Monday, October 23, 2023

Family Tree Information and Other News.

  


There are new discoveries all of the time about my family tree. There is a woman on Ancestry.com called Lady Juanita Family 1 who has many people in her family tree that is related to my paternal family members. Here is a summary of these family members' stories. My 4th great grandparents were the couple of George Perkins I (b. 1815) and Esther Perkins (b. 1816). One of their children was my 3rd great grandaunt Easter Perkins (1840-1910). Her first husband was James Nottingham with the children of Leah Nottingham (1865-1936) and Lou Henry Nottingham (1872-1956). Her 2nd husband was George Kelly (b. 1830) with the following children of: Harriet Susan Kelley (1860-1927), John Kelly (b. 1873), George Kelly Jr. (1880), Daniel Kelly (b. 1883), Ethel Kelly (b. 1885), Bertha Perkins (b. 1887), and Lizzie Kelly. My 1st cousin Harriet Susan Kelley or the child of George Kelly and Easter Perkins married Jackson Satchel (b. 1845) on 1880. Their children are William Satchel (b. 1882), Annie Bailey (b. 1882), Teagle Satchel (1886-1939), Elmer H. Satchel (1887-1966), Basil Satchel (1891-1935), Marian Satchel (1892-1972), Lagsey Satchel (b. 1895), Andrew Phillips Satchel (1897-1957). Daisey Ellen Collins (1897-1975), Nobel Satchel (b. 1900), and David Satchel (1900-1985). Many members of this family migrated from Cape Charles, Virginia to New York City and other parts of the North. My 3rd cousin Bernice Satchell was married to George Washington Coles (1916-1985). The couple had children like Glaston Coles (1940-1940), George Coles Jr. (1938-2011), Marvin L. Coles (1941-2017), Joseph N. Coles (1943-1995), Robert Allen Coles (b 1947), and Gloria Marlena Coles (b. 1956). George Coles Jr. was a military veteran, and he had many children. One daughter of his is Parthenia G. Coles. Parthenia's grandparents from France were Edmar Adolphe Biver (1909-1998) and Catherine Maas (d. 2011). My 5th cousin Parthenia G. Coles married Fred L. Norfleet (b. 1950) and their children are my 5th cousins Carter Lee Norfleet (b. 1990) and Brittany G. Norfleet (b. 1993. She is married to Ryan Royce). 

 



The human eye is one of the most important sensory organs of the human body. It is part of the sensory nervous system. It relates to visible light and allows human beings to use visual information for many purposes like seeing things, keeping balance, and maintaining circadian rhythm. Part of life is developing, growing, analyzing, and innovating information in the cosmos of the Universe. The human eye has a great deal to do with developing and forming information about the world indeed. The human eye visually shows the white sclera with some blood vessels, an iris, and the black pupil. There are dozens of part of the human eye. Some parts of the eye are the pupil, lens nucleus, ciliary process, Schlemm's canal, ora serrata, fovea, retina, choroid, arteries, veins, etc. In essence, the human eye is a living optical device. It is approximately spherical in shape with outer layers like the outermost white part of the eye (the sclera) and one of its inner layers have the pigmented choroid keepign the eye light tight except on the eye's optic axis. 



In order, along the optic axis, the optical components consist of a first lens (the cornea—the clear part of the eye) that accomplishes most of the focusing of light from the outside world; then an aperture (the pupil) in a diaphragm (the iris—the colored part of the eye) that controls the amount of light entering the interior of the eye; then another lens (the crystalline lens) that accomplishes the remaining focusing of light into images; then a light-sensitive part of the eye (the retina) where the images fall and are processed. The retina makes a connection to the brain via the optic nerve. The remaining components of the eye keep it in its required shape, nourish and maintain it, and protect it.


Three types of cells in the retina convert light energy into electrical energy used by the nervous system: rods respond to low-intensity light and contribute to perception of low-resolution, black-and-white images; cones respond to high intensity light and contribute to perception of high-resolution, coloured images; and the recently discovered photosensitive ganglion cells respond to a full range of light intensities and contribute to adjusting the amount of light reaching the retina, to regulating and suppressing the hormone melatonin, and to entraining circadian rhythm. Humans have two eyes on the left and right side of the face. The eyes sit in bony cavities called orbits in the skulls. 



There are six extraocular muscles that control eye movements. The front visible part of the eye is made up of the whitish sclera, a coloured iris, and the pupil. A thin layer called the conjunctiva sits on top of this. The front part is also called the anterior segment of the eye.


