To the seasons of life
National when pigs flyday September 9th 2025.
So, You don’t have to settle an old score with the person that offended you. You can just settle it between yourself and the outcome of the time spent or lost would be a better word and what you realized out of it. If you can make a pig fly then make a big fly, otherwise say goodbye.
Local in Merritt enjoying the week and end weather.
You should be getting out as well .
Spending time in the sunshine can have a variety of positive effects on your body and mind, but it’s important to do so in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of how sun exposure affects your brain and body, and what to consider for safe sun habits.
Sunshine and Your Brain: The Endorphin Connection
Research has shown a fascinating link between sun exposure and the release of endorphins. Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood boosters, and they are responsible for feelings of well-being and pleasure. Studies, particularly in mice, have identified an organic pathway in the skin where UV radiation triggers the production and release of a specific type of endorphin called beta-endorphin.
This process has led scientists to suggest that the “feel-good” feeling many people get from sunbathing may be a result of this opioid-like effect. This can create a positive feedback loop, encouraging sun-seeking behavior, and in some cases, even leading to a form of addictive behavior in frequent tanners. The release of beta-endorphin is thought to be part of a “built-in reward system” that evolved to encourage us to get enough sun for essential vitamin D synthesis.
In addition to endorphins, sunlight exposure also stimulates the production of other crucial chemicals in the brain:
* Serotonin: Often called the “happy hormone,” serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, focus, and emotional stability. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the darker, winter months. Sunlight entering the eyes is thought to be the primary trigger for this effect.
* Dopamine: Another “feel-good” chemical, dopamine is also released in response to sunshine, contributing to feelings of pleasure and motivation.
The Benefits and Risks of Sunshine
Is it good for us?
Yes, in moderation, sun exposure is highly beneficial. Here’s why:
* Vitamin D Production: This is one of the most well-known benefits. Your body synthesizes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
* Mood Enhancement: The release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine can elevate your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and combat symptoms of depression.
* Improved Sleep: Sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, your body’s internal clock. Exposure to natural light during the day, especially in the morning, signals to your body that it’s time to be awake and helps you sleep better at night.
* Other Potential Benefits: Moderate sun exposure has also been linked to a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of certain autoimmune diseases.
However, the benefits of sun exposure must be weighed against the significant risks of overexposure. Excessive UV radiation can damage the skin, leading to:
* Skin Cancer: This is the most serious risk. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, increasing the risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
* Premature Skin Aging (Photoaging): Too much sun can cause wrinkles, sun spots, and leathery skin.
* Sunburn: A painful and immediate sign of skin damage.
How much time should we spend in the sun?
The recommended amount of sun exposure is a delicate balance and varies based on several factors:
* Skin Type: People with lighter skin need less time in the sun to produce vitamin D and are more susceptible to sunburn. People with darker skin have more melanin, which offers some natural protection but means they need longer sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D.
* Location and Time of Year: The intensity of UV rays is stronger in the summer, closer to the equator, and at higher altitudes.
* Time of Day: UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Most experts recommend 10 to 30 minutes of direct sun exposure per day on bare skin (like your arms, face, and hands) to get the benefits of vitamin D synthesis while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Short, non-burning exposures around midday are often considered the most efficient for vitamin D production.
It’s also important to follow these sun safety tips:
* Never let your skin burn.
* Seek shade during the peak sun hours.
* Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
* Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours.
K
“If we normalize craziness there’s no way out.”
The weather is forecast for the next number of days to be moderate with rain .
Stay bright stay right
The reason for being here is not as necessary as the fact that you did.
Ode to natural wisdom
The road was not there,nor ever fair.
Long was the dream of life to continue.
A drive stronger than void.
Take partnership in nature,with it's sense to endure,it will ensure.
A crown to the victor and bowl at the table.
Where it will lead.
