Eye on Faith: January 2021

Friday, January 29, 2021

Solomon's Color Purple

Angelic Purple (from the "Resurrection of Christ" by Raphael)

The color purple has long symbolized that which is extraordinary.

It was no different in biblical times. The Song of Songs alludes to the royal significance of this hue during Solomon’s reign. This wise king’s carriage was imbued with purple upholstery.

We’ve grown used to purple these days. Violet lenses now mimic Elizabeth Taylor’s God-given irises. And no such look is complete without hair shades to match. But back in the day, purple dye was a rare commodity. So rare that it was worth more than gold.

So lasting that 3,000 years later, a purple fragment of material was discovered “south of Jerusalem.” Its brilliant color had been derived from the “body of mollusks” and had retained its beauty throughout the ages.

Resources

https://singaporenewslive.com/biblical-era-royal-purple-dye-worn-by-king-david-solomon-and-jesus-discovered-in-israel/108001/

When in Snow

(Photo by SnowKing1)

Snow has had a profound effect on the human psyche. It has turned kids into elves and adults into heroes.

The latter occurred just a short while ago during a storm that brought Oregon traffic to a standstill. Within that jam-packed highway was a car filled with health-care workers and COVID-19 vaccines. These doses would soon lose their efficacy if not used quickly.

The workers therefore sprang into action. They made their way on foot down the road, offering vaccinations to other stranded motorists. A nearby ambulance served as back-up to this faithful endeavor.

When opportunity knocked, these hardy front-liners were more than ready to heed the call.

Resources

https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-01-28-health-workers-get-stuck-in-snow-give-covid-vaccine-to-stranded-drivers/?mid=559418&rid=98364581&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=NATIONAL&keyid=National%20iHeart%20Daily%20NewsTalk&campid=headline3#

Air-One and Only

1956 Poster (Fair Use)

To date, the world’s one and only vertiport will soon pop up within the United Kingdom.

This Urban Air Port can be easily assembled and/or relocated. It will serve as a base for innovative means of transportation such as drones and eVTOLs (“electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft”).

There will soon be many such vertiports to accommodate “flying cars” with zero emissions. Yesterday’s science fiction is fast becoming today’s reality.

Resources

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/hyundai-unveils-worlds-first-urban-air-port-set-to-open-in-2021-155266.html

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Amid the hustle and bustle

Ain't that something to behold! (Public Domain)

Even during a pandemic, New York City is not particularly known for its quiet interludes.

Yet when a snowy owl alights in Central Park for the first recorded time since 1890, bystanders tend to breathe deeply. Comments such as “How beautiful!” soon fill the crisp air. And for a blessed moment, the sounds of silence outpace the sounds of sirens.

If pigeons and seagulls appeared that infrequently, they too might be viewed with wonder. Not to mention sunsets and your own miraculous mirrored face.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/videos-and-photos-snowy-owl-spotted-in-central-park-%E2%80%93-first-time-since-1890-%E2%80%93-and-new-yorkers-go-wild/ar-BB1d9JZV?ocid=uxbndlbing

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Catnaps not just for cats

Your chariot awaits! (Public Domain)

Although rappers are often called woke, nappers are often called lazy. Yet dozing off in the middle of the day has been found to have some distinct cognitive benefits.

We’re not talking hours on end, for that might be cause for medical concern. But we are talking catnaps, which usually last about half an hour. During such time, the brain can achieve rest by “clearing out [the] daily jumble of thoughts.” This fosters an increase in mental acuity.

So go ahead, drop down into that easy chair and have yourself a snooze. Call it a power nap if you must; just don’t call it wasteful.

Resources

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/afternoon-naps-can-boost-your-mental-agility-heres-why#Benefits-go-beyond-sharpness

Boeing's Bio

A Biogas Bus (Photo by Geof Sheppard)

Boeing’s bio hasn’t always been the greatest, but lately the company’s been taking off.

Its goal is to stage commercial aircraft that runs on 100% biofuel by the year 2030. This is in keeping with the industry’s 2050 goal of reducing “carbon emissions” by 50%.

Boeing’s already made some advances in this direction. It successfully staged a FedEx flight in 2018, which ran solely on biofuel.

