Here is a list of Blogs ordered by Last Commented, posted by members. A Blog is a journal you may enter about your life, thoughts, interesting experiences, or lessons you've learned. Post an opinion, impart words of wisdom, or talk about something interesting in your day. Update your blog on a regular basis, or just whenever you have something to say. Creating a blog is a good way to share something of yourself with others. Reading blogs is a good way to learn more about others. Click here to post a blog.
online today!
3:20 am
In the big F ...as Non Forecasted rain
.is sweeping the landscape.
.eYe have evolved - yup- that's the word - into Fresno's Foremost Night Creature.
.is sweeping the landscape.
.eYe have evolved - yup- that's the word - into Fresno's Foremost Night Creature.
Russian losses as of Sept. 8 2023
Lifted from the online page of the Kyiv Independent newspaper.. The numbers in blue are losses of the past 24 hours. Russian supporters will dispute all of the numbers of course.
Russia of course still insists in all of the war they have only lost about 7,000 soldiers so far. Which is way lower than the 267,540 killed soldiers or solders wounded seriously enough to be a casualty that Ukraine has counted laying a round screaming or feeding crows.
Losing 47 supply or fuel trucks in just the past 24 hours has got to make Russia;s logistic people upset.
The good news for Russia is in the past 24 hours they don't seem to have lost any more boats or planes.
.
Russia of course still insists in all of the war they have only lost about 7,000 soldiers so far. Which is way lower than the 267,540 killed soldiers or solders wounded seriously enough to be a casualty that Ukraine has counted laying a round screaming or feeding crows.
Losing 47 supply or fuel trucks in just the past 24 hours has got to make Russia;s logistic people upset.
The good news for Russia is in the past 24 hours they don't seem to have lost any more boats or planes.
.
Bus Journeys for a Pound
The fairly extortionate bus prices in my area increased recently, which was no great surprise.
I used to pay £6.50 for a 20-25 minute return journey from my village to my daughter's. It's now gone up to £7.10, but a Rhondda Rider ticket (as many rides in Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough as you want in a day) has bizarrely remained at the lower cost of £7.
In March of this year, for some unspecified reason, the buses were free for the whole month. It may have been something to do with introducing the new, efficient, electronic payment system. Instead of requesting a specific ticket and paying the driver with cash, or card, we now have a tap on/tap off system for card users - you scan your debit card/phone when embarking and alighting and within three days the cost of your journey(s) are calculated and debited from your account. The trouble is, if you forget to tap off, an amount that could cancel a developing country's deficit is whipped from your coffers without so much as humanitarian award, or a polite round of applause.
Having been forgetful struggling off the bus with groceries, or small children, I have gone back to asking for a specific ticket and paying with cash, two things the public transport company was clearly trying to move beyond.
However, the free buses during the month-long hiatus were well used, despite the inconvenience of long bumpy journeys and buses simply not turning up. Traversing our Valleys terrain by bus is like a cross between a roller coaster and Brands Hatch and if they're running late they take a short cut missing out stops. Also, if the vacancies advertised are anything to go by, they're sometimes too short staffed since Brexit to run the full timetable.
As a consequence of the freebie enthusiasm, the bus company has trialled a £1 per bus ride cost over the school summer break. Very often when I'm paying £7, I have the bus to myself for at least a part of my journey and there are always way more seats that people. Over the summer, the buses have been so packed, passengers fill the aisle as well as the seats. So, one person paying £7 versus 40+ people paying £1.
I don't understand why public transport has priced itself to the point of making a loss. We are under threat of losing our unprofitable buses which could be profitable if they were only affordable for the demographics most likely to use them off peak, or were a cheaper option than driving in the rush hours.
On a less whiny note, I embarked on a bus yesterday morning with a £10 note in my hot, sticky palm, having used up all the pound coins I had on previous journeys. The driver commented that I was going to wipe out all the change he had left, at which point a passenger jumped up, paid for my journey and said, "Pass it on!" with a big smile. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to do just that, in whatever shape, or form that it presents itself. We are endemically community minded here in Wales, but it's nice to have the luxury of being able to act on that will without having to hesitate due to foolishly excessive costs.
