Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Poe
"In our endeavors to recall to memory something long forgotten, we often find ourselves upon the very verge of remembrance, without being able, in the end, to remember."
Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe
Monday, September 29, 2025
Werner
A few of the many color charts by early 19th Century Scottish botanical painter, Patrick Syme. Syme relied on work by German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner to put these together.
Friday, September 26, 2025
Weekend
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." Semisonic in their song 'Closing Time.'
"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings." Lao Tzu
"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning." T.S. Eliot
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning." Louis L'Amour
Have an excellent weekend, rest up. See you on Monday
"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings." Lao Tzu
"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning." T.S. Eliot
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning." Louis L'Amour
Have an excellent weekend, rest up. See you on Monday
Johnson
"The supreme end of education is expert discernment in all things – the power to tell the good from the bad, the genuine from the counterfeit, and to prefer the good and the genuine to the bad and the counterfeit." Samuel Johnson
Plath
“Being born a woman is my awful tragedy. From the moment I was conceived I was doomed to sprout breasts and ovaries rather than penis and scrotum; to have my whole circle of action, thought and feeling rigidly circumscribed by my inescapable feminity. Yes, my consuming desire to mingle with road crews, sailors and soldiers, bar room regulars--to be a part of a scene, anonymous, listening, recording--all is spoiled by the fact that I am a girl, a female always in danger of assault and battery. My consuming interest in men and their lives is often misconstrued as a desire to seduce them, or as an invitation to intimacy. Yet, God, I want to talk to everybody I can as deeply as I can. I want to be able to sleep in an open field, to travel west, to walk freely at night...” Sylvia Plath from 'The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath'
Thursday, September 25, 2025
FDR
"Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough." FDR
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Otters
Image from Wikipedia Commons.
- An otter's life is eat, rest, groom.
- They feed for about eight hours a day.
- Typically weigh about 70 lbs or so.
- They don't have blubber.
- Otters eat more than a quarter of their body weight daily - info from Joe Roman
,_Westing_-_geograph.org.uk_-_3747438.jpg)
- An otter's life is eat, rest, groom.
- They feed for about eight hours a day.
- Typically weigh about 70 lbs or so.
- They don't have blubber.
- Otters eat more than a quarter of their body weight daily - info from Joe Roman
,_Westing_-_geograph.org.uk_-_3747438.jpg)
Roman
"Our skeletons are replaced about once a decade (technically, the change is 10% per year). Fat cells last about eight years. Our stomach lining turns over about once a week. We are continually taking in elements and minerals and releasing them back into the atmosphere, into the waterways, and into the soils of the lithosphere. Chimeras of our lives, we are constructed and mortared according to our movements and our diets." Joe Roman
Monday, September 22, 2025
Chemicals
From Ai Gemini:
The top five chemicals (elements) in the human body, in order of highest to lowest percentage by mass, are:
- Oxygen (approx. 65%)
- Carbon (approx. 18.5%)
- Hydrogen (approx. 9.5%)
- Nitrogen (approx. 3.2%)
- Calcium (approx. 1.5%)
These percentages can vary slightly depending on the source, but this order remains consistent. Together, these five elements account for about 98% of the total body mass.
The top five chemicals (elements) in the human body, in order of highest to lowest percentage by mass, are:
- Oxygen (approx. 65%)
- Carbon (approx. 18.5%)
- Hydrogen (approx. 9.5%)
- Nitrogen (approx. 3.2%)
- Calcium (approx. 1.5%)
These percentages can vary slightly depending on the source, but this order remains consistent. Together, these five elements account for about 98% of the total body mass.
Essence Versus Nature
From Ai Gemini:
While "essence" and "nature" are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they have distinct, subtle differences, especially in philosophical and theological contexts.
Here's a breakdown of how they differ:
Essence
- The "What It Is": Essence refers to the fundamental, unchanging, and defining qualities that make something what it is. It's the core of a thing's identity, without which it would cease to be that thing.
- Intangible and Abstract: Essence is often considered more abstract and is linked to a thing's definition. For a human, the essence might be their rationality or consciousness—the core element that separates them from other animals.
- Focus on Identity: The concept of essence is often used to distinguish one type of thing from another. For instance, the essence of a triangle is its three sides; without them, it's not a triangle.
- Origin: The word "essence" comes from the Latin essentia, which was coined to translate the Greek philosophical term ousia, meaning "being" or "substance."
Nature
- The "How It Behaves": Nature refers to the inherent qualities and characteristics that define a thing's behavior, tendencies, and operations. It's the principle that gives rise to a thing's actions and development.
- Observable and Dynamic: Nature is often more tangible and is concerned with how a thing acts in the world. When you talk about "human nature," you're talking about the inherent dispositions and tendencies of humans to act in certain ways—to be social, to seek knowledge, to be curious, etc.
- Focus on Function and Purpose: The concept of nature is often used to explain why a thing does what it does. It's the "principle of operation" within a thing.
- Origin: The word "nature" comes from the Latin natura, which literally means "birth" or "innate disposition." It's related to the Greek physis, which refers to the intrinsic characteristics of a thing that cause it to grow and develop on its own.
The Key Distinction
A helpful way to think about the difference is this:
- Essence answers the question, "What is it?"
- Nature answers the question, "How does it act?"
You can think of a thing's essence as its blueprint or fundamental identity, while its nature is that blueprint in action. They are deeply linked; a thing's nature is a direct expression of its essence. For this reason, the terms are often used as synonyms, especially in less formal contexts. However, in philosophy, the distinction is crucial for understanding concepts like existence, being, and purpose.
While "essence" and "nature" are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they have distinct, subtle differences, especially in philosophical and theological contexts.
Here's a breakdown of how they differ:
Essence
- The "What It Is": Essence refers to the fundamental, unchanging, and defining qualities that make something what it is. It's the core of a thing's identity, without which it would cease to be that thing.
- Intangible and Abstract: Essence is often considered more abstract and is linked to a thing's definition. For a human, the essence might be their rationality or consciousness—the core element that separates them from other animals.
- Focus on Identity: The concept of essence is often used to distinguish one type of thing from another. For instance, the essence of a triangle is its three sides; without them, it's not a triangle.
