Welcome
a treasury of beauty & inspiration
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Website Mission
Sharing Beauty & Inspiration
Read More Here you will find a wide variety of useful information. Not only am I sharing my photography hobbies and unique interests, but my aim is to provide a plethora of reference materials covering a wide range of subjects. Stay Tuned! Read Less
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relaxWith Nature Sounds or White Noise recent photos * March
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barbara richman
Aesthetics
Nature Lover Digital Photography Geek HASHTAGS: #treadinguntroddentrails #independentfreethinker #individualista Calendar Widget by CalendarLabs
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The epoch times
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other news sitesREUTERS - www.reuters.com Free Republic - freerepublic.com/tag/*/index The Week - theweek.com Breitbart - https://www.breitbart.com/ The Western Journal - https://www.westernjournal.com/ |
my news analysis
Recent CPAC Convention * Southern border crisis continues * Russia & China Strengthen ties, after a year of conflict in Ukraine * Democrats pushing inefficient "climate change" measures such as electric cars, solar, & wind power * WEF has plans for global domination *
Farmers' lands being bought up by Chinese companies and government agencies intent on enforcing their environmental agenda * Immorality rules from the Left via atheists who do not believe in right vs. wrong but go with the flow of their "emotions"
the meaning of "woke"
What does "woke" mean?
Definition of "Woke" from Merriam Webster Dictionary: "Aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)”
My viewpoint (being a moderate, conservative-leaning, Republican-voting Independent: Individuals and groups pushing their progressive, liberal, and/or immoral values via activism and/or division.
Examples - LGBTQIA+, reparations (for slavery), (perceived) racism, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, cancel culture (rewriting history, destroying statues, renaming buildings and roads, etc.), climate change, etc. The news is full of examples; you may have noticed most government agencies and large corporations/Big Tech have gone this route. The US is not alone in this mindset, either. Look at UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries.
Definition of "Woke" from Merriam Webster Dictionary: "Aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)”
My viewpoint (being a moderate, conservative-leaning, Republican-voting Independent: Individuals and groups pushing their progressive, liberal, and/or immoral values via activism and/or division.
Examples - LGBTQIA+, reparations (for slavery), (perceived) racism, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, cancel culture (rewriting history, destroying statues, renaming buildings and roads, etc.), climate change, etc. The news is full of examples; you may have noticed most government agencies and large corporations/Big Tech have gone this route. The US is not alone in this mindset, either. Look at UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries.
christian response
Times are tough. Let's share the Gospel; as current times call for hope, faith, and encouragement. Let's pray for our neighbors around the world in their suffering and persecution.
US Historic documents
Historic US Documents - https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm
The US Constitution - https://bridocs.s3.amazonaws.com/Branded-Constitution.pdf
The US Constitution - https://bridocs.s3.amazonaws.com/Branded-Constitution.pdf
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Bill of Rights - https://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/bill-of-rights
the pledge of allegiance
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
world news sites
- w3newspapers (A directory of world newspapers, news sites, and magazines. Find thousands of online news sources from around the world) - https://www.w3newspapers.com/
- Online Newspapers.com (Online Newspaper Directory for the World. [Thousands of Newspapers Listed by Country & Region] - https://www.onlinenewspapers.com/index.shtml
- World-newspapers.com (Annotated directory of world Newspapers, magazines, and news sites in English.) - https://www.world-newspapers.com/
- WorldPress, News & Views from around the World - https://www.worldpress.org/gateway.htm
- Newspaper Map - https://newspapermap.com/
- World Newspapers & Magazines - https://www.world-newspapers.com/
news aggregators
What are News Aggregator Websites?
News compilations that allow users to view news and updates from various sources at one convenient location. They fetch the data, organize them into tags/categories, and display it in the right order for easier reading. They save time by allowing you to find all the content in one place, thus avoiding having to visit each individual website for their latest content.
