Aug 28 2023 - The Netizen

 

Isn’t this a word for our times!  Netizen, informal.  A user of the internet, especially a habitual or avid one.  Another definition - A netizen is a person who uses the internet, especially as a forum, for the expression of views and participation in political society. The term is a portmanteau of the English words "internet" and "citizen.” We, the people… here is a website that has the proposed declaration of the rights of netizens.  It is firstmonday.org "We Netizens have begun to put together a Declaration of the Rights of Netizens and are requesting from other Netizens contributions, ideas, and suggestions of what rights should be included. Following are some beginning ideas. The Declaration of the Rights of Netizens In recognition that the Net represents a revolution in human communications that was built by a cooperative non-commercial process, the following Declaration of the Rights of the Netizen is presented for Netizen comment. As Netizens are those who take responsibility and care for the Net, the following are proposed to be their rights: Universal access at no or low cost Freedom of Electronic Expression to promote the exchange of knowledge without fear of reprisal Uncensored Expression Access to Broad Distribution Universal and Equal access to knowledge and information Consideration of one's ideas on their merits" and so on.  It says inspired from Thomas Paine’s Declaration of Independence, 1776. Here’s a blurry step for “mankind”.

Read more daily posts here: marilyncornwellblogspot.com Purchase works here: Fine Art America- marilyncornwell.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

May 2 2023 - Poodles in Everything

 

There are so many cross-breeds of dogs with poodles.     Aussiedoodle - offspring of an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle Cockapoo - offspring of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle Labradoodle - offspring of a Labrador and a Poodle Maltipoo - offspring of a Maltese and a Poodle and these: Cockapoo. A firm family favourite, the Cockapoo is a cross breed between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle Labradoodle Cavapoo Maltipoo Pomapoo Yorkie Poo Shih-Poo Bernedoodle There are over l40 different types of Poodle mixes or doodles.  Check them out here at the Martha Stewart article - they shed less so are popular with people who have allergies. And the inventor of this crossing?  It was Wally Conron and here's his conclusion:  "I opened a Pandora Box and released a Frankenstein monster. " Here are two of the blossom blur pictures. Read more daily posts here: marilyncornwellblogspot.com Purchase works here: Fine Art America- marilyncornwell.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

Nov 28 2022 - Mithra's Christmas

 

Mithra(s) was a Roman god, and the subject of the December 25th festival.  History says that Mithra was the first immaculate conception and born on December 25th - the son of the Sun God, so also known as son of God.  The creation of the world is central to the Mithraic mythology.   This was a significant god and a significant Roman religion with its mysteries.  There were many temples and sanctuaries to Mithra, and Mithraism is viewed as a rival of early Christianity.   It is generally held that the Christians appropriated the festival of Mithras' birth celebration on December 25th - the winter solstice - with similar light metaphors and correspondence between Christ and the sun. Considering they were rival religions, the Mithraists faced persecution from the Christians in the 4th century when Constantine ruled. This religious community disappeared.   What fascinates me is how successful the Christians were at banishing all other religions.  They termed all of them as 'pagan'.   As a definition, pagan was rustic, unlearned, bumpkin, villager, country dweller, and so on.  It became an all-embracing, pejorative term for polytheists.  It was us vs them. This approach worked, but It brings baggage. That means that when today's biblical historians are tracing the roots of various holidays and festivals they always find themselves in "pagan" territory.  Remember John Milton who as a Puritan was part of the banishment of Christmas based on its origins as a "pagan" festival.   So any time you read about the Christmas traditions in those" four things you might not know about Christmas" articles on the internet, you will inevitably find Mithras in the mix of the discussion.   This motion blur image of birch trees seems to have the right tones for this time of year Read more daily posts here: marilyncornwellblog.com Purchase works here: Fine Art America- marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

Jan 27 2021 - So Outdated

 

