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International Day of Friendship

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Friendship is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds. It’s a bond that brings joy, support, and companionship into our lives, making it one of the most cherished aspects of human existence. Every year, on July 30th, people around the world come together to celebrate International Friendship Day, a day dedicated to honoring these invaluable connections that enrich our lives.

International Friendship Day

The History of International Friendship Day

The concept of International Friendship Day was first proposed by the World Friendship Crusade, an international organization that promotes friendship and understanding among various cultures. In 1958, Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho, a Paraguayan psychiatrist, proposed the idea of a World Friendship Day while dining with friends in Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay. He believed that friendship, with its capacity to foster peace and understanding, was an essential force in uniting humanity.

The United Nations recognized the significance of this idea and officially declared July 30th as International Friendship Day in 2011. The day aims to promote dialogue, solidarity, and mutual understanding among people from different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.

Why Celebrate International Friendship Day?

  1. Promotes Global Understanding: International Friendship Day encourages people to connect with individuals from different cultures, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
  2. Strengthens Social Bonds: It’s a day to appreciate and celebrate the friendships that provide us with emotional support, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging.
  3. Fosters Peace and Harmony: Strong friendships promote peace by bridging gaps between individuals and communities, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.

     

  4. Enhances Mental Well-being: Meaningful friendships are crucial for mental health and well-being. They provide a support system, reduce stress, and increase feelings of happiness.
  5. Inspires Acts of Kindness: On this day, many people engage in acts of kindness and goodwill, further reinforcing the spirit of friendship.

How to Celebrate International Friendship Day

Reach Out to Friends you haven't seen for a while

  1. Reach Out to Old Friends: Take this opportunity to reconnect with friends you may have lost touch with. A simple message or call can rekindle old friendships.
  2. Organize a Gathering: Plan a get-together with your friends, either in person or virtually. Share stories, laugh together, and create new memories.
  3. Spread Acts of Kindness: Perform random acts of kindness, whether it’s helping a neighbor, buying a coffee for a stranger, or volunteering in your community.
  4. Explore Different Cultures: Learn about the customs, traditions, and values of your friends from different backgrounds. This can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of their experiences.
  5. Express Gratitude: Let your friends know how much they mean to you. Write them a heartfelt message or simply spend quality time together.

    Colorful-Roses

Conclusion

International Friendship Day serves as a reminder of the power that genuine connections hold in our lives. It encourages us to embrace diversity, celebrate unity, and appreciate the friends who stand by us through thick and thin. So, on July 30th, let’s come together to honor the bonds that know no bounds and make our world a brighter, more compassionate place. Happy International Friendship Day!

World Population Day July 11th

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World Population Day
World Population Day is observed annually on July 11th to raise awareness about global population issues and the challenges they pose. It serves as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of population control, reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable development.

The day aims to highlight the impact of population growth on various aspects, such as healthcare, education, environment, and economic resources. It encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to work together towards finding solutions that promote a balanced and equitable population growth, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

World Population Day serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive strategies and collaborations to address population-related challenges and achieve a more prosperous and harmonious world.

Where does time go?

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In the eternal tapestry of life, where does time go?

It slips through our fingers like grains of sand, swift and elusive, leaving behind echoes of moments once lived. Time, a magnificent enigma, dances to its own rhythm, forever flowing forward. It reminds us that life is a fleeting gift, urging us to seize every precious second, every breath, and every heartbeat.

As we ponder its mysteries, let us embrace the beauty of each passing moment, for within them lie endless possibilities and untold wonders. Time may elude our grasp, but it ignites the fire within us to dream, to create, and to grow.

Let us forge our path, knowing that the journey matters more than the destination, for it is in the pursuit of our dreams that we find true fulfillment. So, let us cherish every tick of the clock, every dawn that paints the sky, and every smile that brightens our days. For in the grand tapestry of life, it is not the destination that defines us, but the grace with which we embrace the mystery of where time goes.

Midjourney – Currently My Favorite AI Art Creator

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Baby hippos playing in a pond

Art has always been a reflection of humanity’s creativity, thoughts, and emotions. From cave paintings to contemporary installations, art has always been a way for individuals to express themselves and communicate with others. However, with the advancement of technology, a new form of art has emerged – AI art.

AI art is the result of using artificial intelligence algorithms to generate images, music, and other creative works. It has been around for several decades, but it is only recently that it has gained popularity and recognition in the art world. This is where Midjourney comes in – a business that is revolutionizing the AI art industry.

Midjourney is a company that specializes in creating AI-generated art. They use deep learning algorithms to generate unique and captivating images that are then transformed into physical prints and installations. Their work has been featured in galleries and exhibitions around the world and has garnered critical acclaim from both the art and tech industries.

So how exactly does Midjourney create their AI art? It all starts with data. Midjourney collects vast amounts of data on various subjects, including images, videos, and audio. This data is then fed into a deep learning algorithm, which analyzes and identifies patterns within the data. From there, the algorithm generates new images that are based on those patterns.

One of the things that make Midjourney’s AI art stand out is the fact that their algorithms are trained on a wide range of data, including cultural, historical, and social references. This allows their images to have a deeper meaning and connection to the world around us. For example, one of their pieces, titled “The Mirror,” is a reflection of the current state of social media and how it has changed the way we see ourselves and others.