News compilations that allow users to view news and updates from various sources at one convenient location. They fetch the data, organize them into tags/categories, and display it in the right order for easier reading. They save time by allowing you to find all the content in one place, thus avoiding having to visit each individual website for their latest content.
- Upstract - Read the Entire Internet on a Single Page (limited without subscription) - https://upstract.com/
- AllTop.com, Popular News Sites for any Topic - https://alltop.com/
- News360 (discover world news as well as stories around your interests, and access the most important news from over 100,000 trusted sources on the internet) - https://www.news360.es/
- Inoreader, Follow the Most Intriguing Topics & Trends (limited without sign-up/subscription) - https://www.inoreader.com/discover
- Feedly Smart News Reader - https://feedly.com/i/discover?utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=rss_builder_launch_blog
magazines
- issuu (free magazines) - https://issuu.com/categories
- Flipboard (magazine aggregator) - https://flipboard.com/discover
- Science News Magazine - https://www.sciencenews.org/
weather sites
AccuWeather - https://www.accuweather.com/en-us/us/united-states-weather?unit=f
METEORED - https://www.theweather.com/
WeatherBug (local & national forecasts, radar & News - https://www.weatherbug.com/
Weather Underground (local weather forecast, news & conditions - https://www.wunderground.com/
National Weather Service - https://www.weather.gov/
Weather & Climate Resources - https://www.noaa.gov/tools-and-resources/weather-and-climate-resources
METEORED - https://www.theweather.com/
WeatherBug (local & national forecasts, radar & News - https://www.weatherbug.com/
Weather Underground (local weather forecast, news & conditions - https://www.wunderground.com/
National Weather Service - https://www.weather.gov/
Weather & Climate Resources - https://www.noaa.gov/tools-and-resources/weather-and-climate-resources
weather maps
meteoblue - https://tinyurl.com/yx349urs
Windy.com (Weather & Radar) - https://www.windy.com/?39.149,-78.264,5
Windy.com (Weather & Radar) - https://www.windy.com/?39.149,-78.264,5
weather safety
National Weather Service Safety Tips - https://www.weather.gov/safety/
Garden collage made with Bazaart
almanacs
The Old Farmer's Almanac - https://www.almanac.com/
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Farmers' Almanac - https://www.farmersalmanac.com/
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History of The Old Farmer's Almanac:
Click on photo
The World Almanac Archives (1876-1926):
https://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/serial?id=worldalmanac |
For Kids
The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids - https://www.almanac.com/kids
The Daily IQ, "a daily dose of fun facts, brain exercises, and news for smart people" (by Infoplease) - https://www.infoplease.com/daily
Fact Monster Almanac Search Page - https://www.factmonster.com/almanac/fact-monster-almanac-search-page
The Daily IQ, "a daily dose of fun facts, brain exercises, and news for smart people" (by Infoplease) - https://www.infoplease.com/daily
Fact Monster Almanac Search Page - https://www.factmonster.com/almanac/fact-monster-almanac-search-page
Daily crossword, Comics, & puzzles
Online Comics - https://www.gocomics.com/;
Online Comics/A-Z by Title - https://www.gocomics.com/comics/a-to-z
Editorial Cartoons (liberal & conservative) - https://www.creators.com/categories/cartoons
Online Comics/A-Z by Title - https://www.gocomics.com/comics/a-to-z
Editorial Cartoons (liberal & conservative) - https://www.creators.com/categories/cartoons
Online Puzzlemaker | Create Your Own Puzzle (by Discovery Education) - https://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/
sports
ESPN - https://www.espn.com/
SBNATION - https://www.sbnation.com/
statmuse (sports statistics) - https://www.statmuse.com/
Sports Reference | Sports Stats, fast, easy, and up-to-date - https://www.sports-reference.com/
SBNATION - https://www.sbnation.com/
statmuse (sports statistics) - https://www.statmuse.com/
Sports Reference | Sports Stats, fast, easy, and up-to-date - https://www.sports-reference.com/
search images on unsplash
A BALANCED LIFE
LIFE BALANCE CHART
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Life Balance is a principle that we ought to base our lives around. Moderation in all things prevents obsessions, addictions, and other harmful emotions and behaviors. This website will be influenced by these various elements (Spiritual, Physical, Mental, etc.). At the center is God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. All other aspects of life revolve around this relationship.
