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Showing posts with label embedded tweets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label embedded tweets. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris ~ The Past and the Future

On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out, and the building many of us know as the sanctuary for the gypsy Esmeralda was ablaze!  The Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris was in flames. It was an unbelievable sight to see!  The world was rocked and shocked by the fire that destroyed this iconic structure.  The fact that the fire happened during the week before Easter Sunday made the event even more poignant for a lot of people.  However, within 24 hours after hearing the news reports, people and businesses from various parts of the globe offered to make monetary contributions for its restoration.  Let’s celebrate the past and the future of this historic monument.



#1 Thank the Lord for digital technology.

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#2 The Cathedral de Notre Dame Took Almost a Century to Build
(Link to archived copy. The Virily site shut down.) 

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#3 Kings of France Were Crowned in the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris
(Link to archived copy. The Virily site shut down.) 
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#4 The Iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame Has a Sister.

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Notre-Dame de Paris (reopened Dec 2024) and Amiens Cathedral are masterpieces of French Gothic architecture. Notre-Dame de Paris is iconic for its central location, history, and restoration, while Amiens is the largest, with twice the interior volume. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

#5 The basilica in Montreal is comparable to the cathedral in Paris.

♦
The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is a stunning Gothic Revival masterpiece located in Old Montreal, Quebec, renowned for its dramatic, deeply colored interior, intricate wood carvings, and celestial blue ceiling with gold stars. Completed in 1829, it is a premier Canadian heritage site that hosts the famous AURA light show and welcomes millions of visitors annually.


#6 The Fire is History

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#7 The Spire Went Down, but the Spire Will Go Up Again

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#8 The Cathedral de Notre Dame will be restored.

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The future of the Cathedral de Notre Dame looks anything but bleak.  It will be restored and will still be one of the most visited sites in Paris, France.  So if it was on your bucket list of Places to Visit, keep it on the list!


As if the fire wasn't bad enough.  In April 2020, the world was in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic.



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Sunday, March 29, 2026

Buying a Home: Ever Fantasize About Having a Celebrity Neighbor? (Zillow Survey Results)

Zillow is a real estate company based in Seattle, Washington, USA, that has conducted an annual survey for the past decade, asking ordinary people, that is, people who are not celebrities, which celebrity they would love to have as a neighbor. According to the survey results:
In 2018, the survey was modified. Instead of voting for real celebs as neighbors, people were asked who would be their favorite fictional TV character or characters. Leonard Hofstadter and Penny from the CBS TV-series “The Big Bang Theory” garnered the most votes.

Have you ever fantasized about having a celebrity neighbor?

 I participated in my own unofficial celebrity neighbor survey and these are my results.

 * * *

 Miami, Florida, is my hometown, and the exclusive neighborhoods of the stars who live in Miami Beach include celebrity couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan (“Miami Sound Machine”). The Estefans would get my vote for most desirable celebrity neighbors in any year.  It’s my fantasy. They are in the first place.

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Also, after watching the cooking show, “Kimchi Chronicles”, two other celebrity couples were put in second place. World-class chefs, Marja and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, would be my neighbors on one side; and actor, Hugh Jackman (aka “Wolverine”) and his wife, actress Deborra-Lee, would be on the other side. It would be awesome to have dinner with them every now and then.  Every now and then?  Uuuhh … OK.  Just once!  I’d be happy with one invitation to share a meal together.  Wouldn’t you?
♦



Source: Virily
UPDATE MARCH 2026:

Notes on the Traditional “Celebrity Neighbor” Survey

Zillow used to publish an annual Celebrity Neighbor Survey (2010s), but in recent years, they’ve shifted toward related lifestyle surveys—such as “celebrity roommate” preferences—rather than the original neighbor‑specific format. The 2024 survey is currently the latest available in this family of celebrity‑preference housing/lifestyle polls.

Most Recent Survey Year - 2024

  • Zillow Rentals released a survey on Dec 4, 2024, identifying America’s preferred celebrity roommates (a modern variation of the classic “celebrity neighbor” survey).

    • Ryan Reynolds ranked as the most preferred celebrity roommate.

    • Taylor Swift followed closely.

    • Zendaya topped the list among Gen Z.

