Christopher Walken:
‘I’ve been married for
over 50 years. I live in
a house. I’m a very
normal person’
Sunday, February 16
Exploring Marriage
Is marriage dying?
The transformation of marriage from a form of economic dependency for women to an equal partnership has let to demographic shifts. Richard Reeves, author of "Of Boys and Men," explains how economic and educational factors have potentially destabilized partnerships and changed patterns of “marriageability” for middle- and lower-class men. Watch here.
The most famous divorce of all time
When English King Henry VIII wanted to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, in the 1500s, Catholicism was the national religion. Even though Catherine didn't produce a male heir, religious leaders refused to grant his wish. In response, King Henry turned his country upside down for the chance to marry the second of his six wives. Read more here.
The diverse history of marriage
Marriage was around in one form or another long before written history. From bonds between two people to large polyamorous gatherings of spouses, the rich history of marriage practices demonstrates that partnerships have been, and will likely continue to be, incredibly diverse. This illustrated video shows the diversity of marriage practices. Watch it here.
The historical cycles of marriage and birth rates
Falling marriage and birth rates worldwide prompt worries over how they might affect tax bases, retirement funds, and social standing. But this isn’t the first time marriage and reproduction have fallen out of favor. Some countries have resorted to drastic measures to restore the tarnished state of these hallowed institutions. Read how here.
What not to do in your marriage
Yes, divorce rates in the US are high. But that doesn’t mean your marriage is doomed. The Gottmans, both psychologists and longtime relationship counselors, are renowned for their approach to fostering healthy relationships. This video outlines negative relational attitudes correlated with relationship failure and how to avoid them. Watch it here.
Maya Hayuk Artist
Maya Hayuk (born 1969 in Baltimore, Maryland) is an internationally exhibited American artist living and working in Brooklyn, New York. She is best known for the bold geometric patterns she employs in large-scale murals.
Hayuk received a BFA in 1991 from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, she has also studied at the University of Odesa, in Odesa, Ukraine and at Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture.
She gathers her inspiration from pysanka, mandalas, chandeliers, views from the Hubble Telescope, holograms, Rorschach tests, and the surrounding environment.
Her work has been the subject of solo exhibitions and commissions at venues including UCLA's Hammer Museum, LA (2013), The Museum Of Contemporary Canadian Art, Toronto (2013), Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht (2012) and Socrates Sculpture Park in New York (2011).
In The NEWS
Treasury watchdog begins audit of DOGE's access to payment systems.
The Office of Inspector General initiated an audit into the security controls of the government's payment system and the access granted to the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. The audit, prompted by worries over DOGE's activities, will also review the past two years of transactions in relation to alleged fraud.
Rwanda-backed rebels capture second Congo airport.
The M23 rebels have seized control of Kavumu Airport, a strategic facility serving Bukavu, the capital of the South Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The development comes just before the annual African Union summit in Ethiopia and has heightened fears of an imminent attack on Bukavu.
Study finds ancient Egyptian mummy remains smell pleasant.
Well-preserved Egyptian mummies emit pleasant aromas described as "woody," "spicy," and "sweet," which is attributed to the oils, waxes, and balms used during the mummification process. By analyzing these scents, researchers aim to recreate them for museum exhibits and gain insights into a mummy's social status and preservation state, potentially improving conservation efforts.
"Goonies 2" officially in the works with Steven Spielberg producing.
Almost 40 years after the original film's release in 1985, Warner Bros. is moving forward with a sequel to "The Goonies." The original film centered on a group of misfit kids who find an old map and embark on an adventure to find a pirate's lost treasure. A screenwriter has been tapped, and a director has yet to sign on. It is unclear which of the original cast members are set to return.
Russian drone strike on Chernobyl plant damages reactor shield.
Ukraine said Russia's drone struck the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant early Friday, damaging the protective shield over the destroyed fourth reactor and starting a fire, which was later extinguished. Radiation levels remain normal at this time. Chernobyl was the site of the world's worst civil nuclear accident when one of its four reactors exploded in 1986.
Pope Francis admitted to hospital for bronchitis, Vatican says.
The 88-year-old was diagnosed with bronchitis last week and is being hospitalized for treatment and diagnostic tests. The Vatican said the pope had a respiratory tract infection, a slight fever, and difficulty breathing. The hospitalization is the latest in a string of health issues for the pontiff, including a recent lung infection and previous hospitalizations for intestinal problems.
SOURCE: 1440 NEWS
Retired
In 2015, my wife and I retired. We did not discuss how long she worked, but I had worked for 45 years. While we both draw social security checks, SS only covers about half of our monthly expenses. I cannot imagine what retired life would be like if I did not have a substantial amount of money saved. We would both probably still be working.
From 2015 until COVID hit, my wife and I traveled somewhere every other month for a week which did not take into consideration the two weeks we spent at Myrtle Beach each year. COVID blatantly informed us that we were vacationed out by shutting down our travels. After covid, we only took two weeklong trips each year.
Most of the time, except for doctor appointments, we stay at home. My wife spends her days out in the sunroom keeping herself busy while I remain inside keeping myself busy as well. Mornings for me are spent drinking coffee and watching the news, with my afternoons spent maintaining my two blogs and writing novels.
During the warm months (end of March through end of December), more time is spent outside doing something in the yard or walking around the neighborhood. Sometimes, the neighbors are outside as well, and we chat. I seldom watch cable movies or series.