My (life-goal book) "A Balanced Life" is based on Luke 2:52, and will encompass these four areas of life. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (NIV)
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the serenity prayer
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen.
(prayer attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr, 1892-1971)
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen.
(prayer attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr, 1892-1971)
twelve steps for christians
1. We admitted we were powerless over our (addictions), that our lives had become unmanageable.
"I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." (Romans 7:18)
2. We came to believe that GOD could restore us to sanity.
"... my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
...for it God Who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose. (Phil. 2:13)
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to God's care.
"... If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke9:23)
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." (Lamentations 3:40)
5. Admitted to GOD, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (James 5:16)
6. Were entirely ready to have GOD remove all these defects of character.
"If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land." (Isaiah 1:19)
7. Humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10)
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23, 24)
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
"Give and it shall be given you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith GOD has given you." (Romans 12:3)
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with GOD, praying only for knowledge of His will, and the power to carry that out.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." (Col. 3:16)
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message others in need, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:1-2)
Adapted from: alcoholicsvictorious.org/12-steps
"I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." (Romans 7:18)
2. We came to believe that GOD could restore us to sanity.
"... my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
...for it God Who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose. (Phil. 2:13)
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to God's care.
"... If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke9:23)
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." (Lamentations 3:40)
5. Admitted to GOD, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (James 5:16)
6. Were entirely ready to have GOD remove all these defects of character.
"If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land." (Isaiah 1:19)
7. Humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10)
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23, 24)
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
"Give and it shall be given you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith GOD has given you." (Romans 12:3)
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with GOD, praying only for knowledge of His will, and the power to carry that out.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." (Col. 3:16)
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message others in need, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:1-2)
Adapted from: alcoholicsvictorious.org/12-steps
relax & de-stress
De-stress: To relax after a period of work or tension
christian answers to stress
The Bible addresses anxiety, fear and worry, which are symptoms of stress.
A biblical response to stress is one that fosters dependence on God.
Scripture tells us to hand over our anxiety to God; see the four Bible verses, below:
Scripture tells us to hand over our anxiety to God; see the four Bible verses, below:
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
- Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matt. 6:34)
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Prov. 3:5-6)
- Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:28-30)
A hymn for those burdened with care:
What a Friend we have in Jesus - https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/789
Some Biblical ways to reduce stress:
- Eliminate hurry.
- Evaluate and set realistic expectations.
- Be merciful - love your enemies and do good to them. Forgive them without vengeance, which is God's.
- Admit mistakes & imperfections - Upon erring, admit it without excuses and without blaming others. Tell the truth.
- Get right with God - “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8)
- Know what triggers your anger - HALT stands for hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Remember this acronym to discover if your physical experience is triggering anger.
- Take care of yourself - Benefit from good nutrition, exercise, sunshine, sleep, etc. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
- Trust God & His sovereignty - Let the Lord be in control. The Gospel Coalition says about God’s sovereignty: “The major components of God’s lordship are his control, authority, and covenantal presence.” In this we can face adversity, challenges, and an uncertain future.
- Learn to say no - Don't let guilt drive your decisions; practice saying "no" to reduce stress in your life.
