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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. |
In your blog today, share something unexpected. Have you been surprised by someone or something recently?  A Short Cat Story When the lawn is mowed the view out my window looks like a park. Recently, my daughter brought me another cat. It was originally from a cat rescue and my granddaughter had it for awhile. It's a long haired ,startlingly deep black. It's the kind of black that makes you wonder if your looking at a apparition. It has pure green eyes the color of new grass in the spring. My granddaughters tell a story about how someone in their family left a second story window open. According to them, this cat jumped out the window 20 feet to the ground without injuring itself. My cats have cat door access to a window enclosed balcony. It's where I keep their cat boxes,and feed and water dishes. They sleep on the lawn furniture and watch squirrels run up and down the trees. the squirrels scream at the cats from the trees and sometimes from the roof of the house. Lots of cat toys to play with, so it's just a cat friendly place to be. This week I put in the screens so more summer breeze would hit the balcony. Yesterday, I watched a black cat, fairly identical to the one who just moved in with us walk around in my back yard. Fearing the worst, I jumped up and ran up to the balcony to see how the cat got out. There he was upside down on the rug playing with our kitten who moved in last year. My relief turned to curiosity. I guess there is a new cat in the neighborhood that I've never seen before. We often have cats from the neighborhood tromping and hunting in the yard, because we have so many chipmunks, baby rabbits, and red squirrels. It's still a little unusual. to see two cats so much alike when a couple weeks ago, there were none. I hope it wasn't dumped because it will starve to death. Years ago people would see barns and dump cats and kittens. The local Anna Shelter started a branch and neutered cats for free if you got them vaccinated. The amount of cats around dropped drastically. I hope this situation is not renewing itself. Cats really can't take that good of care of themselves in the wild. They live extremely short, poor lives if someone is not putting out food for them. |
| We’re taking a trip today to the southern most point in the entire United States. South Point on the Big Island of Hawaii is a popular daredevil destination where brave souls leap from the cliff into the churning ocean below. Are you (or were you ever) a thrill-seeker? Do you visit carnivals or theme parks? What do you do that gets your heart pounding? Have you ever had a brush with death?'  I never thought I was a thrill seeker. I don't like carnivals or theme parks. However, horse back riding, driving cars, journalism, farming with machinery like tractors and 4-wheelers, even lawn mowers, all have an element of risk to them. A lot of the things I grew up liking were a part of the every day environment, where I grew up. Today I don't like to watch programs that involve thrill seeking. The Good Morning America show used to do segments for things like bungee jumping and I could not figure how those people could want to jump off a high place to swing on an elastic cord or sky diving, or wind gliders or.... I've been made aware of danger around every turn. I'm a lock your doors kind of person. As for Ka Lae. It's 710 acres found at the coordinates 18.9111 degrees north by 155.681111 degrees west. This National Historic Landmark district is called South Point Complex or South Cape. The Halara current off the coast is a good fishing environment. Plus, endangered species, Hawsbill turtles and Hawaiian Monk seals use the coast for their homes. As an archeological site, it is thought to be the landing spot of the first Polynesians. The site has wind farms and satellite stations. Jumping off the cliffs is frowned upon and there are warning signs up. People have lost their lives in this endeavor. Reminds me of people who go over Niagara Falls in barrels, just not recommended. Reference: Wikipedia ![Merit Badge in Point of View
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Happy Birthday! Belatedly. I like your point of view *^*Bigsmile*^* ~Adrienne](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Point_of_View.gif) Lovely weather today.  |
In your entry today, write about superstitions, legends, and curses. Are there any legends in your culture that you take to heart? Are you superstitious? Do you believe in Pele’s Curse?  Quotes: 1. {“Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.” ― Bertrand Russell, Unpopular Essays 2. “The man who believes that the secrets of the world are forever hidden lives in mystery and fear. Superstition will drag him down. The rain will erode the deeds of his life. But that man who sets himself the task of singling out the thread of order from the tapestry will by the decision alone have taken charge of the world and it is only by such taking charge that he will effect a way to dictate the terms of his own fate.” ― Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West Both of these quotes came from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/superstition Good and Evil I was very interested to find out when I was researching quotes for this blog, that if you research the word superstition, a lot of the quotes deal with the differences between the subjects of science and religion. Lately, I have noticed an odd idea about knowledge. Specifically, when people quote scripture they tell you about Genesis 2: 16,17. Many people quote God as having said you can't eat of the tree of knowledge. However, the command according to the The Logos International Study Bible is "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil , thou shalt not eat. Of course, the two human residents of the garden of evil did eat of the fruit and were kicked out of the garden to toil and trouble for all of their lives. Truthfully, I don't think if you study any part of history, you will notice that every individual who lives will be faced with both good and evil at some points in their lives and will come out with knowledge; which will teach you how to make choices revealing ways to pursue good or evil. So, experience or learning can be your teacher. Learning before experience hits