Resources

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-biofuels-idUSKBN29R2C4

Cruisin' for an Update

1968 Stamp (Public Domain)

After 66 years of promoting African stereotypes, Disney felt it was time for an update.

Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise will therefore banish Trader Sam and his shrunken heads from the attraction. Spear-wielders will also be removed, along with their ominous piles of skulls.

Chimpanzees will make heads turn instead. They'll be depicted on board a wrecked boat, whooping it up in true tourist fashion. Perhaps this will last for another half century, or at least until actual chimps set the record straight.

Resources

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/disney-overhauls-jungle-cruise-ride-over-racism-180976841/

Friday, January 22, 2021

Loch Ness Whatchamacallit

Dino and Fred (Photo by Nevit Dilmen)

Loch Ness Monster has a formidable ring to it. Loch Ness Sea Turtle, not so much.

Nevertheless, Professor Emeritus Henry Bauer of Virginia Polytech thinks that Nessie might indeed be the latter. Sea turtles with “relatively long necks” have been known to hang out in deep cold water. They occasionally come up for air and can venture forth onto land.

Bauer declares that Nessie is probably real, and probably far more Yertle than Dino.

Resources

https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-01-21-loch-ness-monster-mystery-solved-according-to-scientist/?mid=555903&rid=98364581&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=NATIONAL&keyid=National%20iHeart%20Daily%20NewsTalk&campid=headline5_readmore

If at first you don't succeed

(Photo by Adrian Pingstone)

There’s always a first time, especially when you’re named “Virgin.” But if at first you don’t succeed, it’s time to try again.

Which is exactly what Richard Branson did. Just eight months after his failed attempt at launching a rocket from a specially-fitted Boeing 747, Branson scored a win. The satellite-laden rocket successfully soared the second time around.

Getting back on the bandwagon, then hitching it to a star, can certainly yield great results.

Resources

https://www.khou.com/article/tech/science/space/richard-bransons-virgin-orbit-reaches-space-on-2nd-try/285-96f88ba3-3f44-4e9b-ab1a-b1fcbf436413

It Just Goes to Show

Guardian Angel (Painting by Bernhard Plockhorst)

No one is completely hopeless.

A man who recently stole an SUV from a grocery-store parking lot soon discovered a toddler in the back seat. To his credit, he drove right back again to return the child.

He then felt impelled to lecture the mother about leaving her young one unattended.. And who would know better than a thief how dangerous that could be?

Did he then return the van? No way! It was last seen abandoned within a big city. But the gap between a car thief and a child thief seems large enough for better angels to reside in.

Resources

https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2021/01/car-thief-yells-at-mom-for-leaving-toddler-alone-in-vehicle-then-drives-away.html

Sunday, January 17, 2021

Team Pepsi

James in 2009 (Photo by Keith Allison)

Many can recall the hoopla that ensued when LeBron James switched from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat. Not to mention back home again, then over to the Lakers.

This time the zig-zag is a whole lot quieter. After talking up “Team Coca-Cola” for the past 17 years, James will now tout its rival, “Team Pepsi.” Since there is no accompanying documentary, few know exactly why this decision was made.

Suffice it to say that he who sipped Sprite will now be gulping Mountain Dew. At least while the cameras are rolling.

Resources

https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/2021/01/16/lebron-james-will-be-switching-from-coca-cola-to-pepsi-after-17-years/

Get Set for Pet Set

White and Ludden in 1963 (Public Domain)

At age 99, Betty White is coming back around to her roots. She is looking forward to the re-release of a show dear to her heart: Pet Set. It will be streamed on “Apple TV, Google Play and Prime Video,” beginning February 23, 2021.

White and her late husband, Allen Ludden, coproduced this series back in 1971. It reflected White’s longtime love of animals, featuring celebrities and their pets. Guest stars included Burt Reynolds and Mary Tyler Moore.

Exotic appearances were also made by lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

Resources

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/betty-white-99-birthday-golden-girls-1234886899/

Inching toward Inclusion

Altar Candles (Photo by KlausF)

It isn’t the finish line, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Pope Francis recently amended church law so that women can take a more active role during Roman Catholic Mass. They are now allowed to serve as lectors who “read Scripture” and as altar-based “eucharistic ministers.”

