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1000 results for “message_in_a_bottle”
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Is antibacterial or regular hand soap best for killing germs?
Washing hands after using the toilet or patting a dog before a meal is crucial to remove feces-borne bacteria and germs. After COVID the message got through to most people. When one is in town looking for a public amenity or a cafe toilet, it is rare to find hot water, hand soap and a clean (paper) towel. But there is always a toilet spray in 1001 fragrance varieties.
In the absence of the ingredients for basic hand hygiene there is always a free plastic bottle of hand sanitizer since the last pandemic. Staff at grocers, bakers and cafes copiously cover their hands in the "antibacterial" and "antiseptic" products. Every product or packaging absorbs the persistent fragrance of the bought items and travels back into the home. The cost-effective chemical 'solution' does not substitute for hot water, soap and a towel.
"Professor Griffin says products claiming to kill bacteria are "not necessarily substantiated as being any better than just usual soap and water would be...These additives can be harsh and lead to dryness and cracked skin, which can create a pathway for germs to enter the body."
'Regular hand soap is very effective in removing potentially harmful pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), according to our experts. So, using that water, soap and that pneumatic action to get all of the dirt and grime from your hands and then rinsing is going to be more than adequate to keep you healthy."
"Our experts say there have also been studies suggesting that the use of soaps with antimicrobial additives can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is problematic." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-18/antibacterial-versus-normal-hand-soap-preventing-illness/106462854#pathogens #handwashing #culture #HygieneProducts #biocide #disinfectant #antiseptic #AntimicrobialResistance #AntibioticResistance #fragrance #allergy #FragranceFree #perfume
Image: Fumbling dogs before lunch, Bellingen
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Is antibacterial or regular hand soap best for killing germs?
Washing hands after using the toilet or patting a dog before a meal is crucial to remove feces-borne bacteria and germs. After COVID the message got through to most people. When one is in town looking for a public amenity or a cafe toilet, it is rare to find hot water, hand soap and a clean (paper) towel. But there is always a toilet spray in 1001 fragrance varieties.
In the absence of the ingredients for basic hand hygiene there is always a free plastic bottle of hand sanitizer since the last pandemic. Staff at grocers, bakers and cafes copiously cover their hands in the "antibacterial" and "antiseptic" products. Every product or packaging absorbs the persistent fragrance of the bought items and travels back into the home. The cost-effective chemical 'solution' does not substitute for hot water, soap and a towel.
"Professor Griffin says products claiming to kill bacteria are "not necessarily substantiated as being any better than just usual soap and water would be...These additives can be harsh and lead to dryness and cracked skin, which can create a pathway for germs to enter the body."
'Regular hand soap is very effective in removing potentially harmful pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), according to our experts. So, using that water, soap and that pneumatic action to get all of the dirt and grime from your hands and then rinsing is going to be more than adequate to keep you healthy."
"Our experts say there have also been studies suggesting that the use of soaps with antimicrobial additives can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is problematic." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-18/antibacterial-versus-normal-hand-soap-preventing-illness/106462854#pathogens #handwashing #culture #HygieneProducts #biocide #disinfectant #antiseptic #AntimicrobialResistance #AntibioticResistance #fragrance #allergy #FragranceFree #perfume
Image: Fumbling dogs before lunch, Bellingen
-
Is antibacterial or regular hand soap best for killing germs?
Washing hands after using the toilet or patting a dog before a meal is crucial to remove feces-borne bacteria and germs. After COVID the message got through to most people. When one is in town looking for a public amenity or a cafe toilet, it is rare to find hot water, hand soap and a clean (paper) towel. But there is always a toilet spray in 1001 fragrance varieties.
In the absence of the ingredients for basic hand hygiene there is always a free plastic bottle of hand sanitizer since the last pandemic. Staff at grocers, bakers and cafes copiously cover their hands in the "antibacterial" and "antiseptic" products. Every product or packaging absorbs the persistent fragrance of the bought items and travels back into the home. The cost-effective chemical 'solution' does not substitute for hot water, soap and a towel.
"Professor Griffin says products claiming to kill bacteria are "not necessarily substantiated as being any better than just usual soap and water would be...These additives can be harsh and lead to dryness and cracked skin, which can create a pathway for germs to enter the body."
'Regular hand soap is very effective in removing potentially harmful pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), according to our experts. So, using that water, soap and that pneumatic action to get all of the dirt and grime from your hands and then rinsing is going to be more than adequate to keep you healthy."
"Our experts say there have also been studies suggesting that the use of soaps with antimicrobial additives can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is problematic." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-18/antibacterial-versus-normal-hand-soap-preventing-illness/106462854#pathogens #handwashing #culture #HygieneProducts #biocide #disinfectant #antiseptic #AntimicrobialResistance #AntibioticResistance #fragrance #allergy #FragranceFree #perfume
Image: Fumbling dogs before lunch, Bellingen
-
Is antibacterial or regular hand soap best for killing germs?
Washing hands after using the toilet or patting a dog before a meal is crucial to remove feces-borne bacteria and germs. After COVID the message got through to most people. When one is in town looking for a public amenity or a cafe toilet, it is rare to find hot water, hand soap and a clean (paper) towel. But there is always a toilet spray in 1001 fragrance varieties.
In the absence of the ingredients for basic hand hygiene there is always a free plastic bottle of hand sanitizer since the last pandemic. Staff at grocers, bakers and cafes copiously cover their hands in the "antibacterial" and "antiseptic" products. Every product or packaging absorbs the persistent fragrance of the bought items and travels back into the home. The cost-effective chemical 'solution' does not substitute for hot water, soap and a towel.
"Professor Griffin says products claiming to kill bacteria are "not necessarily substantiated as being any better than just usual soap and water would be...These additives can be harsh and lead to dryness and cracked skin, which can create a pathway for germs to enter the body."
'Regular hand soap is very effective in removing potentially harmful pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), according to our experts. So, using that water, soap and that pneumatic action to get all of the dirt and grime from your hands and then rinsing is going to be more than adequate to keep you healthy."
"Our experts say there have also been studies suggesting that the use of soaps with antimicrobial additives can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is problematic." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-18/antibacterial-versus-normal-hand-soap-preventing-illness/106462854#pathogens #handwashing #culture #HygieneProducts #biocide #disinfectant #antiseptic #AntimicrobialResistance #AntibioticResistance #fragrance #allergy #FragranceFree #perfume
Image: Fumbling dogs before lunch, Bellingen
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I've changed my mind over the years about the effect of #downloading on the recorded #music industry but this 2007 quote from then-UMG CEO Doug Morris still cracks me up:
"If you had Coca-Cola coming through the faucet in your kitchen, how much would you be willing to pay for Coca-Cola? There you go," he says. "That's what happened to the record business."
Of course, Morris failed to mention what *is* coming through the faucet in your kitchen: #water. And selling water in 2007 was a 15 BILLION dollar industry. Doh!
