The New American Digest

Sunni vs Shiite. Arab vs Persian. (You can’t believe the Saudis didn’t have a finger in this pie)
Throw some Jews into the mix – they’re probably running things; add a handful of Christian firepower.
Waddaya got? A distraction. People? Who cares – too many of them around anyway.

Be curious to see where Turkey ends up in all this: NATO country, Sunni majority; long anti-history with Arabs and Persians.
Conquered one; stalemate with other.

But that was then.

Oh me, oh my.
I didn’t think to top off the gas tanks and cans today.
OK – it would only be a minor savings compared to what’s coming anyway.

One sure thing. There will be more “laws” to protect us.
Save Democracy! Yeah team!

I noticed this not-quite documentary over at Bayou Renaissance Man; a collection of on-scene videos of that horrific UPS plane crash in Louisville last fall. I’ve never been on a disaster of that magnitude; closest I came was being caught in the middle of a flashover on a wildland campaign fire. That was just me and the crew – we were supposed to be there. This was far beyond that.

I don’t put a direct live link up to Utube this time because I don’t want to embed a 40-minute video but BRM has it posted (linked) as does youtube (address).

The video contains clips of body cams of the first responders: police, fire, ambulance. I’ve been involved in many of the individual vignettes; never at one scene though. The video speaks to me but it can be graphic.

It’s long and heart-breaking but not often does one get to view such from 1st-person of those involved.

Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the fires turn minutes to hours?

If you wish, view it at Bayou Renaissance Man or Utube: www dot youtube dot com/watch?v=-3wRZLq_DQA
It’s not pretty …

submitted by SK via comments under “Another Day In The Office”

I’ve have been curious about AI, Chat GTP etc. But have never used it until now. Thinking about Jean’s sad poem from a few days ago, and about sorrow in general, I decided to ask for an “Essay on Sorrow”. Here below is what Chat GTP gave me in a few seconds after making the request.

I find the essay very wooden and uninspiring; like something a bored freshman in high school might write if asked the same question.

Then, in view of today’s photo from DT, I asked for a short essay about aeroplanes. This is a more technical subject so the lack of “feeling” in the reply is less evident. That essay is below the one on Sorrow.

I’m curious to know if any one here uses AI with any regularity for work, for fun or otherwise. I know it is capable of much much more than these essays and want to learn more.

1. ### Sorrow Essay
### Sorrow is a universal emotion that transcends cultures, ages, and backgrounds. It is an intrinsic part of the human experience, emanating from loss, disappointment, or unfulfilled desires. This complex emotion not only shapes our lives but also offers profound insights into the nature of human existence.

### The Nature of Sorrow

Sorrow often arises from significant events, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or major disappointments in life. It embodies a deep sense of grief and longing, leading individuals to reflect on what has been lost. While sorrow is frequently associated with negative experiences, it can also illuminate the depth of our connections with others. The intensity of sorrow often mirrors the significance of what is lost, rendering it an essential aspect of love and attachment.

### The Psychological Impact of Sorrow

Psychologically, sorrow can have profound effects on an individual’s mental health. It may lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The grieving process can sometimes feel overwhelming, making it difficult for individuals to carry on with their daily lives. However, it is essential to understand that sorrow is not merely a sign of weakness or failure; rather, it reflects the capacity to care deeply. Acknowledging and confronting sorrow is vital for healing.

### The Role of Sorrow in Personal Growth

Sorrow can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. Through experiences of sorrow, individuals often gain invaluable insights into their values, relationships, and priorities. The process of grieving can foster resilience, clarity, and empathy. People who navigate their sorrow often emerge with a deeper understanding of themselves and a greater appreciation for the fragility of life.

### Coping with Sorrow

Coping with sorrow is an essential part of the healing process. Different individuals may adopt various strategies to manage their grief. Support systems, such as friends, family, or professional counseling, play a crucial role in this process. Engaging in activities that promote emotional expression, such as writing, art, or physical exercise, can also enhance healing. Mindfulness and meditation practices allow individuals to find solace and connect with their emotions in a healthy way.

### Cultural Expressions of Sorrow

Across cultures, sorrow is expressed in myriad ways. Literature, music, and art often explore themes of loss and grief, illustrating how deeply sorrow resonates within the human spirit. Cultural rituals surrounding death and loss serve to validate sorrow and allow communities to collectively process grief. These expressions reinforce the notion that sorrow, while profoundly painful, is shared and understood universally.

### Conclusion

In essence, sorrow is a multifaceted emotion that encompasses grief, longing, and reflection. It is an integral part of the human condition, providing insight into our connections and the fragility of life. Though often painful, sorrow encourages personal growth, fosters resilience, and shapes our perspectives. By embracing sorrow, individuals can transcend their pain and emerge with a richer understanding of themselves and the world around them. Understanding sorrow not only aids in personal healing but also connects us to the shared experience of humanity.

——————

2. ## The Evolution and Impact of Aeroplanes

Aeroplanes, or airplanes as they are often called in American English, represent one of humanity’s most significant technological advancements. They have transformed our world by shrinking distances, facilitating global trade, enhancing tourism, and connecting cultures.

### Historical Development

The concept of flight has captivated human imagination for centuries, with early dreams taking shape through myths and inventions such as Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches of flying machines. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that practical aeroplanes emerged, with pioneers like the Wright brothers achieving powered flight in 1903. Their “Flyer” demonstrated the principles of controlled flight, setting the stage for future developments.