Although women still cannot become priests, the Pope has commissioned “experts to study whether [they] could be deacons.” Deacons perform many priestly functions at funerals, weddings, etc. Women have served in this capacity during early church history.

Resources

https://www.yahoo.com/news/pope-says-women-read-mass-110722163.html

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Who's afraid of the dire wolf?

(Stark Image by TenTonParasol)

Westeros aside, we’re learning more and more about the actual creature that wrought havoc upon “horses, camels and mammoths.”

Although dire enough, it turns out that “wolf” might be a misnomer. DNA now suggests that the African jackal is more closely related. This might explain why telltale remains have been found in warmer, rather than colder climates. It also might account for a thin coat, as opposed to a shaggy one.

As for Game of Thrones, that’s why they call it fantasy. Yet fantasy can be more inspiring than fact.

Resources

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/prehistoric-dire-wolves-looked-different-those-game-thrones-study-suggests-n1254091

Quoth Merlina

Towering over London (Photo by Bernard Gagnon)

Merlina has been missing from the Tower of London, which could be a calamity.

If you’re thinking that she’s just a raven, think again. She’s not just any old bird, she the ruler of that royal roost. Legend has it: As goeth the Tower ravens, so goeth the kingdom itself.

Charles II therefore decreed that ravens be kept there “at all times.” As added insurance, Winston Churchill ordered that a minimum of six be present.

When Merlina was around, a lucky seven prevailed. Should she return nevermore, the remaining half dozen had better stay put.

Resources

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-london-55651104

That's how they Rolex

Fancy Schmancy (Photo by Bsodmike)

The proverbial gold watch has all but disappeared from today’s forced-retirement culture. But not if you’re a Kardashian, or the recipient of one.

Those special Ks (Kris, Khloe, Kim, Kourtney, Kendall and Kylie) have shown once again just how special they are. When Keeping Up With The Kardashians wrapped its 20^thand final season of production, the family gifted each staff member with a $10K Rolex watch.

Which adds up quickly when your staff’s as big as theirs. The grand total came to about $300,000 - or pocket change, as the case might be.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/entertainment-celebrity/the-kardashians-gave-rolexes-to-the-entire-kuwtk-crew/ar-BB1cIBHk?ocid=uxbndlbing

Weightless Wine

Vineyards of Bordeaux (Photo by Anthony Baratier)

Wine has long played a weighty role here on Earth. So it seems only natural to extend its domain into weightless space.

Twelve bottles of Bordeaux wine plus a multitude of grapevine snippets were shipped to the International Space Station toward the end of 2019. The goal is to see how a year in space might affect their characteristics. Researchers will particularly focus upon bubbles, sedimentation and chemical composition.

Such knowledge could enhance the resilience of plants in this world. Fine wine could enhance the resilience of humans in any world.

Resources

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/cheers-french-wine-vines-headed-home-after-year-in-space/2829377/

Emptying Out those Hot Pockets

Cool Pocket (Photo by Dvortygirl)

Folks who’ve been asking, “What’s in your wallet?” should perhaps have been wondering about Hot Pockets instead.

It turns out that some Hot Pockets are too hot to handle. These have been found to contain gut-wrenching items such as “pieces of glass and hard plastic.” Sounds even worse than the usual pepperoni.

Hence an immediate USDA Class 1 recall. One more reason not to indulge in foods that some would call junk…

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/hot-pockets-recall-nestle-recalls-nearly-763k-pounds-due-to-possible-glass-plastic-contamination/ar-BB1cNP5m?ocid=uxbndlbing

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Birdies See, Birdies Do

Auklets See, Auklets Do (Photo by D. Dibenski)

We’ve all been reminded of the power of Tweets. One piercing peep can quickly influence millions.

This holds true for dollars as well as for voters. Elon Musk, known for his burgeoning wealth, recently tweeted two stark words: Use Signal. This sent shares of Signal Advance soaring, even though Musk was not at all referring to this obscure Texas company.

What he was referring to was a “messaging platform” called Signal, the rival of WhatsApp. Which just goes to show: It can literally pay to be somewhat savvy about social media. Although herd immunity is tough to come by, herd mentality is all too prevalent.

