Through the Keyhole - October 2023

 

Through the Keyhole October 2023 Take a break from your day... Not your typical company OR newsletter       "These two gentlemen just repainted this local landmark after vandalism.  This place is very south and famous for Sloppy Joes, Hemingway, Conch Trains and really laid back people.  Sometimes you just paint on your clothes. Ugh." Can you guess the location?                 October means the 8th Month but it's the 10th! The name "October" comes from the Latin word "octo," which means "eight." However, you might wonder why the eighth month is called October when it is, in fact, the tenth month in our modern calendar.   To understand this, we need to go back to the ancient Roman calendar, which originally had ten months, starting with March. Here's a rough outline of the Roman calendar before it was reformed: 1. Martius (March) 2. Aprilis (April) 3. Maius (May) 4. Junius (June) 5. Quintilis (July) - Originally the fifth month. 6. Sextilis (August) - Originally the sixth month. 7. September - Originally the seventh month. 8. October - Originally the eighth month. 9. November - Originally the ninth month. 10.              December - Originally the tenth month. The Roman calendar did not account for the months of January and February initially. The year began with March, which marked the start of the agricultural and military season. The months of January and February were eventually added to the calendar around 713 BC by King Numa Pompilius, which pushed the other months forward in terms of numbering.   Despite the addition of January and February, the names of the months retained their original numerical names. So, October continued to be called "October" (eighth month) even though it was no longer the eighth month in the calendar. Over time, the Roman calendar underwent further modifications and reforms, ultimately leading to the calendar we use today, known as the Gregorian calendar. While the names of the months and their positions in the calendar have evolved, the historical names like "October" have persisted, even though they no longer align with their original numerical order.   My only question is why?                         Windows 11 Tips Here are some tricks and tips for Windows 11: 1. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups: Windows 11 introduces new features for managing open windows. You can use Snap Layouts to organize multiple windows into various layouts, and Snap Groups to group together related apps for easier multitasking. Simply drag a window to a corner of the screen to use Snap Layouts. 2. Virtual Desktops: Windows 11 allows you to create and manage multiple virtual desktops. You can switch between them to keep your work or tasks organized. 3. Widgets: Widgets have made a comeback in Windows 11. You can access widgets like news, weather, calendar, and more by clicking the Widgets button on the taskbar. 4. Direct integration with Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is integrated directly into the taskbar in Windows 11, making it easier to access and communicate with your colleagues. 5. New Start Menu: Windows 11 features a centered Start Menu, which you can customize by pinning apps and organizing them to your liking. 6. New Window Management: Hover over the maximize button in a window, and you'll see options for Snap, which allows you to snap the window to the left or right side of the screen. 7. Quick Settings: Access Quick Settings by clicking the Wi-Fi, sound, or battery icons in the taskbar. This provides quick access to commonly used settings. 8. Customizable Taskbar: You can move the taskbar to the left, center, or right of the screen, depending on your preference. 9. Personalization: Explore the personalization settings to change your wallpaper, accent colors, and customize your desktop to your liking. 10.              Search Integration: The search functionality has been improved in Windows 11, providing quicker access to files, apps, and web results. 11.              Windows Terminal: Windows 11 includes Windows Terminal by default, which is a powerful tool for command-line enthusiasts. 12.              Touch, Pen, and Voice Input: Windows 11 offers enhanced support for touch, pen, and voice input. Take advantage of these features if you have compatible hardware. 13.              Game Mode: Windows 11 comes with improvements in gaming performance, including auto HDR and better support for DirectX 12. 14.              Focus Assist: Use Focus Assist to minimize distractions when you need to concentrate on work or gaming. 15.              Battery Saver: If you're using a laptop, Windows 11 has improved battery management features to help extend your device's battery life. 16.              Dark Mode: Windows 11's dark mode not only conserves energy on OLED screens but can also be easier on the eyes in low-light environments. 17.              Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn and use keyboard shortcuts like Windows key + D to show the desktop, Windows key + L to lock your computer, and many more to improve your efficiency. 18.              Task Manager: The Task Manager in Windows 11 provides detailed information about running processes and resource usage. It's a powerful tool for troubleshooting and managing your system. 19.              Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): If you're a developer or want to run Linux alongside Windows, WSL allows you to do so seamlessly. You can install and run various Linux distributions right within Windows. 20.              Windows Updates: Ensure your system is up to date with the latest Windows updates and security patches to keep your PC running smoothly and securely. These are just a few tricks and tips to get you started with Windows 11. Windows 11 continues to evolve, so keep an eye out for new features and improvements as Microsoft releases updates.       