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Showing posts with label republished content. Show all posts
Showing posts with label republished content. Show all posts

Monday, October 13, 2025

Travel and Vacation: Explore the City Rome: Where to Go and What to See (Guest Post)

The Eternal City Rome is home to more than 3 million people and rises from the Lazio region of west central Italy. Cradled between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea.


According to legend, Rome was founded by twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. And it was here, on Palatine Hill, that the foundations of the city were laid. A city that would soon become the Capital of the World.

Even today, the atmosphere of Roman times could be felt throughout the city.




Colosseum in Rome: symbol of ancient Rome

Surviving earthquakes and centuries of stone thieves, the magnificent Colosseum remains the most enduring symbol of Ancient Rome. The impressive structure is still in very good condition, you just need a little imagination to frame images of gladiators in battle. Over four centuries, tens of thousands of gladiators, slaves, and Christians died in a blaze of glory.

The Colosseum at night is pleasing to the eye, during the summer it is now possible to see the Colosseum at night on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Make sure to buy your Colosseum tickets in advance during the planning stage of your Rome vacation, otherwise you’ll have to queue for a long time.


Roman Forum

Beneath the birthplace of Rome is the Roman Forum - the Roman Forum filled with temples, monuments and markets.The Forum was the center of public life in Ancient Rome and the most famous meeting place in the world, and was the heart of the city. . When the Roman Empire fell in the fifth century, the forum was reduced to a meadow of cows; a mere orchard. But, the eight columns of the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimius refused to crumble.

In the 17th century, young European travelers came to Rome in search of the roots of Western civilization. This hunger for the antiquities of Rome led to their preservation. And yet, travelers come from all over the world. The Roman Forum is very close to the Colosseum in Rome.


The Pantheon: the place to worship

On the nearby Arch of Constantine, an inscription bears the words, inspired by the divine. The Pantheon, one of the oldest Roman buildings, was a place to worship all the gods, from Juno, the god of fertility, to Mars, the god of war.

Pass under the central oculus of the dome and stand in the same divine light that has bathed emperors, gladiators, merchants, and travelers for nearly two millennia.


Toss the coin in the Trevi Fountain

Located in the center of the city hidden in the labyrinth of Small Street is the Trevi Fountain. No Roman holiday is complete without making a wish at the Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin in Trevi and one day you’ll be back in Rome (it can be another relaxing city break in Rome). Flip two coins and you will fall in love with a Roman. After flipping coins, you can relax on the steps with a scoop of ice cream, the city’s famous ice cream.


World’s largest church St. Peter’s Basilica

Rome may no longer be the capital of the world, but it has long been the center of Christianity. Today, modern pilgrims continue to cross the river, guided by the angel of the bridge as they make their way to one of the great squares of the world.


Piazza Saint Pietro, Saint Peter’s Square.

And here is the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica. Filled with masterpieces by Bernini, Giotto, Raphael, Saint Peter’s crowning glory is its dome, designed by the brightest star of the Renaissance, Michelangelo.

From the dome you can see the holy square where two colonnades extend like open arms to welcome the faithful who gather by the thousands to receive the blessings of the Pope. This Vatican City is the seat of the Catholic Church and the home of the Pope.


Piazza Navona is one of the great squares of Europe

Once a stadium, today Piazza Navona is one of the great squares in Europe. The crowds and thunderous carts have long faded replaced by a trio of fountains, baroque architecture, artists, and the aroma of Rome’s best coffee.


Traditional Roman cuisine near the Tiber river

As the sun sets over Rome, head to the island sanctuary of Isola Tiberina. Let the rushing water of the River Tiber soothe your senses and indulge in authentic Roman cuisine that has been perfected by generations of Italian grandmothers and great-grandmothers. This is just a highlight. Really tasting all of Rome’s treasures can take a lifetime. But Rome only needs a moment for you to fall in love with it, so be prepared.


Shopping in Rome

During your relaxing vacation in Rome, if you are planning or have already planned to do some shopping, you will find designer stores with all the famous brands such as Zara, Gucci, Prada, etc.



**Original Source (annelouis24.tumblr.comThis writer wrote this post for my blog and then disappeared. (?)





Monday, September 29, 2025

You're So Old! Must Be Time for You to Die.

When I was a child I heard a man utter what he said was an old Irish proverb. "You begin to die the moment you're born."  While there is truth in that proverb it seems morbid to view the precious gift of life in that manner.  Don't you think so?



