Friday, October 31, 2025
Merton
"If you want to study the social and political history of modern nations, study hell." Thomas Merton
Communal
From AI Gemini:
A communal narcissist is an individual who seeks to fulfill their need for admiration and superiority by being perceived as exceptionally altruistic, helpful, or community-minded.
Essentially, their grandiosity is expressed through the communal domain (e.g., being the "best parent" or "most committed volunteer"), but their underlying motivation is self-serving, primarily to gain praise and validation, rather than a genuine desire to help others.
Proust
"Do not wait for life. Do not long for it. Be aware, always and at every moment, that the miracle is in the here and now." Marcel Proust
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Commitment
"There was once a king who kept a powerful ape, as skilled in swordsmanship as a samurai, for his body guard. One night, the ape was watching over the king, who was deeply asleep, when a fly settled on the royal nose. The dedicated but unintelligent ape swiftly and expertly drew his sword to assassinate the fly. Fortunately for the king, another servant, who had been lurking in the area, saw what was happening and spontaneously leapt to the king's defense. By not hesitating, even for a second, despite the formidable presence of the ape, he saved the king's life. This story, though not a perfect example, gives some idea of hesitation free confidence arising from commitment."
Dolphins
World Animal Protection: Mexico bans dolphin shows in historic win for animal welfare
"With full support from both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, Mexico has passed legislation that prohibits the use of dolphins in shows, therapy, entertainment, research, and any other activity not related to conservation. The law also bans the breeding of dolphins in captivity."Risk
Risk by Anais Nin
And then the day came,
when the risk
to remain tight
in a bud
was more painful
than the risk
it took
to blossom.
And then the day came,
when the risk
to remain tight
in a bud
was more painful
than the risk
it took
to blossom.
Nin
"The value of the personal relationship to all things is that it creates intimacy and intimacy creates understanding and understanding creates love." Anais Nin
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Brilliant
ohepic: German Startup’s Solar Backpack Converts Into Insulated Bed
"A German startup has developed an innovative backpack that transforms into an insulated bed equipped with solar panels, aiming to provide crucial survival support for homeless individuals and those in emergency situations."Oh No Ono - 'Swim'
I prowl for music I haven't heard. I have to say this particular song by Oh No Ono, is a new favorite. I'm reposting the song because I want to hear it again. Specifically, the verse part of the song is as charming as it gets. I'm not crazy about the chorus, it sounds too over-produced in my opinion. But the strength of the verse section of the song, makes me happy. Although it's age restricted, follow the link and listen, but only if you can handle seeing a woman pulling her skirt up above her knees.
Whyte
The Well of Grief by David Whyte
Those who will not slip beneath
the still surface on the well of grief,
turning down through its black water
to the place we cannot breathe,
will never know the source from which we drink,
the secret water, cold and clear,
nor find in the darkness glimmering,
the small round coins,
thrown by those who wished for something else.
Those who will not slip beneath
the still surface on the well of grief,
turning down through its black water
to the place we cannot breathe,
will never know the source from which we drink,
the secret water, cold and clear,
nor find in the darkness glimmering,
the small round coins,
thrown by those who wished for something else.
Albuquerque
Hat tip to Albuquerque New Mexico for addressing homelessness in that city. At least they are trying.
"Albuquerque has implemented programs that offer paid work to individuals experiencing homelessness, such as cleaning streets, to help them transition to more stable living conditions. These initiatives aim to provide job opportunities while also addressing the city's homelessness issue."
"Albuquerque has implemented programs that offer paid work to individuals experiencing homelessness, such as cleaning streets, to help them transition to more stable living conditions. These initiatives aim to provide job opportunities while also addressing the city's homelessness issue."
