I'm a firm believer that if you stop learning, in some sense, you stop living.
All of us should approach the world with humility, understanding that what we don’t know dwarfs what we do know. Whether it’s from books, conversations, or even walks through the woods, there are always opportunities to gain new knowledge. So I thought with this week’s conversation, I would try something different.
Here’s the challenge: share something that you recently learned. That’s it.
It can be anything —the battles of the Civil War, how to say thank you in Mandarin, or even the best way to fold a fitted sheet (mission impossible in my book). For the sake of this discussion, no topic is too big, or too small. So let’s have fun with it.
I’ll go first. I didn’t know that sea otters hold hands while they sleep so they don't drift apart.
With floating sea otters as inspiration, please let your mind drift as well, into the unknown. Together let’s see what kind of marvelously eclectic encyclopedia of knowledge we can create in the comments section.
So, what have you learned?
Thanks as always for adding your voice and engaging with the Steady community.
Some ground rules for these Wednesday chats (and also the comments sections on other posts):
I want a space where people feel safe to express their views, as long as they are offered in good faith.
I want a space where ideas can be challenged, especially my own.
I want debate. But I want it to be civil.
I want people to come here with open minds, and open hearts.
I want this to be fun as well as serious.
We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
People from different generations do often share similarities among their generation when it comes to communicating and even lifestyle approach. Here is what I noticed. Greatest Generation/Silent Generation: grateful, selfless, tend to focus on speaking simply and to the point, tend to not ask for much. Boomers: ME ME ME ME ME. Generation X: overworked, like to use slang, trying their best. Millenials: even more overworked, sarcasm. Generation Z: surrealist humor, nihilistic, tired of everyone older than them.
As a promise to my two grandsons, I have started the Harry Potter series books and I'm loving it! I'm on the third book and the stories take me away from everyday life. I'm 70 years old and one can never be too old to read Harry! In November we are going to London to visit the Harry Potter places and I can't wait to share the joy with my two grandsons! Finding balance can be seen and felt in so many small ways. Putting a smile on my grandsons faces is just one of them.
I recently got a plant identifying app. I was weeding a garden bed yesterday and had loads of fun learning the names of the weeds I was pulling up! Would you believe I have two different speedwell types in the same garden - corn speedwell and thyme-leafed speedwell!
Reading Zero Fail. I have learned so much about the Secret Service and that some of the arrogance we have witnessed (since paying attention during the Trump years) has existed throughout history - mind blown
This past week I learned that CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer's grandparents were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. This is something that Wolf never mentioned publicly (at least to my knowledge) until Marjorie Taylor Greene's insane remarks.
I teach 4th-6th grade in a Montessori school. We're studying the ancient Mesopotamians, who invented the wheel - not for travel or for carrying things, but a potter's wheel. After that, they figured out how to use it in other applications.
I have been given charge by many family members to arrange funerals for our departed relatives. I quickly learned funerals services are expensive and there is pressure selling to add on to the bill for things you don’t need. I wanted an option. So, to save money, decided on cremation. Then thought, what is someone going to do with the ashes? Then I found BiosUrn. I’m not trying to sell them, I have just decided this is what I want. It’s cost effective and environmentally friendly. You take your ashes, put them in a BiosUrn and a tree grows from the urn. I can’t think of a better thing to do where you help the environment and five loved ones a live tree to remember you with. I am not employed by BiosUrn in any way. I just think this is a cool way to go.
I care for my 94 year old mom with dementia. I learned this week just how confused she was and how I handled it. It was bedtime, she had been in bed a little earlier but walked out to the couch and sat down. She was confused thinking she was in bed when actually she’s now sitting on the couch. We had a nice back and forth conversation of where she was. My heart was breaking all during the conversation. It may not sound like much to anyone but it was a revelation to me how simple things can be so confusing to someone with dementia. I’ve always been kind to her but this incident was devastating to both of us for very different reasons. She ended up going back to bed and I tucker her in for the night.
Watching a bluebird nest cam,I learned that the parents eat the eggshells after they have hatched to clean up the nest. By the way, Dan, folding a fitted sheet is easy. I could teach you.