While I can sleep as long as I want being retired, I am typically up at 7:30-8:00 am most every day. My first task is to take my thyroid pill and give the cats their morning treat. After the treat they typically go back to their beds and sleep. My days end sometimes between 9:00 to 10:00 pm and in the bed, fall asleep pretty quickly.
It may not seem like a very exciting life; I am seldom bored and pretty much stay busy all day long.
Neuralink brain implant
Elon Musk’s Neuralink suggests a human patient may have successfully used its brain chip to control a robotic arm. A video posted by the neurotechnology firm shows a robotic arm writing ‘Convoy’ on a whiteboard, referencing the company’s study on brain-controlled assistive robotics.
The demonstration highlights progress in Neuralink’s N1 chip, designed to restore mobility and communication for individuals with disabilities. While details remain limited, the clip hints at potential breakthroughs in brain-machine interface technology.
In November, Neuralink announced approval for a new feasibility study (CONVOY), on its brain implant and robotic arm, advancing brain-computer interface research.
Brain-powered robotics
The new 30-second clip reveals little, including the operator’s identity. Neuralink’s X post shares the video along with a heart, robot arm, and pen emojis, hinting at brain-controlled robotic advancements. The demonstration is part of its CONVOY feasibility exercise announced in November, which includes participants in its ongoing PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) study.
Some observers noted the significance of Neuralink’s demonstration, suggesting the patient was controlling the robotic arm using only their mind, without a joystick or muscle sensor. Musk acknowledged the interpretation as accurate, according to a report by PCMag. READ MORE...
Saturday, February 15
Real Clear Politics
On Illegal Immigration, It's Trump Filing Lawsuits
Byron York, Washington Examiner
Byron York, Washington Examiner
It's Time for Democrats To Woo the Man Vote
Susan Milligan, The New Republic
Susan Milligan, The New Republic
Pull the Plug on 'Environmental Justice'
James Meigs, City Journal
James Meigs, City Journal
What Musk Can Learn From the Original DOGE
Tim Harford, Financial Times
Tim Harford, Financial Times
DOGE Zeroes Out National Endowment for Democracy
James Piereson, New Criterion
James Piereson, New Criterion
Democrats Should Be Helping To Find Waste and Fraud
Dean Phillips, CNN
Dean Phillips, CNN
Samantha Power Should Not Escape Accountability
Charlton Allen, American Thinker
Charlton Allen, American Thinker
How Democrats Can Fight Back
Lehmann & Rep. Raskin, The Nation
Lehmann & Rep. Raskin, The Nation
Vance Calls Out Europe on Censorship, Immigration
Bevan, et al., RCP on SiriusXM
Bevan, et al., RCP on SiriusXM
Germany Opens Big Fat Pie Hole
Matt Taibbi, Racket News
Matt Taibbi, Racket News
The Glitch McConnell Solo Act
Scott McKay, The American Spectator
Scott McKay, The American Spectator
Will Hochul Ditch Eric Adams?
Ross Barkan, New York Magazine
Ross Barkan, New York Magazine
Trump Uses Trade Leverage To Help Working Americans
Michael Toth, The Hill
Michael Toth, The Hill
Simplifying Taxes, Tax Filing Is a Win for Entrepreneurs
Samuel Rodriguez, RCP
Samuel Rodriguez, RCP
The USCCB Should Reject Federal Funds
Kevin Roberts, First Things
Kevin Roberts, First Things
What Gazans Want
Atran & Gomez, Foreign Affairs
Atran & Gomez, Foreign Affairs
America Must Start Building Again
Bishop & Power, RealClearDefense
Bishop & Power, RealClearDefense
Snowbirds
Winter vacation destinations include warm places, snowy destinations, and other top vacation spots.
Warm places
Honolulu: A top winter vacation destination in the US
Goa, India: A warm winter vacation destination
Khajuraho, India: A winter getaway destination that combines history and warmth
Hampi, India: A historical wonderland to visit in January
Melbourne, Australia: A top winter sun destination
Snowy destinations
Aspen: A top skiing destination in the US
Lake Tahoe: A serene winter destination in the US
Other top vacation spots
Big Sky, Montana, Lucerne, Sydney, Maldives, St. Lucia, Hanoi, Costa Rica, San Miguel de Allende, Santa Fe, and Cozumel.
Budget-friendly destinations Puerto Rico, Banff, Martinique, and Gatlinburg.
Aspen: A top skiing destination in the US
Lake Tahoe: A serene winter destination in the US
Other top vacation spots
Big Sky, Montana, Lucerne, Sydney, Maldives, St. Lucia, Hanoi, Costa Rica, San Miguel de Allende, Santa Fe, and Cozumel.
Budget-friendly destinations Puerto Rico, Banff, Martinique, and Gatlinburg.
Andy Warhol Artist
Andy Warhol (/ˈwɔːrhɒl/; born Andrew Warhola Jr.; August 6, 1928 – February 22, 1987) was an American visual artist, film director and producer. A leading figure in the pop art movement, Warhol is considered one the most important artists of the second half of the 20th century.
His works explore the relationship between artistic expression, advertising, and celebrity culture that flourished by the 1960s, and span a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and filmmaking. Some of his best-known works include the silkscreen paintings Campbell's Soup Cans (1962) and Marilyn Diptych (1962), the experimental film Chelsea Girls (1966), the multimedia events known as the Exploding Plastic Inevitable (1966–67), and the erotic film Blue Movie (1969) that started the "Golden Age of Porn".
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