Today I’m thankful for the many things that have helped get me through my first two lymphoma treatments that have caused side effects each time and many trips to the doctor’s office for bloodwork, but on the good days I remember what it’s like to feel good again. I’m very grateful for my niece’s fabulous […]
Thankful Thursday
Editor’s note: The experience of the writer above is anonymous. Frosties experience synonymous.
Ah, harmony – the holy grail of relationships. You know, that elusive state where everyone gets along, and no one wants to pull their hair out. I am reminded of the rabbit in Winnienthe Pooh when everyone around her irritated her in one way or another. As I navigate the crazy world of human connections, […]
Letting Go for the Sake of Harmony (Before I Lose My Mind)
Some cast a long shadow.
Cast a shadow of joy and resilience in support of people. Life is good.
The Artemis program is indeed going ahead, though with some shifts in its timeline and potential scope.
Artemis Program Status:
* Artemis I, an uncrewed test flight, successfully completed its mission to lunar orbit and back in late 2022.
* Artemis II, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon (but not land), is now projected for April 2026, a delay from earlier targets.
* Artemis III, which aims to land humans on the lunar South Pole, is currently targeted for mid-2027, also delayed from previous schedules.
* There are ongoing discussions and potential budget cuts that could impact the program beyond Artemis III, with proposals to phase out the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft, and even cancel the Lunar Gateway. This highlights the political and financial challenges alongside the technical ones.
China’s Lunar Program:
China is actively pursuing its own ambitious lunar exploration program, known as the Chang’e Project.
* This program has already achieved significant robotic milestones, including orbiters, landers, rovers, and sample return missions.
* Crucially, China has publicly announced its goal to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030. They are developing key components like the Long March-10 carrier rocket, Mengzhou manned spacecraft, Lanyue lunar lander, and a lunar rover.
* China also plans to establish an International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) at the Moon’s south pole, aiming for international collaboration.
Is Competition Worthwhile?
The competition between the Artemis program (primarily US-led with international partners) and China’s lunar ambitions is often framed as a “new space race.” There are several arguments for why this competition can be worthwhile:
* Accelerates Innovation: Competition can spur rapid technological development and push the boundaries of what’s possible, as each nation strives to achieve milestones first or more efficiently.
* Reduces Costs: In some cases, competition, especially with the rise of private companies, can drive down the cost of space access and operations.
* Inspires and Engages: A visible “race” to the Moon can inspire public interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and foster a sense of national pride and achievement.
* Redundancy and Resilience: Having multiple nations developing lunar capabilities can create redundancy, ensuring that human access to space and lunar exploration continue even if one program faces setbacks.
* Geopolitical Influence: Leadership in space exploration is often seen as a marker of a nation’s technological prowess and global influence.
However, there are also arguments against intense competition or for emphasizing cooperation:
* Duplication of Effort: Parallel programs can lead to redundant efforts and inefficient use of resources that could be pooled for greater scientific return.
* Increased Risk of Conflict: While currently peaceful, a heightened “space race” could potentially lead to increased geopolitical tensions or even weaponization of space, though most nations advocate for peaceful use.
* Missed Opportunities for Collaboration: Cooperation can lead to shared knowledge, expertise, and resources, potentially achieving more complex and ambitious scientific goals.
In summary, the Artemis program is pushing forward with its aim to return humans to the Moon, while China is a serious and active competitor with its own independent and ambitious lunar plans. Whether this competition is “worthwhile” depends on the perspective, but it undoubtedly drives innovation and maintains a dynamic environment in lunar exploration. Many argue that a balance of healthy competition and strategic cooperation could yield the most beneficial outcomes for humanity’s presence in space.
What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why?
This place conintates too much lost opportunity. K
The area known as Ukraine is not on my bucket list to visit because the grief would be clear. The lost opportunity, the driver, waste, and the sense of hopelessness over the thought that the world never learns would cause me to shake my head and dismiss my perspective as being only worthy of crass comment. K
This conflict is important because it impacts regional stability, humanitarian issues, and international relations. It affects many people, causing displacement, resource loss, and rising tensions between neighboring countries. Additionally, how the global community responds could influence future conflicts, affecting foreign policy and aid strategies. Grasping the causes and effects is key to finding effective solutions and promoting lasting peace.
