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Through the Keyhole
JULY 2023
Take a break from your day...
Not your typical company
OR newsletter
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"This capital city, once thought to be the farthest edge
of the known world, has an economy that has historically been based on the
fishing industry. With its friendly people, trolley cars and culture,
you can catch one of the biggest waves in the world just a couple hours
away from this city."
Can you guess the
location?
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July,
with its warm embrace and kaleidoscope of experiences, invites us to revel
in the joys of summertime. From the splendor of nature to the jubilant
celebrations, this month offers a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and
sensations. It encourages us to bask in the sun, immerse ourselves in
festivities, and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. So, let us
embrace the spirit of July, relishing every moment and savoring the magic
this remarkable month has to offer.
Here
are some fun activities to consider doing in the Midwest US during the
month of July:
1. Attend
Festivals and Fairs: July is a month filled with lively festivals and fairs
across the Midwest. From music festivals to state fairs, there's something
for everyone. Enjoy live music, indulge in delicious local cuisine,
experience thrilling rides, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere
of these events.
2.
3. Explore
National Parks: The Midwest is home to several breathtaking national parks
and scenic areas. July provides an excellent opportunity to explore the
beauty of these natural wonders. Hike along the trails, go camping, enjoy
wildlife spotting, or simply soak in the tranquility of nature.
4. Visit
Lakes and Beaches: The Midwest is dotted with stunning lakes and beaches,
making it ideal for water-based activities. Take a refreshing swim, rent a
boat or kayak, go fishing, or simply relax by the water's edge. It's a
perfect way to beat the summer heat and enjoy the serenity of the great
outdoors.
5.
6. Enjoy
Outdoor Sports: July is a great time to engage in various outdoor sports
and recreational activities. Play a round of golf on scenic courses, go
biking on picturesque trails, try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking,
or join a friendly game of beach volleyball. The Midwest offers ample
opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
7.
8. Visit
Amusement Parks: Thrill-seekers will find plenty of excitement in the
region's amusement parks. Enjoy exhilarating rides, entertaining shows, and
mouthwatering treats. Whether you prefer roller coasters, water slides, or
gentle family-friendly attractions, amusement parks in the Midwest have
something to offer for all ages.
9.
10.
Explore Farmers Markets: July is a prime time
for farmers markets in the Midwest. Discover an abundance of fresh produce,
local crafts, and homemade treats. Stroll through the market, support local
vendors, and savor the flavors of the region.
11.
12.
Attend Outdoor Concerts: Many cities in the
Midwest host outdoor concerts and music festivals during July. Enjoy
performances by local artists or renowned musicians, often held in parks or
outdoor venues. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and delight
in the magical combination of music and nature.
13.
14.
Take Road Trips: The Midwest is known for
its scenic drives and charming small towns. July offers an ideal
opportunity to embark on a road trip adventure. Discover hidden gems,
explore quaint shops, indulge in regional cuisine, and create unforgettable
memories along the way.
By
the way, below are pictures of fireworks that are becoming very interesting
to view. New technology in fireworks. Who knew?
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OpenAI. Scary. Useful. Interesting.
If
you have not experienced OpenAI, your mind will be blown. You can
type virtually anything into the AI and it will tell you just about
anything you want to know. It will also write code, create articles
(the one above about the month of July was written by it) and even
songs.
There
are various fun and creative activities you can do with OpenAI. Here are a
few ideas to get you started:
1. Collaborative
Storytelling: Use OpenAI as a writing partner to co-create imaginative
stories. You can start by providing a story prompt or a few sentences, and
then take turns with OpenAI, alternating between your ideas and its
generated responses. This can lead to unexpected and entertaining
narratives.
2.
3. Poetry
and Songwriting: Utilize OpenAI's language generation capabilities to
inspire your poetry or songwriting. Provide a theme or a few lines, and let
OpenAI generate creative verses that you can build upon or use as
inspiration for your own compositions.
4.
5. Virtual
Pen Pal: Engage in a conversation with OpenAI, treating it as a virtual pen
pal. Ask questions, share anecdotes, discuss various topics, and let OpenAI
provide responses. It can be a playful and interactive way to explore
different perspectives and engage in lighthearted conversations.
6.
7. Creative
Writing Prompts: If you enjoy writing, ask OpenAI to generate writing
prompts for you. These prompts can serve as inspiration for short stories,
essays, or even poetry. Let OpenAI's imaginative suggestions spark your
creativity and take your writing in unexpected directions.
Either
way, it is something to know about and be aware of.
Try
it here.
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Guess
the Location Game
Last month the winner of the guess the location game was Anne Welch who guessed
the right answer. I appreciate all of the participation. THANKS
FOR PLAYING!
