Monday, March 25, 2024

Through the Keyhole - April 2024

 

Through the Keyhole

April 2024

Take a break from your day...

Not your typical company OR newsletter

 

 

 

"No they aren't famous for their Hot Dogs here.  With about 2 million people living here, they are the 5th largest city in the region and is called the "City of Music."  You can also ride a ferris wheel where they use train cars as the vehicle."

Can you guess the location?

 

Happy Easter!


Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and joy that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, bringing people together in celebration of new beginnings and the promise of brighter days ahead.

At its core, Easter embodies the beauty of transformation and rebirth, symbolized by the arrival of spring and the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. It serves as a reminder of the eternal cycle of life, where darkness gives way to light, and despair is replaced by hope.

Easter is a time for reflection and gratitude, as we pause to appreciate the blessings in our lives and the gift of love and forgiveness. It's a season of reconciliation, where differences are set aside, and compassion prevails, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among communities worldwide.

Moreover, Easter is a celebration of the simple joys of life – from colorful Easter eggs hidden in gardens to the laughter of children during egg hunts. It's a time for family gatherings, shared meals, and cherished traditions that create lasting memories and strengthen bonds.

In a world often filled with uncertainty and challenges, Easter serves as a beacon of light, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. It inspires us to embrace the spirit of renewal, to let go of past burdens, and to embrace the possibilities of the future with faith and optimism.

Ultimately, Easter's message of love, redemption, and resurrection resonates deeply with people of all backgrounds, offering solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose. It's a time to rejoice in the beauty of life and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead, making it truly a season to cherish and celebrate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's in a Polish Easter Basket?


A Polish Easter basket, known as "święconka," is a traditional part of Easter celebrations in Poland. It typically contains a variety of symbolic foods that are blessed by a priest during the Easter Sunday Mass. The contents of a Polish Easter basket may vary depending on regional customs and personal preferences, but there are several common items that are often included. Here's what you might find in a typical Polish Easter basket:

1. Easter Bread (Chleb Wielkanocny): A round loaf of sweet bread, often decorated with a cross or other religious symbols, symbolizing the Body of Christ.

2. Eggs (Jajka): Hard-boiled eggs, often dyed or decorated with intricate patterns, symbolizing new life and the Resurrection.

3. Ham (Szynka): A slice of ham or other cured meats, symbolizing abundance and the end of Lenten fasting.

4. Salt (Sól): Representing purification and preservation, salt is often included in the basket.

5. Sausage (Kiełbasa): A link of smoked or fresh sausage, symbolizing God's favor and prosperity.

6. Horseradish (Chrzan): A symbol of the bitter herbs eaten at the Passover Seder, horseradish represents the bitterness of Christ's suffering.

7. Butter (Masło): Symbolizing the richness of God's blessings and the goodness of the land.

8. Cheese (Ser): Often in the form of a white, round cheese called "Serek Wiejski," symbolizing the moderation and simplicity of life.

9. Candle (Świeca): A candle, often decorated or carved with religious symbols, symbolizing the light of Christ.

10.              Lamb (Baranek): A small figurine or piece of chocolate shaped like a lamb, symbolizing Jesus as the Lamb of God.

These items are carefully arranged in a basket, often lined with a white linen cloth and decorated with fresh greenery or flowers. The blessed food from the Easter basket is traditionally shared among family members as part of the Easter breakfast or brunch following the Mass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophos Threat Report 2024

In the new Sophos 2024 Threat Report, discover the latest cyberthreat trends affecting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)* and get the insights you need to defend against evolving attacks. 

 

Combining deep-dive research with the real-world experiences of the Sophos X-Ops team, the report covers: 

 

Today’s ransomware landscape, including a look at the tactics employed by the most prevalent gangs operating today

 

The activities of initial access brokers (IABs) and how they advertise their abilities and services

 

The value of ‘data’ as a currency in the cybercriminal underworld

How attackers are sharpening their social engineering and business email compromise (BEC) tactics

 

Following this report, this webcast explores the latest cyberthreat trends and provides actionable insights to fortify your defenses against evolving attacks. Don't miss this opportunity to safeguard your business against cyber risks.

 

Read the REPORT HERE

 

 

 

Guess the Location Game

Last month the winner of the guess the location game was
John Rammersheim who guessed the right answer.  I appreciate all of the participation.  THANKS FOR PLAYING!

 

 

 

 

ANSWER: Barcelona, 
Spain

 

 

 

 

 

 

"This bustling capital of its country is home to a really cool church, yet to be completed, a colorful blend of architectural classics, and a bustling beachfront along the sea.  But watch out for pick pockets and statues that come to life."