Resources

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/elon-musk-tweet-sends-this-stock-up-1500-in-24-hours-may-be-a-sign-of-market-bubble-175845075.html

Longest journey begins with short walk

(Photo by Mohammad Nowfal)

Imagine being just a five-minute walk from anywhere. Saudi Arabia is planning to make this possible within a 100-mile corridor.

Dubbed The Line, this “network of smart cities” will include autonomous and high-speed transit. Better yet, it will be powered by “100 percent clean energy.”

Yet there are downsides to be considered. This corridor will pass through native lands with tribes that stand to be evicted. The high-tech nature of the network raises additional quandaries, especially insofar as privacy is concerned.

Resources

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/the-line-neom-smart-city-saudi-arabia-mohammed-bin-salman-113539487.html

Go Mediterranean

(Public Domain)

While waiting to cruise Mediterranean, why not eat the part?

For the fourth time in as many years, the Mediterranean diet has won out over all others. Said to be the best for overall fitness, this plant-based regimen is far from restrictive.

It includes a diverse assortment of produce, legumes, grains, dairy and seafood. Processed and refined items are set aside in favor of whole foods.

So grab a (small) glass of wine and get going. You should be fit as a lyre by the time that travel resumes.

Resources

https://www.yahoo.com/news/mediterranean-diet-named-best-diet-153951202.html

En Vogue?

(Photo by Brooke Fishwick)

With violence ripping our politics apart, a question concerning the Vice President-elect is gathering steam: Should Kamala Harris be seen wearing Converse in her upcoming Vogue cover?

While wanting to appear casual and approachable (some might say “woke”), Harris sported an NBA look. But heck no, not on the cover! Doesn’t Vogue know anything about U. S. politics? The trick is to appear woke enough to attract Democrats, but not woke enough to repel Republicans.

So covers are for blue suits, and sneakers should be snuck within Vogue’s hallowed pages. After all, images matter: often more than deeds themselves.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/kamala-harris-vogue-cover-causes-stir-online/ar-BB1cDPTi?ocid=uxbndlbing

Keeping the U in UFO

Public Domain (well, sort of...)

Rather than being relegated to so-called conspiracy theory, ufology is now going mainstream. As mainstream as it gets within federal dictates.

So there’s a catch: a major catch. Although U. S. Intelligence Agencies are now being ordered to share UFO information with one another, they are not being ordered to share it all with the public.

You and I will just have to keep attending those Roswell conventions in order to get the lowdown. Or we can sit tight while contemplating Stephen Hawkins’ most dire predictions.

Resources

https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-01-11-us-intelligence-agencies-ordered-to-share-everything-they-know-about-ufos/?mid=548036&rid=98364581&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=NATIONAL&keyid=National%20iHeart%20Daily%20NewsTalk&campid=headline4_readmore

The ultimate sibling rivalry

Mighty Megalodon (Photo by Sergiodiarosa)

There’s Cain and Abel, and then there are megalodon sharks.

Politely called oophagy, it’s the practice of eating your unhatched siblings while still in your mother’s womb. Now that’s nasty. Even Cain waited until his brother was fully grown before doing him in. But megalodon sharks aren’t called monsters for nothing.

Their humongous size was no accident. As the babies ate their brethren, they grew beyond big. Even at birth, they were already more than six feet long. That rate of growth continued per year for the next half-century of their long lives.

But was it all worth it? Megalodons went extinct anyway. Their legacy, like Cain’s, is now horrifying when it could have been edifying.

Resources

https://www.cnet.com/news/megalodon-babies-ate-their-unhatched-siblings-in-the-womb/

Friday, January 1, 2021

Pay It Forward

(Public Domain)

Even during one of the toughest years for the restaurant business, a compassionate owner has managed to pay it forward.

After receiving a generous amount of “pre-Christmas gift card sales,” Leo Keka passed $30,000 along to staff members. He credits them plus his “loyal customers” with the ability and desire to do this.

Keka owns two Alba steak-and-seafood places, one in Quincy Center and the other in Hanover, Massachusetts.

