🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️
-THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE-
Here's the 1951 Studebaker 2-Door Custom.
"Super Sonic", an aircraft-inspired custom.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
Here's the 1951 Studebaker 2-Door Custom.
"Super Sonic", an aircraft-inspired custom.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
"Pure signal,no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
Here's the one-off 1935 Riley Kestrel.
This 1935 Riley Kestrel is a one-off 2-door design.
Originally, it started life as a 4-door, but the current owner converted it to a coupé during a lengthy restoration process in 2004.
The Kestrel is fitted with the Riley 1½ litre 4-cylinder engine fitted with a high-lift camshaft and twin carburetors.
It has Girling rod brakes, an Armstrong-Siddeley pre-selector transmission, and Bijur automatic chassis lubrication.
The profile of the Riley is quite stunning.
The low roof line, combined with the long bonnet, is reminiscent of the Bugatti Royale.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
Born on this day in 1941, American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond.
He has had ten No. 1 singles on the US chart including 'Cracklin' Rose', 'Song Sung Blue' and 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' and has sold more than 130 million records worldwide. Diamond wrote 'I'm A Believer', the No.1 for The Monkees.
Many acts from Elvis Presley, Lulu, Cliff Richard and Deep Purple have all covered his songs.
With his 2008 album ‘Home Before Dark’ Diamond became the oldest artist to have a US No.1, the record was previously held by Bob Dylan in 2006 with ‘Modern Times’.
"Pure signal,no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
William the Conqueror (1028–1087):
"The Duke Who Changed England"
1️⃣ Early Life:
⭐ Born in 1028 in Falaise, Normandy (modern-day France).
⭐ Son of Robert I, Duke of Normandy, and his mistress Herleva.
⭐ Known as William the Bastard in his youth due to illegitimacy.
⭐ Became Duke of Normandy at age 7 after his father’s death growing up amidst political instability and threats from rival nobles.
⭐ Early life was full of danger, battles and political intrigue which shaped his ambitious and determined personality.
2️⃣ Rise to Power:
⭐ William consolidated power in Normandy defeating rebellious nobles.
⭐ Known for his strategic thinking, military skill and political cunning.
⭐ Married Matilda of Flanders forging alliances that strengthened his claim to power.
3️⃣ Claim to the English Throne:
⭐ King Edward the Confessor of England promised the throne to William (1051–1052).
⭐ When Edward died in 1066 Harold Godwinson seized the throne breaking the promise.
⭐ William declared this a breach of rightful succession preparing to invade England.
4️⃣ The Norman Conquest of England:
⭐ Battle of Hastings (14 October 1066)
⭐ William’s army defeated Harold Godwinson’s forces.
⭐ Harold was killed in battle (legend says an arrow struck his eye).
⭐ William became King of England taking the title William I.
Strategies and Impact:
⭐ Introduced Norman feudal system: lords, vassals and knights.
⭐ Replaced Anglo-Saxon elite with Norman nobles changing land ownership, governance and culture.
⭐ Ordered the creation of the Domesday Book (1086): A detailed survey of England’s lands, resources and population.
5️⃣ Reforms and Governance:
⭐ Built hundreds of castles including the Tower of London.
⭐ Strengthened the monarchy and central government creating a powerful kingly authority.
⭐ Reorganized legal and taxation systems influencing English administration for centuries.
⭐ Promoted Norman-French culture, language and architecture in England.
6️⃣ Influence on Language and Literature:
⭐ Introduction of Norman French as the language of the ruling class.
⭐ England became bilingual: English (common people) and French (nobility and courts).
⭐ This blend of Anglo-Saxon and Norman French eventually evolved into Middle English setting the stage for writers like Chaucer, Langland and Gower.
⭐ Themes like courtly love, chivalry and nobility in literature were influenced by Norman culture.
7️⃣ Personal Life:
⭐ Married Matilda of Flanders, had at least nine children, including William II and Henry I.
⭐ Known as strong, ambitious, ruthless and determined.
⭐ Maintained authority through both diplomacy and military force.