Bernie Sander's big mittens crocheted doll has now raised over $40,000 U.S.  What came to mind with those mittens and jacket were how  'outdated'v they looked at the Inauguration.   Could the Bernie Sander's mittens meme ever become outdated? Here's what happens to out-of-date memes:  They become Memeries.   I wondered about our society's approach to things that become outdated.  There's not that much written on this.  We seem to be busy in the present and the future.  There are answers such as "8 signs your website is out of date."  Another is "What's the best term for referring to old people."  And "When will my gadget become obsolete?"  Aren't these a funny collection of answers.   There are a few jokes about outdated: My girlfriend left me because I'm outdated. Now I'm listening to the cassette tape I made for her while crying into my typewriter. My daughter made a giant pair of shears from outdated computer parts in art class at school She called it “Cutting hedge technology” Fred and Barney are standing next to the jukebox.  Barney says, "Hey, Fred, what do you want to listen to? *Rock* music?" Fred replies, "You know, Barney, just because we live in the stone age doesn't mean all your puns have to be rock-based. Besides, I have a very eclectic taste in music which better suites my personality." Barney retorts, "Well gee, Fred, I wouldn't think any band would play music as tacky and outdated as your personality." Fred rebutted enthusiastically, "Well yeah, but ABBA do!!!"   Our first picture is motion blur today: I was a bit lazy yesterday and sat in the office taking pictures of the large Maple and the falling snow through the window. The second is multiple exposures - taken along Moyer Road - near Vineland Estates. Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

Jan 5 2021 - The Day the U.S. Stood Still

 

Today is an historic day in the U.S., whichever way the Georgia Run-offs go - there is deep dread and there is great hope side by side. Our headline phrase echoes this sentiment. The Day the Earth Stood Still is a landmark 1951 movie. I remember that we kids saw it on television.  In fact, we saw a lot of movies on television in the 1950s. They were daytime filler during the summer months.  We thought it was pretty exciting for little kids.   This is an echo from the past to today's situation in the U.S. "When a flying saucer lands in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Army quickly surrounds it. A humanoid emerges and announces that he comes "in peace and with good will". When he unexpectedly opens a small device, he is shot and wounded by a nervous soldier. A tall robot emerges from the saucer and quickly disintegrates the Army's weapons. The alien orders the robot, Gort, to desist. He explains that the now-broken device was a gift for the President of the United States that would have enabled him "to study life on the other planets". Read more of the  plot HERE.  There is a section on the Metaphors that describes the comparison of Klaatu with Jesus Christ. The conclusion of the story: "Klaatu addresses Barnhardt's assembled scientists: an interplanetary organization has created a police force of invincible robots like Gort. "In matters of aggression, we have given them absolute power over us." Klaatu concludes, "Your choice is simple: join us and live in peace, or pursue your present course and face obliteration. We shall be waiting for your answer." Klaatu and Gort depart in the saucer." The famous phrase in the movie that has been analyzed by countless people, including an "alien linguistics editor" is "Klaatu Barada Nikto".  It was created by the Screen play author Edmund North rather than the original story author.  His own direct translation describes where things are today:  "There's hope for Earth, if the scientists can be reached" So our pictures today reflect the dread vs hope theme of the future that awaits the U.S. along with the rest of us watching from the sidelines.   Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

Oct 19 2020 - It's the Dalai Lama

 

