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People Around the World

5/2/2024

Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is the eighth largest country on the African continent, with an area of more than 479,245 square miles. The country is bordered to the north by Algeria, to the east by Niger(Knee-zheer) , to the northwest by Mauritania, to the south by Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, and the west by Guinea and Senegal.
The population of Mali is just 21.9 million, 67% of which are estimated to be under the age of 21. Its capital, Bamako is its largest city. One interesting piece of information about Mali is that it has 13 official languages namely: Bambaria, Bozo, Dogon, Fula, Hassaniya, Kassonke, Maninke, Minyanka, Senofu, Songhay, Soninke, and Tamasheq. However, Bambaria is the most commonly spoken.
This African state, consists of nine regions; its borders on the north, reach deeply into the Sahara Desert. The southernmost part where the majority of its inhabitants live, is in the Sudanian savanna and both the Niger and Senegal rivers pass through.
Mali was once part of three extremely powerful and wealthy West African Empires that controlled trans-Saharan trade: The Ghana Empire, The Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire. At its peak in 1300, The Mali Empire was the wealthiest country in Africa and one of the wealthiest on earth with its 14th century Emperor, Mansa Musa believed to be one of the wealthiest individuals in history. Besides being an economic powerhouse, medieval Mali was a center of Islam culture and knowledge with Timbuktu becoming a renowned place of learning with its university, one of the oldest in the world still active.
In the late 19th century in the Scramble for Africa, France seized control of Mali, making it part of French Sudan. A brief federation was formed with Senegal after achieving independence in 1960. Senegal later withdrew from the federation and the Republic of Mali was established.
Today Mali is a unitary presidential republic under a military junta. It has a president, prime minister and a national assembly. Religion in Mali predominantly Islam with an estimated 95% of the population, with the remaining 5% of Malians adhere to traditional African religions such as the Dogon religion or Christianity.
Mali's economic engine runs primarily on gold, cotton, cattle and live sheep. Recent gold export earned revenue in the vicinity of US$2, 657, 101.42 million, cotton yielded US$ 421,646.57 million, live bovine animals earned US$ 93,535.29 million, and live sheep tallied US 52,661.24 million. The country"s current GDP stands at USS 18.83 billion.

Garden Corner

5/1/2024

Mocktail or Cocktail Gardens!
Why not dedicate a portion of your garden beds to a mocktail or cocktail garden?
Grow fresh ingredients like berries, fruits, tiny tomatoes, cucumber slices for garnish, and a variety of herbs like mint, lavender, and rosemary.

Tiny tomatoes can be grown at home from seed or can be purchased as potted seedling plants from a plant nursery. If growing from seed you order your Tiny Tim tomato seeds in the winter or early spring and plant them indoor 6--8 weeks before the last frost in your area.
Plant your Tiny Tim plants in nutrient rich soil that drains water easily. Place the plant in a sunny spot where their leaves get direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours per day.
Tiny tomatoes grow best in moist organ soil. Anything too dry to wet makes the plant susceptible to various infections.

To grow blueberries, chose large containers with drainage holes.
* Use potting mix designed for acid loving plants or mix sandy soil with peat moss and compost.
* Plant the bush in the container and water it well
* Add mulch on top of the soil to keep in moisture
* Place the pot in a sunny spot
* Keep the soil moist
* For best results, plant the blueberries in full sun, acid soil rich in organic matter
*Test the soil pH and adjust as needed
* Prune and maintain the bushes regularly
* Consider planting multiple varieties close together for better pollination and fruit yield.

Steps to grow cucumber
* Prepare your soil by mixing in rotted organic matter and manure
* Install a trellis system for the cucumber to grow on
* Plant the seeds or seedlings into already moist soil and keep it damp
* Thin to 3- 4 strong seedlings when they are 1-2 " high
* Keep plants well watered especially during dry spells
* Protect cucumbers from unexpected frost or chilly nighttime temperatures early in the season.
Remember, cucumber are high yield plants that are relatively to grow in a backyard garden. Bush varieties of this tasty vegetable can even be grown in containers on an apartment porch or balcony.

How to grow pears, successfully.
* Plant pears trees in early spring
* Chose a sunny location the receives at least six hours of sunlight per day
* Ensure well-drained soil mixed in organic matter
* Be cautious with nitrogen -rich fertilizers to prevent susceptibility to fire blight
* Consider fire blight-resistant types and rootstocks if you live outside of dry western regions.
* Prepare the planting hole by digging into the same depth as the pot and double the width
* Dig a square-shaped hole that allows the roots to spread out evenly in the surrounding soil
* Top dress the hole with generous mulch and well- rotted manure
Plant bare root pear trees during their dormant period, typically between November and March.
For potted pear trees you van plant them at other times of the year.

