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Showing posts with label republished content. Show all posts
Showing posts with label republished content. Show all posts

04 January 2023

A Few Bio Facts About the Blog Publisher

Hello! Welcome!  It's another new year.  Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. Perhaps you might want to know a little more about the blog publisher, so I'll share a few biofacts.

 I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and left my childhood home in 1986 because of a job opportunity and have never been back. The likelihood of me ever getting a chance to revisit my place of birth is slim and none! More none than slim. So I decided to take a trip down memory lane via Google images.



I tried to find my childhood home. Sadly, the house I grew up is was torn down and the land it stood on was turned into a parking lot. That house wasn’t exactly paradise. But I never dreamed it would become a parking lot.

Next, I searched for the school that I attended 5th grade to 8th grade (from 8 years old to 12 years old). I found a very clear picture of the church building which is right next to the school. It was a Catholic school and mass attendance was required. It was also the building was where my 8th-grade graduation ceremony took place.

Incredible! The building looks exactly the same. Proof of life! Proof of MY life.

Looking at the photograph gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.

( Image source: miamiarch.org - Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Miami, Florida )

Content previously published at Virily.com

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23 February 2022

Consumer Electronics: Do You Have a Cool Gadgets Wish List?

“The name’s Bond.  James Bond.”  Who doesn’t love James Bond?  He’s a secret agent.  Everybody likes secrets.  Plus he’s handsome.  Definitely not hard to look at.  But what or rather WHO do people really love about Mr. Bond?  They love Q!  The guy who invented all of those cool gadgets that James Bond uses when he goes on a mission for Her Majesty’ Secret Service. Admit it.  Some of the most memorable scenes in the James Bond films is when he visits the Q Branch and he’s given a demonstration of the various types of gadgets he will be needing in order to successfully complete his assignment.

People love gadgets, don’t they?  After all, most people never grow up.  The child is always in their heart.  And what does a child love?  TOYS!!!  Kids love cool toys to play with and GADGETS ARE REALLY COOL TOYS!!

Most popular gadgets these days are not just toys though.  They’re used for serious purposes.  Not to accomplish a secret government operation.  But many gadgets either address home security and safety or they address one’s health, such as fitness trackers or other wearable technology.  Me?  I rather fancy entertainment-related gadgets with bluetooth technology.

Most gadgets these days are described as “SMART”.

“SMART is a mnemonic acronym … The letters S and M generally mean specific and measurable. Possibly the most common version has the remaining letters referring to achievable, relevant and time-bound.”   (Quote Source:  Wikipedia)

One of the most popular gadgets selling right now is a small wireless smart camera that has night vision and a 2-way audio.  Another popular item is a smartwatch that tracks heart rates and other health indicators, and it has a lot of other apps.  You can even use it to call a cab!

Do you like to buy gadgets?

What kind of gadgets do you buy OR what kind of gadgets are on your wish list?

♦





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05 October 2021

A Fun Look at the History and Traditions of Halloween

It’s October and it’s time for Halloween. For this article I wanted to present a quick discussion highlighting some interesting and fun facts about the Halloween holiday; mainly, its history and the superstitious beliefs associated with it.


The History (and My History) of Halloween

I attended Catholic school and can remember that one of my teachers was very adamant about NOT celebrating the Halloween holiday. She insisted that it supported pagan practices and traditions and it was a work of the devil. I did not want to disrespectful so I did what most well-mannered and well-behaved children did when their teachers said things they did not believe or agree with. I ignored her. Hey! I just wanted a pumpkin full of candy! LOL.

But as an adult, I was a little curious about the history of Halloween. It turns out my teacher was right. It was derived from pagan customs. More specifically, it is a modification of activities associated with an ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain, which was a festival that celebrated the changing of the seasons from summer to winter. Uumm? That doesn’t exactly sound devilish.