Throughout the 20th century, aeroplanes evolved rapidly. The introduction of metal fuselages during World War I improved durability, while advancements in aerodynamics led to more efficient designs. The interwar years witnessed the rise of commercial aviation, establishing air travel as a viable mode of transportation.

### Technological Innovations

Modern aeroplanes incorporate remarkable technological advancements. Materials such as carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer have made aircraft lighter and more fuel-efficient. Jet engines, which have largely replaced piston engines, allow for faster and more efficient travel over longer distances. Moreover, innovations in avionics—ranging from navigation systems to autopilot technology—have enhanced safety and operational efficiency.

### Economic and Cultural Impact

Aeroplanes have reshaped global economies by enabling faster and more reliable transportation of goods and passengers. The aviation industry supports millions of jobs worldwide and is pivotal in international trade—air freight is often used for high-value or time-sensitive products. In the realm of tourism, aeroplanes allow people to explore distant destinations, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and economic growth in regions that benefit from visitors.

### Environmental Considerations

Despite their benefits, the environmental impact of aeroplanes cannot be ignored. The aviation industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, prompting calls for more sustainable practices. Efforts are underway to develop greener technologies, including the use of biofuels and electric planes, which aim to reduce the carbon footprint associated with air travel.

### Conclusion

Aeroplanes have indelibly changed the way we live, work, and interact. From their humble beginnings to their current role as critical components of global infrastructure, they continue to evolve in response to technological advances and societal demands. As we move forward, addressing the environmental challenges posed by aviation will be essential to ensuring that aeroplanes remain a sustainable and integral part of our future.

It was one of those days where my mind took me off in a different direction. I had this desire for a PB&J sandwich.
OK – nothing unusual about that.
Except I had this urge for blackberry jam.
Fresh blackberry jam. Real fresh blackberry jam.
Maybe it had something to do with it being blackberry season.
Nope – not going to the grocery store.
Nope – not going to a blackberry farm.
I’m going to get me some fresh wild uncaged, free-range blackberries.
So … anybody that knows the Virginia Tidewater country … I lived in Williamsburg and decided to pick blackberries at Battery Winslow* on the Eastern Shore.

So off I go.

Not sure what the ratio of eat-on-site and take home is/was … something more than 1:1 … but eventually I had enough blackberries in a pail to take back with me.

Well – more than enough as it turned out; I didn’t bother looking at a recipe until I was ready to get down to some serious cooking.

Not paying attention, I used a full recipe.

4 cups blackberries
1-2 cups sugar
Tablespoon cornstarch
dash of lemon juice

Mash the berries with a masher.
The recipe didn’t say anything about cleaning the berries … they were clean enough to eat off the vine …
I did wash them.
Stir in sugar
Mix in cornstarch
Boil the mixture for about 15 minutes.
Let cool ½ hour then refrigerate until stiff – maybe another ½ hour.

Construct sandwich in usual manner.

Enjoy your sandwich.

(eechhh, spit. what is in this?)
Oh. Sticks and seeds that we don’t needs.
Oh-h-h … CLEAN the berries.

But it was a fun day anyway. And that’s what counts.
I made another PB&J with store-bought jam …

*Battery Winslow was part of the WWII coastal defense system on the US east coast. It had two 16″ guns and was built in the 1940s and active 1943 – 1948. Another source tells me that the site was built in 1917 for WWI. Anyway, built of earth-covered concrete and steel, the battery is now overgrown – or was when I was there – but the concrete foundations are still in place. It’s now part of the “Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wild Life Refuge”

submitted bt SK via comments

So we talk a lot about big things on this site. High mountains, long roads, wide open spaces, big buildings. Nothing wrong with that, but sometimes we need to put our heads down and look at small things that can delight us. Especially as spring is not far off.

As I walked around the farm this past week dreaming of warmer weather, looking down, I saw first only layers of leaves and hundreds of downed branches and twigs to be collected. The aftermath of winter’s high winds cleaning the trees of their debris and dead bits.

The soil is still frozen hard in most places but I know it is teaming with life. Millions and millions of micro organisms, creepy crawlers and worms ready to get to work when the sun warms them.

I found some small signs of life, green shoots here and there, hiding under leaves, and began to think about spring flowers. Daffodils in temperate parts are sometimes called Lenten Lillies because they begin to appear around the the time of Ash Wednesday and disappear around Easter Sunday.

My old farm is not in what anyone would call a temperate climate. It is susceptible to the dreaded Albert Clippers that hurl themselves down from the northern prairies bringing frigid winds, sub zero temperatures and snow. The local TV weatherman years ago used to refer to them as Alberta Hookers. I never knew if he was joking around or if that was another scientifically accepted name for them.

Still despite the bitter cold, there are very small parts of the garden that are sunny and sheltered. In one of those little spots, protected from wind and cold they arrived, like clockwork, last week. A tiny, shiny, cluster of happy daffodils. They had burst into flower on Pancake Tuesday and brightened an otherwise grey February day. They reminded me of the first line of a poem: “The tulips are too excitable, it is winter here.” For it is indeed still winter and yet there they are. Brave little flowers, planted many decades ago my mother, reaching for the winter sun. They may yet come to regret their precocity as temperatures have plunged again this week.

Daffodils have inspired so many poems.
Housman wrote:

“Tis spring; come out to ramble
The hilly brakes around,
For under thorn and bramble
About the hollow ground
The primroses are found.
And there’s the windflower chilly
With all the winds at play,
And there’s the Lenten lily
That has not long to stay
And dies on Easter day.”

Wordsworth wrote probably the best loved one

“I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”

So here below my first little daffodils to cheer a Lenten week for those in a cold grey climate