The eye is not shaped like a perfect sphere, rather it is a fused two-piece unit, composed of an anterior (front) segment and the posterior (back) segment. The anterior segment is made up of the cornea, iris and lens. The cornea is transparent and more curved and is linked to the larger posterior segment, composed of the vitreous, retina, choroid and the outer white shell called the sclera. The cornea is typically about 11.5 mm (0.45 in) in diameter, and 0.5 mm (500 μm) in thickness near its centre. The posterior chamber constitutes the remaining five-sixths; its diameter is typically about 24 mm (0.94 in). An area termed the limbus connects the cornea and sclera. The iris is the pigmented circular structure concentrically surrounding the centre of the eye, the pupil, which appears to be black. The size of the pupil, which controls the amount of light entering the eye, is adjusted by the iris' dilator and sphincter muscles.


Light energy enters the eye through the cornea, through the pupil and then through the lens. The lens shape is changed for near focus (accommodation) and is controlled by the ciliary muscle. Photons of light falling on the light-sensitive cells of the retina (photoreceptor cones and rods) are converted into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain by the optic nerve and interpreted as sight and vision. The size of the eye differs among adults by only one or 2 millimetres. The eyeball is generally less tall than it is wide. The sagittal vertical (height) of a human adult eye is approximately 23.7 mm (0.93 in), the transverse horizontal diameter (width) is 24.2 mm (0.95 in) and the axial anteroposterior size (depth) averages 22.0–24.8 mm (0.87–0.98 in) with no significant difference between sexes and age groups. Strong correlation has been found between the transverse diameter and the width of the orbit (r = 0.88). The typical adult eye has an anterior to posterior diameter of 24 mm (0.94 in), and a volume of 6 cubic centimetres (0.37 cu in).


The eyeball grows rapidly, increasing from about 16–17 mm (0.63–0.67 in) diameter at birth to 22.5–23 mm (0.89–0.91 in) by three years of age. By age 12, the eye attains its full size. Each eye has seven extraocular muscles located in its orbit. Six of these muscles control the eye movements, the seventh controls the movement of the upper eyelid. The six muscles are four recti muscles – the lateral rectus, the medial rectus, the inferior rectus, and the superior rectus, and two oblique muscles the inferior oblique, and the superior oblique. The seventh muscle is the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. When the muscles exert different tensions, a torque is exerted on the globe that causes it to turn, in almost pure rotation, with only about one millimeter of translation. Thus, the eye can be considered as undergoing rotations about a single point in the centre of the eye. 



The approximate field of view of an individual human eye (measured from the fixation point, i.e., the point at which one's gaze is directed) varies by facial anatomy, but is typically 30° superior (up, limited by the brow), 45° nasal (limited by the nose), 70° inferior (down), and 100° temporal (towards the temple). For both eyes combined (Binocular vision) visual field is approximately 100° vertical and a maximum 190° horizontal, approximately 120° of which makes up the binocular field of view (seen by both eyes) flanked by two uniocular fields (seen by only one eye) of approximately 40 degrees. It is an area of 4.17 steradians or 13700 square degrees for binocular vision. When viewed at large angles from the side, the iris and pupil may still be visible by the viewer, indicating the person has peripheral vision possible at that angle.


About 15° temporal and 1.5° below the horizontal is the blind spot created by the optic nerve nasally, which is roughly 7.5° high and 5.5° wide. 



The complexity of the human eye is dealt with by a general practitioner and eye care professionals. There are ophthalmologists (M.D.) and optometrists (O.D.) who work as professionals to diagnoses eye disease, prescribe lenses to correct vision, conduct eye exams, etc. However, typically only ophthalmologists are licensed to perform surgical procedures. Ophthalmologists may also specialize within a surgical area, such as cornea, cataracts, laser, retina, or oculoplastic. Eye irritation is common among people from dryness, itchiness, pain, redness, etc. Work stress, pollution, other factors can contribute to eye irritation. There are many diseases and disorders that relate to the eye. Changes to the eye will come from the aging process. The quality of vision worsens due to age among any human being. No human being can escape that. 



Macular degeneration is especially prevalent in the U.S. and affects roughly 1.75 million Americans each year. Having lower levels of lutein and zeaxanthin within the macula may be associated with an increase in the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin act as antioxidants that protect the retina and macula from oxidative damage from high-energy light waves. As the light waves enter the eye they excite electrons that can cause harm to the cells in the eye, but they can cause oxidative damage that may lead to macular degeneration or cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin bind to the electron free radical and are reduced rendering the electron safe. There are many ways to ensure a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, the best of which is to eat dark green vegetables including kale, spinach, broccoli, and turnip greens. Nutrition is an important aspect of the ability to achieve and maintain proper eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two major carotenoids, found in the macula of the eye, that are being researched to identify their role in the pathogenesis of eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Among human beings, the use of eyes has been used in creating art, expressing human sexuality, outlining fashion, and other purposes. 