Amanda Pagan wrote a post titled “A Brief History of Halloween”, which was published in the official blog for the New York Public Library. Her explanation of the holiday’s history is very colorful. As it is a library blog, she also provided a list of a dozen books as recommended reading if you want to know more. Halloween may have had religious import or application in the beginning but as of today, for most people (including me), the day no religious significance at all. It’s just a day set aside for apple-bobbing, eating tricks and treats, visiting haunted houses that simultaneously frighten you and make you laugh, dressing up in funny costumes, and maybe binge-watching some scary movies. Nothing more.

Halloween Superstitions

Black cats, witches, and pumpkins? Oh my! Where do all of these superstitions come from? Obviously, since the holiday is derived from a Celtic ritual, the superstitions that are prevalent to this day have Celtic roots. I personally don’t believe these superstitions, especially not the one about black cats being bad luck. Some believed black cats were witches in disguise or witches reborn or they were just witch-helpers. If you do the research you will find a lot of information pertaining to all of the folklore about black cats. You’ll find everything except the name of the person who started it!

There are numerous superstitions linked to this holiday. If you are interested in an explanation of the various beliefs about everything from bats and black cats to ghosts and spirits to spiders and trick or treat, check out this “Guide to Halloween Superstitions”.

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Fun Links of Interest:

Halloween History – How Halloween Has Traveled the Globe | SAPIENS

The History of Halloween: A timeline through the centuries | Make It Grateful

Samhain Folklore, Superstitions and Legends | Learn Religions

12 (Mostly) Spooky Halloween Superstitions | Mental Floss


Original Source


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04 October 2021

American English: Everyday Words Not Used Every Day Until the 20th Century

There are many words we now use every day, that were not everyday words until the 20th century. I always enjoyed the cartoon called Road Runner. There were no spoken words in the animated episodes. Or so I thought. Come to think of it, there was one word and the Road Runner always said it twice. “Beep Beep!”


Mark Nichol published a list of “25 Words Coined by Twentieth-Century Authors”.

Did you know that the word “beep” was invented by a 20th-century scientist and novelist named Arthur C. Clarke? Since some of the words on Nichol’s list are related to technology, it’s no surprise they were unheard of until the 20 century. But the other nontech words are surprising to me and may surprise you too.

Curious to know the other 24 words?

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Source:  Virily.com

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26 September 2021

The Four Thieves are Natural Remedies ~ Fact or Folklore?

The Four Thieves. Doesn't that sound like the title for a medieval mystery book or something like the Cadfael Mysteries? It's not. It's a blend of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary (with lemon) used to fight infections. (NOTE:  This recipe varies.)  

Several years back I accepted an invitation to add links to a Pinterest Group Board which shares information about Natural Remedies and Healthy Lifestyle.  As of today, the board has over 30,000 followers. No surprise really. It seems every other day there is a short advertisement or infomercial on television advising people who had taken a particular prescription medication that they may be entitled to damages and to contact some law firm about it. It's very disheartening. People don't go to a physician so they can sue later for the drugs prescribed to cure their ailments. DUH!

 More and more people are turning … or should I say returning … to natural remedies. Not sure if there is a fine line of distinction between holistic healthcare, or alternative medicine, or natural remedies. To me they are all the same in that, i.e. from my point of view, they recommend a cure or possible cure for an ailment that does not result in 20+ other symptoms or health problems that you didn't have before you started taking the treatment and medication.

Vinaigre des quatre voleurs (Vinegar of the Four Thieves)


What People Say About "The Four Thieves"  

Some say there was a medication invented by 4 thieves and it helped as a treatment for those suffering from bubonic plague or "The Black Death".  Supposedly the thieves stole from graves of people who had died from the plague but for some reason they never got infected.  (O.o)

 The true story or maybe it's just legend … nobody knows for sure … the tale is that four thieves were stealing the corpses of people who had died from the bubonic plague or the Black Death. The authorities finally caught them and wanted to know why they weren't dying. They agreed to tell their “healing secret” but only in exchange for clemency. The tale may be a total fiction but it's a FACT that many people have been using the 4 Thieves essential oil (some call it "vinegar") for centuries.