    • Simone Biles and LeBron James led the athlete category.



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Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Where To Find Fascinating Facts About Classic Fairy Tales

Did you know that many of the classic fairy tales that we read today were not originally written that way? 


Do you believe that wonderful and interesting people and places exist all around the world? So do I. Based on my virtual travels, Slovenians seem to be my kind of people! Why do I say that? 

By Léon Carré (Livre des 1001 nuits) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons


Mainly because of Tolovaj.com (aka “Tolovaj Wordsmith“), a small publishing house in Ljubljana, Slovenia, that specializes in publishing literature for children as its primary line of business. As a secondary business project, they delve into the under-reported history behind many of the classic fairy tales and share the fascinating results of their research.
  • Did you know the first edition of Grimm’s original story, “The Frog Prince”, was not even intended for a child audience?
  • Do you know the true symbolism and history behind the fairy tales, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Little Red Riding Hood”?
  • Sure most of us know about Aesop’s fables. But do we know Aesop?
Many of the Tolovaj articles are on display at their blogs or at online writing communities like Zujava, HUBPages, and Wizzley. On display? Yes. Take a look and you will agree that the research findings are presented to the reader in such a way that not only is it very enjoyable reading but the accompanying artwork turn the pages into visually stunning masterpieces.

 Aren’t you a little curious about the real story behind all those stories collectively known today as “1001 Arabian Nights”?

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5 fascinating facts about classic fairy tales (that many people don’t realize):

  1. Many fairy tales were originally very dark
    Early versions of stories like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White included violence, punishment, and grim endings meant to warn rather than entertain.

  2. Fairy tales were first told for adults, not children
    These stories were shared orally among adults as lessons about survival, social rules, and human behavior—long before they became children’s bedtime stories.

  3. The Brothers Grimm didn’t “invent” most of their stories
    Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm collected folk tales from storytellers across Europe, often editing them multiple times to make them more suitable for families.

  4. Fairy godmothers are a relatively modern addition
    In early versions of Cinderella, magical helpers were often animals or spirits, not the wand-waving fairy godmother we know today.

  5. Disney significantly softened the originals
    Many famous fairy-tale endings—like true love’s kiss or happily-ever-after—were emphasized or invented in modern adaptations to make the stories more optimistic and family-friendly.

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Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Travel and History: Ten Facts About the Republic of Turkey

When you travel, it is good to know historical facts.  Modern-day Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a country strategically located between Europe and Asia, and its leaders have an integral role on the world stage. The Asian part of Turkey was at one time called Asia Minor and was a part of the ancient Roman empire. Later, Turkey became part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. 

Its historical, religious, political, and cultural significance, including the fact that its largest city was once the capital of three empires ~ Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ~ should not be discounted or minimized. The heritage of Turkey and its influence in today’s political and economic arena are intricately woven into world history and world affairs.


♦ Here are TEN FACTS About the Republic of Turkey:
  1. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is revered as the founder of the Republic of Turkey and is also called the “Father of the Turks”.
  2. The founder of the Republic of Turkey was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1934.
  3. The current capital city of Turkey is Ankara.
  4. Istanbul was once the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
  5. Istanbul was once historically known by the name Constantinople.
  6. “Turkey entered World War II in 1945 on the side of the Allies, who secured an agreement that Turkey would become a democracy.”
  7. Even though Britain or the UK has voted to exit the EU (“Brexit”), Turkey wishes to be accepted as a member state of the European Union (EU).
  8. NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an international alliance between European and North American countries and Turkey is a member state.
  9. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are all famous buildings in Turkey; must-see places for any traveler or visitor. The Topkapi Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
  10. The Independent published a list of Turkey’s 7 most popular cities that attract tourists. Even though Cappadocia is located in Central Turkey and is mentioned in the Bible, this city was NOT on their list.
(Content previously published at Virily.)


Related Links:
* * *FOR YOUR READING LIST (if you enjoy a good mystery):














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Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Joie de Vivre's Ancient History Blog Posts Roundup!

Do you appreciate the value of history? Especially ancient history? There is a wonderful website called Ancient History Encyclopedia. The vision statement at their website clearly outlines their intent and purpose:
“At Ancient History Encyclopedia we believe that ancient history is too important to be found in expensive books, on private homepages with a nationalist agenda, or less reliable Wikis. The internet is available in every country on earth, and it deserves reliable high-quality educational history information.”

