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 A Journal to impart knowledge and facts |
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July 22, 2015 I'm going to start today to record on a daily basis whatever happens to strike my fancy. So, it is a very cool breezy day. I just posted 5 short book reviews to The Monthly Reading Challenge. I'm suppose to put away some winter wood today from the woodpile outside but I'm playing hookey from work to write so starting this blog will get done. I'm having a daily fight with a flock of English Sparrows that are trying to take over my barn. They are making a terrible mess so they have to go. I have destroyed several nests so far they don't leave but they get out of the barn when I am around. I'm just starting the fight so I guess I don't know how far I have to go to discourage them. I'm trying not to spread myself to thin on WDC because I find so many things that are interesting here and I am trying to work on a new story. I really enjoy sitting at my desk with a cup of tea and reading blogs on WDC. |
June will bring a lot of summer work my way. We have been blessed recently with lots of sunshiny days. I fixed my window by the monitor so I can see out but the sun can not knock out the screen. Now I find there is a very small chipmunk running around outside under the big cherry tree. It is stuffing itself with blossoms falling off the tree. Yesterday, it got into an argument with a rabbit over who would eat the most. Finally, they stopped arguing and just walked away from each other. It was quite funny. The rabbit was so much larger than the chippy. Chippy stood his ground. Nicely, there was no actual violence. The rabbit took a couple swipes but the chippy was very fast to jump out of the way and just kept hollering. Lucky chippy! Rabbits prefer veggies. |
Motivational Monday! A number of popular artists or bands have members who were born on May 30th. Pick one of your faves. Make them (even more) famous in your blog. Wow! Another month gone at the 30-day Blogging challenge. I was amazed how many singers were born on May 30. I picked Idina Mendzel who was born in the USA on May 30,1971. Her performance in "Wicked" earned her a Tony Award for best actress. Her musical abilities prove her many talents. She has many albums out now including a Christmas Album and a Frozen Album. In 2015 Mendzel was on a world concert solo tour. Mendzel was the first Tony award winning actress to reach the top 10 on the Billboard hot 100, singing "Let it go." She was a presenter at the 2016 Billboard awards. The USA in full of talented musicians it was not difficult to find this amazing singer online. Kudos to Idina Mendzel. |
The Sunday News! The big news was the WDC Quills ceremony happening earlier...did you watch it? Or at least check out the In-And Out? What'd you think?  What a loss; I have suffered! I did not know the awards were being held. So, when I saw the prompt I checked out the prequill's by Matthew Bird and the prequel party. Hmm--an interesting YouTube. So onward in my search I found Andrew's at the Quill's on Google. Some more interesting information. I know I'm simply not aware of many things that are happening on WDC but I did think I would hear if 30-day is in the running for an award. This obviously is important on WDC. So, showing my ignorance openly what is ( check out the In-And Out)? Will we be able to see this as a rerun on YouTube? What I saw in my search made me think we should advertise it more. My Goodness! |
Saturday, May 28, 2016 Creation Saturday! It's unseasonably warm where I'm spending the weekend, and I generally dislike discussing weather as a rule, so spice up the weather report for this weekend in your region. Weather happens; even if it's lousy, make it sound like something you would actually want to hear.         Good Morning North Western Pennsylvania. This is Jay here to enlighten your day with a fantastic weather report. Today will be a high of 70 degrees with light westerly winds fanning you throughout the day. High cumulus clouds will sail over occasionally keeping the sun relevant but not obnoxiously prominent. The evening will bring temperatures down between 59 and 62. Find a shade tree; set up your lounge chair; set out your snacks; and enjoy a good book. Might be a good idea to have your birding binoculars handy too. This is Jay signing off before you find out what the real weather forecast is, HAPPY TRAILS.  |