- Origin: The word "essence" comes from the Latin essentia, which was coined to translate the Greek philosophical term ousia, meaning "being" or "substance."
Nature
- The "How It Behaves": Nature refers to the inherent qualities and characteristics that define a thing's behavior, tendencies, and operations. It's the principle that gives rise to a thing's actions and development.
- Observable and Dynamic: Nature is often more tangible and is concerned with how a thing acts in the world. When you talk about "human nature," you're talking about the inherent dispositions and tendencies of humans to act in certain ways—to be social, to seek knowledge, to be curious, etc.
- Focus on Function and Purpose: The concept of nature is often used to explain why a thing does what it does. It's the "principle of operation" within a thing.
- Origin: The word "nature" comes from the Latin natura, which literally means "birth" or "innate disposition." It's related to the Greek physis, which refers to the intrinsic characteristics of a thing that cause it to grow and develop on its own.
The Key Distinction
A helpful way to think about the difference is this:
- Essence answers the question, "What is it?"
- Nature answers the question, "How does it act?"
You can think of a thing's essence as its blueprint or fundamental identity, while its nature is that blueprint in action. They are deeply linked; a thing's nature is a direct expression of its essence. For this reason, the terms are often used as synonyms, especially in less formal contexts. However, in philosophy, the distinction is crucial for understanding concepts like existence, being, and purpose.
Mexico
From Ai Gemini:
- Abolition of Slavery in Mexico: Mexico officially abolished slavery in 1829. President Vicente Guerrero issued a decree on September 15, 1829, which prohibited slavery throughout the Mexican Republic. This decree, however, initially exempted the territory of Texas, where American settlers held a significant number of enslaved people. This move, driven in part by a desire to curb American immigration and assert Mexican sovereignty, was a major point of tension that contributed to the Texas Revolution.
- Refusal to Sign a Fugitive-Slave Treaty: In the 1850s, the U.S. attempted to negotiate a fugitive-slave treaty with Mexico. However, Mexico refused, upholding its policy that anyone who set foot on Mexican soil was free. This made Mexico a desirable destination for enslaved people escaping from the U.S., particularly from Texas, creating a "southern underground railroad" to freedom.
- "Free Soil" Policy: The Mexican government's stance was a clear "free soil" policy, meaning that the legal status of a person changed upon entering Mexican territory. This was in direct opposition to the U.S. Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which required the return of runaway enslaved people, even from free states. Mexico's refusal to cooperate with U.S. demands demonstrated a commitment to its anti-slavery principles.
- Abolition of Slavery in Mexico: Mexico officially abolished slavery in 1829. President Vicente Guerrero issued a decree on September 15, 1829, which prohibited slavery throughout the Mexican Republic. This decree, however, initially exempted the territory of Texas, where American settlers held a significant number of enslaved people. This move, driven in part by a desire to curb American immigration and assert Mexican sovereignty, was a major point of tension that contributed to the Texas Revolution.
- Refusal to Sign a Fugitive-Slave Treaty: In the 1850s, the U.S. attempted to negotiate a fugitive-slave treaty with Mexico. However, Mexico refused, upholding its policy that anyone who set foot on Mexican soil was free. This made Mexico a desirable destination for enslaved people escaping from the U.S., particularly from Texas, creating a "southern underground railroad" to freedom.
- "Free Soil" Policy: The Mexican government's stance was a clear "free soil" policy, meaning that the legal status of a person changed upon entering Mexican territory. This was in direct opposition to the U.S. Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which required the return of runaway enslaved people, even from free states. Mexico's refusal to cooperate with U.S. demands demonstrated a commitment to its anti-slavery principles.
'Prelude To A Kiss'
Not sure who that artists are, but it's definitely not Miles, and probably not Ella either.
Dad
What lies at the bottom of the ocean and shakes? A nervous wreck.
I gave my handyman a list of chores to do for me around the house, but he only did numbers 1, 3 and 5. Turns out, he only does odd jobs.
What did the policeman say to his belly button? You’re under a vest.
I gave my handyman a list of chores to do for me around the house, but he only did numbers 1, 3 and 5. Turns out, he only does odd jobs.
What did the policeman say to his belly button? You’re under a vest.
Gas
From Ai Gemini:
Body Composition of Gases
While the human body is approximately 60% water by mass, the amount of gas is negligible. The body is primarily composed of water, fat, protein, minerals (in bones and teeth), and other solids. The gases that are present in the body, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, are typically dissolved in the body's fluids or are part of the air in the respiratory and digestive systems. These gases make up a very small percentage of the total body mass.
Where Gases Are Found
- Lungs and Respiratory Tract: The air we inhale and exhale is a mixture of nitrogen (~78%), oxygen (~21%), and other trace gases. This air is constantly moving in and out, and the volume of air in the lungs at any given time is a small fraction of the total body volume.
- Dissolved in Blood and Tissues: Gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen are dissolved in the blood and other body fluids. For example, oxygen is transported from the lungs to the tissues by hemoglobin in red blood cells, while carbon dioxide is transported back to the lungs to be exhaled.
- Gastrointestinal Tract: Gases like methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide are produced by the fermentation of undigested food by bacteria in the colon. This is the source of flatulence.
- Fat Tissues: Some gases, like nitrogen, can dissolve in body fat. However, this amount is also very small.
In summary, although gases are essential for life, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, they don't contribute significantly to the total mass of the body. The majority of the human body's mass is composed of liquids and solids.
Body Composition of Gases
While the human body is approximately 60% water by mass, the amount of gas is negligible. The body is primarily composed of water, fat, protein, minerals (in bones and teeth), and other solids. The gases that are present in the body, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, are typically dissolved in the body's fluids or are part of the air in the respiratory and digestive systems. These gases make up a very small percentage of the total body mass.
Where Gases Are Found
- Lungs and Respiratory Tract: The air we inhale and exhale is a mixture of nitrogen (~78%), oxygen (~21%), and other trace gases. This air is constantly moving in and out, and the volume of air in the lungs at any given time is a small fraction of the total body volume.
- Dissolved in Blood and Tissues: Gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen are dissolved in the blood and other body fluids. For example, oxygen is transported from the lungs to the tissues by hemoglobin in red blood cells, while carbon dioxide is transported back to the lungs to be exhaled.