Resources

https://www.iheart.com/content/2020-12-28-restaurant-owner-uses-gift-card-sales-to-pay-staff-30k-in-holiday-bonuses/?mid=542928&rid=98364581&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=NATIONAL&keyid=National%20iHeart%20Daily%20NewsTalk&campid=headline7_readmore

Chaplain Extraordinaire

Admiral Kibben in 2014 (Public Domain)

Retired Navy Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben has held a multitude of illustrious titles in her day, including Chief Chaplain of the Navy and Chaplain of the Marine Corps.

She has recently been appointed Chaplain once again, this time of the U. S. House of Representatives. This makes Kibben the very “first female congressional chaplain” in all of U. S. history.

She will be leading House members in prayer and ceremony, as well as offering them counseling. Kibben’s extensive pastoral background includes a “doctorate of ministry and a master’s of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminiary.”

Resources

https://www.npr.org/2020/12/31/952424427/pelosi-names-1st-female-chaplain-to-serve-congress

Game Changer

Quarterback Josh Allen (Photo by Erik Drost)

Perhaps 2021 will be better, after all. In a surprise move, New York’s Governor Cuomo not only approved the attendance of more than 6,700 fans at the Buffalo Bills home playoff game, but also plans to be there himself.

Calling this “a first-in-the-nation pilot program,” Cuomo outlined the stipulations that go with it. All “must test negative for COVID-19” before entering the stadium. Drive-through rapid testing will occur in parking lots and will cost an additional $63 per ticket. “There will also be required contact tracing after the game.”

Cuomo emphasized the experimental nature of this program. He hopes that it can successfully pave the way for a reopening of “other events and businesses.”

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/buffalo-bills-fans-can-attend-teams-playoff-game-in-person/ar-BB1cmr6A?ocid=uxbndlbing

McPompeii's

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius (Photo by Qfl247)

Back in ancient times, Mickey D’s might just as well have been Mickey P’s. That’s certainly a lot easier to pronounce than “thermopolium.”

One such fast-food site was recently unearthed from the ruins of Pompeii. Customers back then could choose from a variety of hot-food vessels, reminiscent of today’s buffet containers. Counters were decorated with brightly-colored images, similar to modern advertising ploys.

Do we know what was being served on that fatal day? We sure do. Remnants of ducks, “goats, pigs, fish… snails [and] fava beans” hint at shattered lives.

Resources

https://oklahoman.com/article/5679171/dig-of-pompeii-fast-food-place-reveals-tastes

Not Just Young

Groote Eylandt, circa 1933 (Public Domain)

Around this time of year, the mindset is often “out with the old, in with the new.” And “new” is often interpreted to mean “young.”

Kudos to Australia for recently changing a key word of its national anthem. The country had been pegged as “young and free,” but is now described as “one and free.” This oneness includes indigenous peoples that were there long before the colonial settlements began.

A lot more remains to be done before oneness is truly achieved. Yet words do matter, especially those which seek to represent an entire nation.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/australias-national-anthem-changed-to-acknowledge-aboriginal-people/ar-BB1cnYi2?ocid=uxbndlbing

Off with the Hair

Parker and Presley in 1969 (Public Domain)

It could have been worse. It could have been “off with the head.” Yet Tom Hanks is still not happy with his new “do” (or don’t).

Because he’s playing the part of Colonel Tom Parker in an “upcoming Elvis Presley biopic,” Hanks is required to look the part. That has meant sporting a semi-bald pate.

Nevertheless, there’s a silver lining. Not the graying tufts that remain, but the ease with which hair washing can now be completed.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/tom-hanks-unveils-new-bald-look-for-baz-luhrmanns-elvis-biopic/ar-BB1cmjRl?ocid=uxbndlbing

Coming Up Roses

There’s long been a Yellow Rose of Texas, but just this once there’s going to be a Rose Bowl Game in the longhorn state.

Because of Southern California’s pandemic spike, the AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host the 2021 game. Sixteen thousand fans will be allowed to sit in the stands. According to a recent agreement, Pasadena will be paid $2 million to help offset lost revenues.

The media has been emphasizing the temporary nature of this move. Pasadena hopes to be rosy again by 2022.

Resources

https://www.ocregister.com/2020/12/30/its-official-pasadena-will-allow-rose-bowl-name-to-be-used-in-texas-but-just-this-once/