No Limits on Imagination

It strikes like lightning. A spark that sets your mind on fire and ignites your spirit. The moment you allow your imagination to run free anything is possible.

Imagination allowed our ancestors to make sense of the stars. Now we are paving a pathway to other planets with technology so advanced that it was thought impossible fifty years ago.

Mankind relies upon imagination. In fact, historian Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, claims that imagination defines us as a species.

From the invention of airplanes to the construction of space stations, humanity does not advance in a linear fashion, but through spectacular leaps of imagination.

You want to know why mankind is the superior species? It's our ability to think about things that are not real or that do not yet exist. That imagination solves problems, spurs new ideas, and is a way to entertain ourselves.

Albert Einstein once said, "the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." 

If you think about it unlocking our imagination is like owning a superpower. Scientific research indicates that more robust daydreaming is associated with superior intelligence. I'm not entirely convinced of that because I do a lot of daydreaming without tangible results. I've been accused more than once in my school days of "having my head in the clouds."

According to researchers' imagination is a skill, not a trait we lose.

People talk about children's imagination springing forth fully formed in their young minds. 

That's because children engage in pretend play and often seemed absorbed in imaginative activities. However, upon closer inspection these activities are less imaginative than they first appear. For example, when they make things, they typically simulate real world activities.

There's a difference between active imagination and having an extraordinary one. To fully unleash your extraordinary imagination requires knowledge: the examples, principals, and models learned from others.

As it Stands, the more we know, the further our imaginations can wander.

Traveling Abroad is out of the Question!

After 74 years I no longer have a hankering to go wandering abroad. Back in the early 70s traveling overseas was something my wife and I talked about a lot. 

We just couldn't go to our dream vacation in Tahiti because the cost of raising three boys prohibited such an expensive getaway.

Over time I've noticed air travel fees hitting the stratosphere every year. 

One of the things I kept an eye on is how American tourists were treated overseas. The Ugly American phrase became commonplace for the loud and annoying American travelers who were called that not because of their physical appearance but because of their personalities.

Apparently, we earned the reputation. Being bores and acting rude didn't set well with any country.

I was concerned about air travel well before getting married, however. The 1960s was called the "Golden Age of Hijacking" (specifically the latter half) where hijackings were significantly more common than any other decade in our history. During the last five years (60s) there were hundreds of hijacking attempts globally, with many originating here in the United States.

By the mid-seventies hijacking was no longer a major threat. So, the Ugly Americans took up traveling abroad again with a vengeance. The new challenge was Americans increasingly getting arrested or kidnapped in foreign countries.

Moving on...

Following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory on Oct. 19, 2023, due to "increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interest."

The U.S. State Department also issued individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest.

If Americans want to travel to nearby Mexico, they should know six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated Level 4 - meaning their very dangerous and travelers are warned not to go there.

All of this adds up to not going outside of the United States in my book. The only overseas experience I've had was a tour of duty in Vietnam (circa 1970), and I can tell you I have no desire to return there. The chance of meeting an untimely death in another country leaves me cold. I'm a survivor who's trying to see how long I can live. My solution is simple; improve the odds.

To all you brave Americans that think traveling abroad is a good idea... more power to you. The world is a fascinating place and there's nothing like seeing it firsthand. 

As it Stands, I satisfy my wanderlust these days watching documentaries and taking virtual tours of famous museums and other locations of interest around the world. Yes, it's a second-hand experience but a much safer one.

From Fiction to Fact: Mystery of Invisibility Revealed by Researchers

There's a science fiction novel by British writer HG Wells (circa 1897) called the Invisible Man where the author explores the dark side of people turning invisible.

The scientist in the novel was a rogue and his goal of being able to turn invisible had nothing to do with advancing humanity. His name was Griffin, and he intended to commit crimes without fear of being caught. But being invisible turned out to be a curse. He couldn't return to his normal state.  Because of that he developed a deep sense of isolation, and it drove him to madness and terrorism.

Fast Forward to Reality

Turns out the future of making things invisible is just around the corner! That's right. Fiction becoming fact.

Scientists today say they have solved the mystery of an insect's invisibility coat that can manipulate light. You may have never heard of Leafhoppers, but the tiny common bugs are really special. They are the only species on the planet that secrete brochosomes: rare nanoparticles with invisibility properties. Yes, that special.

For the first time, a group of scientists have created their own synthetic brochosomes. Their ultimate goal is to use them one day for invisible cloaking devices for all kinds of technologies. 

