Thou

Grant us understanding

Guide us

Protect us

Provide for us

Peace be with you

Mother us

The Lord is with thee

Strengthen us

Amen

The Cavities that Hold Our Parts

 The body’s cavities. 

Dontal me it’s all connected. 

Baby skin soft.  

Umbilical Cord Clip

That animal tale.

National Enquirer says it's happened. 

Surgically remove tail. 

Lab Images

View from space. 

Far as microscope can see. 

Is planet Earth.  

Motor Neurons Haiku

The squishy brain. 

Those dragon fruit motor neurons. 

Transmitting bossy instructions.  

Transverse Tree Trunk

 Tree of bones. 

Human bones made of these. 

Tree trunk bones.

BHS Chorus How Like a Winter

"Shakespeare’s famous line from Sonnet 18:

"Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature’s changing course untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade…"

Earlier in the same sonnet, he asks:

"Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?" — and in contrast, winter in Shakespeare often symbolizes barrenness, aging, or hardship.

If you mean “How like a winter hath my absence been”, that’s actually from Sonnet 97, where Shakespeare writes:

"How like a winter hath my absence been
From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!"

Here, he’s saying that being apart from the person he loves feels as bleak, empty, and lifeless as winter, even if the actual season is summer or autumn. It’s about the emotional “winter” inside him." - Chat GPT

Illumina Oculos Meos

"Latin (Psalm 12:4 in the Vulgate / Psalm 13:3 in many English Bibles)

Respice, et exaudi me, Domine Deus meus; illumina oculos meos, ne unquam obdormiam in morte.

---

Literal English Translation

Look upon me and hear me, O Lord my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I ever sleep in death.

"Illumina oculos meos" is Latin for "Enlighten my eyes" or "Light up my eyes".

It’s a phrase that appears in the Vulgate (Latin Bible), specifically in Psalm 12:4 (which corresponds to Psalm 13:3 in many English versions):

Illumina oculos meos, ne umquam obdormiam in morte.
“Enlighten my eyes, lest I ever sleep in death.”

Here, “illumina” comes from illuminare — “to illuminate, to light up, to make bright.” It’s metaphorical for granting understanding, hope, or vitality.

In this psalm, the speaker feels abandoned by God and is crying out for help. The request to “enlighten my eyes” carries multiple layers:

1. Physical Restoration – In the ancient Hebrew sense, “eyes” are tied to vitality. Dim or closing eyes symbolized life fading away. Asking for them to be “enlightened” is a plea for renewed strength.

2. Spiritual Illumination – It’s also about insight and clarity. To “light up” one’s eyes means to receive divine understanding — to see truth instead of stumbling in darkness.

3. Emotional Reviving – On a poetic level, the line is a cry for hope. Darkness in the eyes reflects despair; light represents joy and renewed purpose.

---

Poetic Parallels

Shakespeare often used similar imagery — the eyes as windows to the soul, reflecting life or love.
For example, in Sonnet 43:

“When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see…”

In both the psalm and Shakespeare’s sonnets, the eyes are not just organs of sight — they’re mirrors of the heart, indicators of inner light or darkness." - Chat GPT

Hanerot Halalu

""Hanerot Halalu" (הנרות הללו) is Hebrew for "These candles" (or more precisely, "These lights").

It’s the name of a short prayer/song traditionally recited right after lighting the Hanukkah candles.

---

Text (in Hebrew & Transliteration)

הנרות הללו אנו מדליקין על הנסים ועל הנפלאות ועל התשועות ועל המלחמות שעשית לאבותינו בימים ההם בזמן הזה...

Hanerot halalu anu madlikin al hanisim ve’al hanifla’ot ve’al hateshu’ot ve’al hamilchamot she’asita la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh…

---

English Translation (opening lines)

These lights we kindle for the miracles, for the wonders, for the salvations, and for the battles that You performed for our ancestors in those days, at this season…

---

Purpose & Meaning

• It’s a declaration of why we light the Hanukkah candles — not for personal use, but to publicize the miracle of the Maccabean victory and the oil that lasted eight days.

• It emphasizes gratitude and remembrance of God’s interventions “then” and “now.”

• Traditionally sung or recited after the blessings over the candles, while watching the lights burn." - Chat GPT

🇿🇦 South Africa – “Unity in Diversity”

 Foundational Document: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996)

🌟 Core Principles & Rights

Adopted after the fall of apartheid, South Africa’s 1996 Constitution is a visionary charter for democracy, human rights, and social justice. It’s considered one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.

Key constitutional rights include:

• Right to equality and protection from discrimination

• Right to life, dignity, and freedom from violence

• Right to housing, healthcare, food, water, and education

• Freedom of religion, expression, and political participation

• Labor rights, including fair working conditions and collective bargaining

• Recognition of cultural, religious, and linguistic communities

The Constitution is underpinned by values of human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, and accountability in governance.

