Thursday, October 31
End of October in East Tennessee
Obviously, this is the last day of October 2024 and obviously, this is Halloween, but what is not obvious is that I am sitting on my back deck in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt because it is EIGHTY (80) degrees outside at 4:00pm.
I am sitting in the shade because the sun is on the other side of the house, and I am drinking Vanilla Cappuccino coffee that I purchased at Weigel's Convenience store, a mile from the house.
In point-of-fact, I purchased two large cups (24 oz) and when I finished with one, I simply heated up the other one in the microwave for a minute and I am again good-to-go.
The weather is supposed to dip down into the 60s tomorrow with rain but for the next 5 days, our temps will again be in the mid to high 70s.
Not trying to BRAG... well, maybe I am just a tad, East TN weather is damn near perfect, and we still have four seasons albeit some of them short.
I moved here in 1990, and I am glad that I did. I am also glad that I am retiring in this area because even though the rest of the country are experiencing inflation and high prices, it is not bothering us too much here.
However... bear in mind, that my wife and I have had no debt for over 15 years and our lifestyle is simple and plain... We buy only what we need, not what we want as a general rule.
It's the Aging Process
My birthday is today, and I am now 77 years of age. I don't feel any different today than I did yesterday at 67. But there is nothing I can do about time. It is not that bad being 77 because I only feel like I am 80. lol
I went to the Orthopedic doctor this morning about my left knee and both shoulders and was reminded that my problems revolve around ARTHRITIS that was brought about and exacerbated by EXERCISE and BEING ACTIVE.
My first thought was: PISSER...
Hard to believe that trying to be HEALTHY would eventually bite me in the ASS.
On the other side of the coin, when I was 60 years old, I had a triple bypass-level heart attack and the cardiologist said had I not been as healthy as I was, the heart attack would have killed me.
Of course, this was 16 years earlier... I am sure that a decade and a half made a lot of difference.
I will eventually have to have hip and shoulder replacements, but the orthopedic surgeon said he will not do those until I BEG FOR THEM TO BE DONE.
I still believe that I will live into my 90s but I wonder what my physical body will be like almost twenty years from now.
In The NEWS
Sports, Entertainment, & Culture
> New York Yankees top Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 4 to avoid World Series sweep; Game 5 is set for tonight (8 pm ET, Fox) (More)
> Teri Garr, Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated actress best known for starring roles in "Tootsie" and "Young Frankenstein," dies at age 79 (More)
> "Anora" leads 2024 Gotham Awards nominations for independent films with four nods (More) | Netflix and Universal renew animated movie licensing deal, will add live-action films to Netflix's offering beginning in 2027 (More)
Science & Technology
> LinkedIn launches Hiring Assistant, an AI-powered agent built to take on a number of tasks involved in employee recruitment (More)
> Ocean scientists observe the largest predation event on record; millions of capelin—small anchovy-like fish—formed a miles long group while being fed on by cod (More)
> Astronomers discover one of the fastest spinning stars to date; located in the Sagittarius constellation near the center of the Milky Way, the neutron star rotates more than 700 times per second (More) | What are neutron stars? (More)
Business & Markets
> US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 +0.2%, Dow -0.4%, Nasdaq +0.8%) with Nasdaq closing at record high (More)
> Alphabet earnings beat expectations, fueled by cloud business; shares rise 6% in after-hours trading (More) | Snap shares rise 10% in after-hours trading after beating earnings expectations (More) | Starbucks warns remote corporate employees to return to office at least three days per week or face getting fired (More)
> Zhang Yiming, founder of TikTok-owner ByteDance, ranked China's richest person, worth $49.3B, in country's annual Hurun Rich List (More) | Number of dollar billionaires falls by one-third in China as country's stock market and economy slow (More)
Politics & World Affairs
> Jailed man who attacked husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D, CA-11) sentenced to life in prison without parole on state charges of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment (More)
> UK teenager accused of killing three girls at Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July owned al-Qaida terror manual, produced deadly poison ricin, per police (More)
> UN mission finds UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces in Sudan committed widespread acts of sexual violence amid civil war; the 80-page report includes interviews with victims and family members (More)
SOURCE: 1440 NEWS
Samhain Festival: The Origins of HALLOWEEN
Halloween's origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was a pagan celebration to mark the end of summer and the beginning of winter:
The festival
The Celts believed that on the night of Samhain, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. They celebrated by:
Lighting bonfires: To guide souls to the afterlife and to frighten away evil spirits
Wearing costumes: To avoid being recognized by ghosts and to confuse spirits
Dancing around bonfires: To keep evil spirits away
Divination: To seek answers about marriage, health, and death
Setting out favorite foods for the dead: To welcome departed loved ones
The name
The word "Halloween" is thought to be a combination of the word "Hallow", which originally meant "saint", and "een", an abbreviation of "eve" or night before.