Berry
"I am saying then, that literacy - the mastery of language and the knowledge of books - is not an ornament, but a necessity. It is impractical only by the standards of quick profit and easy power. Longer perspective will show that it alone can preserve in us the possibility of an accurate judgement of ourselves and the possibilities of correction and renewal. Without it, we are adrift in the present, in the wreckage of yesterday, in the nightmare of tomorrow." Wendell Berry, "In Defense of Literacy"
Monday, October 27, 2025
Friday, October 24, 2025
Sesame Oil
From Ai Gemini:
The oil within a sesame seed is primarily contained within the internal storage tissues of the seed, specifically the endosperm and the embryo.
Sesame seeds are remarkably rich in oil, typically containing about 40% to 60% oil by weight. This high oil content is stored in microscopic structures within the seed cells, to serve as a high-energy food source for the developing seedling when it germinates.
When sesame oil is commercially produced, it's extracted from the seeds through mechanical pressing (cold-pressed or hot-pressed) or solvent extraction, which physically separates the oil from the rest of the seed's matter.
The oil within a sesame seed is primarily contained within the internal storage tissues of the seed, specifically the endosperm and the embryo.
Sesame seeds are remarkably rich in oil, typically containing about 40% to 60% oil by weight. This high oil content is stored in microscopic structures within the seed cells, to serve as a high-energy food source for the developing seedling when it germinates.
When sesame oil is commercially produced, it's extracted from the seeds through mechanical pressing (cold-pressed or hot-pressed) or solvent extraction, which physically separates the oil from the rest of the seed's matter.
Patience
"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." Jean-Jacques Rousseau
"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." Leo Tolstoy
"He that can have patience can have what he will." Benjamin Franklin
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." John Quincy Adams
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." Leo Tolstoy
"He that can have patience can have what he will." Benjamin Franklin
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." John Quincy Adams
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Whale
Blue Whale in the Atlantic, file by NOAA, source is Wikipedia Commons. Click the semi circle on the left of the embed to go to the site. The sound is amazing.
Dharma Lab - Loneliness As Deadly As Smoking 15 Cigarettes A Day
This is very positive and helpful information.
Orbit
From Ai Gemini
The Earth orbits the Sun at an average speed of approximately 67,000 miles per hour (mph).
Earth's Average Orbital Speed
The precise average orbital speed is approximately 66,616 mph (or 29.78 km/s). This incredibly high velocity is what allows the Earth to travel the entire path of its orbit—about 584 million miles—in one year.
Speed Variation
Because Earth's orbit is an ellipse, not a perfect circle, its speed changes slightly throughout the year:
Perihelion (Closest to the Sun): The Earth moves fastest, reaching about 67,100 mph, around early January.
Aphelion (Farthest from the Sun): The Earth moves slowest, dropping to about 65,500 mph, around early July.
The difference in speed, though noticeable to astronomers, is relatively small (only about 3.4%) in the grand scheme of its motion.
The Earth orbits the Sun at an average speed of approximately 67,000 miles per hour (mph).
Earth's Average Orbital Speed
The precise average orbital speed is approximately 66,616 mph (or 29.78 km/s). This incredibly high velocity is what allows the Earth to travel the entire path of its orbit—about 584 million miles—in one year.
Speed Variation
Because Earth's orbit is an ellipse, not a perfect circle, its speed changes slightly throughout the year:
Perihelion (Closest to the Sun): The Earth moves fastest, reaching about 67,100 mph, around early January.
Aphelion (Farthest from the Sun): The Earth moves slowest, dropping to about 65,500 mph, around early July.