 

Barcelona is the kind of city that casts a spell over its visitors. Enticed by the epic architecture and promise of deep-running history set in the context of a coastal Mediterranean getaway, millions of travelers arrive every year to see the charms of Barcelona for themselves. 

 

Despite this popularity, it’s often misunderstood – especially if you fail to escape the typical tourist pitfalls. For me, though, it’s a city that always called me back and a place where I felt the most at home, but I admit that there are many missteps travelers can make in a city this big, popular and culturally complicated.

 

Today, the spotlight often shines on Barcelona for its overtourism problem, and local resentment makes itself known through aggressive graffiti near popular attractions. In some cases, this has even forced city officials to restrict access to once off-the-grid spots like the Carmel Bunkers, simply because the crowds have gotten out of control. In my years of living in Barcelona, I’ve learned how to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and enjoy the city as a local would. Here’s everything you should know before you come to Barcelona, from the essential safety tips to the cultural landscape.

1. You can’t see the whole city in a day

Barcelona may not be the biggest city you’ve ever been to, but it is massive when you consider all the ways you can entertain yourself. Because there is so much to see, the ideal number of days for a trip to Barcelona is between two and five. That should be enough to cover the must-sees, but if you want to explore more in the surrounding area, 10 days would give you additional time to plan day trips either to nearby cava wineries, the Costa Brava, or even as far north as the Pyrenees for a day of skiing.

2. There will be lots of tourists

There’s no use denying that overtourism is an issue in Barcelona, but you can plan to avoid the crowds by traveling during the off-season or trying to get an early start on the day before the cruise ships pull in and the streets fill up with visitors.

You can also book many tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in the long lines, but in some places, you won’t be able to avoid the crowds. Try to space out the big attractions in your itinerary so you have some breathing room in between, ie, don’t go from the Sagrada Familia to Casa Batllò.

3. Avoid traveling during big events

Barcelona draws big acts from around the world every summer as a mainstay on the music festival circuit. But unless you’ve got your ticket to Primavera Sound or Sonar already, you may want to avoid traveling during these weekends or any other time when large trade fairs, like the Mobile World Congress, take over the city. It’s already an expensive city, but accommodation rates skyrocket when a big influx of visitors is on its way.

4. Know what cultural events to look for

If you want to have an authentic cultural experience in Barcelona, you can look for local events that embrace Catalan traditions like the parades of giants, human tower gatherings, Sardana dance circles and the Correfoc fire parades. You may stumble across them if you’re traveling over a holiday like Holy Week, but if you want to secure your odds, make a trip in September when the city celebrates La Mercè, one of Barcelona’s patron Saints, with a week of festivities that include cultural events and free concerts.

5. There’s more than one Rambla

Everyone will tell you La Rambla is a must-do, but for me, walking the Rambla feels a lot like walking through Times Square back at home – crowded, touristy, and to be avoided whenever possible. Thankfully, the city has more than one Rambla, where you can actually enjoy the slow strolling these city features were built for. In the center, you can venture down the Rambla del Raval with its famous Botero cat sculpture, or go a little bit out of the way to walk the Rambla del Poblenou from Diagonal all the way down to the beach.

6. The beaches get better the further away from the city center you get

Barceloneta is the most famous beach in Barcelona, and the adjacent neighborhood is worth checking out for its narrow streets and great tapas spots, but travel further down if you actually want to lay out on the beach. Barceloneta can get very crowded and noisy with tourists, so walk or cab your way past Port Olímpic to Platja de la Mar Bella. Because all the beaches in Barcelona are artificial, built for the 1992 Olympic games, the sand isn’t the nicest, to be frank. If you can travel outside the city to Sitges or up the Costa Brava, you’ll find more tranquil and scenic beaches.

7. Get to know Catalan culture

An autonomous region of Spain, the subject of Catalan independence is still a touch-and-go, but you should be respectful to the locals by learning about all the distinct characteristics that give Catalans their cultural identity. Show a little curiosity, and locals will be more than happy to tell you all about their favorite traditions, from wintertime onion barbecues to the cheeky caganer ("the pooper") a beloved Christmas icon.

8. Catalan is not a dialect of Spanish

If you’re looking for the quickest way to offend a Catalan, this is the one. Almost everyone in Barcelona can speak Catalan and Spanish, and the tourism circuit is well set up for English-speaking clientele, so you should have no problem getting around. However, you can make a good impression on your hosts by learning a few words. Some are similar to Spanish and French, like “Hola” and “Merci” for “Hello” and” Thank you,” but you can also try “Bon día” for “Good morning” and “Adéu” for “Goodbye.”