The date
The Celts celebrated Samhain on October 31, the night before the new year, which they celebrated on November 1.
The location
The Celts lived in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France.
The cave
According to a National Geographic article, the cave where Halloween originated is Oweynagat, which means "cave of the cats".
The popularity
The popularity of Halloween skyrocketed in the 20th century.
The traditions
Over the centuries, Halloween has evolved into a day of parties, costumes, jack-o-lanterns, and trick-or-treating.
SOURCE: AI Generated
Today is my Birthday
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Soon after my birth, my parents relocated to Alexandria, Virginia where we lived until I was almost 15 years old. Looking back on my years in Alexandria, Virginia, I was constantly harassed because my birthday was on Halloween and was often accused of wearing my Halloween mask all year long.
However, I do remember walking around the community with a brown grocery bag trick or treating with my pals. I am sure at what age I stopped but one night someone had left a rake in the yard that I stepped on and the handle hit me square in the head knocking me down. I continued undeterred.
In the summer of my 14th year, the family relocated to Cairo, Egypt where I attended high school at Cairo American College, graduating in 1966. Spending four years in Egypt was an education in and of itself and since we could not work in the summers, we had no choice but to travel through Europe for month based upon the Eurail pass we all purchased. Europe on $3/day was the standard back then.
I entered Elon College in North Carolina until December 1968, when I dropped out of college and enlisted into the military. I returned to Elon in 1972, graduated in 1974 with a BA in English and in 1979, I entered the Babcock Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem where I earned a MBA in 1981 with a focus in strategic planning and small business management.
I started my working career full time in 1969 and retired at the end of 2014... working for a total of 45 years, in middle and upper management in the field of education. My work in education included teaching, consulting, designing training materials and course, managing corporate training, and managing teachers and students as a Dean and Director of Education.
From 1990 until 2015, I was CEO and President of Quest Training, Inc. Quest Training focused on organizational development, strategic planning, statistical team problem solving, process re-engineering, and quality management that included ISO9000/2000 quality standards.
I have been retired almost 10 years - I will reach that landmark on January 1, 2025.
Euclid "Dark Universe" Telescope
The huge mosaic released by ESA’s Euclid space telescope on October 15, 2024, accounts for 1% of the wide survey that Euclid will capture over six years. The location and actual size of the mosaic on the Southern Sky is shown in yellow. This all-sky view is an overlay of ESA Gaia’s star map from its second data release in 2018 and ESA Planck’s dust map from 2014. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA; ESA/Gaia/DPAC; ESA/Planck Collaboration
A new 208-gigapixel cosmic map, capturing 132 square degrees of the Southern Sky, was unveiled, marking the start of a six-year journey by the Euclid mission to create the largest 3D cosmic map, revealing the universe in unprecedented detail.
The first section of Euclid’s map, a massive 208-gigapixel mosaic, was unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, by ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher and Director of Science Carole Mundell.
This mosaic is composed of 260 observations taken between March 25 and April 8, 2024. In just two weeks, Euclid managed to capture 132 square degrees of the Southern Sky with incredible clarity—an area over 500 times larger than the full Moon. READ MORE...
Wednesday, October 30
In The NEWS
Sports, Entertainment, & Culture
> Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatà wins Ballon d'Or as soccer's best female player for second straight year; Manchester City's Rodri takes honor for best male player (More)
> French actor Gérard Depardieu's criminal trial for sexual assault postponed until March by French court due to Depardieu's health issues (More) | Actor Jay Johnston sentenced to one year in prison for role in Jan. 6, 2021, US Capitol storming (More)
> Jon Stewart extends deal to continue hosting Monday edition of "The Daily Show" through December 2025 (More)
Science & Technology
> Apple debuts its Apple Intelligence features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac; marks the company's first public foray into AI products (More) | UK man sentenced to 18 years in prison for AI-generated child sexual abuse content; advocates call outcome a landmark decision in AI law (More)
> Biologists decode genetic adaptations that allow critically endangered Cat Ba langurs to drink salt water; traits give increased ability to metabolize calcium and sodium (More)
> Engineers demonstrate prototype device using recycled polystyrene—a common packing material—that generates enough static electricity from air motion to lower air-condition power demand by 5% (More)
Business & Markets
> US stock markets close higher (S&P 500 +0.3%, Dow +0.7%, Nasdaq +0.3%) as investors await earnings reports this week from five of "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks—Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta (More)
> Boeing launches $19B stock sale by issuing 90 million new shares, $5B in depository shares to avoid credit downgrade amid ongoing machinists strike (More) | Volkswagen reportedly plans to shut down three factories in Germany, lay off thousands, and cut salaries by 10%; domestic closures would be the first in the 87-year history of Germany's largest employer (More)
> Nuclear startup Pacific Fusion Corp. raises over $900M in funding; startup seeks to commercialize fusion technology for energy (More) | Nuclear fusion 101 (More)
Politics & World Affairs
> Suspect vehicle identified in connection with devices that set fires to ballot drop boxes in Oregon and Washington state (More) | Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner (D) sues to halt political action committee led by Elon Musk from awarding $1M daily giveaways to voters registered in swing states (More)
> Man sentenced to life for the 2022 killing of Memphis teacher and 34-year-old mother Eliza Fletcher, an heir to a multibillion-dollar hardware company who was abducted while jogging (More)
> Pentagon confirms North Korea has sent roughly 10,000 troops to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine (More) | See war updates (More)
SOURCE: 1440 NEWS
A New Vehicle Upgrade
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Sometime in 2025, my wife and I have decided to trade in our 2015 Toyota Venza for a newer vehicle... bear in mind, WE NEVER BUY NEW. We always look for a year-old vehicle that has been LEASED with low mileage.
