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Category: NEWS
NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 1 09/05-06-08/2024
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Gravity’s Dance: A Tale of Upside-Down Worlds
Memorial Day weekend gave me too much time to think. As evidenced in this post. I, for some reason thought…..I live in the Northern Hemisphere. Which kind of puts me on the top half of the world, explaining why gravity works the way it does. If i were to be suspended in mid air and released I would fall down, Using this logic, I began wondering, “If I was standing on the surface of Antarctica I would actually be standing “upside down”. Gravity would still be holding me on earth, but if suspended in mid air instead of falling down, I would fall up, to space, instead of down to Earth . I understand the gravitational pull would still be enough to Earths surface, even if I were to jump out of a perfectly good plane I would technically fall up to Earth. Leading me to believe that gravity is stronger in the Southern Hemisphere. Now my second thought was why, when standing upside down would I not have that sensation. I would feel the normal feeling of standing upright as I would in the North. In the vast cosmic ballroom, where spacetime waltzes with matter, gravity orchestrates a dance that transcends mere physics. Imagine, if you will, a celestial soirée where the Earth, the grand hostess, extends her arms – the fabric of spacetime – to embrace all who tread upon her. Whether you pirouette in the northern hemisphere or twirl near the icy expanse of Antarctica, gravity’s invisible hand guides your every step. The Curvature of Spacetime: Albert Einstein, the cosmic choreographer, revealed the secret steps of this universal ballet. In 1915, he unveiled his magnum opus: the theory of general relativity. Picture spacetime as a vast, taut canvas, stretched across the cosmic stage. Mass and energy – the prima ballerinas – bend and curve this fabric, creating dips and valleys. Earth herself, with her majestic girth, molds spacetime into a gentle concavity. This curvature, my dear reader, is what we perceive as gravity. The Trampoline of Reality: Imagine a colossal trampoline, its surface flat until you step upon it. Your mass – your very essence – stretches the fabric, creating a gravity well. Like a valley, it cradles you at its center. Objects nearby, like marbles on this cosmic trampoline, roll toward your feet. Earth, too, bows to this gravitational choreography, pulling you ever downward. But here’s the twist: time, too, bends in this cosmic dance. Astronauts, those celestial dancers, age just a tad more slowly as they pirouette through spacetime. The Upside-Down Tango: Now, let us pirouette to Antarctica, where the icy winds whisper secrets of the southern skies. Gravity, unyielding in its devotion, still clasps you to the icy ground. You, my friend, are hanging upside down – a celestial bat suspended from the cosmic rafters. Yet, your senses betray you. Your inner gyroscope insists you stand upright, as if gravity were a steadfast partner leading you through life’s grand promenade. The Visual Illusion: Ah, but here’s the twist: your eyes, those cosmic mirrors, deceive you. When you gaze upon the horizon, the visual gravity vector – the “down” your eyes perceive – aligns with the physical gravity of Earth. Even in Antarctica, your retinas insist on this cosmic agreement. The tilted monitor, the weightlessness of space – these are but variations in the choreography. Your brain, that maestro of perception, harmonizes the vestibular estimates of physical gravity into an internalized waltz of virtual gravity. The Grand Finale: And so, my fellow dancers, whether you pirouette in the north or tango in the south, gravity’s embrace remains unwavering. It whispers, “You are grounded, tethered to this cosmic ballroom.” Spacetime, that ethereal fabric, cradles you – the grand finale of a celestial ballet. So, dance, my friend, with feet firmly planted and eyes to the stars. For gravity, that silent maestro, conducts our eternal pas de deux. And thus concludes our cosmic tale – to unravel the enigma of gravity. As you step back into the mundane, remember: you are both dancer and dance, twirling through spacetime’s grand ballroom. Artie Fischal Views: 168
Cinco de Mayo History
🇲🇽 Until a few years ago I had never heard of CINCO de MAYO. I decided it was time I learned more about it and why is it marked as a holiday on my calendar. This is what I found on this subject. Cinco de Mayo, which means the fifth of May in Spanish, is a holiday that celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. It’s a relatively minor holiday in Mexico but has evolved into a significant commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States. Cinco de Mayo originated in the aftermath of the aforementioned battle. The Mexicans were greatly outnumbered and ill-equipped against one of the world’s most powerful armies, yet they managed to triumph. This unexpected victory against overwhelming odds became a source of pride for Mexico and symbolized resistance against foreign domination. The first Cinco de Mayo was celebrated soon after the battle itself, so its first official date would be May 5, 1862. If we calculate from then to 2024, it will mark the 162nd anniversary of Cinco de Mayo. The holiday was started by Mexicans who wanted to celebrate their country’s unexpected victory over France at Puebla. Over