8️⃣ Death and Legacy:
⭐ Died in 1087 from injuries after falling from his horse during a campaign in France.
Legacy:
⭐ Architect of the feudal system in England.
⭐ Changed the English language, literature and culture.
⭐ Castles, governance and administrative reforms shaped medieval England.
⭐ His reign laid the foundation for the English monarchy and literature.
9️⃣ Interesting Facts:
⭐ William was illiterate, yet shaped a culture that produced some of the greatest writers of the Middle Ages.
⭐ He is sometimes called “the last Viking king of England” because of his warrior-like leadership.
⭐ The Domesday Book is one of the most important historical documents of medieval England.
⭐ His victory at Hastings is often considered the single most important event shaping English history and language.
🔟 Summary:
🔷 William the Conqueror didn’t write books or poetry but he built the world in which English literature could flourish. By introducing Norman French culture, language and feudal society, he indirectly shaped Chaucer’s England, Langland’s moral critiques and Gower’s poetry. Understanding William is essential to understanding why medieval English literature looks the way it does.
#WilliamTheConqueror #medievalhistory #englishliterature #englishliteraturestudent #foryoupageシ
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
Vienna - Detail of tomb of Marie Christine daughter of Maria Theresia from years
1798 - 1805 by Antonio Canova
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
Today at Puka Beach ⛱️
Boracay Island Philippines.
Pura Vida 🏝️
Venus and Adonis was sculpted by Canova
between 1789 and 1794 on commission by Marquis Francesco Berio, who placed it in a small temple in the garden of his palace in Naples.
At present, it is displayed at the Musée d’Art et d'Histoire in Geneva.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
10 powerful paradoxes of life, offer insights into human behavior, success, and learning..
The Wisdom Paradox: The more you learn, the more you realize the vastness of the unknown. This realization should encourage lifelong learning rather than fear.
The Money Paradox: Sometimes, you must incur losses to gain valuable lessons that ultimately lead to financial success. Successful investors and builders often have stories of invaluable lessons learned from significant losses.
The Taleb Surgeon Paradox: Competency is not always indicated by appearance. Individuals who do not "look the part" may have had to overcome more challenges to achieve their status than those who fit a conventional image.
The Persuasion Paradox: Arguing less and listening more is key to persuasion. The most persuasive people observe, listen, and ask questions, using a "paintbrush" approach rather than a "sledgehammer."
The Growth Paradox: Growth often occurs gradually over a long period, and then suddenly accelerates. Understanding this pattern can change how you approach long-term goals.
The Failure Paradox: Our greatest growth moments often come directly from our greatest failures. The key is not to fear failure but to learn to fail smartly and quickly.
The Icarus Paradox: The very things that make you successful can also lead to your downfall. This is illustrated by the Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with his wax wings, causing them to melt.
The Effort Paradox: Making something appear effortless requires significant effort and gritty practice behind the scenes. Simple is not always simple.
The Productivity Paradox: Working longer hours can result in less done due to Parkinson's Law, which states that work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion. Establishing fixed hours can lead to unproductive time-filling activities.
The Say No Paradox: Accomplishing more comes from taking on less and focusing deeply on what truly matters. Saying "no" to distractions protects your time and allows for greater focus.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
Arab Influence on Medieval Art & Music:
"A Hidden Bridge Between East and West"
1️⃣. Introduction: Why Arab Influence Matters:
When we study medieval Europe, we often imagine a world isolated in darkness. In reality, medieval Europe was deeply connected to the Islamic world intellectually, artistically and musically.
Between the 8th and 15th centuries, Arab scholars, artists and musicians became cultural transmitters, preserving ancient knowledge and enriching European civilization at a time when much classical learning had been lost in the West.
✨ Without Arab influence, medieval European art and music would look and sound very different.
2️⃣. Historical Background: How Contact Began:
Key Routes of Influence:
Arab culture reached medieval Europe through:
⭐ Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain): Cordoba, Granada, Toledo
⭐ Sicily: under Muslim and later Norman rule
⭐ Crusades: cultural exchange alongside conflict
⭐ Trade routes: textiles, instruments, manuscripts
These regions became meeting points of cultures: Arab, Christian and Jewish.