When we purchased the 2015 Venza in 2016, it had been leased and only had 7,500 miles on the odometer. It was like a brand-new vehicle. We actually drove to Ohio from East TN to purchase the car. It is now approaching 100,000 miles so it is time for a newer one. We've been very pleased with its performance, riding comfort, and durability.
We are looking at the RX350 Toyota Lexus. We wanted to buy another Venza, but Toyota is only manufacturing the hybrid, and we do not want to go that route because:
- resale value is low
- cost of battery replacement
- doesn't perform well in the cold
We might look at other vehicles and what we look at are the following criteria:
- must ride well
- low maintenance costs
- must perform well
- have carrying space
- not too big or too small
- latest safety features
- gas mileage
- durability
When we purchase the vehicle and are left with the cost after our trade-in value, we will put the expense on an American Express Delta card to receive our frequent flyer points. Then, in the next couple of days, we will transfer money out of savings and pay off the credit card, so we are left with NO DEBT.
At 77 and 72 years of age, it is doubtful that my wife and I will do a whole lot of driving over the next ten years. For the five/six years we drove the Venza we averaged about 8.000/8,500 miles each year. Those miles will probably drop down to 5,000/6,000 each year, so when I am 87 years old, there will only be about 60,000 on the vehicle when we sell it to some young, interested buyer or junk yard.
Lesson Learned: Don't Buy A NEW VEHICLE
Global Water Crisis
More than half the world’s food production will be at risk of failure within the next 25 years as a rapidly accelerating water crisis grips the planet, unless urgent action is taken to conserve water resources and end the destruction of the ecosystems on which our fresh water depends, experts have warned in a landmark review.
Half the world’s population already faces water scarcity, and that number is set to rise as the climate crisis worsens, according to a report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water published on Thursday.
Demand for fresh water will outstrip supply by 40% by the end of the decade, because the world’s water systems are being put under “unprecedented stress”, the report found. READ MORE...
Tuesday, October 29
Trying to be HEALTHY
To be honest with you, since age 40, I have had 1-2 hamburgers a year, 3-4 pizzas a year, 2-3 glasses of wine during the holidays, fried foods once in a while along with candy... so, it was not just a complete stop... HOWEVER, it was a complete stop on smoking cigarettes.
Along with a change in those habits, I began a daily exercise program of 30-60 minutes for 5-7 days each week. I tried to get plenty of sleep as well but that did not work out every night especially when there was something on my mind.
At age 60 (TWENTY YEARS LATER), I had a triple bypass level heart attack and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins B Cell Lymphoma. My cardiologist said my heart issue was an ANOMOLY and could not offer an explanation as to why it happens since there were no triggers or pre-existing conditions in me or in my immediate family.
SO...
was it necessary that I tried to get healthy at age 60?
YES!!!
Because I was healthy, my body created dozens of small arteries that acted as a bypass and that actually SAVED MY LIFE when I had my attack.
Interestingly, I was walking on the treadmill when I had my heart attack.
Two and a half years ago, I had 5 LUMBAR disks fused due to spinal stenosis AND... punishment due to an aggressive exercise program to remain healthy.
IRONY???
Of course it is...
You try to do what is right and then that behavior BITES YOU IN THE ASS when you get old.
On the other side of the coin, BEING OBESE IS WORSE from a health standpoint.
Getting Closer
As we get closer and closer to our November Election, I am becoming increasingly amazed by the BIDEN ADMINISTRATION because the DOJ is wanting to ALLOW NON-CITIZENS to be able to vote because they have a driver's license... where they stated they were NON-CITIZENS.