There is a lot circulating on the Internet about this.  Below are a few information links for you to glean additional details.  


Have you ever tried the 4 Thieves Remedy?

Or do you think it's just folklore and the herbs have no use against infection or any practical health application?





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Original Content Source

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19 May 2021

Book Review: 'The Man with the Golden Gun' by Ian Fleming

Many people know a lot about Bond movies. 

What about the Bond books?
  • "Casino Royale" was the first Bond book published in 1953. 

  • After that, Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, wrote a book a year. This brilliant writer died of a heart attack in 1964. That's a little over ten years!! 

  • Bond novels were published between the years 1953 – 1966. 

It is not often that I come across a review of one of the Fleming books. Lots of movie reviews but not book reviews.  Sharing a link to a book review of "The Man with the Golden Gun" from The Friendly Shelf.  It might tempt to want to READ ALL of Fleming's original books. :)




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Bond Novels by Publication Date:


- - Info Reference: literary007.com Includes book summary and related blog posts.
- Aug 12, 1964: James Bond creator Ian Fleming dies. Read full article at history.com
- The Best James Bond Novels: Ranking the Fleming Originals by “Jeff” at bookriot.com
- Obviously, great info can be relished at the official website: James Bond | Ian Fleming Publications

 

Related articles






AUDIOBOOK
The Man with the Golden Gun
The Man with the Golden Gun


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12 May 2021

The Benefits of Space Exploration

A satellite is a celestial body that revolves around a planet. Moon is the earth’s satellite. Saturn has 82 satellites. Humans also have made artificial satellites. The purpose of these artificial satellites is to the orbit around the planet, gather information, and send the information in visual form back to the earth. Scientists then analyze and study the information to understand the planet better.

The Beginnings of Space Exploration

  • In October 1957, the Russians (their country known then as the U.S.S.R. or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, into space.
  • Determined not to be outdone or left behind, the USA or the United States of America launched its first satellite, Explorer 1, in January 1958.
It was the Americans who discovered the Van Allen radiation belts, two concentric rings of energetic particles surrounding Earth. The inner belt is composed of protons, and the outer belt is composed of electrons. James Van Allen was the scientist who supervised not only the design of the instruments which collected the data, but the study of the radiation data which was gathered. In 2018, NASA celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the launching of Explorer 1.

January 1958 was a historic month and year in the history of space exploration but it was in July 1969 when American astronaut Neil A. Armstong became the first human to set foot on the moon.

The Progress of Space Exploration

Star Trek is Fiction

Since the 1950s, those who have engaged in space exploration set out to accomplish many goals. The popular television series, Star Trek, which made its debut September 1966, may have led many to believe that the goal was “To boldly go where no one has gone before!” and “to explore strange new worlds.” But the reality is that from the late 1950s to the present day 2020, human life or humanoid life or any life form on other planets have never been found and likely never will be. None of the other planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto ~ are suitable for sustaining human life. These are the conclusions reached by scientists who have thoroughly investigated information and data collected by means of satellites, and also acquired as a result of numerous lunar and planetary missions, using both manned and unmanned spacecraft.

Space Research Yields Facts

In fact, the myriad goals of space exploration, right from the very start, were primarily for the purpose of improving our life ON planet Earth. Although there are some scientists who are committed to researching whether or not certain planets can be colonized, or at minimum, whether the soil on other planets can be used to grow food for we earthlings.

Their commitment, while it may be futile (my opinion), is understandable. After all, the cries and warnings of the environmentalists and the preservationists are not being heeded. The resources of the Earth are not unlimited. They paint a bleak picture of the future of life on Earth. That’s why there are so many books and movies depicting what life would be like for humans living in a post-apocalyptic world. Those committed scientists have reasoned and rightly so, that it doesn’t really take much to keep us alive. All we need is nonpoisonous food, breathable air, and drinkable water. How hard can it be to truly create a Class-M planet? To quote George Bernard Shaw: “Imagination is the beginning of creation.” So? I guess. If you can imagine it; it can become a reality. Right?