In the next few years, they could find their way into a range of commercial applications - from solar energy to pharmaceuticals - according to the lead investigator Tak Sing Wong, professor of mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering at Penn State.

The beauty of synthetic brochosomes is they can be made at different sizes and thus tailored to absorb and scatter different wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum. That means they are very versatile and can even form around bodies.

I can see this new technology is also destined for military uses and possibly beyond. The beyond is when they develop a way to make a human invisible with the ability to return to their normal state at the push of a button (or something along those lines). The results would more than likely be catastrophic and world changing. It's a scary thought.

Would you want to be Invisible?

The catch is you'd have to stay that way and couldn't return to your normal self. In return you could literally live off the land(s) and go anywhere in the world for free. Food and transportation. Free. The possibilities are endless. I suspect it would be paradise for a voyeur.   

As it Stands, the idea of a common insect being the catalyst for invisibility possibilities sounds crazier than HG Wells method of using chemicals in the novel.

Guess What's the Most Dangerous Animal in the World

When I started researching for this post, I had a preconceived notion that mankind was the most dangerous animal in the world. 

After all, humans dominate the land, sea, and air and can destroy the biggest animal predators on the planet with ease.

Turns out I was wrong.

The answer is a mosquito. No kidding. That's because scientists say mosquitos spread diseases that kill more people than any other creature. (Purists may argue that mosquitos are insects and not animals but their full of crap)

Mosquitos are responsible for the deaths of about 725,000 people EVERY YEAR! 

Now compare that with 50,000 human homicides every year, or snakes that account for 25,000 human deaths annually globally. It's not even close.

Mosquitos spread diseases like malaria, dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis throughout the world.

No one is safe from mosquitos unless they live indoors and never venture outside. Because that's not too practical most of us are mosquito bait one time or another in our lives.

Well, I suppose there's an exception to that, if you live in Antarctica, you won't encounter the deadly pest. But who wants to live there?

While humans are outwardly the most terrifying predators on the planet they still don't kill as effectively as the lowly mosquitos who go about their business infecting people with impunity every day. 

Common mosquitos are just three millimeters at their smallest. The irritating little buggers - primarily those from the genera Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex - are the primary vectors of the diseases I mentioned earlier.

According to the World Health Organization, more than half of the human population is currently at risk from mosquito-borne diseases. Apparently, the pests are attracted to our body temperatures and the CO2 we exhale. In other words, humans are going to have to contend with the tiny terrors until the end times.

Experts suggest our best tools to prevent infection lie in the use of insect repellents high in active ingredients like DEET and picaridin. Mosquitos are worse at certain times of the year depending upon the environment. Be aware of swamps because they are really heaven on earth for the blood-sucking species.

As it Stands, some words of wisdom from the Odd Couple's memorable character Felix Unger worth remembering - "Never ASSUME, because when you ASSUME, you make an ASS of U and ME."

The Day of the Drone

   The Day of the Drone has arrived. Much to my disgust.

Drones have come a long way since the British produced a radio-controlled aircraft/drone to be used in target practice in 1935. It was nicknamed the Queen Bee.

In the 1960's a drone called Firebee, a jet-powered target for both surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles, was produced for the US Air Force. Advances for aircraft without a human pilot has rapidly grown popular worldwide.

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Editor's Note:

Daily Viewership averaging about 6,000.  Top 7 contributing Counties (in order - Brazil, United States, United Kingdom. Australia. Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand.)

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When did drones become available to the public?

In 2006 the FAA decided to let the drone genie loose to the general public - a mistake in my opinion back then and now - and issued the first drone permits in America. The inventors touted the potential of non-military drone applications in society from entertainment to commerce. Capitalists exploited this new technology turning it into a billion-dollar industry home and abroad. 

Here are eight drone-related risks:

* Airspace Threats.

* Vehicles for Weapons

* Low-Tech Corporate Espionage

* Hi-Tech Corporate Espionage

* Smuggling.

* Collisions.

* The difficulty in enforcing the rules.

* Drone-Based Hacking.

To no one's surprise the US possesses the most drones in the world. US military drones lead in capabilities and quantities with over 13000 unmanned aerial vehicles making it the largest military drone fleet globally.

In America, police started using drones in December 2015 and the program evolved into a "first responder" technology making it the first of its kind in the country. Good news.

But American drones have their dark side.

Public records show the FBI, DEA, and Border Patrol often use Predator drones in surveillance missions in the United States. These agencies share their drones with state and local police with alarming frequency. They have also been in violation of the 4th Amendment according to the courts that found citizens have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their own homes.