- Pray about everything - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Adapted from https://livingontheedge.org/2022/02/07/biblical-ways-to-reduce-stress/ with Chip Ingram
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12 Ways to Increase Peace PDF:
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relaxation videos
Nature Relaxation Films, Free to Try Collection - https://watch.naturerelaxation.com/free-to-try-videos
Free Nature Sounds for Sleep & Relaxation - https://www.naturesounds.tv/
NatureStream.TV, Free Short Previews - https://naturestreamtv.lightcast.com/
Calmsound, An Oasis of Relaxation (nature sounds & videos) - https://www.calmsound.com/
Free Drone Footage by Pixels - https://www.pexels.com/search/videos/drone%20footage/
Free Nature Sounds for Sleep & Relaxation - https://www.naturesounds.tv/
NatureStream.TV, Free Short Previews - https://naturestreamtv.lightcast.com/
Calmsound, An Oasis of Relaxation (nature sounds & videos) - https://www.calmsound.com/
Free Drone Footage by Pixels - https://www.pexels.com/search/videos/drone%20footage/
waves dvd youtube channel:
relaxation websites
White Noise & Nature Sounds
Background Noises * Ambient Sounds * Relaxing Music | myNoise - https://mynoise.net/
SimplyNoise - https://simplynoise.com/#top
Other Websites for Stress Relief
Breathing Exercises (unknown whether this is scientific) - https://xhalr.com/
Looking at Something website (move your mouse and change the weather as you like) - http://www.lookingatsomething.com/
100,000 Stars, "An interactive 3D visualization of the stellar neighborhood,... - http://stars.chromeexperiments.com/
Into Time (gradient game where you can play with colors & gradients - http://www.intotime.com/
Neonflames, draw your own nebula with different colors and forms - https://29a.ch/sandbox/2011/neonflames/
reference
Web links for a variety of helpful, informative, and/or interesting sites.
Misc. reference
Refdesk - https://www.refdesk.com/
ReferenceDesk - http://www.referencedesk.org/index.shtml
RefSeek - Academic Search Engine - https://www.refseek.com/
RefSeek - Reference Directory - https://www.refseek.com/directory/
Reference.com - https://www.reference.com/
iTools, use the best tools - http://itools.com/
Infoplease - https://www.infoplease.com/
Business (expert business advice, tips & resources) - https://www.business.com/
Business News Daily (Small Business Solutions & Inspiration - https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/
Jasmine Business Directory - https://www.jasminedirectory.com/
Chronicling America <<Library of Congress (Historic American Newspapers) - https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
The Economist - https://www.economist.com/
Environmental Facts (EPA) - https://enviro.epa.gov/
Fact Monster (for kids) - https://www.factmonster.com/
50 States and Capitals - https://www.50states.com/
Get Human (phone calls) - https://gethuman.com/
Digital History Timelines - https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/timelines/timelines.cfm
History Matters - https://historymatters.gmu.edu/
History World - http://www.historyworld.net/
How Products are Made - http://www.madehow.com/
Hyper History - https://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html
Internet Archive (Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Books, Movies, Music &... - https://archive.org/
Internet History Sourcebooks Project (historical texts) - https://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/index.asp
Legal Information Institute - https://www.law.cornell.edu/
Library of Congress - https://www.loc.gov/
Digital Public Library of America - https://dp.la/
The Free Library by FARLEX - https://www.thefreelibrary.com/
Free SVG Maps - https://www.amcharts.com/svg-maps/ (move to maps on Travel page)
Media History Digital Library - https://mediahistoryproject.org/
NASA - https://www.nasa.gov/
National Parks Service - https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
National Weather Service - https://www.weather.gov/
NYPL Digital Collections - https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/
Online Books Page - http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/
Open Culture, The Best Free Cultural & Educational Media on the Web - https://www.openculture.com/
Dynamic Periodic Table - https://ptable.com/#Properties
WebElements Periodic Table - https://www.webelements.com/
Pew Internet & American Life - https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/internet-technology/
Pew Social & Demographic Trends - https://www.pewresearch.org/publications/?programs=social-trends#recent-publications
Practical Money Skills (financial education for everyone) - https://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/
Purdue University Quick Reference - https://www.lib.p
Science Daily, your source for the latest research news - https://www.sciencedaily.com/
Smithsonian Institution (the world's largest museum, education, & research complex) - https://www.si.edu/
Smithsonian Libraries - https://www.sil.si.edu/SILPublications/Online-Exhibitions/
Sources, Portal for Journalists & Writers - https://www.sources.com/Listings/Li_SubjectIndex.htm
SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides - https://www.sparknotes.com/
ThomasRegister, Product Sourcing and Supplier Discovery Platform - https://www.thomasnet.com/