But so far, none of the other places in the universe that have been explored have the air and water that we need. So some scientists reason that perhaps these planets have dirt! There are edible plants that do not require a lot of oxygen or sunlight to grow. It could be worth further examination.

The Benefits of Space Exploration

  • Even though there are those who are still waiting in anticipation and hoping that one day we will make “first contact” with “new worlds”, many of the scientific endeavors related to space exploration have yielded numerous benefits for the world we live in.
  • Communication satellites were used to enable remotely located or isolated communities to listen to the radio and watch television, and learn about the world, albeit on the same planet, beyond their borders.
  • Space-based sensors help predict the weather and forecast hurricanes and the movement of other storms, warning people ahead of time so that they can gather a few survival essentials and seek shelter.
  • High-intensity flashlights which were originally developed for use on spacecraft to imitate sunlight are also used for search-and-rescue missions and even by campers to spend the night in the woods.
Space exploration has provided valuable information and helped us develop a knowledge and understanding of the natural processes that regularly occur on Earth. The application of space technology has improved our daily everyday life in so many ways.

But at what price?


Original source

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22 March 2021

Public Protests: Is Tree Sitting Really Necessary?

In the midst ... was there the tree of life ... and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. - Revelation 22: 2

 John the Apostle had been banished to the island of Patmos for preaching the Christian gospel message, and there he had a vision wherein he saw what heaven looked like. The full text of Revelation 22: 2 reads:
“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all tree leaves could be used for the healing of nations? What would the earth’s landscape be like were it not for trees? Can you imagine?



No need to imagine. It would be like Saturn, Jupiter, Mars or any of the other planets. But this glorious blue and green planet earth is adorned by these tall (some small) woody plants; from magnificent forests that grow naturally to individual trees planted by proud parents to honor the arrival of a new family member.

 Some tree leaves have proven to have medicinal applications. But even if they don’t heal all the nations.  Trees supply creature comforts in so many ways. Trees bear delicious edible fruits. Trees have branches with foliage that provide shade from a scorching sun. When they sway in a gentle breeze it can create a feeling of calm and inner peace. Some trees have gorgeous flowers. Their blossoms are a treat to the senses of sight and smell, as they are an incredibly amazing range of petal shapes and colors, and give off a variety of pleasant fragrances.

Like most American children, from a Judaeo-Christian background, I was taught the biblical account of creation as recorded in Genesis. I have always thought, based on the account, that in the beginning, mankind was supposed to be vegetarian.

 Because the scripture says:

 “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” (Gen 1: 29).

To take my thought process a step further, the animals were also supposed to be vegetarian (next verse) and to my mind that would certainly make the world a better place. Watching programs on channels like Animal Planet about predatory animals that kill other animals for food, and occasionally enjoy a meal of human flesh, create a very unnerving feeling for me.

 But, the purpose of this article is not to try to persuade meat-eaters to convert to a vegan diet. This article is about trees. Because I believe the biblical account of creation and the vivid imagery of John’s vision, the scriptural references are used simply to point out that trees have been an integral part of our existence since the creation; and will continue to be a part of our lives in the afterlife. That being said, the Bible mentions close to one hundred plants (bushes, shrubs and trees).

 Below are short descriptions of just a few trees of Biblical importance. This article reflects composite research, i.e. information gathered from both secular and religious sources.

 Acacia:

 There are the acacias of Egypt and Arabia; and then there is the acacia tree, native of North America, which was introduced into Europe. Research indicates that there are 500 species of the acacia tree. In the United States, it is valued as a timber tree and used in shipbuilding. The Europeans found similar uses. Most students of the Bible know that acacia wood was used to build the Ark of the Covenant.

 The acacia trees were large thorny trees. Their orange-brown hard-grained wood repelled insects. In some biblical translations, acacia trees are called shittim. Acacia wood was also used in the building of the first tabernacle (a portable "tent of meeting" where the Jews worshiped during the Exodus).