time, Mexican immigrants to the United States began celebrating it as well, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations like California and Texas. Cinco de Mayo celebrations typically involve parades, music, folkloric dancing, and traditional foods like tacos and mole poblano. In many U.S. cities — notably including Los Angeles; Chicago; and Houston — massive festivities are organized every year featuring live music, parades and various events celebrating Mexican culture. However, it is important to note that Cinco de Mayo is often mistakenly thought of as Mexico’s Independence Day by people unfamiliar with its history — that is actually celebrated on September 16. It is also not widely observed across all regions of Mexico but rather primarily recognized in Puebla where the original victory occurred. After learning all this I just had to find out what mole poblano, (doesn’t sound appetizing: come on now MOLES the little creature that burrows underground). From what I can find out “MOLE”, covers many different kind of sauces. Poblano is a thick and savory chile and chocolate sauce from the state of Pueblo. May be delicious, but I don’t think I would try it chile and chocolate just don’t go together in my mind. Happy “Cinco de Mayo’ 🇲🇽 Artie Fischal Views: 120
Electoral College: Protector of Small Populous States RIGHT TO VOTE
It has been brought to my attention, some states are taking steps to eliminate the ‘ELECTORAL COLLEGE”. Apparently the people trying to eliminate the Electoral College, either missed that day in school, or was asleep when the subject was being taught. You see the Electoral College was put in the constitution to protect smaller states from being RULED by the whims of the larger populated states. It is a safe stop; which is more necessary now than at the time of its placement in the constitution. Before you begin reading the main body of this post, I ask you to keep in mind these numbers. (Although the Electoral College isn’t perfect please consider these numbers). Then tell me who completely controls the “POPULAR VOTE”. California: 38,889,700 people. Texas: 30,978,754 people. Florida: 22,975,931 people. New York 19,467,232 people. Pennsylvania 12,951275 people. I am using numbers available for April, 2024. The total population of just these 5 states, (according to my calculator), 335,893,238 that is almost 336 MILLION PEOPLE. Now as for the other 45 states (again according to my calculator), 206,982,776 almost 207 MILLION PEOPLE. My point being with 5 states having 129 MILLION MORE PEOPLE THAN THE remaining 45 states. These 5 states have more than enough people to elect whoever they want not necessarily who is best for the entire country. This conundrum (to ME). Do I want a president I do not want or even have a say in? The Electoral College is a mechanism established by the United States Constitution in Article II, Section 1. It was intended as a compromise between those who advocated for the election of the president through a vote in Congress and those who believed it should be decided by a popular vote of qualified citizens. The Electoral College consists of 538 electors in total, which represent the 435 Representatives, 100 Senators, and three additional electors from the District of Columbia. To win the presidency, a candidate must receive at least 270 electoral votes. This system is not based on equal representation of individuals, but rather on equal representation of states. Now let’s consider your hypothetical scenario where just five most populated states control a presidential election. These states are California (55 Electoral Votes), Texas (38), Florida (29), New York (29), and Pennsylvania (20) as per the 2020 allocations. This adds up to just 171 electoral votes – still far short from the required majority of 270. Therefore, even though these states might have large populations, they alone cannot decide an election through popular vote due to our current electoral college system. However, if we were to shift to a direct democracy model or use only popular vote to determine elections, theoretically these states with high populations could indeed dominate national elections. This could lead to political imbalance and neglecting interests of less populous areas which often have unique socio-economic and environmental issues that require specific policy attention. If this were the case, citizens from less-populated states might feel that their votes don’t carry enough weight or their voice is not heard adequately in deciding national leadership. This could lead to certain degree of voter disillusionment or lower voter turnout among them because they may see their role as insignificant next to larger populace areas. This concern forms one of key arguments behind maintaining our Electoral College – it ensures all parts of country can have recognizable say in choosing our national leader irrespective of their population size. Furthermore, the electoral college system forces presidential candidates to seek support from a wider geographic base, instead of just focusing on densely populated urban areas. It maintains the balance of influence among states and encourages candidates to understand and respond to diverse needs of different states. So despite criticisms, many argue that maintaining the electoral college is an important tool in preserving our federal system and ensuring that all parts of the country have an equitable say in national elections. In conclusion: What am i missing? After all I am sure these lawmakers have a much better education than I do. OR, are they ??? What is their motive for taking away the voters rights, as IT IS possible that the votes cast by these 45 states are just a matter of going through the motions, allowing the residents to feel their votes count. Thank you. Artie Fischal P.S. Please feel free to leave me comments those who agree and those who don’t agree. Maybe I’ll learn something. Views: 170
