DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

   We have all heard of unusual championships, such as caber tossing – but I am certain that almost no one will have heard of the six bizarre championships listed here. This is a great opportunity for us all to learn about other people’s interests, and to maybe consider entering ourselves next year! 8.   Pig Squealing Contest    In  Trie-sur-baise, France , a pig squealing contest is held every year. The contest involves standing before a microphone and squealing like a pig. Besides the pig-squealing, there were awards in the Sunday competition for pigging out — this year’s winner ate nearly 4 feet of blood sausage in under five minutes. I am very pleased to be able to present a youtube clip from the contest – but unfortunately the person who added the clip to youtube doesn’t seem to want people to share it easily – so you must 7.   Gumboot Throwing Festival    Every year in the small New Zealand town of Taihape, the residents and visitors ha

      Cambodian New Year (Khmer) or Chaul Chnam Thmey , in the Khmer language, literally  "Enter Year New",  is the name of the Cambodian holiday that celebrated the New Year.  The holiday lasts for three days beginning on New Year's day, which usually falls on April 13th or 14th, which is the end of the harvesting season, when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor before the rainy season begins.  Khmer's living abroad may choose to celebrate during a weekend rather than just specifically April 13th through the 15th.  The Khmer New Year coincides with the traditional solar new year in several parts of India, Myanmar and Thailand.    Cambodians also use Buddhist Era to count the year based on the Buddhist calendar.  For 2011, it is 2555 BE (Buddhist Era). The Three Day of The New Year Maha Songkran     Maha Songkran , derived from Sanskrit  Maha Sankranti , is the name of the first day of the new year celebration.  It is the ending of the year and

   A decadent Pecan Pie Filling is used instead of frosting between the layers of this moist cake. Your guests will love the mix of cake and pie, not to mention the out-of-this-world taste. Ingredients 3 cups   finely chopped pecans, toasted and divided 1/2 cup   butter or margarine, softened 1/2 cup   shortening 2 cups   sugar 5  large eggs, separated   $ 1 tablespoon   vanilla extract 2 cups   all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon   baking soda 1 cup   buttermilk 3/4 cup   dark corn syrup 1  recipe Pecan Pie Filling 1  recipe Pastry Garnish (optional) Preparation Sprinkle 2 cups pecans evenly into 3 generously buttered 9-inch round cakepans; shake to coat bottoms and sides of pans. Beat 1/2 cup butter and shorteningat medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Add flour and baking soda to butter mixture alternately with