There are so many interesting, weird, and strange questions people ask when it comes to life and death. Questions that I would never think to ask. Here's an example.



Considering that death does not discriminate. Considering that the good die young, the unborn die, and anyone who is living knows that one day they will die … why would you ask that question? As if death and old age are inextricably connected, and when you reach a certain age, YOU NEED TO DECIDE that it's time to die.

Amanda Jones was 109 when she voted in the presidential election that resulted in Barack Obama becoming POTUS (President of the United States). Imagine if, when she reached age 108 that she decided it was time for her to die. She died one year later, after the election, at the age of 110.

Amanda Jones' life touched three centuries, during which she worked as a maid and a stay-at-home mother of 10 with deep religious faith, Baker said. Jones had voted actively for more than 70 years, even when it meant picking cotton to save money to pay a poll tax. ~ Source

Reports of her death indicate that Ms. Jones passed away peacefully in her sleep.

* * *
Barbara Ehrenreich, is a woman who holds a PhD in cellular immunology and who decided when she was in her 70s that she was old enough to die. She was interviewed by Lucy Rock and the article was published in The Guardian. As of the date of this short post, she is still alive. Ms. Ehrenreich thinks that "there’s an age at which death no longer requires much explanation". Based on her research, she advises not to bother visiting doctors who recommend medical tests, treatments, or preventative medicine, etc., as if they can do anything that will prolong your life. My understanding of what Doctor Ehrenreich is advising is that it is likely that many doctors are just making merchandise out of you.

I do have to say that I agree with her about her research, which led her to the conclusion that the US health and wellness industry generates billions of dollars. I have always thought and said, "Healthcare is Big Business."

But I should also say that Ms. Ehrenreich was diagnosed with breast cancer. Some may feel it's a material or relevant fact, and not to mention, it would be a significant omission.

At first, I thought the question was odd ~ "When do you know you're old enough to die?" ~ but in the end, after reading the interview where she expressed her thoughts and views, I agree with her advice.

Do you agree with Ms. Ehrenreich?

* * *

REFERENCES:

Rock, Lucy. "When Do You Know You're Old Enough to Die? Barbara Ehrenreich Has Some Answers. ~ The Guardian", Guardian News and Media, 7 Apr. 2018, www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/apr/07/barbara-ehrenreich-natural-causes-book-old-enough-to-die.

Gardner, Geoffrey. "109-Year-Old Daughter of Slave Votes Obama. ~ NPR", National Public Radio, Inc., 31 Oct. 2008, www.npr.org/sections/newsandviews/2008/10/109yearold_daughter_of_slave_v.html.

"Slave's Daughter Who Voted for Barack Obama Dies Aged 110. ~ The Telegraph", Telegraph Media Group, 19 Dec. 2008, www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/3853793/Slaves-daughter-who-voted-for-Barack-Obama-dies-aged-110.html.



On Voting, Amanda Jones & What We Owe Our Ancestors

Monday, August 4, 2025

A Few Biographical Notes About Galileo

Galileo is a famous historical figure and is noted for his contributions to astronomy and other areas of scientific study.  Here are a few biographical notes to create a snapshot of Galileo Galilei (1564 - 1642).

Though he did not invent it, Galileo pioneered the use of the refracting telescope for observing the night sky. He improved upon the telescope and significantly enhanced its by grinding and polishing his own lenses, in order to increase the magnification, and that made it possible to actually see that there were craters and mountains on the moon and saw that the Milky Was was made up of thousands of individual stars.

Galileo

Image credit:  Amazon.co

"After his formal trial, which took place on May 10 of that year, Galileo was convicted of a “strong suspicion of heresy,” a lesser charge than actual heresy."

~ QUOTE SOURCE: The truth about Galileo and his conflict with the Catholic Church | UCLA


Nearly 70 at the time of his trial, Galileo lived his last nine years under comfortable house arrest, writing a summary of his early motion experiments that became his final great scientific work. He died in Arcetri near Florence, Italy on January 8, 1642 at age 77 after suffering from heart palpitations and a fever.”

~ QUOTE SOURCE: Galileo Galilei - HISTORY


In his day, his work was deemed heresy, but these days Galileo is praised for his contributions to astronomy and is called the "father" of observational astronomy, modern physics, the scientific method, and modern science.