| Fun Fact Friday! On this day in 1647, Alse Young, a resident of Windsor, Connecticut, was executed for being a "witch." It was the first recorded American execution of a "witch." Nowadays, obviously this wouldn't fly...but the idea of witchcraft is still very prevalent. What's your opinion on this? What did females in this country do to cause this song to be written and sung. We embraced the freedom this country offered. And, we continue to embrace freedom. Now, we are part of the military to serve and protect. Get over it guys. Females are equal. (*LOGOS INTERNATIONAL STUDY BIBLE: THE AMERICAN STANDARD VERSION) GENESIS 1:27 And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. As for Alse Young, I looked this particular person up in Wikipedia. org and sure enough there is the possibility that she was living on land that may have been purchased by her husband. It is likely that he may have died as he is not mentioned in the records at all. The colonies were lacks about laws since many people came here to escape extreme churchianity that was rampant in Europe. Life in the colonies was difficult. Many settlers died of disease and maybe even overwork as they felled trees and built homes. that left land claimed by family men in the hands of women. According to the only record I read she was the first of many women accused and executed for witchcraft and it set off a killing spree in New England. I have read some historical facts about the Salem Witch Trials. It apparently was a female rout. If a women made an enemy because of her ability to hold land and not marry, she could be accused and usually killed. There really are witch cults in the USA. However, as in every other culture and system it is usually the women who are accused while the males go free. In the christian church it is believed that only the males hold and wield power. I believe people have abilities to influence others with psychology and mental electrical power. Because animals have their own type of intelligence they are easily influenced by mental power. Some science is being explored as to the extent people can use mental influence on others. Brotherhoods and sisterhoods have people within them that practice influencing others with psychology and other mental games. I actually have seen supposedly prayer meetings where people were trying to influence others who were not there. One woman I know use to pray for people to go the church meetings and try to get others to do the same. Read some honest Church history. My zoology course had a catholic Doctor give us a demonstration of such types of power. It is unfortunate that in a culture in the USA in the 21 century with all the knowledge we have available that the same fights that were being fought in the 11 to 18 centuries still are sometimes landing in the court systems. Men and women will still point their fingers and yell witch if they don't like you. Also, it is a psychological fact that if someone accuses you over and over out loud you will eventually be fighting a losing battle against the accusations. Even if you are not guilty. I have a lot of situational experience in predicaments like this. Trump is using this in the media against Clinton by pointing his finger and calling her a liar. Yet he does not enumerate his own lies which are many. The only real thing being held in depth against Clinton is the fact she is female. The psychological ideas behind every candidate in this election is extreme enough to be causing riots. If I wanted I could take all three of these candidates and make a case against them as president. However, it is ridiculous to bother doing it. This country has need of a new leader so we are going to choose among those who have offered themselves. Then, we the people are going to see to it they do the proper thing. So, all you students reading for classes this summer make it count. The country needs your individual thinking abilities. Some of the abilities people profess to use are being passed down in families by DNA. They are not necessarily a gift from God. Another thing, I believe the bible shows us that if it is spiritual is it used for good not bad? Are they trying to gain money, land, power? Or, are they trying to heal, put lives back together, restore a field to grow grain instead of weeds? The Bible is intended to edify it is not a weapon to use in a hanging or drown witches. So the witch trials leave a lot to think about. Information about cloning released in the early 2000's was being discovered in the 1950's. We are moving toward societal changes that will affect every human as we try to control and eliminate terrorism in all its forms. Bye. I need to run my vacuum now.  apondia#1781748 |
| The Wildcard Round! Today's winner gets 5000 GPs. What's on your summer reading list? Summer does not officially start until June 21. I'm presently reading "Taking the Stand" (My Life in the Law) by Alan Dershowitz. And, The Red Scream by Mary Willis Walker both very good books. I want to read the latest book in the Sherlock Holmes series written by Laurie R. King. and there is a new book out by Nevada Barr. I would like to read both of those books. I am collecting the books written by Laurie R King on eBook. And, I may go back to read another in "The Last Apprentice" series ( I think I am on book 7). Connie Shelton is another author I follow. She has out some new stories I have not read in two different series. " Michael Robertson writes, "The Brothers of Baker Street." which I also like but, I think I am caught up on that story. Sometimes Amazon offers me a free book which I always read. I missed the last one because I did not pick up my yahoo email soon enough. Generally, I pick a time when my kindle is fully charged and go online to the library. There, I browse until I find two or three that have something to offer my curious nature. They give me 21 days but, early in the year they found a way to offer some renewal time. I use the Overdrive app. Presently my kindles are loaded with stories I have not taken time to read. So, I will never run out of books. A few weeks ago I got into a place where I was researching some law and psychology about crime for a story of my own, so, I have books about criminal psychology waiting on my kindle to be read. And, some books of a spiritual nature. All this and it is time to work on the garden and write instead of read.  I better keep moving.   |