Guess the Location Game Last month the winner of the guess the location game was Randy Hageman who guessed the right answer.  I appreciate all of the participation.  THANKS FOR PLAYING!       ANSWER: Dubrovnik, Croatia           "People who dive off of this bridge are called Mostari.  Three nationalities are here and it is a very diverse culture.  Also, this site is home to many wars and conflicts. At one point this bridge was destroyed.  Tourism is growing fast despite the percieved corruption..." Mostar notably, the Mostar Bridge, or Stari Most as it’s known locally, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s major tourist attractions. In fact, most people visiting Split or Dubrovnik in Croatia will take a day trip to Mostar to see the iconic bridge.   Medieval meets Mediterranean in Dubrovnik, where towering stone fortresses rise from the glistening Adriatic Sea. Walk along the ancient walls that surround Old Town to get a sweeping view of the city—dotted with Romanesque-Gothic monasteries, palaces, and plenty of terracotta rooftops, it’s the stuff of Game of Thrones dreams (it was filmed here, after all). There’s no shortage of beaches, most of them pebbly and low-key, but if you’re looking for a more clubby vibe, hit Copacabana Beach where you can spend the day jet skiing, sipping cocktails, or lounging on a sunbed.   If you only do one thing, you must walk the Dubrovnik Walls. There is no better way to experience Dubrovnik than to see it from the medieval walls. It takes approximately two hours to walk the entire loop around the city. The views are spectacular the entire way. Highlights include climbing the Minceta Tower and views over the Old Town. Be prepared to take tons of photos!!   After your tour on the medieval walls, it is time to wander the streets of the Old Town. The main part of Dubrovnik is compact and easy to walk. The narrow streets are filled with restaurants and small shops, perfect places for pit stops on a leisurely stroll through the city.   This old town walking tour is one of the best experiences in the city. Learn about Dubrovnik’s fascinating history and visit historical landmarks with a local guide who is licensed by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism.   Taking a ride on the cable car is a must-do if you want an aerial view over Dubrovnik. The views of the city and the Adriatic Coast are spectacular from up here.   We also recommend dining at the Panorama Restaurant. If you want a table with a view of the city, call ahead for a reservation. Dinner here at sunset would be amazing.                                      ~ 3 minutes          ~6 minutes         Nightlife ~4 minutes       Well this is Random...                                                           People are Awesome         Instant Karma         4 minutes     Ever seen a soccer ball get popped?          ~ 10 seconds     Not everything is better ONLINE...         I had just spent an hour in the bank with my father, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn't resist asking:   "Dad, why don't we activate your internet banking?"   "Why would I do that?" he replied.   "Because then you wont have to spend an hour here for things like that transfer. You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!"   I was so excited about introducing him to the exciting world of online banking.   He thought for a minute, then answered "If I do that, I wont have to step out of the house?"   "Yes, yes" I said. I told him how even grocery can be delivered to your front door now, and how Amazon delivers everything!   His answer left me speechless.   He replied "Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends. And I have chatted for a while with the staff who know me very well by now. You know that I am alone. This is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have more than enough time, it is the physical touch that I crave. Two years ago I got sick, The shop owner, where I buy my fruit, came to see me and sat by my bedside and cried. When your mum fell down few days ago during her morning walk, our local grocer saw her and immediately brought his car to rush her home, as he knows where I live. Would I have that 'human' touch if everything became online? Why would I want everything delivered to me, forcing me to only interact with my computer? I like to know the person I'm dealing with and not just the 'seller'. It creates bonds and relationships. Does Amazon deliver all this as well?"   Technology isn't life. Spend time with people. Not with devices.       Funny                                               Garlic Peeling Hack.         ~3 minutes     Edgy.                                   More Edgy Stuff...                                             Creamy White Chili         Ingredients ·     1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ·     1 medium onion, chopped ·     1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder ·     1 tablespoon canola oil ·     2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained ·     1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth ·     2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles ·     1 teaspoon salt ·     1 teaspoon ground cumin ·     1 teaspoon dried oregano ·     1/2 teaspoon pepper ·     1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ·     1 cup sour cream ·     1/2 cup heavy whipping cream ·     Optional: Tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced seeded jalapeno pepper Preparation    Step 1     In a large saucepan, saute the chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add the beans, broth, chiles and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Step 2    Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and heavy cream. If desired, top with tortilla chips, cheese and jalapenos.         All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 210 S. Milwaukee Ave. Wheeling, IL 60090 USA