3️⃣. Arab Influence on Medieval Art:
A. Decorative Art & Visual Style:
Arab art avoided human figures in religious contexts and focused on abstract beauty, which deeply influenced medieval European design.
Major Contributions:
⭐ Geometric patterns
⭐ Arabesques (flowing vegetal designs)
⭐ Calligraphic ornamentation
⭐ Complex symmetry
These elements entered Europe and transformed:
⭐ Church decorations
⭐ Manuscripts
⭐ Architectural surfaces
📌 Unknown Fact:
Medieval churches adopted Islamic geometric patterns without fully understanding their origin, assuming them to be “exotic sacred designs.”
B. Architecture: From Mosque to Cathedral:
Arab architectural ideas influenced European Gothic structures.
Shared Features:
⭐ Pointed arches (originated in Islamic architecture)
⭐ Ribbed vaults
⭐ Ornamental façades
⭐ Use of light as a spiritual symbol
📌 Unknown Fact:
The famous pointed arch of Gothic cathedrals was borrowed from Islamic mosques, not invented in Europe.
C. Illuminated Manuscripts:
Arab manuscript traditions shaped medieval book art.
Influences include:
⭐ Rich colors (lapis lazuli, gold)
⭐ Decorative borders
⭐ Floral and geometric motifs
⭐ Balance between text and image
📌 Unknown Fact:
Some medieval Christian manuscripts were illuminated by Muslim artists, especially in Spain.
4️⃣. Arab Influence on Medieval Music:
A. Musical Theory & Science:
Arab scholars preserved and expanded Greek musical theory.
Key contributions:
⭐ Mathematical understanding of sound
⭐ Scales and modes
⭐ Treatises on rhythm and melody
Important Arab scholars:
⭐ Al-Kindī
⭐ Al-Fārābī
⭐ Avicenna (Ibn Sina)
Their works later entered Europe through Latin translations.
📌 Unknown Fact:
The medieval European idea that music is a science comes directly from Arab philosophical writings.
B. Musical Instruments Introduced to Europe:
Many European instruments have Arabic origins:
Arabic Instrument European Version:
⭐ Al-ʿūd Lute
⭐ Rabāb Rebec / Violin
⭐ Qānūn Zither
⭐ Nāy Flute
📌 Unknown Fact:
The word “lute” comes from the Arabic al-ʿūd.
C. Rhythm & Melody:
Arab music introduced:
⭐ Complex rhythmic cycles
⭐ Emotional melodic expression
⭐ Improvisation techniques
These influenced:
⭐ Troubadour songs
⭐ Courtly love poetry
⭐ Early secular music in Europe
📌 Unknown Fact:
The melancholic tone of medieval love songs mirrors Arabic musical expression.
5️⃣. Influence on Medieval Poetry & Literature:
Arab culture shaped themes and forms in European literature.
Key Influences:
⭐ Courtly love tradition
⭐ Idealized beloved
⭐ Emotional longing
⭐ Musicality of verse
These ideas influenced:
⭐ Troubadours
⭐ Dante
⭐ Petrarch
⭐ Later Romantic poetry
📌 Unknown Fact:
The concept of unreachable love in medieval poetry echoes Arabic love poetry from Al-Andalus.
6️⃣. Transmission Through Translation Movement:
Toledo Translation School (12th Century)
Arab works on:
⭐ Music
⭐ Philosophy
⭐ Art
⭐ Science
⭐ were translated into Latin, shaping medieval education.
📌 Unknown Fact:
Many European scholars studied Arabic before studying Latin.
7️⃣. Cultural Impact: East Meets West:
Arab influence helped medieval Europe move:
🔷 From simplicity → complexity
🔷 From silence → musical richness
🔷 From flat art → ornamented beauty
This interaction laid the foundation for:
🔷 Gothic art
🔷 Renaissance thought
🔷 Western classical music
8️⃣. Why This Topic Matters for English Literature Students:
Understanding Arab influence helps students:
⭐ Read medieval texts more deeply
⭐ Recognize cross-cultural exchange
⭐ Appreciate literature as a global tradition
⭐ Break the myth of “European isolation”
9️⃣. Conclusion:
Arab influence on medieval art and music is one of history’s most overlooked truths. It reminds us that culture grows through exchange, not isolation.
