Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Monday, May 27, 2024
Kindness Quotes For When You'd Rather Say . . .
An excerpt from TiffyTaffy -
Kindness Quotes to Remember When Someone Gets on Your Nerves
By Jade Small
You should always try your best to be kind to others, even if they are starting to get on your nerves. Being a kind person is a strength in today’s world. If you can show inner strength and patience while someone else is trying to tear you down, you will inspire those around you to do the same. It’s a cycle of kindness that you can lead with positivity and gentleness. One way to remember how to keep your cool in a tough situation is by recalling quotes about kindness when you need them most.
Life throws curveballs our way all the time. We will not like every single person we meet, and we will likely encounter a few who truly try our patience. Overall, the most important thing you can do for your own well-being and happiness is to be kind to others. It will create less drama, and fewer trivial matters will consume your time. Lastly, it is the easiest thing you can do sometimes; just smile. Here are some quotes about kindness that might help you get there.
1. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan
Maybe someone is having a terrible day. Maybe they got some terrible news, or lost their job, or are reaching their breaking point. You never know what someone else is going through, and one simple act of kindness could be just what they need to keep going. You might change someone’s life simply by being kind and showing goodwill rather than retaliation.
2. “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams
When you are kind to someone else, that is an act that is reflected in others as well. They notice, and they remember. You might impact more than just one person, so why not choose kindness?
3. “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Charles Glassman
The truth is, we are all going through something. Some of us are dealing with more than others. There are those people who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, and they never let anyone know how heavy it is. Then one day, they yell or say something rude to express their frustration. Of course, it’s misdirected anger, and you can choose to attack them right back, or you can choose to remember that everyone struggles. Maybe they are struggling too.
4. “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey
Is there someone who is really getting on your nerves? The best way to calm the tensions is to do something completely unexpected and kind for them. Send them flowers at lunch, leave a nice plant on their desk, ask them out for drinks to get to know each other better. Maybe you have more in common than you know!
Tree Trunks Painted White in Texas
An excerpt from Newsbreak & ESPN 960 San Angelo -
Why Do So Many Texans Paint Their Tree Trunks White?
By Brad Elliott
Imagine a hot day in Texas, where the sun shines so brightly it feels like it's baking everything it touches. Now, imagine you're a tree in the middle of all this. It's rough. This is where the cool trick of painting tree trunks white comes into play. It's an interesting story that blends nature with some human ingenuity.
Why are some tree trunks in Texas painted white? According to an article from Taste of Home, it's all about protecting those trees from the sun's harsh rays. It's much like how we put on sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned.
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| Canva |
Trees, especially young or thin-barked ones, can suffer from something called "sunscald". This is when their trunks get too hot from direct sunlight, causing the bark to crack and damage the tree. By painting the trunks white, the sunlight is reflected away keeping the trees cooler and preventing that damage.
But that's not the only reason. This white paint also helps keep bugs away. Just like how we use bug spray in summer, the white paint acts as a barrier against certain insects that might harm the trees. It's a simple but effective way to help trees stay healthy and strong.
Read More: Why Do So Many Texans Paint Their Tree Trunks White? | https://espn960sanangelo.com/ixp/143/p/white-tree-trunks/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Southern Etiquette
An excerpt from Newsbreak -
15 Southern Etiquette Rules That Should Exist in the Rest of the Country
By Amy Williams
It’s no surprise that many consider Southerners to be some of the most polite people in the country. If you spend a day or two in a Southern state, you’ll see how differently people treat you compared to other states.
Even though Southern hospitality and manners are a common stereotype of the South, there’s a lot of truth to the stereotype. While every Southerner may not follow the unspoken etiquette rules of the South, you will find that those from the South are generally more polite and friendly.
Southern etiquette rules are a vital part of Southern culture. Many of these rules are unspoken, yet they’re widely practiced by most people who live in a Southern town or city. Some of the unspoken rules of the South may seem strange or outdated to people from other areas. However, there are many Southern etiquette rules we wish existed in the rest of the country.
Simple things like saying please and thank you or holding the door for the person behind you should be common practice everywhere, but they’re a thing of the past in many places. Not everything about Southern culture makes sense for other regions, but when it comes to manners and etiquette, those in the South know how to make you feel welcome.
To create a list of Southern etiquette rules that should exist in the rest of the country, 24/7 Tempo reviewed some of the most common Southern manners and rules from publications like Southern Living, Town & Country Magazine, and Reader’s Digest. Here are 15 Southern etiquette rules that should exist in the rest of the country. (After this article, find out if you’re making these common etiquette missteps.)
