Oh, Great Mysteries of Life

 

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/continental-drift/

In hundreds of millions of years, somewhere in the past, Earth consisted of one big continent.  For many innumerable million years, in fact. Geologists wondered the how and why of uniqueness of the land masses filling the earth, dividing Atlantic from Pacific. 

Why does South America feel like it could cozy up with Africa? Why is Australia off by itself, containing unique critters of its own? Why is there a Gulf Stream that swirls hot to cold, an interactive exchange? Can any continent claim that it has the hottest temperature? Personally, I'd go for Africa.  Sahara Desert wins, hands down.

Alfred Wegener published The Origin of Continents, in 1912.  He posited that at that time, there had been only one massive continent, which he named Pangaea, or Pangea. It was during a 600 million year span to some other million, land masses broke apart in a continental shift, similar to pieces of driftwood rolling through waters until it found a home. (First, continents were together, then they broke up, and then they moved back...Fickle, if you ask me.)

Wegener's book seemed to solve a great mystery to most people.  I suspect that other geologists may have wondered about this but discounted it, but Pangaea seemed to make sense to average humans. I mean, really.  Just look at a jigsaw puzzle, you academics. 

Unbelievably, this created quite an uproar, was controversial until the 1950s. But, even so, Wegener had cast his scientific reputation to test the waters in early 20th century years. I'd say he took quite a chance on this, but then...

This shift had all sorts of ramifications, too numerous here. Feel free to check it out. BUT it is patently clear that there will be no effort for earth to reconnect any time soon.
  

Carole King from YouTube

The above above bold italicized underlined words are a gift from Wednesday Words first set up by Delores. She stepped out the light and handed the torch to other bloggers. These above words were, provided by River. This was originally posted in 2016.

Participants may post their take on these words in that blogger's comment section, or indicate that your post will be at your site.  This helps readers to find you, which is nice. Also, use the words for own peculiar take on them.

For next Wednesday, check with  Elephant's Child  .

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Noble and Defeated

The first time I read Animal Farm in high school I was astounded. The courage of the animals fighting against the humans, with the hogs as the forceful nature negotiating. (as a farmer's daughter, let me tell you that hogs cannot be trusted. Nasty natures.) The true heroes are the animals who are selfless in this struggle.

Then after some years, an animated version of the story appeared on TV. Pretty much the same as the book, this time I was furious at the hogs, as their true cruelty and deviousness comes to light. It is such a surprising book, especially given the time period, WW2 and pre-Cold War.

The narration is everything such a story would require. Allegorical, metaphorical, satirical, it is  a veiled comparison to USSR. When the book is freely published, it was not well received in Socialist countries of the world, still isn't. The following paragraph is from Wikipedia, partial synopsis. 

"Humanity and equality.The poorly-run manor farm is up for change. at a ..

poorly-run Manor Farm near Willingdon, England, is ripened for rebellion from its animal populace by neglect at the hands of the irresponsible and alcoholic farmer, Mr. Jones. 

One night, the exalted boar, Old Major, holds a conference, at which he calls for the overthrow of humans and teaches the animals a revolutionary song called "Beasts of England". 

When Old Major dies, two young pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, assume command and stage a revolt, driving Mr. Jones off the farm and renaming the property "Animal Farm". 

They adopt the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the most important of which is, "All animals are equal". The decree is painted in large letters on one side of the barn. 

Snowball teaches the animals to read and write, while Napoleon educates young puppies on the principles of Animalism. Food is plentiful, and the farm runs smoothly. The pigs elevate themselves to positions of leadership and set aside special food items, ostensibly for their personal health. 

Following an unsuccessful attempt by Mr. Jones and his associates to retake the farm (later dubbed the "Battle of the Cowshed"), Snowball announces his plans to modernize the farm by building a windmill. Napoleon disputes this idea, and matters come to head, which culminate in Napoleon's dogs chasing Snowball away and Napoleon declaring himself supreme commander."

George Orwell

 

The Uprising

Animal Farm YouTube with subtitles

Have you ever read Animal Farm? Easy read, meaningful then and even more so now. Take a chance, leap into George Orwell's writing. Insightful writer.

When the Mouth Opens and Words Come Out

Pinterest

Presidential debates are entertaining, one way or another. Not a happy entertainment for the most part, but they are always entertaining. 

We cannot forget the Chad Election. This 

is a compilation of different Presidential debates. About 5 minutes.

Heated exchanges 201

A series of 3 presidential debate is in the works. The first came out to mixed reviews. Who know what happens next?

Voters absolutely have to be informed, to understand the needs of the country, and decide what to do next. Citizens have a duty to vote, a right to vote.

"Of the remaining Constitutional amendments, only a few have had a significant impact on American life. Most are related to voting procedures, elections, and other matters of government administration. However, a few - most notably the Thirteenth Amendment, the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Nineteenth Amendment - are civil rights milestones. This page will give you an overview of each amendment and a few resources for further research.

Every amendment is linked to its page at the National Constitution Center, a great site for further research. If you want to know more about any of these amendments, just click on its link. The pages include detailed analysis, historical context, and important documents related to each amendment."

To jolt our memories, Constitution amendments regarding voting rights are below. Most voters have never read these.

 

Amendment #14:

Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

[Sections 2 through 5 omitted for brevity]
Adopted in 1868, this is the second of the "Reconstruction amendments" and one of the most far-reaching of the non-Bill of Rights amendments. This is mainly due to Section 1, which contains four major clauses: the Citizenship Clause, the Privileges & Immunities Clause, the Due Process Clause, and the Equal Protection Clause. The remaining sections deal with post-Civil War governmental administration.

Amendment # 21 ensures the right to vote for all people

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Admendment #12  

"This lengthy amendment, adopted in 1804, revised the procedures for using the Electoral College to elect the President and Vice-President. Its impact has mainly been political - it affects the required qualifications of presidential and vice-presidential candidates"

Amendment #15 - Rights Not to Be Denied on Account of Race (1870)

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendment #26 ensures the right for people 18 yrs or older.

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age.

Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

In conclusion, read and think. Don't accept unsubstantiated thoughts and words. Voting is the right of all races, colors, citizens of the U.S.

Please do not include political opinions and comments. We've all heard them and do not to need them again. Thanks.