| War Chest Wednesday! Are you a cat person or a dog person? Explain why, or neither.   I have one dog - K has one dog so two dogs live with us. We had two cats. One of those is about 16 years old. When the elder dies I expected to enjoy the last cat of the group. Just having one seemed really nice some day. However, now some mentally sick person has dumped another cat here. It is a really nice cat. But, it is an unnuetered female about to have kittens. So, now I have 3 cats in the house instead of two. There are other people who are upset about the new animal because they know at my age it is better to just provide for one or two than many. I don't normally keep unnuetered pets. So, when the kittens arrive I will have the expense of shots for mother and kits as well as arranging for neutering. It will probably take all the rest of 2016 to accomplish. I used to keep barn cats but not any more. There is more wild life closer in to the house and barn. We have red squirrels that run around the roof of the house and onto the upstairs balcony. Last year the cats caught two chipmunks up there. The balcony is the cats summer fun spot. Last weekend a very ill raccoon showed up under a tree by the back door. K and I both think it had been poisoned. There are wild rabbits living in the barn in the winter. The winter of 2014 a mother possum had babies under the hay stall. The babes played with the barn cat and killed it with their sharp claws. Saturday and Sunday a Vulture was hanging around munching on a dead woodchuck behind the garage. Other really horrific things have happened to barn cats here so I don't let or encourage cats to live there any more. So I'm an animal person. I love them all wild or tame. Why? Because some people don't bother to understand animal intelligence. They need people to protect them and help them live quiet lives just like people. Plus, they love people unconditionally. So, loving and caring for them is easy. |
| Talk Tuesday! Are your favorite forms of entertainment (books, movies, television, music, etc.) in line with your life's perspective, or are they another form of escapism?  To call any kind of knowledge learned through music, movies, television or books escapism sounds like doctrines created by brotherhoods to keep the public ignorant. An ignorant public is easier to fleece and control, up to a point. Knowledge is a need all humans have even if they deny the need. If the people around us do not communicate something a person needs to hear but, the person hears a song with a lyric that says what you are feeling then you have received confirmation that there are others on the earth who feel what you feel or hear what you hear or experience your experiences. There are classical music pieces that show the sounds of birds, the wind through the trees, and other environmental sounds. Even though, you may have been convinced that you are not cool if you listen to classical music, the truth is that the musicians who wrote the pieces heard sounds that they had the talent and ability to create on paper with notes, as well as, integrate certain musical instruments into the piece and recreate the sounds in a close proximity. Even fictional stories follow patterns of life that the author finds interesting. So, the author creates characters to live a life on the page. Creating a picture in your mind of a city or countryside or planet where the action takes place. If the reader really likes the story; the reader may be reconciling something sociological that appeals to them. They like the way the protagonist was portrayed or the way the ending resolved the story. Why do people return to Sherlock Holmes stories? He was cleaver. He could find the oddest clues and follow them to a resolution that stopped some suffering. The need for knowledge is Universal. Share it. I believe the people who conquer space will be people willing to look beyond where they were born, share and revel in the vastness of the universe. It is important to question everything. It keeps us sane when the established rule proves to be a burden to the public. this is a quote from the book I am currently reading, "my grades were low---------my conduct, called "deportment," was terrible. I was always getting into trouble because of my pranks, because I "talked back" and was "fresh" to teachers, because I questioned everything, because I didn't show "respect," and because I was a "wise guy." From "Taking the Stand" by Alan Dershowitz. Dershowitz also wrote about his years in school, "Even when I did something perfectly, they would find some way to turn my success against me." Probably it isn't escapism it's just a need you are filling. |
