Public Posts

It is widely believed today that the Earth's moon is the result of a giant impact between Earth, then in its early proto-planet stage, and an astronomical body called Theia. The debris from this impact, collected in an orbit around Earth to form the Moon. Analysis of samples brought back from the NASA Apollo missions suggest support for this theory, which is called the Giant-impact theory.
Most moons in our solar system are believed not to have formed this way but from gravitational capture by the planets during the formation of our solar system. Read More at the UK National History Museum.  

"When you think about the word “art,” what comes to mind? A child’s artwork pinned to the fridge? A favorite artist whose work always inspires? Abstract art that is hard to understand? "...."Although everyone has their own concept of what defines art, one thing is universally true: Creativity is a defining feature of the human species".... More at The Conversation ➜

"I recently had the pleasure of (virtually) sitting down with Madiba K. Dennie to talk about her new book, The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take It Back.” Read More at Public Notice ➜  

"Two outlets controlled by right-wing media tycoons are working in tandem to aggressively push specious claims about President Joe Biden's fitness for office to millions of Americans. This is how they launder hit pieces into the news cycle". More at Public Notice ➜

On June 14 , 1777, the Second Continental Congress issued a resolution adopting the Flag of the United States. It wasn't until 1949, that Congress approved the national observance, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.

There have been twenty-seven official versions of the flag to date. The current version of the flag dates to August 21, 1959, after Hawaii became the fiftieth state. More

 "Titanium dioxide is a potentially harmful food coloring additive found in thousands of foods, where it makes foods look whiter and more opaque.... it is used solely for superficial purposes, and can potentially damage DNA, CSPI recommends avoiding titanium dioxide altogether." Found in chewing gums, hard-shell candies, coffee creamers, baked goods, puddings, frostings, dressings, and sauces... More at CSPI ➜

Fix the Court "unveiled a list of the gifts the U.S. Supreme Court justices have received over the years, and the numbers are staggering: in the last two decades (Jan. 2004-Dec. 2023), the justices have accepted 344 gifts valued at $2,993,036."
"If one includes another 101 gifts that Justice Thomas likely received over those 20 years — mostly comprising free trips to and free stays at Bohemian Grove and Topridge worth $1,787,684 — that number jumps to 445 gifts valued at $4,780,720." More at Fix the Court ➜

"About one in seven (14%) adults under 35  think daily sunscreen use is more harmful to the skin than direct sun exposure"

"Nearly a quarter (23%) believe drinking water and staying hydrated prevents a sunburn," Read the National survey by the Orlando Health Cancer Institute➜

What if...... The 70 plus years of occupation and control of the West Bank and Gaza have become the norm and we may have lost the ability to see it as a struggle for justice, liberty, life, and peace. A struggle, that gets hijacked by hatred and extremism on both sides.
What if.... We could reject anti-Semitic and anti-Palestinian actions as well as extremism and bigotry as we strive for two homes for two people to live and prosper in peace and cooperation.
What if.... The freedom and safety of Jewish Israelis and the freedom and safety of Christian and Muslim Palestinians are not mutually exclusive — in fact, they are secured through co-existence.
What if..... We could work together to make this happen?

Memorial Day honors all service members who lost their lives while in service to the United States, during peace and war. It is a time to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

            Immortality

   Do not stand 
        By my grave, and weep.
   I am not there,
       I do not sleep—
I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.
    Do not stand
        By my grave, and cry—
     I am not there,
          I did not die.

Poem by Clare Harner, The Gypsy, December 1934 (page 16). The poem is often attributed to anonymous or incorrect sources. Read more about Memorial day:  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs   -   National Museum of American History

State supreme court races have become pivotal in current legal battles over issues including abortion, elections, education, the environment and LGBTQ rights. With more than 80 state supreme court seats up for election this year in 33 states, voters have the potential to shape the future of their states for years to come. ......That is, if they actually get to choose who joins the court. More at The Conversation ➜

"Although service members know they may lose their lives in combat in service of their country, they may not expect to lose their lives – or those they love – to suicide. A 2021 study estimated that four times as many active duty service members and veterans died by suicide as died in battle since 9/11". More at The Conversation➜