I used to pay £6.50 for a 20-25 minute return journey from my village to my daughter's. It's now gone up to £7.10, but a Rhondda Rider ticket (as many rides in Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough as you want in a day) has bizarrely remained at the lower cost of £7.
In March of this year, for some unspecified reason, the buses were free for the whole month. It may have been something to do with introducing the new, efficient, electronic payment system. Instead of requesting a specific ticket and paying the driver with cash, or card, we now have a tap on/tap off system for card users - you scan your debit card/phone when embarking and alighting and within three days the cost of your journey(s) are calculated and debited from your account. The trouble is, if you forget to tap off, an amount that could cancel a developing country's deficit is whipped from your coffers without so much as humanitarian award, or a polite round of applause.
Having been forgetful struggling off the bus with groceries, or small children, I have gone back to asking for a specific ticket and paying with cash, two things the public transport company was clearly trying to move beyond.
However, the free buses during the month-long hiatus were well used, despite the inconvenience of long bumpy journeys and buses simply not turning up. Traversing our Valleys terrain by bus is like a cross between a roller coaster and Brands Hatch and if they're running late they take a short cut missing out stops. Also, if the vacancies advertised are anything to go by, they're sometimes too short staffed since Brexit to run the full timetable.
As a consequence of the freebie enthusiasm, the bus company has trialled a £1 per bus ride cost over the school summer break. Very often when I'm paying £7, I have the bus to myself for at least a part of my journey and there are always way more seats that people. Over the summer, the buses have been so packed, passengers fill the aisle as well as the seats. So, one person paying £7 versus 40+ people paying £1.
I don't understand why public transport has priced itself to the point of making a loss. We are under threat of losing our unprofitable buses which could be profitable if they were only affordable for the demographics most likely to use them off peak, or were a cheaper option than driving in the rush hours.
On a less whiny note, I embarked on a bus yesterday morning with a £10 note in my hot, sticky palm, having used up all the pound coins I had on previous journeys. The driver commented that I was going to wipe out all the change he had left, at which point a passenger jumped up, paid for my journey and said, "Pass it on!" with a big smile. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to do just that, in whatever shape, or form that it presents itself. We are endemically community minded here in Wales, but it's nice to have the luxury of being able to act on that will without having to hesitate due to foolishly excessive costs.
online today!
Shameful disgraceful behaviour
Well I never 
You go Luis, stand your ground
Can't believe this has become so blown out of proportion as it has, more so from a woman who doesn't even know her own mind.
Red card to Jennifer, I say
Wonder if a female coach, president or whatever kissed a male player in the same circumstances would she also be accused of an act of violence
or asked to resign.
Where some women make me feel proud to be a woman, there are others who make me feel downright ashamed.
You go Luis, stand your ground
Can't believe this has become so blown out of proportion as it has, more so from a woman who doesn't even know her own mind.
Red card to Jennifer, I say
Wonder if a female coach, president or whatever kissed a male player in the same circumstances would she also be accused of an act of violence
or asked to resign.
Where some women make me feel proud to be a woman, there are others who make me feel downright ashamed.
5 foods that help calm anxiety and reduce depression
Blueberries, salmon and other foods can naturally help relieve feelings of anxiety and depression.
Foods such as blueberries and salmon are rich with nutrients that can help relieve anxiety and reduce depression.
Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet is a natural way to potentially assist in treating symptoms of anxiety and have a positive impact on mental health. Keep in mind that although these foods are proven to help with anxiety and depressive symptoms, they cannot cure mental health disorders.
Here are five foods that help calm anxiety and depression.
1. Chamomile can calm anxiety
Chamomile is an herb that is known to help calm anxiety because it contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are known to reduce inflammation associated with anxiety, reports Healthline. Chamomile is also believed to help regulate neurotransmitters associated with mood, such as dopamine and serotonin.
A 2017 study observed 179 adults with generalized anxiety disorder. Over the course of five years, participants who consumed 1,500 milligrams of chamomile extract per day experienced significantly lower symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Another study, published in 2012, found that those who consumed chamomile extract for two months experienced reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2. Salmon may reduce anxiety
Salmon contains nutrients associated with brain and metal health, such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), reports Healthline. These nutrients are known to help regulate dopamine and serotonin, which impact mood and ease anxiety.