Gervel Sampson is a health advocate who is also a professional photographer. She lives in Southern California and loves her husband, Reggie Sampson including their children. For years, she has captured images in photography among people of everyday life.  She can create underwater portrait sessions, portraits, graduate sessions, and family sessions. 


Dr. Lizzemekia S. Corbett was born on January 26, 1986. She is an American viral immunologist. She has been an Assistant Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Shutzer Assistant Professor at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute since June 2021. She joined Harvard following six years at the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIAID NIH) based in Bethesda, Maryland. She earned a PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) in 2014. Appointed to the VRC in 2014, Corbett was a postdoctoral scientist of the VRC's COVID-19 Team, with research efforts aimed at COVID-19 vaccines. In February 2021, Corbett was highlighted in the Time's "Time100 Next" list under the category of Innovators, with a profile written by Anthony Fauci. She was born in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina, and grew up in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Corbett regularly shares information on Twitter and takes part in programs to inspire youth in underserved communities. 


 

The 2023 movie of Barbie is one of the most popular films of our generation. The movie was directed by Greta Gerwig from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach. The film is a satire about the Barbie fashion dolls by Mattel, and it also shows overt political messages that many people didn't know at first. Many people initially thought that the film was just a politically correct, filled with humor, and just discussed the Mattel fashion doll of Barbie. Yet, the movie of Barbie wasn't P.C. It was a film a live-action format with many actresses and actors in it that presented a clear social message. That message is what many conservatives and traditionalists abhor. Barbie is a film that promoted a feminist, egalitarian, and progressive message of promoting individuality while abhorring excessive conformity to stereotypical standards of how some want society to be (among women and men). 


A live-action Barbie film was announced in September 2009 by Universal Pictures with Laurence Mark producing. Development began in April 2014, when Sony Pictures acquired the film rights. Following multiple writer and director changes and the casting of Amy Schumer and later Anne Hathaway as Barbie, the rights were transferred to Warner Bros. Pictures in October 2018. Robbie was cast in 2019, after Gal Gadot turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts, and Gerwig was announced as director and co-writer with Baumbach in 2020. The rest of the cast was announced in early 2022, with principal photography occurring primarily at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, in England, and at the Venice Beach Skatepark in Los Angeles from March to July of that year.


Barbie premiered at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on July 9, 2023, and was released in the United States on July 21. Its simultaneous release with Universal's Oppenheimer led to the "Barbenheimer" cultural phenomenon, which encouraged audiences to see both films as a double feature. The film received critical acclaim and has grossed $1.44 billion, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2023 as well as the highest-grossing film by a solo female director, the highest-grossing film ever released by Warner Bros., and the 14th highest-grossing film of all time. The film starred Margot Robbie playing Barbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell, and other human beings. It was produced by David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerely, and Robbie Brenner. 


The film starts with Barbie who acts stereotypical in the land of Barbieland. Barbieland is a matriarchal society having different types of Barbies, Kens, and a group of f discontinued models, who are treated like outcasts due to their unconventional traits. While the Kens spend their days playing at the beach, considering it their profession, the Barbies hold prestigious jobs such as doctor, lawyer, and politician. Beach Ken ("Ken") is only happy when he is with Barbie, and seeks a closer relationship, but she rebuffs him in favor of other activities and female friendships.


One evening at a dance party, Barbie is suddenly stricken with worries about mortality. Overnight, she develops bad breath, cellulite, and flat feet, disrupting her usual routines the next day. She seeks out Weird Barbie, an outcast due to her disfigurement, who tells her she must find the child playing with her in the real world to cure her afflictions. Ken stows away in her convertible to join her, to which Barbie reluctantly agrees.


Arriving at Venice Beach, Barbie punches a man for groping her, leading to her and Ken's brief arrest. Alarmed by their presence, Mattel's CEO orders their recapture. Barbie tracks down her owner, a tween girl named Sasha, who criticizes her for encouraging unrealistic beauty standards. Distraught, Barbie discovers that Gloria, a Mattel employee, and Sasha's mother, inadvertently catalyzed her existential crisis after Gloria began playing with Sasha's old Barbie toys in a similar state. Mattel attempts to put Barbie in a toy box for remanufacturing, but she escapes with Gloria and Sasha's help and they travel to Barbieland with Mattel executives in pursuit.


Meanwhile, Ken learns about patriarchy and feels respected for the first time. Returning to Barbieland, he persuades the other Kens to take over, and the Barbies are indoctrinated into submissive roles, such as agreeable girlfriends, housewives, and maids. Barbie arrives and fails to convince everyone to return to the way things were. She becomes depressed, but Gloria gives her a speech about society's conflicting expectations of women, restoring Barbie's self-confidence.