- Gastrointestinal Tract: Gases like methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide are produced by the fermentation of undigested food by bacteria in the colon. This is the source of flatulence.
- Fat Tissues: Some gases, like nitrogen, can dissolve in body fat. However, this amount is also very small.
In summary, although gases are essential for life, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, they don't contribute significantly to the total mass of the body. The majority of the human body's mass is composed of liquids and solids.
Friday, September 19, 2025
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Scorpions
From Ai Gemini:
These characteristics are part of what makes scorpions such resilient survivors.
Physiological Adaptations
Holding their breath: Some scorpions can indeed hold their breath for up to six days. This remarkable ability is due to their highly efficient respiratory system, which uses book lungs to minimize water loss. They can close their spiracles (the external openings to their respiratory system) to retain moisture, a crucial adaptation for living in arid environments. This isn't really "holding their breath" in the same way a person does, but rather a shutdown of their respiratory process to conserve water.
Survival and Longevity
Surviving without food: Scorpions have an incredibly slow metabolism, allowing them to survive for long periods without food. Some species can go for up to a year on a single meal, particularly in dry habitats where food is scarce. They can slow their metabolic rate to as low as one-third of that of other insects, enabling them to conserve energy and survive lean times.
Glowing Under UV Light
Glow under UV light: All scorpions fluoresce, or glow, a vibrant blue-green under ultraviolet (UV) or "black" light. The glow comes from a substance in the hyaline layer, a thin, tough coating on their exoskeleton. The exact purpose of this fluorescence is still a mystery to scientists, but theories suggest it may help them detect UV levels to know when it's safe to emerge from their burrows, or that it's a byproduct of the hardening process of their new exoskeleton after molting.
Evolutionary History
Ancient origins: Scorpions are among the most ancient arthropods. Fossil evidence places their first appearance in the Silurian Period, approximately 437 to 450 million years ago. Early scorpions were aquatic, evolving from a giant "water scorpion," and eventually transitioned to land. The durability of their exoskeleton is so great that even some fossils millions of years old still retain their ability to fluoresce under UV light.
These characteristics are part of what makes scorpions such resilient survivors.
Physiological Adaptations
Holding their breath: Some scorpions can indeed hold their breath for up to six days. This remarkable ability is due to their highly efficient respiratory system, which uses book lungs to minimize water loss. They can close their spiracles (the external openings to their respiratory system) to retain moisture, a crucial adaptation for living in arid environments. This isn't really "holding their breath" in the same way a person does, but rather a shutdown of their respiratory process to conserve water.
Survival and Longevity
Surviving without food: Scorpions have an incredibly slow metabolism, allowing them to survive for long periods without food. Some species can go for up to a year on a single meal, particularly in dry habitats where food is scarce. They can slow their metabolic rate to as low as one-third of that of other insects, enabling them to conserve energy and survive lean times.
Glowing Under UV Light
Glow under UV light: All scorpions fluoresce, or glow, a vibrant blue-green under ultraviolet (UV) or "black" light. The glow comes from a substance in the hyaline layer, a thin, tough coating on their exoskeleton. The exact purpose of this fluorescence is still a mystery to scientists, but theories suggest it may help them detect UV levels to know when it's safe to emerge from their burrows, or that it's a byproduct of the hardening process of their new exoskeleton after molting.
Evolutionary History
Ancient origins: Scorpions are among the most ancient arthropods. Fossil evidence places their first appearance in the Silurian Period, approximately 437 to 450 million years ago. Early scorpions were aquatic, evolving from a giant "water scorpion," and eventually transitioned to land. The durability of their exoskeleton is so great that even some fossils millions of years old still retain their ability to fluoresce under UV light.
Forebearing
forbearing - adjective
1. Disposed or accustomed to forbear; patient; long-suffering. Similar: patient long-suffering
2. Characterized by patience and indulgence; long-suffering: as, a forbearing temper.
3. Showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint under adversity; slow to retaliate or express resentment.
1. Disposed or accustomed to forbear; patient; long-suffering. Similar: patient long-suffering
2. Characterized by patience and indulgence; long-suffering: as, a forbearing temper.
3. Showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint under adversity; slow to retaliate or express resentment.
Eliot
Ordinary I would copy and paste a poem here. But, Eliot's poem is complex, long, and a thing unto itself. So here is the link if you dare.
Poetry Foundation: The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Simple
Anybody into cookies? The recipe requires two to four ingredients.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups finely ground blanched almond flour
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• (Optional) 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• (Optional) 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the almond flour and maple syrup (or honey) together with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. If you are using the optional ingredients, add the baking powder and vanilla extract at this time and mix until everything is well combined. The dough should have a consistency similar to traditional cookie dough.
3. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Since these cookies don't spread much, you can flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand or a fork for a more traditional cookie shape.
4. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
5. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will be very soft right out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.
Tips and Variations:
• Consistency: The amount of maple syrup or honey you need may vary slightly depending on the brand and fineness of your almond flour. If the dough seems too dry, add a small amount of sweetener; if it's too wet, add a little more almond flour.
• Chilling: Some recipes suggest chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Flavorings: Get creative with add-ins! You can mix in a pinch of cinnamon, a handful of sugar-free chocolate chips, or some chopped nuts.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups finely ground blanched almond flour
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• (Optional) 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• (Optional) 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the almond flour and maple syrup (or honey) together with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. If you are using the optional ingredients, add the baking powder and vanilla extract at this time and mix until everything is well combined. The dough should have a consistency similar to traditional cookie dough.
3. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Since these cookies don't spread much, you can flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand or a fork for a more traditional cookie shape.
4. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
5. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will be very soft right out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.
Tips and Variations:
• Consistency: The amount of maple syrup or honey you need may vary slightly depending on the brand and fineness of your almond flour. If the dough seems too dry, add a small amount of sweetener; if it's too wet, add a little more almond flour.
• Chilling: Some recipes suggest chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Flavorings: Get creative with add-ins! You can mix in a pinch of cinnamon, a handful of sugar-free chocolate chips, or some chopped nuts.
