NARA'S NOTEPAD: August 2024

Saturday, August 31, 2024

NARA'S NOTEPAD

VOLUME 21

SEPTEMBER 2024

NUMBER 9

NARA'S NOTEPAD

IS SPONSORED BY READERS LIKE YOU

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO WANT

C I N E M A

Cinema is a form of art that has captivated audiences for over a century. It is an art form that combines visual images, sound, and storytelling to create a unique and emotionally powerful experience. Cinema has the ability to transport viewers to different worlds, times, and places, and to evoke a wide range of emotions from joy and laughter to sadness and fear. This essay will explore the history of cinema and its impact on society.

The first public screening of a motion picture took place in Paris in 1895 by the Lumière brothers. The early films were short, silent, and often featured everyday scenes and simple narratives. However, the medium quickly became more sophisticated and complex with the introduction of sound, color, and special effects. By the 1930s, Hollywood had emerged as the dominant force in the industry, producing hundreds of films a year and exporting them around the world.

Cinema has played a significant role in shaping popular culture and society. Films have the power to influence and reflect the values, morals, and attitudes of a particular time or place. They can be used to critique or support political ideologies, provoke thought and discussion, and explore complex social issues. For example, films like "Do the Right Thing" by Spike Lee explored issues of race and police brutality, while "Juno" by Jason Reitman explored the themes of teen pregnancy and adoption.

Cinema has also acted as a vehicle for promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different countries and communities. The global success of films like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" by Ang Lee or "Slumdog Millionaire" by Danny Boyle has helped to break down cultural barriers and promote the sharing of ideas and experiences.

Beyond its cultural and social impact, cinema is also an important industry that generates billions of dollars in revenue and provides employment opportunities for millions of people worldwide. From the actors on the screen to the camera operators, writers, and technicians behind the scenes, cinema has been a source of sustainable employment for many people.

In conclusion, cinema is an art form that continues to captivate audiences around the world. It has the power to entertain, inform, and provoke, and provides a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. It remains an important industry that contributes to the economy and employment opportunities for people worldwide. As we look toward the future of cinema, we can expect to see new innovations and technologies that will continue to transform the industry and the way we experience films.

MUSIC AND HEALTH

Music can be used to improve our health by adopting the following:

Listen to music during exercise: Music can boost our motivation and performance during exercise. Create a playlist of upbeat music that inspire you, making workout sessions more enjoyable, and effective.
Use music to manage stress and anxiety: Listen to calming music to help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Create a playlist of relaxing music with slow rhythms and no lyrics, allowing the music to soothe you and lower stress levels.
Use music to enhance mood: Listening to uplifting songs can boost our mood, and promote a positive state of mind. Choose songs that evoke positive emotions, such as happiness, energy, or excitement.
Use music to improve memory: Listening to classical music, especially the works of Mozart, has been shown to enhance cognitive processes, such as memory and special reasoning. Consider playing classical music in the background while studying or working.
Participate in the music therapy: For individuals with certain medical conditions or disabilities, music therapy can be an effective form of treatment. Consult with a therapist or medical professions to determine if music therapy is an appropriate course of action.
Use music to improve sleep quality: Listening to calming music before bed time can help to calm the mind and promote better sleep. Consider creating a relaxing playlist to listen to before bedtime.

Music has a wide range of benefits on human health, and there are many ways to use it effectively. Whether it be using music as motivator during exercise, using it to manage stress and anxiety, or as a form of therapy, incorporating music into our daily lives has proven to be a simple yet effective way to improve overall health and well-being.

PLOGGING

Plogging is a fantastic combination of jogging and picking up litter. It started as an ecofriendly fitness trend and has gained popularity worldwide. People who plog carry a bag while jogging and pick up trash along their route, helping keep their communities clean while getting in a workout. It’s a simple yet effective way to contribute to environmental conservation and promote a healthier lifestyle.

THE FUTURE OF AIR TRAVEL

The air travel industry has seen unprecedented growth in the past decade. With rapid advancements in technology, the future of air travel looks exciting and promising. Some of the trends and innovations that are set to shape the future of air travel are listed below.

