Daily Archives: June 14, 2020

Practical Ideas for Farming on the Moon and Mars – Universe Today

Posted: June 14, 2020 at 11:50 am

When the International Space Station (ISS) runs low on basic supplies like food, water, and other necessities they can be resupplied from Earth in a matter of hours. But when astronauts go the Moon for extended periods of time in the coming years, resupply missions will take much longer to get there. The same holds true for Mars, which can take months to get there while also being far more expensive.

Its little wonder then why NASA and other space agencies are looking to develop methods and technologies that will ensure that their astronauts have a degree of self-sufficiency. According to NASA-supported research conducted by Daniel Tompkins of Grow Mars and Anthony Muscatello (formerly of the NASA Kennedy Space Center), ISRU methods will benefit immensely from some input from nature.

Tompkins and Dr. Muscatello began their collaborative relationship in 2018 shortly after the latter retired from NASA KSC, where he spent the previous two decades working on chemical systems for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) applications. Later that year, Muscatello delivered a speech at the annual Mars Society Convention on the subject of how Mars could be terraformed using oxygen and self-replicating robots.

Shortly thereafter, Tompkins contacted Dr. Muscatello and the two began collaborating on a project designed to improve conventional ISRU techniques. With the support of researchers from NASA KSC, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Moon Village Association, and The Bionetics Corporation, Tompkins and Muscatello produced a joint study describing their approach.

This study was presented at the tenth joint meeting of the Planetary & Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium (June 11th-14th, 2019), which coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Space Resources Roundtable (SRR). Here, the pair described how traditional ISRU techniques used to establish a lunar base could be vastly improved by incorporating growing and self-replicating living organisms (aka. the Green Moon concept).

As Dr. Muscatello described it to Universe Today via email:

GrowMars is based on biological processes to make oxygen from CO2 with chemical processing of the algae to convert it to the starting products to make polymers for structural applications. Conventional ISRU is based on physical and chemical processes only.

The pair detailed this concept further in a peer-reviewed study that addressed how these same biological and agricultural methods could be used to create vast greenhouses on Mars (aka. GrowMars). In this process, algae is grown in greenhouses that use locally-harvested water, atmospheric CO2 (on Mars), waste CO2 from human respiration and waste, or CO2 and carbon monoxide (CO) from lunar cold traps, and sunlight.

This biomass, which is rich in carbohydrates, is then fed into a conversion reactor to produce polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF), a bioplastic derived from carbohydrates (C8H6O). This bioplastic can be used as a bonding agent that is then combined with lunar or Martian regolith to create a polymer composite concrete, which in turn is used as feedstock for robotic 3D printers to create more greenhouses.

According to their greenhouse design, the composite building material is printed out to make transparent blocks that are rectangular (lengthwise) and trapezoidal (crosswise). This shape optimizes the absorption of solar energy by ensuring that the greenhouses can constantly be tilted towards the Sun and allows for the blocks to be tessellated (stacked with no space between them) to form larger structures.

As Tompkins explained the process to Universe Today via email:

Biomass to plastic conversion is well studied and practiced in an effort to make sustainable and petroleum independent plastics. Basically, the carbohydrate portion of biomass is processed into clear plastics at a high rate with low power and mass required. [The] key thing to note [is that] not all bioderived plastics are biodegradable.

In short, this bioplastic can be generated using sugars (rather than petrochemicals) and is durable enough for off-world use. Between that and the shape they are printed in, the blocks can be combined to create many different types of structures. This includes homes and parks for human settlers as well as additional greenhouses.

Over time, these new greenhouses could grow more algae to create more blocks, thus growing a colony over time. When placed over natural depressions, like craters or extended valleys (aka. fossae, which are common on Mars), they can work as both greenhouses and radiation shields. In fact, the ability to shield against harmful radiation is one of the most beneficial aspects of this system.

Traditionally, radiation shielding consists of metal panels (like lead) since they have a good weight-to-protection ratio. Whereas barriers made of other materials can also block cosmic and solar rays, they typically have to be very thick to do so. Unfortunately, metal panels do not protect crews from the secondary particles that result from collisions, which create secondary particles that will shower crews.

By comparison, water and plastic have been shown to be effective at blocking radiation while generating no secondary particles the same holds true of bioplastics. The only impediment is, natural barriers need to be up to 3 m (~10 ft) thick in order to reliably protect against solar and cosmic rays. But with a tessellated structure that also acts as a dome, a colony would have all the natural shielding it requires.

In addition, the conversion reactor also creates useful byproducts, like proteins, lipids (fat cells), and minerals that can be used in the manufacture of chemical fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.) On top of that, says Tompkins, they can be used to manufacture other crucial resources like food, oxygen, biofuel, rocket fuel the list goes on.