9. Pickpockets are a real issue

Just about everyone in Barcelona has a first or second-hand pickpocketing story, including me (they slipped two credit cards out of my wallet while I was working on my laptop in a crowded cafe). You should never let your guard down, especially when riding the metro or walking down crowded tourist areas like La Rambla. Keep your phone put away whenever you’re not using it, and never leave it sitting out on the table if you’re dining outside.

10. Public transportation is safe and efficient

Although you do have to mind your belongings for the nefarious pickpockets, one of the best things about living in Barcelona is how easy and efficient public transportation is. I’ve had generally positive experiences, and it’s easy to connect to the major train and bus stations for adventures outside the city.

You may also see the red shared bikes called Bicing, but don’t bother trying to rent one because they’re only for residents. If you want to take advantage of Barcelona’s bike lanes, you’ll have to get a rental from a shop, but be strategic about how and where you lock it – bike thieves are as common as pickpockets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ~ 2 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

The Food  ~ 2 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

Swanky Nightlife... ~1 minute

 

 

 

 

Well this is Random...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is that Chicken or Ice Cream?

 

 

 

 

Funny Security Footage

 

 

 

 

 ~ 4 minutes

 

 

The Duck Song...

 

 

 

 

 A Classic - Got any Grapes? ~ 3 minutes

 

 

A Story From Pearl Harbor...

 

 

 

 

Sunday, December 7th, 1941--Admiral Chester Nimitz was attending a concert in Washington, DC.

 

He was paged and told there was a phone call for him. When he answered the phone, it was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the phone. He told Admiral Nimitz that he (Nimitz) would now be the Commander of the Pacific Fleet. Admiral Nimitz flew to Hawaii to assume command of the Pacific Fleet. He landed at Pearl Harbor on Christmas Eve, 1941.

 

There was such a spirit of despair, dejection and defeat--you would have thought the Japanese had already won the war. On Christmas Day, 1941, Adm. Nimitz was given a boat tour of the destruction wrought on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. Big sunken battleships and navy vessels cluttered the waters everywhere you looked. As the tour boat returned to dock, the young helmsman of the boat asked, "Well Admiral, what do you think after seeing all this destruction?"

 

Admiral Nimitz's reply shocked everyone within the sound of his voice. Admiral Nimitz said, "The Japanese made three of the biggest mistakes an attack force could ever make, or God was taking care of America . Which do you think it was?" Shocked and surprised, the young helmsman asked, "What do mean by saying the Japanese made the three biggest mistakes an attack force ever made?"

 

Nimitz explained:

 

Mistake number one:

The Japanese attacked on Sunday morning. Nine out of every ten crewmen of those ships were ashore on leave.
If those same ships had been lured to sea and been sunk--we would have lost 38,000 men instead of 3,800.

 

Mistake number two:

When the Japanese saw all those battleships lined in a row, they got so carried away sinking those battleships, they never once bombed our dry docks opposite those ships. If they had destroyed our dry docks, we would have had to tow every one of those ships to America to be repaired. As it is now, the ships are in shallow water and can be raised. One tug can pull them over to the dry docks, and we can have them repaired and at sea by the time we could have towed them to America. And I already have crews ashore anxious to man those ships.

 

Mistake number three:

Every drop of fuel in the Pacific theater of war is in top of the ground storage tanks five miles away over that hill. One attack plane could have strafed those tanks and destroyed our fuel supply. That's why I say the Japanese made three of the biggest mistakes an attack force could make or God was taking care of America.

 

I've never forgotten what I read in that little book. It is still an inspiration as I reflect upon it. In jest, I might suggest that because Admiral Nimitz was a Texan, born and raised in Fredericksburg , Texas -- he was a born optimist. But any way you look at it--Admiral Nimitz was able to see a silver lining in a situation and circumstance where everyone else saw only despair and defeatism.

 

President Roosevelt had chosen the right man for the right job. We desperately needed a leader that could see silver linings in the midst of the clouds of dejection, despair and defeat.

 

 

 

 

Interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greatest Wheelchair EVER?

 

 

 

 

~16 minutes - GREAT STORY

 

 

Edgy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Edgy Stuff...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lamb Casserole Slow Cooker Recipe

 

 

 

 


o  Lamb shoulder 

o  Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

o  Garlic, Thyme, Bay Leaves 

o  Onions 

o  Carrots

o  Lamb stock (chicken or beef works too)

o  Mint jelly

o  Soy sauce 

  Put the garlic, onions, carrots, lamb joint and stock into a slow cooker, then season.

Cook on HIGH for 10 hours or LOW for 12 hours

When cooked, put the meat in a tin, smother it with mint jelly and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes on 450F.

Remove the carrots and onions and set aside.

 

 

 

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