Trouble in the High Seas
Hurricane Beryl, churning toward the Caribbean’s Windward Islands, has proven to be an unusual yet historic hurricane. According to the National Hurricane Center, Beryl is expected to land in the Windward Islands as an “extremely dangerous, Category 4 hurricane”, which is highly unusual for this early in the hurricane season.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with most hurricanes and major hurricanes peaking around September or August. Hot water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and low wind shear allowed Beryl to explode into a major hurricane in 48 hours with no sign of weakening. The 1st hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season and 1st major hurricane, Beryl is a warning sign for the remainder of the season. Residents in coastal areas need to stay updated with the latest hurricane forecast and plan for dangerous hurricanes because Beryl proves this might be one of the most active hurricane seasons. Never underestimate the power of a hurricane.
10Please respect copyright.PENANArJ00X7pGDd
Cats Have Emotions, Too
Just as dogs show affection toward human friends, cats, although primarily solitary animals share their own base of unique traits that tell their human friends they adore them.
A cat’s tail is the epicenter of their emotions. If cats feel comfortable around humans, they curl the tips of their tails, which stand straight like a pencil. Purring is a sure sign of affection, but cats also wrap their tails around someone’s neck, leg, or arm to indicate they trust them. Rubbing against someone or their owner’s bed or chair indicates trust and affection because that is how cats mark their territory. Therefore, if the animal welcomes someone to their pack, they show it through rubbing against them, their tails, and kneading, a practice they’ve held onto since kittenhood. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a cat’s emotions, there’s no doubt they have them. After all, emotions are the hidden treasures of any living being.
10Please respect copyright.PENANAMvVipcKJ83
Magic is Real? | The Wreck of the Titan
The most famous shipwreck, The Titanic, history includes not only the great loss of life after the “unsinkable ship” hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1912 but also a remarkable, mysterious book written fourteen years before the deadly shipwreck called The Wreck of the Titan.
In The Wreck of the Titan, a fictional British cruise ship called the Titan strikes an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean and sinks soon after, taking half the passengers with her. It follows the story of a former US Navy officer, John Rowland. The second half of the book features him trying to survive after the tragedy (Titanic Historical Society).
The similarities between the events are, in some ways, magical, and the novella challenges this. Both the Titan and Titanic glanced the iceberg, causing extensive damage, there weren’t enough lifeboats, and both ships were similar in size.
While readers credited Robertson for precognition, he denied it, leading scholars to credit the similarities to his extensive knowledge of maritime practices. Still, with such an unusual book, one will never look at the sinking of the Titanic the same ever again.
10Please respect copyright.PENANAG4SRxASjRB
Budgeting Made Easy
Budgeting—somebody hears that word and freezes. However, as one grows older and starts working and making a family, it becomes a lifesaver.
While budgeting at first may sound intimidating, with practice, it becomes easier. According to an article by Bev O’Shea and Lauren Schwahn, it takes only five steps to budget painlessly. The most important tip they recommend is dividing a budget between needs and wants through a method called a 50/30/20 budget plan (O’Shea, Schwahn). Prioritize needs over wants and take what’s left for wants, such as a new phone or game console. Needs include food, housing, insurance, and more. They account for 50% of the 50/30/20 budget.
Another example of budgeting efficiently is a retirement plan, meaning that sections of one’s paycheck go to a retirement plan or a savings account. The 50/30/20 method is relatively easy and allows for better commitment to needs, wants, and savings. It works for those who may not have a strong financial background and will allow someone not to get overwhelmed with saving money. Once one gets used to the 50/30/30 plan, budgeting becomes much easier.
10Please respect copyright.PENANAvJGb3dPtRH
Leap of Faith
Courage isn’t something people are born with; it’s a learned trait that like anything, takes practice to master. Sometimes, the best way to learn courage is to try something new. For example, if someone is shy and not comfortable around other people, forming a small friend group allows them to practice those hidden skills. Once they become comfortable with their friend group, they can branch out and meet other people. There is just as much good in the world as there is evil, which is something everyone needs to know.
Another example of a leap of faith is a job offer or anything outside one’s comfort zone. Everyone has room to grow, but the best way to accomplish this is to spread one’s wings and fly. A support group is well-needed in situations like this, especially if someone has never left the comfort of their hometown. It’s a good idea to have at least one best friend. Remember, a leap of faith doesn’t mean good or bad; it means that there are others in the same situation. When one takes that leap of faith, it leads to another path and another until finally, people find their courage.
10Please respect copyright.PENANAH51k4c59Kj
Words of the Week
- Ribald (adjective): Vulgar or indecent in speech
- Derisive (adjective): expressing contempt
- Sieve (noun): a basket made of a metal fine-mesh weave with an attached handle
- Lassitude (noun): weariness of body and mind
- Tautology (noun): repetition of an idea
ns 172.70.126.109da2