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Showing posts from December, 2023

Seek the Patterns

In the quiet of the morning, when the sun begins to rise, There's a world of hidden wonders, if you open up your eyes. In the rustle of the leaves and the whispers of the stream, There's a melody of patterns, like a beautiful dream. Look for patterns in the shadows, find the rhythm in the rain, In the parallels to be noticed, there's a wisdom to attain. The world is full of secrets, waiting to be known. Unlocked and delivered, to the pattern seeker prone. Below the bubbling surface, reach the truth of steady calm. If chaos confuses, in truth there is a balm. So gaze with purpose at all unseen, There's a dance of hidden patterns, in the spaces in between. Amidst the pages of a novel, where characters evolve, In the choices that they make, and the problems they resolve. In the ebb and flow of narratives, where emotions are affirmed, There's a literary language, seek the patterns in the world. -- Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com https://opensource.com/users/pshapiro @ph

I'm Changing my Political Affiliation from Butternut Squash to Acorn Squash

After much thought and consideration, I've decided to switch my political affiliation from butternut squash to acorn squash, and let me tell you, it's been quite the journey. You see, I come from a long line of butternut squash enthusiasts. We'd proudly serve it at family gatherings, make squash soups during the holidays, and wax poetic about it when visitors came to dinner. Growing up, being a butternut squash supporter was as much a part of my identity as my last name. Our family crest might as well have been a golden butternut on a field of green. It wasn't that we had anything against acorn squash, it's just that we had a deep-rooted, resolute understanding that we were a butternut squash family. However, life has a funny way of introducing you to new things, and my stint at college was no exception. My professors encouraged me to keep an open mind. They told me to question the status quo, to think for myself, and to explore the squash side of life. So, I did. I

Barney the Blue Whale

Barney, the colossal blue whale, swam through the vast ocean with a heart brimming with gratitude, a trait he had cultivated over time. His journey towards this immense sense of appreciation was sparked by a pivotal incident during his youth, a transformative experience that forever altered his attitude. In the early days of his oceanic existence, Barney encountered a lively pod of dolphins, frolicking and playing with an infectious zest for life. Intrigued by their porpoiseful existence, he realized the profound impact a sense of porpoise could have on one's outlook. Inspired, Barney set out to discover his own life porpoise, determined to infuse meaning into his massive, aquatic existence. Guided by the wisdom of his kind and nurturing parents, Barney learned to appreciate the small wonders of life – a lesson not easily imparted to a creature over 100 feet long and weighing more than 300,000 pounds. Yet, he embraced the idea that size should not dictate one's ability to notic

Harley's High School "Better Project"

Hawthorne High School was known throughout the state as a bold public high school, so when they introduced a new class simply titled, Better, educators throughout the state became intrigued. The purpose of this one open-ended semester class was for a high school student to choose a practical problem to solve to make the world better. The class grade would be determined by whether the student chose an achievable goal and succeeded in meeting that goal. Harley was a mischievous 11th grader who signed up for this class. He was a member of the drama group at the school, the people who loved to thumb their noses at stuffy traditions. When the teacher for the Better course asked students to submit their proposals, Harley developed a mischievous, but practical plan for his "Better Project." The nearby pizza store closed at 9 pm on weekdays. Harley found this inconvenient for his late night studying sessions and he was determined to extend the closing hours. Harley's plan was to

Kindness is Good, but Not Always a Great Idea

Once upon a crisp autumn morning, in the heart of a bustling city, lived a couple named Emily and Jake. Their lives were consumed by the fast-paced rhythm of urban living, surrounded by towering buildings and the constant hum of city life. One day, feeling the need to escape the concrete jungle, they decided to embark on a day hike along the Appalachian Trail. Excitement bubbled within them as they traded their city attire for hiking boots and backpacks, venturing into the serene wilderness. The air was crisp, and the vibrant colors of autumn leaves painted a picturesque scene around them. As they trekked through the winding trails, the couple discovered a quaint surprise nestled within the woods – a Little Free Library standing proudly, its wooden frame a stark contrast to the natural surroundings. Curiosity piqued, Emily and Jake explored the tiny library, finding a variety of books exchanged by fellow hikers. Inspired by the spirit of community, they decided to leave a surprise for