HABBO HAS 2.4 Million

https://www.habbo.com/ They need more collectable offline analogue payment systems ... HABBO CARDS anyone? lol

1 Million Russian KIA in Ukraine

WOW!!! Even I never though the Ukrainians couold resist and hold out this long let alone kill 1 Million Russians and their allies; Ukrainian drones now pummel industrial targets across Russia nightly, shutting down oil refineries, snarling logistics, and forcing airports to close for days at a time. More than 1 million Russians have been killed or badly wounded in the war, a toll too great to hide—almost every family has been affected. https://archive.ph/jNjCp

Pretty Baby

https://kopse.org/?p=20782

February 11 2050 Birthday

How much time until my Birthday in 2050? 23 years 8 months 4 days or 284 months 4 days or 1235 weeks 5 days or 8,650 days or 207,600 hours or 12,456,000 minutes or 747,360,000 seconds

Tiger Woods A Wreck

He used to have it all ... "Life is better with you by my side!" Woods has endured numerous physical and personal challenges in recent years, including multiple surgeries and the devastating 2021 car crash that left him with serious leg injuries. Some sources suggest that these experiences have made him more emotionally vulnerable, while also highlighting Vanessa's role as a significant source of support in his life. "There are so many broken parts in Tiger. His ability to engage in extracurricular activity and hobbies is extremely limited," the insider said. "Being with Vanessa was seen as his only salvation. If anything happens to her, it will totally devastate him." https://ca.yahoo.com/news/tiger-woods-reportedly-stressed-girlfriend-173000157.html

Aiming For 80

When will I be 8o? I will be 80 Years old on: Sunday February 11, 2052 That is 25 years 8 months 4 days from now

28.5 Years Left

This Age Calculator says I have 28.5 years left.. so what do I do in the ineterim? https://lifeannuities.com/life-expectancy-table.html

TRUMP WANTS GREENLAND

The US needs Lebensraum / Living space President Donald Trump’s remarks about Greenland have been misinterpreted, a top diplomat claimed Friday. Andrew Puzder, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, insisted that the U.S. was never interested in invading the autonomous territory of Denmark—after months of threats from the 79-year-old American president. “It got interpreted that we were somehow threatening Greenland’s territorial integrity,” but “the president never said we were going to invade,” Puzder said at the Brussels Economic Security Forum, reports Politico. Trump has been unequivocal about his desire to take over Greenland. In March 2025, just months into his second term, Trump told a joint session of Congress that he had been “working with everybody involved to try and get it.” “But we need it really for international, for world security, and I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other, we’re going to get it,” he said. Best Law Degree in Canada - Studyin - Study Law in Canada Best Law Degree in Canada - Studyin - Study Law in Canada lp.gostudyin.com The president doubled down on those statements in January, telling reporters, “Look, we’re talking about acquiring, not leasing, not having it short term. We’re talking about acquiring. And if we don’t do it, Russia or China will. And that’s not going to happen when I’m president.” In a Truth Social post that month, Trump continued to argue that the U.S. needs Greenland “for the purpose of National Security.” “NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable,” he wrote. His comments sparked a firestorm at home and abroad, with European leaders condemning the U.S. push to annex Greenland. Danish politician Anders Vistisen, from the right-wing Patriots for Europe party, didn’t mince words in a scathing response to Trump.

25 Years Left (Maybe?)

I used various Calculators to estimate I have approximately 25 - 20 years left... Both may parents turned 80 recently. So what do I want to accomplish??? In 24 years on 2050 @ June 6th my age will be: 78 years 3 months 27 days or 939 months 27 days or 4086 weeks 4 days or 28,606 days or 686,544 hours or 41,192,640 minutes or 2,471,558,400 seconds Should I set some goals? Make a new daily routine and schedule? Set some life deliverables? Suggestions? I was going to try and connect with my kids who live in Finland but hey dont seem interested and seem content talking to m parents. So I am better off disowning them and the rest of my Family excluding my Mom, change my Christian and Family names and just do a complete START-OVER.

