found their way on to restaurant menus, the nation’s love of the crustacean grew.

Explore More Seafood…

HOW TO OBSERVE #LobsterNewburgDay

There are so many ways to celebrate this day. Of course, enjoy a dish of Lobster Newburg. But you can also do some exploring.

Check out the history of Delmonico’s.
Learn more about the types of lobsters in the sea.
Explore the history of the lobster industry.
Who was Captian Wenburg?

Use #LobsterNewburgDay to post on social media.

Lobster: 75 Recipes Celebrating the World's Favorite Seafood#LobsterNewburgDay — Lobster: 75 Recipes Celebrating the World’s Favorite Seafood

Lobster Cookbook: Lobster Thermidor, Lobster Newberg, New England Lobster Roll and Other Delicious Lobster Recipes (Seafood Cookbook)#LobsterNewburgDay — Lobster: 75 Recipes Celebrating the World’s Favorite Seafood

NATIONAL OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER DAY

January 9, 2026January 9, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Oysters Rockefeller Day on January 10th recognizes a dish so rich there was only one man’s name this dish could bear at the time. At least, that’s the story according to the chef who so masterfully created famous recipes in the French Quarter.

In 1889 in the renowned kitchen of Antoine’s, Jules Alciatore developed a recipe for baked oysters on the half shell with sauce and bread crumbs that would earn the name Oysters Rockefeller. A dish so rich Alciatore himself admitted, “…I know of no other name rich enough for their richness.”

While other restaurants serve similar dishes, only historic Antoine’s (founded by Antoine Alciatore, Jules Alciatore’s father in 1840) serves the original Oysters Rockefeller. Food Network’s Alton Brown even told us on Good Eats that Alciatore took the recipe to his grave. Others have tried to determine the finer ingredients without success. Only Antoine’s and the Alciatore family have the authentic recipe.

Having served over 3.5 million orders of Oysters Rockefeller, and counting, Antoine’s recipe has withstood the test of time and garnered the praises of culinary critics. Since 1889, the restaurant has numbered each order. Even today’s customers receive their privileged number identifying their place in the history of Oysters Rockefeller.

The Delmonico Way: Sublime Entertaining and Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant That Made New York#NationalOystersRockefellerDay — The Delmonico Way: Sublime Entertaining and Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant That Made New York

Gulf Coast Oysters: Classic & Modern Recipes of a Southern Renaissance#NationalOystersRockefellerDay — The Delmonico Way: Sublime Entertaining and Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant That Made New York

NATIONAL OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER DAY HISTORY

In 2017, Antoine’s founded National Oyster Rockefeller Day to celebrate the dish’s history and longevity.

More to explore….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalOystersRockefellerDay

Have you tasted the flavor of authentic Oysters Rockefeller? Tell us what you think. If you are near Antoine’s, stop in to savor a taste of history and share using #NationalOystersRockefellerDay on social media.

Shucker Paddy Oyster Tools (Tray)#NationalOystersRockefellerDay — Shucker Paddy Oyster Tools (Tray)

Hoypeyfiy 304 Stainless Steel Oyster Shells, 24 pcs Oyster Grilling Shells for Cooking Oysters, Shrimp, Scallops, Clams#NationalOystersRockefellerDay — Shucker Paddy Oyster Tools (Tray)

Celebrating January Birthdays: The Timeless Allure of Garnet

December 31, 2025December 31, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

January babies, you enter the world under a quiet, frosty sky just as the new year begins—a perfect moment for fresh starts and bold resolutions. Your birthstone, garnet, mirrors that energy beautifully. Far from being just a single red gem, garnet appears in nearly every color of the rainbow (except blue), yet it’s the deep, wine-red variety that has captured hearts for centuries. Ancient warriors wore garnet into battle for protection, medieval lovers exchanged it as a pledge of devotion, and today it remains the ultimate symbol of passion, commitment, and enduring love.

