Thursday, May 30, 2024

Through the Keyhole - June 2024

 

Through the Keyhole

June 2024

Take a break from your day...

Not your typical company OR newsletter

 

 

 

"This building looks out of place as it looks from the Old World... As the capital of its state, this place is known for its music scene, tech industry and as the home of a giant University.  All kinds of events like South by Southwest (SXSW) are held here.  Some times of the year can be quite BATTY..."

Can you guess the location?

 

It's Officially June!

It's amazing how time flies.  It's my birthday and we are officially in SUMMER once we get to the 21st.  What a great time of year.

The summer solstice, which occurs around June 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, is the longest day of the year, marking the point where the sun is closest to us here. 

This event has been celebrated by cultures around the world for millennia, often symbolizing renewal, fertility, and the power of the sun.

In ancient times, people built monuments like Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids of Egypt that align with the solstice sunrise, demonstrating the importance of this celestial event. These structures served as calendars, guiding agricultural practices and religious rituals.

Modern celebrations vary widely. In Sweden, Midsummer's Eve is a major festival where people dance around maypoles, wear flower crowns, and feast on traditional foods. In the United States, the solstice is often observed with gatherings at parks and beaches, emphasizing the joy of long daylight hours.

I have always wanted to go to Iceland on my birthday to see the sun never set.  I also hear that the people are beautiful there so maybe someday soon I'll go.

The summer solstice is a reminder of our connection to the rhythms of nature, celebrating the peak of solar energy and the abundance it brings. Whether through historical significance, cultural festivities, or personal reflection, this day continues to captivate and inspire people worldwide.

Enjoy the longest day of the year...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured above is Green Lake, Wisconsin

Green Lake, Wisconsin, is a cool little town in central Wisconsin, perfect for a laid-back getaway. The star of the show here is Green Lake itself, the deepest natural inland lake in the state, going down more than 237 feet. That makes it a hotspot for fishing, boating, and all sorts of water fun.

The town has a friendly vibe, especially in the summer when it gets a bit busier with tourists and people who come to stay for the season. It's got that classic small-town charm with a pace that's just right for unwinding.

If you're into the outdoors, Green Lake has plenty to offer. Beyond the lake activities, you can hit up the local parks, hiking trails, and golf courses. The Green Lake Conference Center is a beautiful spot right on the lake, great for retreats, conferences, or weddings with amazing views.

In the heart of town, you'll find a bunch of cute shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's the perfect place to grab a bite of local food or pick up a unique souvenir. The town also throws some fun annual events like the Green Lake County Fair and Harvest Fest, which are great for experiencing the local culture and meeting people.

Green Lake mixes natural beauty with a rich history and a super welcoming community. Whether you're chilling by the water, exploring nature, or just soaking up the small-town feel, Green Lake is a great place to kick back and enjoy life.

So if you are looking for a quick getaway only 2.5 hours away, give it a go.

More info HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Green Lake ~ 2 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microsoft under a bit of fire...

Microsoft’s new feature is taking screenshots of your PC every few seconds, an update likened to something out of a Black Mirror episode.

And even the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is concerned.

Microsoft’s latest AI-powered feature, dubbed Recall, works alongside CoPilot+ by ‘taking images of your active screen every few seconds’. 

Creepy. 

The point of the feature is in case you ever need to recall content you have viewed on your PC using search or a timeline, then Recall could allow you to open the snapshot in the original application on which it was created.

See the complete article HERE

 

 

 

Guess the Location Game

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

 

 

 

 

ANSWER: Paris, France

 

 

 

 

 

 

"This city is said to be like that effortlessly cool friend who always knows the best spots to hang out.  Not sure if it is known for its light or love...  Filled with quirky street names that translate to things like "street of the bad boys" or "street of glassware".  When you go, bring a lock with your beloved to affix to the famous bridge."

Ah, Paris—the City of Light, where romance lingers in the air like the scent of freshly baked croissants. But beyond the picturesque boulevards and iconic landmarks, Paris is a city brimming with quirks and curiosities that might just tickle your funny bone.

For instance, did you know Paris is home to a rather peculiar piece of public art known as "Le Passe-Muraille" or "The Man Who Walks Through Walls"? This bronze sculpture, nestled in the Montmartre neighborhood, depicts a man literally walking through a wall. It's based on a story by Marcel Aymé about a man who discovers he can pass through walls—until one day, he gets stuck. It's a perfect metaphor for those moments when you're so charmed by Paris that you wish you could melt right into its streets, only to find yourself glued to reality (or, in this case, a wall).