Live Everyday Like Your Last

Is there a Tool where you can predict how much time / how many days you have left? There are various age calculayors and using one tells me that atm I am: Age: 54 years 3 months 27 days or 651 months 27 days or 2834 weeks 2 days or 19,840 days or 476,160 hours or 28,569,600 minutes or 1,714,176,000 seconds I'd like a tool that calculates how much time I have left as a average single Canadian Male at this age... suggestions? According to the lifeannuities.com/life-expectancy-table.html It recommends What science says: His routine hits all the right ageing markers For men over 50, experts recommend: Resistance training 3x/week Daily movement Cardio intervals Mobility training Outdoor activity Cold exposure (optional) Putin’s routine naturally hits these markers. Swimming + gym = functional strength Extreme sports = high-intensity stimulus Martial arts = mobility + balance Cold water = metabolic boost It’s not glamorous, but it’s remarkably effective for longevity. Lessons for anyone who wants to age like an athlete, not a spectator Consistency beats intensity Daily movement keeps the system primed. Strength training matters after 50 Muscle is the best anti-ageing tool. Cardio doesn’t have to be boring Swimming, skiing, biking — pick something fun. Cold exposure improves stress tolerance Even a lukewarm post-shower splash works. Adventure keeps the brain young Risk stimulates creativity and confidence. PG

Putin Fitness

He is in great shape but still a midget; This reputation isn’t accidental. Long before the shirtless photos and rugged photo-ops went viral, Putin openly linked his physical routine to mental strength, emotional balance and longevity. In a 2010 conversation with Naomi Campbell for GQ, he spoke with surprising simplicity about how he stays fit: daily movement, structured exercise and discomfort as a lifestyle habit. Unlike celebrities who obsess over bulking, transformation or diet trends, Putin’s approach is old-school: move consistently, push your limits occasionally, and treat fitness as part of identity, not a seasonal project. Putin’s daily routine: Gym for strength, swimming for stamina When Campbell asked for his workout plan, Putin didn’t hesitate: “I go to the gym, I swim daily, and from time to time I meet with friends and do extra-curricular stuff.” The key habits are simple, but important: Strength training in the gym Weight training maintains: muscle mass joint stability balance metabolic rate For ageing men, this is crucial because muscle loss accelerates after 50, contributing to weakness, bone density loss and slower metabolism. Daily swimming Swimming is one of the best ageing-friendly full-body exercises because it improves: cardiovascular health mobility and flexibility lung capacity posture and core stability It’s also low-impact, reducing joint strain, ideal for later decades of life. Putin’s swimming isn’t leisurely; he famously swam the butterfly in a Siberian river in 16–17°C water, which he joked was simply an attempt to get out fast. What’s notable is his embrace of cold exposure, known to: Boost circulation Improve recovery Support mental resilience Increase fat metabolism Cold-water swimming has recently become a global longevity trend; Putin was doing it years before it was fashionable. High-intensity outdoor hobbies: The adrenaline advantage Putin’s interest in outdoor adventure isn’t just optics. Campbell listed his routine: “white-water rafting, motor racing, skiing, hunting.” For older adults, these activities offer major physical benefits: Anaerobic bursts of strength Balance and coordination Heightened reflexes Cardiovascular stress adaptation They also stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to build new pathways, which declines with age. And psychologically, they provide the one thing most gym workouts don’t: novelty and adrenaline, both linked to active ageing and emotional wellbeing. Martial arts since teen years: A lifelong fitness identity Putin has practised judo since he was 14, not casually, but competitively. Combat sports build: Agility Reaction speed Core strength Spatial awareness Emotional control Long-term martial artists often remain fitter than casual exercisers because their sport becomes a lifelong discipline, not a trend. The value of ego-free competition and resilience Putin claims he has been mostly injury-free, but admits breaking a finger in a student street fight, and frames it as punishment, not heroism. When Campbell teases him about being tough, he refuses the label: “I’m not the tough guy; those guys are.” Whether staged humility or authentic philosophy, the message fits his broader fitness mindset: strength is not domination, it’s endurance. And endurance, in ageing populations, is a survival skill. What science says: His routine hits all the right ageing markers For men over 50, experts recommend: Resistance training 3x/week Daily movement Cardio intervals Mobility training Outdoor activity Cold exposure (optional) Putin’s routine naturally hits these markers. Swimming + gym = functional strength Extreme sports = high-intensity stimulus Martial arts = mobility + balance Cold water = metabolic boost It’s not glamorous, but it’s remarkably effective for longevity. Lessons for anyone who wants to age like an athlete, not a spectator Consistency beats intensity Daily movement keeps the system primed. Strength training matters after 50 Muscle is the best anti-ageing tool. Cardio doesn’t have to be boring Swimming, skiing, biking — pick something fun. Cold exposure improves stress tolerance Even a lukewarm post-shower splash works. Adventure keeps the brain young Risk stimulates creativity and confidence. Putin is one of the few global leaders who treats physical performance as a lifelong commitment, not a midlife experiment. At an age when most people scale back activity, he maintains a routine built on strength, mobility, and challenge, a formula that science increasingly recognises as the foundation of healthy ageing. For anyone looking to stay fit in their 60s and 70s, the message is simple: Lift. Move. Swim. Try hard things. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/fitness/vladimir-putin-73-keeps-a-routine-tougher-than-men-half-his-age/ar-AA1XMwvg

