Eye on Faith: February 2021

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Potato, Po-tah-to: You choose

(USDA/ARA photo)

You might think that an underground lump of starch would be easy to peg. If so, you could be sadly mistaken.

The lowly potato (po-tah-to?) has been the subject of much debate. Is it best mashed, baked, fried, juiced, or munched upon raw? Should it be salted, oiled, dolloped, or smothered in onions?

Cooks have long been free to choose. Kids have not. Their potatoes were stabbed with a plastic barrage of body parts that would not sit well with sour cream. Such appendages did not reflect multiple types of gender identity.

In an attempt to even the playing field, Hasbro is somewhat dropping the “Mr.” from its so-called “Potato Head.” Kids will be now be able to choose from a range of possibilities.

Resources

https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/wireStory/mister-mr-potato-head-gender-neutral-76115952

Bearing the Brunt

Brunt from Above (NASA photo)

What could be worse than hearing there’s an iceberg up ahead? Perhaps hearing that there’s one on the loose.

A “massive” chunk of ice recently dislodged from the Brunt Shelf in Antarctica. What may happen next is anyone’s guess. Said berg could mosey on down through open waters or remain close to the motherlode.

Although Professor Adrian Luckman of Swansea University describes this event as “exciting,” he might change his tune if it’s heading his way.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/giant-crack-frees-a-massive-iceberg-in-antarctica/ar-BB1e3nsd?ocid=uxbndlbing

Friday, February 26, 2021

Jeremy Lin tells it like it is

Lin in 2012 (Photo by David Shankbone)

You might remember Jeremy Lin from his NBA “Linsanity” days.

He’s become as proficient at social justice as he’s been at basketball. Lin repeatedly points out the Asian stereotypes that run rampant through our culture. These spawn mockery concerning looks, as well as threats regarding the so-called “Chinese virus.”

Deadspin writer Eric Barrow points out that Lin’s not asking for anything outlandish, but merely “for people to listen, and preferably to be kind.”

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/relationships/jeremy-lin-who-says-hes-been-called-coronavirus-wants-you-to-just-listen-to-what-he-has-to-say-about-the-racism-asians-experience/ar-BB1e3xwl?ocid=uxbndlbing

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Something to Celebrate

Watson in 2017 (Image from Mars Films)

If Emma Watson is indeed retiring from acting at age 30, that could be something to celebrate.

A decision to spend quality time with loved ones rather than camera time with fans seems wise beyond her years. After being in the limelight for two decades, Watson might need some well-deserved privacy.

True fans might not be “devastated” by this turn of events. They might instead be happy for someone they claim to adore.

Resources

https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/emma-watson-retiring-harry-potter-fans-are-devastated-hear-agent-say-her-career-dormant-624183

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

It's a Start

(Photo by Bjornwireen)

During the calculation of divorce settlements, household chores that spouses do are often ignored.

A Beijing court recently sought to rectify this by assigning a monetary value to such work. In a landmark case, Judge Feng Miao ruled that a wife receive the equivalent of four U. S. dollars per day for the housework she had performed during marriage.

This type of recognition is certainly a beginning. It sure beats no recognition at all. Yet four dollars per day is hardly a fair compensation for all that labor. And four dollars per day is hardly a living wage.

But it’s a start. And the longest journey begins with a first step.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/woman-receives-247000-compensation-for-housework-in-landmark-chinese-divorce-ruling/ar-BB1dYnO2?ocid=uxbndlbing

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Kangaroos Rock

Still going strong! (Photo by Lilly M)

What captured the fancy of an unknown cave artist more than 17,000 years ago was a rockin’ kangaroo.

To put things in chronological perspective, that bouncing beast graced the earth more than 600 human generations ago. Its image was discovered in what is now Western Australia, and was then dated by a team of researchers from the University of Melbourne.

Although this portrait is quite old, the “rock art from islands of Southeast Asia” dates back an amazing 40,000 years.

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2021/02/22/australia-oldest-rock-painting-australia-kangaroo/6491614011275/

You're only as rich as your latest tweet

(Fair Use)

“Riding high in April, shot down in May” is a warning from the song That’s Life.