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"This region has a population of about 3.8 million
people. Known for its landscapes, history, artistic legacy and
influence on high culture. Home to famous works of art and museums,
you don't want to miss the food. More than 5 million visit during the
summer months."
Get
ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure to Tuscany, Italy—a place
where jaw-dropping art, jaw-filling pasta, and jaw-dropping landscapes come
together! This captivating region has it all, from Renaissance wonders in
Florence to rolling hills draped in vineyards and olive groves. So, grab
your fork and let's dive into the delicious and picturesque world of
Tuscany!
Culture
Galore:
Prepare to have your mind blown by the artistic legacy of Tuscany. In
Florence, you'll be surrounded by mind-boggling masterpieces from legendary
artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Museums like
the Uffizi Gallery will make you feel like you're stepping into a time
machine filled with jaw-dropping creativity.
Architectural
Eye Candy:
Tuscany's cities and towns are architectural playgrounds. Stand in awe
before the Florence Cathedral, whose massive red dome crafted by Filippo
Brunelleschi dominates the skyline. And of course, no trip to Tuscany is
complete without a goofy photo next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa—just
remember to act like you're holding it up!
Foodie
Paradise:
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with Tuscan delights. Sink your teeth
into a juicy, mouthwatering Florentine steak—the epitome of carnivorous
satisfaction. Cheese lovers rejoice, as you'll be introduced to the wonders
of pecorino cheese. And don't even get us started on the heavenly
combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella in a Caprese salad.
Buon appetito!
Postcard-Worthy
Landscapes:
Get ready to have your breath stolen by the mesmerizing Tuscan countryside.
Picture rolling hills blanketed in vineyards and charming farmhouses
perched atop them. You'll feel like you're walking into a painting as you
wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val d'Orcia. And keep an
eye out for those picture-perfect sunflower fields that make Instagrammers
go wild!
Relaxation
and Rejuvenation:
Tuscany isn't just about indulging your taste buds; it's also about
pampering your body and soul. Treat yourself to the luxurious thermal
springs of Montecatini Terme or Saturnia. Soak in the warm mineral-rich
waters, let all your worries float away, and emerge feeling like a
brand-new person. It's the perfect way to recharge and unwind.
Quaint
Towns and Cozy Vibes:
The Tuscan region is dotted with charming towns and villages that transport
you back in time. Lose yourself in the medieval wonderland of Siena, with
its cobblestone streets, stunning Piazza del Campo, and Gothic cathedral.
Or stroll through the delightful city walls of Lucca, taking in the
romantic atmosphere and enchanting architecture. Each town has its own
unique charm waiting to be discovered.
Let's
GO!
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10 Days in Tuscany in 3 minutes
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Riding the bullet train to Rome
~1 minute
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Swimming
Lesson by John Wayne...
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The
average life expectancy for men was 47 years.
Filling
up the automobile often occurred at the local general store, pharmacy, dry
goods emporium, or even in front of a stable owned by somebody who realized
that horses were on the way out.
Only
14 percent of homes had a bathtub.
Only
8 percent of homes had a telephone.
The
maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The
tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
The
average US wage in 1923 was 22 cents per hour.
The
average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
More
than 95 percent of all births took place at home.
Ninety
percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended
so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and by
the government as "substandard.”
Sugar
cost 5.5 cents a pound. Eggs were 14 cents a dozen. Coffee was 22 cents a
pound.
Most
women washed their hair once a month and used Borax or egg yolks for
shampoo.
The
Five leading causes of death were:
1.
Pneumonia and influenza
2.
Tuberculosis
3.
Diarrhea
4.
Heart disease
5.
Stroke
The
American flag had 45 stars.
The
population of Las Vegas was only 2,000.
Crossword
puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.
There
was neither a Mother's Day nor Father's Day.
Two
out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write, and only 6 percent of all
Americans had graduated from high school.
Back
then pharmacists said: "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy
to the mind, regulates the stomach, bowels, and is a perfect guardian of
health!"
Eighteen
percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
There
were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.
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Indiana Jones is
back too
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In theaters June 30th ~ 2
minutes
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Grilled Lemon Herb
Chicken
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Ingredients:
· 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
· Juice of 2 lemons
· Zest of 1 lemon
· 3 cloves of garlic, minced
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
· 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
· 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon
zest, minced garlic, parsley, basil, thyme, olive oil, salt, and black
pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish
and pour the marinade over them. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated.
Cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour,
or preferably overnight.
3.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5.
6. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade
and discard any excess marinade.
7.
8. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per
side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F
(75°C).
9.
10.
Remove
the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before
serving.
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Our mailing address
is:
210 S. Milwaukee Ave. Wheeling, IL 60090 USA
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