Putin's Fitness Routine

In the 70s, people generally lose their strength, but the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, leads by example, following a demanding routine even at 73. According to Financial Express, Vladimir began his fitness journey at age 11, when he started practicing judo. Over time, Putin developed an interest in martial arts and eventually earned a black belt. Judo helped him stay focused, build discipline, and strengthen his body. The most shocking part of Putin’s routine is that he works out 7 days a week, without a rest day. His daily regimen includes 2 hours of morning swimming sessions, which help him maintain his cardiovascular health. After swimming, another constant ritual in Putin’s life is lifting weights regularly. To increase the level of physical challenges, he got into ice hockey at the age of 60. This choice of sport helps him maintain healthy blood pressure and control his diabetes. A very unique wellness routine followed by the Russian president is contrast bathing. He likes to start his day with alternating hot and cold baths, which help reduce soreness, make him feel more energetic, and aid recovery. In fact, on September 11, 2025, zar.vladimirputin posted a 2015 video on Instagram in which Vladimir was seen indulging in an intense workout session alongside the then-Russian Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev. In the video, the Russian president performed movements such as: Machine Shoulder Press Cable flyers Seated Hip Abduction Chest Press Ab Roller Crunch This highlights that Putin has prioritized his health for many years, which has helped him remain fit in his early 70s. However, there’s another key factor that helps him stay fit and active at his age. Vladimir Putin’s Diet Putin likes to have a clean, simple, protein-dense, and low-sugar diet to maintain his fitness. His diet helps him recover from muscle injuries quickly and provides nutritional support as well. At breakfast, Putin has: A bowl of porridge, Tvorog with honey Raw quail eggs He also enjoys a juice made by combining horseradish juice and beetroot, which provides iron and a lot of vitamins. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/fitness/vladimir-putin-73-keeps-a-routine-tougher-than-men-half-his-age/ar-AA1XMwvg

RUSSIA Losing +30.000 Soldiers Month

From Zelensky; Yesterday, I received a report on the losses of your army on the front in Ukraine during May. Once again, the number exceeded 30,000 Russian soldiers killed and seriously wounded. We have been maintaining that level month after month, and we have video confirmation of every one of your losses – these are not empty claims. We know that 63% of your battlefield losses are killed, while only 37% are wounded. In the 21st century, no army can afford such a ratio. And the share of those killed will continue to grow. It is not as if we in Ukraine are concerned about the fate of Russian soldiers after everything your war has brought to our country. But I do care about Ukrainians. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/05/volodymyr-zelenskyy-open-letter-to-putin-full-text-russia-ukraine-war