And speaking of quirky, the city has a unique traffic rule for hot air balloons. Yes, you read that right! Paris is one of the few cities in the world where it's legal to fly a hot air balloon over the city. The iconic Ballon de Paris, tethered in Parc André Citroën, gives visitors a chance to float above the skyline, offering views that are truly out of this world.

Paris also boasts some unexpected residents. Take the cats of the Ernest Hemingway-inspired Shakespeare and Company bookstore. These literary felines lounge among the stacks of books, adding a dash of feline charm to the already whimsical atmosphere. Rumor has it they’re quite well-read, often found napping on volumes of classic literature.

In a city known for its sophistication, Parisian humor often shines through in unexpected ways. For example, Parisians have a longstanding tradition of playful protests and clever graffiti. One infamous example is a road sign near the Louvre, altered to read "La Joconde vue de dos" ("The Mona Lisa seen from behind"), with a stick-figure Mona Lisa humorously depicted on the back of the sign. It's a cheeky nod to the hordes of tourists who flock to see Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece.

Oh, and there's a bridge there where people take their betrothed and fasten a lock as a symbol of undying love...how romantic.

So, whether you're captivated by its romantic allure or amused by its eccentricities, Paris never fails to surprise and delight. Just be careful—if you try to walk through walls like Le Passe-Muraille, you might find yourself stuck, but at least you'll be in the heart of one of the world's most enchanting cities!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 You look like a tourist ~ 1 minute

 

 

 

 

 

The Food  ~ 2 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

Posing in front of the Eiffel Tower... ~3 minutes

 

 

 

 

Well this is Random...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old World Order

 

 

 

 

Movie Trailer ~ 2 minutes

 

 

Prowalk Tours

 

 

 

 

 Great walking tour with captions ~ 2 hours 23 minutes

 

 

Janitor's got some PIPES...

 

 

 

 

 Amazing performance ~ 9 minutes

 

 

Franz Kafka.

 

 

 

 

At 40, Franz Kafka (1883-1924), who never married and had no 

children, was walking through a park one day in Berlin when he met a girl who was crying because she had lost her favourite doll. She and Kafka searched for the doll unsuccessfully.

Kafka told her to meet him there the next day and they would come back to look for her.

The next day, when they had not yet found the doll, Kafka gave the girl a letter "written" by the doll saying "please don't cry. I took a trip to see the world. I will write to you about my adventures."

Thus began a story which continued until the end of Kafka's life.

During their meetings, Kafka read the letters of the doll carefully written with adventures and conversations that the girl found adorable.

Finally, Kafka brought back the doll (he bought one) that had returned to Berlin.

"It doesn't look like my doll at all," said the girl.

Kafka handed her another letter in which the doll wrote: "my travels have changed me." The little girl hugged the new doll and brought the doll with her to her happy home.

A year later Kafka died.

Many years later, the now-adult girl found a letter inside the doll. In the tiny letter signed by Kafka it was written:

"Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way."

Embrace change. It's inevitable for growth. Together we can shift pain into wonder and love, but it is up to us to consciously and intentionally create that connection.

 

 

 

Interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 Years Ago this kid went VIRAL

 

 

 

 

Hilarious ~1 minute 

 

 

Edgy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Edgy Stuff...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

·      cup soy sauce

·     2 green onions, chopped, dark green parts separated from white and light green parts

·     ¼ yellow onion, thinly sliced

·     3 tablespoons white sugar

·     3 cloves garlic, minced

·     2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

·     1 tablespoon sesame oil

·     ¼ teaspoon Korean red pepper flakes

·     ¼ teaspoon minced fresh ginger

·      teaspoon ground black pepper

·     1 ½ pounds beef sirloin steak, cut very thin using kitchen shears

·     1 teaspoon honey, or to taste

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. Whisk soy sauce, white and light green parts of green onions, yellow onion, sugar, garlic, sesame seeds, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, ginger, and black pepper together in a large glass or ceramic bowl.

3. Add steak slices and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or up to 1 day.

4. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, cook and stir steak and marinade together in the hot skillet, adding honey to caramelize the steak, until steak is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

5. Garnish bulgogi with dark green parts of green onions.

 

 

 

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