Saying please and thank you
Saying please and thank is pretty basic when it comes to manners, but you’re less likely to hear those words nowadays. In the South, you always say please and thank you, no matter who it is you’re speaking to or what position they hold. A simple please and thank you can go a long way to show someone you recognize their effort and this etiquette rule should exist everywhere.
Holding the door for the person behind you
Holding the door for the person behind you is another aspect of Southern etiquette that has become less common in other areas of the country. While someone isn’t necessarily going to let the door slam on you if you’re walking behind them, intentionally holding the door for someone and letting them walk in first isn’t as common today. If you’re in the South, you can expect someone to hold the door for you and they’ll likely give you a friendly greeting along with the gesture.
Chewing with your mouth closed
No matter how beautiful your food may have been when it was on your plate, no one wants to see it once it’s in your mouth. Many of the unspoken rules of the South revolve around food and how you should behave at the dinner table. It’s not polite to chew with your mouth open or to talk with food in your mouth. We think those manners should be practiced everywhere.
Don’t eat until everyone is served their food
Another rule that we should all practice when sitting together at the dinner table is waiting until everyone is served before digging in. If you’re sharing a meal in the South, it’s polite to wait until everyone has food on their plate before you begin eating. Instead of worrying about your food getting cold, you should wait until everyone has their food before you chow down.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Black Cookout Laws Just in Time for Memorial Day
An excerpt from Travel Noire -
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: THE LAWS OF THE BLACK COOKOUT
To ensure that you are in good form this year, here is a little reminder of just how to act.
by Leah Freeman-Haskin
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| Photo Credit: monkeybusinessimages | Getty Images |
It’s that time of year. Memorial Day weekend is approaching and you can almost hear the claps of The Electric Slide and the smoky scent of ribs. To ensure that you are in good form this year, here is a little reminder of just how to act.
DON’T COME EMPTY HANDED
This is rule number one, because, let’s be honest, it is a cardinal rule when it comes to black cookouts. Thou must bring something. Whether it’s paper plates or a rack of ribs, just make sure the host knows you contributed. And when in doubt, bring some heavy-duty aluminum foil – there is never enough.
KNOW THYSELF
If cooking isn’t your thing, please be honest with yourself and stay out the kitchen. If you’re just not that good at Spades, stay out the game. Your feelings are bound to get hurt if you try your hand at Aunite Phyllis’ famous mac n cheese when you were specifically (and strategically) told to just bring the plastic cups. Know thyself and be proud of whatever contributions you bring to the cookout. If it’s plastic cups, make them the best damn plastic cups that Target has to offer.
DON’T EAT AND RUN
Didn’t you know? This is an all-day social event. Clear your calendar and make sure little Eddie has a change of clothes. We gonna be here for a while. This may as well be the second cardinal rule. So please don’t show up late, eat, and then leave. You will be called out. And most likely, shamed into staying another hour (or four). So save yourself the time and get comfortable.
Continued . . .
Unique Cruises
An excerpt from FinanceBuzz -
14 Unique Cruises You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Escape the mundane with cruise experiences that redefine the art of exploration.
By Lucy Clark; edited by Chris Kissell
Whether you’re a diehard cruise lover or a casual tourist looking to step up your travel game, cruise ships offer a wonderful way to see the sights in multiple locations.
There are plenty of recognizable cruise ships that specialize in specific experiences or themes. However, these lesser-known cruise ship lines may offer a unique experience for those seeking something a little different.
- Sea Cloud Cruises
Mainstream cruise ships are often huge and fully modernized. At Sea Cloud Cruises, they focus on a smaller, more intimate sailing experience.
The private yachts primarily use hand-set wind sails to guide the ship. In fact, the routes periodically change to adapt to the weather. The yachts also dock at smaller ports, creating a more unique and personalized travel experience.
2. Emerald Cruises
With Emerald Cruises, you can enjoy a river cruise through Europe and Southeast Asia.
Some river routes include the Danube, Rhine, Douro, and Mekong. The company also offers yacht cruises on the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Red Sea. You can also cruise through the Caribbean and Central America.
Emerald Cruises is also committed to sustainability, sourcing local ingredients at port and avoiding single-use plastic entirely.
5. Ocean Endeavour
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| Courtesy of Swoop Antarctica |
If you’re seeking a true adventure, book a trip on the Ocean Endeavour, which takes guests on a tour of Antarctica.
With limited off-board options, the on-board amenities are vast, including saunas, spas, a pair of restaurants, and more. The experience is also intimate, with the passenger headcount capped at 199.
