“How It’s Made”: Crystal Wine Glasses

The holiday season is upon us–regardless of which holiday you celebrate, there is so much for which to be thankful.  Over the next few weeks, there will likely be lots of wine in fancy crystal wine glasses, delicious food, as well as beloved family and friends, coming together to remember memories long gone and to look forward to new memories soon to be made.

I believe an important thing to remember is that while you are enjoying that fabulous glass of wine with your family and friends, not everyone is as lucky.  The holiday season can be a big source of sadness and stress for some people, for a variety of reasons.  I am asking everyone for one small favor this holiday season:  do something nice for someone.  Simple acts of kindness are all it takes to at least temporarily ease the pain and suffering that may be haunting some people this time of year.  Perhaps donate to a

special charity, volunteer at a soup kitchen, leave an extra big tip to a waiter/waitress, or bring a bag of groceries to someone who may be struggling to make ends meet.  Instilling hope and caring for others is what this season is about, as well as celebrating and giving thanks for all of the things that we have been blessed with in this life, no matter how big or small.

Since many of us are very busy this time of year, we don’t have as much time or concentration to be able to absorb a complicated research study, particularly when we have last minute gifts to get or meals that need to be prepped for days in advance.  So, as we’ve stared to do on a somewhat regular basis on The Academic Wino, we’ll show you a short, educational video clip that’s both fascinating and easy to understand.

As you sit there sipping on your wine with the fancy crystal wine glasses that you brought out special for the holidays, take a good look at the glass.  What does it look like?  How does the stem actually attach to the bowl? How does the bowl get that shape?  How do they actually make the crystal wine glass?

One of my favorite shows here in the USA on the Science Channel, “How It’s Made”, takes a look at how a wide variety of products are made, from hot dogs and bubble gum to external hard drives and first class airline seats.  This episode takes a look at the art of making crystal wine glasses and just how that intricate specimen of stemware you have filled with your favorite libation ends up looking as beautiful as it does.

So, I’ll let the crew from “How It’s Made” do the talking:

I wish you all a safe and Happy Holidays, and please remember to share little random acts of kindness to help but a smile on the face of someone less fortunate.

Cheers!