🔷 Medieval Europe did not rise alone, it rose on the shared wisdom of many civilizations.
#ArabHistory #medievalhistory #englishliterature #englishliteraturestudent #foryoupageシ
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
GM 🌄
Proof of walk this morning with Amigo and Cypher to Whitesand and Bulabog Beach ⛱️
From the plush, caramel-rich Medjool of Morocco to the firm, nutty Deglet Noor of Algeria and the dark, "holy" Ajwa of Medina, the Middle East and North Africa offer hundreds of distinct date types that vary wildly in taste and texture.
From syrupy and soft to dry and bread-like, each serving a specific purpose whether enjoyed as a fresh snack, a natural sweetener in baking, or a traditional gift.
More than just a superfruit, dates are a vital cultural cornerstone and a "desert staple" that have provided essential nutrition, hospitality, and spiritual significance to the region for millennia.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
www.tasteatlas.com/dates
Although his career was gradually overshadowed by the rise of bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Billy Fury’s legacy remains profound. He is now widely regarded as a bridge between American rock and roll and the uniquely British sound that followed in the 1960s. Later artists, including Morrissey, cited Fury as a major influence, particularly admiring his emotional honesty and outsider sensitivity.
Fury’s untimely death at the age of 42 cut short what might have been a long and evolving artistic journey, but his recordings continue to resonate with listeners who value sincerity over spectacle. Today, Billy Fury stands as a symbol of British rock’s early soul—an artist whose vulnerability, resilience, and quiet defiance helped lay the groundwork for everything that came after.
"Pure signal,no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
On this day in 1984, the Queen single “Radio Ga Ga” was released (January 23)
Written by drummer Roger Taylor, the single was a worldwide success for the band, reaching #1 in 19 countries, #2 in the UK and Australia, and #16 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The band performed the song at every concert from 1984 to their last concert with lead singer Freddie Mercury in 1986, including their performance at Live Aid in 1985, and continues to be a favourite with the current touring lineup of Queen + Adam Lambert.
At live performances the crowd clap along in unison with their arms above their heads in response to the lines in the chorus, which is a real highlight of live Queen shows with thousands of hands clapping at the same time.
Brian May was amazed at the Live Aid audience doing the clapping thing as well:
“I remember thinking 'oh great, they've picked it up' and then I thought 'wait, this is not a Queen audience'. This is a general audience who've bought tickets before they even knew we were on the bill. And they all did it. How did they know? Nobody told them to do it."
At the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards the video for "Radio Ga Ga" would receive a Best Art Direction nomination.
Roger Taylor said:
“That's part of what the song's about, really. The fact that they [music videos] seem to be taking over almost from the aural side, the visual side seems to be almost more important.”
American pop singer Lady Gaga credits her stage name to this song.
She stated that she "adored" Queen, and that they had a hit called 'Radio Ga Ga'. "That's why I love the name".
#queen, #radiogaga, #freddiemercury, #brianmay, #rogertaylor, #johndeacon, #80smusic
$89,248
market price of bitcoin in USD.
1,120
value of 1 USD measured in satoshis.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
The computer that changed everything 🍎
On this day in 1984, Apple introduced the first Macintosh - a small but radical machine that redefined what a personal computer could be.
In the 1970s, Apple employee Jef Raskin imagined a computer designed for everyday people: affordable, simple, and intuitive. His idea was to move computing out of specialist labs and into homes, schools, and offices. Even the name reflected this ambition - inspired by his favourite apple, the McIntosh, later reworked as Macintosh.
When Steve Jobs unveiled the computer in 1984, it famously introduced itself with the words: “Hello, I am Macintosh.” More than a technical flourish, it signalled a new relationship between people and machines.
The Macintosh was the first commercially successful computer to combine a mouse with a graphical user interface, replacing text-heavy commands with visual interaction. It was compact, portable, and designed for daily life - a sharp contrast to the bulky machines that dominated offices at the time.