Baldwin
“It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.” James Baldwin
Dad
I tried to catch some fog once, but I mist.
What did the buffalo say to his son as he left? "Bison"
I was wondering why the frisbee was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
Where do bad rainbows go? To prism.
I’m terrified of elevators. I've been taking steps to avoid them.
I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down.
What did the buffalo say to his son as he left? "Bison"
I was wondering why the frisbee was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
Where do bad rainbows go? To prism.
I’m terrified of elevators. I've been taking steps to avoid them.
I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down.
Calendar
From Ai Gemini:
A fundamental part of the ancient Hindu calendar and cosmology -
Here's a breakdown of the concept:
Ayana (Half-Year): The year is divided into two parts, or ayanas, each lasting about six months.
Uttarayana: This is the "northern journey" of the sun, which roughly corresponds to the period from the winter solstice to the summer solstice (mid-January to mid-July).
Dakshinayana: This is the "southern journey" of the sun, from the summer solstice to the winter solstice (mid-July to mid-January).
Different Time Scales for Different Beings: Ancient Hindu texts, like the Puranas, describe different scales of time for various beings. A single day and night for the gods (Devas) is said to be equivalent to one human year. This day and night is itself divided into two halves, a day of the gods and a night of the gods. These halves correspond to the two ayanas on the human calendar.
The Uttarayana (the "northern journey" of the sun) is considered the day of the gods.
The Dakshinayana (the "southern journey" of the sun) is considered the night of the gods.
So, while the six-month period is a significant division of time, it is not considered a "year" in itself for humans. Instead, it is a crucial cosmological division that helps to structure the calendar, agricultural seasons, and religious practices. The concept highlights a deep connection between celestial movements and the passage of time on different planes of existence.
A fundamental part of the ancient Hindu calendar and cosmology -
Here's a breakdown of the concept:
Ayana (Half-Year): The year is divided into two parts, or ayanas, each lasting about six months.
Uttarayana: This is the "northern journey" of the sun, which roughly corresponds to the period from the winter solstice to the summer solstice (mid-January to mid-July).
Dakshinayana: This is the "southern journey" of the sun, from the summer solstice to the winter solstice (mid-July to mid-January).
Different Time Scales for Different Beings: Ancient Hindu texts, like the Puranas, describe different scales of time for various beings. A single day and night for the gods (Devas) is said to be equivalent to one human year. This day and night is itself divided into two halves, a day of the gods and a night of the gods. These halves correspond to the two ayanas on the human calendar.
The Uttarayana (the "northern journey" of the sun) is considered the day of the gods.
The Dakshinayana (the "southern journey" of the sun) is considered the night of the gods.
So, while the six-month period is a significant division of time, it is not considered a "year" in itself for humans. Instead, it is a crucial cosmological division that helps to structure the calendar, agricultural seasons, and religious practices. The concept highlights a deep connection between celestial movements and the passage of time on different planes of existence.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Monday, September 15, 2025
Special Places
From Ai Gemini:
Waldeinsamkeit (German): This word literally translates to "forest solitude." It's a powerful term that describes the feeling of peace, serenity, and connection one finds when alone in the woods. It's not about being lonely, but rather about a profound sense of well-being that comes from being immersed in nature, away from the chaos of human society.
Friluftsliv (Norwegian): Meaning "free-air life," this is more of a philosophy or a lifestyle than a specific place. It embodies the deep-seated belief that spending time outdoors is essential for physical and mental well-being. It's about a love for nature and the practice of getting outside, regardless of the weather, to feel refreshed and in harmony with the natural world.
Shinrin-yoku (Japanese): This term translates to "forest bathing." It's a Japanese practice of "taking in the forest atmosphere" with the goal of improving health and well-being. It's a form of ecotherapy that involves mindfully and sensuously connecting with the forest environment, soaking in its sights, sounds, and smells. While it's a practice, the destination for that practice is a place you would crave for that specific sense of well-being.
Natursehnsucht (German): This word means a "longing for nature." While it doesn't describe the place itself, it perfectly encapsulates the intense craving or yearning to be in a natural setting. It speaks to the desire for that specific kind of well-being that only nature can provide.
Komorebi (Japanese): This word is more specific, but it's beautiful and evokes a strong feeling of peacefulness. It refers to the effect of sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees. A place where you could experience *komorebi* could very well be the destination you're seeking.
Waldeinsamkeit (German): This word literally translates to "forest solitude." It's a powerful term that describes the feeling of peace, serenity, and connection one finds when alone in the woods. It's not about being lonely, but rather about a profound sense of well-being that comes from being immersed in nature, away from the chaos of human society.
Friluftsliv (Norwegian): Meaning "free-air life," this is more of a philosophy or a lifestyle than a specific place. It embodies the deep-seated belief that spending time outdoors is essential for physical and mental well-being. It's about a love for nature and the practice of getting outside, regardless of the weather, to feel refreshed and in harmony with the natural world.
Shinrin-yoku (Japanese): This term translates to "forest bathing." It's a Japanese practice of "taking in the forest atmosphere" with the goal of improving health and well-being. It's a form of ecotherapy that involves mindfully and sensuously connecting with the forest environment, soaking in its sights, sounds, and smells. While it's a practice, the destination for that practice is a place you would crave for that specific sense of well-being.
Natursehnsucht (German): This word means a "longing for nature." While it doesn't describe the place itself, it perfectly encapsulates the intense craving or yearning to be in a natural setting. It speaks to the desire for that specific kind of well-being that only nature can provide.
Komorebi (Japanese): This word is more specific, but it's beautiful and evokes a strong feeling of peacefulness. It refers to the effect of sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees. A place where you could experience *komorebi* could very well be the destination you're seeking.
Friday, September 12, 2025
Schopenhauer
From Ai Gemini:
"For the average man has no critical power of his own, and is absolutely incapable of appreciating the difficulty of a great work. People are always swayed by authority and where fame is widespread, it means that ninety-nine out of a hundred take it on faith alone." Arthur Schopenhauer.
It is a reflection of his pessimistic and often critical view of the common person and their ability to think independently and appreciate true intellectual or artistic merit. He believed that fame and popularity were often the result of people blindly following the opinions of others rather than forming their own judgments.