As Dr. Muscatello summarized the process:

GrowMars generates more of the polymer blocks in which the algae grows, thereby expanding the oxygen and polymer production capacity exponentially with time, up to the limits of the algae-to-polymer process units, which can be over-sized in anticipation of this aspect if desired. The algae replicates itself as long as CO2, water, and a small amount of fertilizer are provided.

Conventional ISRU is always limited to the capacities of the as-built systems, i.e. to get more production, more units are required. Thus, the algae-based system could have mass and power advantages over conventional ISRU. The algae based systems can also be configured to provide radiation shielding with the water and polymer blocks.

When it comes to Project Artemis and NASAs long-term vision of creating a program of sustainable lunar exploration, one of the principal focuses is on how local resources can be leveraged to provide self-sufficiency. The same holds true for mission architectures to Mars and the outer Solar System. In all cases, the plan is to harvest water ice, regolith, and other local resources so that resupply missions can be few and far between.

Traditional ISRU techniques are focused primarily on harnessing locally-available resources, like water ice and regolith. In contrast, this new approach focuses on how harnessing local water and minerals, as well as energy from the Sun, and carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from human waste, to multiply local resource potential.

As Tompkins put it, this technique would ensure the production of more food and better building materials:

We are leveraging these efforts in the space context with unique functionality of being carbon negative, (producing net oxygen), enabling more photosynthesis area, radiation protection, building material, all in an expanding loop system that is biologically and functionally integrated. All with the hope of self-sufficiency and outpacing entropy at a basic needs level.

Bio-based systems have the potential to reduce the mass and power required to provide oxygen and polymers while having the ability to expand their production rates, thus reducing the costs of launch mass, the volume launched, and power requirements, added Dr. Muscatello. Such advantages can make exploration and settlement less expensive and faster.

Many of the ideas presented by Tompkins and Muscatello were also touched on by Dr. Robert Zubrin in a recent study that appeared on Centauri Dreams titled Sublake Settlements for Mars. In addition to being an aerospace engineer and the founder of the Mars Society, Dr. Zubrin is also a noted advocate for the exploration, colonization, and terraforming of Mars.

In this essay, Zubrin presents a variation on the paraterraforming concept, where sections of a planet are enclosed and ecologically engineered to be habitable. Specifically, he explored how settlements could be built within ice-filled craters on Mars, where the lower layers of ice could be melted to create a subglacial lake. Over time, the presence of warm water and organic molecules could allow for the formation of a biosphere.

Housing created within the lake would benefit from the fact that the external pressure would be similar to Earths atmosphere (100 kPa, or 1 bar). This is preferable in many ways to habitats built on the surface, where atmospheric pressure is (on average) about 0.5% what we experience here on Earth. On top of that, the thick ice and deep water would provide all the necessary radiation shielding for a settlement to survive.

Taken as a while, Tompkins and Muscatellos concept for growing settlement on the Moon and Mars represents a practical and scalable concept for off-world colonies. But perhaps some of the most exciting implications of this study is the impact it could have here on Earth. As Tompkins reminds us, the innovation that resulted from the Apollo Program resulted in countless applications here at home.

These applications were made possible thanks to NASAs Technology Transfer Program and have been cataloged since 1976 by NASA Spinoff. Whereas the Apollo Program resulted in commercial, medical, and industrial applications ranging from microwave ovens, heart monitors, and MRIs to GPS and Lidar. This time, NASAs goals call for innovations that can ensure self-sufficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Based on current UN projections, Earths population is expected to peak at 10 billion by the year 2050. Simultaneously, climate change will continue to disrupt the very systems humans depend upon for their very livelihood and survival. The only way to prevent the worst from happening (widespread famine, economic collapse, mass migrations, etc.) is to employ technologies that allow us to do more with less.

Its not hard to see how technologies that can leverage biomass to create petroleum-free plastics (as well as fertilizers and food) will be a boon for future generations. There are also parallels between this technology and the work of Stanford Professor Steven Chu, former Energy Secretary for the Obama administration and the man who proposed the Glucose Economy, an alternative to the current petroleum-based economy.

In the near future, Tompkins and Muscatello are hoping to secure additional funding so they can mount a full-cycle demonstration of the technology. If all goes well, this type of biomass-to-bioplastics and farming method could become a regular feature of lunar and Martian colonies. It could even become a regular feature of life here on Earth.

As always, our efforts to send humans into space are yielding tangible benefits here at home. And when the technology designed to address what is needed to survive out there also addresses some of our greatest needs down here, those benefits can be enormous.