I don't like drones. At least six states agree with me and have banned them in their airspace, a move I heartly applaud: Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.

Drones recently in the News

At first in mid-November, mysterious lights were seen blinking across the night skies over New Jersey and as weeks passed by there were reports of incandescent flying objects were logged in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

People were freaked out - and still are - because the government doesn't really know why all of those sightings keep happening and what they are. Thousands of reports pour in every day. In a lame ass excuse Secretary Mayorkas told ABC News that the uptick in drone sightings could be to do with a change in federal law last year that allowed drones to be flown at night.

Really? All of a sudden, we get swarms of drones over military installations and other government agencies because...of a new law enacted a year ago? It's no wonder people are talking about shooting drones down. They feel violated. The FAA manages US airspace, but they haven't offered any proof that the drones aren't a threat to the public as of this writing.

As it Stands, call me a conspiracy theorist but my years as a journalist taught me to question many of the government's programs and agencies and not be surprised when they lie.

Try to Imagine Peace: Hope for the Holidays

"Imagine there's no countries

it isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion, too

Imagine all the people livin' life in peace..."

-John Lennon

When I got out of the Army in 1971 John Lennon released the song Imagine and it's been one of my favorite songs since. Every Christmas I find myself listening to it as I look at the chaotic world around me.

John Lennon was accused of being a dreamer, but I must confess to being one too. Worldwide peace would be the greatest gift ever to mankind. Who's to say that one day mankind will overcome the hatred and ban wars? I know it's not probable however that doesn't mean it's impossible.

There are numerous organizations and charities that help poor Americans and immigrants in their struggle to survive. Providing hope is the first step towards a more peaceful world. 

There's an organization called Global Refuge that serves vulnerable immigrants and refugee communities across the United States that also provides hope to millions of people throughout the world. 

Formed in 1939 Global Refuge (then National Lutheran Council) provided assistance and services for refugees from Germany and Eastern Europe. Since then, there have been many crises that forced our global neighbors to leave their homes. 

From Hungarians (photo above circa 1939) to immigrants from South America, wars in Uganda, Vietnam, The Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and more, Global Refugee has been providing hope for 80 years.

There are numerous charities worldwide that provide hope for the holidays throughout the year. 

Here's the top 12 charities giving hope to millions, as compiled by The Giving Back website this year:

1. Habitat for Humanity International

2. CARE

3. Bay Area Community Services, Inc.

4. New York Street Project

5. Lifting Hands International

6. Project Hawaii

7. Entryway

8. Refuge for Women

9. Breakthrough

10. Oxfam America

11. The Life You Can Save

12. Save the Children

You can Google any of the above should you wish to make a donation or just to learn more about an organization.

Charities and other service organizations will not bring peace to the world however, but the hope they provide is part of the foundation needed to establish peace on the planet - when everyone's needs are met there's no need to go to war.

Imagine if all the industrialized nations had leaders who promoted peace and solved conflicts through civilized negotiations. It would be mankind's salvation. And the earth's too, as everyone would agree to fight climate change so that future generations wouldn't be doomed to living in wastelands with toxic air.

HOPE. It's a big four-letter word. Like LOVE. They go together. 

As it Stands, I wish you joyous and peaceful holidays! 

Exploring the Mysteries of Our Memories

Why are some people's memories so good and others so poor?

To answer that question, I turned to several sources, including the Queensland Brain Institute and the Alzheimer Society.

What I found

There are numerous types of memories including...

* Sensory Memory: we have a brief storage of sensory information, such as a flash of light, hearing a bird sing, or smelling popcorn. Sensory memory helps the brain process incoming stimuli, but most of it is forgotten unless processed.

* Short Term Memory: I'm guilty of this limited storage of information for a short period of time, typically around 15 to 30 seconds. For example, trying to remember a phone number while getting a pen to write it down.

* Working Memory: A type of short-term memory that involves holding on to and manipulating small bits of information in the mind. It's closely related to attention and is used to hold information while engaging in other cognitive processes.

Long-Term Memory: Can hold an unlimited amount of information over a period of time, from a few hours to a lifetime. Have you ever known someone like this?

* Episodic Memory: My wife Shirley is blessed with this type of memory to recall past events, recent or distant. 

* Semantic Memory: Used to remember the meanings of words or remember facts.

and finally, the trickiest...

