tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39018461027426265872024-03-16T01:09:09.393+00:00BLOGORATTILifestyle BlogBlogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.comBlogger750125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-45873517435460182162023-02-02T20:27:00.001+00:002023-02-02T20:27:29.457+00:00Drinking and Dry January
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b>Quote of the day: </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Be led by the dreams in your heart. <b>-Roy T. Bennett</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbkDQaDBKAGeSQPuJViXcOG7bQpDUI3UlrXgnPmVsimUzYVYUw3V6t9IlGs6vJ1gq5B8N711mG1MOjiPySmFs0COKnl8LoKeLMZWKvye2QUDUGFfpnQ5A9WYaQs8Q1iEAEpBzX4jaDlFunQ5GfNVQkVIQeAgdE1c92Wah1de4rE3MVx8ghUeZtTTy/s1280/Field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1280" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbkDQaDBKAGeSQPuJViXcOG7bQpDUI3UlrXgnPmVsimUzYVYUw3V6t9IlGs6vJ1gq5B8N711mG1MOjiPySmFs0COKnl8LoKeLMZWKvye2QUDUGFfpnQ5A9WYaQs8Q1iEAEpBzX4jaDlFunQ5GfNVQkVIQeAgdE1c92Wah1de4rE3MVx8ghUeZtTTy/w400-h228/Field.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p>Started the year with a promise to myself to take a break from alcoholic drinks and beverages. 31 days alcohol-free or the dry January movement -a campaign by Alcohol Change UK where people sign up to abstain from alcohol for the month of January (2023 marks their 10th year anniversary). Apparently, the term 'Dry January' is also a registered trademark. </p><p>There are two things in life I can live without indulging in -coffee and alcohol. So this sobriety period was a breeze, not to mention the health benefits and cost savings too. Improved energy levels and better mental health are just a few short-term benefits of stopping drinking. According to <a href="https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/i-need-advice-to-stop-my-drinking/what-to-expect-when-you-stop-drinking" target="_blank">DrinkAwareUK</a>, stopping entirely has some long-term health benefits such as lowering the risk of liver disease, heart disease and so on. I understand it's not so easy for many out there to have control over their alcohol intake. There are support services for people with alcohol addiction such as <a href="https://www.aa.org" target="_blank">Alcoholics Anonymous</a>. </p><p>It's wonderful to have support for our various life issues.</p><p><b>Happy February.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> Current Listen:
</b></p><p><b>Lil Yachty -</b><a href="https://soundcloud.com/770rd/lil-yachty-reach-the-sunshine?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing" target="_blank">Reach the Sunshine</a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-55263609838796727552023-01-16T16:00:00.000+00:002023-01-16T16:28:47.134+00:00How AI Is Changing Industries
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b>Quote of the day: </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">What I learned on my own I still remember<b style="font-style: italic;"> ― Nassim Nicholas Taleb</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><br /></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G_VwGoeEKrxM4pEwyQK1rgmFb90KuGQbGwrGz64jx7ntQwhNbjwwuyTUcSxWMVXv27KNY5SPOoLPTquRys1lO8gVvwXk0JkQMoW7gG8XaehfmXPdXj5MJQhtfPyXyYmsmCl2rYhrLEiZ9FyTDrVpqSAEbALrAi3Pi9anMH1FFpINLTttfjPaescQ/s1280/AI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G_VwGoeEKrxM4pEwyQK1rgmFb90KuGQbGwrGz64jx7ntQwhNbjwwuyTUcSxWMVXv27KNY5SPOoLPTquRys1lO8gVvwXk0JkQMoW7gG8XaehfmXPdXj5MJQhtfPyXyYmsmCl2rYhrLEiZ9FyTDrVpqSAEbALrAi3Pi9anMH1FFpINLTttfjPaescQ/w400-h266/AI.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /><i><br /></i></b><p></p><p>The uses of Artificial Intelligence or AI encompass many fields including retail, shopping, security, sports analytics, and production and manufacturing just to name a few. In simple terms AI is systems or machines that mimic human intelligence. Think high-end robotics used in manufacturing, facial recognition, medical diagnosis, or systems used in self driving cars and so on. One advantage of using AI is that it enables the execution of complex tasks, making processes smarter and less time consuming. </p><p>There's been discussions about the ethics of AI. As the field advances understanding the potential ethical and moral issues is important. One area of concern is the continued automation of jobs and potential job losses. In the art world the rise of AI-generated artwork -which uses other people's original has become a talking point. There are <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/lensa-ai-artist-controversy-ethics-privacy-rcna60242" target="_blank">apps that automate</a> the creation of artwork and illustrations which some feel is a threat to artists everywhere. A game designer's image <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/03/tech/ai-art-fair-winner-controversy/index.html" target="_blank">won a competition</a> and artists were not happy at the use of AI to generate the winning image. </p><p>More recently, chatGPT, an online chatbot which can <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/the-ultimate-homework-cheat-how-teachers-are-facing-up-to-chatgpt-12780601" target="_blank">generate realistic responses </a>on a whim has taken the world by storm. It is creating a challenge for teachers around the world and it has been reported that some college students are using the app to cheat in school. You feed the app with suggestions and it can generate essays or answers to questions in seconds. In the UK, lecturers have been urged to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jan/13/end-of-the-essay-uk-lecturers-assessments-chatgpt-concerns-ai" target="_blank">review student assessments</a> amid concerns over the new AI tool. </p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think of these new developments in AI?</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Current Listen: </b>Walter Bishop, J.R - <a href="https://soundcloud.com/fred-seibert/dahoud?in=fred-seibert/sets/walter-bishop-jr&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing" target="_blank">Dahoud</a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-40744464615562171292023-01-10T22:30:00.000+00:002023-01-10T22:42:48.760+00:00How The 80/20 Principle Can Be Life Changing
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b>Quote of the day: </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">He who needs mercy finds it. -<b><i>Rumi</i></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAQ6oOCv6KZaFsKP-g3RrwaasDW9iL_K2lHJAWox_beuXU7yffqyKD2deS5aSOhvxIS8kWtnmljT4se_a8O2Jyom8JqtKP8UmUtHfUGPDgiRjyBFKHSVCm1PoEkIgpHeKy9TN9xzB57rCZa2a3Z6yqz5KqTm4fgVMFr--13VQvpUNzI3lclsgqX81/s2276/Sunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2276" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAQ6oOCv6KZaFsKP-g3RrwaasDW9iL_K2lHJAWox_beuXU7yffqyKD2deS5aSOhvxIS8kWtnmljT4se_a8O2Jyom8JqtKP8UmUtHfUGPDgiRjyBFKHSVCm1PoEkIgpHeKy9TN9xzB57rCZa2a3Z6yqz5KqTm4fgVMFr--13VQvpUNzI3lclsgqX81/s320/Sunflower.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p>There exists imbalances in life especially with work and life. How do we go about fixing that. With the pandemic there came a shift. A new way of thinking, of observing, of self reflection. But only for a short time. Things are mostly back to normal now. The opportunity to have a discussion about work-life balance has slipped away. For a brief moment in history workers had power and a healthy balance of work and life. They learned to say no, to communicate boundaries, and to focus on their wellbeing. Fast forward to now. Have we learned anything or are we doomed to past behaviour?</p><p>The Pareto Principle or better known as the 80-20 rule states that 20% of your activities will result in 80% of your results. In other words, roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes. I believe the origin of this principle dates back to Italian society where it was observed that 80% of the wealth belonged to only 20% of the population. </p><p>This principle and uneven distribution can be observed around us. Our daily routine and interactions all point to it. You probably spend 80% of your time on things that are familiar, and 80/20 mindset might help cut out all distracting elements and keep you grounded. In business for instance, it can be said that about 20% of customers account for 80% of sales and profits. Of course the business will focus on the 20%. Applying that to life, we can therefore put all our effort into the 20% of things that will give us better returns. It helps to know what is of vital importance and what is not. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Current Listen: </b><b>Yalisaxx & Beats</b> -<a href="https://soundcloud.com/millenniumjazz/a-simulation-or-something?in=millenniumjazz/sets/yalisaxx-beats-the-problem-sax&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing" target="_blank">The Problem -A Simulation or Something</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-69665235737886933032023-01-08T12:32:00.005+00:002023-01-10T12:28:13.669+00:00Why Getting Back to Reading Books Is Good
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: arial;">Quote of the day: </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So many books, so little time.” ― Frank Zappa</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Reading is one good way of surviving through the gray and cold winter months. It's one thing I really need to get back into. I've been slacking in that area. Of course winter comes with all sorts of emotions, but one thing is for sure, getting a warm drink and staying under the covers with a book is magical. One thing about the cold winter months is the lack of sunlight. Spending more time indoors just because it's either too cold to go out or the gray skies just don't seem inviting enough to venture out. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So for the past few weeks I've slowly started getting into reading again, and also listening to podcasts (please send me recommendations!). I'll share with you below the book I'm reading at the moment and the podcast I'm listening to. Enjoy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Book of the Month</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here is an author that I'm more than familiar with, having read a few of <a href="https://blogoratti.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-im-reading-right-now-14.html" target="_blank">his books</a> in the past and also built up a little <a href="https://blogoratti.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-im-reading-right-now-16.html" target="_blank">collection</a> of his works. Few chapters in and it's proving to be a good read. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Book: Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m5UN5lqmmkwiQ5d2z0i5XW8ghS-eOyRYhPavFosR6wCxNWywsPeWtLkt2e6t_Pn5U_NcANGKIsyyZDccEm570sTWfIk1GzkDRgw4NETPPk2OqhARq2ouER7dxjLGAbXkmmgA-aKKh_3lpYlC4tBq-raY-ZvccI6nE6ybl6RbItANDEFDEpfC9zlk/s4032/Murakami.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m5UN5lqmmkwiQ5d2z0i5XW8ghS-eOyRYhPavFosR6wCxNWywsPeWtLkt2e6t_Pn5U_NcANGKIsyyZDccEm570sTWfIk1GzkDRgw4NETPPk2OqhARq2ouER7dxjLGAbXkmmgA-aKKh_3lpYlC4tBq-raY-ZvccI6nE6ybl6RbItANDEFDEpfC9zlk/s320/Murakami.