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Sorina Bindea
I have never understood why grown-ups complain when the leaves are all off the trees, and the temperatures take a decided turn towards the zero on the thermometer. I hear complaints about the impending winter weather, and the driving in the snow and ice. We live in Pennsylvania, so I bite my tongue instead of stating the obvious: Maybe you should move to a warmer climate?
I know some people do that. My father is one of them. They are called “snow birds”. In the summer, they live up North, and just when the going gets good (aka… fall hits, and temperatures drop) they go south to their Florida homes. But how is that any better? They aren’t escaping precipitation. Ever hear of a hurricane?
True, it is a warmer climate down south. I can’t deny that. However, when I think of a hurricane ripping the roof off my house and crashing through my dining room windows, it just doesn’t hold the same appeal as watching soft, fluffy snowflakes blanketing the Earth in a quietness while I sit in front of my fireplace sipping hot chocolate, wrapped in a quilt. I guess the beauty of the seasons is in the eye of the beholder.
While I do enjoy all seasons for their uniqueness and differences, I love winter. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I was born in the winter. I don’t know. I just know that when the dew point drops, the air dries out, and that smell! Is there any name for the smell just before it snows? I once posed that question to my husband who promptly answered: “It’s the de-icer I just put down on the walkway”.
We talk about stopping to smell the roses in the Spring, and the “lazy, hazy” days of Summer. We give glory to Fall because of harvest and Thanksgiving. But winter, if you ask me, is the best of all.
The first snowflake means that life is about to slow down, and settle into a calmer pace. After all, who can be out and about so much when the roads are sketchy? The first snowflake means that there is no chance for Summer to rear it’s out of season head and cause uncomfortable humidity and heat. The first snowflake means the earth gets a break. The first snowflake means future quiet evenings with a good book in front of the fire. The first snowflake means that while the plants are sleeping, the moisture has a chance to soak in and create the ability for rebirth in the Spring. The first snowflake means beauty as the brown, dead fields are covered with pristine white.
I still don’t understand why grown-ups complain about winter. As for me, I raise my mug of hot chocolate and mini marshmallows. Vivo inverno!
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Halloween
Halloween is a fun holiday for everyone of all ages. There are so many fun things to do in the month of October before Halloween and the day of Halloween. I love Halloween especially with all the candy and different types of goodies. Halloween is for everyone that enjoys to be a part of this wonderful holiday and also be careful on Halloween as well. It gives everyone a chance to show what they love to do as well.
1. Going to haunted houses with friends.
Some of the times it is fun but its crazy as well. Sometimes it is scary but if you are with friends it is so much fun.
2. Going to Halloween parties with friends or families or both.
Dress up in ur favorite Halloween costumes from princesses to witches and etc. Such as trunk-or-treat!
3. We all enjoy going to apple orchards to pick apples and to eat donuts with apple cider.
One of the Apple orchards in Michigan is Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill. There are many others in the state of Michigan.
4. When you are younger or through high school, you go trick or treating in various of costumes going door to door saying "trick or treat" and you get candy or whatever they are giving you for Halloween.
5. Another fun part of October is to go to corn mazes which are sometimes fun and hard to do with friends and family.
One of the corn mazes to go to in the Three Cedars Farm in Northville, MI which I have been there a lot over the years. You can also pick pumpkins there as well and there is usually a barn dance you can do as well while you are there.
6. Back in elementary school, we had Halloween Parties where homeroom parents were the ones who planned them for Halloween.
It gives the children to express themselves during the day and wear costumes.
7. Another event that happens during the month of October is Halloween Nights at the Henry Ford in the evenings.
It is so much fun get to see everyone with their families and dressed in Halloween costumes.
8. The types of candy and food that are popular during Halloween time are candy corn, caramel apples and many other fun foods.
9. I love Halloween and get to see all the interesting and fun costumes that the kids wear which is so amazing and awesome.
10. Listening and performing in Halloween concerts which are fun and get to dress up as well.
Some of the songs
11. Carving pumpkins are always fun to carve because you get to do it with your family and friends.
There are many different designs you can do on a pumpkin but do not make it so hard to do.
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Featured
Top 10 Cranberries Songs That Will Change Your Life
A look at the treasure box, seeing what's hidden in the shadow of "Dreams," "Linger," and "Zombie"
27 October
4209
Aside from the great hits like "Dreams," "Linger," and "Zombie," you may not know many other songs by "The Cranberries." These three songs are played rather frequently, and it would be hard to imagine someone not recognizing at least one of the three. If you haven't, look them up, and then come back and read this list. But as is the case with many bands, those popular singles only scratch the surface.
“The Cranberries” recorded seven studio albums from 1993 through 2017 and Dolores O’Riordan (their late great, incredible lead voice) had two studio albums as a solo act. Within those nine albums hides a plethora of great music.
