WHO INVENTED FIRE? A SNAPSHOT HISTORY OF THE WORLD’S HEAT SOURCE
The Oldest Recorded Wildfire More than 420 million years ago, the world’s oldest recorded wildfire occurred. According to scientists, there were plants on the earth, and oxygen levels had finally reached a point at which a flame could thrive. Evolution did its thing, and now we have plants that thrive in fire climates. For example, while some of the wildfires in the western part of the U.S. are unfortunate man-made mistakes, others are naturally occurring. Meanwhile, the first recorded human interaction with fire was 1.5 million years ago in Africa, and it was used to provide heat. Native Uses The origin stories of fire for Native American tribes vary depending on the region of North America, but for many tribes, fire was a spiritual and sacred symbol. Some accounts have an animal bringing fire to early native tribes, while other tribes’ stories outline the sacred and ecological use of fire to benefit the land. Fire became essential to the Native Americans long before white European settlers began colonizing North America, and some of tribes still practice the same fire traditions from their ancestors.
There are few resources more important to humans than fire. Harsh winter days are soothed by a roaring flame, and nearly every meal is prepared thanks to some sort of heating device. But how did fire come to be? The answer to that question varies depending on who you ask. Learn about fire’s history with these quick facts. Greek Mythology According to Greek mythology, Prometheus, the son of Iapetus, felt sorry for the humans, so he raided Athena and Hephaestus’ workshop for tools and fire. He then taught humans how to make tools with metal and fire, establishing his place as a symbol for science and culture. Zeus was furious with Prometheus’ theft and sentenced him to eternal damnation. Prometheus was tied to a rock or pole, and a hawk was sent to eat out his liver. Every night, Prometheus’ liver would grow back, and the hawk would be sent the next day to torture him again. Folklore claims that Hercules saved Prometheus from this damnation by killing the hawk. In the end, Prometheus was lauded as a hero for mankind and seen as a lesson for those considering going against Zeus.
HAVE A LAUGH!
No matter how you cook your bird for Thanksgiving, it will taste better if you brine it beforehand. Break out your biggest cooler and some ice to ensure that your guests rave about your turkey. A SIMPLE BRINE FOR SUCCULENT TURKEY
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
INGREDIENTS
• 2 large sprigs thyme • 2 bay leaves • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt • 3/4 cup sugar • 1 carrot, peeled and diced • 1 large onion, peeled and diced • 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large stockpot, bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. 2. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Place brine in the fridge, uncovered, until cold. 3. In a large cooler, combine brine and 6 quarts cold water. Add turkey and submerge completely. Brine chilled for up to 72 hours.
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