1. Electric Planes

Electric planes have been talked about for a while, and they could be the game-changer that the aviation industry has been looking for. Although electric planes are still in their early stages, there have been several successful tests. The most notable test was in 2019 when a modified six-seater plane made by the Slovenian company Pipistrelle successfully completed its first-ever fully electric commercial flight.

2. Supersonic Planes

Supersonic planes were last in operation in 2003 when the Concorde was retired. However, there have been some efforts towards resurrecting supersonic commercial travel. Companies like Boom Supersonic and Aerion are trying to bring supersonic travel back. Boom Supersonic is planning a fast supersonic jet that will cut the travel time from New York to London to three and a half hours.

3. Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Sustainable aviation fuel is becoming increasingly popular in the aviation industry. Sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable sources such as waste vegetable oil, agricultural waste, and municipal waste. Sustainable aviation fuel is expected to reduce carbon emissions and decarbonizes the aviation industry. Many airlines have started using sustainable aviation fuel in their planes, and it is expected that more airlines will adopt sustainable aviation fuel in the future.

4. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize the aviation industry. AI can be used for many tasks such as predicting maintenance issues, reducing flight delays, and increasing fuel efficiency. AI systems can also replace many human-operated systems, which can help reduce costs and increase safety.

5. Virtual Reality

Virtual reality could be a game-changer for the future of air travel. Virtual reality technology can create a more immersive travel experience, which can make long-haul flights more enjoyable. Airlines can also use virtual reality technology to train pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals.

6. Flying Cars

Flying cars may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, but they are becoming more a reality. Companies such as Terrafugia and AeroMobil are developing flying cars that could be on the market in the next few years. Flying cars could transform the way people travel and could help reduce traffic congestion on the ground.

In conclusion, the future of air travel looks bright. With electric planes, supersonic planes, sustainable aviation fuel, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and flying cars, the aviation industry is set to undergo massive changes in the coming years. Although some of these innovations are still in their early stages, they offer exciting opportunities that could help shape the future of air travel. With safety and sustainability as the top priorities, the aviation industry can continue to evolve and remain a vital part of the global transportation system.

TIPS TO PROTECT FROM SCAMS

1. Be aware of phishing scams: Phishing scams are fraudulent online attempts to steal sensitive information like user names, passwords, and credit card details. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious e-mails.

2. Use strong passwords: Strong passwords help to deter scammers from hacking into your accounts. Avoid using short, simple passwords that are easy to guess.

3. Keep your computer or software up-to-date: Software developers often release updates to fix vulnerabilities, so make sure you have the latest software installed on your computer.

4. Be careful with online transactions: Before entering your credit card details, ensure that the website is secure and trustworthy. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar, and check that the web address begins with “https” rather than “http.”

5. Use antivirus software: Antivirus software can help protect your computer from malware, which is malicious software designed to harm your computer or steal your information.

6. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or e-mails: Scammers may use the guise of official-looking e-mails or phone calls to trick you into giving them sensitive information. Always verify the authenticity of the source before sharing any information.

7. Trust your instinct: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use the promise of easy money, free gifts, or prizes to lure people into giving up their personal information. Be wary of any unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true.

TO QUOTE

Value your family and friends. They are the most important people in your life – Jimmy Carter

JUST TO LAUGH

Robert Mugabe, an unpopular dictator from an African nation, visited Israel with his top government officials. Unfortunately, he died during the visit. The Israelis offered to bury him in Israel for free, explaining that it will save money that can be used to help the poor people of his country. His entourage discussed the proposition, and declined the offer saying that they'd rather bring back the remains of Mugabe to their country. Puzzled, the Israelis asked why.

"We read in history that a famous man was crucified and buried in this land, and after 3 days he returned to life. We don't want to take that risk of burying our President here".

A man asks a farmer near the field, "Sorry sir, would you mind if I crossed your field instead of going around it? You see, I have to catch the 4:30 PM train." The farmer says, "Sure, go right ahead. And if my bull sees you, you'll even catch the 4 PM one."