Rosemary is a delightful herb known for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. Whether you're planting it in your garden or nurturing it as a potted houseplant, here are some ways to care for rosemary.
* Sunlight: Rosemary thrives in full sun, requiring at least hours of sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place it near a south-facing window or use grow lights.
* Soil: Opt for well draining soil with sharp drainage
Sandy loamy soil works well
* Spacing: Plant rosemary shrubs at least 2 to 3 feet apart.
* Companion Plants
Consider cruciferous vegetables ( kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts), beans, carrots, and spinach as good companions for rosemary.
The best time to plant rosemary is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Container grown rosemary can be planted year-round, but it goes dormant during winter.

With its pleasant scent and delicious flowers, Lavender has grown into a much-loved perennial in garden beds throughout the country. Chose varieties that will grow for your climate and growing conditions and you'll be rewarded wil, a long- lasting bloom on mature, mounting plants. Lavenders do prefer full sun, low maturity, and gritty soil, but many can-and -do grow them with ease.

Mint, is a delightful herb with its fresh and invigorating aroma, is a joy to grow.. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, mint is a forgiving plant that thrives in various conditions.
* There are several types of mint including spearmint, chocolate mint, and pineapple mint. Each has its unique flavor and scent.
Mint can be invasive, so consider growing it containers to keep it in check.
Plant outdoors in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Mint appreciates
Mint prefers a damp. moist area with a well-draining soil. It thrives in full sun or partial shade.
Plant mint cuttings or small purchased plants 18 inches to 2 feet apart. Remember mint grows aggressively.
Place the root ball completely in the ground, covering it with at least 1 to 2 inches of soil on top.
Keep the soil completely moist. Don't let the plant dry out.
Feed with an all-purpose, water-soluble plant food such as (10-10 -10 NPK) once new growth emerges in spring. You can fertilize again mid-way through the growing season if needed.
Regularly prune and harvest mint to encourage bushiness and freshness.
Mint can be propagated by division ( cutting the root mass into quarters) or stem-tip cutting placed in water or moist soil.

Health News

4/30/2024

Uterine Cancer

This is a cancerous tumor in your uterus, the pear-shaped organ also known as your womb. Most cases happen in the lining of the uterus ( endometrium), but you can have tumors in the muscles there, too. Over 60,000 women in the US get this type of cancer each year. If you're past menopause, your chances are higher.

Your genes can play a role of how likely you are to have uterine cancer. Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder that makes you more likely to get certain cancers. Women with it have a much higher odds of getting uterine cancer. But having a problem doesn't mean you will get it. It means you and your doctor should watch for signs so you can treat it early if you do. Most women who get uterine cancer don't have a genetic cause.

If you haven't been through menopause and have bleeding or spotting--a red, pink, or white discharge--between periods, see your doctor. The same is true if you've had menopause and have these symptoms any time. Bleeding, can be a sign of uterine cancer or symptoms of other medical problems. Bleeding after menopause isn't normal, so it definitely needs to be checked out. Your doctor can help you find out what's going on.

Other symptoms
Let your doctor know if you have:
* Pain in your pelvis ( the area between your hips)
* Lost weight without trying
* Pain during sex
* A hard time peeing or it hurts to pee.
It's best if you find uterine cancer before it grows or spreads, so don't put off your checkup or ignore symptoms.

How it's diagnosed?
You may have an ultrasound so that your doctor can see inside your uterus. Your doctor may send a thin, lighted tube in through your vagina to get a closer look. But a biopsy is the best way to know if it's cancer. Your doctor will take a small amount of tissue from the endometrium and look for cancer cells through a microscope.

Has it spread?
If you have uterine cancer, your doctor will start with one of the following to see if has spread to nearby areas like, your cervix, or lymph nodes ( tiny glands in your neck, armpits, groin , and other parts of your body):
*Ultrasound
* MRI scan, which uses magnets and radio waves to make detailed images of parts of your body.
* CT scans, which take X-rays from different angles and puts them together to make a complete picture.