They really do accomplish what they set out to do. They may not have set out to inspire me to do additional research and write blog posts about my findings, but they did! Below is a roundup of blog posts published at Joie de Vivre Magazine.

Do you like history?

Is there a favorite history blog or website you enjoy?

Hope you enjoy these posts.





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Nimrod and the ‘Gate of God’

 Ancient Kingdoms of Lydia and Persia

 Who Were the Philistines?

 Mark Antony and Antonia Fortress

 Seven Wonders Plus One (or Two)

 Did Alexander the Great Think He Was Great?

 Alternate Names for the Dead Sea

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● Ancient History: African Kingdoms: Nubian Princesses


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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

5 Books to Add to Your Reading List

Watched a short video showing that former POTUS Barack Obama (44th president, served 2 terms, inaugurated January 20, 2009, and served through January 20, 2017, is continuing his tradition of sharing his favorite music, movies, and books for the year. He published his list somewhere online.

 In case you’re interested. Obama’s lists for 2016, 2017, and 2018.

That got me thinking. Movies and music you usually get around to watching or listening to. Whereas sometimes with books, unless they are audiobooks, you don’t find the time or make the time to read them. What was on your reading list for one year might end up being on the reading list for the next year and the next and the next.

Do you have any books that were on your reading list last year that are still on your reading list this year?

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Here are 5 leftover books to read from my list:

 (1)  Hoff, Benjamin. TheTao of Pooh. E. P. Dutton, Inc., 1982. “For Han Hsiang-tse.”

(2)  Foner, Eric. A Short History of Reconstruction, 1863–1877. Harper Perrenial Modern Classics, 2015

(3)  Lewis, James R., and Evelyn Dorothy. Oliver. Angels A to Z. Visible Ink Press, 2008.

(4)  Cunliffe, Barry W. Rome and Her Empire. Edited by David Baker, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1978.

(5)  Swindoll, Charles R. Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives. Thomas Nelson Inc, 2005.


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Friday, August 2, 2024

American History: Really Cool History About American Presidents

In my lifetime, I have lived through the administrations of presidents of the United States from Eisenhower to Obama. They left their “footprints” in America's historical records for future generations of citizens. Let's hope the country is still standing for those generations.


From my childhood to the present date, I can remember the following presidents of the United States:
  • Dwight Eisenhower (1953 – 1961)
  • John F. Kennedy (1961 – Nov 22, 1963)
  • Lyndon Johnson (1963 – 1969)
  • Richard Nixon (1969 – 1974)
  • Gerald Ford (1974 – 1977)
  • Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981)
  • Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1989)
  • George Bush Sr. (1989 – 1993)
  • William J. Clinton (1993 – 2001)
  • George Bush Jr. (2001 – 2009)
  • Barack Obama (2009 – 2017)
Donald Trump (2017 – 2021 )
  • Joe Biden (2021 - 2024)

At the time of this writing, it is March 2020*. We are in the midst of the presidential campaign process. Somebody has to be nominated as the Democratic candidate. That person will run for the highest office in this country and whoever he or she is, they hope “We the People” will vote for them and unseat our current Republican president, Donald Trump. Whenever this time in American history comes around, i.e. the political process of choosing a new fearless leader, I am always thankful.
  • I’m thankful Americans have the right to VOTE.
  • I’m thankful our POTUS is not a despicable king or queen who can’t be dethroned or worse a ruthless dictator who nobody can get rid of.
  • I’m thankful the U.S. Constitution limits the president’s term in office to 4 years and that the president can only serve for 2 terms.
  • I’m thankful I have survived all of the presidents as far back as I can remember and that our country is still standing.
  • I’m thankful that I’m living and American.
I found some really cool tweets that reflect interesting moments in time. The history covered in tweets is during the timeline from Eisenhower to Johnson. When Nixon took office I was attending university and I became discouraged, dissatisfied, and disinterested in American politics. I’ve never really quite regained my enthusiasm and interest. But I didn’t bury my head in the sand either. America is still the land that I love. God Bless America.