If Elected I Will: Promises Made by Politicians
Election time is here ! We can tell by the sprouting of signs in lawns, billboards, newspapers, TV and Radio ads. (which is, it seems at least one or two out three ads). They fall into three different catagories. One is telling you how bad a person their opponent is. The second is telling you what a terrific person the one who’s being told what a louse he is by his opponent. The Third is PROMISES, that are in truth what the politician thinks the people he represents want to hear. So, today let’s take a short look at how valid, or likely those freely strewn promises have of actually happening. It is really more complicated than what we see here; but this will give you somewhat of an idea how most of the things promised Won’t happen. I would much rather hear, “These are the things I WANT to do”. Rather than, “This what I WILL do, if elected”. Doesn’t that sound more truthful? So here we go. When politicians run for office, they often make a variety of promises to the electorate. These campaign promises are designed to align with their constituents’ values and concerns, and are intended to illustrate the candidates’ goals if they are elected. However, it is true that these promises sometimes extend beyond what the politicians themselves can personally deliver. Let’s look at some of the reasons why this is the case. 1. Separation of Powers: In many democratic societies, powers are divided among different branches of government. For example, in the United States, power is split between executive, legislative, and judicial branches. If a candidate running for an executive office (like President or Governor) makes a promise that requires legislation to be passed or changed, they will need cooperation from the legislative branch where lawmakers may not share their views or objectives. 2. Opposition: Politicians often face opposition from other elected officials who either have different views or might not want them to succeed for political reasons. This opposition can come from within their own party (intra-party) or from other parties (inter-party). This opposition might block or delay legislation needed to fulfill certain promises. 3. External Constraints: Sometimes events outside a politician’s control can hinder their ability to fulfill promises made during campaigns. The economy could enter a recession; there could be natural disasters; international events could demand time and resources–all these factors can divert attention and resources away from certain campaign promises. 4. Public Opinion: Public opinion can shift over time due to external factors or changes in societal attitudes which may make it difficult for politicians to keep certain campaign promises without risking public approval. 5. Constraints by Law and Constitution: Many countries have constitutions that place restrictions on what government bodies can do within their jurisdiction which may limit a politician’s ability to fulfill some election promises. Despite these constraints, it’s important for citizens in any democracy to hold elected officials accountable for their campaign pledges within these realistic limits. If a politician consistently fails to meet their promises without good reason, voters can express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box in the next election. An educated electorate is a key pillar of any healthy democracy, and understanding the real constraints politicians face can help voters make informed decisions about which candidates truly have their best interests at heart. Views: 157
My Week Playing as an Amateur in the Masters Tournament of 2024
HI ! My name is Mike. I want to thank Wayne for permitting me to tell my story. It is a story about my once in a lifetime experience. First a little background of my self. Unlike some of my friends who lived in the city, I was raised on a farm. Where work came first. While they began to play golf early in their life; heck for some of them the golf course was their baby sitter. Their parents paid for a family membership at the local club. While the parents worked the kids played golf all day. I was in my twenties when I first picked up a golf club. I was a carpet and tile installer, (then we were called floor covering mechanics), one would spend a year or so as an “intern”, which meant I helped carry the carpet, linoleum, or tile into the house for the journeyman installer. As time passed I was given more responsibility. I learned how to sew a seam in the carpet that was invisible, how to cut a seam in linoleum that was very hard to see, and how to install tile on both floors and walls. One day after work my boss asked me if I played golf. I told him I had played some miniature golf. He said, “No, no, real golf”, heavily stressing real. I said, “Never, why would anyone want to hit a little white ball, carry a heavy bag of clubs, about 200 yards, hit it again, and repeat the process for a couple of hours. He handed me a used Byron Nelson 6 iron and took me to the field behind the