Somewhat Political

 

Pursuit of Happiness

 In the Declaration of Independence, it states...  "we are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness..."

What does this mean?

For me it means that as a result of our birth, we have been automatically been given certain rights.  And that these rights are:  life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• Our birth gave us LIFE
• Our birth gave us LIBERTY or FREEDOM
• Our birth gave us the right to pursue Happiness

Of course, the first two seem rather obvious but this third one is a bit of a PICKLE...  that is to say, what does it mean to be happy?  And how do we set about pursuing happiness?

Ironically, when we are born, we are a baby, then a child, a teenager, a young adult, middle aged, then a senior citizen, then retired.  During that lifelong process, we may not fully understand what happiness really means.  Additionally, if we think we know what happiness means, this understanding is likely to change as we grow older.

Are we just given one shot at pursuing happiness or is this an ongoing process...  as this is what pursuit seems to imply?

I would not think that if our pursuit of happiness violated the pursuit of happiness of someone else that our pursuit would be allowed legally...  but, I don't suppose anyone's pursuit of happiness has been challenged in the courts...  I could be wrong.

This Declaration of Independence statement begs another question as well...

• Why do we think or assume that we are entitled to pursue happiness just because we have been born?
• How do we know what our creator was thinking?
• It is kind of presumptuous to think we have the ability to think like a/the creator, isn't it?

Classic Sunday Morning Newspaper Cartoons

NASA'S Wind Tunnel

Flying cars. Space tourism. Safe reentry for astronauts coming back from Mars.

These technologies are still science fiction, but some won't be for much longer, according to Charles "Mike" Fremaux, NASA Langley Research Center's chief engineer for intelligent flight systems.

To test these concepts, particularly in regard to public and military safety, NASA Langley is building its first new wind tunnel in over 40 years. The NASA Flight Dynamic Research Facility, a project Fremaux has been pursuing for 25 years, will replace two smaller wind tunnels that are around 80 years old. The center's most recent and largest, the National Transonic Facility, was built in 1980.

"These facilities are really kind of tailor-made for doing a lot of that work," he said at a presentation at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center in Hampton on Tuesday. The talk was part of NASA Langley's Sigma Series community lectures.

"That's not our traditional wheelhouse. We haven't tested anything with a propeller on it in decades."

That's because many new craft will depend on electric vertical takeoff and landing, or "eVTOL," technology. With likely dozens or even hundreds of private vehicles in the airways, research is needed to understand how vehicles will react in real-world conditions.

Fremaux expects some of these technologies will likely be mainstream by 2040 or sooner.

The $43.2 million federal government contract to design and build the 25,000-square-foot facility went to BL Harbert International, a construction company based in Birmingham, Alabama. It is expected to open in early 2025.

The wind tunnel will be 130 feet tall, Fremaux said, comparing its capabilities to those it will replace: The 12-foot, Low-Speed Spin Tunnel built in 1939 and the 20-foot, Vertical Spin Tunnel built in 1940.

One project he worked on using the center's other wind tunnels—there are currently around 16 operating, Fremaux said—was the Stardust Mission in 2006, the first spacecraft to bring back material from outside the moon's orbit.  READ MORE...

The Cheese Shop

 

East Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Knoxville



If you love the vibrance of a big city, but also treasure the “down-home” southern charm that is native to Tennessee, Knoxville is the city to visit. Knoxville prides itself on southern hospitality; offering a mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and a plethora of cultural attractions. Tennessee’s third largest city is sure to offer something for everyone.

Stamp your passport:


Knoxville is home to not one but two distilleries and even though they are located close to each other, Knox Whiskey Works and Post Modern Spirits couldn’t be more different.

Knox Whiskey Works is a small batch craft distillery located in the heart of the city. They work with local farmers and artisans to create unique spirits representative of East Tennessee. They craft seasonal cocktails made with their spirits and combine them with fresh ingredients to create libations with a personality all their own!
Must try: A cocktail flight! Why try one cocktail when you can sample them all?

Just down the street from Knox Whiskey Works, you’ll find Post Modern Spirits in the heart of “Old City” located inside of an old freight terminal along the railroad tracks.

Post Modern Spirits is unlike any distillery you’ve ever visited. For one, the tasting room is reminiscent of a cocktail lounge. Additionally, the colors and flavors of the spirits themselves are derived from natural, real ingredients and botanicals. Where artistry and chemistry intersect – the mad scientists at Post Modern are always brewing something new. There’s no shortage of creativity and fresh takes on liquor here.

Must try: An Elder Gin Fizz: Elderberry Gin Liqueur, Giniferous Gin, Rosemary Syrup, Lime Juice, Soda Water

Stay Overnight:


Right in the heart of Downtown is the Hyatt Place Knoxville. This posh, pet friendly hotel boasts tons of local art, MCM aesthetic and is within walking distance of most anything in the city! Major perk – it even has a rooftop bar with stunning views of Knoxville, especially at sunset!