The following words from the Dalai Lama were written on his Facebook front page on September 10th, 2012 “All the world’s major religions, with their emphasis on love, compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness can and do promote inner values. But the reality of the world today is that grounding ethics in religion is no longer adequate. This is why I am increasingly convinced that the time has come to find a way of thinking about spirituality and ethics beyond religion altogether.” While the Dalai Lama retired in 2011 from being Tibet's political leader, he is very active.  His website's recent post is on the 17th congratulating Jacinda Ardern on her New Zealand victory,  He is very engaged in continuing spirituality and ethics, even at 85 years.  He has an active webcast schedule.  Here's the webcast on  October 20, 2020 -  His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a talk on Educating the Heart organized by EdCamp Ukraine, an educational NGO that is Emory University's official Social Emotional Ethical (SEE) Learning partner in Ukraine by video link from his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on October 20, 2020. There will also be a question and answer session after his talk. People are requested to please follow their local social distancing rules while viewing the live webcast. See www.dalailama.com/live Will there be a 15th Dalai Lama?  He says it is up to the Tibetan people. On the 24th of September 2011, the Dalai Lama issued a statement concerning his reincarnation giving exact signs on how the next one should be chosen, the place of rebirth and that the Chinese appointed Dalai Lama should not be trusted. The process can take a long time - it took four years to find the 14th Dalai Lama.  And who knows when the current Dalai Lama might pass on?  We have been privileged to be able to participate in his life through mass media and social media - this is the most people who have benefited from his wisdom and teachings in all history.  You can find out the poll results of recognition and support for Tibet and the Dalai Lama HERE. I was out on the weekend taking pictures of sumacs and autumn leaves.  This was the most beautiful - the motion blur makes the leaves look like feathers.

Read past POTDs at my Blog: https://marilyncornwell.blogspot.com Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

Sep 10 2020 - Border Crossing

 

Americans seem to love our border and want to cross it during the COVID-19 lockdown.  Even to the point of taking to the waterways in B.C.  A Washington State border jumper entered Canada illegally at a closed border crossing and ended up on foot, eventually in the water for two and a half hours to evade arrest.   What do towns do when they have a street that's split in two by the border?  Stanstead Canada and Derby Line US have this situation.  It is the only street like this on the border between Canada and the U.S. There are historical quirks here: the Haskell Free Library and Opera House was deliberately constructed on the Canada–US border and opened in 1904. The original owners were a couple with dual nationality; Mr. Carlos F. Haskell was an American businessman from Derby Line who owned a number of sawmills, while Mrs. Haskell was born in Canada. The intent was that people on both sides of the border would have use of the facility, which is now a designated historic site. Visitors today may still enter the facility from the Canadian or American sides, though those who use it as a border crossing must report to their respective customs office. The library is closed during COVID. That's the only report - nothing else on how the border  is doing during these times.  Here's one of my favourite backgrounds for flowers.  I think I took this in the botanic garden in Florida - Camelia leaves are shiny and reflect the sun, so I was able to defocus to make all the reflections into beautiful blurry sun circles.

Read past POTD's at my Blog: http://blog.marilyncornwell.com Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

Oct 29 - Bedtime Tales

How did fairy tales get that formal name?  They are folklore stories with a specific definition of being a children's story about magical and imaginary beings and lands. Merriam Webster indicates that the adjective "fairy-tale" is characteristic or suitable to a fairy tale - marked by seemingly unreal beauty perfection, luck, or happiness. Fairy tale, the noun, is defined as a story (as for children) involving fantastic forces and beings (such as fairies, wizards, and goblins) or a story in which improbable events lead to a happy ending, or a made-up story usually designed to mislead. Is Star Wars a fairy tale?  It says it is in megaessays.com. Is The Hobbit a fair tale? It too is identified as a true fairy tale. The most famous (well-known) fairy tales? Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs tops the list on one site, but Cinderella on another.  What about Beauty and the Beast? I think that comes after our first place tie and others like Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, Rapunzel, come after these top three. It seems to me that the easy answer for what makes fairy tales so beloved is their presentation in movies.  Our top fairy tale movie producer is Disney and we've benefited from wonderful renditions of fairy tales. And what about Fairy Tale Jokes: The little tin soldier had been in the army ever since he was a tiny baby. He was in the infantry! Rapunzel is not a fairy tale It's a hairy tale. My girlfriend wanted a marriage just like a fairy tale. Fair enough. I gave her a loaf of bread and left her in the forest. Why was Cinderella no good at playing hockey? Because she was always running away from the ball! What kind of pet did Aladdin have? A flying car-pet! Why was Cinderella such a poor football player ? She had a pumpkin for a coach ! Today we have two pictures on the same day - one with the blue sky and gold trees, and the second cloudy and all the colour gone from the trees.  That's Autumn - lots of mood swings - but not the happy fairy tale ending of spring.  That is, unless you are willing to wait a few months.

