Monday, April 19
INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE SUPREME COURT...
MAKE WASHINGTON DC A STATE...
MAKE PUERTO RICO A STATE...
END THE FILABUSTER...
ALLOW ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN...
CENSOR CONSERVATIVE VOICES...
DEFUND THE POLICE...
IF YOU ARE WHITE YOU ARE A RACIST...
WHITE PRIVILEGE MUST END...
This is no longer the country in which I was born and I really don't recognize her anymore... These changes will not really impact me that much since I am retired and really do not have to play these games anymore... and, as long as the Stock Market continues to grow, my retirement income will grow as well... If the Stock Market stops growing and declines, I have money in straight saving accounts and can simply use that money as is needed and there is enough money to pay my wife's and my expenses until we are both 95 years of age... What could impact us negatively is INFLATION and if that happens we will just have to reduce our expenses as we have already done and can continue to do...
Governmental changes will not really impact us... but, they will impact YOU... and your future unless you do something about it. If you decide to ignore, then down the road you will pay the price... and, down the road, I will be dead and will not care...
Our American Pickers
One of the most successful TV shows right now is American Pickers. It has been on the air for almost 10 years now and helped the History Channel receive some of its highest ratings. The show basically focuses on two guys, going around the country picking antiques. They go through attics, basements, garages and even storage sheds to find anything from that past.
However, in addition to Mike and Frank, there is one person on the show who is a fan favorite. Viewers fell in love with Danielle Colby, the talented and creative store manager. The Iowa girl is filled with spunk, confidence, and an incredible assortment of tattoos. Still, it’s her sense of humor and positive attitude that draws people towards her. But who is she? Where is she from? And how did she get the coolest job ever? Here’s everything you need to know about Danielle Colby.
American Pickers
American Pickers is a show that practically took over the world recently. It follows Mike and Frank, two guys traveling the country looking for cool historical items in old junkyards. Danielle Colby is the female force behind all of the sales. She finds everything and sets them up. Colby has a story way more interesting than any of the items she has ever picked. READ MORE
Sunday, April 18
Saturday, April 17
An East TN Saturday
On the weekends, I awake and begin my day about the same time that I awake and begin my day during the week... there is no differentiation between the work week and the weekend for me as there used to be when I was working. I suppose that is the real benefit of being retired although and this is just supposition but I believe the wealthy people pretty much have the same schedule during those 7 days as well... even it they are still working and earning millions.
As always my day(s) begin with feeding our three cats, taking my thyroid pill, filling up my YETI cup with coffee and Cappuccino Mix, and watching FOX NEWS.... and as I have explained before, I do no get ALL THE NEWS or the TRUTH OF THE NEWS if I were to watch: CNN, CBS, ABC, or NBC and that bothers me because I used to watch CBS and CNN all the time... but those days are over.
As with all news shows, the same news is broadcasted over and over again throughout the day and the only additions to that news is when something unexpected happens... so, after a while this redundancy causes me to change channels. I then turn to shows about animals, cooking, history, scifi, or living in Alaska and/or living off the grid. Somewhat entertaining these shows are but I oftentimes wonder about the drama that they try to create especially when the CAMERA CREW IS ALSO PRESENT TO FILM THIS SO CALLED DRAMA...
After a couple of hours of watching, I get bored and begin posting articles to my blog which I will do for the rest of the day unless I decide to cook something like I plan to do today and I am not sure what you would call this other than Turkey Burgers, Peas, and Noodles. I will make a fairly large pot of this concoction and divide it up into 3-4-5 bowls depending upon how far it will go... ranging from 300 calories/bowl to over 500 calories/bowl.
My meals will go in the frig and I will eat them for the next several days until I have to cook again. I would rather cook like that than cook daily.
Chocolate Success
Last year the retail industry was worth $107bn (£78bn), according to one projection, but Ghana - the world's second largest cocoa producer - earned just around $2bn.
This is a familiar pattern for many African countries where the economy is still shaped by a colonial relationship in which they export commodities to be processed elsewhere.
Ghana's President, Nana Akufo-Addo, served notice on this last year when he told an audience in Switzerland that "there can be no future prosperity for the Ghanaian people" if this way of doing things continues.
The country currently processes about 30% of its cocoa crop, but despite plans for growing the domestic chocolate industry there are still many obstacles in the way.