Zelensky Letter To Putin

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an open letter to the Vladimir Putin, has called for a face-to-face meeting with the Russian president to end his war against Ukraine. The letter sets out Zelenskyy’s view of the four-year-old conflict and says that while Ukrainians’ resilience remains intact, most Russians have grown weary of its effects and are ready for peace. The Ukrainian president has rarely addressed Putin directly, but has repeatedly called for a meeting with him, saying it is necessary for any agreement on territory. Putin has previously ruled out such direct talks, falsely calling Zelenskyy an “illegitimate” leader and saying he would meet him only to finalise a deal agreed beforehand. Here is the full text of Zelenskyy’s letter, which is published on the president’s website and his office says has been sent to other countries including the US. 4 June 2026 – 21:20 Open Letter To the President of the Russian Federation From the President of Ukraine When you came to power in Russia more than 26 years ago, many people in Ukraine viewed you positively. That is how it was. But that is now in the past. Now, the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians view it positively that our long-range drones paid a visit to the opening of your forum in St Petersburg, covering a distance of more than 1,000 kilometres. As you know very well, that distance is not the limit of our capabilities. Cars near a banner for the economic forum, with black smoke rising in the distance Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg as ‘Russian Davos’ opens in city Read more For 26 years, your time in power has completely changed the agenda of relations between Ukraine and Russia. From discussions about trade and other civilian matters, our nations have moved to talking almost exclusively about strikes and losses. You have spent nearly half of your 26 years in power in Russia waging war against Ukraine. Whatever you may say about Nato, geopolitics, or the Russian language, this war is your personal choice – a war without a real cause. That is how history will remember it. Those years could have been very different. We often hear that you are comfortable with this war. Of course, not in those cases when it comes to the security of your residence in Valdai or your parade in Moscow. Your own life is valuable to you. But now we can all see that Russians are finally becoming less comfortable with this reality – with the fact that the war is bringing more and more negative consequences to Russia. They do not like our drones and missiles. They do not like gasoline shortages and constantly rising prices. They do not like constant restrictions. They do not like your intention to launch a second wave of mobilisation in order to expand the war into another direction in Ukraine or to use it against other countries neighbouring Russia. They do not like the fact that there is no end in sight to your war. Yes, you can still force Russians to exist this way. But your resources are shrinking significantly. You will not have enough money or political capital to keep buying the loyalty of Russians the way you have for the past 26 years. And we will do everything we can to ensure that the world helps bring that moment closer. As you yourself like to say, “we need to run the numbers.” Yesterday, I received a report on the losses of your army on the front in Ukraine during May. Once again, the number exceeded 30,000 Russian soldiers killed and seriously wounded. We have been maintaining that level month after month, and we have video confirmation of every one of your losses – these are not empty claims. We know that 63% of your battlefield losses are killed, while only 37% are wounded. In the 21st century, no army can afford such a ratio. And the share of those killed will continue to grow. It is not as if we in Ukraine are concerned about the fate of Russian soldiers after everything your war has brought to our country. But I do care about Ukrainians.... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/05/volodymyr-zelenskyy-open-letter-to-putin-full-text-russia-ukraine-war