Almond:

 The almond tree is a stunning pinkish-white-flowered tree and it is prized for the high protein nut that it yields. (Some say fruit; some say nut.) Not only are the nuts delicious to eat, but the oil extracted from the nut can be used medicinally or as a lubricant, in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and as food flavoring. Because the almond contains very little starch, it is recommended as a flour substitute for diabetics.

 Almond trees grow in various parts of the world but it thrives in Syria. Ayurveda is a form of alternative medicine in Western society, but a system of traditional medicine native to India. According to ayurvedic prescription, almonds serve as an aphrodisiac and aids in the production of semen and reproductive fluids. Men are encouraged to consume almonds after ejaculation. There are sweet almonds and bitter almonds. Both are good for you! Aaron was the brother of Moses, who helped his brother lead the children of Israel at the time of the Exodus from Egypt and he served as high priest to the Jews.

 Among the contents of the Ark of the Covenant was Aaron’s rod. According to the Old Testament scriptures, though this rod had miraculous power, it was nothing more than an almond branch or twig. Per Numbers 17: 8, the rod “brought forth buds, bloomed blossoms and yielded almonds”.


Balsam:

 “There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole” are words from a Christian hymn. [Note 1] The balsam tree was indeed very valuable in biblical times.

 The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states: “It was an ingredient in the anointing oil of the priests (Ex 25:6; 35:28).

 The Queen of Sheba brought it as a present to Solomon (1 Ki 10:2) in large quantity (1 Ki 10:10) and of a finer quality (2 Ch 9:9) than that brought as a regular tribute by other visitors (1 Ki 10:25).” [Note 2]

 From the balsam tree, one can produce balm, an aromatic resinous gum used for medical purposes. Balm of Gilead, balsam of Gilead, and balsam tree are common names. It has even been called balsam of Mecca. In Genesis, the well-known story is told of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his jealous and envious brothers to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites were traders on their way to Egypt to trade slaves, spices, myrrh and balm from Gilead.

 Balsam is very difficult to cultivate, so it is only rarely grown. Usually it is cultivated in the regions bordering the Red Sea. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs and Turks all treasured the balm of Gilead. The Greek term balsamon means ‘fragrant oil’.


Sycamore:

 People often make a distinction between the sycamore of scripture and the sycamore tree of Eurasia and North America. The “true sycamore” (as some refer to it) is the tree that Zacchaeus, the tax collector, climbed up into in order to see Jesus. He was a man of small stature and could not see Jesus because of the crowd, so he climbed up into a tree to get a better view. Luke 19: 1 – 10 presents the detailed account.

 The biblical sycamore tree grew in Palestine and in Egypt. It bore small yellow edible fruit which was clustered and resembled a fig. The prophet Amos gathered the fruit of this tree for a living. Egyptian mummy-coffins are made out of this durable wood. The thick-branched wide-spreading tree has heart-shaped leaves with a downy underside which are very fragrant.

 But, just because the sycamore trees of Eurasia and North America have no biblical significance, it doesn’t mean they aren’t just as delightful. The sycamore of Eurasia is a deciduous maple tree which has greenish flowers, winged fruits, and palmately lobed leaves (i.e. the leaves have five or more lobes arising from a single point and spread like fingers from a hand). The sycamore of North America is valued for its timber; but is also widely planted as a shade tree.


Fascinating Fact:

 “The Tree of Life in Bahrain is one of the mysteries of world which is bound to be in the list of most unusual trees around the globe! This four-century-old mesquite tree survives in the midst of desert without the availability of water. The mystery of the survival of the tree has made it a legend and the name 'tree of life' is absolutely appropriate for the tree, truly representing the magic of life. A legend is also attached to the site where the tree is located. The local inhabitants believe with heart and soul that this was the actual location of the Garden of Eden.” [Note 3]


Tree Sitting

Tree sitting is when a protester sits in a tree, to protect it from being cut down. It is an act of civil disobedience that sometimes results in forcible removal of the protestor from the tree. Zacchaeus was not a tree-sitter. This article only briefly touches upon an arbitrary selection of a few trees mentioned in the Bible, and one legend created around a Bible story.