Using blue painter's tape when marking a mat for framing a photo saved me from making pencil marks and made it easier to place picture in exactly the right place.
I learned how to load and use a safety razor. I still need practice, but I think I'll get it. Moving away from disposable razors that end up in a landfill.
I learned that Langston Hughes’, full name is James Mercer Langston Hughes. I learned that he died
after abdominal surgery related to prostate cancer. His ashes are interred beneath a floor medallion in the middle of the foyer in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. It is the entrance to an auditorium named for him. I learned that some scholars believed he was gay based on some of his poems. Others say there is no evidence he was gay. He has always been one of my favorite poets.
I did not know, until today, that the planets closest to the sun are solid (i.e. earth) while the ones furthest away are mostly gasses. And Pluto, being the furthest away (no longer a 'planet') was solid. This issue is one that helped prove that it wasn't a planet.
I learned that Flanders bobbin lace was developed from Torchon and other laces develop in similar ways. So, without knowing where and when a piece of antique lace was made, it's very difficult for even museums to identify lace. Creations are not frozen in time. They come from somewhere and inspire new ones.
My grandmother would appreciate your challenge. I lived with her and each night when putting me to bed she would ask, "What have you learned today?" If I couldn't think of anything she had me get up, go to the dictionary, and learn a new word. Today at age 88 when I lay my head on my pillow I ask myself the same question. Lots of learning in those years. Tonight the answer will be: I learned that Himalayan Pink Salt has up to 84 minerals and is hand chipped from one of the oldest salt mines in the world, going back to 2300 years ago. In ancient times it was used to preserve food and even pay Roman soldiers. Use it as you would any table salt. I got one lb of it at the Dollar Store. Bon appetite.
My grandmother made the very best egg custard pie. I have been trying for over 30 years to make it like she did. A few weeks ago I found her original recipe (in her own handwriting) in one of my mother’s cookbooks. I made it according to her recipe, and my adult children said it was perfect.
I recently learned about my biological family! I'm adopted and I found them after getting my original birth certificate and learning of my original name. With social media it was quite easy to find them even though they live in Ecuador. (My biological sister also has a home in Miami.) My son went with me to meet them and it was wonderful!!!
I have learned that I should stick to my personal feelings about everything and everyone. I have learned that no matter how much you want to see someone leave bad choices behind, they won't do it for you. It has to be a desire inside that person!
Tolerance and nonjudgement. I can focus on constructive aspects in relationships and my own health by realizing all I can do is live in accordance with myself, my understanding, and learning not to call on unicorns to wake up those who chose to live in their metaphorical gated community. I am astounded by how dishonest the leaders of our free nation will be to achieve their means to retain power.
The past few weeks I've been learning about my emotional limits, and using them to navigate my way out of a very painful shipwreck of my life that began in May of 19. I've lived almost 61 years- mostly through hard times- and the past two have been seriously rough. When I was younger I always prayed for wisdom. I sometimes wish I'd prayed for an easy life instead. BUT. I'm the person that a lot of people turn to for advice. They say wisdom comes from experience and experience comes from making mistakes. Whoa, Nelly, I must be wise... :) As for emotional limits- it's not just what the shrinks call "boundaries", it's more like finding the edge of the world and marking it on a map. So it's an exploration of a different sort.
I just spent 45 minutes learning things I never knew or had even questioned or thought of, while scrolling through all these comments! What fun that was -- bird coloring, molasses floods, etc!
I am a musician by trade, I tend to lean towards studying music, my instrument and all arts and creativity that feed my music.
This week, I learned how a grand jury is set up, different from a trial jury.
And in general, through your book Mr. Rather, and as a concerned American, I continue to learn more about government, politics and all aspects of democracy that is slipping away from us right before our very eyes. I am worried for our country. I think many more Americans are, more than they ever have been. It appears we have been living under he guise of always being protected. But now its time to pay very close attention, regardless of what you work is, and learn and act. Thank you for Steady and for this thought provoking question for all of us.
I just read about bumble bees biting plants in order to get them to flower sooner.
"Over a series of experiments, scientists were able to demonstrate that at least three species of bumblebee (Bombus terrestris, B. lapidarius, and B. lucorum) were able to induce early flowering in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and mustards (Brassica nigra) simply by nibbling on their leaves."