📝 Why This Matters

South Africa’s Constitution demonstrates the power of rebuilding a nation through hope, law, and shared humanity. Anchored in the philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—it challenges us to see justice not as a privilege, but as a right. It’s a living blueprint for healing, reconciliation, and unity through diversity. 

“We, the people of South Africa… believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.”
– Preamble, Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996)

“I am because we are.”
– Ubuntu proverb

- Chat GPT

🇫🇷 France – “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”

 Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: The Heartbeat of France

“Men are born and remain free and equal in rights.”

– Article 1, Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789)

France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, born from the flames of the French Revolution in 1789, forever changed the world’s understanding of human rights. Rooted in Enlightenment ideals, this document declared that freedom, equality, and the power of the people are not luxuries—but natural rights.

Its three guiding principles—Liberty, Equality, Fraternity—still serve as the French Republic’s national motto today. These values continue to echo across classrooms, courtrooms, and communities, reminding us that democracy is a living conversation between past, present, and future.

As educators, leaders, and neighbors, we can carry these ideals into our daily work. Liberty is found in every child who finds their voice. Equality is in every classroom built on inclusion. Fraternity is in the way we show up—for each other—every day.

France reminds us: when the people rise together for justice, history listens.

- Chat GPT

🇨🇾 Cyprus – “Unity Through Diversity and Fundamental Freedoms”

 Foundational Document: Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus (1960, with key amendments)

🌟 Core Principles & Rights
The Constitution of Cyprus is rooted in equality, freedom, and peaceful coexistence between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. It recognizes human dignity as essential to national identity and legal order.

Key constitutional rights include:

• Freedom of speech, religion, thought, and conscience

• Right to education and free compulsory primary schooling

• Equal protection under the law regardless of ethnic or religious background

• Right to property and protection against arbitrary deprivation

• Freedom of assembly and association

The Constitution also enshrines separation of powers, with an independent judiciary ensuring constitutional integrity.

📝 Why This Matters
Born from a vision of shared governance, Cyprus’s Constitution embraces the challenge of unity within diversity. Though political tensions have shaped its history, its legal foundation promotes a vision of coexistence, civil liberty, and fundamental human rights — reminding us that peace begins with equal dignity under the law.

- Chat GPT

🇨🇿 Czech Republic – “Freedom, Justice, and Human Rights”

 Foundational Document: Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (1993, part of the Czech Constitution)

🌟 Core Principles & Rights
Emerging from the peaceful Velvet Revolution, the Czech Republic's Charter celebrates freedom, democracy, and human dignity. It recognizes the individual as the bearer of rights and the state as the protector of those rights.

Fundamental protections include:

• Freedom of expression, religion, assembly, and movement

• Right to education and academic freedom

• Freedom of enterprise and the right to own property

• Right to family life, privacy, and personal autonomy

• Right to judicial protection and due process under the law

The Charter bans capital punishment, prohibits torture, and defends the rights of minorities, persons with disabilities, and those in vulnerable positions.

📝 Why This Matters
The Czech Republic’s commitment to nonviolence, personal freedom, and human dignity reflects its post-communist rebirth. Its Charter enshrines a people-first vision of governance — where justice is not a privilege, but a guaranteed right. In a world still learning how to protect human liberty, the Czech model offers a courageous and hopeful blueprint. - Chat GPT

"Hope with Feathers"

"“Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all...”

— Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson's words have a quiet way of landing right in the center of your heart. In just four lines, she offers us one of the most profound and comforting definitions of hope — not as something loud or obvious, but as something delicate, persistent, and deeply rooted in the human soul.

The central metaphor in this poem is that hope is a bird — “the thing with feathers.” It suggests that hope can fly with wings of its own, carried through dreams and aspirations. It lives in our soul — that space beyond the physical, where we hold our desires, emotions, and silent prayers. Even when we don’t have the words for it, hope still sings.

This metaphor relates hope to the soul — a place where reality doesn't always follow rules, but where truth often lives. The soul doesn’t need proof. It just needs faith. And hope, Dickinson reminds us, doesn’t cease to exist. It travels with us, gently, beautifully, always.

Her figurative language invites us to imagine an actual bird, carrying hope somewhere deep within us — a companion in hardship and in joy. A bird that longs to fly freely in the skies of our wishes. Hope is beautiful like a song without words. And in the final line, Dickinson affirms: it never stops at all.

In a world that can sometimes feel heavy or uncertain, this poem reminds us that hope is not loud or flashy — it’s soft, constant, and always there. It doesn’t demand our attention, but it’s ready to lift us the moment we notice it.