Further Reading: GrowMars, Space Resources Roundtable study, Peer-reviewed study, Centauri Dreams

Like Loading...

The rest is here:
Practical Ideas for Farming on the Moon and Mars - Universe Today

Posted in Mars Colonization | Comments Off on Practical Ideas for Farming on the Moon and Mars – Universe Today

Opinion: Flag Day rooted in freedom and equality – The Detroit News

Posted: at 11:50 am

Michael Warren Published 11:00 p.m. ET June 13, 2020

The streets are awash with protesters. Looting and arson dot our landscape. COVID-19 has killed over 100,000. Unemployment is pounding workers. And we are, of all things, supposed to celebrate the flag on June 14? Once an uncontroversial display of patriotism, you can no doubt envision the histrionic divides that celebrating our national emblem will likely bring. Would we really be surprised if Flag Day is marked by flag burnings?

Before those inclined to torch Old Glory do so, they might consider the origins of Flag Day it is deeply rooted in freedom and equality. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress approved a resolution establishing a uniform national flag. The Betsy Ross flag was born to represent the freest nation the earth had ever seen. Although it no doubt generated heartfelt feelings of patriotism, it was not revered.

The Civil War changed that. Fort Sumter was attacked, and the flag of the United States was torn asunder.

A visceral reaction of passionate patriotism took hold. Republican Unionist Jonathan Flynt Morris urged Charles Dudley Warner of the Hartford Evening Press to pen an editorial about the need to revere the flag; on June 10, 1861, Warner proposed that America establish a new Flag Day. The editorial sang: This flag is our dearest symbol of nationality. It stands for civil liberty on this continent. To keep it full high advanced is our highest pride; to strike at it is to arouse all the passion of the nation to defend it, and to punish the perpetrators of the outrage.

Flag Day was born in a spirit of saving the Union and freeing the slaves.

Like most holidays, Flag Day slowly grew. Federal recognition waited until May 30, 1916, through a proclamation from President Woodrow Wilson.Wilsons magnificent proclamation explained that Flag Day is a day upon which we should direct our minds with a special desire of renewal to thoughts of the ideals and principles of which we have sought to make our great Government the embodiment.

Finally, on Aug. 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.

An American flag flies outside the Department of Justice in Washington.(Photo: Andrew Harnik, AP)

Flag Day exemplifies unity the brainchild of Republicans and instituted by Democrats. It reminds people of our founding first principles declared in our Declaration of Independence and embedded in our Constitution. The first principles include equality, limited government, the rule of law, unalienable rights, the Social Compact, and the right to alter or abolish oppressive government.

Today we are painfully reminded that America did not fulfill those first principles for all in 1776 or even today. Yet it was the belief in those first principles that inspired generations of patriots to move us closer to their fulfillment. Abolitionism, womans suffrage, and the civil rights struggles all called upon the first principles to push the country toward the arc of justice.

Demands for equality, the equal application of the rule of law, and protecting the unalienable rights of everyone is at the heart of the protests sparked by George Floyds death. Unlike any other country in the world, our flag stands for ideals ideals we should all embrace. Our flag is not a symbol of oppression, but one representing the most free nation on earth an indispensable stepping stone to the expansion of liberty on the world stage.

This is why Patriot Weeks celebration of a different historical flag each day of the week is so vital:Sept. 11, the anniversary of the terrorist attacks; Sept. 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution; the current U.S. Flag;the Betsy Ross Flag;the Suffragette Flag;and the Fort Sumter Flag. They tell the story of America and how the battle for liberty and freedom is an unceasing struggle.

More than ever, this Flag Day we should all proudly display Old Glory and rededicate ourselves to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and our first principles.

Hon. Michael Warren is an Oakland County Circuit Court Judge and co-founder of Patriot Week (www.PatriotWeek.org) with his then 10 year old daughter Leah.

Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2020/06/14/opinion-flag-day-honors-freedom-and-equality/5341036002/

Follow this link:

Opinion: Flag Day rooted in freedom and equality - The Detroit News

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Opinion: Flag Day rooted in freedom and equality – The Detroit News

Opinion: The birth of our nation – we must protect the freedom we have – centraljersey.com

Posted: at 11:50 am

In Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, the delegates to the Second Continental Congress ratified a declaration of the delegates called the Declaration of Independence.

The purpose of this declaration was to set forth the grievances the colonies had against the king and crown in their governance of the colonies. Among other things, the delegates notified the king that they wanted to dissolve the political bonds that connected the colonies to England and to become a free and independent nation. This missive was sent to the king. Naturally, he wasnt going to yield to its demands.