US Census Bureau - https://www.census.gov/
USDA Agriculture Local Food Directory Listings - https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/food-directories-listings
US Economy at a Glance - https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.us.htm
US EPA - https://www.epa.gov/
USPS - https://www.usps.com/
Weather Underground - https://www.wunderground.com/
Wolfram-Alpha - https://www.wolframalpha.com/
World Data Bank (an analysis & visualization tool containing collections of time series data on a variety of topics) - https://databank.worldbank.org/home.aspx
World Digital Library (LOC) - https://www.loc.gov/collections/world-digital-library/about-this-collection/
Worldometer, real-time global statistics - https://www.worldometers.info/
The WWW Virtual Library - http://vlib.org/
Note: Some of the above sites (especially US Government) are "woke"; ie, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/"climate change", "racism", etc. View with discretion.
ReferenceDesk - http://www.referencedesk.org/index.shtml
RefSeek - Academic Search Engine - https://www.refseek.com/
RefSeek - Reference Directory - https://www.refseek.com/directory/
Reference.com - https://www.reference.com/
iTools, use the best tools - http://itools.com/
Infoplease - https://www.infoplease.com/
Business (expert business advice, tips & resources) - https://www.business.com/
Business News Daily (Small Business Solutions & Inspiration - https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/
Jasmine Business Directory - https://www.jasminedirectory.com/
Chronicling America <<Library of Congress (Historic American Newspapers) - https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
The Economist - https://www.economist.com/
Environmental Facts (EPA) - https://enviro.epa.gov/
Fact Monster (for kids) - https://www.factmonster.com/
50 States and Capitals - https://www.50states.com/
Get Human (phone calls) - https://gethuman.com/
Digital History Timelines - https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/timelines/timelines.cfm
History Matters - https://historymatters.gmu.edu/
History World - http://www.historyworld.net/
How Products are Made - http://www.madehow.com/
Hyper History - https://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html
Internet Archive (Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Books, Movies, Music &... - https://archive.org/
Internet History Sourcebooks Project (historical texts) - https://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/index.asp
Legal Information Institute - https://www.law.cornell.edu/
Library of Congress - https://www.loc.gov/
Digital Public Library of America - https://dp.la/
The Free Library by FARLEX - https://www.thefreelibrary.com/
Free SVG Maps - https://www.amcharts.com/svg-maps/ (move to maps on Travel page)
Media History Digital Library - https://mediahistoryproject.org/
NASA - https://www.nasa.gov/
National Parks Service - https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
National Weather Service - https://www.weather.gov/
NYPL Digital Collections - https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/
Online Books Page - http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/
Open Culture, The Best Free Cultural & Educational Media on the Web - https://www.openculture.com/
Dynamic Periodic Table - https://ptable.com/#Properties
WebElements Periodic Table - https://www.webelements.com/
Pew Internet & American Life - https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/internet-technology/
Pew Social & Demographic Trends - https://www.pewresearch.org/publications/?programs=social-trends#recent-publications
Practical Money Skills (financial education for everyone) - https://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/
Purdue University Quick Reference - https://www.lib.p
Science Daily, your source for the latest research news - https://www.sciencedaily.com/
Smithsonian Institution (the world's largest museum, education, & research complex) - https://www.si.edu/
Smithsonian Libraries - https://www.sil.si.edu/SILPublications/Online-Exhibitions/
Sources, Portal for Journalists & Writers - https://www.sources.com/Listings/Li_SubjectIndex.htm
SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides - https://www.sparknotes.com/
ThomasRegister, Product Sourcing and Supplier Discovery Platform - https://www.thomasnet.com/
US Census Bureau - https://www.census.gov/
USDA Agriculture Local Food Directory Listings - https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/food-directories-listings
US Economy at a Glance - https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.us.htm
US EPA - https://www.epa.gov/
USPS - https://www.usps.com/
Weather Underground - https://www.wunderground.com/
Wolfram-Alpha - https://www.wolframalpha.com/
World Data Bank (an analysis & visualization tool containing collections of time series data on a variety of topics) - https://databank.worldbank.org/home.aspx
World Digital Library (LOC) - https://www.loc.gov/collections/world-digital-library/about-this-collection/
Worldometer, real-time global statistics - https://www.worldometers.info/
The WWW Virtual Library - http://vlib.org/
Note: Some of the above sites (especially US Government) are "woke"; ie, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/"climate change", "racism", etc. View with discretion.