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Blurb:</i> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: arial;">In Killing Commendatore, a thirty-something portrait painter in Tokyo is abandoned by his wife and finds himself holed up in the mountain home of a famous artist. When he discovers a strange painting in the attic, he unintentionally opens a circle of mysterious circumstances.</span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Podcast of the Month</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXuq2wWSI3MnIP3Ij7_FwAFtWuc4hqJxnzLov2RVHMlD1CJfBha4xXjOKuwhZCwAKaWXAqUKqASN6O9VDdd3pifCYROYHkluXnzmNWm60_08SZEdztXmzMqaM8YQnky_9jEnr39cax_vwn1EVTya59cePTGy6RBY03-WhavWEY-YoHXvoqq4jBphx/s576/Dr%20Chatterjee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXuq2wWSI3MnIP3Ij7_FwAFtWuc4hqJxnzLov2RVHMlD1CJfBha4xXjOKuwhZCwAKaWXAqUKqASN6O9VDdd3pifCYROYHkluXnzmNWm60_08SZEdztXmzMqaM8YQnky_9jEnr39cax_vwn1EVTya59cePTGy6RBY03-WhavWEY-YoHXvoqq4jBphx/s320/Dr%20Chatterjee.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Getting into the podcast mood for the month, starting out with a health focused one by Dr. Charterjee called <a href="https://drchatterjee.com/blog/category/podcast/" target="_blank">Feel Better, Live More</a>. Check it out on all platforms. You can start from the very first episode or just pick and choose from the long list of episode topics. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You can't go wrong with books and podcasts. Happy reading and listening!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Current Listen:</span></b></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>drei,jazz -</b><a href="https://soundcloud.com/drei-jazz/between-the-bars?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing" target="_blank">Mind Your Wishes</a></span></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-75308661817773875032023-01-07T21:34:00.003+00:002023-01-07T21:36:30.418+00:00Ideas For Life & The New Year
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b>Quote of the day: </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Resolve, and thou art free. <i>― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</i></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLyKBxR_Jz3_9NBW6do2-XTZMHVJ5Em8fix_SXSDcFN21v6xOZyt4BjfdoMW-lVM6q7UzGIQBvfaLpAFGK1KxSX8hZVRHNeklOUySSKY4nqtXiryTbs15WaCe4L2UMoLFybTB_VPHNkdvf7s9SI7gFwzlasfRPjbBTtNW0Eyf_9IH9xgXt0F7VOcV/s4702/Grow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3135" data-original-width="4702" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLyKBxR_Jz3_9NBW6do2-XTZMHVJ5Em8fix_SXSDcFN21v6xOZyt4BjfdoMW-lVM6q7UzGIQBvfaLpAFGK1KxSX8hZVRHNeklOUySSKY4nqtXiryTbs15WaCe4L2UMoLFybTB_VPHNkdvf7s9SI7gFwzlasfRPjbBTtNW0Eyf_9IH9xgXt0F7VOcV/s320/Grow.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><i><br /></i></b><p></p><p>The new year is in full swing. 2023 has a nice ring to it and it sure is off to a fast start. What will you do differently this year? The world has certainly changed and will keep changing. The only constant thing <i>is</i> change. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Idea</b></span></p><p>So choose to keep evolving, trying, testing, failing, escaping, improving, and winning. Baby steps, small actions that lead to a greater good for yourself and those around you. So cheers to less talking and more planning. Less hate and more love. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Past</span></b></p><p>The past is the past. You may not be where you want to be, but you are not where you used to be. Grow from the past, take responsibility, and keep it moving. You can't erase the past but you can create new memories for the present and future. Make room for new beginnings</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Equation</span></b></p><p>You are the equation. A sum of all your decisions. Focus on attaining the best results.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Current Listen: </b>Tems -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDcEJE633rM" target="_blank">Free Mind</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-65245909038521321542021-03-29T14:30:00.000+01:002021-03-29T14:34:47.816+01:00Abolition of Daylight Saving Time (DST)
<p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Lora, serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdtoqw6b_RugEycjufIshzvxCe1D26YdzAKx_E1aHu6yZVE9zALyFXRVTtR1ugK0ycBr8hD9TayDu45AZKgzWIWRR9RsiE5RLBSIBZZKuENn0ED5q9CZDU-hdm0R8yn2zFKmZ_gWDAQo/s2048/Big+Ben+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdtoqw6b_RugEycjufIshzvxCe1D26YdzAKx_E1aHu6yZVE9zALyFXRVTtR1ugK0ycBr8hD9TayDu45AZKgzWIWRR9RsiE5RLBSIBZZKuENn0ED5q9CZDU-hdm0R8yn2zFKmZ_gWDAQo/w400-h266/Big+Ben+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Lora, serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Lora, serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Quote of the day: </span></b></div></b><p></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><i>“A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.” </i></span><span><span><span>― </span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"><span><b>Steve Martin</b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;">One of the highlights of autumn and spring is the changing of the clocks, to mark the start of winter and summer. The beginning of "summer time" is just around the corner. On Sunday, clocks will move forward by an hour (at 1am), ushering in the summer time, or daylight saving time (DST) for those in the </span><a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/daylight-savings-time-arizona-florida-spring-forward-science#:~:text=In%201895%2C%20George%20Hudson%2C%20an,bug%20hunting%20in%20the%20summer." style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;" target="_blank">US and Canada</a><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;">. It's a term we are familiar with. Think: saving energy, making better use of daylight, and so on. There's been some debate about the <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/daylight-saving-debate.html" target="_blank">pros and cons</a> of DST. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In 2018, the European parliament <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/26/european-parliament-votes-to-scrap-daylight-saving-time-from-2021" target="_blank">voted to scrap</a> this biannual seasonal time change in spring and autumn. C<span style="background-color: transparent;">locks tend to move forward on the last Sunday in March and also fall back on the last Sunday in October. And the EU change would have come into effect from March 2021, however, it wouldn't have affected the UK, thanks to Brexit. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Many felt that the move was unwarranted and a waste of time (pun intended). This quote from John Flack, a then Conservative MEP </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">for the East of England, sums it all up. He said: <i>“We’ve long been aware the EU wants too much control over our lives – now they want to control time itself." </i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After the EU vote in 2019, a <a href="https://yougov.co.uk/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2019/03/29/britons-divided-ending-daylight-saving-time" target="_blank">YouGov poll</a> found that the majority of Britons (44%) were marginally in favour of keeping the clocks with no changes. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The EU plan is now stuck. Due to disagreements in the EU bloc, and not to mention the devastation of the global Covid-19 pandemic across nations. There are more pressing issues at the moment, and changing the clocks is not one of them. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The EU is not alone in this struggle to abolish daylight saving time. The Sunshine Protection Act was re-introduced by bipartisan US Senators, with calls to make DST universally permanent. According to the <a href="https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3936DD57-C6B0-414B-9834-74D77EB4971F" target="_blank">press release</a>, "the bill would simply negate the need for Americans to change their clocks twice a year."</span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I think there needs to be more research done around the pros and cons, especially it's health benefits and the downsides. What do you think of daylight saving time (DST)? Would you want to ever change the status quo? </span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lRrg5DlUu8" style="background: transparent; color: #bf8b38; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">HER -Union</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Peace. Love. Light*</span></i></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-9544768173405035962021-03-16T10:00:00.000+00:002021-03-16T11:52:36.302+00:00Be More Today Than You Were Yesterday
<p><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-dcqH0nuZPyXHrO52VkH6qU9gKqd4rYeCmWZEGAau7KFEs01pWYNJ21Z8uAnLWnEoA4qcE-BUmd8olr6iWnGJYvnko3FI-w3pvgRI_N3bTG9Hrmg7Wo35nX2wUcqycOY1Ls3TPrC0QQ/s2048/pexels-anna-shvets-4167544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="World map" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-dcqH0nuZPyXHrO52VkH6qU9gKqd4rYeCmWZEGAau7KFEs01pWYNJ21Z8uAnLWnEoA4qcE-BUmd8olr6iWnGJYvnko3FI-w3pvgRI_N3bTG9Hrmg7Wo35nX2wUcqycOY1Ls3TPrC0QQ/w424-h640/pexels-anna-shvets-4167544.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Quote of the day: </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”</i><span>― </span><b>Viktor E. Frankl.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The