With early applications like MacPaint and MacWrite, users could create, design, and experiment in entirely new ways.
More than 40 years on, the Macintosh’s influence can still be felt across Apple’s products - and across the way we interact with technology today.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
Overthinking Ends When You Return to Simple Habits 🇯🇵🧠✨
We’ve all experienced it.
It’s midnight. You’re tired. But your brain is wide awake — replaying an awkward moment from years ago or worrying about a problem that hasn’t even happened yet.
Overthinking is like a rocking chair. It keeps you busy, but it doesn’t move you forward.
The good news? You don’t always need complicated solutions to calm your mind. Sometimes, peace comes from returning to simple, time-tested habits.
Japanese culture is known for turning ordinary routines into powerful life lessons. Many of its traditions focus on balance, patience, and quiet strength. These ideas can help us move from chaos to calm.
Here are seven simple concepts that can help you stop overthinking and start living more peacefully.
1. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing)
When your mind feels crowded, step outside.
Shinrin-yoku means “forest bathing.” It doesn’t mean intense hiking or exercise. It simply means being in nature. Sit under a tree. Walk slowly in a park. Listen to birds. Notice the wind.
Nature naturally lowers stress levels and slows racing thoughts. It reminds you that life is bigger than your worries.
Sometimes clarity begins with fresh air.
2. Shoshin (Beginner’s Mind)
Overthinking often comes from trying to predict everything. We try to act like experts on the future.
Shoshin means having a “beginner’s mind.” It encourages you to approach situations with openness and curiosity instead of fear.
Instead of thinking, “What if everything goes wrong?” try thinking, “What can I learn from this?”
A beginner’s mind is open. And an open mind is lighter.
3. Kaizen (Small Steps)
Big goals can create big pressure.
Kaizen is the idea of improving by just 1% every day. Instead of trying to fix your entire life at once, ask:
“What is one small action I can take right now?”
Clean one drawer. Write one paragraph. Save one dollar. Make one phone call.
Small wins reduce anxiety. Progress — even tiny progress — builds confidence.
4. Wabi-Sabi (Embracing Imperfection)
Many people overthink because they want everything to be perfect.
Wabi-sabi teaches us to find beauty in imperfection. A cracked cup, a faded photo, a messy but meaningful life — these are not flaws. They are signs of real living.
You don’t need a perfect plan, perfect body, or perfect past to deserve peace.
Let go of the perfect version of yourself. Appreciate the real one.
5. Gaman (Resilient Patience)
Life is not always smooth. When problems come, overthinking often follows.
Gaman is the quiet strength to endure difficulties with patience and dignity. It doesn’t mean ignoring pain. It means accepting that hard times are part of the journey.
Instead of asking, “Why me?” try asking, “What is this teaching me?”
Patience turns storms into lessons.
6. Ganbaru (Do Your Best)
Much of our stress comes from trying to control results.
Ganbaru means to persist and give your honest effort. Focus on what you can control — your actions, your preparation, your attitude.
If you’ve done your best, let the outcome unfold.
Peace grows when effort replaces fear.
7. Hara Hachi Bu (The 80% Rule)
Your body and mind are connected.
Hara Hachi Bu means eating until you are about 80% full. Overeating can make you feel heavy and foggy. When your body feels balanced, your mind feels clearer.
Simple habits — like eating moderately — can improve focus and reduce mental clutter.
A lighter body often supports a calmer mind.
The Bottom Line
Overthinking usually grows when life feels complicated and overwhelming.
But peace does not come from solving every problem at once. It comes from simple daily habits — stepping outside, taking small steps, accepting imperfection, doing your best, and trusting the process.
You don’t need to control everything.
You just need to return to simple practices that steady your mind.
🗣️Which of these seven Japanese concepts do you feel would make the biggest difference in your life right now?
#InnerPeace
#MindfulnessMatters
#Overthinking
#JapaneseWisdom
#Kaizen
#MentalClarity
#SelfGrowthJourney
#SimpleLiving
#WellnessHabits
#ZenLife
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️