Galileo fathered 2 daughters out of wedlock, who both became Catholic nuns. His oldest daughter, Virginia, corresponded regularly with his father. 124 of her letters survive to this day. Unfortunately, all of Galileo's replies to his daughter were burned. Her letters create a picture of a daughter's loving and supportive relationship with her father. The daughter herself was somewhat of a radical in her day. Even though she saw what happened to her father, she still dared to take a stand against corruption in the priesthood. Galileo died in 1642, but he outlived his daughter, who died of dysentery in 1634.







Original Source 

Monday, June 23, 2025

The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence is a Mystery Series Written for Children:

Do you enjoy mysteries?  Are you fascinated by the history of ancient Rome?

Do you enjoy it when history is made interesting instead of just being tested on how well you can recall dates, events, and names of people and places?

Think you might like reading a historical mystery series?
(Written for young readers but nobody has to know you’re an adult. One of my guilty pleasures is reading children's books.)

Here is a recommendation. This series has won awards. It’s called The Roman Mysteries and was written by Caroline Lawrence. Her goal for undertaking this task was to entertain children while reading and educate them about this ancient civilization. She succeeded. In fact, her books received praise from teachers and parents, as well as awards and recognition. This is not the only mystery series she has written but since it deals with life in ancient Rome which is one of my favorite topics, it is being recommended for mystery lovers who also have an interest in the Roman Empire.



Set in 1st century A.D., Book 1 of the series is titled “The Thieves of Ostia”. The last of the series, Book 17 is “Man from Pomegranate Street”. The reading material targets ages 10 through 14 and the novels are available in various formats: hard copy, audio, digital, etc.
♦♦♦♦♦♦

Here is the complete Roman Mysteries series:

This exciting adventure recreates the siege at Masada.

Caroline Lawrence has also written other historical mysteries. View Her Author's Page.


Source:  Webnuggetz.com
NOTE: Content previously published elsewhere on the web, however, the site shut down. 


Thursday, June 5, 2025

Reading List: Inspiring Biographies

Do you read autobiographies or biographies and personal memoirs for inspiration?

Reading about the lives of other people has always been a source of inspiration for me and no doubt it is the same way for other people too. In fact, if a person is suffering from depression one of the suggested activities to uplift their spirit and pull them out of the dark black hole is reading life stories. Not trying to sound corny but we are all ordinary people and it is encouraging to know that the majority of us endure the same trials and tribulations and most of us overcome or rise above our difficulties and get on with our lives.

But clearly, you do not have to be depressed to draw motivation from reading about the achievements of someone else. For one of my friends, it was the life of Malcolm X. The first biography which influenced my life was about Sammy Davis Jr. It was titled Yes I Can. (I could just kick myself for not keeping the book as it is now considered a collectible. He also published a sequel called Why Me?

The first autobiography written by Mr. Davis is also the book that piqued my curiosity and got me interested in reading more and more biographies about anybody – celebrities, men and women in history, people in political circles, etc. I turned this fascination into a hobby and created a Pinterest board called BIO-Snapshots, a collection of trivia, information, and articles about people. Some of my most recent pins link to mini-bios of Nora BakerRobert Smallsand Huma Abedin.

Do you get inspired by reading
biographical accounts or personal memoirs?


NOTE: Content previously published elsewhere on the web, however, the site shut down. 

Monday, May 12, 2025

A Character Study of Florence Nightingale

In 1859, Florence Nightingale was the first to set out guidelines for ethical nursing practice. She wrote: “It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a Hospital is to do the sick no harm …”

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

(NOTE: It's not a strange principle. It's a sad principle. Some strange people need a guideline expressed in very plain language in the hopes that it pricks their conscience (if they have one) so that they don't take advantage of the sick and do them harm. I do wonder if Ms. Nightingale actually witnessed an incident that compelled her to write down these words.)

* * *

May 12th is International Nurses Day. This special day has been celebrated since 1965. The date was chosen because it is the B-Day (birthday of Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in healthcare and health reform, and the mother of modern nursing. Because of her efforts in the field of nursing, many others did not have to experience their own personal D-Day (day of death).

♦ ♦ ♦

I have always been taught to admire and respect this woman, but never really learned very much about her. Decided to collect a few more facts about this remarkable lady and learned two things about her that were news to me.

- Did not know she was a mathematical genius? Although that really comes as no surprise. She was, in fact, a very gifted child and excelled in mathematics and science.