Over the course of nearly six months, men who regularly ate Atlantic salmon (three times per week) reported significant improvements in mental health and symptoms of anxiety. Those who did not regularly consume Atlantic salmon reported no changes. The researchers believe that the impact was due to the high amounts of vitamin D, DHA and EPA found in salmon.
3. Dark chocolate can prevent depressive symptoms
Dark chocolate is usually considered a treat, but it actually has loads of health benefits and is considered a superfood. It is packed with fiber, iron, magnesium and antioxidants, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
Dark chocolate is also associated with positive effects on mood and mental health. A 2019 study from the University College in London found that individuals who ate dark chocolate had far lower odds of reporting depressive symptoms than those who ate no chocolate at all. The same impact was not found for milk chocolate, per the American Psychiatric Association.
4. Blueberries relieve anxiety and depression
Blueberries are rich with antioxidants, which are known to help relieve anxiety and ease feelings of depression, reports WebMD.
A 2020 study found that over the course of a month, adolescents who consumed wild blueberry supplements self-reported lower symptoms of depression.
Several studies (including one in 2020 and one in 2021) have found that daily consumption of vegetables and fruits — like blueberries — is linked to improved mental well-being. A diet balanced with fruits, berries and vegetables helps prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression.
As a superfood, blueberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and boast a variety of health benefits.
5. Eating nuts can lower depression risk
Nuts are a superfood packed with mental health benefits. Eating a handful of nuts every day is linked to a lower risk of depression. A recent study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a handful of nuts daily is linked to a 17% lower risk of depression.
Researchers found that middle-aged and older adult who ate 30 grams of nuts — such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, cashews or Brazil nuts — were less likely to take antidepressants or develop depression.
Link: Deseret.com
Foods such as blueberries and salmon are rich with nutrients that can help relieve anxiety and reduce depression.
Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet is a natural way to potentially assist in treating symptoms of anxiety and have a positive impact on mental health. Keep in mind that although these foods are proven to help with anxiety and depressive symptoms, they cannot cure mental health disorders.
Here are five foods that help calm anxiety and depression.
1. Chamomile can calm anxiety
Chamomile is an herb that is known to help calm anxiety because it contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are known to reduce inflammation associated with anxiety, reports Healthline. Chamomile is also believed to help regulate neurotransmitters associated with mood, such as dopamine and serotonin.
A 2017 study observed 179 adults with generalized anxiety disorder. Over the course of five years, participants who consumed 1,500 milligrams of chamomile extract per day experienced significantly lower symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Another study, published in 2012, found that those who consumed chamomile extract for two months experienced reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2. Salmon may reduce anxiety
Salmon contains nutrients associated with brain and metal health, such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), reports Healthline. These nutrients are known to help regulate dopamine and serotonin, which impact mood and ease anxiety.
Over the course of nearly six months, men who regularly ate Atlantic salmon (three times per week) reported significant improvements in mental health and symptoms of anxiety. Those who did not regularly consume Atlantic salmon reported no changes. The researchers believe that the impact was due to the high amounts of vitamin D, DHA and EPA found in salmon.
3. Dark chocolate can prevent depressive symptoms
Dark chocolate is usually considered a treat, but it actually has loads of health benefits and is considered a superfood. It is packed with fiber, iron, magnesium and antioxidants, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
Dark chocolate is also associated with positive effects on mood and mental health. A 2019 study from the University College in London found that individuals who ate dark chocolate had far lower odds of reporting depressive symptoms than those who ate no chocolate at all. The same impact was not found for milk chocolate, per the American Psychiatric Association.
4. Blueberries relieve anxiety and depression
Blueberries are rich with antioxidants, which are known to help relieve anxiety and ease feelings of depression, reports WebMD.
A 2020 study found that over the course of a month, adolescents who consumed wild blueberry supplements self-reported lower symptoms of depression.
Several studies (including one in 2020 and one in 2021) have found that daily consumption of vegetables and fruits — like blueberries — is linked to improved mental well-being. A diet balanced with fruits, berries and vegetables helps prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression.
As a superfood, blueberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and boast a variety of health benefits.