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Air to Ground Message:
WE BROKE THE SEAL ON AN OXY BOTTLE NO USE ALSO A MASK BAG OPENED DUE MEDICAL ON GATE IN CPH
Area: Stockholm, Sweden
Type: Boeing 737-800
A: #a5a1be1ed3d
F: #fb803ebfff0 -
Refusing single-use plastic in your daily life can be as simple as bringing your own reusable water bottle and bag with you when you leave home. These small actions do add up, and send a message to companies and the world that you don’t want all this plastic. #PlasticPollutes @PlasticPollutes
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Refusing single-use plastic in your daily life can be as simple as bringing your own reusable water bottle and bag with you when you leave home. These small actions do add up, and send a message to companies and the world that you don’t want all this plastic. #PlasticPollutes @PlasticPollutes
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Refusing single-use plastic in your daily life can be as simple as bringing your own reusable water bottle and bag with you when you leave home. These small actions do add up, and send a message to companies and the world that you don’t want all this plastic. #PlasticPollutes @PlasticPollutes
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Refusing single-use plastic in your daily life can be as simple as bringing your own reusable water bottle and bag with you when you leave home. These small actions do add up, and send a message to companies and the world that you don’t want all this plastic. #PlasticPollutes @PlasticPollutes
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Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
What happens when someone throws a message into the sea?
Unlike many trends, the fad for putting messages in bottles can be traced to a specific source
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/05/04/signed-sealed-delivered #globalmuseum #messages #oceans -
Good read. I'm starting to learn that scrolling YT Shorts is a message my brain is trying to tell me that things are not alright, and I need to get ahead of the curve on some things.
I envy people of ancient times that practiced memorization as a way to have a more permanent hold on the world around them, and to have a way to have something to do internally when there was nothing to do (externally). I wonder what it would be like to have large portions of the Bible memorized, or anything else, for that matter.
I remember having an iPod touch in 2009 and being so incredibly envious of everyone with an iPhone because of their always-available internet connection. That same year, I would access Twitter via SMS on my clamshell Nokia phone, and that as crazy cool to me.
Late in 2010, I finally got an iPhone, and I haven't been off the internet since.
I'm definitely trying to use my phone less, lately. I need to find my speed cube, as solving a #Rubik's cube is a fun way to divert the mind without wading into the endless ocean of internet novelty-chasing.
Go mod some bottle caps, young man! ;)
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I'd tried so hard to forget him, locking him away in the deepest parts of her heart and throwing away the key. The message and his profile picture brought it all back; the pain of the break up had never really gone away. I mean, how could it? We'd made plans to spend the rest of their lives together; bought a house, met the families and even had a puppy.
The music in the car filled my head as I drove home Wine was chilling in the fridge and I poured myself an extra large glass or Prosecco. The sweet chilled wine went down in two large gulps. Picking up the bottle by the neck, I take it over to the couch as I fall into the soft cushions. I'd kept the albums, not being able to part with them; but tonight seemed like the perfect night to clear the decks and cut him out of my life.
I went to the drawer and fossicked around for the scissors as I took out the photographs.
I would not let him inflict any more pain. He'd already caused enough heartache.
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Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
What happens when someone throws a message into the sea?
Unlike many trends, the fad for putting messages in bottles can be traced to a specific source
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/05/04/signed-sealed-delivered #globalmuseum #messages #oceans -
Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
What happens when someone throws a message into the sea?
Unlike many trends, the fad for putting messages in bottles can be traced to a specific source
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/05/04/signed-sealed-delivered #globalmuseum #messages #oceans -
Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
What happens when someone throws a message into the sea?
Unlike many trends, the fad for putting messages in bottles can be traced to a specific source
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/05/04/signed-sealed-delivered #globalmuseum #messages #oceans -
Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
What happens when someone throws a message into the sea?
Unlike many trends, the fad for putting messages in bottles can be traced to a specific source
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/05/04/signed-sealed-delivered #globalmuseum #messages #oceans -
Tues. Jan. 20, 2026: Rambunctious Cats
image courtesy of TEREX12 from PixabayTuesday, January 20, 2026
Waxing Moon
Uranus and Jupiter Retrograde
Sunny and cold
And here we are, in another week.
The cat in the photo is not one of mine, but the attitude fits what mine have been up to lately.
You can read the Community Tarot Reading for the Week here.
And, if you didn’t get a chance to read “Redefining January” on the GDR blog, you can do so here.
The high winds on Friday were annoying. Which is a ridiculous thing to say, but we’ve had high winds for weeks now, and I’m over it. Power fluctuations, water main breaks, internet in and out, incorrect weather information. Done already, thank you very much.
But nature doesn’t really care if we’re annoyed, does she? And we certainly don’t give nature enough respect.
At least it was sunny, which meant everyone at least tried to be cheerful.
I had to pick up a new sketchbook for a 45-day art experience that starts today, so I did that, then went grocery shopping, to the library, the post office, and a couple of other errands. It took a little over two hours, including chatting with people, which is pretty good for around here. Unloaded everything, put things away. Rode my elected officials. Each of us needs to keep up the pressure EVERY SINGLE DAY. Until we can replace the lot of them. Really, there are so few who should even open their mouths at this point, because the bulk of them are useless.
We all KNOW they are going to cave yet again at the end of this month, and then pretend there was “nothing they could do.” There is SO MUCH that our elected officials could be doing, and should have been doing all along, and they CHOOSE not to do it.
Found out that Charles Coe, the poet, died. He died last November, but I just heard about it now. That made me very sad. I knew him, and we were in touch sporadically. I loved his work, and I loved spending time with him. He was funny and kind and insightful and very smart and pulled no punches when it came to injustice. I will treasure the books he signed to me even more than I already did.
Cooked dinner, read in the evening.
After weird dreams, I got up around the usual time on Saturday, fed everyone, morning routine. Housework. It was snowing quite a bit more than predicted. I finished the next book for review, wrote and sent both reviews, and sent an invoice for the batch. I’m a little frustrated that there’s nothing else in the queue. That’s because now we grab them, rather than the books being assigned, which means there will be reviewers who hoard. The previous editor assigned to avoid that.
The script contest sent another email, “reminding” me to send them a resume to read for them. Again, no mention of how much they pay or timeframe. And I’m not sending them a resume. They have one, plus 4 years’ worth of coverage reports. Unless they make me a good offer, I’m not doing it. I am certainly not begging them to work.
Slept well on Saturday into Sunday and did not want to get up on Sunday morning, but Tessa insisted. Fed everyone, did the morning routine. It was Day 150 of the 15-minute morning free write. That felt like a good milestone, and the work done in those notebooks definitely has helped organize my writing time.
I did the Community Tarot Reading for the Week, a little perturbed by the 3 of Swords coming up as the central card. However, it makes sense in context, even though it’s uncomfortable.
I dug out the back of the car, but left the snow on top as a layer of protection.
I ate an early lunch, filled up the insulated bottle with hot tea, packed my bag, and headed out to the gallery on foot. The snow had paused, and the sidewalks were cleaner than I expected, so it wasn’t a bad walk. It wasn’t windy, which also helped.
Jane was already there, and had started setting up for the readings. We talked through how to handle the flow, and the timing. I was positioned somewhat like a human shield up at the front of the gallery, and she was set up still in the front room, but near the back of it. She had a steady stream of people wanting readings, not stacked up, they just arrived in good time, with a bit of a break near the end. I took care of anyone who was just at the gallery to see the art, not there for the reading, and kept the list of those wanting readings, in case we got backed up. It was a good, steady afternoon.