gives you knowledge about how to make choices, that will avoid evil and keep you safer than just following experience down its bumpy path. Recently, I finished reading Origin by Dan Brown. A fiction story that expounds the fact that science will overtake religion and drown it out. So, humans will live technologically filled lives that are easier. Until only the technology is left, having taken over as the ruling class of the planet earth. No more humans. I also found this idea being spread in the research I did about superstition. Throwing salt over your shoulder may get rid of the spilled salt but won't stop a bill you needed to pay last week from charging you interest on the over due amount. Knocking on wood may give you bruised knuckles. But, won't stop your brakes from going out on your car if you don't have them serviced properly. Will God keep them going until you find the cash to fix them if you ask? Jesus said, faith is the answer. If you read the gospels you will come to the view that Jesus spent 3 years of his life preaching to the people about how to avoid superstitions. I took some biology courses combined with geography in conjunction with the school of journalism. I had some very interesting talks with biology teachers about the differences I was finding in local newspapers between facts taught in biology courses and facts printed in newspapers about biology. One of the teachers wanted me to become an editor so wrong facts would be eradicated in any place I had access too. My question was why are the printed facts wrong? Is the public being misled in small facts you read? Am I superstitious? I try not to be. Broken mirrors don't bother me since I would have had a certain amount of trouble in life with or without breaking a mirror. The Dancing Wu Li Masters a book about Quantum Mechanics says this science seems to follow theories given by Buddhists and other far eastern religions. It seems some science points to the fact that humans can and do influence their environments in scientific manners without knowing it. I doubt superstitions, because I see so much misinformation spewed out among the public. A psychiatrist told me this: Sociology, and Psychology are excellent parts of science and work if used properly within a culture but, if used as witch craft they become the basis of ignorance. So, I choose Knowledge over experience and both over odd superstitions. apondia#1781748 |
| What is your secret love that most people don’t know about? Don’t reveal anything you wish you really keep secret, and please, don’t say it’s writing. Step out a little here. It can be anything, anything at all. For example, I love the weather, no matter if it’s raining, snowing, windy, hot, cold, whatever, that day. Long story that I won’t explain here, but I love the weather. Quote from Goodreads: “Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it.” ― Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man I love light. Sunshine is nice. Best of all is a nice bright white light. I have more energy when there is good light available. I think better. I react better in what ever I endeavor to accomplish. I read faster. When the light goes out in the evening I rest better. There have been a lot of cloudy days this spring. I expect them in the winter, but not so much in the spring. When the sky is blue and the clouds are high or gone there is better light. It seems more white than other days to me. I've threatened to buy a light panel for winter but have not done it yet. Sometimes, I wonder if it is because I was born in Florida and spent the first 3 years of life in more sunshine than Pennsylvania can provide?       |
We write, we’re all writers. What subject would you like to write about, but haven’t yet. Genre? Type of character? Location? What? Tell me why.  I'm reading Origin by Dan Brown. The quote is from kindle book page 233. "Langdon now recalled Edmond quoting the British prime minister once in response, to a comment someone made about religious people hating him: You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something!"Write What  I have no idea. I like to research odd facts, that I think are relevant to life and write articles about them. My biggest fault is I do more reading than writing. I have a book started and make myself notes scattered in odd spots but, don't get it all written out. Time is an element. I have a lot of to do's that must be done for two people, dishes, laundry, vacuuming. Plus, an aging body needs maintenance, yoga, bike riding, calisthenics. Some days I say write and get it done. I probably need more of those days. I write in the 30-Day-Challenge because it gives me a goal and it's nice to communicate with other people. Since I took the writing course in New Horizons Academy I feel more comfortable with fiction. I like to write nature into whatever I write. Real facts about herbs, flowers, animals, and weather. Why? The computer age came along. I went to college late in life. The view out my window is a maple, apple, tulip, oak,cherry, trees - rabbits, deer, red squirrels, chipmunks, cats, dogs, woodchucks - a bird feeder - a hay field, and always different kinds of weather. Have a great day. |
| You are going on a long trip. I know you’ll take toiletries and clothes. What else has to go with you? Give me a list of 3 things you must take with you and explain why these are necessary. “Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, journey, discover, adventure.” ... https://www.adventureinyou.com/travel-inspiration/best-travel-quotes/ Travel Needs 1.Binoculars 2. Kindles plus chargers 3. Phone 4 .Camera {optional because both kindle and phone have a camera but, not one as nice; with a long range lens, that I might need for birds and scenery. I can't do just three so I guess I'll be over packed. I better drive if possible.  Binoculars are necessary because I might need to see farther than my glasses or eyes can see. Kindles carry my books, journals, and games in a very compact form, in case I need recreation or can't sleep, phone has contacts, books, weather reports, GPS, etc. I don't want to get lost and can find quick info or travel guides, and of course I already explained my camera has a long range lens and I like to use it for slides and other pics. All this stuff plus some changes of clothes in a back pack should get me there and back. Just think I can carry a whole library in a back pack, awesome. Hm. an extra leash for my dog. Hm. snacks for me and the dog. OH well, let's just go.  Yes those too!![Merit Badge in Blog Camping