The crown already had several garrisons of troopsstationed in the colonies. The kings reaction to the declaration was to send more troops to enforce his authority.

The American colonist was a stoic individual: part frontiersman, part farmer and part tradesman. He grew up taming a wilderness and making it into his home. A bunch of British in white wigs and fancy pants were not going to hijack his home. The colonies were a rich plum for the king and his Loyalists.They did not want to see this income producing land slip through their fingers.

The dynamics of the situation kept moving the sides towards armed confrontation. That day finally came on April 19,1775.

The British troops and members of the Massachusetts militia converged upon each other at a bridgecrossing a small creek in Concord, Massachusetts. It is not known who fired the first shot. It was fired and the war for American independence began. In the beginning, the Colonial Army had no leadership, no money and no cannons.

George Washington was a surveyor and planter from Virginia. He was an officer in the Virginia militia and had served under the British in the French and Indian War. At that time the Commonwealth of Virginia extended to the frontier, the Ohio Valley. The Continental Congress hired him as the commander of the Colonial forces. Almost immediately, Commander Washington began turning his rag tag Army into soldiers.

Commander Washington knew and under stood the British tactics and discipline of battle. He also knew thetactics of the Indian nations. He was able to combine the best features of each into an American combat form: guerilla warfare.

Being people from the land, the Colonial soldier was easily able to adapt to Washingtons style. Attacking from behind rock walls, trees and buildings, the Colonials took out the officers leading the British battle march and caused disarray among their troops. With their discipline compromised, the Colonials could rout the British battle formations.

Myth has George Washington sleeping in many places during his tenure of command. The myths may be more fact than fiction, since the British had a price on his head, and labeled him a traitor. Washington had to avoid capture at all costs. He had to frequently change his location to prevent the opportunity for the British to capture him.

The methods of battle introduced by Washington unnerved the British command so much so that eventually Lord Cornwallis moved the British operations south to the Yorktown Peninsula. This move would eventually prove fatal for the British. The crown had not endeared themselves to the other European Heads during this time. As a result, some of the crowns of Europe had given token support to Washington and his Colonials. The French in particular gave naval support off the Yorktown peninsula. The Colonial land operations gradually pushed the British towards the sea. At some point, Lord Cornwallis realized the futility of the British cause and loaded his troops aboard ships bound for England.

The land battles in the Colonies was over. Of course the British would come back for a second bite at the apple in 1812. A stronger and more organized United States of America would turn them back again.

The diplomatic war for independence would take place in Paris, France. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay would help authoring the 1783 Treaty of Paris. That treaty, which was ratified by the British Parliament, recognized the United States of American as a free and independent nation. There were many clauses in the Treaty dealing with many issues separating the U.S from England. But, the long and short of it is, the UnitedStates of America is a free and independent nation.

The ratification of that treaty was one of the smartest things the British Parliament would ever do. While there was some animosity at first, in later years the two nations would be staunch allies. We got their fat out of the fire a few times.

The days of George Washington and Ben Franklin are long gone. But, they have left us a priceless legacy. We are a free people with the right of self determination. But, we must remember, the loss of our freedom is only a generation away. We must be vigilant and ready to protect what we have.

Richard A. Pender is the senior vice commander of American Legion Post 459 in North Brunswick. He writes the occasional column for Newspaper Media Group. He can be reached at rapender@netzero.net.

Continue reading here:

Opinion: The birth of our nation - we must protect the freedom we have - centraljersey.com

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Opinion: The birth of our nation – we must protect the freedom we have – centraljersey.com

Letter: The flag has not represented freedom and justice for all – Daily Record-News

Posted: at 11:50 am

Regarding a letter to the editor that you ran on June 9, 2020: I, too have relatives who served in WWII, including a cousin who was killed in France. Yes, they were fighting for our flag and our freedom. But, many black men served, too, and how much freedom did they get?

It wasn't until 1964 that the Civil Rights Act was passed and that certainly didn't solve all the problems. My relatives came back to the Kittitas Valley and lived a good life of peace, freedom, and opportunity. Most black men went back to the Jim Crow South, or to the North where discrimination was still rampant in many places. Why wouldn't they and their offspring and their offspring's offspring doubt that the flag meant freedom for them? Our salute to the flag says, "With freedom and justice for all." Why shouldn't they protest to make the flag salute ring true?

Colin Kaepernick should be admired for putting his money where his mouth is. He sacrificed a lot to kneel that day. As for the small percentage of blacks who make millions of dollars, they make that because the American people are willing to pay for it. And because they do, does that mean all the rest of black citizens should just keep quiet and not protest anything?