"For the average man has no critical power of his own, and is absolutely incapable of appreciating the difficulty of a great work. People are always swayed by authority and where fame is widespread, it means that ninety-nine out of a hundred take it on faith alone." Arthur Schopenhauer.
It is a reflection of his pessimistic and often critical view of the common person and their ability to think independently and appreciate true intellectual or artistic merit. He believed that fame and popularity were often the result of people blindly following the opinions of others rather than forming their own judgments.
Span
From Ai Gemini:
Life expectancy varies by sex, with women typically living longer than men. The global average lifespan is approximately 73 years for the total population.
Lifespan by Sex
Globally, the average life expectancy is:
- 76 years for women.
- 71 years for men.
This difference of about five years is consistent across almost every country in the world.
Why Women Live Longer
The reasons for this gap are complex and include both biological and behavioral factors.
- Biological: Women have a stronger immune response, which may help them fight off infections and disease more effectively. Some researchers also believe that estrogen may have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease.
- Behavioral: On a global scale, men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and are more prone to accidents, violence, and suicide. These factors contribute significantly to a shorter average lifespan.
Life expectancy varies by sex, with women typically living longer than men. The global average lifespan is approximately 73 years for the total population.
Lifespan by Sex
Globally, the average life expectancy is:
- 76 years for women.
- 71 years for men.
This difference of about five years is consistent across almost every country in the world.
Why Women Live Longer
The reasons for this gap are complex and include both biological and behavioral factors.
- Biological: Women have a stronger immune response, which may help them fight off infections and disease more effectively. Some researchers also believe that estrogen may have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease.
- Behavioral: On a global scale, men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and are more prone to accidents, violence, and suicide. These factors contribute significantly to a shorter average lifespan.
Gel
From Ai Gemini:
Germany has been at the forefront of research and development in the field of cartilage regeneration, particularly with the use of hydrogel-based products. While there isn't one single product known as "living cartilage gel," there are a few notable German innovations that align with this description.
Key German Innovations
1. ChondroFiller
Company: meidrix biomedicals GmbH
Description: ChondroFiller is a cell-free, liquid collagen matrix that is injected into a cartilage defect. It is based on ultrapure, native collagen type I.
How it Works: The liquid mixture hardens within 3 to 5 minutes after injection, forming a stable hydrogel that adapts to the exact size and shape of the lesion. This hydrogel serves as a scaffold that stimulates the body's natural cartilage regeneration process. The body then gradually replaces the implanted matrix with its own cartilage tissue.
Status: ChondroFiller has been on the market since 2013 and has been used to treat over 20,000 patients worldwide. It is a CE-certified medical device, and studies have shown it to be safe and effective for treating grade III and IV cartilage defects in various joints, including the knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle.
Advantages: It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed arthroscopically, often requiring only one surgical procedure. It doesn't require the removal of healthy cartilage for a biopsy, unlike some other methods.
2. Hydrogel-Based Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
Description: This approach combines hydrogel technology with ACI, a traditional method of cartilage repair. It is a two-step procedure.
How it Works:
1. Biopsy: A small biopsy of healthy cartilage is taken from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient's knee.
2. Cell Culture: The chondrocytes (cartilage cells) are cultured and expanded in a laboratory.
3. Implantation: These cells are then mixed with a hydrogel and injected into the cartilage defect. The hydrogel provides a scaffold for the cells to grow and form new cartilage tissue.
Companies and Research: German companies like TETEC—Tissue Engineering Technologies AG have been involved in this field, and research from institutions like the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB) in Stuttgart has contributed to the development of such technologies.
Status: Clinical trials have shown this method to be a valuable and effective option for treating large cartilage defects, with sustained improvements up to five years post-treatment.
Other Research and Concepts
TriggerINK Project: Researchers at the Werner Siemens Foundation and RWTH Aachen University are working on a visionary method for cartilage regeneration using "bio-ink." This bio-ink, a type of hydrogel, contains magnetic rods that can be aligned using an external magnetic field to control the growth direction of the cartilage cells.
Photoswitch Technology: Scientists are also researching molecular "photoswitches" to create hydrogels that can be activated by light to stimulate tissue regeneration.
BIONCaRT GmbH: This German company is developing an innovative, allogeneic (using donor cells) cell therapy called MesemCart for cartilage regeneration. This approach uses mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord tissue, offering a readily available, off-the-shelf treatment that requires only one surgery.
Important Distinctions
It's important to note the difference between these products and the "miracle gels" sometimes promoted in viral social media posts. The German innovations mentioned above are scientifically validated and regulated medical devices or therapies that require a medical procedure (typically a minimally invasive surgery) for application. They are not simple over-the-counter gels or creams that can magically regrow cartilage without intervention. The claims in some viral posts that a German gel can "regrow cartilage without surgery" are often misleading and exaggerate the convenience and outcomes of the actual treatments.
Germany has been at the forefront of research and development in the field of cartilage regeneration, particularly with the use of hydrogel-based products. While there isn't one single product known as "living cartilage gel," there are a few notable German innovations that align with this description.
Key German Innovations
1. ChondroFiller
Company: meidrix biomedicals GmbH
Description: ChondroFiller is a cell-free, liquid collagen matrix that is injected into a cartilage defect. It is based on ultrapure, native collagen type I.
How it Works: The liquid mixture hardens within 3 to 5 minutes after injection, forming a stable hydrogel that adapts to the exact size and shape of the lesion. This hydrogel serves as a scaffold that stimulates the body's natural cartilage regeneration process. The body then gradually replaces the implanted matrix with its own cartilage tissue.
Status: ChondroFiller has been on the market since 2013 and has been used to treat over 20,000 patients worldwide. It is a CE-certified medical device, and studies have shown it to be safe and effective for treating grade III and IV cartilage defects in various joints, including the knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle.
Advantages: It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed arthroscopically, often requiring only one surgical procedure. It doesn't require the removal of healthy cartilage for a biopsy, unlike some other methods.
2. Hydrogel-Based Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
Description: This approach combines hydrogel technology with ACI, a traditional method of cartilage repair. It is a two-step procedure.
How it Works:
1. Biopsy: A small biopsy of healthy cartilage is taken from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient's knee.