year 2020 has come and gone. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It started off like every other new year. Filled with a positive outlook: celebrations, hope, resolutions, and plans -or so we thought. One year after, and the <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> pandemic is still vey much in our thoughts. It's affected family members, acquaintances, friends, neighbours -you name it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In the UK, the end of life charity <a href="https://www.mariecurie.org.uk" target="_blank">Marie Curie</a> is now planning to have a day of reflection; to remember those who have passed on from COVID-19. The date is set for March 23, 2021 – which is exactly one year since the UK fist went into compulsory lockdown. It's such a wonderful thing to do. Reflection is a great thing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I was recently going through old posts on this blog, and I was reminded of the good old days when life was much simpler. An old poem that I wrote titled '<i><a href="https://blogoratti.blogspot.com/2015/11/thoughts-of-past.html">If You Were to go Back in Time, What Would You Change?</a></i>', easily comes to mind when trying to make sense of the present. I guess reflection isn't such a bad idea, however, liging in regret is not a path you want to dwell on. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We are built for challenges. They stretch and strengthen us. Self-improvement is the ultimate goal of every challenge. But we all differ in how we cope; our inner-power can fail us at the very moment of need. That's where communities come into the picture; of friends, family, and support groups that look out for each other. It's been a blessing to see how the entire world has banded together to support one another.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With vaccines being rolled out in multiple countries, there is a sense of accomplishment and hope that life will return back to normal at some point. And when all is said and done, maybe the takeaway for you will be mostly positives: lessons learned, new skills acquired and perhaps a deeper understanding of self; that you're your very own person. </span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And as Charles Earland's song '<i>More Today Than Yesterday</i>' plays in the background (the jazz instrumentation takes you on a soulful journey), it is but a poignant reminder of the passing of time. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PjYQndM-JM" target="_blank">Charles Earland -More Today Than Yesterday</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-60716423645047539162018-02-06T09:42:00.000+00:002018-02-06T09:42:16.299+00:0016 Simple joys in life<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'm youth, I'm joy, I'm a little bird that has broken out of the egg.<b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>-James M. Barrie</b></i>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDV3f0JXOm3afb0bL_16F5ssgltP2yUaJWUqSDGcW5r-FvqNNuuSYiZhw5ovLRzoxuedtCmxZaE2FF1jmK4Iplc9G-7RSR9Kbmx7N3zwtFClpAPVuGaOd6h9kvy3zDAR6iTbcXhEB0EDg/s1600/footprint+on+sandy+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1125" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDV3f0JXOm3afb0bL_16F5ssgltP2yUaJWUqSDGcW5r-FvqNNuuSYiZhw5ovLRzoxuedtCmxZaE2FF1jmK4Iplc9G-7RSR9Kbmx7N3zwtFClpAPVuGaOd6h9kvy3zDAR6iTbcXhEB0EDg/s640/footprint+on+sandy+beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One way or the other we go about life, carrying ourselves
and living up to certain standards and expectations. There are habits we
employ, goals we pursue, and a million and one other things that add to our
sense of fulfilment. But out of all these things, within the elaborate and
obvious, sometimes only the little joys bring us greater significance as
functioning living things. What is purity if not clarity and restraint -the absence
of which complicates and impedes our whole being. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the simple joys in life occur spontaneously, others
deliberate. In the end nothing should stop you from experiencing these simple
joys in life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">1.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">One of the joys of life is music.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">2.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Immersing yourself in a book</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">3.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Experiencing a moving artistic creation</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">4.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Learning something new</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">5.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Finishing a task earlier than planned</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">6.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Cold nights, warm bed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">7.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Being spontaneous</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">8.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Reaching out to old friends just to say hello</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">9.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Sunrise and sunsets</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">10.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Basking in warm sunshine</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">11.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Sleeping longer on weekends</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">12.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Having a lazy day</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">13.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Finding an old diary</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">14.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Having clarity of thought</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">15. Waking up filled with positive energy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">16. Giving a helping hand</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">What are some of your little joys in life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm0eqPJwQDo" target="_blank">Lighthouse Family - High</a><br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-80074851894734864222018-01-10T11:43:00.000+00:002018-01-10T11:43:14.475+00:00Love and Happiness and Everything In Between<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Why should I be unhappy? Every parcel of my being is in full bloom.<b> -Rumi</b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3EJw3drASKkP-SypuJBaRO-ph9m8EbsXARgWZNptQ7xVpl8p3Pe2lK0WHEjllpQABOlRZiooNX83AStFl4zCIGK8hk6vonq_zjnpwfT2Hd69bZqXea9FzHI92o5Ki-HEge_b-KX0LhU/s1600/Balloon+and+Clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3EJw3drASKkP-SypuJBaRO-ph9m8EbsXARgWZNptQ7xVpl8p3Pe2lK0WHEjllpQABOlRZiooNX83AStFl4zCIGK8hk6vonq_zjnpwfT2Hd69bZqXea9FzHI92o5Ki-HEge_b-KX0LhU/s640/Balloon+and+Clouds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the past couple of years I learned a lot about living with regrets.
And with those lessons I’ve forged on with every day life and the enormity of
responsibilities it brings. In the end don’t we all strive for the same things;
<i>love and happiness.</i> At some point a lack of all
three would be glaring to see. However, a surplus of all would even more so be
outstanding. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Love</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take love for instance. Probably the most searched for thing in the world. Movies depict a world of fantasy where things always work out in the end. But the real world is not as generous or as charitable as
the movies would have us think. But what is love anyway, if not an expression of
that which we yearn for. A consciousness of soul, body and mind. Loving
yourself first, putting your qualities and flaws on the table, discerning, and being
conscious of where you are, who you are, and where you are at present -not to forget
how you got there. Love is not just
about emotional union. It is the desire for change, for a certain light or lights
that you set upon yourself, and like a moth to a flame you give in, yielding to
the darkness which propels you into another paradise where loving others is the
norm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Happiness</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
And take happiness. When was the last time you were unhappy?
True happiness like true love can be elusive. In truth we hold on to our days of unhappiness far too long. We leave gratitude, compassion and stillness locked away in a drawer, while animosity and indifference walk freely in our mind. Every day is a
happy day. If the sun doesn’t shine there is one factor responsible for this
shortfall. There is a purpose for everything- even clouds forming to make rain
and in the process obscuring the sun. But then again isn’t rain as necessary as
sunlight and shadows. The same can be said about people. One day they are
normal and the next they are not. They make promises and break them. But unlike
the weather you can’t predict anything. There is no magic ball to gaze into. There is no palm
reading. Yesterday was a dream. Today is reality. Tomorrow is a possibility. <o:p></o:p></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfG6qxA8jiY" target="_blank">Prince & The Revolution - Purple Rain</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-48853338209189662732018-01-06T10:48:00.000+00:002018-01-06T10:48:20.468+00:00 Book of the Day: Men Without Women By Ernest Hemingway<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. </i><b><i>-Paul Sweeney </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhssSM4N6lJjFciHLqDfBWd5K_TUh5AjAQ5_bcYf5VkVMB3uPbNodIUS8f9s7hUfWCTvmE2hSU8R1xCqLxWzN9O7g_KKWteZLazx5AmN3ctanXvszv-5Vc9Htbm6ixwlRmC320WjTtMxk/s1600/Men+Without+Women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhssSM4N6lJjFciHLqDfBWd5K_TUh5AjAQ5_bcYf5VkVMB3uPbNodIUS8f9s7hUfWCTvmE2hSU8R1xCqLxWzN9O7g_KKWteZLazx5AmN3ctanXvszv-5Vc9Htbm6ixwlRmC320WjTtMxk/s640/Men+Without+Women.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br /></i></b>There are many great short stories out there and as it is a form that I enjoy, what better way to start the year than with a selection of short stories from Ernest Hemingway, who was an American novelist and short story writer well known for his understated and adventurous style of writing. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1954. His public image and style influenced later generations with many of his books considered classics of American literature.<br />
<br />
First published in 1927, 'Men Without Women' written by Hemingway is a collection of 14 short stories -132 pages of reading. The way the stories are brought to life is outstanding. Each story shoots like an arrow and hits you square in the face. Hemingway's men are bullfighters, war veterans, boxers, hard drinkers and gunmen, often reflecting the period back when things were different. Masculine toughness and feminine sweetness. Stories and events laid bare with endings that ask a lot more questions than the story would allow, leaving you either baffled or enlightened.<br />
<br />
It is the ability to get lost in the stories and to feel what the characters feel, to see what they seemingly perceive, to grasp the underlying nuances and expressions while imagining the time and period it was written in-all these elements magnify the stories told.<br />
<br />
And for such a small book the dialogue is straight forward. Simple stories but with unique subject lines and memorable characters. It certainly it is certainly a great book that has stood the test of time and definitely one to have on any bookshelf -to return to at a later date like an unforgotten well of water.<br />
<br />
<br />
Are you reading anything at the moment? Do share.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af6jOq0dWqo" target="_blank">David Bowie - Let's Dance</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-83425461778839035922018-01-03T09:36:00.000+00:002018-01-03T09:36:53.314+00:00It's All In The Painting<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<i>I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.<b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>-Og Mandino </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTag4qlbO1eE1KcDQVoCxxiRNO2k2YOlCWqszovLHVys79cHcjS56rhX8o3xX-Nx5BoLYYquGBcL_16JUZk3u3bTgh1iEBK5Aa3nj3kNP1xblM6CPqEcDz92B5wwI9WlW7j9DbTl0NKPc/s1600/Art+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTag4qlbO1eE1KcDQVoCxxiRNO2k2YOlCWqszovLHVys79cHcjS56rhX8o3xX-Nx5BoLYYquGBcL_16JUZk3u3bTgh1iEBK5Aa3nj3kNP1xblM6CPqEcDz92B5wwI9WlW7j9DbTl0NKPc/s640/Art+painting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Happy new year.<br />