 The famed cedars of Lebanon were not included because by the sixth century A.D., most of the beautiful groves had been destroyed and these days only a precious few remain. But hopefully this subjective medley, in a roundabout way, made it apparent that trees don’t just provide creature comforts and they’re not just the stuff of bible stories and legends.
Trees are of critical importance to our environment. 

 The urgency of preserving, maintaining and cultivating trees can not be overstated or simplified. So heed the words of environmental activists and don’t be so quick to have them hauled off by hired tree-sit extractors. All the trees on our planet are “trees of life” and they can all contribute to healing the world.

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Notes:

[1] "Oremus Hymnal: There Is a Balm in Gilead." Oremus. Web. 25 Sept. 2011.

 [2] "Bible History Online - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia." Bible History Online Images and Resources for Biblical History. Web. 24 Sept. 2011.

 [3] "10 Strangest Trees on Earth" ZuZuTop. 19 Jan. 2010. Web. 24 Sept. 2011.

Primary References:

Scriptural references can be easily researched online at Bible Gateway.

 Youngblood, Ronald F., F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison. Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville: T. Nelson, 1995.

 "Trees - All about Palm Trees, Oak Tree, Pine Tree, Fruit Tree, Maple Tree and More!" 20-20 Site | Trees - All about Palm Trees, Oak Tree, Pine Tree, Fruit Tree, Maple Tree and More! LoveToKnow Corp. Web. 24 Sept. 2011.

Recommended Read:

Chapot, Hank. "Tree-Sitting, Since 1930." The Berkeley Daily Planet. 26 June 2008. Web. 25 Sept. 2011.
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Blog Publisher's Note:  This is my original content which first appeared at Suite101 (later Suite.io), Jan 2013.  The site is no longer online and my articles becames unpublished.  Various excerpts of this article can be found elsewhere around the web.It was a long and diligent search but I finally located a backup copy of my complete articles.  I have republished it here at this blog because the content is still relevant TODAY.  Trees are important to sustain life on planet earth!! That fact will never change.


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15 March 2021

Do the Adults at NASA Care About Climate Change?

According to a fact sheet about the history of NASA, the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) didn't really have anything to do with the weather. The President of the United States and Congress created NASA on October 1, 1958. Its mission was described as follows: "An Act to provide for research into the problems of flight within and outside the Earth's atmosphere, and for other purposes." So! "Other purposes"? That could include research about climate change. Not sure of the exact date when NASA joined the global climate change debate but they are certainly contributing to the discussion now! You can find lots of information at a site called “NASA: Climate Change and Global Warming”.



On September 20, 2019, several students skipped classes to stage a protest regarding how many governments (“the adults”) are ignoring climate change and how their future is at risk if they don't do something! (“1.1 Million Can Skip School for Climate Protest” – The New York Times)

In defense of “the adults”, it doesn't look like all of them have been ignoring the ill effects of climate change. Four years before this protest was ever planned NASA shared their predictions of what the world will look like in 2100. Not poking fun at this federal agency and the work that they do, but shouldn’t people have been seriously listening to what they had to say a long time ago? (O.o) After all, they can see a lot from outer space.

Here is an important quote extracted from the document:

“ … the data, which can be filtered down to the level of individual cities and towns on a daily timescale, will help developing nations predict and prepare for the local effects changing patterns in weather, floods and droughts. At a global scale, it’ll help Earth scientists, and anyone else who’s interested, explore what’s looking to be a very toasty end of the century.”

I have no doubt that the students involved in the protest were genuinely sincere and genuinely concerned about the impact that ignoring climate change will have on their future. They are concerned enough to refer to climate change as “an emergency”.

I also have no doubt that there are probably several intelligent students in that group (or in the group who did not skip classes) who could work alongside “the adults”, analyze the NASA climate projections, and possibly come up with a way to save planet earth. First, save a city. Then a state. Then a country. And finally the whole world!

What do you say, kids? Why not ignore the adults who are not paying attention and work with the adults who do care?