Lest we become too full of ourselves, life has a way of throwing a curve just when we think we’ve got it made. Even the world’s richest person can’t escape this fate.

So when Elon Musk recently tweeted that the prices of popular cryptocurrencies “do seem high,” his fortune slipped down a notch. He is now merely the world’s second richest person, trailing somewhat behind rival Jeff Bezos.

Musk waxed philosophically about this, claiming that “money is just data that allows us to avoid the inconvenience of barter…” So next time you’re tempted to borrow a cup of sugar in exchange for a stick of butter, think twice. Perhaps bitcoin would be sweeter by far.

Resources

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/feb/23/elon-musk-worlds-richest-person-tesla-shares-jeff-bezos-bitcoin-price

Monday, February 22, 2021

Gone but not forgetting

Houston City Hall (Photo by Another Believer)

Although James Harden and the Houston Rockets parted with some animosity, the NBA star retains good feelings for the city that had shown him great respect.

That city is now in trouble, and Harden is rising to the occasion. He recently donated thousands of meals from his “unopened restaurant in Houston” to citizens in need. He’s also provided families with a clean supply of drinking water.

After all is said and done, Harden still calls Houston “home.”

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/james-harden-giving-back-to-houston-providing-water-meals-to-families-amid-winter-weather-crisis/ar-BB1dTTN0?ocid=uxbndlbing

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Dreamy Communication

The Knight's Dream (Painting by Antonio de Pereda)

Therapists sometimes begin a discussion with these words: “If this were my dream…”

Scientists have now found a way to literally enter another person’s dream. They have been able to ask questions and receive pertinent responses from those who are in a lucid sleep state. Responses occurred via distinct facial gestures and eye movements.

Researchers are hoping that this “groundbreaking” communication might help dreamers to work through “emotional trauma.”

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/lucid-dreamers-can-hear-and-answer-questions-while-still-asleep-scientists-find/ar-BB1dNIGb?ocid=uxbndlbing

Friday, February 19, 2021

Service is Universal

(Photo by Mark Jones)

No need to flaunt royal titles or fancy letters after your name in order to do good work in this world.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are setting a unique example by continuing their public service sans official ties to the British crown. This is not to say that they will forego family bonds. The dynamic duo remains intimate with the queen’s inner circle.

Hail to the duke and duchess for the courage of their convictions. While forging their own path through a world fraught with convention, they've managed to convey this vital message: To thine own self be true.

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2021/02/19/Prince-Harry-Meghan-Markle-say-they-wont-return-to-royal-duties/7591613742293/v

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Seven Minutes in Heaven

Perseverance's First Photo (Public Domain)

It took a whole lot of Perseverance for NASA’s fifth successful rover landing on Mars to occur.

After seven nail-biting minutes, this aptly-named craft touched down in the Jezero Crater. Because Jezero had likely once been a lake, scientists are hoping to discover traces of past and/or present microbial life there.

It didn’t take long for Perseverance to begin searching in earnest. Within minutes of landing, two photos of the rocky spot were beamed back to NASA.

Resources

https://www.space.com/perseverance-mars-rover-first-photos

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Hard seeing the moon during lunar celebrations

Beijing Smog Comparison - August 2005 (Photos by Bobak)

When the moon’s in the sky like a big pizza pie, that’s amore. But when you can’t even see it, that’s a worry.

During China’s recent lunar celebrations, the air over Beijing was so polluted that you could barely make out the tops of buildings. Although the city was hazed, some folks remained “unfazed.”

One banker walked to a “high point” for good luck in the new year. But chances are, the view wasn't great.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/beijing-smog-casts-gloom-over-chinas-lunar-new-year-holiday/ar-BB1dEanL?ocid=uxbndlbing

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Sticky Situation

What nonsense! (Photo by Brocken Inaglory)

“Monkey see, monkey do” is an idiom that connotes herd mentality. In other words, you don’t think deeply about actions and their consequences, you simply follow along.

Such was the case when Len Martin heard about fellow Louisianan Tessica Brown. She had performed the questionable feat of spraying Gorilla Glue on her hair, but Martin wasn’t asking the right questions. He simply decided to do one better.