Motivational Monday! Actress Joan Collins, born on this day in 1933, once said, "Show me a person who has never made a mistake and I'll show you somebody who has never achieved much." Do you think this is true? What's your greatest mistake?    I've made a lot of them. Many were pushed on me. Probably one I regret was returning to Pennsylvania. But,as I look back it is the one in which my first husband had a voice and helped us move back. If I had known consciously how it would turn out I would not have returned. I really like living here and always have liked living here. However, the government of this state is something to think about. There are more classes that teach thinking skills now, than I ever took when in school. When I was 8th grade to 12th they taught but it was closer to the end of WWII and society was reorganizing. The best class I took was as a senior, it was called "Problems of Democracy." Plus, I spent out of school time mostly with people who were deliberately trying to keep me away from knowledge. The three aunt's homes I spent most of my time with did not have TV. My dad supplied us with TV when I was 16. TV then was Laurence Welk, News, Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, Sky King, Band Stand. After killing millions of people in WWII life was peaceful except for rebellious teenagers. On the news today: The Erie City School District is broke. They are talking about closing 4 City High Schools and busing the teens into surrounding School Districts. It is a part of the constant consolidation that takes place in this economy. Gram ma said, "Never wish your life away." But 2016 is wearing people down and it is not even half over yet. There is a vulture in my back yard this morning feasting on a woodchuck. This week end I have seen a raccoon, woodchucks, red squirrels, birds to numerous to name, chipmunks, and deer just observing the back yard. Spring has definitely arrived for the wildlife. Who knows for sure that a major life decision will turn out the way you want it to turn out? Life throws us a lot of curves. Happy Trails.  |
The Sunday News! Should police officers be required to wear bodycams at all times, and how much access to this footage should the public be allowed? An intriguing question? I'm reading "The Innocent Man" by John Crisham. "Murder and Injustice in a Small Town" I clicked on the CNN Link included with this question but I did not go to any particular picture. Police should wear body cams but they should also be required to submit complete explanations of their actions. Pictures, even films of actions don't always tell the whole story. What is going on that is influencing the reactions of the police? Police are human. I always start asking questions. Was there a crowd outside of the camera action? Were other police on the scene? Right now in this time segment 2015 and 2016 what is causing unrest among police officers? Is Police training adequate in all forces? Are people using these camera shots to influence the public against police? I suspect types of coverage of news events when they are suddenly one-sided.? Police Cams might save an officers life or make him slow to defend himself or show parts of a scene and not all of a scene. Should the public see the films? It might incense the public or give more understanding. Do we have a discerning public? Not always. Does the public show good judgment? Not always. Journalism in the USA is not so quick to show dead bodies. For years there have been unwritten journalism rules in print journalism against showing people laying around dead after accidents or riots or catastrophes of any sort? sometimes they don't release accurate statistics about how many died in fires or shootings or tornadoes With the many threats that have erupted against countries in the last 50 years I think that ruling is becoming less heeded. I say put it out there. If you don't want the truth don't watch it. In the USA you have that choice. The reason the Bible is still relevant is because of its good advice for every life: Moses had a father-in-law who gave him good advice. In Exodus 18: 17-24. In verse 21 he told Moses: "Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens." (from the English Standard Version) Moses needed advice because he was trying to organize people into a new nation. Teachers, lawyers, prosecutors, police of any kind cannot just be there because they like the hours or the money is good. They are servants of the public. We need them not to control the public but to sort out the problems being caused by social inadequacies. Freedom and Chaos are two different things. I've had my say. Your turn. Rant On! |
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