Ukraine Bombing St. Petersburg

Right on NATO's doorstep!!! I lived in Helsinki in some amazing 5 Star Hotels for 10 years btw ... A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, on Saturday morning, with residents told to remain indoors . The strike shows Kyiv's increasing capability to hit deep within Russian territory. St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov specifically warned of potential disruptions to mobile internet services. The latest attacks came a day after Putin on Friday rejected a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a face-to-face meeting on the four-year-old conflict, saying he sees "no point" in it. Thursday's letter, the first public message Zelensky has written directly to Putin since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, was a sweeping critique of the Russian leader's 26 years in power, as well as some taunts about his age. Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko claimed 141 drones were intercepted over the Leningrad region, while Russia's Defence Ministry stated its air defences shot down 376 Ukrainian drones. While no casualties were immediately reported, this renewed assault on St. Petersburg delivers a further embarrassing blow to President Vladimir Putin's attempts to portray the conflict as a distant event, detached from the daily lives of Russians. https://www.aol.com/articles/ukraine-hits-st-petersburg-again-140751000.html

Putin Cancels Meeting With Zelensky

Zelensky and Putin really hate each other lol ... https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-putin-speech-petersburg-economic-forum/ Mr. Putin said that he sees “no point” in such a meeting, especially after a May 22 drone attack by Ukraine on a college dormitory in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region that Moscow said killed 21 and wounded scores of others. In response to Mr. Zelensky’s barbs about his age and long stay in power, the 73-year-old Mr. Putin pointed at other global leaders who are older, adding that “the main thing isn’t age; the main thing is the ability to work.” Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes loaded with symbolism He also mocked Mr. Zelensky’s rocky Oval Office meeting in 2025 and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for “educating” Mr. Zelensky “before the eyes of the whole world” and teaching him a proper dress code. “There is still a lot to be done,” he said. Mr. Zelensky acknowledged shifting U.S. priorities, saying it would be wrong to simply wait for the Trump administration to return its attention to ending the fighting in Ukraine while it remains heavily focused on the Iran war. In Washington, Mr. Trump said Thursday it “would be great” if Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelensky meet. Mr. Putin has previously offered for Mr. Zelensky to come to Moscow for talks, an offer that the Ukrainian leader pointedly rejected. Mr. Putin said last month he doesn’t exclude a meeting in a third country, but only when there is a deal to sign. On Thursday, Mr. Putin again rejected Mr. Zelensky’s push for an immediate ceasefire, arguing that Moscow wants a comprehensive settlement, not a temporary truce. Mr. Putin said Russia is open for a compromise on Ukraine in line with understandings reached at his last year’s summit with Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, adding that Ukraine needs to accept them to make a deal to end the conflict. “Naturally, the Ukrainian side would like us to suspend the advances made by Russian troops,” he said. “But it would be better to end the war by agreeing to the compromises that were discussed in Anchorage.” Asked about Iran, Mr. Putin voiced hope for an eventual deal to secure lasting peace. He shrugged off claims that Moscow provided Iran with satellite images, saying that Tehran could use widely available commercial ones. “As for weapons, Iran hasn’t asked us for them and we haven’t supplied any weapons to Iran,” he said, adding that Russia stands ready to take enriched uranium for storage as part of a potential peace deal, and that Moscow has stayed in contact with Iran, the U.S. and Israel.