14. "Dreams" by The Cranberries
CatharsisMagazine
Upon returning the CD back to my library, I ordered “The Cranberries Treasure Box” set, which consisted of their first four albums, along with bonus tracks. Devouring each album from start to finish over and over again really was like opening a treasure box.
The band hails from Limerick Ireland, and O’Riordan’s signature “yodel” (which she learned from her father), helped to create a band that is really unlike any other. They have anger and hatred in some of their lyrics, as seen in “Loud and Clear,” and then they have moments of beautiful haunting with lines like
“I don't think it's going to happen anymore
You took my thoughts from me, now I want nothing more” (O'Riordan, N. Hogan).
Their music ranges too, from slow peaceful melodies as on “Warchild,” to heaver, rock –grunge influenced pieces like “Salvation.”
“The Cranberries” are truly one of my favorite bands, and is a group that should be more widely known, far beyond their three big hits “Dreams,” “Linger," and "Zombie."
To help with that, here is a Top 10 List of songs by “The Cranberries,” along with two bonus songs, one from both of O’Riordan’s solo albums.
10. “Still Can’t…” from “Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?”
The Cranberries - Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why CAN`t We ? 1993The Cranberries - Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why CAN`t We ? 1993.
Track nine on their debut album, has a fast pace, showcasing O’Riordan’s vocal range, some grunge influence, and their unique melodic capacities. It combines acoustic and electric guitar and strong bass lines by brothers Noel and Mike Hogan respectfully, and the very interesting drum style of Fergal Lawler.
9. “How” from “Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?”
How - The Cranberries (Lyrics)www.youtube.com
Two song’s later and also from their debut album, “How” has O’Riordan nearly whispering in angst throughout the verses, crescendo-ing up to a strong chorus that showcases the emotion she was able to carry in her singing. Both songs follow the hits “Dreams” and “Linger” which also appear on the band's debut.
8. “Twenty One” from “No Need To Argue”
The Cranberries - Twenty Onewww.youtube.com
A ballad which leads just before the mega-hit “Zombie,” “Twenty One,” is a sad and somber piece that holds more emotion in fewer words that are actually sung. Musically, and lyrically, the song hints towards anxiety and growth and exile. Personally, I would assume the repeating of “Twenty One” would indicate a place in finding one’s own answers. But like all great things, the song is open to the interpretation of each individual listener.
7. “Ridiculous Thoughts” from “No Need To Argue”
Just listen to the intro vocals, and how O’Riordan chants
“You’re gonna have to hold on” (O'Riordan, N. Hogan)
as the song reaches its climax. That’s the only reason needed to justify this song’s placement on this list.
While the entirety of “No Need To Argue” could find its place on a Top 10, these are two of my personal favorites that standout aside “Zombie.” Notable mentions include “Ode To My Family,” “The Icicle Melts,” and “Yeats’ Grave.”
6. “Warchild” from “To The Faithful Departed”
Warchildwww.youtube.com
An acoustic piece with a horn section finds its main ingredient is the haunting and beautiful voice of O’Riordan. Listen to the lyrics as she sings. As the title suggests, the song tells of children in the time of war. A string section is welcomed after the first chorus, warmly filling the soundscape of the music.
5. “Bosnia” from “To The Faithful Departed”
The Cranberries Bosnia ( High Quality )www.youtube.com
This is possibly my favorite of “The Cranberries” songs. I am not going to try and explain why this song is so amazing; if you listen to only one of the songs provided, let it be this one and form your own connection to it. It really is one of the most underrated songs, not only from the band but in the realm of music.
Other notable mentions from “To The Faithful Departed” are “Salvation,” which really showcases the band’s heavier moments, “Cordell,” and “God Be With You”
4. “Loud And Clear “from “Bury The Hatchet”
Loud And Clearwww.youtube.com
This album’s artwork is possible one of the scariest, with the giant eye looking down on a crouching, scared and naked man. Making the list, was either this song or “Animal Instinct.” But the horn section, anger-fueled lyrics such as
“Hope the sun beats down on you
And skin yourself alive” (O'Riordan)
“Loud and Clear” had to make the list.
3. “This Is The Day” from “Wake Up And Smell The Coffee
Everything comes together so perfectly in this chorus; Her voice, the high splashing of the high-hat, the strong strums of the guitar. The chorus leads out with the swirling sensation the guitar provides, along with the underlying bass that constantly pounds in the midst of the chaos.
2. “Conduct” from “Roses”
11 years from their previous album, “Wake Up And Smell The Coffee,” “Conduct” opens the return album, proving that their sound has never dwindled or faded, and picks up right from where the band left off. Other notable tracks from “Roses” are “Schizophrenic Playboy,” and “Show Me”
1. “Why” from “Something Else”
The Cranberries - WhyAcoustic version of "Why" from the new album "Something Else". Out Now: https://cranberries.lnk.to/SEID Follow The Cranberries: ...