Reading ART SCOPE magazine, I saw a phrase that will make an excellent poem title, so I jotted that down in my notebook, and will let it percolate to see how I will build a poem around it.
It was snowing quite steadily again by the time Jane and I shut the gallery, took in the flag, turned down the thermostat, shut off the lights, made sure all the doors were locked. Jane gave me one of her paintings as a thank you for backing her up today, which was a lovely gesture, and completely unexpected. And she drove me home, which was very kind.
Home, unpacked, unwrapped (I’d wrapped up so much that I waddled more than walked), and heated up leftovers for dinner. Did some reading in the evening. I was confused by a message from the workshop starting today. When I signed up, I was told that the workshop leader wanted to run it on Patreon, but would run it on Circle instead. This weekend, I reluctantly signed up on the Circle platform. I don’t want to be signed into something else with yet another password and I’m app’d out. No more apps. But on Sunday, I got an email about it being on Patreon. Um? Where am I supposed to go for the daily posts? Why did I have to sign up for Circle? I did not like the terms of service, and will likely delete my account as soon as this workshop is over. I’d rather they were just damn emailed, that’s what I signed on for. I guess I’ll find out today, when it’s all supposed to start.
Tessa vanished at some point, and we turned the apartment upside down looking for her. We were worried she had somehow gotten out when I took out the garbage or on the way to or from the gallery. I mean, I’m very careful with doors, but still, they sometimes slither past. Tessa doesn’t really dart out. Neither does Bea. She’s happy that she’s now an indoor cat. Willa and Charlotte will pull a Houdini at the slightest opportunity.
So we were worried about Tessa. And then, suddenly, she just appeared in the middle of the kitchen, where she hadn’t been a moment before.
Dimension hopping again, I guess. Sigh.
I should have worked on proofs, but I was just too tired all weekend.
Had weird, disturbing dreams Sunday into Monday, but Tessa yowled me out of bed by six. Finished the GDR article, polished, and posted it. Posted the intent for the week. Made the graphic for the tarot reading, and posted that. Did the blog rounds. Did the daily rounds of elected officials.
The fact that the government has declared war on its own population and sent an occupying force into a state because That Thing is a petty narcissist, and Congress continues to do nothing is unacceptable. 90% of Congress, at the very least, needs to be replaced.
No more Centrist democrats, fundraising on our murders.
Got some admin done earlier in the morning, and read one of the plays for that night’s Athena Project meeting. In the Honor Roll session, I started reading the other one, and also worked on the timeline for I WILL BE DIFFERENT. I have certain dates when things HAVE to happen, and I’m trying to adjust things in other scenes to match it. Milly’s father Archie (Alice’s husband) would have been too young for WWI and too old for WWII. I noticed, as I worked the overall timeline for what I have of Alice, and for the Milly, Amanda, and Joy sections, that I don’t deal with historical/current events/news things that would also affect the play. I do utilize 1974 as giving Amanda the chance to get her own bank account and break away from Mick, and the play ends on New Year’s Eve 1999, but there’s other stuff happening throughout that needs to be addressed. Next draft, when I put it all together, I guess. I have to sort out this Alice section to write it, and then write the opening section, and then I’ll actually have a full draft. So that was a good session.
I got a decent session in on the ghostwriting, but not as much as I hoped, so I have to double down today, since it is due tomorrow.
I got the first half of VICIOUS final proofs done. I hope to finish this morning, and sign off on them.
Heated up leftovers for dinner. Grabbed the next book for review, glad that there is a next book for review.
The Athena Project Read ‘n Rant started at 8:30 my time. I got the computer set up in the living room, so it wouldn’t disturb the downstairs neighbors, who have a bedroom under my office.
Charlotte, Bea, and Tessa were impossible. Charlotte wandered across screen a few times and finally settled down. Bea was behind me, fascinated by the screen, playing peekaboo around me. Then, one of the dramaturgs had a cat, and they started staring at each other. Tessa wanted to get into the act, too, so she checked things out, then found a piece of paper she balled up and started noisily playing with, soon joined by Bea. Sigh.
Fortunately, the others on the call thought it was hilarious, and at least I was on mute when I wasn’t actually talking.
Both plays were solid, and it was a good, lively discussion. I’m glad I attended. The project’s dramaturg has a play that is part of Barrington Stage’s 10 x 10 Festival in February and March, so I hope I will get down to see that, since it’s in Pittsfield.
After the session was done, I needed some decompression time before I could go to sleep, so I finished reading LIBRIOMANCER by Jim C. Hines, which was interesting. Definitely interesting enough for me to order the next book in the series from the library.
Went to bed a little after midnight. Slept well, but not enough until Tessa howled me out of bed this morning. Fed everyone, did the morning routine, did the free-write (Day 152). It was also the first day of the Sacred Palette 45-Day art journaling project I signed up for (hence the sketchbook I bought on Friday), so I did that, too, which was interesting. The prompt came by email, so there was no reason to sign up on any platform other than the original sign up, which rather annoys me, but I’ll just delete from Circle at the end of the 45 days. I did the art journal prompt right after the free write this morning, but I might have it as a floating creative time and try it at different times of day throughout the 45 days.
On today’s agenda: toss tonight’s dinner in the crockpot after breakfast, finish the final proofs of VICIOUS CRITIC, and work on the ghostwriting. Hopefully, I’ll make it to yoga tonight.
Have a good one!
#books #cats #fiction #freelance #playwrighting #reading #writing
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Tues. Jan. 20, 2026: Rambunctious Cats
image courtesy of TEREX12 from PixabayTuesday, January 20, 2026
Waxing Moon
Uranus and Jupiter Retrograde
Sunny and cold
And here we are, in another week.
The cat in the photo is not one of mine, but the attitude fits what mine have been up to lately.
You can read the Community Tarot Reading for the Week here.
And, if you didn’t get a chance to read “Redefining January” on the GDR blog, you can do so here.
The high winds on Friday were annoying. Which is a ridiculous thing to say, but we’ve had high winds for weeks now, and I’m over it. Power fluctuations, water main breaks, internet in and out, incorrect weather information. Done already, thank you very much.
But nature doesn’t really care if we’re annoyed, does she? And we certainly don’t give nature enough respect.
At least it was sunny, which meant everyone at least tried to be cheerful.
I had to pick up a new sketchbook for a 45-day art experience that starts today, so I did that, then went grocery shopping, to the library, the post office, and a couple of other errands. It took a little over two hours, including chatting with people, which is pretty good for around here. Unloaded everything, put things away. Rode my elected officials. Each of us needs to keep up the pressure EVERY SINGLE DAY. Until we can replace the lot of them. Really, there are so few who should even open their mouths at this point, because the bulk of them are useless.
We all KNOW they are going to cave yet again at the end of this month, and then pretend there was “nothing they could do.” There is SO MUCH that our elected officials could be doing, and should have been doing all along, and they CHOOSE not to do it.
Found out that Charles Coe, the poet, died. He died last November, but I just heard about it now. That made me very sad. I knew him, and we were in touch sporadically. I loved his work, and I loved spending time with him. He was funny and kind and insightful and very smart and pulled no punches when it came to injustice. I will treasure the books he signed to me even more than I already did.