5. Eating nuts can lower depression risk
Nuts are a superfood packed with mental health benefits. Eating a handful of nuts every day is linked to a lower risk of depression. A recent study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a handful of nuts daily is linked to a 17% lower risk of depression.
Researchers found that middle-aged and older adult who ate 30 grams of nuts — such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, cashews or Brazil nuts — were less likely to take antidepressants or develop depression.
Link: Deseret.com
If a Fly Lands in Your Drink, Should You Still Drink It?
You pour a chilled glass of your favourite sauvignon blanc and are about to take a sip when a fruit fly lands in it. The fly is clearly dead. But given what you know about where flies hang out, you wonder if it's safe to drink.
Despite their salubrious sounding name, fruit flies (Drosophila species),
eat food that is decaying. They inhabit rubbish bins, compost heaps or any place where food is present, including drains. Rotting food is rich in germs, any of which a fly can pick up on their body and transfer to where it next lands.
These bacteria include E coli, Listeria, Shigella, and Salmonella, any of which can cause a potentially serious infection in even healthy people. The fruit fly, you realise, may have just deposited potentially lethal microbes in your wine, so you toss it in the sink and pour a fresh glass.
However, the scientific evidence suggests you may have just wasted a good glass of wine. Wine has typically between 8 percent and 14 percent ethanol and has a pH of around 4 or 5 – a pH below 7 is considered acidic.
Alcohol is well known to be inhibitory to germs and is one reason wine can be stored for so long. Several laboratory studies have also shown that the combined effects of wine alcohol and organic acids, such as malic acid, can prevent the growth of E coli and Salmonella.
Whether the germs transmitted by the fruit fly into the wine can cause an infection depends on the number of bacteria deposited (the "infectious dose") and how metabolically fit the germs are.
The wine the fruit fly entered was also chilled, which some food poisoning bacteria find shocks their metabolism so profoundly it stops them growing.
As all types of wine (red, white or rosé, whether chilled or room temperature) are naturally antibacterial, germs in wine are likely to become damaged, which will reduce their infection fitness.
This suggests that while the germs deposited into wine by the flies might be present in a dose high enough to cause illness, they are not likely to cause an infection as they are too damaged. So, in all likelihood, the contaminated wine could be drunk without ill effect – whether it was chilled or not.
Then it has the body to contend with
And if not damaged directly by the wine, any germs still alive from the fruit fly deposit will encounter the highly acidic fluids of the human stomach.
Food poisoning germs are highly sensitive to acid, which damages their DNA, and stomach acid can even kill them.
In the stomach, germs must also overcome other deadly barriers such as digestive enzymes, entrapping mucus and the ever-watchful immune system defences. Fly-deposited wine germs are unlikely to be able to set up an infection.
Unless you are germ-phobic, I would suggest removing the fly and drinking the wine. If you want the extra protein, you could even swallow the fly.
The fruit fly is unlikely to change the taste of the wine, even if there are several of them. Your digestive system will simply process the fly like any other protein. Salud!
Despite their salubrious sounding name, fruit flies (Drosophila species),
eat food that is decaying. They inhabit rubbish bins, compost heaps or any place where food is present, including drains. Rotting food is rich in germs, any of which a fly can pick up on their body and transfer to where it next lands.
These bacteria include E coli, Listeria, Shigella, and Salmonella, any of which can cause a potentially serious infection in even healthy people. The fruit fly, you realise, may have just deposited potentially lethal microbes in your wine, so you toss it in the sink and pour a fresh glass.
However, the scientific evidence suggests you may have just wasted a good glass of wine. Wine has typically between 8 percent and 14 percent ethanol and has a pH of around 4 or 5 – a pH below 7 is considered acidic.
Alcohol is well known to be inhibitory to germs and is one reason wine can be stored for so long. Several laboratory studies have also shown that the combined effects of wine alcohol and organic acids, such as malic acid, can prevent the growth of E coli and Salmonella.
Whether the germs transmitted by the fruit fly into the wine can cause an infection depends on the number of bacteria deposited (the "infectious dose") and how metabolically fit the germs are.
The wine the fruit fly entered was also chilled, which some food poisoning bacteria find shocks their metabolism so profoundly it stops them growing.