This is the last studio album before the death of singer Dolores O’Riordan. The album consists of 10 unplugged, acoustic arrangements of previous hits, along with new orchestrations to accompany the unplugged sound, and three new songs. They redo their three most popular songs, “Zombie,” “Dreams,” and “Linger,” but the three new tracks offered are worth mentioning.
The closing song, “Why,” showcases everything that makes “The Cranberries” one of the most important bands ever. Why you ask, as the title of the song prompts you to? Listen for yourself and see “Why.”
Bonus Tracks from O’Riordan’s solo albums:
“Black Widow” from “Are You Listening?”
If you thought “The Cranberries” had some heavy, borderline metal songs, you were wrong. On O’Riordan’s first solo album, she has this, along with “Stay With Me.” Both bring head-banging to her familiar style with “The Cranberries.” Only these songs crank it up to 11!
“I Want you” from “No Baggage”
Dolores O'Riordan - I Want Youwww.youtube.com
This song is technically not on this album but is instead a B-side that I stumbled upon when looking into her career. It’s simply beautiful. This album drops some of the near-metal moments from “Are You Listening?” but as with all of these albums, there is no shortage of great music. Notable mentions from “No Baggage” include “Lunatic,” “You Set Me On Fire,” and a new version of “Apple Of My Eye,” which first appeared on her previous album.
Go on and complete your music collection by adding the catalog of “The Cranberries” and the two solo albums from O’Riordan.
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Featured
The ABC's Of Thanksgiving Food
ABC's of the food that makes up the feasts of Thanksgiving.
27 October
16791
It's Thanksgiving time again! The holiday is full of all kinds of foods. Some of which are traditional and others that just add to the feast.
A: Applesauce
B: Brussel Sprouts
C: Corn
D: Dessert
E: Eggplant
world's best-tasting grilled eggplant | Classic recipe -- ju… | Flickrwww.flickr.com
F: Fruit
G: Green Beans
H: Herbs
I: Ice-cream
J: Jello
K: Kidney Beans
3. Fresh Green Bean Casserole
https://www.spendwithpennies.com/green-bean-casserole/#wprm-recipe-container-140855
L: Lemons
M: Mashed Potatoes
File:Sous vide mashed potatoes.jpg - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
N: Nuts
O: Onions
P: Pumpkin Foods
Q: Quality Gravy
R: Rolls
S: Sauce
T: Turkey
U: Unique Casseroles
V: Vegetables
W: Wine
Red Wine | Active Assignment Weekly: Nov. 2-9 My Favorite Be… | Flickrwww.flickr.com
X: Xtra Stuffing
Y: Yams
Z: Zucchini
File:Grilled zucchini.jpg - Wikipediaen.m.wikipedia.org
Thanksgiving is about so much more than food but the meal is a good way to bond with family. Enjoy the holidays and share a wonderful meal with your loved ones.
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Featured
United Nations Day 2023: Understanding The U.N.
As the General Assembly convenes, here is the United Nations 101
24 October
10554
For an organization that literally unites the nations, it amazes me how little is taught about the United Nations in schools, or at least where I went to school. It wasn't until I went to college and got a higher education that I learned the basics of the United Nations. I believe that every American should know at least the basics of what the United Nations does, especially since our country is one of the 5 permanent members, and what better day to do that than United Nations Day (today!). So here are the main "organs" of the United Nations:
The visual above is a much more complex look at the organs of the United Nations, and what we can expect from United Nations Day 2023 can be found below.
Hope For A Better Future
This is the theme for the 2023 United Nations Day and it stands for and symbolizes the collective efforts of nations to create a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future.
In a world faced with numerous challenges, the UN remains a source of inspiration, offering solutions and unity in times of crisis.
The United Nations serves as a critical forum for fostering collaboration and addressing these pressing challenges.
What is the United Nations General Assembly?
Each of the states (countries) in the United Nations is a member of the General Assembly. They make important decisions about peace and security. For something to get passed or at least given a second look it must get 2/3 votes.
What is the Key Statics of the United Nations
What is the United Nations Security Council?
The Security Council is much more powerful than the General Assembly. It is made up of 5 permeant members: China, Soviet Union (now Russia), France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and 10 non-permeant members that are elected every two years from the General Assembly. Each of these 15 states has one vote and the permanent member states can veto any substantive issue.
What is the United Nations Economic and Social Council?
United Nations - Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2023
There are 54 members who are voted in and out by the General Assembly. They vote on all things that involve the world economy and social issues.
Who is the UN Security General?
They have a five-year term, are nominated by the Security Council, and elected by the General Assembly. The Secretary General is elected from states that aren't as powerful so there is proper global representation. António Guterres is the current Secretary General.
What is the International Court of Justice?
Peace Palace, International Court of Justice of the United Nations 2023
The ICJ is the world court in the UN. There are 15 justices, who each have 9 year terms. They don't have much power, they mostly just advise countries.
The United Nations is a lot more complex than what I've described here, but after reading this you'll know more than the average American about the UN.
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