Cooked dinner, read in the evening.
After weird dreams, I got up around the usual time on Saturday, fed everyone, morning routine. Housework. It was snowing quite a bit more than predicted. I finished the next book for review, wrote and sent both reviews, and sent an invoice for the batch. I’m a little frustrated that there’s nothing else in the queue. That’s because now we grab them, rather than the books being assigned, which means there will be reviewers who hoard. The previous editor assigned to avoid that.
The script contest sent another email, “reminding” me to send them a resume to read for them. Again, no mention of how much they pay or timeframe. And I’m not sending them a resume. They have one, plus 4 years’ worth of coverage reports. Unless they make me a good offer, I’m not doing it. I am certainly not begging them to work.
Slept well on Saturday into Sunday and did not want to get up on Sunday morning, but Tessa insisted. Fed everyone, did the morning routine. It was Day 150 of the 15-minute morning free write. That felt like a good milestone, and the work done in those notebooks definitely has helped organize my writing time.
I did the Community Tarot Reading for the Week, a little perturbed by the 3 of Swords coming up as the central card. However, it makes sense in context, even though it’s uncomfortable.
I dug out the back of the car, but left the snow on top as a layer of protection.
I ate an early lunch, filled up the insulated bottle with hot tea, packed my bag, and headed out to the gallery on foot. The snow had paused, and the sidewalks were cleaner than I expected, so it wasn’t a bad walk. It wasn’t windy, which also helped.
Jane was already there, and had started setting up for the readings. We talked through how to handle the flow, and the timing. I was positioned somewhat like a human shield up at the front of the gallery, and she was set up still in the front room, but near the back of it. She had a steady stream of people wanting readings, not stacked up, they just arrived in good time, with a bit of a break near the end. I took care of anyone who was just at the gallery to see the art, not there for the reading, and kept the list of those wanting readings, in case we got backed up. It was a good, steady afternoon.
Reading ART SCOPE magazine, I saw a phrase that will make an excellent poem title, so I jotted that down in my notebook, and will let it percolate to see how I will build a poem around it.
It was snowing quite steadily again by the time Jane and I shut the gallery, took in the flag, turned down the thermostat, shut off the lights, made sure all the doors were locked. Jane gave me one of her paintings as a thank you for backing her up today, which was a lovely gesture, and completely unexpected. And she drove me home, which was very kind.
Home, unpacked, unwrapped (I’d wrapped up so much that I waddled more than walked), and heated up leftovers for dinner. Did some reading in the evening. I was confused by a message from the workshop starting today. When I signed up, I was told that the workshop leader wanted to run it on Patreon, but would run it on Circle instead. This weekend, I reluctantly signed up on the Circle platform. I don’t want to be signed into something else with yet another password and I’m app’d out. No more apps. But on Sunday, I got an email about it being on Patreon. Um? Where am I supposed to go for the daily posts? Why did I have to sign up for Circle? I did not like the terms of service, and will likely delete my account as soon as this workshop is over. I’d rather they were just damn emailed, that’s what I signed on for. I guess I’ll find out today, when it’s all supposed to start.
Tessa vanished at some point, and we turned the apartment upside down looking for her. We were worried she had somehow gotten out when I took out the garbage or on the way to or from the gallery. I mean, I’m very careful with doors, but still, they sometimes slither past. Tessa doesn’t really dart out. Neither does Bea. She’s happy that she’s now an indoor cat. Willa and Charlotte will pull a Houdini at the slightest opportunity.
So we were worried about Tessa. And then, suddenly, she just appeared in the middle of the kitchen, where she hadn’t been a moment before.
Dimension hopping again, I guess. Sigh.
I should have worked on proofs, but I was just too tired all weekend.
Had weird, disturbing dreams Sunday into Monday, but Tessa yowled me out of bed by six. Finished the GDR article, polished, and posted it. Posted the intent for the week. Made the graphic for the tarot reading, and posted that. Did the blog rounds. Did the daily rounds of elected officials.
The fact that the government has declared war on its own population and sent an occupying force into a state because That Thing is a petty narcissist, and Congress continues to do nothing is unacceptable. 90% of Congress, at the very least, needs to be replaced.
No more Centrist democrats, fundraising on our murders.
Got some admin done earlier in the morning, and read one of the plays for that night’s Athena Project meeting. In the Honor Roll session, I started reading the other one, and also worked on the timeline for I WILL BE DIFFERENT. I have certain dates when things HAVE to happen, and I’m trying to adjust things in other scenes to match it. Milly’s father Archie (Alice’s husband) would have been too young for WWI and too old for WWII. I noticed, as I worked the overall timeline for what I have of Alice, and for the Milly, Amanda, and Joy sections, that I don’t deal with historical/current events/news things that would also affect the play. I do utilize 1974 as giving Amanda the chance to get her own bank account and break away from Mick, and the play ends on New Year’s Eve 1999, but there’s other stuff happening throughout that needs to be addressed. Next draft, when I put it all together, I guess. I have to sort out this Alice section to write it, and then write the opening section, and then I’ll actually have a full draft. So that was a good session.
I got a decent session in on the ghostwriting, but not as much as I hoped, so I have to double down today, since it is due tomorrow.
I got the first half of VICIOUS final proofs done. I hope to finish this morning, and sign off on them.
Heated up leftovers for dinner. Grabbed the next book for review, glad that there is a next book for review.
The Athena Project Read ‘n Rant started at 8:30 my time. I got the computer set up in the living room, so it wouldn’t disturb the downstairs neighbors, who have a bedroom under my office.
Charlotte, Bea, and Tessa were impossible. Charlotte wandered across screen a few times and finally settled down. Bea was behind me, fascinated by the screen, playing peekaboo around me. Then, one of the dramaturgs had a cat, and they started staring at each other. Tessa wanted to get into the act, too, so she checked things out, then found a piece of paper she balled up and started noisily playing with, soon joined by Bea. Sigh.
Fortunately, the others on the call thought it was hilarious, and at least I was on mute when I wasn’t actually talking.
Both plays were solid, and it was a good, lively discussion. I’m glad I attended. The project’s dramaturg has a play that is part of Barrington Stage’s 10 x 10 Festival in February and March, so I hope I will get down to see that, since it’s in Pittsfield.
After the session was done, I needed some decompression time before I could go to sleep, so I finished reading LIBRIOMANCER by Jim C. Hines, which was interesting. Definitely interesting enough for me to order the next book in the series from the library.
Went to bed a little after midnight. Slept well, but not enough until Tessa howled me out of bed this morning. Fed everyone, did the morning routine, did the free-write (Day 152). It was also the first day of the Sacred Palette 45-Day art journaling project I signed up for (hence the sketchbook I bought on Friday), so I did that, too, which was interesting. The prompt came by email, so there was no reason to sign up on any platform other than the original sign up, which rather annoys me, but I’ll just delete from Circle at the end of the 45 days. I did the art journal prompt right after the free write this morning, but I might have it as a floating creative time and try it at different times of day throughout the 45 days.
On today’s agenda: toss tonight’s dinner in the crockpot after breakfast, finish the final proofs of VICIOUS CRITIC, and work on the ghostwriting. Hopefully, I’ll make it to yoga tonight.