The name “garnet” comes from the Latin granatum, meaning “seed” or “pomegranate,” because its rich crimson crystals resemble the juicy arils of that mythic fruit. In lore, garnet is tied to perseverance and hope—no wonder it became the stone for those born in the first month of the year, when we all need a little extra fire to chase away winter’s chill. It’s believed to inspire courage, boost creativity, and even safeguard travelers (perfect for anyone planning a birthday getaway in the snowy season).

Romantically, few stones rival garnet’s reputation. In Victorian times, it was the ultimate token of deep, steadfast love. A garnet ring or pendant whispered “I will love you through every storm.” Legend says it lights a flame in the heart that never dims, making it a favorite for second wedding anniversaries and January engagements. Couples often choose garnet jewelry to mark milestones because it carries the promise: “My love for you is as constant as this stone.”

Beyond romance, garnet is a stone of vitality and strength. It’s said to energize the wearer, balance emotions, and spark inspiration—qualities every January birthday star needs when the post-holiday slump threatens motivation. Wearing your birthstone close (whether as a bold cocktail ring, delicate earrings, or a simple pendant) is like carrying a pocket-sized pep talk that says, “You’ve got this.”

So to everyone blowing out candles this month: Happy Birthday! May your year glow with the same fierce, gorgeous light that radiates from your garnet. May it remind you that even in the coldest season, there is warmth, passion, and unbreakable love waiting to be discovered. Here’s to you, January gems—you were born to shine. ❤️

Galaxy Gold GG 14k Yellow Gold Teardrop Garnet with Diamond Accent Necklace and Earring Set

Women's 14k White Yellow Gold Necklace Birthstone Fine Jewelry Hanging Pendant Necklaces Sparkling Prong Sterling Silver Chain with Cushion Shape Gemstone Jewelry Gift — Galaxy Gold GG 14k Yellow Gold Teardrop Garnet with Diamond Accent Necklace and Earring Set

NATIONAL SARDINES DAY

November 24, 2025October 24, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 20 Comments

November 24th recognizes these silver little fishes on National Sardines Day. They may not swim right up to your plate, but they sure do pack in the flavor.

While some people are afraid to taste these small, silverfish, others consider sardines a delicious snack enjoyed on their own or with crackers.

Sardines are several types of small, oily fish, related to herrings. While we might be most familiar with sardines packed in cans, some enjoy fresh sardines grilled. This small fish can also be pickled and smoked, too. When canned, they can be packed in water, olive, sunflower or soybean oil or tomato, chili or mustard sauce.

The term sardine was first used in English during the beginning of the 15th century, possibly coming from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia where there was an abundance of sardines.

Sardines are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
From one’s daily vitamin allowance containing:

13 % B2
.25 % niacin
150% vitamin B12
phosphorus
calcium
potassium
iron
selenium
omega-3fatty acids
vitamin D
protein

– B vitamins are important in helping to support proper nervous system function and are used for energy metabolism.
– Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and regular consumption may reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease and can even boost brain function as well as help lower blood sugar levels.

Relative to other fish commonly eaten by humans, sardines are very low in contaminants, such as mercury.

Sardine oil is used in the manufacturing of paint, varnish and linoleum.

The sardine canning industry peaked in the United States in the 1950s. The Stinson Seafood plant in Prospect Harbor, Maine, which was the last large sardine cannery in the United States, closed its doors on April 15, 2010, after 135 years in operation.

More Seafood….

Look, most years, this is the only holiday on this date. So we’ll offer some extra special tips to help you celebrate.

Try sardines on a salad. Mash them up and mix them with some Caesar dressing for a start. Add some extra croutons if that improves the experience.
Toss them with pasta and a spicy marinara sauce.
Grill them with olive oil. Add lemon, garlic, and tarragon.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSardinesDay

Share a can or two of canned sardines with a friend. See if you prefer the mustard, chili or the tomato packed ones better!Use #NationalSardinesDay to post on social media.

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