Ambitious cocoa farmer Nana Aduna II - a traditional ruler, who inherited his 80-acre plantation two decades ago - is well aware of the difficulties. READ MORE
Mrs. Sri Lanka
Moments later, the 2019 winner seized Mrs De Silva's crown, claiming she could not be awarded the title because she was divorced. The prize has now been returned to Mrs De Silva, after pageant organisers confirmed she is not a divorcee.
Judges named Ms De Silva the 2021 winner at the Mrs Sri Lanka final in a theatre in Colombo on Sunday night. But the 2019 winner, Caroline Jurie, stripped Mrs De Silva of her crown, citing a pageant rule that competitors must be married and not divorced.
"There is a rule that prevents women who have already been married and are divorced, so I am taking steps to make the crown go to second place," Mrs Jurie told the audience. She placed the crown on the runner-up, prompting a tearful Mrs De Silva to walk off stage, a video of the incident showed. READ MORE
Friday, April 16
Saving Turtles
A little known island plays a very important role in the survival of green sea turtles. Sir David Attenborough: “A marine paradise that plays host to one of the most spectacular ocean migrations on the planet. This is Raine Island…”
Raine Island (situated on the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland), is a unique and important nesting site for green turtles. As many as 60,000 female green turtles make the journey from their feeding grounds to lay their eggs on this tiny island. During the nesting season it is one of the world’s largest populations of green turtles. They swim from as far afield as Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Torres Strait and the West Pacific.
Unfortunately this annual event is under threat. Both adults and eggs are dying. Rising sea levels have caused tidal inundation, killing the newly laid eggs that cannot survive underwater. The island’s landscape has also changed resulting in as many as 2,000 adult deaths annually from falls and entrapment in rocks. This situation has added to the other threats, such as pollution, habitat loss, boat strikes and over harvesting, which contribute to them being endangered.
A five year project to protect and restore the island’s critical habitat began 18 months ago. The Queensland Government, BHP Billiton, the Traditional Owners and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation are collaborating on the AUS$7.95M project. The project aims to ensure the future of key marine species, including green turtles and seabirds. To achieve this their efforts will be focused on beach engineering, sand replenishment, fencing, turtle tagging, remote sensing including video recording and weather stations, tide and sea level monitoring and 3D modelling using GPS survey technology.
The project has been making use of drones to monitor the turtle activity and the initial results are very positive. It is estimated that in the 2015-2016 nesting season at least 400 adults and many hatchlings have been saved by the initial efforts of the project. This number is expected to increase as more of the island is reshaped and pool fencing is extended. This investment will help the survival of the species and allow for more green sea turtle hatchings to swim to some of your favourite diving destinations!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
Giving Feedback
So, how do you start? Ask them questions like the following:
- How do you feel about (how things are going at work, your presentation, this situation, etc.)?
- What are your biggest challenges right now?
- How can I help?
At the same time, you learn how to see things through their eyes. That information will help you contribute to solving problems, instead of adding to them.
Admit your own failures
Everyone hates a "know-it-all." But we love "learn-it-alls"--those who can admit they don't know everything and the lessons they've learned.
When you share a struggle you've had in the past, or a blind spot someone pointed out to you, along with how they helped you improve, you put yourself on the same level as your communication partner. Then, ask if you can pay it forward, by sharing something that you think can help.
By seeing that you're willing to make yourself just as vulnerable as them, they'll be willing to learn from your experience.
Thank the other person
It's not easy to take constructive feedback--even if you deliver it well. So thank the person for being open to listening and improving.
Of course, you shouldn't view these steps as a one-size-fits-all template or formula. It's just a start, to help you on your way.
But whatever you do, remind yourself to focus on making feedback constructive, instead of critical. SOURCE: INC. com
Thursday, April 15
A New Perspective
For over 12 years I have been battling with non-Hodgkin's "B" cell Lymphoma or SLL (see my blog My Cancer Pilgrimage) and after 5-6 years of receiving monthly chemo infusions, my body contracted Melanoma that started on the bottom of my left foot, spread to the left area of my groin, then to the left area of my neck. So, for 6-7 years I have been fighting off two cancers simultaneously. Also about 12 years ago, I had a heart attack (not associated with my cancer treatments) that resulted in the recommendation to have a triple bypass but I went to NYC and had my arteries cleaned out and stents inserted... 5 stents in all.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived with cancer(s) for over a decade and I am still alive... it must not be my time... or someone or something is looking out for me... it cannot just be coincidence... that's too simplistic and melodramatic.