The Four Stages of Uterine Cancer
Stage I
At this point, the cancer hasn't spread past your uterus. It may also affect the glands of your cervix-- the narrow passage at the bottom of your uterus--but not the tissues.
At this stage the doctor may perform a total hysterectomy to remove the uterus and cervix , as well as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
The surgeon may also do a pelvic washing using a saltwater solution to flush out the abdomen. Then it's checked for cancer cells.
Stage II
In this phase, the cancer has spread from the uterus into the tissue of the cervix, but it still hasn't grown outside of the uterus.
The doctor will perform a surgery called radical hysterectomy to remove your uterus, the tissues next to it, and the upper part of your vagina. The surgeon may also remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries. You may also need radiation therapy or vaginal brachytherapy

Stage III
The cancer has spread to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and, lymph nodes. But it hasn't affected your bladder or the inner lining of your rectum.
If your doctor thinks the cancer can be taken out with surgery, a surgeon may do a total radical hysterectomy and remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries. They may also do pelvic washing. This is followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
If the surgeon thinks that the cancer is too widespread, you may get radiation. This may help shrink the tumor enough for surgery.
Stage IV
The cancer is in the bladder, rectum, or organ far from the uterus, such as the lungs.
For most people with stage IV of endometrial cancer, the cancer has spread too far for a surgeon to remove it all, but you may still get surgery similar to the kind, in early stages, as well as radiation to keep you from bleeding too much.
Hormone therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, may also help. Talk to your doctor whether it's a good idea to join a clinical trial. Researchers are studying new treatments that aren't yet available to anyone.

Credit: WebMD

Humor Corner

4/30/2024

1. A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: "Ugh, that's the ugliest baby I've ever seen!" The woman walks to the rear of the bus fuming. She says to the man sitting next to her: "The driver just insulted me!" The man says:
"You go up there and tell him off. Go on, I think you're beautiful. At least not as ugly as this baby."
2. I was in Walmart and I saw this man and woman wrapped in a barcode. I asked, "Are you two an item?"
3. Doc, I can't stop singing the 'Green Green Grass of Home.' He said, "That sounds like a Tom Jones syndrome."
"Is it common?" I asked.
"It's not unusual", he replied.

ART

4/29/2024

Whistler's Mother by American painter, James Mcneill (1871)
Oil on canvas -56.81x 63.94 inches.
The subject of the painting is Whistler's mother, Anna Mcneill.
It is one of the most famous works by an American artist outside of the United States. It has been variously described as an American icon.

Did You Know?

4/29/2024

The Godawful Hygiene of The Wild West

Women set the bar of hygiene higher than men in those times. Life was challenging, with many individuals living in makeshift settlements or isolated ranches far from established towns. The lack of modern amenities and medicine made hygiene a constant struggle. However, the women used innovative methods to ensure higher standard of cleanliness for their families and communities.

While the societies of the Old West were not particularly hygienic, the women were inventive and resourceful when it came to washing their hair. They would either mix whiskey with castor oil or use soapweed, a wild plant abundant in the region, leaving their locks refreshed and fragrant.

Today, most shower routine would involve slathering with some sweet smelling soap. But days in the Wild West were different. Instead of soap people used "soap-weed" which Mexican women used to wash their hair. The substance was made from the yucca plant and had a wonderful soft lustrous effect. But others opted for a grosser cleanser. Some used soap made from animal fat to clean themselves.

Quotations

4/29/2024

1. " Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people." Roy T. Bennett.
2. " The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible." Steve Maraboli.
3. " When love hurts you, dare to love again."
"When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal."
"When another is lost, dare to help them find the way."
" When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile." Steve Maraboli.

Seasons Magazine 16/24 COPYRIGHT© 2024

4/26/2024

Short Story

She came home unexpectedly and found him in bed with the girl next door. He was 45, his wife was 40, and the girl was just 25. Her neighbor had known her since she was 10 when her parents moved into that neighborhood.
The California King bed suddenly lost its heat as his wife stared at the unbelievable sight of her husband lying covertly with the girl next door.
His wife tore the sheets off, grabbed his paramour by her throat and slammed her to the bedroom wall. The young woman lay cowered in a fetal position on the floor. Her lover lover tried to intervene but was warned by his wife not to dare. She described him as a creepy pervert and threatened to finish both of them.
The raging woman picked up her mobile phone and called her mother-in-law. She spewed her disgust at what she encountered on arrival home. Three things she highlighted: it was their matrimonial bed, it was the girl next door, and she was only 25. The 68 year-old in-law was stunned by what she heard. Nothing she heard made sense. She requested to speak to her son. Her daughter-in-law denied her, warning that she was not in the mood to free him up just yet. Her husband tried easing himself off the bed. She kicked him in his groin . He folded. His wife continued her conversation as if nothing happened. Her mother-in-law continued to listen intently. The woman signalled to the young girl to get dressed and leave. She gratefully complied.
The angry woman opened the curtains to allow some sunlight in the room. Her mother-in-law continued with her on the phone. The conversation lasted for 45 minutes. The woman commanded her husband to pack some clothes and leave the home. She couldn't stand to see him around. He sheepishly got up and packed a few things in a duffel bag. His wife demanded to know where he was going. He told her at his mother's house. She told him it had better be there. He assured her it was.
The two college students arrived home later that day anxious to meet their parents. Mom sat at the dinner table with the stuff she prepared. Her two daughters grabbed all they could and munched greedily. Mom picked on her dinner. In their excitement the kids hardly noticed dad was absent. They cleared the table then suddenly realized dad wasn't there. One of them enquired about their dad's absence. The other joined her. Mom muttered that he had gone to see his mom. The kids asked if their grandma was ill or something. Mom told them no, and explained that she will tell them later as she was having a headache at the time. One girl suggested she was going to call her grandma. Mom promptly told her not to do so.
He unpacked his bag at his mom's house. He took a shower and changed into his sleeping clothes. She fixed him dinner but they hardly spoke. Afterwards, he tried to make himself comfortable in the room he occupied.
At midnight his wife called. She enquired if he was alone. He assured her he was all by himself in a room at his mother. He was berated with a series of questions. He couldn't answer any. She didn't want any answered except, what is she supposed to do about his actions. He had no answer. She repeated the same question several times over until he told her that whatever she decided he had to abide by it.
She ended the call.
© Wallace Paul April 2024.