As to the marriage vows, I've been married for 63 years (to the same man, by the way). I am living my life in the way that is best for me and doesn't do harm to anyone else. Everyone should have the freedom to do that without condemnation from people who choose to live a different way. Maybe I don't understand the Bible because I don't hold it upside down!

My ancestor's helped build America, too, and I don't perceive trying to make it a better place as tearing it down.

Read more here:

Letter: The flag has not represented freedom and justice for all - Daily Record-News

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Letter: The flag has not represented freedom and justice for all – Daily Record-News

Time isn’t on the side of a frustrated lover in ‘Hill of Freedom’ – Madison.com

Posted: at 11:50 am

Sign Up Today and Support Local Journalism

Enjoy more articles from Madison's Most Trusted Information Source. Subscribers can log in for unlimited digital access

A Japanese man (Ryo Kase, right) meets a coffee shop owner (Moon So-ri, left) while searching for a woman in South Korea in "Hill of Freedom."

Mori (Ryo Kase) is a Japanese man who walks around a town in South Korea carrying a book about time. The barista at the coffee shop he frequents keeps telling him, Tell me about it later.

Thats a droll joke, because there is no later, or earlier, in Hong Sang-soos Hill of Freedom. In telling Moris adventures, Hong has chosen to jumble up the chronology of the scenes in the film. So we see Mori go to bed with the friendly coffee server (Moon So-ri), and then later, she casually flirts with him over a slice of chocolate cake as if they had just met.

Hill of Freedom was filmed in 2014, but Hong has released so many films lately that its finally now making it to America. The UW Cinematheque is screening the film as part of a Virtual Cinema series, and is giving away a limited number of free screening links to viewers who email HILL to info@cinema.wisc.edu.

Mori has come to South Korea with a purpose. Hes trying to reunite with a Japanese woman Kwon (Seo Young-hwa), with whom he previously had a relationship, or at least a deep friendship. He has an address but no phone number for her, so his plan is to show up, uninvited and unannounced, in her town and try to track her down.

Bad plan. Hill of Freedom follows Mori as he fruitlessly wanders the streets trying to find Kwon, who he keeps just missing. While hes wandering around, he has that romance with the coffee shop owner (the shop is called Hill of Freedom) and chats with the pushy nephew of the owner of the B&B hes staying at.

See more here:

Time isn't on the side of a frustrated lover in 'Hill of Freedom' - Madison.com

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Time isn’t on the side of a frustrated lover in ‘Hill of Freedom’ – Madison.com

Adorable & AdoptablePets of the Week: Freedom, Sassy, & Al – SweetwaterNOW.com

Posted: at 11:50 am

This weeks four-legged friends are at Red Desert Humane Society. Stop by and meet them today!

Freedom

Hi there! Im Freedom, a two-year-old female cat. I have a lot of personality! I have a spunky attitude which makes me a lot of fun. I would prefer a home with no dogs, but I might not mind another cat. Female. If youre looking for a sweet and lively cat to fill your days with more joy, Im your girl!

Sassy

Advertisement - Story continues below...

Hey! Im Sassy, a two-year-old female cat. Contrary to my name, Im a sweetheart. Im very friendly and I love both giving and receiving love and attention. I even give love bites! And since Im so sweet, I get along well with other cats. I really cant wait to meet you!

Al

Hello! Im Al, a one-year-old male cat. Im a little shy, but Im a very sweet boy. I just need a bit of time to warm up and well be the best of friends! Im not sure how I feel about dogs yet, but I like other cats and get along with them quite well. Im already excited to make myself at home with my new family!

Adorable & Adoptable Pets of the Week is made possible by our great sponsors at Mountainaire Animal Clinic, your go-to place for all of your pet health, care and accessory needs.

*Did our post help you find your best friend?Let the Mountainaire staff know and receive a FREE office visit with your adoption!

Paid Advertisement This post was paid for by the business or individual represented above. We reserve the right to remove any comments. If youd like to advertise your business in a future promotion similar to this, call our Advertising Team at 307-922-0700 or send us a message.

Here is the original post:

Adorable & AdoptablePets of the Week: Freedom, Sassy, & Al - SweetwaterNOW.com

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Adorable & AdoptablePets of the Week: Freedom, Sassy, & Al – SweetwaterNOW.com

Freedom is the cure for America’s condition today – LaGrange Daily News – LaGrange Daily News

Posted: at 11:50 am

I

snt America weary? It seems most of us are overcome from news regarding heartbreaking stories of racism and a virus, both of which seem to not be easy to cure.