2. Cell Culture: The chondrocytes (cartilage cells) are cultured and expanded in a laboratory.
3. Implantation: These cells are then mixed with a hydrogel and injected into the cartilage defect. The hydrogel provides a scaffold for the cells to grow and form new cartilage tissue.
Companies and Research: German companies like TETEC—Tissue Engineering Technologies AG have been involved in this field, and research from institutions like the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB) in Stuttgart has contributed to the development of such technologies.
Status: Clinical trials have shown this method to be a valuable and effective option for treating large cartilage defects, with sustained improvements up to five years post-treatment.
Other Research and Concepts
TriggerINK Project: Researchers at the Werner Siemens Foundation and RWTH Aachen University are working on a visionary method for cartilage regeneration using "bio-ink." This bio-ink, a type of hydrogel, contains magnetic rods that can be aligned using an external magnetic field to control the growth direction of the cartilage cells.
Photoswitch Technology: Scientists are also researching molecular "photoswitches" to create hydrogels that can be activated by light to stimulate tissue regeneration.
BIONCaRT GmbH: This German company is developing an innovative, allogeneic (using donor cells) cell therapy called MesemCart for cartilage regeneration. This approach uses mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord tissue, offering a readily available, off-the-shelf treatment that requires only one surgery.
Important Distinctions
It's important to note the difference between these products and the "miracle gels" sometimes promoted in viral social media posts. The German innovations mentioned above are scientifically validated and regulated medical devices or therapies that require a medical procedure (typically a minimally invasive surgery) for application. They are not simple over-the-counter gels or creams that can magically regrow cartilage without intervention. The claims in some viral posts that a German gel can "regrow cartilage without surgery" are often misleading and exaggerate the convenience and outcomes of the actual treatments.
Chop
"Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water; after enlightenment, chop wood, carry water" Zen proverb
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Water
From Ai Gemini:
On average, the human body is composed of about 60% water. However, this percentage can vary depending on a person's age, sex, and body composition.
---
Factors Affecting Water Percentage
Age: Infants have a higher percentage of water in their bodies, with some sources citing up to 75%. This percentage gradually decreases as we age.
Sex: Males generally have a higher percentage of body water than females. This is primarily because females tend to have a higher percentage of body fat, and fat tissue contains less water than lean muscle tissue.
Body Composition: People with a higher percentage of body fat will have a lower percentage of water compared to those with more muscle mass. Muscle is approximately 76% water, while fat is only about 10% water.
---
Distribution of Water in the Body
Water isn't distributed uniformly throughout the body; it's essential for various bodily functions and is found in different compartments. The two main compartments are intracellular and extracellular.
Intracellular fluid (ICF): This is the fluid inside the cells. It makes up approximately two-thirds of the total body water.
Extracellular fluid (ECF): This is the fluid outside the cells. It makes up the remaining one-third of the total body water and includes plasma (the liquid part of blood), interstitial fluid (fluid between cells), and other fluids like lymph and cerebrospinal fluid.
The balance between these two compartments is crucial for maintaining proper cell function and overall health.
On average, the human body is composed of about 60% water. However, this percentage can vary depending on a person's age, sex, and body composition.
---
Factors Affecting Water Percentage
Age: Infants have a higher percentage of water in their bodies, with some sources citing up to 75%. This percentage gradually decreases as we age.
Sex: Males generally have a higher percentage of body water than females. This is primarily because females tend to have a higher percentage of body fat, and fat tissue contains less water than lean muscle tissue.
Body Composition: People with a higher percentage of body fat will have a lower percentage of water compared to those with more muscle mass. Muscle is approximately 76% water, while fat is only about 10% water.
---
Distribution of Water in the Body
Water isn't distributed uniformly throughout the body; it's essential for various bodily functions and is found in different compartments. The two main compartments are intracellular and extracellular.
Intracellular fluid (ICF): This is the fluid inside the cells. It makes up approximately two-thirds of the total body water.
Extracellular fluid (ECF): This is the fluid outside the cells. It makes up the remaining one-third of the total body water and includes plasma (the liquid part of blood), interstitial fluid (fluid between cells), and other fluids like lymph and cerebrospinal fluid.
The balance between these two compartments is crucial for maintaining proper cell function and overall health.
Hogan
The Poem with No End By Linda Hogan
For those who don’t come to the end of this poem,
some harsh and endless wave of ocean
will bring to you the forever vision, the way a mother weeps
the salt of ocean from her eyes.
A father searches forever, thinking back to how it happened
that one country turned against itself,
unleashed the poison and army on its quiet citizens
until some travelers risked life for amnesty,
paid all to journey in the rubber float with others
all too low in the water, no one moving. The father speaks
to the child, Look at the flying fish. Look son, the whale on the horizon.
See the long shining of the quiet ocean.
A small fish lands on a girl’s lap. She only smiles.
But water has many voices
and unknown, unseen waves.
A human is a meager thing
in such immensity, the way a little shoe is small on the stones
where unknown travelers hoped for amnesty.
And though the mother and father searched a lifetime,
all that was ever seen was a shoe, the small cold
shoe washed up on dark stone.
For those who don’t come to the end of this poem,
some harsh and endless wave of ocean
will bring to you the forever vision, the way a mother weeps
the salt of ocean from her eyes.
A father searches forever, thinking back to how it happened
that one country turned against itself,
unleashed the poison and army on its quiet citizens
until some travelers risked life for amnesty,
paid all to journey in the rubber float with others
all too low in the water, no one moving. The father speaks
to the child, Look at the flying fish. Look son, the whale on the horizon.
See the long shining of the quiet ocean.
A small fish lands on a girl’s lap. She only smiles.
But water has many voices
and unknown, unseen waves.
A human is a meager thing
in such immensity, the way a little shoe is small on the stones
where unknown travelers hoped for amnesty.
And though the mother and father searched a lifetime,
all that was ever seen was a shoe, the small cold
shoe washed up on dark stone.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
'Fledgling'
My newest track is built on the idea of programmatic music, instrumental music that tells a story. The idea behind this track is a fledgling attempting its first flight.