Learned to love people where I find them, as a new skill, or life style.
Well
To address your question, let’s break down the two main components: “loving people where they are” and “is it wise to accept all people at face value?”
Loving People Where They Are
“Loving people where they are” is a profound concept that emphasizes meeting individuals with compassion and understanding, regardless of their current circumstances, beliefs, or actions. It doesn’t mean condoning harmful behavior or neglecting boundaries, but rather:
* Unconditional Positive Regard: Seeing the inherent worth and dignity in every person, even when you disagree with them or find their actions challenging. It’s about separating the person from their behavior.
* Empathy and Understanding: Trying to understand their perspective, experiences, and struggles that have led them to where they are. This requires active listening and a willingness to step outside your own preconceived notions.
* Patience and Grace: Recognizing that change is often a slow process. Loving someone where they are means offering grace and patience, even when they make mistakes or don’t meet your expectations.
* Support, Not Fix: It’s about offering support and care, rather than trying to “fix” them. True love empowers individuals to grow and find their own path, rather than imposing your own ideas of what they “should” be.
* Setting Boundaries: While loving someone where they are, it’s crucial to maintain healthy boundaries to protect your own well-being. This might mean loving from a distance if a relationship is consistently toxic or harmful.
* Leading by Example: Often, the most powerful way to love someone where they are is to demonstrate kindness, compassion, and acceptance in your own life.
This concept is often rooted in spiritual or humanistic principles, suggesting that everyone is on their own journey and deserves to be treated with respect.
Is it Wise to Accept All People at Face Value?
This is where discernment becomes crucial. While “loving people where they are” encourages an open and empathetic approach, “accepting all people at face value” carries significant risks and is generally not wise without critical thinking and observation.
To accept someone at face value means to believe what they say or present without questioning, scrutinizing, or seeking further evidence. Here’s why that can be problematic:
* Potential for Deception: Not everyone is honest or has good intentions. Accepting everyone at face value can leave you vulnerable to manipulation, deceit, or exploitation.
* Misunderstandings: People may present themselves in a certain way due to various reasons (e.g., insecurity, societal pressure, a desire to impress), which may not reflect their true character or intentions. Accepting this facade without further inquiry can lead to misunderstandings and damaged relationships.
* Stereotypes and Bias: Accepting stereotypes or preconceived notions about individuals or groups at face value perpetuates discrimination and hinders genuine connection.
* Lack of Critical Thinking: Wisdom involves critical thinking and discernment. It means observing actions, seeking patterns, and considering context before forming conclusions.
* Personal Growth: If you always accept things at face value, you limit your ability to learn, challenge your own biases, and develop a deeper understanding of human nature.
Instead of accepting at face value, a wiser approach involves:
* Observation: Pay attention to a person’s actions, not just their words. Do their words and actions align?
* Context: Consider the context of their statements and behaviors. Are there underlying factors influencing what they say or do?
* Discernment: Use your judgment and intuition. If something feels off, explore it further (respectfully, if appropriate).
* Healthy Skepticism: It’s healthy to be skeptical of claims or presentations that lack evidence or feel too good to be true.
* Verifying Information: Especially in important matters, seek to verify information rather than simply accepting it.
* Building Trust Over Time: True trust is earned over time through consistent, reliable behavior, not granted immediately based on initial impressions.
In summary, “loving people where they are” is about extending compassion and understanding, recognizing their inherent worth. However, “accepting all people at face value” is generally unwise, as it can expose you to harm and hinder your ability to form genuinely informed relationships. Wisdom lies in combining an open heart with a discerning mind.
Wise as a serpent, and as harmless as a dove…
Don’t be a pigeon to anybody. In
Hey Merit what do you say?
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 