Original Source




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21 February 2021

Just survived the “historic” February 2021 winter storm of Texas. (Reblog)

Just survived the “historic” February 2021 winter storm of Texas. 

It's the first time the entire state was told to brace for the snow.  We were not ready for it!  My electricity was off for a week,  My water is still not turned on.  We have bottled water for drinking but we can't flush our toilets.  It's awful!  Because I had no electricity, I could not access the Internet.  I finally got access back on Saturday and signed in to sites I was using to make money online and earn cryptocurrencies.  One of my favorite sites is Noise.Cash. You earn Bitcoin Cash at that site. When I was finally able to sign in I shared a music video by Ed Sheeran (https://noise.cash/post/1nv8287k)  I guess because I had not signed in for a few days I did not get any Free Tips.  (Join the site and you'll figure out what the Free Tips are.)  Hope I can get ball rolling again!  

On the last day of the storm when the weather started warming up again, my daughter said she heard a bird singing.  It's what woke her up.  Peace and Love everybody!!



Winter storm in Texas: Here's how a week of frigid weather and catastrophe unfolded – CNN

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Reblogged from Texas Blogger on Tumblr

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17 January 2021

Foreign Investors Are Buying U.S. Real Estate

There are foreign investors who think that the “grass is greener in the USA” and they are buying a lot of real estate. Foreign investors who are buying up the “American Dream” hail from North and South America ( Canada , Mexico , Columbia ) and Asia ( China and India ) and other places around the globe.



In 2011, the states they viewed as having prime real estate are Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan, Nevada, Florida, and California. Florida was the top state. Yeah! Beat out California and Hawaii?? Yes well ... probably because Florida has no state tax. Also, by comparison, life on the West coast is way more expensive. Top 10 US Cities Foreign Investors Were Targeting in 2011.

As of March 2017, Bellingham, WA; Kahulul, HI; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; and New York, NY, were the Top 5 US Cities Foreign Investors Were Targeting.

Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic did have an impact on this investing trend.

Foreign buying of American real estate plunged before the coronavirus pandemic — and experts say it’s only going to get worse – MarketWatch


Whew! Quite frankly, as an American, I'm happy about this prediction.


Have you ever considered investing in US real estate?

If that prediction did not dissuade or discourage you, then this link should interest you.

20 Best Places To Invest In Real Estate In 2021


HAPPY INVESTING!


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If you liked this content, you might also like: "Real Estate Investing: Global REIT: The First Sharia-Compliant REIT Launched in the Cryptocurrency Market" 

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25 December 2020

Artists I Fancy: Impressionist Painters: Monet and Others

A brief introduction to artists, Claude Monet and others, who made such a lasting impression, reproductions of their original works adorn many homes and offices. Through his persistence Monet's paintings gained the recognition they deserve and he opened the door for fellow artists.


The letter "i" stands for "I'm impressed."


The term “impressionism” was first used in 1874, and its initial usage was not very complimentary. A critic was making a sarcastic remark about one of Monet's landscape paintings. Not allowing an unfavorable judgment to cramp his style, Claude Monet (1840 – 1926), working with Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841 – 1919), developed the technique of broken-color painting. These two artists are recognized as the founders of the art form known as Impressionism.

Others who were also a part of the group known as impressionist painters include: Édouard Manet (1832 – 1883), Jacob Camille Pissarro (1831 – 1903), Paul CĂ©zanne (1839 – 1906), and Edgar Hilaire Germain Degas (1834 – 1917).

Monet and Renoir
Plus The Others

An art aficionado, I am not. But like most people, my attention can easily be captured by an impressive painting. The artwork of Claude Monet has always impressed me. However, it appears that Monsieur Monet had to work arduously at developing a fan base who appreciated his art. Of course, Auguste Renoir painted female nudes. Not that he wasn't a great artist because his subjects were bare naked ladies. But gathering appreciative admirers was not as difficult. Nevertheless, through his persistence Monet's paintings have gained the recognition they deserve and there are many of today's artists who will readily admit that their art style has been influenced by the work of Claude Monet.