<br />
A new calendar year has begun, moving on from national holidays and congratulatory messages. This period can be an exciting time. A time to reflect, to be self-conscious while trying to form a new identity-an artist painting new work. But to remain decent a blank canvas should start to suffice filled with sentiment and imagination. The canvas from the previous year delicately or indelicately placed -as the case may be out of reach but within view.<br />
<br />
What must you as an artist possibly want to do different this time. Perhaps you have a new vision of contrasting themes or art tools, or maybe building a better work-space filled with inks and palettes. Either way the end product is all that matters not the tools used in the process. Or is it the other way round? The truth is that one can not keep colouring the same way expecting a different result. Alas it all starts in the mind and the reflection of what you see through your eyes, how you view the world and how the world views you right back -like gazing at the moon through a telescope only to have the moon gaze back, or starring into the mirror...fixated, weighing, appraising, sizing up the reflection starring back.<br />
<br />
The origin of each thought is a process, a seed germinating into action. To stand the test of time it would have to grow into a tree strong enough to withstand forceful winds. To preserve oil paintings artists often varnish their work to protect the painted surface. A sensible thing to do. But what about you and your thoughts and the elements you are exposed to. To reveal and possibly recreate yourself don't you need protection just like a painting? And this is not just to save you from the world but also to save you from yourself. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Don't paint over your old canvas.</i><br />
<i>Grab a new canvas...decide on a composition.</i><br />
<i>Transfer that idea into every element of your existence.</i><br />
<i>Evaluate this painting from time to time, choose your own colours.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Don't allow anyone tell you...</i><br />
<i>What colours to use and what subject matter to pursue.</i><br />
<i>Your life is your painting...the end.</i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpX6_GpoLrs" target="_blank">Waiting on the world to change - John Mayer</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-35864084299065831982017-12-31T16:00:00.000+00:002017-12-31T16:09:44.279+00:00Do What You Love in Life<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along. </i><br />
<b><i>-George Herbert</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsnJ2-KpbNzkOtSWkxA03hyphenhyphenyq8zmT5evyKxnl2DfIRv4UeNxLJe86P2mEI4l5-4J2ZNgsDSOVW4CRZ-rC3u-YQHuhYcuPHG7bTgEnNLJWR-O-Qcx_8WRGgfX1vgtPmM4A1W_GdA5KHig/s1600/Top+of+mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsnJ2-KpbNzkOtSWkxA03hyphenhyphenyq8zmT5evyKxnl2DfIRv4UeNxLJe86P2mEI4l5-4J2ZNgsDSOVW4CRZ-rC3u-YQHuhYcuPHG7bTgEnNLJWR-O-Qcx_8WRGgfX1vgtPmM4A1W_GdA5KHig/s640/Top+of+mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A week to go till it's Christmas and under two weeks to the new year...what a long way you have come, what a long journey. What a special time of the year, where giving is all that matters, and spending time with loved ones -especially those you scarcely is all part of it. And after the celebrations, after the wishes and exchanges, after the fireworks and memorable dinners, after the toast and countdown on new year's eve, weeks and months later the new year continues to loom large, like new moon increasing in size from one day to the next.<br />
<br />
So how's your new year going to play out? Same as this year or different. It usually starts with determination and a strong will not to repeat the past year's mistakes. A good start to start making necessary changes in life and a desire to accomplish personal goals. One thing to remember is to actually make time for your plans. Making plans is one thing, setting aside time to complete said plans is another. These two separate things are often ignored.<br />
<br />
It's not enough to want to write a book, join a gym, or learn how to dance. You have to think of the time of the day that would suit you the best. For instance do you prefer to write in the morning before sunrise or do you enjoy working out around this time -alone or in a gym, and if you want to learn how to dance do you prefer to do so in the evening? Ask yourself questions about why you want to achieve something, what it means to you, and what you will have to give up to achieve it. And if you are hard pressed for time multi-tasking can come into play.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>A few things to remember</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Nothing comes from nothing. Your thoughts and actions reflect like a mirror. If the world sees your determination to achieve whatever you have set out to achieve, then they will certainly make way for you to progress, offering you encouragement and support along the way.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Nothing can be made from nothing. Focus all your energy on what you need to do, how you need to do it, and measure your success along the way. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLBkuKHahDI" target="_blank">John Lee Hooker</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-29964515246815650982017-12-17T16:20:00.000+00:002017-12-17T16:20:52.163+00:003 Things to Inspire Your Weekend: #77<b><br /></b><b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><br /></b><i>I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. </i><br />
<i><b>-Maya Angelou </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeS0Fay8xxF0J3sUylkIhWKYqMXlckiGkjE6UWBriwei-EHVwyaBlB4q4dePakrnNW2eIqhqX7U18pKLGddDZfXru9yU_RT45fMkbtMuvxodz71Oa06JZaVM4P8dQT5pMvadoEDipctA/s1600/Jayden+Perez%252C+toy+drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="992" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeS0Fay8xxF0J3sUylkIhWKYqMXlckiGkjE6UWBriwei-EHVwyaBlB4q4dePakrnNW2eIqhqX7U18pKLGddDZfXru9yU_RT45fMkbtMuvxodz71Oa06JZaVM4P8dQT5pMvadoEDipctA/s640/Jayden+Perez%252C+toy+drive.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image Credit: ABCNews</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
It is the season of giving and for many the holidays are a time for giving back. An 8-year-old boy from New Jersey, U.S has showed just how to go about doing this. <a href="https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/2538/8-Year-Old-Boy-Saves-Christmas-For-Kids-In-Puerto-Rico" target="_blank">Jayden Perez</a> held a toy drive at his home to collect toys for kids in hurricane ravaged Puerto Rico -where it is still a struggle to live. Jayden's concern to his mother Ana Rosado was that kids weren't going to get toys and he wanted to donate his Christmas gifts to the children. Rosado posted the toy drive on social media, word spread with help from local media and in the process more than 1,000 toys were donated. A shipping company offered to help them get the toys to puerto rico and mother and son plan to travel to Puerto Rico in the new year to help distribute the toys and visit orphanages.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n2PXvnyyOthQxKhKR2vw6gHIlxjY7o-WJJmUY_TO5zWeMZsEwqGB7UzCZPa3IXPWccR3eweiKvtLJ_MddnuLbblgsBm36DeCv6cJBXdPDKeWWFaIfGp2_uXFb0rMvsclFtwBg0IZ8as/s1600/Ariana+Luterman+helps+Chandler+Self.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="728" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n2PXvnyyOthQxKhKR2vw6gHIlxjY7o-WJJmUY_TO5zWeMZsEwqGB7UzCZPa3IXPWccR3eweiKvtLJ_MddnuLbblgsBm36DeCv6cJBXdPDKeWWFaIfGp2_uXFb0rMvsclFtwBg0IZ8as/s640/Ariana+Luterman+helps+Chandler+Self.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: small;">Image credit: AP</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A Dallas high school student in the U.S has been praised for her great act of sportsmanship. Ariana Luterman while finishing the anchor leg of a girls' relay at the Dallas Marathon, saw the legs of the women's marathon leader, Dr. Chandler Self, start to buckle from exhaustion just a few yards from the finish line. And acting selfless and instinctively Ariana helped Chandler to her feet and half-carried her to the finish line. Later Chandler said Ariana -also came alongside her two miles from the finish line and encouraged her to finish the race.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuhpLdUpBJ1bM5QyXq6_A_AcTbW-b02rIJeo4HKFFSu6AXsErWpLjtLpDAXw7A3RmsUZisgtC0sIujKbsUN0O1kfUIT0M6gqiYGZ4FRVHKumfO973GTmeFB5AME8qG51yd68DutzyVlI/s1600/Pyramid+House%252C+Finland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1498" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuhpLdUpBJ1bM5QyXq6_A_AcTbW-b02rIJeo4HKFFSu6AXsErWpLjtLpDAXw7A3RmsUZisgtC0sIujKbsUN0O1kfUIT0M6gqiYGZ4FRVHKumfO973GTmeFB5AME8qG51yd68DutzyVlI/s640/Pyramid+House%252C+Finland.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgtCBdoOCsfGxYAHbYHarC51pa-6NSJlStH0P0YDOyhwCZ9I8mJCt7OpVps_aLA5PMfAAwf05pnCieMb6Oy979wRtQZfkxv6vgsu1c9F819Cp4aGna1s0wrbBznEbSkTeo-rc9Inzj84/s1600/Pyramid+House+Interior%252C+Finland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1498" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgtCBdoOCsfGxYAHbYHarC51pa-6NSJlStH0P0YDOyhwCZ9I8mJCt7OpVps_aLA5PMfAAwf05pnCieMb6Oy979wRtQZfkxv6vgsu1c9F819Cp4aGna1s0wrbBznEbSkTeo-rc9Inzj84/s640/Pyramid+House+Interior%252C+Finland.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
As seen on Arch Daily<span id="goog_2101785172"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2101785173"></span><span id="goog_141464213"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_141464214"></span><span id="goog_369341439"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_369341440"></span><span id="goog_134407552"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_134407553"></span><span id="goog_2012337488"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2012337489"></span>, <a href="https://www.archdaily.com/883701/pyramid-house-void-architecture" target="_blank">Pyramid House</a><br />
<br />
<b>Architects:</b> VOID Architecture<br />
<b>Location: </b>Sysmä, Finland<br />
<b>Photographs: </b>Timo Laaksonen<br />
<br />
<b>Brief: </b><br />
<br />
A house surrounded by nature requiring a distinct character offering the comfort of a contemporary lifestyle while embracing the surrounding landscape.<br />
<br />
