Thursday, June 29, 2023

Through the Keyhole - July 2023

 

 

Through the Keyhole

JULY 2023

Take a break from your day...

Not your typical company OR newsletter

 

 

 

"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?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 4th of JULY!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

ANSWER: Tuscany, Italy

 

 

 

 

 

 

"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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Days in Tuscany in 3 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

Riding the bullet train to Rome ~1 minute

 

 

 

 

 

~4 minutes

 

 

 

 

Well this is Random...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swimming Lesson by John Wayne...

 

 

 

 

Wedding Season OOPS...

 

 

 

 

1 minute

 

 

Help Me Janice.

 

 

 

 

 ~ 5 minutes

 

 

The Year Was 1923

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Funny

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indiana Jones is back too

 

 

 

 

 In theaters June 30th ~ 2 minutes

 

 

Edgy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Edgy Stuff...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

 

 

 

 

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.

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4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

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6. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.

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8. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

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10.              Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

 

 

 

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