I learned a lot more about Red moons, eclipses and the energy fields during such an event. I am always fascinated by space and the interactions and connections with us. Incredible stuff!
The past few weeks I been learning about mindfulness. Mindfulness can be used to reduce anxiety and stress but can also be useful in getting a better nights sleep. Many also used mindfulness to enjoy food which negates the need for constantly dieting.
I found that mindfulness focuses on living in the present moment rather than racing to the many moments ahead and this creates a space that is soothing, pleasant and enjoyable.
I learned a total of TWELVE USA Presidents owned slaves. I hadn't learned that in school. Now I have to find out how many ordered the Army to commit genocide for "Manifest Destiny".
I've learned this week about the practice of how and when to say yes and no, intentionally, as a way to control our time when so much of our time-use feels willed by other people or events outside of our own control. By saying no to something, it is like gaining a credit for time we can use toward something we want to say yes to. However, by saying yes to something, it is like gaining a debt for time that we must pay by fulfilling our obligation and keeping our word. There is the commonly accepted idea that to be successful, we must say yes to everything until we are so busy we are forced to say no. But, as a people-pleaser who has always had a hard time saying no to anyone, I'm learning this week to be intentional in what I choose to say no to, so I can make more time and space to say yes to what truly aligns with my goals and dreams. Even when our world feels so heavy, and we feel overwhelmed, we can at least step back and reassess what choices we make and what is within our control, to easier let go of everything outside of our control or reasoned choice. After reading all of your contributions, this space here feels like a comfortable and insightful place to say yes to!
My mother had an uncle who was born four years after her. He is still alive and turns 96 next week. I learned that he joined the navy when he was seventeen and became a quarter master on ships. I took this from Wikipedia to summarize the job of a quartermaster, but of course the way my uncle described his job was much more interesting. “ The quartermaster is the enlisted member in charge of the watch-to-watch navigation and the maintenance, correction, and preparation of nautical charts and navigation publications. They are also responsible for navigational instruments and clocks and the training of ship's lookouts and helmsmen.” He loved his work in the navy, then became a junior high and high school principal, and being a teacher myself, I am certain he had a positive impact on the students and colleagues under his leadership. He is teaching me about gratitude for what life has given me.
I am reading GK Chesterton’s 1923 biography of St. Francis of Assissi. I learned today that the first name used to describe the group of men gathered around Francis (the weren’t a formal monastic order at that time) was “Les Jongleurs de Dieu,” literally “the jugglers of God.” But in the 13th Century, a “juggler” was part comedian, part satirist, part poet, part acrobat, and part juggler. So, far from being the dour single-minded fun stealers we imagine, they sought to lampoon society - including the Church! We could use more Jongleurs today!
Just this week learned that Franklin Roosevelt was 63 when he died. I will turn 66 this year and I was so surprised to learn that I am older than President Roosevelt! He was president for such a long tie that I always thought he was in his 70's when he died. So sad that he died so young.
TIL The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently released its final decision to round up and remove ALL of the wild burros in the Centennial, Panamint, and Slate Herd Areas (HAs) in California.
We know what will happen to those burros thanks to the NY Times article about the BLM "adoption program".
Yet despite numerous petitions and letter writing campaigns neither Secretary Haaland or President Biden have even commented on the issue.
Meanwhile the American Cattlemens lobby is spreading more misinformation about there being beef shortages.
There are not.
As a journalist with a great deal of experience, can you teach me how to get the attention of those that can do something about this?
I learned that one meaning of the word "parasite" in French, in addition to the obvious one, is "interference," as in "radio interference." In an effort to improve my French I was watching a French movie with the French subtitles on. At one point a sound was identified in the subtitles as "(parasites)" and I wondered what on earth that could refer to. I checked the Larousse dictionary on my phone and quickly found my answer. "Il y a des parasites sur la ligne" means "the line's bad" or "there's static on the line."
I (re)learned 3rd grade! Been helping my daughter through virtual school this year. Some of it was very frustrating! But a lot of it was tons of fun to remember again! I am the daughter of a retired teacher so I have always respected them. But I have such a new found respect and awe of them it’s crazy! Teachers are unicorns. I had days where my one child was hard to deal with... I can’t imagine a class full! They are unicorns... special and one of a kind!