UK Reference Sites
Explore the British Library Home Page - https://www.bl.uk/
Explore the British Library - https://explore.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do
Google UK - https://www.google.co.uk/
Oxford Companion Websites Reference - https://global.oup.com/booksites/reference/
Oxford Art Online - https://www.oxfordartonline.com/page/tools-and-resources
online conversion
GIGAcalculator Online Calculators - https://www.gigacalculator.com/
INCH CALCULATOR (free online calculators) - https://www.inchcalculator.com/
Universal Currency Converter - https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
Online Conversion - Convert just about anything to anything else - https://onlineconversion.com/
Currency Exchange Rates - https://www.xe.com/
Metric & Imperial Conversion - https://www.asknumbers.com/
Celsius to Fahrenheit - https://www.calconic.com/calculator-widgets/celsius-to-fahrenheit
Time Zone Converter, Savvy Time World Clock - https://savvytime.com/converter
The Time Now - https://www.thetimenow.com/
World Time Server - https://www.worldtimeserver.com/
INCH CALCULATOR (free online calculators) - https://www.inchcalculator.com/
Universal Currency Converter - https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
Online Conversion - Convert just about anything to anything else - https://onlineconversion.com/
Currency Exchange Rates - https://www.xe.com/
Metric & Imperial Conversion - https://www.asknumbers.com/
Celsius to Fahrenheit - https://www.calconic.com/calculator-widgets/celsius-to-fahrenheit
Time Zone Converter, Savvy Time World Clock - https://savvytime.com/converter
The Time Now - https://www.thetimenow.com/
World Time Server - https://www.worldtimeserver.com/
dictionaries & writing
One Look Dictionary Search - https://www.onelook.com/
One Look Thesaurus - https://www.onelook.com/thesaurus/
Mirriam-Webster Online Dictionary - https://www.merriam-webster.com/
Cambridge Dictionary - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
Collins Online Dictionary - https://www.collinsdictionary.com/
The Free Dictionary by FARLEX - https://www.thefreedictionary.com/
Vocabulary.com Dictionary - Meanings, Definitions, Quizzes, & Word Games - https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/
Wordnik - https://www.wordnik.com/
WordSmyth, Dictionaries & vocabulary tools for English language learners - https://www.wordsmyth.net/
YourDictionary - https://www.yourdictionary.com/
Mirriam-Webster Visual Dictionary Online - https://www.visualdictionaryonline.com/
MW Diccionario Visual (Español) - http://www.ikonet.com/es/diccionariovisual/
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) - https://owl.purdue.edu/
Citations - https://www.citationmachine.net/
One Look Thesaurus - https://www.onelook.com/thesaurus/
Mirriam-Webster Online Dictionary - https://www.merriam-webster.com/
Cambridge Dictionary - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
Collins Online Dictionary - https://www.collinsdictionary.com/
The Free Dictionary by FARLEX - https://www.thefreedictionary.com/
Vocabulary.com Dictionary - Meanings, Definitions, Quizzes, & Word Games - https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/
Wordnik - https://www.wordnik.com/
WordSmyth, Dictionaries & vocabulary tools for English language learners - https://www.wordsmyth.net/
YourDictionary - https://www.yourdictionary.com/
Mirriam-Webster Visual Dictionary Online - https://www.visualdictionaryonline.com/
MW Diccionario Visual (Español) - http://www.ikonet.com/es/diccionariovisual/
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) - https://owl.purdue.edu/