Eat & Drink:


Knoxville is filled with casual dining spots, local dives and fine dining experiences alike. Check out SoKno Tacos for cheese dip and the best margaritas around. In the mood for beerFlights and burgers? Check out Balter Beerworks. Mouth watering for some BBQ? You’ll want to visit Sweet P’s. However, be sure to save room for their banana pudding. In short, the culinary scene is unbeatable and one of the many things that makes this city such a fun place to explore.

Must Try:


Make dinner reservations at The Oliver Royale! When possible, the restaurant supports local, natural, sustainable and organic practices and their beautifully plated dishes are as full of flavor as they are colorful.

Go on an adventure:


Knoxville has no shortages of adventures. Literally, the “Urban Wilderness” can be found less than five miles outside of the city in. every. direction. Hike, bike, climb, paddle, or just wander in the woods with over 1k designated natural, green acreage.

Fort Dickerson Park is a hidden gem for explorers. The area boasts tons of mountain bike and hiking trails along the sides of the beautiful Augusta Quarry. The surface of the water reflects the clouds and trees that hover above and the path leads you down to an inviting shoreline. Here you can paddle, swim and freedive in the old limestone quarry where it reaches depths of almost 300 feet!

Just across town, you’ll find Knoxville’s very own wildlife sanctuary, Ijams Nature Center. It’s filled with 10 parks, 40 miles of multi-use trails, four civil war sites, incredible views and Mead’s Quarry Lake where you can rent kayaks and swim in designated areas.

The Knox Adventure Collective is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Knoxville. It’s the perfect hub for those just visiting the city without gear. They. Have. It. All. The Knox Adventure Collective offers rentals, guided tours and classes for you or your entire family.

Art:


The city is splashed with colorful murals and art infused experiences, some notable stops in Knoxville include walking along the Sculpture Garden at Krutch Park, taking photos in “Strong (Graffiti) Alley” in Market Square and stopping to shop at RALA – a storefront filled with Regional and Local Art!

Don’t Miss: You know the saying, “selfie or it didn’t happen!” Well, selfie or group photo either one, a snapshot with the Patron Saint of East TN, Dolly Parton’s Mural by Megan Lingerfelt in Graffiti Alley, is a Knoxville must. Also be sure to visit the Kelsey Montagues #WhatLiftsYou mural of colorful birds and World’s Fair park!

For even more ideas about what to do, check out the Visit Knoxville website.



Distilleries on this Trip

Knox Whiskey Works
516 W Jackson Ave
Knoxville, TN 37902
knoxwhiskeyworks.com

Post Modern Spirits
205 W Jackson Ave Suite 205
Knoxville, TN 37902
postmodernspirits.com




More Trips & Trail Routes



Holiday Happenings
Must-do holiday experiences along the trail



Just For Foodies
Taste your way across the state



Knoxville
Nature loving adventure seeking artsy kinda town



Middle Tennessee
Central to your whiskey trail experience



Complete Trail
An epic journey awaits



Cookeville
A Natural Fit



East Tennessee
Whiskey flows like a river in these hills



Fall Finds
Must-do fall experiences along the trail



Historic Franklin
Craft whiskey from Williamson County



Holiday Happenings
Must-do holiday experiences along the trail



Just For Foodies
Taste your way across the state



Knoxville
Nature loving adventure seeking artsy kinda town



Middle Tennessee
Central to your whiskey trail experience



Complete Trail
An epic journey awaits



Cookeville
A Natural Fit



East Tennessee
Whiskey flows like a river in these hills



Fall Finds
Must-do fall experiences along the trail



Historic Franklin
Craft whiskey from Williamson County

Living with Cancer

 I have been living with cancer since 2007/2008 when I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins B Cell Lymphoma.  Five years later, my treatments caused me to be diagnosed with Melanoma.

How to treat TWO CANCERS?

A dilemma for my oncologist as the melanoma was more deadly than the lymphoma.   The melanoma was removed from my foot and when it returned 5 years later, it traveled from my foot to my groin to my neck where it was removed and found to be dead due to the treatment of Opdivo and Radiation.

I continue to get treated for two cancers with monthly infusions and daily pills.  And, while my melanoma has not reappeared but my small B cell lymphoma may have transformed itself into Large B cell lymphoma which typically results in a more aggressive treatment protocol.

This new protocol, if and when it is adopted, will infusion powerful toxins into my body, some of which I have already experienced during the early years of my treatment.  These infusions are wicked and have serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, loss of hair, loss of immunity, and anemia.

Some of these side effects I am currently experiencing due to 15 years of treatments.  However, long term side effects are typically somewhat milder than chemo induced side effects which is something that I am not looking forward to.