Tuesday, September 09, 2025
Rules For Dog Owners
"There are a couple of reasons why feeding your dog from the table isn't a good idea. Firstly, it teaches them to beg for food, which can become a persistent and annoying behavior. Secondly, many human foods are not healthy for dogs and can even be toxic. It's easy to accidentally feed your dog something that can cause digestive issues or more serious health problems."
"Yelling at a dog to stop barking is often counterproductive because the dog may interpret your yelling as you barking along with them. They don't understand your words; they just hear a loud, excited sound that matches their own behavior. This can actually encourage them to bark even more, as they think you're joining in the fun."
"Yelling at a dog to stop barking is often counterproductive because the dog may interpret your yelling as you barking along with them. They don't understand your words; they just hear a loud, excited sound that matches their own behavior. This can actually encourage them to bark even more, as they think you're joining in the fun."
True Story
"In 1985, while canoeing alone in Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory, Val Plumwood was attacked by a large saltwater crocodile. The crocodile struck her canoe and then seized her, pulling her into the water. Plumwood was subjected to three "death rolls" and sustained severe injuries, including a leg that was exposed to the bone."
"After the third death roll, the crocodile released its grip. Plumwood was able to grab onto a branch of a fig tree and then scrambled up a steep mud bank to safety. She then crawled three kilometers to the ranger station, where she was found by a park ranger who had been looking for her. She was taken to a hospital in Darwin, where she underwent extensive treatment, including a month in intensive care and skin grafts."
"Plumwood's experience, which she described in her essay "Being Prey," profoundly impacted her philosophical views. She wrote about her recognition of human vulnerability and the idea that humans are not invincible rulers of the natural world, but are part of the food chain. She later spoke out against killing crocodiles in an act of revenge, stating she was the intruder and no good purpose would be served by it."
"After the third death roll, the crocodile released its grip. Plumwood was able to grab onto a branch of a fig tree and then scrambled up a steep mud bank to safety. She then crawled three kilometers to the ranger station, where she was found by a park ranger who had been looking for her. She was taken to a hospital in Darwin, where she underwent extensive treatment, including a month in intensive care and skin grafts."
"Plumwood's experience, which she described in her essay "Being Prey," profoundly impacted her philosophical views. She wrote about her recognition of human vulnerability and the idea that humans are not invincible rulers of the natural world, but are part of the food chain. She later spoke out against killing crocodiles in an act of revenge, stating she was the intruder and no good purpose would be served by it."
Repeat
From Ai Gemini:
Yes, it's very common for people with dementia to repeat false things. This behavior is not intentional and is often a symptom of the disease's effect on the brain. Here's a breakdown of the different ways this can manifest:
1. Confabulation (Creating False Memories)
This is a key term to understand. Confabulation is the unintentional creation of false memories. A person with dementia who confabulates is not lying; they genuinely believe the false information they are recalling. The brain is trying to fill in gaps in memory caused by the disease, and it invents a story or memory to make sense of the world.
- Provoked Confabulation:This happens when a person is asked a question and, because they can't remember the correct information, they create a false memory on the spot to answer the question.
- Spontaneous Confabulation: This is less common and involves the person volunteering false information without being prompted. They may tell a story about an event that never happened, for example.
Confabulation can range from small inaccuracies (e.g., "I had a steak for lunch" when it was soup) to more elaborate, fantastical stories.
2. Delusions (False Beliefs)
A person with dementia may also develop delusions, which are strongly held false beliefs that are not based in reality. These can often be paranoid in nature. Common examples include:
- Believing that someone is stealing from them.
- Thinking their spouse or partner is being unfaithful.
- Believing that strangers (like a caregiver) are in their home.
- Thinking they are living in a different time period (e.g., believing they are still a student or have a job).
These false beliefs are very real and distressing to the person experiencing them.
3. Repetition
Dementia often causes a person to repeat the same questions, stories, or activities. This is primarily due to memory loss. They may ask the same question over and over because they don't remember having asked it or hearing the answer before. This repetition can also be a way for them to express anxiety, confusion, or a need for reassurance.
- Why It Happens
The underlying cause of these behaviors is the deterioration of brain cells. Dementia affects areas of the brain responsible for memory, logic, and a person's ability to make sense of the world. As these functions decline, the person is unable to form new memories, process information correctly, or distinguish between what is real and what is not.
- How to Respond
It's crucial to remember that this behavior is a symptom of the disease, not a deliberate choice. Arguing or trying to correct the person can cause them distress, anger, and confusion. Instead, experts recommend:
- Don't argue or correct. This will only frustrate them and you.
- Acknowledge their feelings. Focus on the emotion behind the false statement. For example, if they say someone stole their purse, you could say, "It sounds very upsetting that you can't find your purse. Let's look for it together."
- Redirect and distract. Gently change the subject or engage them in a different activity they enjoy.
- "Go along with it" if it's not harmful or distressing to them. If a false memory brings them comfort or joy (e.g., they remember a wonderful trip they never took), there may be no need to challenge it.
Understanding these behaviors as a symptom of the disease can help caregivers respond with patience and empathy, which is essential for managing these challenging situations.
Monday, September 08, 2025
Kahlo
Painting by Frida Kahlo 1907-1954 - 'Self-Portrait on the Border Line Between Mexico and the United States' 1932
Rhino
"The northern white rhinoceros is functionally extinct, with only two females, Najin and Fatu, remaining alive, both living under protection in Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The last known male, Sudan, died in 2018, and the species has not been seen in the wild since 2008."
Foote
In 1856, a woman became the first person to predict climate change.
From Ai Gemini:
Eunice Foote discovered that carbon dioxide traps heat. She was the first to theorize that rising levels of CO₂ could increase atmospheric temperature and affect the climate.
Foote's groundbreaking work was published in a paper titled "Circumstances Affecting the Heat of the Sun's Rays" in 1856. Using a simple experimental setup with glass cylinders and thermometers, she tested the effects of different gases, including carbon dioxide, on solar heating. Her experiments showed that a cylinder containing carbon dioxide warmed more significantly and retained heat for a longer period than those filled with regular air.
Based on her findings, she concluded that "an atmosphere of that gas would give to our earth a high temperature." This discovery came three years before similar, but more detailed, work by Irish physicist John Tyndall, who is often credited with the discovery of the greenhouse effect. Despite her pioneering contribution, Foote's work was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered in recent years.