Citations - https://www.citationmachine.net/
encyclopedias
Artcyclopedia, the Fine Art Search Engine - http://www.artcyclopedia.com/
Britannica.com (some parts are available without subscription) - https://www.britannica.com/
Brittanica Kids, an online encyclopedia resource for kids in grades K-12... - https://kids.britannica.com/
Citizendium (a wiki for providing free knowledge on virtually any subject -http://www.citizendium.org/
Conservapedia, the Trustworthy Encyclopedia - https://www.conservapedia.com/Main_Page
Columbia Encyclopedia by Infoplease - https://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia
Encyclopedia.com (free online encyclopedia) - https://www.encyclopedia.com/
Encyclopedia of Earth - https://editors.eol.org/eoearth/wiki/The_Encyclopedia_of_Earth
Encyclopedia of Life - https://eol.org/
Encyclopedia of Philosophy - https://plato.stanford.edu/
Legal Encyclopedia, Legal Forms, Law Books, & Software - https://www.nolo.com/
Scholarpedia, the peer-reviewed open-access encyclopedia - http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Main_Page
WikiArt# Visual Art Encyclopedia - https://www.wikiart.org/
Wiki Encyclopedia - https://wikiindex.org/Category:Encyclopedia
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia - https://www.wikipedia.org/
World Factbook - https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
Britannica.com (some parts are available without subscription) - https://www.britannica.com/
Brittanica Kids, an online encyclopedia resource for kids in grades K-12... - https://kids.britannica.com/
Citizendium (a wiki for providing free knowledge on virtually any subject -http://www.citizendium.org/
Conservapedia, the Trustworthy Encyclopedia - https://www.conservapedia.com/Main_Page
Columbia Encyclopedia by Infoplease - https://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia
Encyclopedia.com (free online encyclopedia) - https://www.encyclopedia.com/
Encyclopedia of Earth - https://editors.eol.org/eoearth/wiki/The_Encyclopedia_of_Earth
Encyclopedia of Life - https://eol.org/
Encyclopedia of Philosophy - https://plato.stanford.edu/
Legal Encyclopedia, Legal Forms, Law Books, & Software - https://www.nolo.com/
Scholarpedia, the peer-reviewed open-access encyclopedia - http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Main_Page
WikiArt# Visual Art Encyclopedia - https://www.wikiart.org/
Wiki Encyclopedia - https://wikiindex.org/Category:Encyclopedia
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia - https://www.wikipedia.org/
World Factbook - https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
language
Forvo: the pronunciation dictionary - https://forvo.com/
Language keyboard & translator - https://gate2home.com/
Latin American Network Information Center - http://www.lanic.utexas.edu/
LEXICOOL (Dictionaries, translation & language resources) - https://www.lexicool.com/
Language keyboard & translator - https://gate2home.com/
Latin American Network Information Center - http://www.lanic.utexas.edu/
LEXICOOL (Dictionaries, translation & language resources) - https://www.lexicool.com/
AI tools
AI art & photos
Dream by WOMBO Web App - https://dream.ai/
Create artwork from your text description in many styles. My favorite (seen below) is Floral V2. Let Wombo generate the image, and then download/save the ones you like. Although basic is free, a subscription is required to use more advanced features.
Create artwork from your text description in many styles. My favorite (seen below) is Floral V2. Let Wombo generate the image, and then download/save the ones you like. Although basic is free, a subscription is required to use more advanced features.