shop. He hit a couple of balls and seemed to marvel at its flight. He told me the 6 iron was the easiest one to hit. He told me take the club and showed me how to hold it. He dropped a ball and told me to try it. I missed the ball about ten or twelve times. (More instructions). Finally I made contact and I was amazed as the ball took flight. Before that session was finished I was hooked. My Uncle who was an avid golfer gave me an old set of clubs and a handfull of used balls. I found myself behind the bosses shop sometimes before and after work, just hitting balls with the various clubs. Then came the day my boss took me to the city golf course and he began to give me putting lessons and he never seemed to tire of telling me how to stroke the ball, read the greens, and relax. One day my Uncle told me his employer, was having a scramble, family members were invited to play. My Uncle was a pretty good golfer and so were the other two golfers. I agreed to play. It was kind of a downer. We never used a single one of my shots. UNTIl the 18th hole. It was a par 5. We were on the green in 3, but we had a about a 30 foot putt. “Go ahead”, my uncle said,” show us the line” Can you imagine the surprise on all their faces, and mine when the ball somehow found its way into the cup. I made a keeper on the last hole. (the only one we used). We made our way to the clubhouse and sucked down a soda, while waiting tor the results, which didn’t take long as we were the last team to finish. Soon the announcement was made that our team had won by one stroke. My team mates were patting me on the back saying “It was that long putt you made that won it for us”. I knew better; if it hadn’t been for their play all day we wouldn’t have been in the position to win. As it turned out we each got club bucks to spend at the pro shop. Because I didn’t have golf shoes I spent some of it on a pair of white wing-tip golf shoes, and the rest I purchased a driver and 3 wood. This was before the metal clubs came out so they were wooden woods. I still use them. I have used that same set of clubs, the Byron Nelson 6 iron included all my life. From then on I was totally hooked. I moved on from my job at the floor covering shop, and soon made a friend who loved to play golf, (actually he played to get out of doing his honey-do list at home). We played nine holes about every day, maybe 36 holes on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Actually we seemed to spend more time in the woods surrounding the course as well as on the course and when it wasn’t busy around the water hazards hunting golf balls. (When he moved to a different house he had about eight or nine 55 gallon drums of balls. In fact he actually paid for his club membership by giving the club a drum of balls, each year. We joined a league where we were way outclassed. I finally established a handicap in this league of 14. Occasionally I would win a sleeve of balls for long drive, or closest to the pin, and sometimes for low score with handicap. My friend and I would enter local tournaments, we didn’t win any but sometimes we would finish in the top ten. But we always had fun. Our group from work every Wednesday would have a choose up we had enough for about 4-5 foursomes. We played if you got a bogey you got 1 point, par was 2 points, birdie was 3 points, and the rare eagle was 4 points. High score won a share of the money we chipped in. Low gross got the rest. Although we played as foursome it was an individual thing, every man for himself. Then as my children… Continue reading My Week Playing as an Amateur in the Masters Tournament of 2024
GOLF TEES and RECOMMENDATIONS for SENIOR GOLFERS
⛳Golf tees may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of the game, but they play a pivotal role in a golfer’s initial drive. The choice between plastic and wooden tees can influence both the environmental impact and the quality of play. For senior golfers, selecting the right tee is even more crucial to maintain performance and enjoyment of the game. Plastic vs. Wooden Tees: A Comparison Wooden Tees Pros: Eco-friendly: Wooden tees are biodegradable and blend seamlessly with the natural environment of a golf course. Cost-effective: Generally cheaper than their plastic counterparts, making them a budget-friendly option. Cons: Less durable: Prone to snapping, especially when driven into hard ground or used with powerful swings. Limited customization: Fewer color and size options compared to plastic tees. Plastic Tees Pros: Durability: Plastic tees are less likely to break, offering longevity over multiple games1. Variety: Available in a range of colors and sizes, as well as specialized designs like zero-friction tees1. Cons: Environmental impact: Not biodegradable, posing a long-term waste issue if not properly disposed of1. Tendency to bend: While they don’t break easily, bending can be an annoyance during play1. Recommendations for Senior Golfers Senior golfers often face different challenges on the course, such as reduced swing speed and distance. Therefore, the choice of tee can have a significant impact on their game. Brush-style tees: These tees have bristles that hold the ball, reducing friction and potentially aiding in longer drives. They are particularly beneficial for golfers with slower swing speeds. Step-style tees: These tees come with preset heights, ensuring consistent ball height with every drive. This consistency can be advantageous for senior golfers who value precision over power. Our Verdict For senior golfers, we recommend brush-style or step-style tees for their ability to provide consistent height and reduced friction. When it comes to material, the choice between plastic and wooden largely depends on personal preference and environmental considerations. However, the durability of plastic might offer an advantage for those who do not wish to replace their tees frequently. In conclusion, while the perfect tee for senior golfers will vary based on individual needs and values, the advancements in tee technology offer options to enhance the golfing experience for players of all ages. Views: 130
