A New Year . . .

It's a new year.  

It's a time for change. I

t's a time for renewal.

Its all of those things and more. Unfortunately, I have gotten off to a slow start with a bout of COVID running through my family.  I have been sick for about 2 weeks, but am finally feeling better. The say Omicrom is "mild" but I would disagree.  It is not as dangerous as the other variants, but I would not call it "mild."  We have been stuck in the house for two weeks. No fun.  

If there was a good thing about being sick in the house, it was that I had a lot of time (when I wasn't feeling terrible) to work on house stuff. We cleaned up a room or two - rooms that have been disorganized for years - and generally started to get it in line for the upcoming year.  we talks about travel plans for this year and made some tentative decisions.  Travel, of course, will continue to be difficult.  But we can still make plans. I also got my home office cleaned up and functional for more work.  

Getting ready for the new year.  I am as optimistic as ever.  Always. 

Dune - well worth it - watching the movie next

Dune Dune 1Dune by Frank Herbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 to 5 stars. Exceptional book. Especially since it was written over 40 years ago. Original and the story holds up well even today. It is a formula that we are all familiar with: the classic Hero's Journey. As I read this, all I could think of was that this is Star Wars before Star Wars. George Lucas must have read this and used it as inspiration.

I wanted to read the book before I saw the new HBO movie (and I guess series). So that is next. But, I can say, I was aware of this book for many years but did not read it, I can say now that I am glad I did.

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I have had enough . . .

Enough!

I have have enough of the banning and censorship. We have given these big tech companies a tremendous amount of power.  they know almost everything about us.  They have our likes, hates, habits, and privacy.  We have given this to them freely with the promise to connect to each other.  

And what do they do with all this power . . They restrict us from communicating with each other. They divide us at every opportunity. And they classify us into arbitrary categories with computer algorithms. 

The Internet is Freedom

The internet is freedom and can be again.  There are many capable, open source solutions from companies that are not trying to market to you constantly, gathering and selling your information where you as the product. Ownership is the key.  Dont give up your information. Dont gave up your privacy. Be judicious with the services you chose to use.  Use the ones that treat you best.

Bye Bye Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

I will be posting here again, and NOT on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. These companies have lost their purpose.  They have fallen victim to the mob. Maybe they will figure out that they are social networks  . . designed to be social and encourage communication, not restrict it. I hope they figure this out, but I don't think they will. 

Find Your Own Voice 

There are many places on the Internet to find your voice. Stop posting on platforms you don't control. Post and comment and communicate on places that you do. You will have better and closer relationships, have full control, and wont get canceled because you wear the wrong hat or say something someone doesn't like.

Fast. Feast. Repeat. - Gin Stevens

Another Fasting book.  But this one is a winner. Practical and Flexible. Highly recommended!

Fast Feast Repeat The Comprehensive Guide to Delay Dont Deny Intermittent Fasting--Including the 28-Day FAST Start
Fast. Feast. Repeat.: The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don't Deny® Intermittent Fasting--Including the 28-Day FAST Start by Gin Stephens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*4.5 (I wish we could give half stars)

One of the best books I have read on intermittent fasting. The most practical for such. Granted, I have been on and off intermittent fasting sine I read Dr. Fung's books over 3 years ago. I have tried different fast periods and methods. I feel better, lost some weight, and became convinced that there's e was something to IF as a lifestyle and health option. Gin's book put it all together for me. It explains the importance of a clean fast and provides a ton of practical advice for IF problems people have. Best of all, the book emphasizes that IF s not a "diet" but a workable, flexible life style choice, which is what I have been looking for and fits in nicely withy own 3 years of experience with IF.

She has a great non-judgmental and practical approach for someone new to IF and lots of tips for those with some experience.

Highly recommended book for anyone looking for a permanent and heathy lifestyle and who just wants to ... feel better. I certainly do. And I don't think I will be going back to Bloatville and TiredTown. This book will help you get out of those places and stay out.

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