2 Salvation Amry Churches Merged in Western Newfoundland

Salvation Army Corps in Corner Brook, N.L., Merge The new Corner Brook Community Church unites two congregations. by Abbigail Oliver Two long-standing Salvation Army corps in Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook Temple and Corner Brook Citadel, have officially merged to form the newly established Corner Brook Community Church. In February, the church held its first service with both congregations coming together as one, marking the start of a new chapter for The Salvation Army in Corner Brook. Corner Brook Community Church now operates out of the former Corner Brook Temple building under the leadership of four corps officers, Majors Bertha and Wilbert Abbott and Majors Brian and Valerie Wheeler. According to Majors Wheeler and Abbott, the discussion of a merger had been in the works for many years, driven by a vision of mission effectiveness and resource consolidation. Both corps were relatively small, with 50-80 congregants on a given Sunday. But by sharing financial, leadership and other resources, they could be better positioned for growth. The transition allows the church to enhance its outreach in the community, improve efficiency and ensure a more sustainable future for the Army in Corner Brook. “This merger was meant to bring us together in strength instead of survival,” says Major Brian Wheeler. “We want to build from here and grow together.” According to Major Bertha Abbott, Corner Brook Citadel had an older congregation lacking in youth and youth leadership, and this merger strengthens the future of the corps with more young people involved. “We’re hoping that by joining forces, we’re going to have a stronger identity in the community. We feel positive about this,” she says. “Being unified in the city will make us stronger,” adds Major Wilbert Abbott. “There is an opportunity here to pool our resources and capitalize on the special talents and spiritual gifts of our corps leadership, personnel and congregations.” The inaugural service of Corner Brook Community Church drew a congregation of approximately 120 people from both former corps. The worship service featured music from both corps worship teams and a blended band. “I heard a lot of positive comments about the worship,” says Major Valerie Wheeler. “There were several people at the mercy seat and one man gave his heart to the Lord. To me, that was God saying, ‘I’m here.’ It was affirmation that God is at work in Corner Brook.” To support the transition, efforts were made to incorporate elements of Corner Brook Citadel’s worship environment into the new church. The platform was redesigned to resemble the citadel’s, including bringing over platform chairs and a holiness table. According to Major Brian Wheeler, the goal was to blend the history and identity of both corps, ensuring that all feel welcome and at home in the worship space. Beyond internal unity, the corps officers and leadership teams are prioritizing community outreach. “It’s great to worship together, but our purpose is to reach out and bring new people in,” says Major Wilbert Abbott. “We want to be intentional about training and outreach so we can make an impact beyond the walls of our church.” “We’re looking for that vibrant community—a congregation that has strong discipleship and ministries within the community,” says Major Brian Wheeler. “There’s so much more we can accomplish. I think we need to build on the excitement. We’re in a small enough community that the two Salvation Army corps coming together is news. People hear about it and are curious about it. They’re looking at us, and we have an opportunity to show them who The Salvation Army is in our community.” https://salvationist.ca/articles/salvation-army-corps-in-corner-brook-n-l-merge/

Hulk Hogan RIP

Died @ 71 of Natural Causes... A Real American Hero ... 'Following an exhaustive review of the statements, medical records, surveillance footage from within the residence, and a visual inspection of Mr. Bollea's body, there has been no evidence to indicate the death of Terry Bollea was anything other than natural,' investigators wrote. 'Through the course of the investigation, there has been no evidence to indicate any criminal wrongdoing related to his death.' Investigators spoke to several witnesses - including Hogan's occupational therapist - and reviewed various recordings from the scene. It was initially ruled that he had suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, before passing away at a local hospital. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/police-report-on-hulk-hogan-s-death-is-finally-revealed-nearly-a-year-after-wwe-legend-passed-away/ar-AA24WwcS?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ACTS&cvid=6a24943107a6495483365c0f8e6b026d&ei=24&cvpid=6a2562353ef04a38a207ba1ec52720d5

Build Your Personal Brand

I built mine circa 2006 when a California Billionaire asked "Who's that PAYMENTGUY?" So 20 years ago... https://smarter.cnbcmakeit.com/p/how-to-build-a-personal-brand?utm_source=cnbc&utm_medium=makeitarticle&utm_campaign=bottom