Have a good one!
#books #cats #fiction #freelance #playwrighting #reading #writing
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Tues. Jan. 20, 2026: Rambunctious Cats
image courtesy of TEREX12 from PixabayTuesday, January 20, 2026
Waxing Moon
Uranus and Jupiter Retrograde
Sunny and cold
And here we are, in another week.
The cat in the photo is not one of mine, but the attitude fits what mine have been up to lately.
You can read the Community Tarot Reading for the Week here.
And, if you didn’t get a chance to read “Redefining January” on the GDR blog, you can do so here.
The high winds on Friday were annoying. Which is a ridiculous thing to say, but we’ve had high winds for weeks now, and I’m over it. Power fluctuations, water main breaks, internet in and out, incorrect weather information. Done already, thank you very much.
But nature doesn’t really care if we’re annoyed, does she? And we certainly don’t give nature enough respect.
At least it was sunny, which meant everyone at least tried to be cheerful.
I had to pick up a new sketchbook for a 45-day art experience that starts today, so I did that, then went grocery shopping, to the library, the post office, and a couple of other errands. It took a little over two hours, including chatting with people, which is pretty good for around here. Unloaded everything, put things away. Rode my elected officials. Each of us needs to keep up the pressure EVERY SINGLE DAY. Until we can replace the lot of them. Really, there are so few who should even open their mouths at this point, because the bulk of them are useless.
We all KNOW they are going to cave yet again at the end of this month, and then pretend there was “nothing they could do.” There is SO MUCH that our elected officials could be doing, and should have been doing all along, and they CHOOSE not to do it.
Found out that Charles Coe, the poet, died. He died last November, but I just heard about it now. That made me very sad. I knew him, and we were in touch sporadically. I loved his work, and I loved spending time with him. He was funny and kind and insightful and very smart and pulled no punches when it came to injustice. I will treasure the books he signed to me even more than I already did.
Cooked dinner, read in the evening.
After weird dreams, I got up around the usual time on Saturday, fed everyone, morning routine. Housework. It was snowing quite a bit more than predicted. I finished the next book for review, wrote and sent both reviews, and sent an invoice for the batch. I’m a little frustrated that there’s nothing else in the queue. That’s because now we grab them, rather than the books being assigned, which means there will be reviewers who hoard. The previous editor assigned to avoid that.
The script contest sent another email, “reminding” me to send them a resume to read for them. Again, no mention of how much they pay or timeframe. And I’m not sending them a resume. They have one, plus 4 years’ worth of coverage reports. Unless they make me a good offer, I’m not doing it. I am certainly not begging them to work.
Slept well on Saturday into Sunday and did not want to get up on Sunday morning, but Tessa insisted. Fed everyone, did the morning routine. It was Day 150 of the 15-minute morning free write. That felt like a good milestone, and the work done in those notebooks definitely has helped organize my writing time.
I did the Community Tarot Reading for the Week, a little perturbed by the 3 of Swords coming up as the central card. However, it makes sense in context, even though it’s uncomfortable.
I dug out the back of the car, but left the snow on top as a layer of protection.
I ate an early lunch, filled up the insulated bottle with hot tea, packed my bag, and headed out to the gallery on foot. The snow had paused, and the sidewalks were cleaner than I expected, so it wasn’t a bad walk. It wasn’t windy, which also helped.
Jane was already there, and had started setting up for the readings. We talked through how to handle the flow, and the timing. I was positioned somewhat like a human shield up at the front of the gallery, and she was set up still in the front room, but near the back of it. She had a steady stream of people wanting readings, not stacked up, they just arrived in good time, with a bit of a break near the end. I took care of anyone who was just at the gallery to see the art, not there for the reading, and kept the list of those wanting readings, in case we got backed up. It was a good, steady afternoon.
Reading ART SCOPE magazine, I saw a phrase that will make an excellent poem title, so I jotted that down in my notebook, and will let it percolate to see how I will build a poem around it.
It was snowing quite steadily again by the time Jane and I shut the gallery, took in the flag, turned down the thermostat, shut off the lights, made sure all the doors were locked. Jane gave me one of her paintings as a thank you for backing her up today, which was a lovely gesture, and completely unexpected. And she drove me home, which was very kind.
Home, unpacked, unwrapped (I’d wrapped up so much that I waddled more than walked), and heated up leftovers for dinner. Did some reading in the evening. I was confused by a message from the workshop starting today. When I signed up, I was told that the workshop leader wanted to run it on Patreon, but would run it on Circle instead. This weekend, I reluctantly signed up on the Circle platform. I don’t want to be signed into something else with yet another password and I’m app’d out. No more apps. But on Sunday, I got an email about it being on Patreon. Um? Where am I supposed to go for the daily posts? Why did I have to sign up for Circle? I did not like the terms of service, and will likely delete my account as soon as this workshop is over. I’d rather they were just damn emailed, that’s what I signed on for. I guess I’ll find out today, when it’s all supposed to start.
Tessa vanished at some point, and we turned the apartment upside down looking for her. We were worried she had somehow gotten out when I took out the garbage or on the way to or from the gallery. I mean, I’m very careful with doors, but still, they sometimes slither past. Tessa doesn’t really dart out. Neither does Bea. She’s happy that she’s now an indoor cat. Willa and Charlotte will pull a Houdini at the slightest opportunity.
So we were worried about Tessa. And then, suddenly, she just appeared in the middle of the kitchen, where she hadn’t been a moment before.
Dimension hopping again, I guess. Sigh.
I should have worked on proofs, but I was just too tired all weekend.
Had weird, disturbing dreams Sunday into Monday, but Tessa yowled me out of bed by six. Finished the GDR article, polished, and posted it. Posted the intent for the week. Made the graphic for the tarot reading, and posted that. Did the blog rounds. Did the daily rounds of elected officials.
The fact that the government has declared war on its own population and sent an occupying force into a state because That Thing is a petty narcissist, and Congress continues to do nothing is unacceptable. 90% of Congress, at the very least, needs to be replaced.
No more Centrist democrats, fundraising on our murders.
Got some admin done earlier in the morning, and read one of the plays for that night’s Athena Project meeting. In the Honor Roll session, I started reading the other one, and also worked on the timeline for I WILL BE DIFFERENT. I have certain dates when things HAVE to happen, and I’m trying to adjust things in other scenes to match it. Milly’s father Archie (Alice’s husband) would have been too young for WWI and too old for WWII. I noticed, as I worked the overall timeline for what I have of Alice, and for the Milly, Amanda, and Joy sections, that I don’t deal with historical/current events/news things that would also affect the play. I do utilize 1974 as giving Amanda the chance to get her own bank account and break away from Mick, and the play ends on New Year’s Eve 1999, but there’s other stuff happening throughout that needs to be addressed. Next draft, when I put it all together, I guess. I have to sort out this Alice section to write it, and then write the opening section, and then I’ll actually have a full draft. So that was a good session.
I got a decent session in on the ghostwriting, but not as much as I hoped, so I have to double down today, since it is due tomorrow.
I got the first half of VICIOUS final proofs done. I hope to finish this morning, and sign off on them.