The difference in speed, though noticeable to astronomers, is relatively small (only about 3.4%) in the grand scheme of its motion.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Know
"No matter what comes along, we're always standing at the center of the world in the middle of sacred space, and everything that comes into that circle and exists with us there has come to teach us what we need to know." Pema Chödrön
Gibran
"One day you will ask me which is more important? My life or yours? I will say mine and you will walk away not knowing that you are my life." Khalil Gibran
Fromm
"A man sitting quiet and contemplating, with no purpose or aim except that of experiencing himself and his oneness with the world, is considered to be “passive”, because he is not “doing” anything. In reality, this attitude of concentrated meditation is the highest activity there is, an activity of the soul, which is possible only under the condition of inner freedom and independence." Erich Fromm
Monday, October 20, 2025
Whipped Coconut Cream
From AI Gemini:
Coconut whipped cream is a delicious, dairy-free alternative to traditional whipped cream. The process relies on separating the solid fat (the cream) from the liquid (coconut water) by chilling a can of full-fat coconut milk or cream.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5 to 15-ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
- 1 to 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or other sweetener (like maple syrup or honey, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Important Tip: Make sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream. Lite or refrigerated carton coconut milk will not work. Some brands with stabilizers like guar gum may be less reliable. For best results, chill an extra can, just in case one doesn't separate well.
Instructions
1. Chill the Coconut Cream: Place the can of coconut milk (or cream) in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 1-2 days is even better). This is crucial as it allows the thick, fatty cream to solidify and separate from the watery liquid. Do not shake or tilt the can after placing it in the fridge.
2. Chill Equipment: For the best and fluffiest results, place your mixing bowl (metal or glass works well) and the beaters of your hand mixer or the whisk attachment of your stand mixer in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before you start.
3. Scoop the Cream: Carefully remove the chilled can from the refrigerator, taking care not to shake it. Open the can and scoop out the thick, solid layer of coconut cream that has risen to the top, placing it into your chilled mixing bowl.
- Only scoop the solid white cream. Stop once you reach the clear, watery liquid (coconut water) at the bottom.
- Save the remaining coconut water for a smoothie or other recipe—don't throw it out!
4. Whip the Cream: Begin beating the coconut cream on medium-high speed with your electric mixer (hand or stand mixer).
- Beat for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and starts to look fluffy.
- If using a hand mixer, you may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
5. Add Sweetener and Flavor: Once the cream is fluffy, add your powdered sugar and vanilla extract (if using).
- Powdered sugar often works best for a firmer whip. Liquid sweeteners like maple syrup may result in a slightly softer cream.
- Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more until it's to your taste.
6. Whip to Peaks: Continue beating for another 1-3 minutes until the mixture is light, airy, and holds soft or stiff peaks, similar to dairy whipped cream.
7. Serve or Chill: Use the whipped cream immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and chill it for at least 15-20 minutes, or until ready to serve. Chilling will help it firm up even more.
Enjoy your homemade coconut whipped cream!
Coconut whipped cream is a delicious, dairy-free alternative to traditional whipped cream. The process relies on separating the solid fat (the cream) from the liquid (coconut water) by chilling a can of full-fat coconut milk or cream.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5 to 15-ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
- 1 to 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or other sweetener (like maple syrup or honey, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Important Tip: Make sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream. Lite or refrigerated carton coconut milk will not work. Some brands with stabilizers like guar gum may be less reliable. For best results, chill an extra can, just in case one doesn't separate well.
Instructions
1. Chill the Coconut Cream: Place the can of coconut milk (or cream) in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 1-2 days is even better). This is crucial as it allows the thick, fatty cream to solidify and separate from the watery liquid. Do not shake or tilt the can after placing it in the fridge.
2. Chill Equipment: For the best and fluffiest results, place your mixing bowl (metal or glass works well) and the beaters of your hand mixer or the whisk attachment of your stand mixer in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before you start.
3. Scoop the Cream: Carefully remove the chilled can from the refrigerator, taking care not to shake it. Open the can and scoop out the thick, solid layer of coconut cream that has risen to the top, placing it into your chilled mixing bowl.
- Only scoop the solid white cream. Stop once you reach the clear, watery liquid (coconut water) at the bottom.
- Save the remaining coconut water for a smoothie or other recipe—don't throw it out!
4. Whip the Cream: Begin beating the coconut cream on medium-high speed with your electric mixer (hand or stand mixer).
- Beat for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and starts to look fluffy.