Read past POTD's at my Blog: http://blog.marilyncornwell.com Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

The Gold Fish Myth

he CBC interview on human attention span yesterday identified the 12 seconds and 8 seconds (and then the goldfish at 9 seconds)  attention span statistics as unfounded, unprovable, and as a result, unlikely and probably false.  The neuroscientist being interviewed says that there is research available that shows human attention span is unlimited when the person is focused and enjoying the activity they are involved in.  The 'flow' state and the 'zone' are the terms for this.  There are countless articles on attention span quoting the 12-8-9 numbers.  This means that journalists are unconsciously spreading fake news by not properly checking facts and scientific references. And not just a few journalists: Time magazine, the Telegraph, the Guardian, USA Today, the New York Times and the National Post. And then there are the repetitions in numerous blogs and websites.  Poor TIME Magazine - it comes up right at the topi of the list. There are articles addressing the attention span statistic fallacy/myth.  The PolicyViz article is HERE.  It was written in 2016.  The author says: "I’ve written about other bad statistics in the past (here and here), and this one is no exception. It’s not correct! Look, it’s not that I don’t believe we have shorter attention spans in the past because I’m sure we do, it’s just that I don’t have a reliable number to put on it. And, by the way, I like John Medina’s (from Brain Rules fame) advice to break up instruction/presentation into 10-minute chunks, which is based on actual research on instruction." And to compare attention span to goldfish is a second false idea. Scientists have debunked the short attention span of goldfish myth.  The BBC.com  writer spoke to a professor who studies fish and she says there are many studies on fish memory (as early as 1908), and fish perform the same kinds of learning as mammals and birds.   And we're only looking at the quality of journalism reporting.  The Grievance Studies affair was a project to highlight poor scholarship in several academic fields.  The team submitted bogus academic papers to academic journals to determine if they would pass through peer review, and several were accepted and published.  You can read about it in Wikipedia which says:  "These published articles included an argument that dogs engage in rape culture, that men could reduce their transphobia by anally penetrating themselves with sex toys, and a rewrite of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf in feminist language." I compare these two for poor methods, although there is a distinction between "active" hoaxes and poor fact checking. Two more images of the Sago Palm today.  A little more green as our landscape quickly goes gold, orange, red and brown.

Read past POTD's at my Blog: http://blog.marilyncornwell.com Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram

Biodigester Done

Grimsby's distinction of having a biodigester is concluded.  Its difficult operations and financial losses have also come to a conclusion - the facility  has been sold. It is a story of mis-steps, poor steps, set-backs, failure to carry out the needed activities, and more.  It took seven years to get it up and running mid-December 2016.  The hope was annual revenue from power generated ito be $1.4 million. It was to pay for itself in eight years. Here's a sample quote: "I would hope to see several hundred thousand (dollars) going back to the town" on an annual basis, he said. "This project should double the revenue stream coming to the town from hydro assets." Fast forward to 2018 municipal elections, and a new town council and mayor swept into power. They made the biodigester the main subject.  The past mayor and town council had refused to reveal the costs of the biodigestor.  The debt in January 2019 was determined to be $15 million.  It costs $100,000 a month to operate it. It isn't surprising that there is a lawsuit against the three major players, and that includes the past mayor.  The lawsuit claims that the two players, with the mayor's support, appointed themselves as contractors and project managers and received substantial money while serving as company directors.  It also claims they suppressed information that the project was not producing profit, along with the losses from the biodigester. There was irregular accounting practices and missing information as well. The resolution of the biodigester was difficult but it got accomplished.  Grimsby is a little town - almost 30,000.  It can look forward to a being town focused on town services again. And the new owner, White Owl, is in the waste diversion and processing facility business, so can expect to see a profitable operation.  These Sago Palm leaves were beside yesterday's pool in Sacramento.

Read past POTD's at my Blog: http://blog.marilyncornwell.com