May we each pause long enough today to hear that silent, wordless song — and remember that hope is perched within us, feathered and free." - Chat GPT

🇭🇷 Croatia – “Freedom, Equality, and National Identity”

 

🇭🇷 Croatia – “Freedom, Equality, and National Identity”

Foundational Document: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia (1990, consolidated through 2010)

🌟 Core Principles & Rights
Croatia’s Constitution begins with a celebration of its independence, democratic values, and dedication to freedom, equality, and the rule of law. It recognizes human dignity as the foundation of all rights.

The Constitution guarantees:

• Freedom of conscience, religion, and expression

• Equality before the law, regardless of race, gender, language, or social background

• Protection of personal liberty, with explicit safeguards against unlawful detention

Citizens enjoy strong political rights:

• Universal suffrage

• Freedom of association and peaceful protest

• Participation in public affairs through elected representation

Social rights are also protected:

• Right to education at all levels

• Right to work, fair wages, and social security

• Special protection for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities

📝 Why This Matters
Croatia’s Constitution reflects a careful balance between national identity and universal human rights. It envisions a society where liberty and equality are inseparable, and where the state has a clear duty to protect the dignity of every individual. In a region once marked by conflict, Croatia’s foundational values prioritize healing through justice, tolerance, and civic participation.

- Chat GPT

🇨🇺 Cuba – “Dignity, Sovereignty, and Social Solidarity”

 🇨🇺 Cuba – “Dignity, Sovereignty, and Social Solidarity”

Foundational Document: Constitution of the Republic of Cuba (2019)

🌟 Core Principles & Rights
Cuba’s most recent Constitution builds on the legacy of its revolutionary history, emphasizing national sovereignty, dignity, and socialist values. It defines the state as secular, democratic, and socialist, committed to social justice and human solidarity.

Key rights include:

• Right to equality and nondiscrimination, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation

• Freedom of expression, conscience, and religion (within constitutional boundaries)

• Right to health, education, culture, sports, and scientific development

• Guarantee of work, with state-supported employment as a civic duty

It also includes:

• Recognition of private property and cooperatives alongside socialist ownership

• Environmental protection as a constitutional obligation

• Protection for children, families, and the elderly

📝 Why This Matters
Cuba’s constitutional values reflect a blend of collective responsibility and state-led social equity. While political freedoms are framed within socialist structures, the Constitution underscores a national commitment to universal education, healthcare, and cultural identity. It champions dignity not just as an individual right—but as a shared responsibility among citizens.

- Chat GPT

How to Get Your Brain to Focus | Chris Bailey | TEDxManchester

🇭🇳 Honduras – “Human Dignity and the Law of Justice”

 Foundational Document: Political Constitution of Honduras (1982, updated through 2013)

🌟 Core Principles & Rights

• The Constitution enshrines the right to life, forbids the death penalty, and safeguards personal freedom and inalienable dignity oas.org+7constituteproject.org+7constituteproject.org+7.

• Every person’s mental and physical integrity is protected; torture and cruel punishment are prohibited constituteproject.org+1constituteproject.org+1.

• Citizens are free to act as long as they do not harm others; no one is obliged to do what law doesn’t require constituteproject.org+2constituteproject.org+2constitutions.unwomen.org+2.

• Legal rights include:

  • Habeas corpus protections

  • Presumption of innocence

  • Right to counsel

  • Restrictions on arbitrary detention .

• Citizens also have political rights—voting, running for office, forming political parties—and duties like civic defense of the nation constitutionnet.org+1faolex.fao.org+1.

• Children’s rights, public education, secular schools, and social welfare supports are constitutionally guaranteed constitutionnet.org+15constituteproject.org+15constitutionnet.org+15.

📝 Why This Matters

Honduras enshrines a robust vision of legal justice and civil protection. While its real-world application has faced political challenges over time, its constitutional foundation champions human dignity, rule of law, and collective responsibility—placing social justice and equality at its core.

🇧🇿 Belize – “Rights in the Canopy of Democracy”

 Foundational Document: The Constitution of Belize (adopted 1981, amended through 2011)

🌟 Core Principles & Rights

• Belize’s Constitution declares itself the supreme law of the land oas.org+2constituteproject.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.

• It ensures fundamental rights and freedoms for every person—regardless of race, origin, political belief, gender, or creed .

• Rights include:

  • Life, liberty, security of the person, and legal protection

  • Freedom of movement, expression, assembly, and conscience

  • Privacy of home and family life

  • Protection from discrimination and arbitrary loss of property

  • Right to work and fair employment conditions ihl-databases.icrc.org+12oas.org+12constitution.org+12unesco.org+15law.cornell.edu+15constituteproject.org+15.