Heated up leftovers for dinner. Grabbed the next book for review, glad that there is a next book for review.
The Athena Project Read ‘n Rant started at 8:30 my time. I got the computer set up in the living room, so it wouldn’t disturb the downstairs neighbors, who have a bedroom under my office.
Charlotte, Bea, and Tessa were impossible. Charlotte wandered across screen a few times and finally settled down. Bea was behind me, fascinated by the screen, playing peekaboo around me. Then, one of the dramaturgs had a cat, and they started staring at each other. Tessa wanted to get into the act, too, so she checked things out, then found a piece of paper she balled up and started noisily playing with, soon joined by Bea. Sigh.
Fortunately, the others on the call thought it was hilarious, and at least I was on mute when I wasn’t actually talking.
Both plays were solid, and it was a good, lively discussion. I’m glad I attended. The project’s dramaturg has a play that is part of Barrington Stage’s 10 x 10 Festival in February and March, so I hope I will get down to see that, since it’s in Pittsfield.
After the session was done, I needed some decompression time before I could go to sleep, so I finished reading LIBRIOMANCER by Jim C. Hines, which was interesting. Definitely interesting enough for me to order the next book in the series from the library.
Went to bed a little after midnight. Slept well, but not enough until Tessa howled me out of bed this morning. Fed everyone, did the morning routine, did the free-write (Day 152). It was also the first day of the Sacred Palette 45-Day art journaling project I signed up for (hence the sketchbook I bought on Friday), so I did that, too, which was interesting. The prompt came by email, so there was no reason to sign up on any platform other than the original sign up, which rather annoys me, but I’ll just delete from Circle at the end of the 45 days. I did the art journal prompt right after the free write this morning, but I might have it as a floating creative time and try it at different times of day throughout the 45 days.
On today’s agenda: toss tonight’s dinner in the crockpot after breakfast, finish the final proofs of VICIOUS CRITIC, and work on the ghostwriting. Hopefully, I’ll make it to yoga tonight.
Have a good one!
#books #cats #fiction #freelance #playwrighting #reading #writing
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Tues. Jan. 20, 2026: Rambunctious Cats
image courtesy of TEREX12 from PixabayTuesday, January 20, 2026
Waxing Moon
Uranus and Jupiter Retrograde
Sunny and cold
And here we are, in another week.
The cat in the photo is not one of mine, but the attitude fits what mine have been up to lately.
You can read the Community Tarot Reading for the Week here.
And, if you didn’t get a chance to read “Redefining January” on the GDR blog, you can do so here.
The high winds on Friday were annoying. Which is a ridiculous thing to say, but we’ve had high winds for weeks now, and I’m over it. Power fluctuations, water main breaks, internet in and out, incorrect weather information. Done already, thank you very much.
But nature doesn’t really care if we’re annoyed, does she? And we certainly don’t give nature enough respect.
At least it was sunny, which meant everyone at least tried to be cheerful.
I had to pick up a new sketchbook for a 45-day art experience that starts today, so I did that, then went grocery shopping, to the library, the post office, and a couple of other errands. It took a little over two hours, including chatting with people, which is pretty good for around here. Unloaded everything, put things away. Rode my elected officials. Each of us needs to keep up the pressure EVERY SINGLE DAY. Until we can replace the lot of them. Really, there are so few who should even open their mouths at this point, because the bulk of them are useless.
We all KNOW they are going to cave yet again at the end of this month, and then pretend there was “nothing they could do.” There is SO MUCH that our elected officials could be doing, and should have been doing all along, and they CHOOSE not to do it.
Found out that Charles Coe, the poet, died. He died last November, but I just heard about it now. That made me very sad. I knew him, and we were in touch sporadically. I loved his work, and I loved spending time with him. He was funny and kind and insightful and very smart and pulled no punches when it came to injustice. I will treasure the books he signed to me even more than I already did.
Cooked dinner, read in the evening.
After weird dreams, I got up around the usual time on Saturday, fed everyone, morning routine. Housework. It was snowing quite a bit more than predicted. I finished the next book for review, wrote and sent both reviews, and sent an invoice for the batch. I’m a little frustrated that there’s nothing else in the queue. That’s because now we grab them, rather than the books being assigned, which means there will be reviewers who hoard. The previous editor assigned to avoid that.
The script contest sent another email, “reminding” me to send them a resume to read for them. Again, no mention of how much they pay or timeframe. And I’m not sending them a resume. They have one, plus 4 years’ worth of coverage reports. Unless they make me a good offer, I’m not doing it. I am certainly not begging them to work.
Slept well on Saturday into Sunday and did not want to get up on Sunday morning, but Tessa insisted. Fed everyone, did the morning routine. It was Day 150 of the 15-minute morning free write. That felt like a good milestone, and the work done in those notebooks definitely has helped organize my writing time.
I did the Community Tarot Reading for the Week, a little perturbed by the 3 of Swords coming up as the central card. However, it makes sense in context, even though it’s uncomfortable.
I dug out the back of the car, but left the snow on top as a layer of protection.
I ate an early lunch, filled up the insulated bottle with hot tea, packed my bag, and headed out to the gallery on foot. The snow had paused, and the sidewalks were cleaner than I expected, so it wasn’t a bad walk. It wasn’t windy, which also helped.
Jane was already there, and had started setting up for the readings. We talked through how to handle the flow, and the timing. I was positioned somewhat like a human shield up at the front of the gallery, and she was set up still in the front room, but near the back of it. She had a steady stream of people wanting readings, not stacked up, they just arrived in good time, with a bit of a break near the end. I took care of anyone who was just at the gallery to see the art, not there for the reading, and kept the list of those wanting readings, in case we got backed up. It was a good, steady afternoon.
Reading ART SCOPE magazine, I saw a phrase that will make an excellent poem title, so I jotted that down in my notebook, and will let it percolate to see how I will build a poem around it.
It was snowing quite steadily again by the time Jane and I shut the gallery, took in the flag, turned down the thermostat, shut off the lights, made sure all the doors were locked. Jane gave me one of her paintings as a thank you for backing her up today, which was a lovely gesture, and completely unexpected. And she drove me home, which was very kind.
Home, unpacked, unwrapped (I’d wrapped up so much that I waddled more than walked), and heated up leftovers for dinner. Did some reading in the evening. I was confused by a message from the workshop starting today. When I signed up, I was told that the workshop leader wanted to run it on Patreon, but would run it on Circle instead. This weekend, I reluctantly signed up on the Circle platform. I don’t want to be signed into something else with yet another password and I’m app’d out. No more apps. But on Sunday, I got an email about it being on Patreon. Um? Where am I supposed to go for the daily posts? Why did I have to sign up for Circle? I did not like the terms of service, and will likely delete my account as soon as this workshop is over. I’d rather they were just damn emailed, that’s what I signed on for. I guess I’ll find out today, when it’s all supposed to start.
Tessa vanished at some point, and we turned the apartment upside down looking for her. We were worried she had somehow gotten out when I took out the garbage or on the way to or from the gallery. I mean, I’m very careful with doors, but still, they sometimes slither past. Tessa doesn’t really dart out. Neither does Bea. She’s happy that she’s now an indoor cat. Willa and Charlotte will pull a Houdini at the slightest opportunity.