<b>Theme:</b> Tucked in a serene area overlooking a mountain forest and lake, the wooden house is built on a steep plot and takes on a geometric shape. With a glazed observatory at the top of the building to enjoy the scenic view. With glass walls multiple levels of the internal space are flooded with natural light. With a timber fram construction, the house boasts terrace decks, and an elliptical staircase that wraps around a stone fireplace -giving access to the balcony level.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></b><b style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></b><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">Current Listen: </b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuDcsKDGGHM" target="_blank">Radiohead -Staircase</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-65700164922152402622017-12-14T13:23:00.000+00:002017-12-14T13:23:54.205+00:00Thoughts on Tea and Life<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<br />
<i>Tea does our fancy aid, Repress those vapours which the head invade, And keeps that palace of the soul serene.<b> -Edmund Waller </b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4JvVFEfCBtAeXPF0-NCJeyzEMnnd1TEojyzAQJXQt3uToMzKo-gOZ-TFP4VSxALEttnAtkJTCAdEhTxTL8pTe1M9kURlLVYbT-7OoKcRpHCZAxzeKQxP9dTVRE-DESvVHqECmq8vXes/s1600/Boiling+kettle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1125" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4JvVFEfCBtAeXPF0-NCJeyzEMnnd1TEojyzAQJXQt3uToMzKo-gOZ-TFP4VSxALEttnAtkJTCAdEhTxTL8pTe1M9kURlLVYbT-7OoKcRpHCZAxzeKQxP9dTVRE-DESvVHqECmq8vXes/s640/Boiling+kettle.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The steam from the kettle rose up quickly or to be more accurate -rushed out like an army charging through enemy lines, leaving behind dampness in it's wake. For some unknown reason an image of a whistling kettle flashes through my mind. I wonder if those are still is use. You put the kettle on and it whistles out loud once the water boils on the stove. There's nothing fancy about these modern kettles, plugged into a wall living off electricity like ivy clinging on to a building for dear life -an unfair comparison but that's all I've got.<br />
<br />
What's a good tea without hot or boiling water. That is not to say I have anything against cold tea. On a hot summer day perhaps it may be so. Iced tea or a cold brew to quench the thirst and cool the mind. But on a cold winter day the hotter the tea the better. Fruit tea, herbal tea, tea bags, loose tea, instant tea, whatever the choice tea will always be tea.<br />
<br />
One cannot speak about tea without a mention of its origin -China, before it became widespread. A dynasty of tea drinkers who no doubt prepared it meticulously. There is a sense of ritual to making proper tea. It shouldn't be rushed or thoughtless. It should be planned and calculated where every process has its purpose.<br />
<br />
From cold water that changes form to grow into hot boiling water -its very purpose, is there to see clear as day. Thermodynamics aside, your ability to instigate such a change should not be overlooked. And the end result? A battle dance of victory as the kettle reaches the point of no return -clouds of white smoke released like a steam train on a journey.<br />
<br />
Life is actually like a cup of tea.<br />
<br />
It usually boils (err pun intended) down to how you make it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6hQ9HSKlIE&list=PLcBnXOGVdm9Dz1APtE9qb6snZmTjvCFqs" target="_blank">Tracy Chapman -Give Me One Reason</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-89524087148709939002017-12-13T10:00:00.000+00:002017-12-13T10:01:13.378+00:00Poem: Barren<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<i><br />We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. </i><i><b>-Plato</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJoCYQpZRgKWZWRdVSaG2PiQVDRIwn4X4o3b9xPmTkt3aIinqqV5Vi9rBN-NjsWyvcDOn-kFcBwZwx7N-Y7A6IMSCr2uKjJ3AkD4WKJzQQuZ1nsfSDjuKN7HkRjV-hTtuu4BvPr_HmvI/s1600/Light+bulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJoCYQpZRgKWZWRdVSaG2PiQVDRIwn4X4o3b9xPmTkt3aIinqqV5Vi9rBN-NjsWyvcDOn-kFcBwZwx7N-Y7A6IMSCr2uKjJ3AkD4WKJzQQuZ1nsfSDjuKN7HkRjV-hTtuu4BvPr_HmvI/s640/Light+bulb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Beware the barrenness<br />
Of a busy life<br />
Because it becomes so easy<br />
To disappear into the void<br />
Usually a dark and scary place<br />
With no window to the outside world<br />
Like trying to navigate a pitch-dark room<br />
To find a light switch<br />
With calculated steps<br />
And hands spread out<br />
To aid the unsteadiness<br />
Tracing contours<br />
Lines and patterns<br />
Like lovers exploring<br />
Every flesh of skin<br />
Where is the relief<br />
Where is the hope<br />
Why is the loss of colour so profound<br />
This darkness bearing down<br />
Beware, beware.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span>
<b><i>P</i></b><b><i>eace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gQEDwjhaDE" target="_blank">Robert Cray -Smoking Gun</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-3804110473535817632017-12-10T20:30:00.000+00:002017-12-10T20:36:45.836+00:003 Things to Inspire Your Weekend: #76<b><br /></b><b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><br /></b><i>May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. </i><br />
<i><b>-Nelson Mandela</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE0oV2zG620x3AqCMypHk2tRTQNE8p2zhOht5a9A0F7xbWlFtGVbSFJGnXVfsQ53Od7-F0Ym_d1MtIcCUcvJWE78prbufraZKnkOwx3EKHVLb42IERfT1VbemyGJ4BGOoMrI6BroKFCE/s1600/Gina+Mulligan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="630" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE0oV2zG620x3AqCMypHk2tRTQNE8p2zhOht5a9A0F7xbWlFtGVbSFJGnXVfsQ53Od7-F0Ym_d1MtIcCUcvJWE78prbufraZKnkOwx3EKHVLb42IERfT1VbemyGJ4BGOoMrI6BroKFCE/s640/Gina+Mulligan.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image Credit: HuffPostUK</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Author and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/cancer-survivor-collects-handwritten-letters-of-love-and-encouragement-for-other-women-with-breast-cancer_uk_59f836e8e4b0c0c8e67c77b3?utm_hp_ref=uk-good-news" target="_blank">cancer survivor</a> Gina Mulligan who lives in California has created an anthology of handwritten letters of encouragement, humour and love written by complete strangers to other women with breast cancer. The anthology called 'Dear Friends' consists of notes written by cancer survivors, their friends and family members and the purpose of it is to show other patients that they are not alone in the fight. Gina was inspired after being diagnosed with breast cancer and realizing "a few words on paper are more than just a keepsake". She started the Girls Love Mail (GLM) movement with her husband in 2011. Some of the 80,000 letters received now feature in her book "Dear Friend".<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8ldPw1mE-dCprLZr3-eLOgkXSgLCg44NOwrKyKiC1XHCxsepBGm8rZhKZOxa_t40trEP05z1PA4wvimafRMSmlDi5s0TMcrzHg2vSoX0MG_ubmRSP6bJ6ANLDzNPdKb-tQdVZdFPTog/s1600/John+Irvine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="676" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8ldPw1mE-dCprLZr3-eLOgkXSgLCg44NOwrKyKiC1XHCxsepBGm8rZhKZOxa_t40trEP05z1PA4wvimafRMSmlDi5s0TMcrzHg2vSoX0MG_ubmRSP6bJ6ANLDzNPdKb-tQdVZdFPTog/s640/John+Irvine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i style="font-size: small;">Image credit: GuelphMercury</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After losing both parents to mental health issues, Canadian teenager Noah Irvine has won a national award, the Samara Canada Everyday Political Citizen Award. After writing letters to every member of parliament in Canada and challenging them to take more action and address the country's suicide crisis, he later expressed his displeasure with the lack of response he received -only 40 out of 338 MPs responded. His displeasure did not go unnoticed as he later received a call from the Prime Minister, and met with the Federal Health Minister. For Irvine, winning the award is an opportunity for him to push for the creation of a national suicide prevention plan and to advance the discussion surrounding mental illness.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHU9NHwP_DTWAx97_iXJ1VJ1JFo0w-2lqqT09fvRikXLKWVHrttdh5AbcFOhvgfj1Qa1GyK3WtMnA6LLnRRlGrAYVjwGdCnQGSV5CA8v_9VTeEFW6LRCqIN_7mrCLSFyJ_lttbkXZ_kM/s1600/Beach+House%252C+Spain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="997" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHU9NHwP_DTWAx97_iXJ1VJ1JFo0w-2lqqT09fvRikXLKWVHrttdh5AbcFOhvgfj1Qa1GyK3WtMnA6LLnRRlGrAYVjwGdCnQGSV5CA8v_9VTeEFW6LRCqIN_7mrCLSFyJ_lttbkXZ_kM/s640/Beach+House%252C+Spain.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj7pFAklFQOQmJhikwr4fMui8KPofgLAkcqEzcjhvLwtF7-Nab1I1T9g1UpPHMz5T2doU2gZP3-pnJueDeu1O4kUgO_-uVjV-bL3dedqGMg2lIxQnEoz0tTEqXpMT42cGciAhvdVr9H8/s1600/Beach+House+Interior%252C+Spain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1405" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj7pFAklFQOQmJhikwr4fMui8KPofgLAkcqEzcjhvLwtF7-Nab1I1T9g1UpPHMz5T2doU2gZP3-pnJueDeu1O4kUgO_-uVjV-bL3dedqGMg2lIxQnEoz0tTEqXpMT42cGciAhvdVr9H8/s640/Beach+House+Interior%252C+Spain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
As seen on Arch Daily<span id="goog_2101785172"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2101785173"></span><span id="goog_141464213"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_141464214"></span><span id="goog_369341439"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_369341440"></span><span id="goog_134407552"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_134407553"></span><span id="goog_2012337488"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2012337489"></span>, <a href="https://www.archdaily.com/884748/the-beach-house-laura-ortin-arquitectura" target="_blank">The Beach House</a><br />
<br />
<b>Architects:</b> Laura Ortín Arquitectura<br />
<b>Location: </b>Torre de la Horadada, Spain<br />
<b>Photographs: </b>David Frutos<br />
<br />
<b>Brief: </b><br />
<br />
A need to expand a family holiday home located in a town on the Mediterranean coast -a great tourist destination and former fishermen's village.<br />
<br />
<b>Theme:</b> The feel is aesthetic and functional. A grand design with bold architecture and simple finishing taking care to acknowledge the surroundings and become a part of it. Built with metallic and wall structures with an interesting façade and colour. The whole essence of the house is one of coziness and refreshment, a perfect getaway from everyday life.<br />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></b><b style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></b><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">Current Listen: </b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Bessie Smith - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw02l_PikJM" target="_blank">I Want Every Bit of It</a></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-32226969502113785572017-12-07T10:09:00.000+00:002017-12-07T10:09:11.132+00:00Musings of mine: Rambling Mind on This and That #16<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired. </i><br />
<b><i>-Jules Renard</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTljTpD4NRWi4fk_qCBPfCMn4Yu3f6Oo4AsHWgfIltlPc2gC0sFJ-vnNRvmMz77HUlgN-XfjpMHBvozEqlRYA-v8Pim9K0Yxm0OgVobLVw6MS6ipptmGYtc_pTuawjOP8jq8JXPA0hJSg/s1600/View+from+hilltop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="960" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTljTpD4NRWi4fk_qCBPfCMn4Yu3f6Oo4AsHWgfIltlPc2gC0sFJ-vnNRvmMz77HUlgN-XfjpMHBvozEqlRYA-v8Pim9K0Yxm0OgVobLVw6MS6ipptmGYtc_pTuawjOP8jq8JXPA0hJSg/s640/View+from+hilltop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b>1. The End is Near</b><br />