I spent the last two years in Luxor, Egypt where I started the 1st boxing club for girls. I was there during the pandemic and found myself standing up against a mob of violent men and barely getting out of the country. I always knew the media told lies but it was only in Egypt that I began to see how bad it was. Being far away from the lockdowns, I was able to see things more clearly and was appalled at how easily people were giving up their freedoms. It made me want to write about it, so I joined Substack. I'm enjoying writing and reading the writings of others. https://khmezek.substack.com/p/porn-stars-on-holiday
I am extremely interested by the link between science and spirituality, so I started about three years ago to translate from english to french as a way to study it, a document called the Ra Contact. It's a little out there but it has a lot about the Earth evolution that fascinates me, even, yes, especially, in times of chaos... And it underlines the importance of meditation which is not going to hurt anything. :)
I leaned yesterday that prosthetic legs 🦵can be adjustable so as to allow one to wear high heels 👠 or flats 🥿 depending on the outfit. I feel silly that excited me, but its true, I am excited that those who would like to wear heels can. :)
Just want to thank people for all the comments and ideas and new information. I have learned many things today and thoroughly enjoyed reading as many as I could. Wonderful
With two small children underfoot and a full time job, I entered into a doctorate programme because I had a question that just wouldn’t go away. I’d been trying to make some progress on it in my spare time at work, and it was the subject of many fascinating conversations with my husband. One day I said to him, “you know, there’s a PhD in this. Someone should do it.” He challenged me to do it, and demolished all my reasons why I couldn’t do it. So I embarked on my learning journey, studied part time, worked full time, and six years later my PhD added my grain of sand to the beach of human knowledge. And I now have the answer to my question: we can use systems thinking to get better answers to constitutional problems.
I was intrigued by the concept that the soul may indeed surround the body rather than being inside the body. (John O'Donohue , Irish poet, philosopher). This idea is brilliant as it answers some fundamental questions for me personally.
People from different generations do often share similarities among their generation when it comes to communicating and even lifestyle approach. Here is what I noticed. Greatest Generation/Silent Generation: grateful, selfless, tend to focus on speaking simply and to the point, tend to not ask for much. Boomers: ME ME ME ME ME. Generation X: overworked, like to use slang, trying their best. Millenials: even more overworked, sarcasm. Generation Z: surrealist humor, nihilistic, tired of everyone older than them.
We've got to help Generation Z. Poor kids.
As a promise to my two grandsons, I have started the Harry Potter series books and I'm loving it! I'm on the third book and the stories take me away from everyday life. I'm 70 years old and one can never be too old to read Harry! In November we are going to London to visit the Harry Potter places and I can't wait to share the joy with my two grandsons! Finding balance can be seen and felt in so many small ways. Putting a smile on my grandsons faces is just one of them.
I recently got a plant identifying app. I was weeding a garden bed yesterday and had loads of fun learning the names of the weeds I was pulling up! Would you believe I have two different speedwell types in the same garden - corn speedwell and thyme-leafed speedwell!
Reading Zero Fail. I have learned so much about the Secret Service and that some of the arrogance we have witnessed (since paying attention during the Trump years) has existed throughout history - mind blown
This past week I learned that CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer's grandparents were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. This is something that Wolf never mentioned publicly (at least to my knowledge) until Marjorie Taylor Greene's insane remarks.
I teach 4th-6th grade in a Montessori school. We're studying the ancient Mesopotamians, who invented the wheel - not for travel or for carrying things, but a potter's wheel. After that, they figured out how to use it in other applications.
I have been given charge by many family members to arrange funerals for our departed relatives. I quickly learned funerals services are expensive and there is pressure selling to add on to the bill for things you don’t need. I wanted an option. So, to save money, decided on cremation. Then thought, what is someone going to do with the ashes? Then I found BiosUrn. I’m not trying to sell them, I have just decided this is what I want. It’s cost effective and environmentally friendly. You take your ashes, put them in a BiosUrn and a tree grows from the urn. I can’t think of a better thing to do where you help the environment and five loved ones a live tree to remember you with. I am not employed by BiosUrn in any way. I just think this is a cool way to go.
