August 31st, 2024
“ Dobroho ranku”, or “Good Morning!” in Ukrainian, an Eastern Slavic language spoken mainly in Ukraine. I have decided that the UJT will remain focused on Ukraine until we can all rejoice at the end of hostilities. It has been 934 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.
This week I learned some stuff:
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- Having low or no vision is not for sissies! But there are more resources available to help than I knew about. Jessica and I met with the nice folks at The Braille Institute this week. It turns out that they are set up to assist any level of visual limitation. I spent two hours with them and learned all about living aids (magnifiers, tactile labels, etc.) as well as technology available to help. They assessed my limitation and helped me choose a magnifier that will work best for me. They buy in bulk and enjoy significant discounts as a result. I took back their audio book solution (it really was for the totally blind I think) because so far I am able to use my library through my phone to get to my books. I learned that they have a phone version available too.
- You can find out all about today’s history here.
This week’s Website Update:
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- I didn’t do any new recipes this week.
- The Home Page will have a quote from Aristophanes: “Open your mind before your mouth”.
Writing, Bonsai Trees, Stained Glass, and Painting Update:
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- I keep thinking about these projects but lately seem to prefer listening to my books.
Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:
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- I am ashamed to report that I am so disenchanted with our government. I am moving more and more towards the Libertarian point of view. This change is not because the Libertarians have improved their ideas or methods. It is because neither of our current political parties represent what I am and believe in. The current political
“Leaders” do not deserve to govern. They are all too busy pointing out the flaws of the other guy or raising money. Of course, that is an unfair characterization. Still, there is absolutely NOTHING that the Republicans have to say that I am in favor of, and while the Democrats are saying many of the right things I care about, my confidence that they will deliver in a political system where the wealthy oligarchs have such influence over and ever more fearful and unthinking electorate is very low. The forces of evil own too much real estate in both houses and the Supreme Court to help anyone except the stupidly deathly among us. To be a true supporter of the Libertarians is to believe that Americans want to do the right thing and government is stopping it in one way or another. The problem is that pesky concept of “the Right Thing”. My right thing removes money from politics, automatic weapons from morons, and distributes wealth, education, and health care more equitably. I suspect few hold that view as they grasp all they can, defend it with indiscriminate weapons, and ensure “their kind” have all the wealth, healthcare and education required to promote their version of the American dream. I know Democracy is a messy form of government and the best available today but I am not sure anyone is trying to improve it anymore. I am a hopeful person by nature but I honestly have no idea what to do with all this.
- I am ashamed to report that I am so disenchanted with our government. I am moving more and more towards the Libertarian point of view. This change is not because the Libertarians have improved their ideas or methods. It is because neither of our current political parties represent what I am and believe in. The current political
Music Update:
This week’s selections took me on a fun stroll through memories – Enjoy the Ride!!
This week’s UJT Radio Program:
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- Stevie Wonder — As — I fell in love of Stevie’s music way too many years ago to recall clearly. This is one of the most beautiful love songs I have ever known. It chokes me up to listen.If you have ever felt this way about anyone else you cannot help but be moved. This is from his “ Songs in the Key of Life” released in 1976.
- Stevie Wonder — Golden Lady — This is another one of my favorite songs from Stevie’s great album. “ Innervisions” was released in 1973.
- Lionel Richie – Running With TheNight — Lionel caught my eye with The Commodores way back when they did, “Brichouse”. This one is from his 1983 solo release, “Can’t Slow Down”.
- Wilson Phillips — Hold On — One of the most beautiful examples of female harmonies ever! Carnie and Wendy, Brian Wilsons daughters, and Canna Phillips whose parents are John and Michelle Phillips. You might say this is the second generation of harmonies from these icons of harmony – The Beach Boys and The Mamas & Papas! This is the title cut from their self-titled debut album released in 1990.
- Taylor Swift — Willow — Thus young woman is such a giant talent!!! She is so smart she is scary! This cut was the product of the COVID-19 quarantine. While most of us were holding our breath in masks, washing our hands and food, Taylor and Jimmy Buffet were doing some of their best work ever. Anyway, this is a cut off one of the 2 albums she released from that period, “evermore”.
- Alanis Morissette— You Ought to Know — This week I heard soemtaling heads on FB, sharing the back story on how this shone ended up on a record. Her demo made it to a producer who recognized that he had a big deal. So he hired a great guitar player, a great bass player, and a world-class drummer to work up the song with the idea that when they had the music done she would come in a re-record it. But in the end, they just pasted the demo vocals over the music and the rest is history. I never knew till this week that this was written as a cathartic” exercise to help Alanis get over her breakup with Ryan Reynolds. Canada is a big country but its a small world. This is from her debut album, “Jagged Little Pill” album released in 1995.
That’s it… Do the best you can; Laugh every chance you get; Always remember… The best is yet to come! As always, thank you for being my friend!