So we were worried about Tessa. And then, suddenly, she just appeared in the middle of the kitchen, where she hadn’t been a moment before.
Dimension hopping again, I guess. Sigh.
I should have worked on proofs, but I was just too tired all weekend.
Had weird, disturbing dreams Sunday into Monday, but Tessa yowled me out of bed by six. Finished the GDR article, polished, and posted it. Posted the intent for the week. Made the graphic for the tarot reading, and posted that. Did the blog rounds. Did the daily rounds of elected officials.
The fact that the government has declared war on its own population and sent an occupying force into a state because That Thing is a petty narcissist, and Congress continues to do nothing is unacceptable. 90% of Congress, at the very least, needs to be replaced.
No more Centrist democrats, fundraising on our murders.
Got some admin done earlier in the morning, and read one of the plays for that night’s Athena Project meeting. In the Honor Roll session, I started reading the other one, and also worked on the timeline for I WILL BE DIFFERENT. I have certain dates when things HAVE to happen, and I’m trying to adjust things in other scenes to match it. Milly’s father Archie (Alice’s husband) would have been too young for WWI and too old for WWII. I noticed, as I worked the overall timeline for what I have of Alice, and for the Milly, Amanda, and Joy sections, that I don’t deal with historical/current events/news things that would also affect the play. I do utilize 1974 as giving Amanda the chance to get her own bank account and break away from Mick, and the play ends on New Year’s Eve 1999, but there’s other stuff happening throughout that needs to be addressed. Next draft, when I put it all together, I guess. I have to sort out this Alice section to write it, and then write the opening section, and then I’ll actually have a full draft. So that was a good session.
I got a decent session in on the ghostwriting, but not as much as I hoped, so I have to double down today, since it is due tomorrow.
I got the first half of VICIOUS final proofs done. I hope to finish this morning, and sign off on them.
Heated up leftovers for dinner. Grabbed the next book for review, glad that there is a next book for review.
The Athena Project Read ‘n Rant started at 8:30 my time. I got the computer set up in the living room, so it wouldn’t disturb the downstairs neighbors, who have a bedroom under my office.
Charlotte, Bea, and Tessa were impossible. Charlotte wandered across screen a few times and finally settled down. Bea was behind me, fascinated by the screen, playing peekaboo around me. Then, one of the dramaturgs had a cat, and they started staring at each other. Tessa wanted to get into the act, too, so she checked things out, then found a piece of paper she balled up and started noisily playing with, soon joined by Bea. Sigh.
Fortunately, the others on the call thought it was hilarious, and at least I was on mute when I wasn’t actually talking.
Both plays were solid, and it was a good, lively discussion. I’m glad I attended. The project’s dramaturg has a play that is part of Barrington Stage’s 10 x 10 Festival in February and March, so I hope I will get down to see that, since it’s in Pittsfield.
After the session was done, I needed some decompression time before I could go to sleep, so I finished reading LIBRIOMANCER by Jim C. Hines, which was interesting. Definitely interesting enough for me to order the next book in the series from the library.
Went to bed a little after midnight. Slept well, but not enough until Tessa howled me out of bed this morning. Fed everyone, did the morning routine, did the free-write (Day 152). It was also the first day of the Sacred Palette 45-Day art journaling project I signed up for (hence the sketchbook I bought on Friday), so I did that, too, which was interesting. The prompt came by email, so there was no reason to sign up on any platform other than the original sign up, which rather annoys me, but I’ll just delete from Circle at the end of the 45 days. I did the art journal prompt right after the free write this morning, but I might have it as a floating creative time and try it at different times of day throughout the 45 days.
On today’s agenda: toss tonight’s dinner in the crockpot after breakfast, finish the final proofs of VICIOUS CRITIC, and work on the ghostwriting. Hopefully, I’ll make it to yoga tonight.
Have a good one!
#books #cats #fiction #freelance #playwrighting #reading #writing
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5,000-year-old swords found in Turkey could be the oldest ever. Made of arsenic copper, these weapons reveal a forgotten elite warrior class and rewrite the origin story of blades.
#AncientWeapons #OldestSwords #Arslantepe #HistoryRevealed #Storytelling #DidYouKnow #HistoryFacts #DocumentaryShort #WeirdHistory
Read more: https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/adrift-sea-long-awaited-recovery-oldest-message-bottle-009267 -
5,000-year-old swords found in Turkey could be the oldest ever. Made of arsenic copper, these weapons reveal a forgotten elite warrior class and rewrite the origin story of blades.
#AncientWeapons #OldestSwords #Arslantepe #HistoryRevealed #Storytelling #DidYouKnow #HistoryFacts #DocumentaryShort #WeirdHistory
Read more: https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/adrift-sea-long-awaited-recovery-oldest-message-bottle-009267 -
5,000-year-old swords found in Turkey could be the oldest ever. Made of arsenic copper, these weapons reveal a forgotten elite warrior class and rewrite the origin story of blades.
#AncientWeapons #OldestSwords #Arslantepe #HistoryRevealed #Storytelling #DidYouKnow #HistoryFacts #DocumentaryShort #WeirdHistory
Read more: https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/adrift-sea-long-awaited-recovery-oldest-message-bottle-009267 -
5,000-year-old swords found in Turkey could be the oldest ever. Made of arsenic copper, these weapons reveal a forgotten elite warrior class and rewrite the origin story of blades.
#AncientWeapons #OldestSwords #Arslantepe #HistoryRevealed #Storytelling #DidYouKnow #HistoryFacts #DocumentaryShort #WeirdHistory
Read more: https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/adrift-sea-long-awaited-recovery-oldest-message-bottle-009267 -
@xerophile I just read a piece about the #GirlsGoneBible! Along the same lines...!
"Girls Gone Bible": Spicy Christian podcast sells young women on MAGA. Will scandal hurt or help?
April 4, 2025
"Halili and Reitsma look nothing like stereotypical church ladies, to put it mildly. They look like sexy young actresses on the outer fringes of Hollywood, which is what they are: According to IMDB, their movie roles include the horror movie victim in 'Spin the Bottle' and the 'slutty girl' in 'Rock of Ages.' This incongruity between cosmopolitan appearance and fundamentalist message is central to their popularity.
"Whether or not this is entirely strategic, 'Girls Gone Bible' and other female-centric, Christian-themed podcasts can be understood as parallel to the better-known '#manfluencer' content of Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson and others. Although their content manifests first and foremost as lifestyle advice on dating, working out and fashion, for example, those influencers are perceived as driving younger men into the #misogynistic far right and the #MAGA movement, and may have been a decisive factor in the 2024 presidential election. Halili and Reitsma are offering a sense of community and religious fellowship to younger women who want to be seen as feminine, fashionable and sexually attractive. But the political and cultural ramifications of their messaging, which includes urging young women to accept a 'submissive' role in marriage and overt support for the Trump agenda, are impossible to miss."
https://www.salon.com/2025/04/04/girls-gone-bible-spicy-christian-podcast-sells-young-women-on-maga-will-scandal-hurt-or-help/
#MAGABabes #Looksmaxxing #Manosphere #GirlsGoneBible -
Swansea burns experts warn: don’t breathe in steam to treat colds or flu
“No proven benefit, but real risk of burns”
Consultant surgeon Jeremy Yarrow said the practice of leaning over bowls of hot water to inhale steam is dangerous and ineffective.