With the assistance of Sasha, Weird Barbie, Allan, and the discontinued dolls, Gloria's speech deprograms the Barbies from their indoctrination. They then manipulate the Kens into fighting amongst themselves, distracting them from enshrining male superiority into Barbieland's constitution, and the Barbies regain power. Having now experienced systemic oppression for themselves, the Barbies resolve to rectify the faults of their previous society, emphasizing better treatment of the Kens and all outcasts.


Barbie and Ken apologize to each other, acknowledging their mistakes. Ken bemoans his lack of purpose without Barbie, so she encourages him to find an autonomous identity. Barbie, who remains unsure of her own identity, meets with the spirit of Ruth Handler, Mattel co-founder and creator of the Barbie doll, who explains that Barbie's story has no set ending and her ever-evolving history surpasses her roots.


Barbie decides to become human and return to the real world and is bidden goodbye by the Barbies, Kens, and Mattel executives. Sometime later, Gloria, her husband, and Sasha take Barbie, now going by the name "Barbara Handler", to her first gynecologist's appointment.



The movie Barbie is overt in its messages. It isn't just a children's movie, but children with their parents have watched it. Its message basically is to promote the idea that human beings, irrespective of their background, have the right to express their autonomous identities without bigotry and without oppression. Many conservatives and traditionalists oppose the film because they believe in rigid roles for the sexes that must be adhered to without restraint (in terms of relationships, marriage, etc.). Many critics of the film view the movie as a man-hating screed like Jack Butler of the National Review. The truth is more nuanced. The film criticizes patriarchy. The movie allows Ken to awaken from his bad notions of life to be a better human being as the movie goes on. Also, the film allows the men and women to unite and find peace at the end of the film (so, Barbie is not a man-hating film as the film critiqued Barbieland too). The truth is that men and women aren't identical. We have genetic, emotional, physical, and hormonal differences that must be acknowledged and respected. Yet, men and women are equal. Equality means each human has equal worth and value deemed worthy of justice, humanity, and liberty without exception. So, the movie isn't as bad as people say it is. It just shows a distinctly progressive feminist perspective on the sexes. Issa Rae plays President Barbie, Kate McKinnon plays Weird Barbie, Alexandra Shipp plays Writer Barber, America Ferrea lays Gloria, Ncuti Gatwa plays Artist Ken, and other actors and actresses had diverse roles in the movie. 


The film's soundtrack, Barbie: The Album, was released on July 21, 2023. The album features songs by artists Ava Max, Charli XCX, Dominic Fike, Fifty Fifty, Gayle, Haim, Ice Spice, Kali, Karol G, Khalid, Sam Smith, Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, Pink Pantheress, Tame Impala, the Kid Laroi, and cast members Ryan Gosling and Dua Lipa. "Dance the Night" by Dua Lipa was released as the album's lead single on May 26, 2023. It was followed by "Watati" by Karol G on June 2, 2023. "Angel" by Pink Pantheress was released on June 9, 2023, as the first promotional single. "Barbie World" by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice was released as the album's third single on June 23, 2023. The album's second promotional single, "Speed Drive" by Charli XCX was released on June 30, 2023. On July 6, 2023, the album's third and final promotional single, "Barbie Dreams" by Fifty Fifty and Kaliii was released. On July 10, 2023, Warner Bros. released a preview clip of Ryan Gosling singing "I'm Just Ken". The album's fourth single, "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish, was released on July 13, 2023. This Barbie film addresses the criticism of the Barbie brand lacking diversity and different types of women for decades. It uses humor and the recognition that beauty is diverse not monolithic. So, the movie Barbie will be debated for years and decades to come. One thing is true. If we want to be in the Promised Land for real filled with justice and equality, we have to end the current status quo systems of oppression and make sure that women, men, and all human beings have true justice and liberty indeed without exception. 


Now, 14 more aid trucks enter Rafah Crossing into Gaza. Gaza has a humanitarian crisis where Palestinians need food, water, electricity, and shelter. 1700 children have been killed in the last 2 weeks. Half of the population of Gazans are children. The airstrikes have continued constantly in the region. The United Nations said that fuel will be gone in Gaza by next week. That means that hospitals will lose power to generate energy to save lives. Water is not safe, and Gaza has a total infrastructure collapse. These events cause trauma in the region. The reality is that immediate solutions must exist to save lives. We are not silent about Hamas being a terrorist group too. Many people (even some claiming to be on the left) saying anti-Semitic nonsense like some in a rally in Syndey, Australia in a protest saying "gas" the Jewish people (which is wrong and offensive). Calling out ant-Semitism and anti-Palestinian hatred is about being real to the situation at hand. This silence on the crisis in the Middle East isn't just found in America but worldwide where some want to embrace political correctness. No, we will not be politically correct on this issue. We will embrace truth and justice.



By Timothy

 

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