Doesnt Christmas 2019 seem as if it were a 100 years ago? Today I wish I could return to the holidays to feel a family hug, or hear the carols sung in church, or be exhausted from baking cookies instead of handling this type of fatigue. It is funny how we genuinely dont appreciate things until they become unattainable.

We are all weary from COVID-19 and witnessing heart-wrenching acts of bigotry and violence. America is one big ole mess of illness and emotion. As I type, I notice my American flag waving in the breeze out my office window. The brightness of the red, white, and blue seems as if it is trying desperately to lift my spirits and remind me of what she has been through while flying for years over my country.

She has survived some nastiness in her day. She watched as folks died when fevers, viruses, and other illnesses swept her land. She held herself low when Presidents were assassinated, and soldiers fell at her feet while proudly hoisting her. She witnessed slavery come to her shores and waved triumphantly when it sailed away. She was tattered and split when civil war spilled the blood of her people over her grounds. She has viewed her citizens economy flourish and fall. Yet, she still flies eloquently above our land, reminding us, she has seen it all. She seems to never get weary from waving back and forth, seeking to breathe hope and spirit again into her America.

There is something about our country that pulls us from our days of darkness and encourages us not to succumb to the evil that attempts to penetrate our soil. The cure for America is always our freedom.

Freedom to pursue cures for the sick and vaccines for the future. Freedom to cast our votes and eyes upon new leadership. Freedom to rebuild with the power of our own hands, and freedom to worship so that we understand we must love all Gods people. We have the freedom to walk our streets in protest, to wave our banners, and to espouse our beliefs. We must maintain our freedom of the press to keep us informed, and finally, we have the freedom to change.

We can unify our land if our flag reminds us that we are one color through Gods eyes and hers. Because we are Americans, we can shape who we are by listening, serving, and are willing to reconstruct our thoughts, hearts, and actions. We have worked hard before, we know sacrifice, and we will come up with solutions to make our old glory become a glorious new symbol for us all.

Our citizens are weary, but we are the problem-solvers of the world. We need to get our self-indulgent, spoiled silly selves off the couch, get to work, and quit complaining. From every corner of this land, from that old sea to shining sea, we need to rise as one nation, under God, as it was intended.

We must never believe that we are Republican or Democrat before we are American. We must understand that our flag represents equality for every American. If we allow ourselves to continue the polarization of our United States, we might as well take the flag down, fold it up, and put it away. At that point, America, as we know it, will be gone. This is the time to gather ourselves in our weariness and win the battle over division, intolerance, and injustice.

We can be better, achieve more, and have another Christmas with hugs and cookies. However, each American citizen should provide a monumental effort to put our lives in order and care enough for each other to do the Godly right things to ensure that occurs.

My mind returns to history and the soldiers of all colors who fought and died valiantly to defend our freedom. My ears still ring with the words of Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address. My heart continues to weep for those whose remains rest on other shores instead of their homeland. They gave all they could to keep us safe and allow liberty and equality to prosper. We must do the same, so their sacrifices are not in vain. Even though we are tired, we must rise to become the embodiment of what living under the waving American flag means. It means our freedom.

That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth. President Abraham Lincoln

Read this article:

Freedom is the cure for America's condition today - LaGrange Daily News - LaGrange Daily News

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Freedom is the cure for America’s condition today – LaGrange Daily News – LaGrange Daily News

The African slave who found freedom and fame in Cornwall – Cornwall Live

Posted: at 11:50 am

Britain's history of slavery and colonialism has become a national talking point following the Black Lives Matter protests and the toppling of Edward Colston's statue in Bristol.

Truro was once a bustling port and destination for slave ships. It was in the city that one African slave found freedom and nationwide fame after he was unceremoniously dumped in nearby Falmouth by a British admiral.

The story of Joseph Antonio Emidy has now become a modern legend thanks to a successful play and a commemoration at Truro Cathedral.

Slavery took him from Guinea to Brazil, to Portugal and the Lisbon Opera, before being abandoned in Falmouth and becoming Cornwalls top violinist and the leader of Truro Philharmonic Society.

Emidy was born in West Africa in 1775 and spent his early years in slavery in Brazil after being captured on the Guinea Coast as a child by the Portuguese.

It is believed his slave master taught him how to play the fiddle, which changed his life.

His talents led to him being taken to Portugal, where he was soon playing violin with the Lisbon Opera Orchestra. But his freedom was short-lived when British Admiral Sir Edward Pellew heard Emidy play, he was so impressed he had him kidnapped to play aboard his ship, the Indefatigable, and kept him in slavery for seven years before dumping him in Falmouth.