Craiyon (a free, open-source version of DALL-E text-to-image generator; type your sentence/descriptive words and hit Draw to get images you can save) - https://www.craiyon.com/
AI PEOPLE
AI People:
Moose Photo Creator/Generate stock photos with variety (subscription/$) - https://icons8.com/photos
Unique, worry-free model photos - https://generated.photos/
Portraits made by AI (info) - https://petapixel.com/2018/12/17/these-portraits-were-made-by-ai-none-of-these-people-exist/
AI Essay Generator
TinyWow, Free AI Essay Writer+ (captcha and ads in free version/no sign-up required) - https://tinywow.com/write/essay-writer
ai music generator
MuseNet (a deep neural network that can generate 4-minute musical compositions with 10 different instruments (note that advanced mode [direct interaction] of the interactive demo is offline) - https://openai.com/blog/musenet/#try
famous quotes
Here are ten of my favorite quotes from a variety of wise people throughout history:
- Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination. - Roy L. Goodman
- Don't look for big things, just do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
- It is never too late to be what you might have been. - George Eliot
- Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde
- Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. - M.L.K. Jr.
- He who slings mud generally loses ground. - Adlai E. Stevenson II
- In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different. - Coco Chanel
- Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. - Arthur Ashe
- Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others. - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
- The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. - Winston Churchill
For more quotes, you may like - www.quotery.com/
A-Z Listing of Quotes by Topic - www.https://allauthor.com/quotes/topic/
Wikiquote - https://www.wikiquote.org/
A-Z Listing of Quotes by Topic - www.https://allauthor.com/quotes/topic/
Wikiquote - https://www.wikiquote.org/
old sayings & proverbs
| fav_sayings.jpg |
I love these old sayings and proverbs; here are some of my favorites (click on icon above for PDF). Many express great wisdom in succinct phrases. How many have you heard? What do they mean to you? Let's keep them alive for future generations.
For a thorough A-Z listing, see this Wikipedia article - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_proverbial_phrases
For a thorough A-Z listing, see this Wikipedia article - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_proverbial_phrases
social media gallery
Find me on these social media sites:
instagram
ACCOUNT SUSPENDED!
Find me on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/uncmn1/
Find me on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/uncmn1/
For some unknown reason, META has completely locked me out of Instagram and my account has been suspended. Waiting to hear further... I will not be using widgets anymore, as they might be causing problems.
Here is a sampling of my digital photography. Also check out my Portfolio on the last tab of this website. On Instagram, my focus is on "vintage-style" photo edits (see https://hipstamatic.com/x/). Also I enjoy creating collages of my park visits and various travels, not to mention the usual "selfies" so trendy on Instagram. A mix of beauty, travel photos, inspiration, and seeing beauty in the everyday mundane.
Here is a sampling of my digital photography. Also check out my Portfolio on the last tab of this website. On Instagram, my focus is on "vintage-style" photo edits (see https://hipstamatic.com/x/). Also I enjoy creating collages of my park visits and various travels, not to mention the usual "selfies" so trendy on Instagram. A mix of beauty, travel photos, inspiration, and seeing beauty in the everyday mundane.
pinterest
facebook
Facebook being my main "social connection" outlet, I enjoy viewing posts and commenting on others' regarding many topics, including current events.
linkedin
Rarely do I get on this one, as I am retired and not looking for employment. I'm attaching it here though anyway. Beware ads-galore! LinkedIn is a Facebook (bloat) Production.
disclaimerInformation contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While I attempt to keep it updated and accurate, I make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website; or information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance placed on such information is therefore strictly at one's own risk. This website provides links to other websites not under my control. I have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. |
My old website
Link to my old website, BarbarasRetreat.com (site built by professional tech company). Dated, but maybe fun to check out:
Website Notes: 1. Icons courtesy of icons8 - https://icons8.com/ 2. Expect most government agencies to be "woke" 3. |
Like my viewpoints? Let's connect! I'm looking for cyber-friends, app-building partners, and anyone else who could utilize my unique talents.
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