- If using a hand mixer, you may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
5. Add Sweetener and Flavor: Once the cream is fluffy, add your powdered sugar and vanilla extract (if using).
- Powdered sugar often works best for a firmer whip. Liquid sweeteners like maple syrup may result in a slightly softer cream.
- Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more until it's to your taste.
6. Whip to Peaks: Continue beating for another 1-3 minutes until the mixture is light, airy, and holds soft or stiff peaks, similar to dairy whipped cream.
7. Serve or Chill: Use the whipped cream immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and chill it for at least 15-20 minutes, or until ready to serve. Chilling will help it firm up even more.
Enjoy your homemade coconut whipped cream!
Men
From Ai Gemini
Based on the latest available data, the number of men who die each year in the U.S. from drug overdoses is substantial and consistently higher than the number of women.
For 2023, provisional data indicates:
- Opioid-related deaths: Approximately 54,751 preventable opioid overdose death victims were male.
Based on the latest available data, the number of men who die each year in the U.S. from drug overdoses is substantial and consistently higher than the number of women.
For 2023, provisional data indicates:
- Opioid-related deaths: Approximately 54,751 preventable opioid overdose death victims were male.
Friday, October 17, 2025
Jung
"If we do not have the depths, how do we have the heights? Yet you fear the depths, and do not want to confess that you are afraid of them. It is good, though, that you fear yourselves; say it out loud that you are afraid of yourselves. It is wisdom to fear oneself." Jung
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Ace Freehy Dies
Honestly, Kiss was never my thing. Still, props to Ace because he succeeded in the difficult world of pop music.
Heinlein
"A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot."
Robert A. Heinlein
Robert A. Heinlein
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
The Dalai Lama
“You must not hate those who do wrong or harmful things; but with compassion, you must do what you can to stop them — for they are harming themselves, as well as those who suffer from their actions.”
Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama XIV
Monday, October 13, 2025
Contravene
contravene - verb
gerund or present participle: contravening
violate the prohibition or order of (a law, treaty, or code of conduct).
"this would contravene the rule against hearsay"
gerund or present participle: contravening
violate the prohibition or order of (a law, treaty, or code of conduct).
"this would contravene the rule against hearsay"
Berry
The Peace Of Wild Things by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Friday, October 10, 2025
Eliot
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
Through the unknown, remembered gate
When the last of earth left to discover
Is that which was the beginning;
At the source of the longest river
The voice of the hidden waterfall
And the children in the apple-tree
Not known, because not looked for
But heard, half-heard, in the stillness
Between two waves of the sea.
T.S. Eliot, from “Little Gidding”
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
Through the unknown, remembered gate
When the last of earth left to discover
Is that which was the beginning;
At the source of the longest river
The voice of the hidden waterfall
And the children in the apple-tree
Not known, because not looked for
But heard, half-heard, in the stillness
Between two waves of the sea.
T.S. Eliot, from “Little Gidding”
Dehumanize
Dehumanize - To deprive a person or group of people of positive human qualities, such as individuality, compassion, or humanity, or to treat them as if they are not human (e.g., as objects, animals, or mere statistics).
Further Explanation
Dehumanization often involves:
- Stripping away identity: Reducing an individual to a stereotype, label, or characteristic, rather than acknowledging their unique personality and worth.
- Objectification: Treating a person as a means to an end, a tool, or an inanimate object.
- Denial of empathy: Making it easier for others to justify cruelty, violence, or oppression by seeing the target group as less deserving of respect or ethical consideration.
In practice, this can manifest through language (epithets, slurs), imagery (propaganda, caricatures), or actions (systemic abuse, neglect).
Further Explanation
Dehumanization often involves:
- Stripping away identity: Reducing an individual to a stereotype, label, or characteristic, rather than acknowledging their unique personality and worth.