Cool Tweets About American Presidents


*Original content source:  Virily.com, March 5, 2020

Tuesday, 
November 3
Election Day (US) 2020 in United States


To ALL Americans who VOTE (and those who don't):

Remember this country's history.  Recall the aspirations and ideals of our Founding Fathers.  Remember those who shed blood for this land.  Not just those who fought as soldiers in the military, but including the original natives and those who were slaves.  America exists because of their sweat, blood, and tears.

Understand this.  You can not rely solely on a leader to make America a great nation.  Building this country is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.  The leader you choose does not carry this weight on his or her shoulders all alone.  The leader is an ordinary citizen, just like you and me, who should be humbled and honored to SERVE "We the People".  The elected leader should respect the oath of office and approach the duties of the office of the presidency with gravity and sincerity and a genuine heart FOR THE COUNTRY AND FOR THE PEOPLE. 

Know this.  A country is nothing without dutiful, loyal, patriotic citizens who love their country, live peacefully in their country, and work TOGETHER to build their country.

 Think about this when you vote.
Think about this even if you don't vote.


Original content source: Medium.com
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Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Are the Kids Labeled as Gen Z Hopeless? (My Answer to This Question)

Alex Phillips published an article via Medium.com titled "Gen Z Are Destined To Fail! : Heres How To Break Free From The Gen Z Curse.". It is an excellent read. After reading I left a few comments.  My thoughts shared at the article are also published below.  I would like my comments with my JDV blog visitors, who don't visit the Medium platform.


My granddaughter likes to laugh and say since she's Gen Z, she's hopeless. If it's just a silly joke, no problem. But I do hope she know that she is precious and where there is life, there is always hope.

That being said, I'd also like to say that “every generation blames the one that came before”, per Mike & The Mechanics. Or to borrow words from Billy Joel “We didn't start the fire.”

Every generation faces “something”! Gen Z is no different from any of the other generations. Whatever demons arise they have to take them on! You either learn how to think for yourself and stand on your own two feet … OR __________. I'm not sure how the blank will get filled in for each individual, but it won't be good.

History should be taught AND wisdom acquired from history lessons should be passed down from generation to generation. It's the least that one generation can do for the next generation. That Billy Joel song is PACKED with history lessons.

Original source





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Monday, May 20, 2024

Do Souls Exists? (My Answer to the Question)

As a member of the Medium.com writing community (view my writer's profile), not only do I enjoy writing content but I also enjoy reading and commenting on the articles of my fellow writers.

Aurum Archon published an article titled "Do Souls Exist?". It is an excellent read and he shares many informational links in his article for further exploration. After reading I wanted to leave a few comments.  On Medium, responses to comments appear on your profile but they are not counted in your list of stories.  I often re-share my comments with readers who visit my blog.  When it comes to the question of the existence of souls, almost everybody has thoughts about this topic.  The comments below are my thoughts.

souls

"Only two things in life are certain: death and taxes." LOL.

Some people say they don't believe in God or a Higher Being. But they believe in science, i.e. something that can be proven. God can not be proven therefore God is not real. To me, that's kind of a humorous way of thinking or analyzing because most scientists supposedly make great that are discoveries that are even named after them.

However, what they discovered was already there. The scientists never explain WHO put it there or how it came to be. The so-called great scientific discoveries are often “accidental”. It makes me wonder if God or the Higher Being has watched from a distance as they diligently searched for answers and explanations and had pity. And God said: “If I don't show them how this or that works, they're never gonna figure it out for themselves.”

That being said, I remember a man who wanted desperately to scientifically prove the existence of the soul. He had a dying man hooked up to a machine that would measure the change in the person's body immediately after their death. He would conclude that any change recorded by the machine “might be” PROOF the soul existed.

As it so happened immediately after the person died the machine did record a change, but it was so small, so tiny, that it was practically “un-measurable”. Nevertheless, the person performing insisted that it “might” have proved the existence of the soul. Of course, there would be others in the scientific circles who disagree with his conclusion, So now other scientists can debate whether the experiment really proved the soul's existence and the debates can carry on back and forth until Jesus comes. LOL.

I very much enjoyed this article and appreciate the links you shared for further reading.

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