Checkout This Black-Owned B&B in Gettysburg
An excerpt from Travel Noire -
INSIDE KEYSTONE INN, GETTYSBURG'S FIRST BLACK-OWNED B&B
Not only is the Keystone Inn making history as Gettysburg's first Black-owned B&B, but they are putting ownership and legacy at the forefront.
By Jasmine Osby
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| Photo Credit: Photo credit: Keystone Inn |
The Campbell family are no strangers to ownership. Back in the 1970’s the African-American family owned 14 properties in the United States. The legacy of property ownership began with their great-great-grandfather in Charlotte Hill, Maryland decades ago. Now, the family is making history in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Purchased by siblings Christine, Stephen, and Patrick in 2020, the Keystone Inn is Gettysburg’s first Black-owned bed and breakfast. Built on a family and community, the inn is the newest addition to the city’s rich history. The Campbell family wants Keystone Inn to help shine a light on Gettysburg’s often-overlooked Black history.
“One of the things we’re very proud of is adding to the story of Gettysburg and highlighting this unique aspect to it,” Patrick told Travel Noire.
Dedicated to ensuring travelers have experiential moments, the Keystone Inn wraps classic charm in modernity. Although the renovated, late-Victorian colonial home is unlike any B&B Gettysburg has had in the past, the Campbell family aims to make their inn an integral part of the city’s historical landscape.
The vision of the Keystone Inn extends far beyond the travel and tourism industry. Through their endeavor, the Campbells pride themselves on showcasing the power of Black ownership in real estate. After their great-great-grandfather died, he wrote in his will that his property couldn’t be sold until all 14 of his children had passed away. When the last one died in 2008, the home remained in the family, continuing a legacy of property ownership.
https://travelnoire.com/keystone-inn-gettysburg-first-black-owned-bb
2-year-old Math Genius on AGT
An excerpt from Meaww.com -
'AGT' Season 19: Simon Cowell demanded help after seeing 2-year-old Baby Dev's skills
After witnessing Baby Dev do the calculations during the 'AGT' Season 19 audition, Simon Cowell insisted on having a calculator
BY ARITRI PAUL
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: An early-release audition from the first episode of 'America's Got Talent' Season 19 has been released by the program ahead of its May 28 airing. It highlights 2-year-old Devan Defreitas, known as Baby Dev, a math prodigy who dazzled the judges with his abilities, even making Simon Cowell demand a calculator amidst it all.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
A Dad's Lesson For Us All
From Cafe Mom -
My Dad Watched Me Get Dumped Then Sent Me a Powerful Text I'll Never Forget
By Michelle Stein
Recently, a college student shared the text messages she received from her father following a breakup. Fallon Thompson, who plays volleyball at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, posted a video of her dad's touching advice, and the internet instantly fell in love with him.
https://cafemom.com/lifestyle/internet-praises-emotionally-intelligent-dads-message-daughters-breakup/scott-then-left-is-daughter-with-a-fitting-analogy
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Southern Comments to Avoid
An excerpt from the Wealthy Nickel -
16 Comments You Should Never, Ever Make to a Southerner
by Rebecca Holcomb
1. Sweet Tea
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| Image Credit: Shutterstock. |
During a trip to Michigan with my southern husband, we were invited to lunch, where my husband kindly asked the waitress for sweet tea. Word to the wise: If someone asks you for sweet tea, it is far better to say you don’t have any than to offer them iced tea with sugar from the table.
Anyone who makes sweet tea knows you cannot add sugar to cold tea and get good sweet tea. At most, you’ll end up with iced tea with gritty crystals.
2. Instant Grits
Having moved to Florida in 2003, I can tell you people in the South are serious about their grits. Cheesy grits are especially favored, but cooking them well is a big part of most “Southern” cooking. Creamy with a texture similar to cream of wheat, these savory grains are a great addition to Southern specials like fried chicken and excellent barbecue.
However, never are they “instant,” and asking someone if they are may get you disinvited from dinner.
4. Y’all
When I was growing up and in school, a contraction of the words you and all wasn’t a word. However, down South, it’s been an accepted part of everyday vocabulary since before I was born. One particular sticking point, though, is where you place the apostrophe.
Y’all is the correct way to write it; anything else is unacceptable. Also, ain’t, which wasn’t a word when I was in school, is now proper (according to Webster’s Dictionary) language and should be spelled correctly.
12. Bless Your Heart
While hearing this phrase may make you think that the sweet grandma you met at the grocery store is complimenting you, it’s more likely that she thinks you’re a bit dim. “Bless your heart,” or any version thereof, is not often given as a nice comment. Take a moment to evaluate the situation, and you’ll know whether someone’s insulting you. If you’re unsure, chalk it up to indifference and move on.
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