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Thank you for joining me on another August adventure. Hope you join me for the book signing tour next August. *^*Heart*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Blog_Camping-1788309_13.gif)  |
| Which 'semi-famous' Hollywood star would you like to meet? Why? When I say semi-famous, I don't mean a major film star. I mean someone you've seen in several movies, but never in a starring role. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls000062158/ Supporting Actors This is not my best information realm. Since, I am inclined to watch movies for the entertainment value and mostly forget who the actors are. However, recently we have access to a new TV channel and it is running older TV shows like Nash Bridges and Jag. After watching some Nash Bridges reruns I began to notice movies where Richard Anthony better known as Cheech Marin plays supporting roles. I was unaware of how many movies he plays in. In his role as Joe Dominguez, Nash Bridge's partner he is playing a down to earth detective with a humorous side. There is a movie I have played many times in my home because my parrots like it so well. Yes, there he is Cheech Marin, in Paulie, a movie about a talking parrot that journeys across the USA looking for his lost owner. Marin has played in lots of other movies like Tin Cup and voiced Disney Characters, like Tito the chihuahua. Whatever the role he takes on, I always like the believe-ability he brings to the role. He is a stand-up comedian and has worked on many pictures as an independent with Robert Rodriquez. While trolling for information about this actor I found that he does not speak Spanish and the name Cheech is short for chicharron which is equal to fried pork rind. I once named a dog after Cheech Marin. reference: I found some of this information on Google and other information about Richard Anthony on Wikipedia.  Bye now!apondia#1781748 |
In this scenario, money is no object, so you can buy anything you want. Only thing is, you can’t buy this for yourself. What will you buy, and who will you buy it for? Be creative here!  “If your world does not include enough access to different people, and their world does not include enough access to you, you are speaking from ignorance.” ― Jon Stewart, The Daily Show: An Oral History as Told by Jon Stewart, the Correspondents, Staff and Guests I'm reading an audio book about "The Daily Show" So, I looked up some of their quotes to share. Good reads has 28 quotes from The Daily Show. https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/49192296-the-daily-show-an-oral-history-as.... Laughter is still the best medicine. Shopping As for the prompt, here is what I would do. I would get in touch with my children and find out what needs they might have and buy them things. One of my sons needs a farm. Maybe 2 of them do. I would buy Rick at the least a set of drums and some lessons, or maybe hand him a check so he could buy something for himself. Although, he probably has out grown the drum Idea. So, maybe not. I would buy my daughter a different house in a more rural setting. K needs a new truck. I sometimes wish I could just gift some large amounts of cash to PBS, the local Shriner's Hospital, St. Jude hospital for children, and there is a charity that drills water wells for people all over the world, people who don't have fresh water. Also send some money to Wounded Warriors. I think I would find someone who needs a dairy farm and plow money into some enterprise like that. I would like to start a solar panel factory locally, people need jobs closer to homes in this area. Plus, I'd build a surplus of panels every year and sell them locally at cost, to ordinary home owners and pay some one to help local people learn how to use and install solar panels. If some enterprising person would start a bamboo factory for sheets of bamboo instead of plywood. Farmers could grow bamboo for the factory. Hay, cattle, and bamboo, what a thought. Schemes? Maybe, but if the weather doesn't straighten up crops are going to suffer this year. Did you know they make a solar generator? I always think if the electricity goes down in a storm or other problem, for any length of time a solar run generator would be more practical than gasoline or fuel oil. I always said, "They, whoever they are, wouldn't let me make money because I would spend it to fast in odd ways." Our internet is back maybe I'll be around more this week. Bye, ya all.  PS: I read about a new process to recycle plastic into sheets of insulation.  |
| What are some of the outdoor games/activities that'll be happening at your summer barbecue? Summer Barbecue Most of the summer events I've been to lately have been given by my son and daughter-in-law. They have a pool. Games are usually watching pool babies splash each other, dive for objects or play water ball games. If there is a net set up it is usually volley ball. I've come to regard eating as part of the entertainment.  Another type of sport is the vocal sharing of recent pet antics that belong to families. Some one used up most of our internet allotment for downloads. We have new phones so setup may be the problem. So, I'm not sure how much I will be here until the 14th when it resets. Summer is on its way. Bye. |
5 journey songs build a vacation around a song 1. 2. From Paul Simon Album: "The Rhythm of The Saints" a song called the coast. Lyrics: A trip to the market A trip into the pearl gray morning sunlight that settles over Washington A trip to the market A trip around the world 3. Xavier Rudd: Follow The Sun 4..Xavier Rudd: https://youtu.be/m4gQTYGHfRg Come Let Go 5. My songs whirl around south sea island vacations and modes of travel. Who hasn't listened to John Denver's song "leavin on a jet train" and thought of walking out the door and going off into the sunset to explore the world. Following the sun as it lands on different places on the earth, at different times of the year. Heat and light and carefree living. Backpacking to white sandy beaches and watching the dolphins play in the waters and parrots call in the trees. Vacation Dreaming |
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