WHY WOULD ANY GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION WANT TO DO THIS???
It is obvious, at least to me, that they want to PREVENT Trump from becoming President and are willing to BREAK THE LAW to achieve that goal.
THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS...
Personally,
I believe that this action is an attempt to DESTROY DEMOCRACY...
AND...
find it kinda curious that they ACCUSE TRUMP of DESTROYING DEMORACY.
So, the question is: WHY ARE THE DEMOCRATS ACTING LIKE THIS?
In my humble opinion, when you attempt to CHEAT that tells me that you either have something to HIDE or that you are afraid of LOSING.
If a political party is willing to CHEAT in order to win, how will this CHEATING POLITICAL PARTY manage the country?
Will they CHEAT at that as well?
<OR>
Will they just CHEAT to win then act normal in office?
In The NEWS
Sports, Entertainment, & Culture
> Los Angeles Dodgers take 2-0 lead over New York Yankees in 2024 World Series with Game 3 tonight (8 pm ET, Fox); Dodgers may be without star Shohei Ohtani, who injured his shoulder in Game 2 (More)
> California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announces plan to increase state's film and TV tax incentives from $330M to $750M (More) | David Harris, actor best known for role in "The Warriors," dies at age 75 (More)
> The 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One kicks off; see complete postseason bracket and schedule (More)
Science & Technology
> Google to unveil "Jarvis" AI agent in December; tool is reportedly capable of controlling web browsers to complete tasks like shopping, scheduling, and more (More)
> Ancient cicadas evolved to escape ancient predatory birds between the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods roughly 145 million years ago; findings shed light on competitive evolution between species (More)
> Engineers develop portable device to extract water from humid air; prototype uses 50% less energy than existing technologies (More)
Business & Markets
> US stock markets close mixed Friday (S&P 500 -0.0%, Dow -0.6%, Nasdaq +0.6%) (More) | Nvidia temporarily overtakes Apple as world's most valuable company, briefly passes $3.53T in market value Friday (More)
> Russia's central bank raises benchmark interest rate to 21%, highest since 2003, amid inflation fueled by military spending (More)
> Delta Air Lines sued cybersecurity company CrowdStrike last week for July outage it says caused thousands of flight cancellations, costing the company $500M (More) | UnitedHealth Group last week confirmed February ransomware attack compromised personal data of 100 million people (More)
Politics & World Affairs
> The 2024 US election polls indicate tight race in lead-up to Election Day, with turnout in swing states expected to prove decisive (More) | See key states' polling averages (More)
> Republic of Georgia's pro-Russian ruling party declares victory; pro-West opposition party disputes results amid reports of voter intimidation, calls for protests (More) | Bulgaria holds seventh snap election in three years, results expected today (More)
> Tropical Storm Trami makes landfall in Vietnam after landslides and flooding kill dozens of people in the Philippines (More)
SOURCE: 1440 NEWS
Not That Keen on Sports
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During my adolescent and teenage years, I was heavily involved with sports. I played in little league baseball until I aged out. My position was first base.
As a teenager, I played baseball, softball, football, basketball, and field & track where I threw the javelin, discuss, and shot put. First base again in both baseball and softball. For football, I wanted to be a fullback, but I could not hold onto the ball, so I was placed as a defensive linebacker and was on all the special teams.
At home, my parents watched on our television everything that was related to sports but were especially interested in football and tennis. So naturally, I watched them as well until I got old enough to date and then I was gone most of the time.
After high school, there were a few years of college, then the military where involvement in watching sports was damn near mandatory if you wanted to fit in with the crowd.
Once, I got married, I watched very little sports except during the holidays when the parents came over to our house, our we went over to their house. Both sets of parents were heavily focused on football. Politely, I watched.
Divorced and married a second time five years later, my second wife liked football and tennis but especially tennis. I very seldom watched tennis with her, but we did watch football together and basketball when Michael Jordan was playing with the Chicago Bulls.
When Michael Jordan retired, she went back to concentrating on tennis, but we would always watch the super bowl, even though we did not care which team won. Usually, the super bowls were the best games to watch.
I have no idea why, after being a very athletic person, and winning lots of awards and metals, that I lost interest in sports. It could be that too much was pushed on me when I was young, but that does not explain my choice to watch later.
I used to go the baseball games of the Washington Senators before they moved to Baltimore and remember how excited I was to be there. I always got a program and was taught how to keep track of how each team performed each inning. But later in life, baseball just moved too slowly for me.
I never really understood the rules of soccer, but it was a fast-moving pace as was rugby but never got interested in either of them.
- Nowadays, it is just too damn expensive to get a ticket to any sporting event, and yet when seeing them on television, the arenas and stadiums always look full.
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