One approach to take is to start consuming my nausea meds as soon as treatments end rather than waiting to feel sick.  While there is no guarantees this will work, it will lessen the intensity of the nausea and vomiting.

Chemo treatments come with steroids and the last time I was infused with steroids, I gained 30 to 40 pounds over ten years.  Ironically, I just lost those 30-40 pounds which took me a little over 2 years to accomplish.

I will keep you informed of my progress...

Politics

I AM NOT A DEMOCRAT...

I AM NOT A REPUBLICAN...

I AM NOT AN INDEPENDENT...

I AM NOT A SOCIALIST...

What I am is a liberal conservative...

1. I don't really care for the second amendment.
2. I don't want the government telling women if they can have an abortion or not.  It is not the right of the states either.  It is the woman's right and only the woman's right.
3. I detest foreign wars but I do think our military should be superior to all other countries.
4. I don't think trans females should be allowed to compete in female sports activities.
5. I think that there should be a FLAT TAX with NO EXEMPTIONS and that no organization should be granted a tax free exemption.
6. I don't think it should be LEGAL for the WEALTHY to shelter their money in tax free off shore bank accounts.  If they don't like that, let them live somewhere else...  they have the money.
7. I believe in a small federal government.
8. I think the House and Senate should only be allowed to serve two terms.
9. I think the first two years of college should be free as long as the student attends a Community College.
10. I think EVERYONE (no exemptions) should spend two years in the military.
11. I think ANYONE who allows illegal immigration should be prosecuted.
12. I think that technical training should be mandated in high school for those who are not planning to go to college.
13. Financial Investing should be taught to all high school seniors with the understanding that after graduation they must start saving $2.50/day (invested in a mutual fund) for retirement.
14. I believe that for every job that is replaced by AI/Robots that the company in questions be mandated to provide training to that employee for alternate employment.
15. I believe that there should be a cap on all salaries relative to the field in which they are working.
16. I believe that all people are NOT EQUAL and that they should be treated as such.
17. I believe that if the government wants to provide public transportation that it should be FREE.
18. I believe that all governments (Federal, State, County, City) should have a balance budget.
19. I believe that there should be a plan in place to pay off our national debt and that plan should never be altered unless it is to pay it off faster.
20. I believe that ALL COMPANIES, ALL MILLIONAIRES/BILLIONAIRES are responsible in some way shape or fashion for our national debt and they should be responsible for its elimination.
21. I believe in free trade with no tariffs or trade barriers to protect domestic production...  sink or swim.
22. I believe that there are double standards here in the USA and that all of them should be eliminated.
23. I believe that our law enforcement can eliminate illegal drugs and that they should be given 5-10 years to do so...  or be replaced.
24. I do not believe in reparations for slavery.
25. I don't believe children should be exposed to gender identity
26. I believe in same sex marriage
27. I believe that a very large prison be built in artica and antartica and all prisoners be sent there to govern themselves.  Males and females living together with absolutely no means of escape.  Climate controlled are (like on Mars) so they can grow their own food.
28. I believe that the Supreme Court monitor all the agencies of government to insure that none of the agencies have been weaponized to serve a political party
29. All elected officials should only be allowed to serve two terms of either 4 or 6 years to avoid complacency, bribery, and influence peddling.
30. The USA is a Rule of Law country and that concept should be maintained without question

Animals

 

Entrance to the Underworld

The Catholic Church of San Pablo in Mitla is built on the footprint of an earlier Zapotec temple. (Image credit: Marco M. Vigato/The ARX Project)





A hidden "entrance to the underworld" built by the ancient Zapotec culture has been discovered beneath a Catholic church in southern Mexico, according to a team of researchers using cutting-edge ground-scanning technology.


The complex system of underground chambers and tunnels was built more than a millennium ago by the Zapotec, whose state arose near modern-day Oaxaca in the late sixth century B.C. and grew in grandeur as people created monumental buildings and erected massive tombs filled with lavish grave goods.

The architectural complex at Mitla, 27 miles (44 kilometers) southeast of Oaxaca, boasts unique and intricate mosaics, having functioned as the main Zapotec religious center until the late 15th century, when the Aztec conquest likely resulted in the abandonment of the site. The Spanish then reused stone blocks from the ruins to build the San Pablo Apostol church a century later.

Oral histories have long suggested that the main altar of the church was purposefully built over a sealed entrance to a vast underground labyrinth of pillars and passages that originally belonged to a Zapotec temple known as Lyobaa, which means "the place of rest."

Investigating this claim with modern geophysical methods, the Project Lyobaa research team announced on May 12 that they had found a complex system of caves and passageways beneath the church. The project is a collaboration of 15 archaeologists, geophysical scientists, engineers and conservation experts with the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and the ARX Project.   READ MORE...

Glass Blowing

 

Running Moonshine in Knoxville, Tennessee

 

Magician