Solitude Is Necessary

For your mental health you need constructive Alone-Time: Solitude is also useful for those moments when you feel stuck. Leonardo da Vinci was a contemplative genius, reportedly staring at The Last Supper for hours before adding a single brushstroke and walking away. How to harness solitude for a stronger brain, some hints: There's no definitive guide on the perfect amount of solitude. But, as a general rule, the more time you can spend alone, especially when you really feel like being alone, the better it will be for your brain. 1. Just go Planning a solo trip or retreat can seem daunting at first, with concerns about loneliness or boredom creeping in. But the act of stepping away from your daily routine and immersing yourself in a new environment can be incredibly liberating. It forces you out of your comfort zone, stimulates your senses in unexpected ways, and provides the perfect backdrop for introspection and creativity. 2. Start small Begin with as little as 10 minutes of solitude per day. Find a quiet spot where you can be undisturbed, and use this time to simply sit and breathe. This small step can help ease the brain into a state of relaxation and begin the process of activating the default network. 3. Be selective about your social time Ensure that when you do socialize, it's meaningful, good-quality socializing. Many of us spend time with people we shouldn't — bad friends, frenemies, a toxic family member — but we do it because we feel obliged to. This raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the brain, which damages our social circuitry and harms the good-­quality relationships we should be enjoying. 4. Reflect and reassess Use part of your solitude time to reflect on your experiences and feelings. This could involve meditating on your thoughts or even writing them down. The act of reflection helps in processing emotions and thoughts, allowing for a deeper understanding of yourself. 5. Engage in solo activities Do things that are made to be done alone and that encourage mindfulness, such as walking, journaling, or practicing yoga. These activities not only provide the benefits of solitude but also help in grounding you in the present moment, further relaxing the brain. PG Over & Out ...

Genius Loners Flourish

Genius flourishes in solitude: Cognitively speaking, solitude can boost creativity by offering the necessary space for ideas to flourish. Whether it's writing, playing the piano, painting, gardening, praying, or meditating, being alone is often what the brain needs to perform these activities well. In these moments of isolation, the default network is busy forging new synaptic connections, strengthening our skills and ability to absorb new information, and nurturing our creativity more effectively. Some of the most intelligent people enjoyed solitude Many of the world's most successful and intelligent people preferred to be alone. It's a ritual observed by Bill Gates, for example. Twice a year in the early days of Microsoft, the billionaire philanthropist would retreat to a cabin for a week with nothing but a stack of books for company. He called it "Think Week" — a period for reflection, learning, and uninterrupted thoughts. No outside visitors were allowed, including family and employees. During one week, according to The Wall Street Journal, the work he did led to the launch of Internet Explorer in 1995. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB111196625830690477

Why Russia Invaded Ukraine

No Russian thinker has worked harder than Aleksandr Dugin to rationalize the invasion of Ukraine. Long before it started, Dugin came up with a whole philosophical system, known as “neo-Eurasianism,” to explain why Russia, the country with the largest landmass in the world, would need to steal land from its neighbors and kill many thousands of people in the process. His books and lectures on the subject earned him the nickname “Putin’s brain.” That overstates his closeness to the Russian president. But his views reflect the mood among the war’s cheerleaders in Moscow, how firmly they support the conflict, and how they try to justify it to themselves (and everyone else). Judging by Dugin’s most recent pronouncements, they have run out of cogent stories to tell. When Dugin attempted to explain the war’s rationale last week to Ksenia Sobchak, a Russian social-media influencer with millions of followers, he could not make any sense of it. Even a softball question—“What is worth fighting for today?”—led the philosopher down a spiral of inanity so bizarre that Sobchak, long rumored to be the goddaughter of Vladimir Putin, could not listen with a straight face. Dugin’s description of Russia after the war sounded postapocalyptic. “First of all, it’s an image of life on the land,” he said. “It is an enormous exodus from the cities, an almost religious exodus, like the Jews from Egypt.” The cities of Russia, he continued, would turn into “neo-ancient ruins,” and the people would return to living in the countryside, communicating with one another through “an internet of Russian villages, closed off and guarded from the toxic incursions of the enemy.” The Russian state has often forced its people into strange contortions of the mind. By law, Russians are prohibited from publicly calling the war a war rather than a “special military operation,” and Putin has urged them to believe that Ukraine started it. Still, the national capacity for self-deception has its limits, and recent developments suggest that Putin has found them. https://archive.ph/jNjCp#selection-634.0-711.379