After ending up in the emergency room from Gorilla Gluing “a plastic cup to his lip,” Martin seems to have learned a bit. He now concludes that if you monkey around with danger, you might just get hurt.

Resources

https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-02-11-louisiana-man-ends-up-in-er-after-creating-gorilla-glue-challenge/?mid=570144&rid=98364581&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=NATIONAL&keyid=National%20iHeart%20Daily%20NewsTalk&campid=headline1_readmore

Monday, February 15, 2021

Let There Be Light

Don't just curse the darkness! (Photo by Petar Milosevic)

The Bible clearly states that God is Light, and that Light shall overcome darkness.

Protestors in Russia recently took this to heart as they held flashlight rallies in support of Alexei Navalny.

Moscow streets were aglow with cellphone-lit symbols that urged, “Let my people go!”

Judging from its “heavy-handed response,” the Kremlin seems to be taking these rallies seriously.

It remains to be seen whether justice will prevail.

Resources

https://apnews.com/article/world-news-russia-cb331fa15a10be0f368b153e09e1e0f0

Hope Soars

(Fair Use)

As the UAE’s Al Amal (Hope) craft soars above Mars, it’s been capturing stunning images of the fourth rock from the sun.

Often called the red planet, Mars assumed a golden hue in these latest photos. From just 15,500 miles away, familiar volcanoes such as Olympus Mons were clearly in view.

The United Arab Emirates’ de facto leader expressed hope that “new discoveries” from this probe “will benefit humanity.”

Resources

https://www.cnet.com/news/the-first-photo-of-mars-delivered-by-the-uaes-hope-probe-is-glorious/

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Blast from the Past

Aztec Conch Trumpeter (Public Domain)

Three poignant notes recently rang out from an instrument that hadn’t been played for the past 18,000 years.

A musical triad, approximating the sounds of C, C# and D, emanated from this prehistoric conch trumpet. When discovered by archaeologists back in 1931, the object had simply been thought to be “a ceremonial drinking cup.”

University of Toulouse researchers have come to a different conclusion. One of their own, who happens to also be “a horn player,” drew these melodious breaths from the remains of a creature that lived long ago.

Resources

https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/02/listen-to-haunting-notes-from-an-18000-year-old-conch-shell-trumpet/

Better Late than Never

Napoleon's Retreat (by Vasily Vereshchagin)

It’s been a long time since the harsh wars of 1812, but news stories have been mentioning them lately.

Today’s reference came within a BBC article regarding the recent burial of a contingent from Napoleon’s Russian retreat. These soldiers and their associates met a cold cruel fate indeed.

Their remains had been “discovered two years ago” and have finally been laid to a decent rest.

Resources

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56052504

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Farther than Far

FarFarOut's 2018 Estimated Orbit (Image by Tomruen)

Whereas “Far out!” was simply an overused expression during the 1960s, FarFarOut is an actual dwarf planet.

Thus named because it is the farthest known orbiting dwarf within our own solar system, FarFarOut swings way beyond Pluto.

FFO originally entered our system by tangling up with Neptune’s allure. This attraction must have been strong because these two heavenly bodies continue to rendezvous every now and then.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/astronomers-just-confirmed-the-most-distant-known-object-in-the-solar-system/ar-BB1dAwrQ?ocid=uxbndlbing

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

A Whole Lot to Celebrate

Toulon Cathedral (Photo by SiefkinDR)

Tomorrow will be Sister Andre’s 117^th birthday, and there’s a whole lot to celebrate.

She not only survived the 1918 flu plus two world wars, but also recovered from COVID-19. Diagnosed in mid-January, Sister has now received a clean bill of health. Her greatest concern throughout was for the other residents in her care home.

She is now able to attend Mass once again, the best celebration of all.

Resources

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2021/02/10/nun-worlds-second-oldest-person-survives-covid-19-116/6702095002/

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Swan Song

(Photo by Cinder1280)

A swan song entails beauty right up to the very end. Although its literal interpretation has been hotly debated by bird watchers, romantics have clung to this image throughout the centuries.

One such idealist named Recep Mirzan came upon an injured swan 37 years ago. He named her Garip, took her in and nursed her to health. Garip was then free to fly wherever it is that swans dream of going.