As all of the impressionist painters named are already well known, there is a wealth of information about them that can be found online. Since they are no longer with us, there is nothing substantial left to be added (unless authentic secret diaries or original works stashed in someone's attic are discovered). Below are links to condensed biographies of each artist which serve as an excellent introduction should you wish to know more about them.



The ArtStory.org published a biographical snap-shot of:

  • Claude Monet (1840 – 1926);
  • Édouard Manet (1832 – 1883); and
  • Edgar Hilaire Germain Degas (1834 – 1917).

For the biography of Pierre Auguste Renoir, visit notablebiographies.com.

A wonderful presentation of the life of Jacob Camille Pissarro (1831 – 1903) can be found at impressionniste.net.

PBS.org provided an introduction to the life of Paul CĂ©zanne (1839 – 1906) for the program which aired July 2006 entitled CĂ©zanne in Provence.

If interested, artcyclopedia.com is an online database where the artwork of thousands of artists can be viewed freely.




Image:  Autograph of the painter Claude Monet (Photo credit: Wikipediaautograph of the painter Claude Monet


Link to original article at wizzley.com: Impressionist Painters




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21 December 2020

The Marvels of Practical Technology: Internet Access, Robots, and Smart Homes

Technological advances are for the good of all mankind. We must believe. I believe!

Being that I am not a geek and joined the tech world long after Al Gore invented the Internet, I have been doing nothing but “catch up” to “keep up”.

Basically what happened was I got tired of sending out resumes, sometimes getting interviewed but never getting the job, and the well of temp jobs that I was drinking from to tide me over, dried up! So I joined the online work community in earnest in the year 2007. Had I predicted my future as a work-at-home professional, I would have learned about HTML codes a lot sooner.

It's an arduous journey climbing up that “new tech trends ladder” day after day after day. But you know what? It's technological progress!!

And you know what they say about technological progress.

“Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.” ~ Aldous Huxley

(My humor is corny but you could get used to it.)

I believe technology is a tool for the greater good. Often times I come across a lot of practical advice about technology and what I learn I share. Below are some information links I found to be very illuminating.


Some days my Internet is slow. Are there ways for me to speed it up without having to pay a geek?

I promise. If I get a robot vacuum for Christmas, my efficiency will increase.

To be honest, I have never been completely sold on the idea of smart homes. But if it really will improve one's quality of living, why resist? After all, there was once a time when people thought electricity in homes was dangerous. Yeah. Because gas light and candles were not dangerous at all!

If this shared content proved useful, then I hope it helped you as much as it helped me.

♦

Original source

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16 December 2020

Gourmet Gifts: This is For the Chocolate Lover in You!

If life is like a box of chocolates, I want this box! LOL. ~ LIFE and LOVE in a box of chocolates. 12 pieces.


Pascal Caffet is a world-famous chocolatier and the French are more than happy to say “Ooh la la!” whenever this name is heard. He is revered as “le Roi du chocolat”, that is to say, “the king of chocolate”.

Zchocolate is partnered
with Pascal Caffet.

 Although this confectioner company is based in France, their delicious treats are shipped to many destinations around the world; via DHL to 244 countries, in fact.

 In America, well-known business entities applaud these exquisite hand-made chocolates.
– Wall Street Journal referred to them as the Best Lesser-Known Gift Site on the Net.
– Food Network rated their products as Top 5 Chocolate Gifts.
– ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, published its annual list for 2014 and featured zChocolat as one of the best-boxed chocolates. The word used to describe the taste-tested assortment were: standout flavors and exceptional.
– There are 26 flavors. Examples include Piedmont hazelnut praline and Venezuelan dark chocolate. LA Times calls them spectacular.

 These luscious candies are offered to very appreciative customers. 


Chocolate is the gift often associated with Valentine’s Day and sometimes Christmas Day but it’s a gift that will be accepted any time of the year, no matter what the occasion. :)


Source:  Webnuggetz.com
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