Another aspect that sets Midjourney apart from other AI art companies is their focus on the physical aspect of art. They believe that art is not just something that should be viewed on a screen but something that should be experienced in person. This is why they create physical prints and installations of their work, allowing people to interact with the art in a tangible way.

Midjourney’s approach to AI art has the potential to change the way we think about art and creativity. It blurs the line between human and machine creativity, creating a new form of art that is both innovative and thought-provoking.

However, there are also concerns about the role of AI in the art world. Some critics argue that AI art is not truly creative since it relies on algorithms to generate images, and that it lacks the emotional depth and nuance of human-generated art. Others worry about the implications of AI-generated art on the job market, as it could potentially replace human artists.

Despite these concerns, Midjourney’s work shows that AI art has the potential to be a valuable addition to the art world. It offers a new perspective on creativity and pushes the boundaries of what we consider to be art. It also has the potential to democratize the art world, making it more accessible to people who may not have had the opportunity to engage with art before.

In conclusion, Midjourney is a company that is at the forefront of the AI art industry. Their unique approach to creating AI-generated art has the potential to change the way we think about creativity and art. While there are concerns about the role of AI in the art world, Midjourney’s work shows that AI art can be a valuable addition to the art world, offering new perspectives and pushing the boundaries of what we consider to be art.

Monsters of the Deep!

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From the ancient mariners who carved sea serpents into the prows of their ships to the modern-day fisherman who hangs a plastic one from his boat, we have always had a fascination with the monsters of the deep. But what is it about these creatures that we find so intriguing? Is it their size? Their power? Their mystery? Or is it something else entirely?

Some of our earliest fear of monsters comes from mythology. The ancient Greeks told stories about creatures like the Kraken, a giant squid that was said to haunt the seas. In more recent history, we have been afraid of sharks and whales because they are large and dangerous animals.

Disclaimer: these are my imaginary depictions of Monsters of the Deep, not photographs of real monsters

Despite our fear of them, the monsters of the deep can teach us a lot about life. For example, they can show us the importance of cooperation and working together. Sharks live in groups called ‘packs’, and they work together to hunt and kill their prey. Whales are also known to be very intelligent animals. They have been known to help humans in distress, and they have even been known to mourn the death of one of their own.

To overcome your fear of the monsters of the deep, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, educating yourself about these animals can help. Learning about their behaviors, habitats and how they interact with humans can help reduce the fear of the unknown. Additionally, you can try confronting your fear by facing it head on. One way to do this is through scuba diving or snorkeling, which can give you a firsthand experience of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it. It’s important to remember that these animals are a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem and should be treated with respect and understanding.

What Do You Strive For?

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Although I am in my senior years, I still want to be “doing things” and want to use my time for in a worthwhile and balanced way – so time for work, time to read & relax, time to help others at least in a small way. I was browsing quotes & found this one that summed up my current way of thinking.

This image made with The Graphics Creator from Laughingbird Software. I’ve been using it for more than 10 years & it’s probably my go-to for quick blog or social media posts.

Learn more about this software and the couple who own & run the company, Marc & Lisa Sylvestor https://laughingbirdsoftware.com/pages/about-us

Having fun with Repper App

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Just upload an image, go to the Patterns Tab, choose a Tiling Option the move your cursor to select the area to create amazingly attractive patterns. Lots of tiles to choose from, both seamless & seamed & several Effects to get even more types of patterns.

Seamless patterns work well as backgrounds because it means that the image elements on the edges of your image need to match up with what is next to it, so when put together you can’t tell where one ends and another begins.

Here are some examples of my recent work. The starting image is one I created using the AI Art creator NightCafe Studio:

Using Patterns to decorate physical products:

Print on Demand is a printing process where the customer can order any product they want, and it will be printed and delivered to them as soon as possible.

This is a new way of printing that has been made possible by digital printing technologies. It has seen a rise in popularity in recent years because it allows for the production of customized products without the need for inventory storage or large-scale production.

Print on demand is also known as “short run” or “on demand” printing, which means that the customer can print one copy at a time.

It’s very popular with clothing companies because they don’t have to keep many different sizes in stock.

The images below show how my designs would look used on Mugs, pillows/cushions, T-shirts or make a scarf:

Learn More

Spring Down Under

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Spring Down Under

Any time is a good time to see flowers, they raise our vibrations or our spirits, whatever way you like to describe it, but it’s hard to see beautiful flowers and not feel some joy in living, at least that’s my opinion.

Here is a photo of my lovely orchid, the first time I’ve had three flowers.

My Orchid in Brisbane

Last Few Days!

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The 20% discount on Techsmith products, including my favorite “Snagit”, a capture program I use daily & often several times every day, has only a few days to run – ends on 1st October. (Discount code at checkout: TSCAFF20)

Capture anything on your screen with one click!

Create From Templates

Pre-made layouts within Snagit to create visual documentation, tutorials, and training materials.

Create Video From Images

Talk and draw over a series of screenshots to create a quick “how-to” video or GIF.

Enterprise Sharing Destinations

Snagit 2021 now lets you share directly to Slack and Box.

See more Here: Use This Code at Checkout to get your discount : TSCAFF2

Also in the offer is Camtasia an all-in-one screen recorder and video editor software that has been around for over 15 years with over and has millions of users and is really good for creating video tutorials and screencasts.

20% Discount Applies to Camtasia 2021, Snagit 2021, Camtasia + Snagit Bundle: Use This Code at Checkout to get your discount : TSCAFF2