I care for my 94 year old mom with dementia. I learned this week just how confused she was and how I handled it. It was bedtime, she had been in bed a little earlier but walked out to the couch and sat down. She was confused thinking she was in bed when actually she’s now sitting on the couch. We had a nice back and forth conversation of where she was. My heart was breaking all during the conversation. It may not sound like much to anyone but it was a revelation to me how simple things can be so confusing to someone with dementia. I’ve always been kind to her but this incident was devastating to both of us for very different reasons. She ended up going back to bed and I tucker her in for the night.
I have learned to be much more content with living one day at a time.
I am still working on it but I am making peace with doing my part without getting caught in despair over things I can’t control.
Watching a bluebird nest cam,I learned that the parents eat the eggshells after they have hatched to clean up the nest. By the way, Dan, folding a fitted sheet is easy. I could teach you.
Using blue painter's tape when marking a mat for framing a photo saved me from making pencil marks and made it easier to place picture in exactly the right place.
I learned how to load and use a safety razor. I still need practice, but I think I'll get it. Moving away from disposable razors that end up in a landfill.
I have learned that while I am in general stronger than I think I am, I also have my limits, and must allocate time for rest.
I try to learn something everyday. I learned this week that it is always better to kind than right.
I learned that Langston Hughes’, full name is James Mercer Langston Hughes. I learned that he died
after abdominal surgery related to prostate cancer. His ashes are interred beneath a floor medallion in the middle of the foyer in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. It is the entrance to an auditorium named for him. I learned that some scholars believed he was gay based on some of his poems. Others say there is no evidence he was gay. He has always been one of my favorite poets.
I did not know, until today, that the planets closest to the sun are solid (i.e. earth) while the ones furthest away are mostly gasses. And Pluto, being the furthest away (no longer a 'planet') was solid. This issue is one that helped prove that it wasn't a planet.
I learned from a One-Day University presentation that four different religions had their beginnings in India.
I recently learned that silver fish eat your clothing. Luckily, I didn't learn it because they were eating mine.
I learned about Cicadas! They don’t live where I live, so I can be fascinated by them and not have to deal with them!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWr8fzUz-Yw
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/05/18/life-cycle-brood-x-cicadas/5143203001/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/cicadas
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/what-happens-when-cicadas-erupt-en-masse-right-into-the-national-zoo
I learned that Flanders bobbin lace was developed from Torchon and other laces develop in similar ways. So, without knowing where and when a piece of antique lace was made, it's very difficult for even museums to identify lace. Creations are not frozen in time. They come from somewhere and inspire new ones.
My grandmother would appreciate your challenge. I lived with her and each night when putting me to bed she would ask, "What have you learned today?" If I couldn't think of anything she had me get up, go to the dictionary, and learn a new word. Today at age 88 when I lay my head on my pillow I ask myself the same question. Lots of learning in those years. Tonight the answer will be: I learned that Himalayan Pink Salt has up to 84 minerals and is hand chipped from one of the oldest salt mines in the world, going back to 2300 years ago. In ancient times it was used to preserve food and even pay Roman soldiers. Use it as you would any table salt. I got one lb of it at the Dollar Store. Bon appetite.
My grandmother made the very best egg custard pie. I have been trying for over 30 years to make it like she did. A few weeks ago I found her original recipe (in her own handwriting) in one of my mother’s cookbooks. I made it according to her recipe, and my adult children said it was perfect.
I recently learned about my biological family! I'm adopted and I found them after getting my original birth certificate and learning of my original name. With social media it was quite easy to find them even though they live in Ecuador. (My biological sister also has a home in Miami.) My son went with me to meet them and it was wonderful!!!
I have learned that I should stick to my personal feelings about everything and everyone. I have learned that no matter how much you want to see someone leave bad choices behind, they won't do it for you. It has to be a desire inside that person!
Tolerance and nonjudgement. I can focus on constructive aspects in relationships and my own health by realizing all I can do is live in accordance with myself, my understanding, and learning not to call on unicorns to wake up those who chose to live in their metaphorical gated community. I am astounded by how dishonest the leaders of our free nation will be to achieve their means to retain power.