But Garip had no such dreams. She was perfectly happy to remain by Mirzan’s side for life. And what a life it’s been! Although captive swans rarely live longer than 30 years, she and Mirzan are still going strong. Probably because Garip has never been Mirzan’s captive, but rather love’s captive.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/turkish-man-strikes-up-37-year-friendship-with-swan/ar-BB1dv2HO?ocid=uxbndlbingv

Monday, February 8, 2021

The Brady Lunch

Yum! (Public Domain)

It’s hard work to make it look this easy, and no one knows that better than Tom Brady.

Whereas his 20-something body could get away with nacho snacks, his 40-something body is on a strict dietary regimen. Nutrition now leans heavily upon smoothies and organic sandwiches. If bacon is craved, it’s one piece and one piece only. But not right before a big game.

Brady's super bowls are filled with “dark leafy greens… legumes and whole grains.” What’s literally off the table are foods that allegedly cause inflammation, such as gluten and tomatoes.

Having just accomplished his seventh Super win, the proof may very well be in Brady’s sugar-free pudding.

Resources

https://nypost.com/article/tom-brady-diet-fitness-routines/

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Steering toward Life

Hughes House in Johnston (Photo by Magicpiano)

While being led to a Rhode Island slaughterhouse, a 1600-pound steer apparently had other plans.

Residents of Johnston first noticed it wandering through neighborhood streets. Each time that authorities attempted a capture, the wily cow escaped their grip.

News got around, and sympathetic fans began clamoring for sanctuary. If and when the chase ends, this beloved bovine will likely be housed at Norton’s Smoky Chestnut Farm Rescue.

Resources

https://nypost.com/2021/02/06/cow-makes-daring-slaughterhouse-escape-in-rhode-island/

Every Inch a Reptile

Satellite View of Madagascar (Public Domain)

Inch by inch, life’s a cinch might not apply to the world’s smallest reptile.

But then again, who really knows what it’s like to be just under an inch long? Nano-chameleons do, but they ain’t saying.

What they are doing is hiding out in the mountains of Madagascar. Because humans have to get down on bended knees in order to find them, these tiny creatures have remained undiscovered until recently.

Their privacy was disturbed when Frank Glaw and his Bavarian research team came upon an adult female with eggs and an adult male with plenty of what it takes to fertilize them.

Resources

https://english.jagran.com/trending/nanochameleon-dubbed-as-worlds-smallest-reptile-discovered-in-madagascar-all-you-need-to-know-10023146

Friday, February 5, 2021

A Fungus Among Us

Icy Earth (Artistic Image by Ittiz)

About 750 million years ago, Earth was allegedly one heck of a snowball. How then did our planet transform from a round mound of ice to a diverse ecosystem?

If you’ve ever enjoyed a day at the beach, you might want to thank a fungus. Scientists are thinking that this hunble entity might have played a significant role in Earth’s makeover.

Fossilized remains have been found within a South China cave. Telltale filaments preserved in the rock show that land fungus was doing its thing as long as 635 million years ago.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/635-million-year-old-fossil-is-the-oldest-known-land-fungus/ar-BB1dg148

Into the Mouths of Babes

(Photo by Avsar Aras)

Consumers of name-brand baby foods might be getting a whole lot more than just mashed goodies.

Hidden within this potpourri of supposedly natural foods lurk heavy metals that would make Black Sabbath seem like a church choir. Neurotoxins such as lead and mercury have been found to be present in “significant” amounts.

Developing bodies are especially vulnerable to these poisons. Permanent brain damage can be the heavy price to pay.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/new-report-finds-toxic-heavy-metals-in-popular-baby-foods/ar-BB1doo6f?ocid=uxbndlbing

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

From the Mouths of Babes

Bendricks Bay (Photo by MarnixR)

Four-year olds often have a lot to say, but adults tend to brush their words aside.

Fortunately for dinosaur lovers, when four-year-old Lily said, “Daddy, look,” Daddy looked. What he then saw was a highly-preserved footprint from 220 million years ago.

Scientists theorize that this print was made by a dinosaur that walked upon two hind legs while hunting for “small animals and insects.” It was embedded within a rock at Bendricks Bay, Wales.

Resources

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/55877672