However, Emidy made the most of his new situation, settling in the port and making a living by teaching, performing and composing. He eventually became the leader of Truro Philharmonic Orchestra after marrying a Falmouth girl and starting a family.

During his 30 years in Cornwall he was by far the best known composer, violinist and teacher in the region. It is known that some of his music was taken to London by Cornish-born anti-slavery activist James Silk Buckingham and given a hearing by music critics.

However, while many were impressed by the work, Buckingham was advised that Emidy should remain outside capitals music circles because of his colour and background.

Londons loss and racism was Cornwalls gain, and as well as work in Truro and Falmouth, he had connections with Helston, Lostwithiel and Bodmin.

His advertisement in the West Briton of December 1820 gives some indication of the nature of his work in an area where travel was not easy. It read: Violin, Tenor, Bass-Viol, Guitar, and Spanish Guitar taught, balls and assemblies attended, harps tuned and piano-fortes buffed, regulated and tuned.

Music historian Jon Rose said: Various artefacts, including concert advertisements, press reviews and his gravestone in Truro, attest to the existence of Joseph Emidy but not a note from his scores has ever been discovered.

While his music symphonies and concertos may have perished, his genes live on.

His grandchildren emigrated to the USA, where their children and childrens children were involved in The Howes Great London Circus and Sangers English Menagerie of Trained Animals.

Many of his descendants have become musicians, including acclaimed free jazzer and champion of Indian rights, Mixashawn Rozie.

Joseph died in 1835 and is buried in Kenwyn churchyard in Truro.

His obituary in the West Briton read: His talents as a musician were of the first order and he was enthusiastically devoted to the science.

"His talents may be said to have ranked under the first order while his enthusiastic devotedness to the science has rarely been exceeded.

"As an orchestral composer his sinfonias may be mentioned as evincing not only deep musical research, but also those flights of genius which induce regret that his talents were not called into action in a more genial sphere than that in which he has moved.

However, the legend of Emidy appears to be immortal. In 2008 Cornish theatre company BishBashBosh Productions toured excellent play The Tin Violin about his life.

Written by celebrated Cornish playwright Alan M Kent, the play starred Mbuguah Goro and was a hit with audiences in the region.

It returned in a revised version in 2012, this time starring Oraine Johnson as Emidy and directed by Cornish actor Dean Nolan.

Music expert Gareth Henderson has said of Emidys music: It must be that somewhere Emidys music exists. He distributed music around the musical societies, some of it was sent to London to the great impresario Johann Salomon. It must have been distributed.

People may have some stuff in their attic, there might be some loft of a town hall or assembly hall that has got some music in there and it could be that they have got some music of Emidys. It could be in the Westcountry.

"He would have played and written a great deal. There are lots of reports of a new symposia by Mr Emidy, so where the hell is it?

Emidy could, says Mr Henderson, have established himself in London, but he had perhaps become too attached to Cornwall to want to uproot himself.

There is something about the independent spirit of Cornwall that must have absorbed him. Somebody of Emidys versatility he played for the sailors on the ship and he had lived in Brazil must have been a captivating and fascinating person in whose company to be."

TuroLive is an exciting new digital title from Reach PLC dedicated to providing up-to-the minute coverage of the latest events and news from the Duchy's capital. A spin off of CornwallLive, its your companion to life in Cornwall's city, bringing you the best Truro has to offer.

Whether you live in the city, commute in for work or visit occasionally, youll find out everything you need to know about your area. Were a one-stop shop for the best in Truro, and were always here to help you decide where to go to spend your hard-earned cash, showcase the best bars and restaurants, help you entertain the kids and let you know about the latest exciting events.

Were a hub for everything Truro. Our team of journalists live in the city and are always on hand to provide new angles and fresh perspectives, and we want to hear from you.

If you have any feedback, tips or suggestions - or simply want to make your opinion heard- please send us a DM and well get back to you ASAP. In short, were here to start conversations, get you talking and connect you to the people and issues in the best place to live in the UK. Get involved in the conversation.

Like our TruroLive Facebook page by clicking here clicking here

Follow us on Twitter by clicking here clicking here

We also have a dedicated Truro Live newsletter that lets you receive the latest news direct to your email inbox. You can sign up for it here.

Mr Henderson added: He found a security in the Westcountry, a group of friends and a livelihood, and he didnt want to upset that, so he was never tempted away to the bright lights of London.

The life and work of the African violinist was permanently commemorated in Truro Cathedral in 2015. Emidy was the subject of a new architectural boss which was carved with a violin and a map of Africa by Peter Boex, of Wendron.

The Joseph Emidy boss, in the ceiling of St Marys Aisle, was officially dedicated during an evensong at the cathedral. The service featured Truro Cathedral Choir and music performed on the kora, a stringed instrument from West Africa.