Each morning when I wake up and before I go to the bathroom, I sit on the side of the bed and just appreciate the fact that I actually woke up again. This may not seem so special to you, the reader, but to me it is very special.
In 2018, I had radiation treatments to slow down the spread of melanoma along with Opdivo infusions because the radiation was supposed to supercharge the Odivo... which it did... working perfectly... and, several months later my Oncologist let it slip out that my cancer(s) had turned very aggressive and he was not sure if he was going to be to get them both under control...
I never knew this... and, I am glad that I did not because my whole attitude would have changed and no doubt I would have gotten depressed, perhaps very depressed... and, when one is fighting cancer, depression seems to make things worse. ODD... but a positive attitude actually helps fight the cancer sometimes.
But, each day is a blessing for me.
An appreciation of life.
A chance to see the beauty of life FREE OF CHARGE.
Just A Footnote
Jeff Slate -- a NYC-based songwriter and journalist -- penned a controversial piece for NBC Think ... titled, "Paul Simon sold his catalog to Sony for millions. He'll still end up a historical footnote to Dylan." Indeed ... it is triggering.
His subheading reads, "He was a prolific songwriter with a lucrative catalog any corporation would happily monetize. But there are only a few names our descendants will ever learn."
We know, we know ... you're fuming already. That's exactly what the internet is doing as well as it jumps to PS's defense.
You can read Slate's take in full for the big picture -- which is all about how Dylan recently sold his catalog of music and the rights to it to UMG for a reported $400 million, and how Simon followed in his footsteps by doing the same with Sony for his rights -- but the gist here is ... Paul Simon will be an "also-ran" compared to BD when it's all said and done.
In Slate's view, Dylan will perhaps be alone with John, Paul, George and Ringo and as the standout folk/rock acts of the '60s/'70s -- and that artists like Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and others will fall by the wayside, especially among younger, average-Joe listeners.
That seems to be what Slate's getting at -- and of course, A LOT of people disagree ... with some arguing Simon is just as prolific and culturally impactful as Dylan ever was. We don't have to get into a pissing contest ... both guys have scores of songwriting credits and hits under their belts. Of course, you could argue Dylan is perhaps the better-known of the two. READ MORE
The Killing of George Floyd Trial
It is entirely likely that when this police officer goes to jail and no matter how long his sentence is, the fact remains that BLACK INMATES at his location are going to find some way to KILL HIM... or execute him as he executed George Floyd.
If the sentence of Derek Chauvin (this killing policeman) IS NOT what the BLACK COMMUNITY WANTS then ALL HELL is going to break loose all over the US as blacks take to the streets, burning, rioting, and looting... I don't know this for sure, but one can easily guess that this will happen, especially since it happened right after the killing.
JUSTICE IN AMERICA is biased in this case in order to achieve a greater purpose to ease racial tensions... but, is this the underlying intent of JUSTICE... ignoring the TRUTH in favor of future convenience?
What I have heard on the TV News and/or read, this policeman IS GUILTY of taking this man's life... but, did he do this intentionally or with premeditation. He was obviously racially biased and should have never been in law enforcement to begin with... the vetting process should be evaluated and modified to prevent people like this from being employed...
Robo Calls
I am sympathetic to these callers because they need to earn a living, but their employers have abused their rights to contact the general public at large in order to sell a product. I am TURNED OFF to sales people no matter who they are... and, when they call my home, it pisses me off even more.
You can block numbers, and you can put your number on the NO CALL list, but these assholes have ways to circumvent the rules and call your number anyway.
SO... don't answer or, answer and play games in the hopes that it will stop them... don't be fished in...
Death to Democracy
- Ending the Rule of Law
- Changing the Constitution
- Censoring Opposing Views
- Revolting and Rioting
- Defunding the Police
- Canceling the Culture
Investing Basics
Many people just like you turn to the markets to help buy a home, send children to college, or build a retirement nest egg. But unlike the banking world, where deposits are guaranteed by federal deposit insurance, the value of stocks, bonds, and other securities fluctuates with market conditions. No one can guarantee that you’ll make money from your investments, and they may lose value.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission enforces the laws on how investments are offered and sold to you. Protecting investors is an important part of our mission. We cannot tell you what investments to make, but this website provides unbiased information to help you evaluate your choices and protect yourself against fraud. READ MORE
Wednesday, April 14
Vaccine No Worky
FROM THE TIMES OF ISRAEL...