<b><br /></b>"Prime now offers 2-hour delivery on thousands of everyday essentials" screamed the email subject from Amazon. And for a moment everything stopped. You see I checked. The clock on the wall froze, people stood still, and birds too in mid-flight. Nothing moved in my mannequin world. But my mind exploded with the possibilities from such an offer. Same day delivery, err still manageable. Next day delivery now seemed like vintage technology. And 3-5 day delivery? Certainly stuff for the stone age. What could be so urgent, so essential and compelling that I would need to have delivered in two hours? I spent a considerable amount of time thinking about this, and I still don't have an answer. What next, instant delivery? As soon as you click on purchase your package, is automatically dropped outside your door. You laugh, but you watch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2. To Go, Or Not to Go</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Have you ever received an invitation that you immediately knew you'd rather not attend? How do you decline without feelings being hurt? Would you rather attend the event just to make everyone happy, everyone except yourself? Or would you brave it by attending only to leave as early as possible? How do you then navigate the thorny corridor of expectations without appearing to be rude or down right insensitive knowing fully well that by not attending you'd be blacklisted. Say goodbye to future invitations that's for sure. William Shakespeare had the idea in Hamlet with the popular line "To be, or not to be, that is the question", but I believe in this present day - to go, or not to go, that is the question.<br />
However, all hope is not lost. According to TimeOut magazine, if you are wondering how to escape a terrible Christmas party without offending the host, you could wear a simple outfit so no one will notice you are missing, or go round and talk to everyone at the party so they will remember you did show up -and then proceed to slip out a window or backdoor. My personal favourite? Tip over a punch bowl over yourself, make a big show of it and whilst pretending to go clean up, take off into the night.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3. What Goes Up Stays There</b><br />
<br />
Who doesn't like a good old riddle to exercise the mind. However there is this elusive riddle that remains unsolved and what better place to disclose it than here. Now is it just me or are supermarket products getting smaller? In the past the products got smaller but the price stayed the same. But what do we have now? Supermarkets increasing their product prices sneakingly, that's what. You are standing there with a kiwi fruit packet scratching your head and thinking didn't they use to sell for half the current price last week? And don't get me started on baked beans, box of cereal, peanut butter and biscuits. Of course the supermarkets blame it all on the economy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>4. Make Paradise</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Life always changes. Sometimes we are part of the change, sometimes we aren't. But nothing stays the same. Your present form is different from how you were a year ago, physically, mentally or otherwise. Each new day is an opportunity to re-create yourself, learn something new, do something different, and smile just be cause you can. Life is really simple depending on your perspective. Are you standing at the foot of a mountain lamenting the lack of a decent view, or are you making a slow and steady climb to the top, against all odds, against naysayers, and against your self doubt. Surrounded by tall trees and difficulties only to finally reach the peak and oh my what a reward well worth the journey -a picture of paradise.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBsHyMwpIjo" target="_blank">Clarence Henry -Ain't got no home</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-35010262378388946112017-12-05T10:57:00.000+00:002017-12-05T10:58:03.762+00:00The Rise And Rise of the Robots<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>To make robots practical, flaws must be removed. To make robots endearing, flaws must be added.</i><br />
<b><i>-Khang Kijarro Nguyen</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBk_aUHKkptunyJVMXW95Us3Unhbvuc2muEI-EFEI0fFs4wRloHt8nuQLdFjnaHsD-_WSzYl5AGN8MJvXuUoZEbAPwyX9mAB__YmnSVrWw2WcIj00KRKDkzU8YYJS3zipPqtCv3M8h-M/s1600/Wall+E+Robot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBk_aUHKkptunyJVMXW95Us3Unhbvuc2muEI-EFEI0fFs4wRloHt8nuQLdFjnaHsD-_WSzYl5AGN8MJvXuUoZEbAPwyX9mAB__YmnSVrWw2WcIj00KRKDkzU8YYJS3zipPqtCv3M8h-M/s640/Wall+E+Robot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image Credit: PixaBay</span></i></div>
<br />
The human mind has limitless possibilities. It can be interpreted as a machine with interrelated parts all functioning for a common ideal. We are biological machines and the relationship cultivated over the years with mechanical machines continue with no end in sight. Robots are the future. A lot has been said about the rise and rise of robots with the underlying technology advancement astonishing to see. From one company attempting to create a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/03/sex-robots-technology-women-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank">fully functioning sex robot</a>, to another making autonomous security robots that could potentially replace human security guards -recently one such robot <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2017/7/17/15986042/dc-security-robot-k5-falls-into-water" target="_blank">fell into a fountain</a> and made the news in the US.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0phiWIEaxswvm2aj-82O4xs0jdALxyIRqoLYBsdFgj2xDRJCClSxxvcZPTc9Lfqq6ZdgxJpkfdi-B_LQfJrOXieoD3vzwThiwxn1gzwofe_H6SJXV6CL-KO5O8ypDt9qNR-e-UeDIX8/s1600/Microsoft+Robot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0phiWIEaxswvm2aj-82O4xs0jdALxyIRqoLYBsdFgj2xDRJCClSxxvcZPTc9Lfqq6ZdgxJpkfdi-B_LQfJrOXieoD3vzwThiwxn1gzwofe_H6SJXV6CL-KO5O8ypDt9qNR-e-UeDIX8/s640/Microsoft+Robot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A robot patrolling Microsoft's Silicon Valley campus Image Credit: TheDailyDot</span></i></div>
<br />
For many years robots have become an integral part of manufacturing processes as well as numerous other sectors and some countries are at the forefront of the revolution. For instance South Korea has the highest concentration of industrial robots and density worldwide with plans from their government to spend $450 million in the field over the next five years. The level of their advancement even spills over to the country's largest airport, where check-in robots interact with passengers meaning airport staff could become a thing of the past.<br />
<br />
Closely followed by South Korea is Japan, and the US. Japan is well known for innovation in robotics -with its industrial robots present in factories globally. The Japanese government has a robot revolution initiative and a five year plan to grow its robotics market to over $21 billion. With Japan's aging population a robotic future is looking more likely with each passing day. It's certainly a country with a love for humanoid robots some of which can be found in department stores and a company even <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jan/05/japanese-company-replaces-office-workers-artificial-intelligence-ai-fukoku-mutual-life-insurance" target="_blank">replaced some of its workforce</a> with an artificial intelligence system.<br />
<br />
But is it going too far? Maybe. Are some jobs at risk of being taken over by robots? Unfortunately yes. According to a study by McKinsey Global Insitute, Robot automation is projected to take over more than <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42170100" target="_blank">800 million jobs</a> by the year 2030. It is inevitable. We live in a changing and advanced world where a day feels like an hour. The thing about innovation is that there will always be a price to pay isn't it?<br />
<br />
What do you think about robots?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LanCLS_hIo4" target="_blank">Bob Marley -Three Little Birds</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-3417503526005962502017-11-29T10:26:00.000+00:002017-11-29T10:26:56.618+00:00People Who Watch The Sky<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books. </i><br />
<b><i>-John Lubbock</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLnG5VfO5hGpWx_Zz7PBfW3EQCRGDMtZ6J4VuYS1oHuEe5rWIxs4z2CRfll29WOCj3RRpz8RSHW6un8MI_O4eLXH6apeFJLl_M7C0wjll8-_gfdXhBqSd6OUY2ZeOEaPgMzqVcl263j8/s1600/View+of+the+morning+sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLnG5VfO5hGpWx_Zz7PBfW3EQCRGDMtZ6J4VuYS1oHuEe5rWIxs4z2CRfll29WOCj3RRpz8RSHW6un8MI_O4eLXH6apeFJLl_M7C0wjll8-_gfdXhBqSd6OUY2ZeOEaPgMzqVcl263j8/s640/View+of+the+morning+sky.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Are the best things and moments in life actually free? I believe so, but it's all down to perspective isn't it? Those intangible things that seem to serve us well -love, ideas, beliefs, time and space, energy, just to mention a few are all free to use. The things unable to be touched and not represented by anything physical. And what is there not to like about the intangibles in our lives? They are there for a reason to balance out the material things that we earnestly live and strive for.<br />
<br />
The sky is perfect example of the ethereal. Sublime and divine it's presence is well established and firm. From night to day it contains everything that lies above the earth's surface and beyond. There is nothing more glorious than the morning sunrise often a synthesis of hues and colours all fascinating to the eyes, and which is often an inspiring start to the day. The world could be upside down and filled with despair but each day is an opportunity to start all over again. The path to doing so is laden with intangibles that only needs plucking like fruit hanging from trees.<br />
<br />
A simple gaze at the sky can be so calming. Clouds going about their business. Sometimes our mood can be a reflection of the weather, and vice versa. But there is no denying the fact that if we were to wake up to a missing sky a tiny fraction of the population may not even notice its absence. Preoccupied with things that can't be changed, opinions that can't be reversed, and expectations that can't be met, life can both be sinister and kind but I dare say not at the same time. When life is kind everything appears to fall into place like and things begin to make sense, we live a satisfied life. The sinister side of things are those beyond our control but we manage through anyway, fighting and resolute until the light at the end of the tunnel beckons. Many make it to this light, some get stuck on the way and give up, while others just do not have the will to even fight.<br />
<br />