- Did not know she believed that she was called by God? That, too, really comes as no surprise. Most people who defy the norms of their day, particularly women, and determine to set out on a specific path or chart a course despite the objections or opposition or great peril to one's life, to achieve anything, are usually driven by a voice that nobody else can hear except them. They firmly believe that they have been called to their mission or task that they can not be dissuaded because it would violate their conscience, and they would genuinely feel that the failure to respond to the calling would be like a betrayal to mankind.

So here is little Miss Nightingale, born into a family with sufficient financial means to educate her and develop her knowledge, skills, and abilities, and prepare her for her life's work. She grows to womanhood, and there is a sea of humanity outside her door where she can put this real wealth to good use.

Those voices could not be ignored. Not by her anyway.

Honoring the Memory Of:

Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820 – August 13, 1910)

● Learn more about Florence Nightingale.

Florence Nightingale - Timeline

Florence Nightingale - English Nurse

Florence Nightingale - Biographical Sketch

* * * 
Original source

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: TITUS

Titus was a Grecian convert. Luke does not mention him by name in the Book of Acts, but Paul confirms him as a “partner and fellow helper”. Titus accompanied Paul and Barnabas on a trip to Jerusalem. Unable to go for himself, Paul sent Titus to work with the congregation in Corinth, and then bring back news about their well-being and spiritual health. He brought back a good report and refreshed the weary Apostle's spirit. Several years later, Paul would leave Titus behind in Crete to build up the Church there.

Image credit: Magic Studio AI art Generator


The relationship between Paul and Titus was much like to his association with Timothy. The two letters to Timothy and the letter to Titus have been grouped together and referred to as Pastoral Epistles. Both men were directed to ordain elders to oversee the flock of God, warned about false teachers, told to maintain good works, the purity of the Church, and especially ensure their own personal morality and blameless reputation as godly men.

The last reference to this young preacher is Paul's mention of him in a letter to Timothy (whom he had left in Ephesus) that Titus was headed to Dalmatia (conquered by the Romans A.D. 12; today a region of Croatia, Yugoslavia).



Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages






Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: TIMOTHY (or TIMOTHEUS)

Timothy was called Paul's son in the gospel.  Timothy's mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) were devout Jews who taught him the Jewish scriptures from a child. All three of them were converted to Christianity. This young man traveled with Paul to places where he was sent by Paul – such as Berea, Macedonia, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Philippi – to evangelize, preach, teach, comfort, and assure the believers to press on and not falter. Paul was retracing his steps and revisiting Lystra in Lycaonia when he and Timothy crossed paths. The first time he was in this small city was with Barnabas. On this second trip, Timothy joined Paul's company.

Image credit: Magic Studio AI art Generator


Paul commended his young companion as follows (paraphrased): “We have the same mind. He does not seek his own. He has served with me in the gospel and has the same boldness to as I do to defend the faith. His love and care for all the churches is genuine.”

While in prison in Rome, awaiting execution, the Apostle wrote to Timothy instructing him to persevere and continue the Lord's work without him.




Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages





Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: LUKE (or LUCAS)

The name Lucas means “light-giving”. Very appropriate since he authored a two-part work – the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles – both written to shed light on the life of Christ and the establishment of His Church.



His first appearance, historically, is in Troas. Details about his conversion are unknown. Details regarding his faithfulness are made plain in the New Testament scriptures. Luke traveled with the Apostle during his second (from Troas to Philippi), third (from Philippi to Jerusalem) and final (from Jerusalem to Rome) missionary journeys. In addition, during one of Paul's imprisonments, Luke dutifully remained close by. Luke was an educated man; writer, historian, and physician by profession. Paul speaks of him with great affection as the “beloved physician”.


Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages



Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: BARNABAS

Barnabas was Paul's champion. While others may have doubted the sincerity of the Apostle's conversion, Barnabas sought Paul out. When he found him in Tarsus, he encouraged him to become a fellow laborer and convinced others that he could be an invaluable help with the missionary efforts.

Image credit: AI Generated - DeviantArt


The disciples were called Christians* first in Antioch.” (Acts 11: 26) Barnabas and Paul traveled together to Antioch in Syria to strengthen the community of believers already there. The zealous teamwork of these two men proved very successful. Though the Church began, A.D. 33, in Jerusalem, from Antioch the “good news” would spread to all the major cities in the Roman Empire, including Rome.