As all types of wine (red, white or rosé, whether chilled or room temperature) are naturally antibacterial, germs in wine are likely to become damaged, which will reduce their infection fitness.
This suggests that while the germs deposited into wine by the flies might be present in a dose high enough to cause illness, they are not likely to cause an infection as they are too damaged. So, in all likelihood, the contaminated wine could be drunk without ill effect – whether it was chilled or not.
Then it has the body to contend with
And if not damaged directly by the wine, any germs still alive from the fruit fly deposit will encounter the highly acidic fluids of the human stomach.
Food poisoning germs are highly sensitive to acid, which damages their DNA, and stomach acid can even kill them.
In the stomach, germs must also overcome other deadly barriers such as digestive enzymes, entrapping mucus and the ever-watchful immune system defences. Fly-deposited wine germs are unlikely to be able to set up an infection.
Unless you are germ-phobic, I would suggest removing the fly and drinking the wine. If you want the extra protein, you could even swallow the fly.
The fruit fly is unlikely to change the taste of the wine, even if there are several of them. Your digestive system will simply process the fly like any other protein. Salud!
Top 6 zodiac signs with deep inner wisdom
Deep inner wisdom is a trait that can be found in individuals of all zodiac signs. However, certain signs are often associated with a profound understanding of life and a natural wisdom that goes beyond their years. Here are six zodiac signs known for their deep inner wisdom:
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Scorpios are known for their intense and introspective nature. They possess a deep emotional intelligence and an ability to see beneath the surface. Their intuition and insight into human nature contribute to their wisdom.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Pisceans are highly empathetic and compassionate. They have a natural understanding of the complexities of human emotions and are often seen as wise counselors and confidants. Their spiritual and intuitive nature adds to their depth of wisdom.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Sagittarians are known for their philosophical and adventurous spirits. They seek knowledge and understanding through exploration and experience. Their broad perspective on life often leads to deep insights and wisdom.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Aquarians are often ahead of their time in their thinking. They have a progressive and innovative mindset that allows them to see possibilities beyond the present. Their unique perspective contributes to their wisdom.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Capricorns are practical and disciplined individuals. They possess a strong sense of responsibility and a methodical approach to life. Their ability to learn from their experiences and apply those lessons adds to their wisdom.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Virgos are analytical and detail-oriented. They have a keen eye for observation and a practical approach to problem-solving. Their desire for self-improvement and personal growth contributes to their inner wisdom.
Link:Asahigrill.com
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Scorpios are known for their intense and introspective nature. They possess a deep emotional intelligence and an ability to see beneath the surface. Their intuition and insight into human nature contribute to their wisdom.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Pisceans are highly empathetic and compassionate. They have a natural understanding of the complexities of human emotions and are often seen as wise counselors and confidants. Their spiritual and intuitive nature adds to their depth of wisdom.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Sagittarians are known for their philosophical and adventurous spirits. They seek knowledge and understanding through exploration and experience. Their broad perspective on life often leads to deep insights and wisdom.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Aquarians are often ahead of their time in their thinking. They have a progressive and innovative mindset that allows them to see possibilities beyond the present. Their unique perspective contributes to their wisdom.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Capricorns are practical and disciplined individuals. They possess a strong sense of responsibility and a methodical approach to life. Their ability to learn from their experiences and apply those lessons adds to their wisdom.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Virgos are analytical and detail-oriented. They have a keen eye for observation and a practical approach to problem-solving. Their desire for self-improvement and personal growth contributes to their inner wisdom.
Link:Asahigrill.com
Put God First
If you have a woman or a son or daughter you can not put them above God. If you do you are guilty of idolatry. In our society it is noble to be a selfless man who does everything for his loved ones and puts himself second. Take a step back and think about what is correct. God must be put first. If you are doing something that shows you do not trust God or that you approve of someone who is going against God you are headed for possible damnation. Look at what happened to Job. If everything and everyone is taken away from you what will you have left? Answer your relationship with God. If you put people or things above God you are not worthy of the kingdom of heaven It seems many are afraid of suffering. It is better to be faithful to God and suffer than to be a self pitying victim.! With Jesus you can get through anything and have a peace which transcends all understanding !
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