The sky should remind us all of how fragile but yet strong we are. And how collectively like clouds we can make a change for the better or worse. We can face challenges as vast as the sky. We can fight, we can stumble, and we live to fight another day.<br />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>Current Listen:</b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IHQ_Ovqyjc&index=46&list=PLzauiyXIK7Rhw-kJYE0hzt7ak3-BK8paw" target="_blank"> Johnnie Taylor - I'm Changing</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-14985918212001597592017-11-25T23:27:00.000+00:002017-11-25T23:27:36.500+00:003 Things to Inspire Your Weekend: #75<b><br /></b><b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. </i><br />
<i><b>-Nelson Mandela</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDGFT7wg5dsQI9kgH0UWU_MKBtFsV6Yx12POpSfz_tmFMWw7rydUhSZ-M3Ut9QM7gx6E5fJmw5C2YeRlJCssnCvqeiKTj7rym1XcQ0IIv6kS9JVAEPc7YixJAmbEiieO2T17MdwPT6Hw/s1600/Big+Issue+seller+wins+place+at+Cambridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1065" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDGFT7wg5dsQI9kgH0UWU_MKBtFsV6Yx12POpSfz_tmFMWw7rydUhSZ-M3Ut9QM7gx6E5fJmw5C2YeRlJCssnCvqeiKTj7rym1XcQ0IIv6kS9JVAEPc7YixJAmbEiieO2T17MdwPT6Hw/s640/Big+Issue+seller+wins+place+at+Cambridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image Credit: Guardian</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
A former homeless man who spent his years <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/nov/08/big-issue-seller-always-with-book-on-the-go-wins-place-at-cambridge" target="_blank">selling Big Issue magazines</a> on the streets of Cambridge in the UK has won a place at the city's renonwed University to study English literature. Geoff Edwards, 52, had gone through dark periods in his life involving itinerant farm work, unemployment, depression and homelessness. The Big Issue magazine was set up to help homeless people or those at risk of homelessness the opportunity to earn legitimate income. Founded in 1991, it was inspired by the Street News Newspaper sold by homeless people in New York.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MKGbFX93UR44erfeirzIzlNzLpBBNF899e9DMU3UKQ4CyyF-UX8pkZNOLoiaCOQUegjmqkoH-Oqz1q9AXvN0XP5NJ54vCxGVhSQghgWatfVig6tsKEcbtoGswh_zBmf3zfhTK5ViBXs/s1600/Kianoush+Rostami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MKGbFX93UR44erfeirzIzlNzLpBBNF899e9DMU3UKQ4CyyF-UX8pkZNOLoiaCOQUegjmqkoH-Oqz1q9AXvN0XP5NJ54vCxGVhSQghgWatfVig6tsKEcbtoGswh_zBmf3zfhTK5ViBXs/s640/Kianoush+Rostami.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i style="font-size: small;">Image credit: TehranTimes</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
An Iranian Olympic weightlifting champion, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41998219" target="_blank">Kianoush Rostami</a>, has put his Rio 2016 gold medal up for auction to raise money for victims of a recent earthquake near the Iran-Iraq border. With hundreds of homes destroyed, the death toll rose to 400 with thousands injured. Rostami said he was "taking a step, however small" to help all those who were affected by the tremor. He is also to set up a donation fund for the victims.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42s8L5ChhlydDQumjUiFigvegSnfDFnul8JwTV15ZNp3ok4AVnh2dcOJXels54Xniy386vy5Mq8tMUJpjDXlZGIiNJirRmhNcj3XL1u40xjvSzdlhPDQzHxKKP_QLVJJxAUFxjDn1P1g/s1600/SEL+House+in+Mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1498" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42s8L5ChhlydDQumjUiFigvegSnfDFnul8JwTV15ZNp3ok4AVnh2dcOJXels54Xniy386vy5Mq8tMUJpjDXlZGIiNJirRmhNcj3XL1u40xjvSzdlhPDQzHxKKP_QLVJJxAUFxjDn1P1g/s640/SEL+House+in+Mexico.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcWdv6ktCB6kiisrrnxxlq78ylS8XKj6RqXP8P7QhSLtYYHD7gRkZdWkOUESOl7Ly0NJwRhQL5xLbAazlfnL9dYQzgei-H2O9x22UZGb9vMfEdKLw_IaSIqo0nWY8dIu0sWtdTqULWpI/s1600/SEL+House%252C+Mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1498" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcWdv6ktCB6kiisrrnxxlq78ylS8XKj6RqXP8P7QhSLtYYHD7gRkZdWkOUESOl7Ly0NJwRhQL5xLbAazlfnL9dYQzgei-H2O9x22UZGb9vMfEdKLw_IaSIqo0nWY8dIu0sWtdTqULWpI/s640/SEL+House%252C+Mexico.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
As seen on Arch Daily<span id="goog_2101785172"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2101785173"></span><span id="goog_141464213"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_141464214"></span><span id="goog_369341439"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_369341440"></span><span id="goog_134407552"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_134407553"></span><span id="goog_2012337488"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2012337489"></span>, <a href="https://www.archdaily.com/872014/s-e-l-house-campotaller" target="_blank">SEL House</a><br />
<br />
<b>Architects:</b> CampoTaller<br />
<b>Location: </b>Coyoacán, Mexico<br />
<b>Photographs: </b>Moritz Bernoully<br />
<br />
<b>Brief: </b><br />
<br />
A modification and intervention of a 70's style house to adapt to the needs of the owners.<br />
<br />
<b>Theme:</b> Enhancing the visual connection between the house and its surroundings, as well as admitting daylight into all interior spaces hence the large windows with rectangular frames whici offers a generous view of the outside space. The wooden staircase in the house stands out as well as the roof terrace. A mixture of clay tiles, cement and wood finishing makes this a distinct house.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></b><b style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></b><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">Current Listen: </b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx1Bh8ZvH84" target="_blank">Oasis - Wonderwall</a></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-56435994845607584162017-11-23T09:30:00.000+00:002017-11-23T09:32:43.940+00:00We Are All Minimalists But May Not Know It<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<i>When you give your items away, don’t keep the excess of your pride.</i><br />
<b><i>-Bremer Acosta</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_hN9X5l6cBc4isAhdll7y2Rw8ztK5O-T_dvGuKrmUUCfJTjxQTiHSOlZYP9odF3sIOYyaD7IvcxQyxAyX4QEtVrbNLRKtznDK8ON91WFSDLLdKg42rtMrWBFumfeZkM9qKNBdBAZybU/s1600/A+chair+and+sun+reflection.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_hN9X5l6cBc4isAhdll7y2Rw8ztK5O-T_dvGuKrmUUCfJTjxQTiHSOlZYP9odF3sIOYyaD7IvcxQyxAyX4QEtVrbNLRKtznDK8ON91WFSDLLdKg42rtMrWBFumfeZkM9qKNBdBAZybU/s640/A+chair+and+sun+reflection.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Sometimes less is more. Somehow we still find ourselves stuffing clothes into wardrobes. And if we need more space we just get a bigger wardrobe, or suitcase. What else do we store away, oh right books. You really don't know how difficult it is to transport books -until you have to move house. And if you have a large library the harder it is to transport. Do we really need a library of hundreds and hundreds of books -most of which to be honest we only get to read once? I don't know. What I do know is that today, I'd rather borrow a book than buy one. It is not due to a lack of interest but more to do with dwindling storage space. And what about all that junk we hold on to, things with so called 'sentimental' value. Filled drawers, closets, basements, boxes and boxes of stuff and products collected over the years, cluttered living space, and a propensity to keep buying things we end up not putting to good use.<br />
<br />
We live in world of hyper-consumption, zombies programmed to spend, spend, spend, and sometimes we just can't help ourselves. The idea of minimalism -which this post is really about, is an approach centered on living simply. Less is more and all that. Embracing more of the essence of things around you, less the physical objects. Watching a documentary about two guys who call themselves <a href="https://www.theminimalists.com/" target="_blank">the minimalists</a> reminded me of how one can get by with simpler living. A minimalist is often described as a person who has a moderate approach to thing. So in a sense anyone who likes keeping things simple is a minimalist. In art history, minimalists were artists whose work were filled with simple ideas and gestures. In government, there are those who advocate for minimal reforms. No matter which end of the pole you are minimalism is everywhere.<br />
<br />
Minimalism sheds the excess clutter and reveals the underlying layers of clarity that we often seek. With minimalism the word 'enough' takes on a new meaning. Only the essentials matter. Everything else falls into oblivion. The main task becomes prioritizing what is necessary and doing away with the extras. Whether it involves doing a yard sale, donating to charity, or just throwing stuff away, a clutter free environment should count for something.<br />
<br />
Minimalism is a lot harder than it sounds and something to think hard about before starting. It shouldn't be forceful but it should come from a good place. These days you don't even have to worry about paying to dispose off things you don't need any more-some local charities will pick up the stuff if you contact them. You de-clutter your home and at the same time make a change in a person's life somewhere.<br />
<br />
I imagine myself living in such a way that even if I were to move to a smaller space, all my possessions would fit in nicely. But alas that may not be the case as I continue to remind myself about living clutter free -mentally and physically.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts on minimalism? Do share.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z66wVo7uNw" target="_blank">Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up</a><br />
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-83448517429659654672017-11-21T23:55:00.000+00:002017-11-22T14:05:58.786+00:00Poem: All Too Easily Pleased<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<br />
<i>I dream of painting and then I paint my dream. </i><br />
<b><i>-Vincent Van Gogh </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVM_AVObRShAxKUjRVeCCCq1GoKo69mrEjjVkzHWzFloRRkTNNNdJeybTn1M_exIbDpqZ918HJOFOHrUNPozulqTLmMwBKGxbpqffX32v0n03DQZsycL3VMv8b-xjN_fdV8x5zGS4Rzc/s1600/flamingo-2548748_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVM_AVObRShAxKUjRVeCCCq1GoKo69mrEjjVkzHWzFloRRkTNNNdJeybTn1M_exIbDpqZ918HJOFOHrUNPozulqTLmMwBKGxbpqffX32v0n03DQZsycL3VMv8b-xjN_fdV8x5zGS4Rzc/s640/flamingo-2548748_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
In the beginning<br />
With little else to attain<br />
But pluck fruit from trees<br />
Amidst well trimmed bushes<br />
And fragrant flowers<br />
Cradling well fed honey bees<br />
All too easily pleased<br />
The world was a <i>treatise</i><br />
Written with such delicacy<br />
And old-fashioned elegance<br />
<br />
The reverie of time not long past<br />
With nothing more to put aside<br />
But memories rendered null and void<br />
As days age in continuum<br />
And life is skimmed through like a book<br />
Emptiness filled to fullness<br />
As dragonflies manifest across puddles<br />
And does life stand still like a <i>flamingo</i><br />
And does love ever exceed expectations<br />
<br />
In the end<br />
With everything to earn<br />
How dare time to never rest<br />