The past few weeks I've been learning about my emotional limits, and using them to navigate my way out of a very painful shipwreck of my life that began in May of 19. I've lived almost 61 years- mostly through hard times- and the past two have been seriously rough. When I was younger I always prayed for wisdom. I sometimes wish I'd prayed for an easy life instead. BUT. I'm the person that a lot of people turn to for advice. They say wisdom comes from experience and experience comes from making mistakes. Whoa, Nelly, I must be wise... :) As for emotional limits- it's not just what the shrinks call "boundaries", it's more like finding the edge of the world and marking it on a map. So it's an exploration of a different sort.
What a wonderful idea and conversation starter! I so eagerly read your posts. Thank you, Mr. Rather.
I just spent 45 minutes learning things I never knew or had even questioned or thought of, while scrolling through all these comments! What fun that was -- bird coloring, molasses floods, etc!
I am a musician by trade, I tend to lean towards studying music, my instrument and all arts and creativity that feed my music.
This week, I learned how a grand jury is set up, different from a trial jury.
And in general, through your book Mr. Rather, and as a concerned American, I continue to learn more about government, politics and all aspects of democracy that is slipping away from us right before our very eyes. I am worried for our country. I think many more Americans are, more than they ever have been. It appears we have been living under he guise of always being protected. But now its time to pay very close attention, regardless of what you work is, and learn and act. Thank you for Steady and for this thought provoking question for all of us.
I just read about bumble bees biting plants in order to get them to flower sooner.
"Over a series of experiments, scientists were able to demonstrate that at least three species of bumblebee (Bombus terrestris, B. lapidarius, and B. lucorum) were able to induce early flowering in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and mustards (Brassica nigra) simply by nibbling on their leaves."
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/368/6493/881?
I learned a lot more about Red moons, eclipses and the energy fields during such an event. I am always fascinated by space and the interactions and connections with us. Incredible stuff!
The past few weeks I been learning about mindfulness. Mindfulness can be used to reduce anxiety and stress but can also be useful in getting a better nights sleep. Many also used mindfulness to enjoy food which negates the need for constantly dieting.
I found that mindfulness focuses on living in the present moment rather than racing to the many moments ahead and this creates a space that is soothing, pleasant and enjoyable.
I learned a total of TWELVE USA Presidents owned slaves. I hadn't learned that in school. Now I have to find out how many ordered the Army to commit genocide for "Manifest Destiny".
I've learned this week about the practice of how and when to say yes and no, intentionally, as a way to control our time when so much of our time-use feels willed by other people or events outside of our own control. By saying no to something, it is like gaining a credit for time we can use toward something we want to say yes to. However, by saying yes to something, it is like gaining a debt for time that we must pay by fulfilling our obligation and keeping our word. There is the commonly accepted idea that to be successful, we must say yes to everything until we are so busy we are forced to say no. But, as a people-pleaser who has always had a hard time saying no to anyone, I'm learning this week to be intentional in what I choose to say no to, so I can make more time and space to say yes to what truly aligns with my goals and dreams. Even when our world feels so heavy, and we feel overwhelmed, we can at least step back and reassess what choices we make and what is within our control, to easier let go of everything outside of our control or reasoned choice. After reading all of your contributions, this space here feels like a comfortable and insightful place to say yes to!
My mother had an uncle who was born four years after her. He is still alive and turns 96 next week. I learned that he joined the navy when he was seventeen and became a quarter master on ships. I took this from Wikipedia to summarize the job of a quartermaster, but of course the way my uncle described his job was much more interesting. “ The quartermaster is the enlisted member in charge of the watch-to-watch navigation and the maintenance, correction, and preparation of nautical charts and navigation publications. They are also responsible for navigational instruments and clocks and the training of ship's lookouts and helmsmen.” He loved his work in the navy, then became a junior high and high school principal, and being a teacher myself, I am certain he had a positive impact on the students and colleagues under his leadership. He is teaching me about gratitude for what life has given me.