Almost 200 years since his death, the legend of the remarkable Joseph Emidy refuses to die.

Excerpt from:

The African slave who found freedom and fame in Cornwall - Cornwall Live

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on The African slave who found freedom and fame in Cornwall – Cornwall Live

Wellness Experience Freedom at the Mat Launches Online with ANEW Digital Network to Help Women Combat Stress & Anxiety – PR.com

Posted: at 11:49 am

New wellness video series available online to help women relieve stress & anxiety.

COVID-19 left millions stressed and uncertain of their futures. The police killing of George Floyd left America battling heightened racial tensions. And quarantine lockdown disrupted normal routines to tackle stress, leaving many ill-equipped to combat anxiety, sadness & frustration from the confines of their homes. Freedom At The Mat, a New York City-based, class experience for women only, partners with ANEW Network to offer support during these trying times and beyond. ANEW is a digitally native media platform that offers lifestyle programming for contemporary women of color to engage, share, and be entertained by content reflecting the fullness of their lives.

Since 2017, Freedom At The Mats in-person classes have attracted women ages 25-54 desiring wellness beyond physical aspects. Through the strategic combination of mental, physical, and spiritual practices into under 10-minute mindfulness, journaling & affirmation sessions & under 30-minute full-length integrated wellness videos including yoga asana, Freedom At The Mat Online makes self-care more readily accessible to women globally. Classes are themed, and include a thought-provoking reading, mindfulness, journal prompt, yoga asana and a verbal affirmation.

Wellness is critically important now more than ever to women of color, especially with how COVID-19 hit the African American community. COVID-19 coupled with racial tensions have left many feeling as if they have no outlet. Adding Freedom At The Mat to our programming roster is our way of inviting women of all ages, ethnicities, shapes and beliefs to integrate wellness into their lives from the comfort of their homes, with a trusted and relatable teacher Olivia, says ANEW President and Founder Lynne McDaniel.

Wellness is more than physical. It involves mind, body & spirit. We proclaim the mat as a symbolic destination for women to ground themselves, reconnect with their inner divine and life purpose. Were humbled and excited to be a vehicle to transform more womens lives through our ANEW Network relationship and YouTube, says Olivia Scott, Creator of Freedom At The Mat.

Scott is a 25-year marketing executive - including Carols Daughter CMO, NYU Adjunct Marketing Professor, and Founder of Omerge Alliances marketing consultancy, which leads wellness initiatives for clients such as ESSENCE Wellness House, BRWL and others. Yoga was a saving grace for Scott while climbing the corporate ladder, and she is now dedicated to making wellness more accessible to women as they seek life balance and calm.

Freedom At The Mat in-person classes are 75 minutes and featured at various womens conferences, churches, retreats, workplaces and nonprofit organizations. Virtual classes via Zoom are held on Sundays at 3 pm EST and with partners Dream Center Harlem & Project Peaceful Warriors.

Learn more at freedomathemat.com.

Freedom At The MatFreedom At The Mat is for women who need a moment. Live, virtual and pre-recorded classes are designed to comprehensively integrate multiple wellness modalities to maximize time and deliver self-care opportunities to time-starved women.

Original post:

Wellness Experience Freedom at the Mat Launches Online with ANEW Digital Network to Help Women Combat Stress & Anxiety - PR.com

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Wellness Experience Freedom at the Mat Launches Online with ANEW Digital Network to Help Women Combat Stress & Anxiety – PR.com

Letter to the editor: Looting, killing are not freedom of speech – Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Posted: at 11:49 am

Journal-Courier staff, dbauer@myjournalcourier.com

To the editor:

Terrorists are hiding in protest marches.

Protesters have their freedom of speech to march peacefully. Protesters dont steal, kill, loot or burn buildings down in their marches.

Terrorists kill, loot and burn buildings for their plans to destroy the republic of the United States of America.

These are people who hate the United States and U.S. President Donald Trump. They want to destroy our freedoms and the U.S. Constitution.

President Trump is right to use military to stop the killing. Looting, destroying, stealing is out of control.

The Democrat governors in the United States are standing down for the dirty political reasons for President Trump to lose the presidential election.

This is Bible prophecy being fulfilled and Jesus is knocking on the doors of the United States to return soon. Only Gods remnant will survive until Jesus returns.

George Culley

Pinckneyville

See more here:

Letter to the editor: Looting, killing are not freedom of speech - Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Posted in Freedom | Comments Off on Letter to the editor: Looting, killing are not freedom of speech – Jacksonville Journal-Courier