Remembering those we have lost and those who are living with AIDS and HIV positive.
Author: The Coastal Crone
SAMHAIN BLESSING
Light your fires and make a toast,
Welcome in the Samhain ghosts.
Give your thanks for the passing year,
As the darkness has drawn near.
We offer a blessing this Samhain night.
That your flames will be shining bright.
May you and your loved ones gather round,
And enjoy the season’s magickal delights.
– author unknown
FRIDAY FOTO: DEADMAN’S CEMETERY
Deadman’s Cemetery is shaded by a huge mesquite tree so this is the best I could do with my cell phone on a morning walk. The curbing around the yard makes for a good illusion of a cemetery. It seems many pirates have been buried there and have risen with the rest of the skeletons to celebrate Halloween.
FRIDAY FOTO: SPIRITED ANIMAL CONTROL TRUCK
The local city animal control staff has a reputation for being helpful while keeping stray animals off the streets and uniting owners when they can. This photo of the side of an animal control truck parked in front of Portland Animal Care Services seems to reflect that benevolent spirit.
WELCOME FALL
May the balance of Light and Dark bring harmony into your life and gratitude for abundance, whether it’s in the food on your table or what nourishes your soul. Happy Mabon!
AVOIDING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Artificial Intelligence seems to be everywhere. When I Goggle AI, even an “AI Overview” informs me that it “… refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence like learning, reasoning and problem-solving.” The AI Overview comes up first and I must scroll down to view other definitions.
I acknowledge that AI is transforming the world and that I don’t really understand how it
AI chip artificial intelligence, future technology innovation
works. Hopefully, it will be used in a manner to make life and our world better. Or as some predict, it will destroy humanity, the economy, art – take your pick. The effects are probably all around me without my even being aware of it. This week it surfaced in an unexpected way.
I went to see an orthopedist for a minor issue with my hand. The next day I was able to view the physician’s notes on the patient portal. At the end of his notes was this statement: “Parts of this encounter note have been generated by AI based on audio conversation. Patient consent was required prior to utilizing this technology. Content review was required prior to finalizing the note.”
While I will not be a Luddite railing against this new “machine” and the displacement of jobs, I will be cautious of its use and misuse. Perhaps I will still light a candle to summon my muse for creative assistance.
FRIDAY FOTO: PIGGY BANKS ON THE BEACH
Photo from Caller Times with Jace Tunnell/Hart Research Institute given credit
Jace Tunnell, HRI Director of Community Engagement at the Harte Research Institute, is show with colorful piggy banks that have been showing up on Texas beaches lately. Tunnell speculates that they may have come from a damaged or lost container aboard a container ship or even from Cuba. The Texas Coast gets it share of items washing up on its beaches. These piggy banks seemed to be empty.
FRIDAY FOTO: WING MURAL
Wing Mural represents native birds of Rockport
– The Rosetta Spoonbill
– The Whooping Crane
– The White Ibis
– The Blue Heron
– The Green Jay
– The Iconic Blue Crab Claws
Gulf of MEXICO
On inauguration day President Trump, with a flourish and a smile, signed one of many executive orders. The White House touted the order as “Restoring Names That Honor America’s Greatness.” This one combined name changes for the largest gulf in the world and the highest peak in the United States. Mount Dnali was once again Mount McKinley to honor President William McKinley. The Gulf of Mexico was henceforth to be called Gulf of America to honor America’s greatness. All government references were to comply; Google and others soon would reflect both new names. These changes will not solve any world problems, but it apparently made the President happy to be able to do so.
Granted, President Obama in 2015 pleased Native American Indians by renaming Mount McKinley to honor Native Americans Indians who had traditionally referred to it as Dnali. The state of Alaska had requested the United States government for the name change in 1975 but was denied.
And what about that body of water known for five hundred years as the Gulf of Mexico and shared by the US, Mexico and Cuba who all claim some territorial rights? As a coastal crone I live on the Texas Gulf Coast on Nueces Bay and a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico.
Texas shares the Gulf with three other states and the countries of Mexico and Cuba. It provides rich marine life, tourism. off shore drilling. and more. During WWII German U-boats were sunk in its waters. We worry when there is an oil spill or leak. All eyes are on The Gulf during hurricane season. We worry about pollution along our coastlines. We share a long and rich history including battles, disputes and pirates. The Republic of Texas had its own navy for a time.
The Associated Press (AP) continued to refer to it as the Gulf of Mexico and as a result has been denied access to some presidential events in the White House and Air Force One. The AP has been the standard for style for years. A lawsuit to end the ban is pending.
It seems we are beginning to be governed by daily executive orders. For now most of us will probably continue to just call it “The Gulf,” but everyone knows we mean the Gulf of Mexico!
FRIDAY FOTO: WHY SO SERIOUS?
This car parked in front of an apartment complex caught my attention on a recent morning walk. Why shouldn’t I be serious, I thought as I took a detour to get a closer look. I watch and read the news: fires, floods, disasters, doom, gloom, political upheavals, protests, attacks. violence, financial uncertainty, deaths and terrorist threats.
There was an image of The Joker on the back window and one on the left side you that can barely make out in the photo. It was a sporty looking little muscle car with fancy wheel covers; I speculated about the owner. Perhaps an aspiring comedian? Or some old guy who was tired of being serious? Was the color a nod to Mardi Gras?
The sun felt warm on my face after the darker days of January; I was safe for the moment and had much to be thankful for. I smiled and continued on my walk.
UPDATE: Marie Zhuikov shared in a comment today that “Why so serious?” is The Jokers’ catchphrase in the movie “The Dark Knight.” Thanks, Marie! You can visit her blog here.
THE COASTAL CRONE 