From Ai Gemini:
Eunice Foote discovered that carbon dioxide traps heat. She was the first to theorize that rising levels of CO₂ could increase atmospheric temperature and affect the climate.
Foote's groundbreaking work was published in a paper titled "Circumstances Affecting the Heat of the Sun's Rays" in 1856. Using a simple experimental setup with glass cylinders and thermometers, she tested the effects of different gases, including carbon dioxide, on solar heating. Her experiments showed that a cylinder containing carbon dioxide warmed more significantly and retained heat for a longer period than those filled with regular air.
Based on her findings, she concluded that "an atmosphere of that gas would give to our earth a high temperature." This discovery came three years before similar, but more detailed, work by Irish physicist John Tyndall, who is often credited with the discovery of the greenhouse effect. Despite her pioneering contribution, Foote's work was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered in recent years.
Friday, September 05, 2025
Rest
Have a great weekend. I'm headed out for an art opening tonight, and it's mine, all new paintings.
See you on Monday.
Marie
"The shadow of Jungian psychology I see mostly in the fact that Jung has found out everything he has found out through groping in the dark and tremendous suffering, and we are given that in our hands—what he has found out. We are, so to speak, dispensing a medicine which we have not made, and therefore people get inflated. They forget that they have not suffered, they have not found out those truths, they are merely using them... And that all shows that they haven't understood that it is a reality with which one is confronted, that one's task is to confront oneself with the same reality with which he has confronted himself." Marie Louis von Franz
"While this quote is specific to Jungian psychology, it's a powerful metaphor for the broader human tendency. We inherit the wisdom, discoveries, and even the spiritual insights of the past. If we don't engage in our own personal, suffering-filled process of discovery, we risk believing that we have the full picture. This leads to an "inflation"—a sense of intellectual or spiritual superiority—that blinds us to the ongoing, dynamic nature of reality and the need for each individual and each generation to do its own work."
"The core of her message is that true understanding is not an intellectual acquisition but an experiential and transformative process."
"While this quote is specific to Jungian psychology, it's a powerful metaphor for the broader human tendency. We inherit the wisdom, discoveries, and even the spiritual insights of the past. If we don't engage in our own personal, suffering-filled process of discovery, we risk believing that we have the full picture. This leads to an "inflation"—a sense of intellectual or spiritual superiority—that blinds us to the ongoing, dynamic nature of reality and the need for each individual and each generation to do its own work."
"The core of her message is that true understanding is not an intellectual acquisition but an experiential and transformative process."
Flaubert
"Human language is like a cracked kettle on which we beat out tunes for bears to dance to, when all the time we are longing to move the stars to pity" Gustave Flaubert from 'Madame Bovary'
"It suggests that language is an inadequate and clumsy tool for expressing the profound emotions and desires that humans truly feel."
"It suggests that language is an inadequate and clumsy tool for expressing the profound emotions and desires that humans truly feel."
Kenyon
Things by Jane Kenyon
The hen flings a single pebble aside
with her yellow, reptilian foot.
Never in eternity the same sound —
a small stone falling on a red leaf.
The juncture of twig and branch,
scarred with lichen, is a gate
we might enter, singing.
The mouse pulls batting
from a hundred-year-old quilt.
She chewed a hole in a blue star
to get it, and now she thrives….
Now is her time to thrive.
Things: simply lasting, then
failing to last: water, a blue heron’s
eye, and the light passing
between them: into light all things
must fall, glad at last to have fallen.
The hen flings a single pebble aside
with her yellow, reptilian foot.
Never in eternity the same sound —
a small stone falling on a red leaf.
The juncture of twig and branch,
scarred with lichen, is a gate
we might enter, singing.
The mouse pulls batting
from a hundred-year-old quilt.
She chewed a hole in a blue star
to get it, and now she thrives….
Now is her time to thrive.
Things: simply lasting, then
failing to last: water, a blue heron’s
eye, and the light passing
between them: into light all things
must fall, glad at last to have fallen.
Thursday, September 04, 2025
Schiele
Painting by Egon Schiele 1890-1918 - 'Four Trees' 1917
"Egon Schiele died at the very young age of 28 from the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918."
"He was at the height of his career when the influenza epidemic swept through Europe. His pregnant wife, Edith, also contracted the illness and died three days before him. The Spanish flu pandemic was one of the deadliest in human history, killing tens of millions of people worldwide."
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
Clove
From Ai Gemini:
Chewing a whole clove, carefully and slowly, offers a number of potential benefits, many of which are related to the same properties found in clove oil. The act of chewing helps to release the potent compounds within the clove, particularly eugenol.
Here are some of the key benefits of chewing a whole clove:
1. Oral Health and Pain Relief
This is arguably the most well-known benefit.
- Natural Anesthetic: The eugenol in cloves acts as a natural anesthetic, which can help to temporarily numb the area and provide relief from a toothache or gum pain.
- Antibacterial Properties: Chewing a clove releases its antibacterial compounds, which can help fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Breath Freshener: The strong, aromatic nature of cloves makes them a natural and effective way to freshen breath. The act of chewing helps to neutralize odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
- Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves can help soothe swollen gums and reduce irritation.
2. Digestive Aid
Chewing a clove after a meal is a traditional practice in many cultures to help with digestion.
- Stimulates Digestive Enzymes: The compounds in cloves can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which may help with the breakdown of food and reduce issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
- Relieves Nausea: Cloves are also known to help alleviate symptoms of nausea.
3. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Cloves are packed with antioxidants, including eugenol, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds.
- Fights Free Radicals: These antioxidants help the body combat oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
- Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may be beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
Important Considerations:
- Moderation is Key: While chewing a clove can be beneficial, it's important not to overdo it. Excessive consumption of eugenol can be harmful, especially to the liver.
- Not a Substitute for Dental Care: Chewing cloves should not replace regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental check-ups. It can provide temporary relief and support oral hygiene, but it won't cure a serious dental infection or decay.
- Consult a Professional: If you have persistent tooth pain, bleeding gums, or other serious dental concerns, it's crucial to see a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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