SEARCHING FOR SAMARK

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Where’s Sam now that we need him more than ever? I’ve admire his desire to "destroy oysters done up in all kinds of seductive styles." 

If you've ever read "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn," you may already be intimately familiar with the American humorist, novelist, journalist and travel writer. https://youtu.be/8cjq-n4uZ5A?si=Vg2fNPwN4-4veKZy

CYBER SAINT

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Pope Francis Names a late Web Designer as First Millennial Saint. The Pope announced the late web designer will be canonized.

Carlo Acutis, born to Italian parents in London, was a talented web designer who died from leukemia in Italy at just 15 years old in 2006. Pope Francis beatified him in 2020 in Assisi, where his tomb has since become a major pilgrimage site.

Acutis was a teenager who died of leukemia in 2006. He was known for: 

WHY?

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Inquiring minds want to know WhyWho What When Where did this practice begin? Who decided this was correct?

Question everyone and everything.

The 5 Ws are often used in journalism, research, and police investigations.They are also a good practice for writers to follow when developing a story. 

GAETZ SEX GATE

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He's outa here... This one is a real DOJ game-changer. Gaetz says he is withdrawing from consideration to serve as attorney general for Trump.

The Congressional Ethics Committee probe following allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift.

¿QUE PASO?

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The use of the term Latinx has sparked important conversations around gender identity, cultural identity, and inclusivity, especially within the U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities. As you pointed out, non-binary and gender nonconforming individuals are more likely to embrace Latinx because it offers a way to express gender outside of the traditional male/female dichotomy. This is a crucial factor in understanding why the term has found a place among certain groups, particularly those looking for a more inclusive label. Differences Between "Latino" and "Hispanic": Latino (or Latina) generally refers to people from Latin America, or those with Latin American ancestry, regardless of their language. This term focuses on geography and culture. Hispanic, on the other hand, refers to people who come from or have ancestors from Spanish-speaking countries, which includes Spain as well as Latin American nations. The term emphasizes language rather than geographic origin. These distinctions are subtle but important because individuals might identify more strongly with one term over the other depending on their connection to either Latin American or Spanish heritage. Who Uses "Latinx"? As you summarized, the term Latinx tends to be more common among: Younger generations: Those under 30, especially in the U.S., where the term has been increasingly popularized through social media, academic discourse, and activism. College-educated individuals: Those with higher education tend to be more exposed to discussions about inclusivity and social justice, making them more likely to adopt terms like Latinx. Urban dwellers: People living in more diverse, metropolitan areas are more likely to encounter progressive language and multicultural environments, contributing to the popularity of Latinx. Politically progressive or liberal individuals: Those who align with progressive values, including gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, are often more inclined to adopt the term Latinx as part of their advocacy for inclusivity. Gender nonconforming or non-binary individuals: For these individuals, the gender-neutral "x" in Latinx provides a way to express identity that is not limited to the traditional gender binary. Adoption Challenges: Despite its growing use in some circles, the term Latinx has not been widely embraced across the broader Latino or Hispanic population. Many still prefer the traditional terms, like Latino or Latina, because they feel a stronger connection to those labels or find Latinx unnecessary or unnatural in the context of the Spanish language, where gender is a deeply ingrained feature of grammar. Additionally, some older generations, or those with more conservative views, may view Latinx as a more recent, foreign concept that doesn't resonate with their cultural traditions. As you mention, the future of Latinx will likely continue to evolve as social and cultural changes unfold, and generational shifts influence the broader Latino community's relationship with language and identity. Overall, Latinx serves as a case study in how language adapts to reflect changing social norms and the push for greater inclusivity, even as not all members of the community may fully embrace it.

BLT

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This 1908 image of Big Leo is one of my faves. 114 years ago 11/1910, Leo Tolstoy—the author who gave us two major Russian classic War & Peacedied at Astapovo, a small, remote train station in the heart of Russia.

CITY ISLAND

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I moved from LA to City Island - A Slice of NYC Paradise about three decades ago and met Maestro Ron Terner shortly thereafter.

BEST GLOBAL CITIES

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If these are reportedly the 100 best cities worldwide what does it say about the 8,161,972,572 people living on planet earth? 

HAPPY HOLIDAZE

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It has been said that in some instances, the most powerful thing to do is stay quiet. It might seem counterintuitive, especially when you feel the need to voice your opinion or defend your position.

However psychology suggests there are circumstances where silence is the best response. It’s not about being passive or disinterested, but about understanding the power of thoughtful silence.

There is reportedly a fine line between adding value to a conversation and just adding noise, including holiday events with family members, neighbors or frennemies.