The South African variant of the coronavirus is notably more adept at “breaking through” the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine than other variants are, Israeli scientists have found, in a first-of-its-kind real-world study.
Israel has used the Pfizer vaccine almost exclusively to vaccinate millions of citizens, with a version by Moderna, based on similar innovative mRNA technology, used minimally.
A team from Tel Aviv University and the Clalit healthcare organization sequenced the swabs of 150 Israelis who tested positive for COVID-19 despite having been vaccinated.
In their study, the prevalence of the South African strain among vaccinated individuals who were infected despite their inoculation was eight times higher than its prevalence in the unvaccinated infected population. Though the number of such infections among the vaccinated was relatively small, the findings indicated that this variant was far more successful in getting through vaccinated individuals’ defenses than other strains.
“Based on patterns in the general population, we would have expected just one case of the South African variant, but we saw eight,” Prof. Adi Stern, who headed the research, told The Times of Israel. “Obviously, this result didn’t make me happy.” READ MORE
An Angry Octopus
Geologist and author Lance Karlson was about to take a dip near the resort he and his family were staying at in Geographe Bay, on Australia’s southwest coast, when he spotted what he thought was the tail of a stingray emerging from the water and striking a seagull.
Upon walking closer with his two-year-old daughter, he discovered it was an octopus, and took a video, which shows the animal in shallow water take a sudden strike in Karlson’s direction with its tentacles.
“The octopus lashed out at us, which was a real shock,” Karlson said in emailed comments to Reuters.
After setting up a sun protection tent for his family on the beach, Karlston put on goggles and went in the water alone to explore a collection of crab shells, which he believed were left by dead sea creatures.
As he was swimming, he felt another whip across his arm - followed by a more forceful sting across his neck and upper back.
“My goggles became fogged, the water was suddenly murky and I remember being shocked and confused,” Karlson added in the email.
Karlson said he raced back to shore and saw raised imprints of tentacles across his arm, neck and upper back. Since he did not have vinegar, his preferred treatment for sea animal stings, he poured cola over the affected area, which worked well to stop the stinging. READ MORE
Tuesday, April 13
We've Been Visited
- How did they move 10 ton stone objects to a height 100 times their height?
- How did they cut hard stone with precise angles, squared, and cut?
- How did they come up with the ideas to draw and paint on stone walls?
- Why do similar structures exist 10,000 miles away?
- Why do similar stories/myths exist 10,000 miles away?
- Da Vince
- Einstein
- Tesla
- von Braun
Changing Forecast
In just a day or two since last I looked, the weather forecast has changed from sunny all week to rain today and tomorrow and sunny for the rest of the week... and, on the surface of it all... that really does not bother me because all I want to do (especially before it gets too humid to do so) is sit on my screened-in back porch and write articles for my blogs and perhaps write down a poem or two as the mood strikes me...
Rain... and depending upon how it falls will cause me to return to the insides of our home... and, I know the commercials on television recently make a big deal about home... being inside one's home is not the same as being outside in the fresh air... I guess because we have been inside the home all winter and need to get outside.
The weather station is reporting a temperature of 65 degrees for our area and while that is good for T-shirts and sandals, I am sitting on my deck with a T-shirt covered with a sweatshirt hoody... as it feels a lot damn colder than 65.
I was planning to mow the lawn later tonight but with the rain and the cool temps for the next 2 days, I doubt if I'll be able to mow it by late Thursday night... which is not good because then I have a bunch of grass clippings that need to be disposed and that is extra work... I don't mind work... but extra work is BS.
I am on my second YETI mug of coffee... each mug holds 3 cups, so when this one is gone, I will have consumed 6 cups of coffee and ordinarily, I would be wired... but, my coffee intake these days is DECAF... which takes like piss or what I might imagine piss to take like since I have not really tasted piss myself... but, after several years of drinking DECAF, one gets used to it and now regular coffee does not taste right.