* False Memories: They happen when someone recalls an event incorrectly either by misremembering details or by remembering something that never happened. They can be vivid and convincing, and it can be difficult to convince someone that their memory is wrong.

Moving on...

It's common knowledge that our brains-and specifically, our brain cells-store memories.

Get this; a team of scientists at NYU has discovered that cells from other parts of the body also perform a memory function, opening pathways for understanding how memory works and creating the potential to enhance learning and to treat memory-related afflictions.

Researchers tell us the rarest type of memory is Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM). I've never personally met someone with this skill level but have read about people currently, and in history, who had it.

Out of curiosity, I wondered what types of memories are the easiest to recall. The answer is declarative memories are easier to form than nondeclarative memories. For example, it takes less time to memorize a country's capital than it does to learn how to play the violin. Once you've learned to ride a bicycle, you're not likely to forget.

As you might guess, the hardest memories to forget are emotional memories. The reason is an involvement of an area of the brain that plays an important role in controlling behaviors that are important to your survival, including feelings of fear.

As it Stands, I hope this post answers at least some of the questions about your own memory.

Cultivating Kindness in your Life

Growing up I was inspired by a kind fourth grade teacher who saw beyond the angry youth that I was and encouraged me to channel my passions into writing.

It was one small act of kindness that set me on the road to a journalistic career. Without his encouragement there's no telling where I would have ended up.

Kindness is a force of good that has the power to change the world, one act at a time. Kindness enriches our lives in countless ways from the release of "feel good" chemicals in our brain to the creation of positive effects in communities.

Keep in mind that kindness can be contagious. By embracing it you create a ripple effect of good that can transform your life and the lives of others in the world.

Cultivating kindness in your life

(From Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health)

1. Start with yourself. Practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself. It's easier to be kind to others when you are with yourself.

2. Small acts, big impact. Kindness doesn't have to be grand gestures. Small acts, like complimenting someone, holding the door, or listening to a friend, can make a significant difference.

3. Volunteer: Find opportunities to help others in your community or support charitable organizations.

4. Practice empathy: Try to understand the perspectives and feelings of others. Empathy is the foundation for kindness.

5. Be mindful: Be present in the moment and aware of the opportunities to be kind that arise in your life.

Interestingly kindness is more than just a warm and fuzzy feeling; it's a fundamental part of our biology. Studies have shown that when we perform acts of kindness, our brain releases dopamine and oxytocin, which makes us feel happy and connected to others. 

In the course of my life, I've met many kind people who have given me hope for humanity. Think about how great it is when your acts of kindness produce ripple-effects that set off a chain reaction of positivity.

As it Stands, in a world that is currently heavy with pain and hate, kindness is desperately needed. 

Life Hacks by 6 Brilliant Blogs

The next time you're surfing the internet try taking a tour of blogs for some fantastic reads.

Before I unveil a random selection of blogs be warned that I'm not providing direct links to them, but you can Google them if you want to know more about the blog and blogger.

Let's start off with the #1 blog on the internet. 

Billboard

Best known for the hot 100 and Billboard 200, which lists the most popular songs and albums each week in the industry. Offers industry news, events, podcasts and music streaming.

Next, one of my personal favorites.

- Monkey's Tale

The best Adventure Travel blog on the web! The beautiful photography from locations around the world is a stunning sight to see. Be transported by this couple who carefully document their experiences. There are great travel tips included for every country.

Entrepreneurs will love...

Fast Company

With an editorial focus on innovations in technology, world changing ideas, leadership, creativity, and design. The site also offers readers advise on how to grow their businesses and economic news.

An offbeat but fascinating site.

- Bouncin' and Behavin' Blogs

Blogger Jason Provencio is a renegade writing for the masses. His articles are scorching and topical. He will give you plenty of food for thought and might even shock you with his harsh language and controversial views.

Active communities featured.

- Illumination

Find your voice at this blog which encourages people to speak out in life by offering a well-created forum featuring articles from spirituality, relationships, science & tech, poetry/fiction and business.

My personal favorite.

- Fictionista

Blogger Darnell Cureton shares his writing expertise with readers while also featuring his original micro fiction, flash fiction and his diary. This award-winning blogger does book reviews and is really good about answering your questions about writing techniques.

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Interesting fact:

There are 600 million blogs on the internet (the blogosphere) accounting for one-third of all websites published.

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"Nowadays, everyone seems to have a blog that finds readers." - Robert Dallek

As it Stands, I hope one of these recommendations makes your day!