I am reading GK Chesterton’s 1923 biography of St. Francis of Assissi. I learned today that the first name used to describe the group of men gathered around Francis (the weren’t a formal monastic order at that time) was “Les Jongleurs de Dieu,” literally “the jugglers of God.” But in the 13th Century, a “juggler” was part comedian, part satirist, part poet, part acrobat, and part juggler. So, far from being the dour single-minded fun stealers we imagine, they sought to lampoon society - including the Church! We could use more Jongleurs today!
Just this week learned that Franklin Roosevelt was 63 when he died. I will turn 66 this year and I was so surprised to learn that I am older than President Roosevelt! He was president for such a long tie that I always thought he was in his 70's when he died. So sad that he died so young.
TIL The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently released its final decision to round up and remove ALL of the wild burros in the Centennial, Panamint, and Slate Herd Areas (HAs) in California.
We know what will happen to those burros thanks to the NY Times article about the BLM "adoption program".
Yet despite numerous petitions and letter writing campaigns neither Secretary Haaland or President Biden have even commented on the issue.
Meanwhile the American Cattlemens lobby is spreading more misinformation about there being beef shortages.
There are not.
As a journalist with a great deal of experience, can you teach me how to get the attention of those that can do something about this?
I learned that one meaning of the word "parasite" in French, in addition to the obvious one, is "interference," as in "radio interference." In an effort to improve my French I was watching a French movie with the French subtitles on. At one point a sound was identified in the subtitles as "(parasites)" and I wondered what on earth that could refer to. I checked the Larousse dictionary on my phone and quickly found my answer. "Il y a des parasites sur la ligne" means "the line's bad" or "there's static on the line."
I (re)learned 3rd grade! Been helping my daughter through virtual school this year. Some of it was very frustrating! But a lot of it was tons of fun to remember again! I am the daughter of a retired teacher so I have always respected them. But I have such a new found respect and awe of them it’s crazy! Teachers are unicorns. I had days where my one child was hard to deal with... I can’t imagine a class full! They are unicorns... special and one of a kind!
I spent the last two years in Luxor, Egypt where I started the 1st boxing club for girls. I was there during the pandemic and found myself standing up against a mob of violent men and barely getting out of the country. I always knew the media told lies but it was only in Egypt that I began to see how bad it was. Being far away from the lockdowns, I was able to see things more clearly and was appalled at how easily people were giving up their freedoms. It made me want to write about it, so I joined Substack. I'm enjoying writing and reading the writings of others. https://khmezek.substack.com/p/porn-stars-on-holiday
I am extremely interested by the link between science and spirituality, so I started about three years ago to translate from english to french as a way to study it, a document called the Ra Contact. It's a little out there but it has a lot about the Earth evolution that fascinates me, even, yes, especially, in times of chaos... And it underlines the importance of meditation which is not going to hurt anything. :)
I am enjoying reading these comments so much, I think this needs to be a weekly or monthly column!
I leaned yesterday that prosthetic legs 🦵can be adjustable so as to allow one to wear high heels 👠 or flats 🥿 depending on the outfit. I feel silly that excited me, but its true, I am excited that those who would like to wear heels can. :)
I learned what Plantar Fasciitis is and how to massage my foot to make it feel better. Very useful!!
Racism is directly related to anti-fat bias. I highly recommend reading "Fearing the Black Body" by Sabrina Strings.
Just want to thank people for all the comments and ideas and new information. I have learned many things today and thoroughly enjoyed reading as many as I could. Wonderful
With two small children underfoot and a full time job, I entered into a doctorate programme because I had a question that just wouldn’t go away. I’d been trying to make some progress on it in my spare time at work, and it was the subject of many fascinating conversations with my husband. One day I said to him, “you know, there’s a PhD in this. Someone should do it.” He challenged me to do it, and demolished all my reasons why I couldn’t do it. So I embarked on my learning journey, studied part time, worked full time, and six years later my PhD added my grain of sand to the beach of human knowledge. And I now have the answer to my question: we can use systems thinking to get better answers to constitutional problems.
I was intrigued by the concept that the soul may indeed surround the body rather than being inside the body. (John O'Donohue , Irish poet, philosopher). This idea is brilliant as it answers some fundamental questions for me personally.
I am learning to play classical guitar.