Before becoming a Christian, Barnabas was a Jew; a Levite from the island of Cyprus, whose name was Joseph (Joses). He was called “son of consolation (or encouragement)” by the disciples because he had a gift for motivating those who were discouraged to remain focused, steadfast, and faithful. So committed was he that he sold his property and donated the proceeds to help the poor and needy. His act of generosity spurred others on to perform similar good works.

* Greek: Christianoi: “devotees of the Anointed One.



Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages



Monday, April 14, 2025

Lifestyle: Does Your Favorite Room Have a Name?

Is there are favorite room in your home where you go to relax, retreat, block out the rest of the world, or share a special space with someone?

  • It’s a fortress in North Africa (and in some other parts of the world). It is a unique medina or Islamic city and the Kasbah of Algiers is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • “Casbah” is a word that I have heard in movies and in music. I watched an old movie, released in 1948 titled “Casbah” (1948) and it was set in Algiers. There was also a song I liked during my teen years called “Rock the Casbah” . Will Smith sampled it on one of his songs. (Will Smith feat. K-Ci’s ‘Will 2K’ — Discover the Sample Source)
  • Casbah is also spelled kasbah, qasba, or qasaba.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

JAHQAAUFO (Just Another Humorous Quip About Aliens and UFOs)

Aliens and UFOs, now called UAPs, are a very hot topic among "We the People".  It's so serious, the US military and key officials in the government are still concocting bogus stories about them.

  • UFOs: Are They That Serious?. By Helen McCaw and David Broadwell  | Medium

Sharing a link above to an interesting and information article above, with my humorous opinionated comments shared below.

  • UPDATE: Author decided to unpublish the article.  My remarks are stand alone though.  Please continue reading.  Thank you.

UFO

LOL. People need to realize that “governments” of almost all of the countries LIKE TO PLAY GAMES! They work on Top Secret projects that they can't openly talk about it. WHY? Usually it's because they don't want The Enemy to know. Sometimes, it's because they don't want the citizens to know. It might cause OUTRAGE!! Because sometimes citizens are like parents. They just don't understand.

However, seeing that we all live on the same planet, there is always a possibility someone might accidentally, unintentionally, stumble upon a TSP (Top Secret project). If and when they do, there has to be a “story” that must be FED by the Government to the GP (general public).

UFO … UAP … mentions or sightings equal BOGUS STORIES that sound kind of believable. Those stories serve a purpose. The purpose being to take your mind off of the real top secret project and get you talking and speculating about something that does not exist. Why do you think nobody has ever presented concrete evidence or proof of aliens? Because there is none!

Here's the reality. The people who work on those projects sign a Confidentiality Agreement. That means they're sworn to secrecy. If they try to break the agreement and tell somebody? The Government has “ways of dealing with people like that”. What? Will they kill you? Oh no! They'll just make you look like a blithering idiot and an individual who lacks credibility. We know NOW that Galileo was not crazy! I'm sure they knew it back then during his time. But they still put him away!

Am I saying the UFOs or UAPs are not real? Not at all. I'm saying they are real. And … if they don't belong to US, then they belong to The Enemy. If they belong to US, we have our reasons for not wanting the public to know. If they belong to The Enemy, we obviously don't want them to know that we know!!

Admit it. My logic is flawless. LOL. ☺

** For the record, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (the original with Michael Rennie (1951); not the remake with Keanu Reeves (2008)), will always be my favorite movie about aliens and UFOs.


source


Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Bible Study: The Story of Abigail and Nabal (A Role Model for Wise Women)

The name Abigail is Hebrew and it means "my father's joy". Because of the story about this man in the Bible the name Nabal gained the figurative meaning of being shamelessly malodorous.


  • For those who are not familiar with the Old Testament story of Abigail and Nabal, it is as follows:

She is described as “a woman of good understanding” (1 Samuel 25), the wife of an unreasonable scoundrel, named Nabal, who provoked the anger of a future king of Israel, David. So ferocious was David's anger that he determined to wipe out the entire house of Nabal. The servants told Abigail what her husband had done and also clarified their report by saying that David had been very kind to them and had protected them from ruthless marauders. She immediately prepared food and took it to David and his men; apologizing for her husband's disrespect and insult; and imploring David to have mercy on those who were innocent and meant him no harm. Her actions caused David to have a change of heart. She also won his heart. When she informed her husband that he had almost caused the death and destruction of his entire family, servants included, he apparently died from shock!


Original Source



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