SOLAR ECLIPSES: A COSMIC SPECTACLE WITH EARTHLY CONSEQUENCES
Historical Significance Throughout history, solar eclipses have been more than celestial events—they’ve shaped human narratives and influenced pivotal moments . Here are a few intriguing examples: a. The Battle of the Medes and Lydians (585 BC) In ancient times, a solar eclipse halted a war between the Lydians and the Medes. As day turned into night, both sides ceased fighting and sought peace. This event, recorded by Greek historian Herodotus, demonstrates how eclipses can alter the course of history. b. Mark Twain’s Fictional Eclipse Rescue In Mark Twain’s novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, the protagonist escapes execution by predicting an eclipse. While fictional, this tale echoes real-world instances where foreknowledge of an eclipse influenced decisions. Effects on Humans Cultural Significance: Eclipses have woven themselves into various cultures, often associated with gods, transcendental forces, and mystical creatures. Emotional Impact: Witnessing an eclipse evokes awe, fear, and wonder. It’s a reminder of our place in the cosmos. Effects on Animals Behavioral Changes: During an eclipse, animals exhibit intriguing behaviors: Crustaceans and Zooplankton: These tiny creatures swim toward the surface, mimicking their nighttime behavior. Orb Weaver Spiders: They dismantle their webs when sunlight disappears briefly. Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: Plants and animals experience disruptions in their daily rhythms due to sudden darkness. Photosynthesis pathways in plants are affected, leading to reduced food production. Effects on Plant Life Photosynthesis Impact: When sunlight returns after an eclipse, plants struggle to resume their circadian rhythm. Major disruptions occur in photosynthesis pathways, affecting overall food production for the day. Adaptation: Some plants close their leaves during an eclipse, minimizing water loss and protecting sensitive tissues. Precautions for Humans and Animals Eye Safety: Never look directly at the sun during an eclipse. Use proper eye protection. Animal Behavior: Observe how animals react during an eclipse. Document any unusual behaviors. Solar eclipses are cosmic marvels that leave an indelible mark on our planet. As the moon briefly obscures the sun, it reminds us of our interconnectedness with the universe. Views: 145
MLB Opening Day: Then and Now
[adrotate group=”1″] 🌟⚾️ As the crack of the bat echoes across stadiums, fans eagerly anticipate the start of another Major League Baseball (MLB) season. Opening Day is a time-honored tradition, a moment when hope springs eternal for every team and fan. Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to 1954 and 1974, comparing those historic opening days to the present. 1954: The Orioles Return to Baltimore The Scene In 1954, baseball fever gripped Baltimore as the city welcomed back big-league baseball after a long absence. The St. Louis Browns had relocated, becoming the Baltimore Orioles. On April 15, 1954, schools closed, and city employees enjoyed a half-day off to celebrate the Orioles’ return. Opening Day Lineup The Orioles faced the Chicago White Sox at Memorial Stadium. The crowd of 46,354 witnessed Clint Courtney hit the first home run in Baltimore’s new ballpark, securing a 3–1 victory for the Orioles. 1974: Aaron Ties Ruth, Schmidt’s Heroics, The Scene In 1974, baseball was still America’s pastime. On April 4, Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate for the Atlanta Braves. His three-run home run tied Babe Ruth’s all-time record of 714 career home runs. The crowd erupted, and history was made. Opening Day Lineup On April 6, 1974, Mike Schmidt, a future Hall of Famer, delivered a walk-off home run for the Philadelphia Phillies against the New York Mets. The chilly Veterans Stadium witnessed Schmidt’s heroics, setting the tone for an exciting season. 2024: A Global Celebration The Scene Fast forward to 2024. The MLB season kicks off with international flair. The Dodgers and Padres play in Seoul, Korea, while all 30 teams participate in a traditional Opening Day on March 28. Exciting matchups, doubleheaders, and special events await fans throughout the season. Opening Day Lineup From the Orioles facing the Angels to the Red Sox taking on the Mariners, each team’s lineup reflects a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. The game has evolved, but the magic of Opening Day remains unchanged. Closing Words Whether it’s 1954, 1974, or 2024, Opening Day symbolizes hope, resilience, and the timeless joy of baseball. As the sun sets over the diamond, fans cheer, players give their all, and the promise of a new season unfolds. Let’s savor every moment, celebrating the past while embracing the future. Play ball! 🌟⚾️ [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 143