On its oars.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC2ZY2loo74" target="_blank">James Brown - The Boss</a><br />
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-4559127610388111072017-11-16T14:00:00.000+00:002017-11-16T14:05:45.344+00:00Musings of mine: Rambling Mind on This and That #15<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><i><br /></i>
</b><br />
<i>If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much. </i><br />
<b><i>-Jim Rohn </i></b><b></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnF6oPw6S2v3SyFetorYX2-PFwl7G01ZB1B7gbgLDEnfDaZBb_HwOEUFnLI2w6qXB93azA4aZwy4AIjpZmaUOPDSO6bPbI0TneBCgREItmTxD88rfuokLvWMm_r9wYoqlBVRQQl3-7C4/s1600/Turtle+in+sea.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnF6oPw6S2v3SyFetorYX2-PFwl7G01ZB1B7gbgLDEnfDaZBb_HwOEUFnLI2w6qXB93azA4aZwy4AIjpZmaUOPDSO6bPbI0TneBCgREItmTxD88rfuokLvWMm_r9wYoqlBVRQQl3-7C4/s640/Turtle+in+sea.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>It's Not Over Till It's Over</b><br />
<br />
I'd like to think of this year as a catalyst to further self discovery. And as the year limps to its finale and end there remains much to accomplish. Forget about yearly goals, this is some last minute rush for self preservation. This is the fight of all fights. Cramming a year's worth of unspent goals and resolutions into the very last days and weeks. You wanted to read 50 books? The window is still open. You set out to lose a certain amount of weight? Hey, the window is still wide open. New language? Check. New skill? Check too. New job? Time off? Worry less? Check, check, check. It is not over until the end -so milk time till the last second of the year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Cold Calls</b><br />
<br />
Ever sign up for several services and then thereafter get harassed by cold callers? And by thereafter I mean weeks later which leaves little room to find the real culprit. Who was it who sold you out? And why is a lady calling to ask if 'have you ever been involved in a car accident.' And the timing is always suspect -like you are being spied on. Just when you are in the middle of something, your phone rings, but it's far away and as you swim through seven seas and climb mountains to get to it, pressing the connection button only to hear the words 'have you ever...'<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I can't Function Without Coffee</b><br />
<br />
Can you function without drinking coffee in the morning? I can. But I know a few people who claim otherwise. It is a ritual you see. They need their 'early morning fix' -their words not mine making it all sound like a terrible addiction (is it not?). But it's all in their heads really. Yes you can function without coffee as according to research coffee drinkers aren't more alert than their caffeine free counterparts. But then again, drinking <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/nutrition/health-benefits-coffee/" target="_blank">just one cup a day</a> can cut the risk of early death by 12%. So drink on and live long.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Just Go With The Flow And Keep It Moving</b><br />
<br />
There will be good days and bad. There will be comedians who are not funny. Singers who cannot really sing. Pets who love and appreciate us more than we do them. People who talk throughout a live show. Weathermen who don't know the weather. Plumbers who make things worse. Doctors who hate patients. Customers not receiving customer service. Cyclists who can't cycle. Leaders who can't lead. Lovely people who can't love. Kids who aren't kids. And then there is you and even though you may not always be at your best -just keep things moving nevertheless.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b><b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IywjWWlxF8" target="_blank">Everything's Not Lost - Coldplay</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-13513174161794605482017-11-14T09:29:00.000+00:002017-11-14T09:29:27.014+00:00When In Doubt Think About Your Accomplishments<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Never let hard lessons harden your heart; the hard lessons of life are meant to make you better, not bitter. -<b>Roy T. Bennett</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp3jrtchAHfz1ChEPwJyvBPKDd57p7dY8jRCUZw2Ve7kqktOpD5pRVeo4dXSFaO56OgWDNs3wb9BsCtDTd51BJZN-TYCG9pfHuJrA4LEEaxLJoy7yH3i7Rx35943HKuElHWOPvXBS3pE/s1600/Love+Your+Soul%252C+Blogoratti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp3jrtchAHfz1ChEPwJyvBPKDd57p7dY8jRCUZw2Ve7kqktOpD5pRVeo4dXSFaO56OgWDNs3wb9BsCtDTd51BJZN-TYCG9pfHuJrA4LEEaxLJoy7yH3i7Rx35943HKuElHWOPvXBS3pE/s640/Love+Your+Soul%252C+Blogoratti.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Do you ever stop to ponder on this journey called life and the triumphs and setbacks that go with it? I have. Many times I have pondered on my odyssey to find purpose, truth and knowledge. And along the way when lost the trip leads to other pathways -purpose gets replaced by weakness, truth by falsity, knowledge by ignorance. Finding the way and getting back on track takes time and energy which would have been used in the original pursuit. Familiarity enhances openness but a lack of it breeds restriction.<br />
<br />
And when I ponder on life a reoccurring theme forms like medieval stained glass in a cathedral, a rainbow of colours representing different events in life. And each thought leads back to one:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"At each point in life when nothing seems perfect, there's always someone around the corner to remind us that perfection isn't everything." </i><br />
<br />
Think back to the times when you were almost down and out and with no ounce of hope left in you, who was it that helped you out of your situation? Who was it who gave you some talking to, and who was there for you when you most needed someone? Surely you have come across such people, some you will remember and some you probably won't. And what did you do when you were back to your normal self and standing on your own two feet, didn't you think of ways to pay it forward, to be the person that everyone close to you could count on for help or advise?<br />
<br />
You may not know it but you may have helped someone who will forever remain grateful, who may not remember who you are or even know you personally, and you may have offered words of comfort or advise to many others and the impact of your actions may never be fully revealed to you. The same can be said about how we have been affected by the kindness of others through the years. It is this thought that we should always hold on to and never forget.<br />
<br />
Life is all about helping and being helped as no one is an island. Thinking you don't require any help or knowledge tears you from your purpose and path. The next time you find yourself almost feeling inadequate or overwhelmed with life, just sit, take a deep breath, and mull over life, reflect and examine where you are and the journey that has brought you thus far.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfG1sSJSWmQ" target="_blank">Memphis Slim - Nobody Loves Me</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901846102742626587.post-45275964158786151192017-11-06T23:30:00.000+00:002017-11-06T23:33:47.840+00:00The Importance of Willpower<b><br /></b>
<b>Quote of the day: </b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.</i><br />
<i><b>-Aristotle </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkClYp9Xaz7KPbnjHkAz1biPoaZRZ-s8_LA_c05eGD8653hAJISNnUpLCYeBioZCVmFJzQ9vSj4491gOAJUzOvZ0QhReS2RIMG-p7CHTMUrcbxNsTafSnPD_0VthgRDHd3MQSC9zb7AsA/s1600/Mind%252C+willpower.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkClYp9Xaz7KPbnjHkAz1biPoaZRZ-s8_LA_c05eGD8653hAJISNnUpLCYeBioZCVmFJzQ9vSj4491gOAJUzOvZ0QhReS2RIMG-p7CHTMUrcbxNsTafSnPD_0VthgRDHd3MQSC9zb7AsA/s640/Mind%252C+willpower.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
The lack of willpower is often cited as one of the roadblocks to achieving what we really want in life. How many people believe they could improve their lives for the better? A lot probably. And how many have the will power to do so? Probably a little. On one hand we go through life by trying to avoid our impulses, and on the other we wished we had more will power and self discipline. Some have it more than others.<br />
<br />
Willpower is often cited as a mental muscle that can be trained. It is no more than the ability to control your thoughts and overcome feelings of laziness and episodes of procrastination, and the capacity to overcome unwanted thoughts and actions. This inner strength and power is necessary to overcome a lot of the things that you face on a daily basis. It is the difference between over-indulging and under-indulging. With it you can practice restraint, and in so doing choose to do things that you need to do -compared to doing things that you want to do or desire. The former is good for you in the long run, while the latter is more of an 'in the moment' satisfaction.<br />
<br />
It can be seen in our interaction with people too. How many times have you faced provocation only to lose your cool? And what about the time that you faced provocation, only to take a deep breath and take control of the situation. There is nothing wrong with allowing your emotions get the best of you, but you shouldn't be controlled by it. Instead of a knee-jerk response to a situation, why not take a few seconds to reflect and analyse things. Do you really want to have your good mood tainted over something not worthwhile? There are many ways to vent your anger and frustration but never give the remote control to someone else. But as it is with life and stress, at some point you will reach the boiling point and lose your temper over something or someone. Nothing can be bottled up forever. When such does happen you need to own the situation and move on.<br />
<br />
Do the things that otherwise make you feel lazy. Sometimes ordering a take-away is convenient when you are too lazy or can't be bothered to cook. But with willpower, you can get up and start cooking and before you know it the food is done and you will appreciate it more than if it had been ordered. But then again cooking is not for everyone, but you get the gist of things. It's all about developing your will power, get into the act of driving your life decisions and not just be in the passenger seat. Doing things at a steady pace and not trying to do everything at once is a good way to maintain energy levels.<br />
<br />
There will days when your will power will be at its lowest, and other times when it will be at its highest -after all it remains a resource that can be depleted or augmented.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Peace. Love. Light*</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Current Listen: </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVL24i38F2s" target="_blank">Bessie Smith-The Yellow Dog Blues</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-url="http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/" data-via="iamblogoratti" data-hashtags="Follow">Tweet</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></div>Blogorattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.com38