Universal Music Power

In a delightful description of the power of music William Congreve wrote "Music hath charms to sooth a savage beast..." in his 1697 play The Mourning Bride.

The benefits of listening to music has not been lost over the ages. In fact, humans were making their own music in prehistoric times and have not let up since. Every culture has its own beat, but they all provide entertainment and meaning in their societies.

If we boil down the real power of music, it's a mood enhancer. It improves our moods by triggering the release of three powerful chemicals: dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. These hormones give us a rush of pleasure, support reward and motivation and help us feel connected to others.

I remember going to a concert featuring Grand Funk Railroad and Black Sabbath at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles in 1971 and being caught up with the primitive beat as people passed communal joints. It was a collective high that turbo charged my adrenaline making it a memorable experience.

Among other benefits music transforms us to other planes of awareness and spiritual joy when listening to religious music that stirs our souls. There are occasions for what I call sad music - funerals, tear-jerker movies, etc. They are an emotional release for some people.

My favorite music is rock and roll. I especially enjoy music from the 60s, 70's, and 80's. I recall driving my 1964 Chevy and rocking to the Canned Heat's "On the Road Again" blaring out of the eight "10-inch Craig speakers hooked up to my Eight-Track tape recorder.

How about you? What's your favorite type of music?

How about your favorite groups?

A sampling of my favorite groups:

The Beatles, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Moody Blues, Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Who, Eagles, Canned Heat, Grand Funk Railroad, Blue Oyster Cult, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane, The Animals, Steppenwolf, and Emerson Lake & Palmer.

"Music is the strongest form of magic," - Marilyn Manson (Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) 

As it Stands, to me one of the greatest things a person can do in their life is make music. Writing, singing, playing an instrument, it doesn't matter. We all have our inner beat and rhythm to share with the world. Go with your flow.

Taking a Chance

History is full of people who were willing to take a chance despite the odds of achieving success.

Their reasons vary wildly. They are called risk takers because they realize that in reality things don't always go well... but what the hell? They give it a go.

One of the reasons people take a chance is because they want to be famous.

Take Walt Disney for example. He experienced failure repeatedly before becoming a household name. He was actually fired from the Kansas City Star because his editor felt he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas!" Worse yet, he was unceremoniously removed from the company (Laugh-O-Gram Studio) he started at 30 years old.

The moral of Disney's story is never give up and keep taking chances until you achieve your goal. Walt became an icon because he didn't give up despite years of failures.

Types of risk takers

* There are the calculative and perceptive (hedge funds, contractors, entrepreneurs) people who observe what is going on in the markets and pick their moments. They realize that risk is a variable in the equation that leads to return. Their strength is deductive reasoning and oversight.

* Then we have people who take risks because it gives them a thrill. They don't always think ahead and are likely to fail through lack of planning. But when they succeed it becomes addictive. They are generally fearless and take on challenges that most people wouldn't consider. 

10 Famous People Who Gave Themselves Another Chance

1. Albert Einstein - He didn't speak until he was four and did not read until he was seven, causing his teachers and parents to think he was mentally handicapped.

2. Thomas Edison - Teachers told Edison he was "too stupid to learn anything." He failed at 1,000 attempts to invent the light bulb.

3. Michael Jordon - He was cut from the high school basketball team. He didn't allow that setback to stop him however and became a legend on the court.

4. Babe Ruth - One of the greatest players in baseball had the unenviable record, for decades, of strikeouts. When asked about this he said, "Every strike brings me closer to the next home run." 

5. Henry Ford - His early businesses failed and left him broke five times before he founded the successful Ford Motor Company.

6. Dr. Suess - 27 different publishers rejected his first book To Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street.  

7. Jack London - While he would go on to publish popular novels like White Fang and the Call of the Wild, his first story received six hundred rejection slips before finally being accepted.

8. Fred Astaire - In his first screen test, the testing director of MGM noted that Astaire, "Can't act. Can't sing. Slightly bald. Can dance a little." Astaire went on to become an incredibly successful actor, singer, and dancer and kept the note in his Beverly Hills home to remind him of where he came from."

9. Paulo Coelho - The author of one of the most well-read books worldwide, The Alchemist, was released by an obscure Brazilian publishing house which told him to give up. He didn't give up however and kept knocking on doors until he found success.

10. Vincent Van Gogh - During his lifetime, Van Gogh sold only one painting, and this was to a friend and only for a small amount of money. Still, he plugged on and created over 800 known works. Today they bring in hundreds of millions. 

As it Stands, if you think about it, you're taking a chance every day of your life.