All About the Music

4/25/2024

Whether you were born in 1940 or 2010, if you are a music lover, and your mind is open to great music it's difficult to hear a song coming out of different eras and not stop for a minute and listen. Especially if there is a voice or voices that convert into melodious sounds backed by rich instrumentation. Added to that is a message that might appeal to your current situation or someone you know. Music, whether is pure instrumental or its accompanied by voices has had a profound impact on people's lives throughout history in spite of language or cultural differences. An example of this would be the O'Jays an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio and has made a significant impact on the music industry with their soulful sound. Their music has gained worldwide popularity for decades.
In this, and future issues we'll look at the body of work done by the O'Jays( Walter Williams, Eddie Levert and William Powell). This trio has recorded a series of hits over the years. This week we'll look at "Forever Mine" The intro (organ, piano, bass and lead guitar and gentle tapping on drums) is soothing. This slow jam, tempo continues throughout the song backed by brass sitting in the background and adding to the foundation of the music. A timeless classic that celebrates enduring love and leaves an indelible mark on the R&B genre.
Walter Williams slides in with the opening lines then Eddie Levert adds his power voice to emphasize his deep love and also add libs at times. The trio them harmonize to add more purity to their musical talent. Listen and be thrilled.

Forever Mine
Forever mine
All because you're my kind
I got what you want, you got what I want
And we were made for each other(oo-oo)

Forever mine
And I'm so glad
' Cause it gets better with time
Oh girl
I like what you like , you like what I like
And we were made for each other
Oh baby
You are that someone I've been hoping for
I've been looking for all my days
Don't you ever think about leaving
This heart of mine would be grieving
Don't go....stay...stay

Forever mine
Aw we're, we're one of a kind
Mmm, oo-oo baby girl
I need what you need, you need what I need
And we were made for each other
Oo-oo girl

Oh baby
I wanna love you
Love you so, make it good
Right down to the bone, to the bone
"Cause it's you I'm thinking about pleasing
Give you all the love you're needing
Don't go, (please) stay(stay) stay

Forever mine
'Cause you and me, we get along just fine
Aw baby
I got want you want(good love)
You got what I want( good loving)
And we were made for each other

Aw we've been around
And I've had a lot of loves
And I know you've had a lot of loves, too
But I ain't never had nobody
That do the things you do
We go together
Well like the birds in the trees
I'd be in a round of trouble girl
If you wasn't her with me, stay

Repeat some verses.

Writers: Leon Huff/ Kenneth Gamble
© 1980 Philadelphia International Records.

Happy Birthday

4/25/2024

Fashion model and TV personality, Gigi Hadid, turned 29 on April 23. Hey Gigi, you've got to teach us some of your fashion secrets. Naw! it's a secret. No sweat, we'll keep looking at you and try to copy somethings. Not that we can equal your class.

"The Lion", roared on April 21 (we felt it) when Scottish actor James McAvoy announced his 45th birthday. Okay James, we were there when you celebrated that thunderous birthday. Rrrrrrrrrrrr.

You've got it going girl -Lizzo. Your music, your messages, your style, your positivity. Hold on! We're coming to celebrate your 36th birthday with you on April 27. We know it's gonna be lots of fun.

Could you believe it? "People , people who need people; are the luckiest people in the world" Ooh, hear that melody! "I am a woman in love and I'll do anything to get you into my world." Ooh, hoo! "Memories, light the corners of my mind, misty water -colored memories, of the way we were"And then the crazy acting, convincingly so, in your movies, and then... too many. Your majesty, Barbra Streisand, we adore you as you enter another phase of your life. You turned 82, on April 24. Thank you for your contributions to the arts and in the process enriching our lives.