“Although inhaling steam is sometimes thought to be useful as a remedy for common colds and chest infections, evidence of the effectiveness is weak and theories that the steam loosens mucus, opens nasal passages or slows the replication of viruses are just unproven,” he explained.
He added that every winter, the burns centre treats children and adults with injuries from spilled boiling water — often affecting the face, chest, abdomen and legs. Some cases require surgery or skin grafts, and children are particularly vulnerable.
“The injuries I see can often involve burns around the thighs, lower abdomen, and genital areas with children at a much higher risk due to their thinner skin and lack of awareness of the danger,” Mr Yarrow said.
“Unfortunately, these injuries have the potential to be truly life‑changing and can cause lifelong disfigurement and scarring.”
Safer Cold & Flu Remedies
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use decongestant sprays
- Try vapour rubs or salt water nasal rinses
- Rest and allow your body to recover naturally
Mr Yarrow emphasised that quick action is vital:
“Should the worst happen and a burn injury occur, remembering the 3Cs can make all the difference. Cooling the burn properly and seeking help quickly reduces the potential for long‑term injury or scarring.”
Burns First Aid – The 3Cs
- Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes
- Call for help – dial 999, 111 or contact your GP
- Cover loosely with cling film or a sterile, non‑fluffy dressing
Extra winter warning: hot water bottles
The centre also reminded people to take care with hot water bottles, which continue to cause scald injuries each winter.
Advanced practitioner occupational therapist Janine Evans said:
“We’re not saying not to use hot water bottles, we’re saying that if you must use them, to ensure to use them safely. It’s all about minimising the risk of an accident happening.”
Health experts at Swansea Bay University Health Board say both warnings carry the same message: simple home remedies can carry hidden dangers. Whether it’s bowls of boiling water for steam inhalation or ageing hot water bottles, everyday items can cause devastating burns if used unsafely.
They urge the public to avoid steam inhalation altogether, follow NHS‑recommended remedies for colds and flu, and take extra care with hot water bottles this winter.
#burnsAndPlasticSurgery #BurnsFirstAid #coldRemedy #colds #flu #hotWaterBottle #steamInhalation #SwanseaBayNHS #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard
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12FU w/ SOGA (MX) + SMETVREES (NL) + BOTTLED VIOLENCE (NL)
OCCII, Thursday, May 28 at 08:30 PM GMT+2
SOGA (MX)
SOGA is a punk band from Mexico City that’s been active since 2018. They play energetic, fast, loud and raw hardcore punk with a political and feminist message. SOGA is Violeta on bass and vocals, Sara on guitar and vocals and Angy on drums. They have two albums out on Iron Lung Records, the most recent one titled “Corrosión” which they’re bringing for their first ever European tour in 2026.<a href="https://soga.bandcamp.com/album/corrosi-n">Corrosión by Soga</a>
SMETVREES (NL)
Founded in 2023 by singer Ted and guitarist Kees, they still love to work together and make danceable, raw punk full of energy and chaos. They live for the stage and love when the crowd goes wild, dancing, moshing, and crowd surfing. Give them a few drink vouchers, a bunch of bananas, a crate of beer, and their day is complete.BOTTLED VIOLENCE (NL)
Bottled Violence is a five-piece noise-punk band formed at Rock City Institute in Eindhoven that has been playing together for almost a year now. Live, they transform into a vast blur of harsh feedback, fuzz, screaming vocals, and loud drums. Their lyrics reveal that they hold clear opinions on society, covering topics such as monarchy, capitalism, and human rights. This was also evident in their performance at a housing rights protest in Eindhoven, as well as in performances in squats. The band’s inspirations can also be heard coming from Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, and Sonic Youth.
Instagramhttps://offbeat.amsterdam/event/12fu-with-soga-mx-smetvrees-nl-bottled-violence-nl
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12FU w/ SOGA (MX) + SMETVREES (NL) + BOTTLED VIOLENCE (NL)
OCCII, Thursday, May 28 at 08:30 PM GMT+2
SOGA (MX)
SOGA is a punk band from Mexico City that’s been active since 2018. They play energetic, fast, loud and raw hardcore punk with a political and feminist message. SOGA is Violeta on bass and vocals, Sara on guitar and vocals and Angy on drums. They have two albums out on Iron Lung Records, the most recent one titled “Corrosión” which they’re bringing for their first ever European tour in 2026.<a href="https://soga.bandcamp.com/album/corrosi-n">Corrosión by Soga</a>
SMETVREES (NL)
Founded in 2023 by singer Ted and guitarist Kees, they still love to work together and make danceable, raw punk full of energy and chaos. They live for the stage and love when the crowd goes wild, dancing, moshing, and crowd surfing. Give them a few drink vouchers, a bunch of bananas, a crate of beer, and their day is complete.BOTTLED VIOLENCE (NL)
Bottled Violence is a five-piece noise-punk band formed at Rock City Institute in Eindhoven that has been playing together for almost a year now. Live, they transform into a vast blur of harsh feedback, fuzz, screaming vocals, and loud drums. Their lyrics reveal that they hold clear opinions on society, covering topics such as monarchy, capitalism, and human rights. This was also evident in their performance at a housing rights protest in Eindhoven, as well as in performances in squats. The band’s inspirations can also be heard coming from Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, and Sonic Youth.
Instagramhttps://offbeat.amsterdam/event/12fu-with-soga-mx-smetvrees-nl-bottled-violence-nl
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12FU w/ SOGA (MX) + SMETVREES (NL) + BOTTLED VIOLENCE (NL)
OCCII, Thursday, May 28 at 08:30 PM GMT+2
SOGA (MX)
SOGA is a punk band from Mexico City that’s been active since 2018. They play energetic, fast, loud and raw hardcore punk with a political and feminist message. SOGA is Violeta on bass and vocals, Sara on guitar and vocals and Angy on drums. They have two albums out on Iron Lung Records, the most recent one titled “Corrosión” which they’re bringing for their first ever European tour in 2026.<a href="https://soga.bandcamp.com/album/corrosi-n">Corrosión by Soga</a>
SMETVREES (NL)
Founded in 2023 by singer Ted and guitarist Kees, they still love to work together and make danceable, raw punk full of energy and chaos. They live for the stage and love when the crowd goes wild, dancing, moshing, and crowd surfing. Give them a few drink vouchers, a bunch of bananas, a crate of beer, and their day is complete.BOTTLED VIOLENCE (NL)
Bottled Violence is a five-piece noise-punk band formed at Rock City Institute in Eindhoven that has been playing together for almost a year now. Live, they transform into a vast blur of harsh feedback, fuzz, screaming vocals, and loud drums. Their lyrics reveal that they hold clear opinions on society, covering topics such as monarchy, capitalism, and human rights. This was also evident in their performance at a housing rights protest in Eindhoven, as well as in performances in squats. The band’s inspirations can also be heard coming from Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, and Sonic Youth.
Instagramhttps://offbeat.amsterdam/event/12fu-with-soga-mx-smetvrees-nl-bottled-violence-nl