📝 Why This Matters

Belize roots its democracy in respect, equality, and dignity. Its Constitution blends civic freedom with social responsibility—ensuring personal rights while honoring others' freedoms and public interests. Especially meaningful: Belize’s courts have upheld indigenous land rights, recognizing Maya communities’ ancestral property as constitutionally protected oas.org+6law.arizona.edu+6constitutions.unwomen.org+6.

- Chat GPT 

🇬🇹 Guatemala — “Identity, Culture, and Rights in a Diverse Society”

 The 1985 Guatemalan Constitution (modernized over time) affirms:

• All people are free and equal in dignity and rights, regardless of gender or status corteidh.or.cr+15globalhealthrights.org+15constituteproject.org+15.

• The state must protect family, adoption, disability, and food security as national priorities constituteproject.org+1faolex.fao.org+1.

• Guatemala recognizes intercultural and bilingual education, safeguarding indigenous language, customs, and cultural identity in public systems en.wikipedia.org+2constituteproject.org+2faolex.fao.org+2.

• Cultural heritage—from archaeological sites to oral traditions—receives protection under national law docs.un.org+15constituteproject.org+15faolex.fao.org+15.

• Workers’ rights and fair remuneration are legally supported in the interest of social justice worldpolicycenter.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1.

While the constitution aims to elevate rights and plural identity, real-world politics remain challenged by instability, corruption, and ongoing debates over democratic norms reuters.com+1theguardian.com+1.

💡 Takeaway: Guatemala’s charter reflects a deep commitment to cultural inclusion and social welfare. It recognizes identity, equity, and memory—even as the country continues striving toward full democratic expression.

- Chat GPT

🇨🇷 Costa Rica — “Democracy Rooted in Peace and Ecology”

 Founded on its 1949 constitution (with revisions through 2020), Costa Rica declares itself a democratic, free, and independent republic. state.gov+5constituteproject.org+5en.wikipedia.org+5

Some standout principles include:

• Sovereignty resides with the nation—not a monarchy or political elite constituteproject.org.

• The country abolished its military, choosing instead to invest in education, health care, and democracy sites.uab.edu+6gulf-times.com+6theguardian.com+6.

• Costa Rica has constitutional safeguards for a healthy, ecologically balanced environment—including the human right to drink clean water and live in a sustainable ecosystem sites.uab.edu+2faolex.fao.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.

• Citizens enjoy the right to peaceful assembly, petition for justice, and express political concerns freely globalhealthrights.org+15hrlibrary.umn.edu+15state.gov+15.

💡 Takeaway: Costa Rica stands as a beacon of peace and environmental guardianship. Its constitution shows that a country can value both civil liberty and ecological care, prioritizing people and planet over militarization.

- Chat GPT

🇷🇺 Russia — "Sovereignty, Rights, and Complex Legacy"

 Foundational Documents:

• Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian SFSR (1990) – celebrated today as Russia Day

• Constitution of the Russian Federation (1993, revised in 2020)

Core Values & Provisions:

• Sovereignty and equality:
  Declares the sovereignty of the Russian republics, separation of powers, and equality before the law en.wikipedia.org+4equalnationalityrights.org+4freedomhouse.org+4en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2wilsoncenter.org+2

• Civil and political rights:
  Guarantees freedoms of movement, religion, association, speech, assembly, participation in government, the right to petition, and property ownership humanrts.umn.edu+8archive.government.ru+8rimap.unhcr.org+8constituteproject.org

• Social and economic rights:
  Promises employment rights, minimum wage, healthcare, safe environments, housing, and free education from preschool through higher education state.gov+15constituteproject.org+15constituteproject.org+15

• International law: Recognized as part of Russian law (though later amendments gave priority to the Russian Constitution over international courts) en.wikipedia.org+5wilsoncenter.org+5en.wikipedia.org+5

Takeaway:
Russia’s constitutional structure seeks to balance democratic ideals and social rights with strong state authority. While it outlines robust protections, real-world governance reveals tension between constitutional promises and political reality.

- Chat GPT

🌊 The Bahamas — "Rights Under Tropical Skies"

 Foundational Document: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (1973, revised later)

Key Principles & Rights:

• A constitutional parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, where the Constitution is the nation’s supreme law rimap.unhcr.org

• Fundamental human rights protected for every person, regardless of race, origin, gender, creed, or political opinion

• Guarantees include the right to life, protection from inhumane treatment, slavery, arbitrary arrest, and discrimination; as well as freedom of conscience, expression, assembly, and property en.wikipedia.org+2oas.org+2bahamas.gov.bs+2

Takeaway:
In The Bahamas, constitutional values are built on respect for every individual's dignity and choice. The focus is on protecting both privacy and political freedom under a democratic system rooted in equality.

- Chat GPT