Pete Griffin Obituary Tribute

It's Sunday morninng in Western Newfoundland and I was thinking of one of the coolest guys I ever knew @ breakfast. Out of respect will post his Obituary. RIP PG; https://fillatre.ca/tribute/details/10845/Peter-Griffin/obituary.html Peter John Griffin Aug. 13, 1961- Sept. 16, 2021. It is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye to our much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend; Peter John Griffin. He was known as Peter by family, Pete by friends and Scallywag or Queerstick by his mother. Those of us who loved him remember a man with many passions. He drag raced on the quarter-mile, pushed sleds and motorcycles beyond their limits, cooked the finest cut of meat to perfection and enjoyed the company of his many friends. His strength was legendary and his words unfiltered. He protected those he loved with a fierce devotion. In his company you felt safe. Peter had a deep compassion for anyone who was vulnerable but refused to allow himself the same. He adored his children and held a deep pride for their many accomplishments. He glowed with joy upon the privilege of making them laugh. Peter found his true love. Her adoration knew no limits and her love no bounds. His final days were spent in her arms. He was kind to animals and they were always a part of his life. He made us laugh and cry and had a smile that could light up any room. In the end, he wrestled death like the champ he’s always been, forbidding us to cry and forcing himself to rise again and again. He fought like a warrior until he decided it was time to leave us. Then he passed with a smile on his face. Peter John Griffin leaves to mourn his wife Darlene; his three children: PJ, Stephanie (Carl) and Patrick; his grand-daughter Sophia; his brother Myles (Phyllis); his sisters: Theresa (Peter Straubel) and Patti (Randy Heppell) ; nieces and nephews: Jamie, Leah, Jill, Cheryl and Brady; his dog Spike and many other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Miriam Griffin. Peter’s final resting place will be with his wife and children in Fort McMurray. Rest In Peace My Brother. You're the color of the sky Reflected in each store-front window pane You're the whispering and the sighing of my tires in the rain You're the hidden cost and the thing that's lost In everything I do Yeah and I'll never stop looking for you In the sunlight and the shadows And the faces on the avenue That's the way love is Jackson Browne

3 Viable Self-Defense Moves

Having worked in 6 Bars as a Doorman in Halifax (2 Bars - Misty Moon & Palace) and Newfoundland (PJ's and others owned by Pete Griffin), I know these are effective; https://www.facebook.com/reel/1020346283670774

Men After 50 Are Lonely

Interesting but personally I'm horny as ever lol; On the surface, everything seems normal: A stable job, family, and sometimes even more free time after the children have left home. But beneath the surface, a much more complex reality emerges. A new survey indicates that for many men aged 50 to 70, a sense of emptiness, loneliness, and lack of fulfillment becomes an inseparable part of daily routine. The most prominent figure is the sense of missed opportunity: About 63% of men report that they are not realizing their potential, with one in five experiencing this frequently. This is a deep and ongoing feeling precisely at a stage when many expected to reach stability and satisfaction. Alongside this, about 59% of men report a decline in joy of life and about half note a decrease in sexual desire. These figures reflect a broad impact on the sense of vitality, energy, and quality of life. In addition, about 22% report a feeling of distress or worry that appears often. One of the most worrying findings is the sense of loneliness: About 45% of men testify that they experience loneliness, and about 40% indicate a decline in self-confidence. This is a deep emotional pattern of withdrawal and distancing, alongside a lack of support systems. When comparing men and women, a significant gap becomes clearer. Women do identify the difficulties in their partners, but at a lower intensity. For example, fewer women believe that their partners are not realizing themselves, compared to a much higher rate among the men themselves. This gap indicates that male distress is sometimes hidden from view. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/wellness/the-silent-crisis-of-men-this-is-what-life-looks-like-after-age-50/ar-AA22TgHu?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=6a24b90d350343ce86d116e4f82abfe1&ei=24&cvpid=6a254d795dfd479e8bb502a5aca4a23f