- Objectification: Treating a person as a means to an end, a tool, or an inanimate object.
- Denial of empathy: Making it easier for others to justify cruelty, violence, or oppression by seeing the target group as less deserving of respect or ethical consideration.
In practice, this can manifest through language (epithets, slurs), imagery (propaganda, caricatures), or actions (systemic abuse, neglect).
Thursday, October 09, 2025
Yaksha
"Yakshas are supernatural beings from Indian religions and folklore, appearing in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. They are often depicted as guardians of nature, earth, and hidden treasures, associated with fertility, and can be benevolent or fearsome depending on the context. In art, ancient sculptures of yakshas are among the earliest representations of deities, often portraying them as large, pot-bellied figures."
Image from Wikipedia Commons
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
Weight
From Ai Gemini:
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) FastStats reports the average weight for men ages 20 and over in the U.S. as 199.0 pounds."
"Other sources, often citing data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), report the average weight for men ages 20 and over as 199.8 pounds."
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
Monday, October 06, 2025
Whitman
I Dream’d in a Dream by Walt Whitman
I dream’d in a dream, I saw a city invincible to the attacks of the
whole of the rest of the earth,
I dream’d that was the new city of Friends;
Nothing was greater there than the quality of robust love - it led the
rest;
It was seen every hour in the actions of the men of that city,
And in all their looks and words.
I dream’d in a dream, I saw a city invincible to the attacks of the
whole of the rest of the earth,
I dream’d that was the new city of Friends;
Nothing was greater there than the quality of robust love - it led the
rest;
It was seen every hour in the actions of the men of that city,
And in all their looks and words.
Friday, October 03, 2025
Enjoy
"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning." T.S. Eliot
Have a great weekend, see you on Monday.
Have a great weekend, see you on Monday.
Dad's Back
What do you call a sheep who can sing and dance? Lady Ba Ba.
What do you call a French man wearing sandals? Philipe Fallop.
What do you call a French man wearing sandals? Philipe Fallop.
Max Richter - On The Nature Of Daylight - 2018 Version
I realize I keep posting this, but it is worthy of being heard many times. It's transcendent.
Thursday, October 02, 2025
Goodall
Quotes by Jane Goodall
"Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love."
"I think empathy is really important, and I think only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential."
"Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love."
"I think empathy is really important, and I think only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential."
Wednesday, October 01, 2025
Ossuary
From Ai Gemini:
An ossuary is a chest, box, building, well, or site that is intended to serve as the final resting place for human skeletal remains.
They are often used in situations where burial space is scarce. Historically, a body might be buried temporarily, and then after the soft tissues have decomposed, the skeletal remains would be exhumed and placed in the ossuary. This practice is also known as "grave recycling."
Ossuaries can range from small decorated boxes (used in some ancient Jewish traditions) to large buildings or underground catacombs containing the bones of many people, sometimes arranged in elaborate patterns (like the Paris Catacombs or the Sedlec Ossuary).
More recently, the term is also used for communal burial vaults that hold the cremated remains of multiple people.
An ossuary is a chest, box, building, well, or site that is intended to serve as the final resting place for human skeletal remains.
They are often used in situations where burial space is scarce. Historically, a body might be buried temporarily, and then after the soft tissues have decomposed, the skeletal remains would be exhumed and placed in the ossuary. This practice is also known as "grave recycling."
Ossuaries can range from small decorated boxes (used in some ancient Jewish traditions) to large buildings or underground catacombs containing the bones of many people, sometimes arranged in elaborate patterns (like the Paris Catacombs or the Sedlec Ossuary).
More recently, the term is also used for communal burial vaults that hold the cremated remains of multiple people.
Hopper
Artwork by Edward Hopper 1882-1967 - 'Cottages at North Truro' 1938 - Watercolor and pencil on paper
Pizza
An oldie but goodie...
Time: Drunk Couple Who Were Denied Pizza Try To Light Restaurant On Fire
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