Traditional "Christmastide" and the Twelve Days of Christmas

a repost of sorts

https://infogalactic.com/info/Christmastide

> In medieval era Christendom, Christmastide "lasted from the Nativity to the Purification."[note: February 2][33][34] To this day, the "Christian cultures in Western Europe and Latin America extend the season to forty days, ending on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of Mary on 2 February, a feast also known as Candlemas because of the blessing of candles on this day, inspired by the Song of Simeon, which proclaims Jesus as 'a light for revelation to the nations'."[35] Many Churches refer to the period after the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas and up to Candlemas, as Epiphanytide, also called the Epiphany season.[8][36]

The contemporary or ancient shorter season:

> Christmastide begins very early on 25 December. Historically, the ending of Christmastide was 5 January.

Similarly there is a post-Easter celebration called "Eastertide":

> Eastertide is the period of fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.[2]

https://infogalactic.com/info/Eastertide

#Christmas #Christian #Christianity #religion

Spiritual Reading For Every Day: An Introduction To The Interior And Perfect Life by Le Masson (1677)

Book link: https://archive.org/details/spiritualreading01massuoft/page/n7/mode/2up

A recommendation from Fr. Lasance in "My Prayer Book" (p.544, 1908), which is also a nice collection: https://archive.org/details/MyPrayerBookHappinessInGoodness

#discussions #Christian #Christianity #religion

Possible Health Benefits of Acupressure (Spiky) Mats

I've seen this thing posted off and on for some years now, these "acupressure" (spiky) mats, they're like little cushions with dozens of kind of sharp (but not too sharp and usually plastic) "spikes" clusters on them, and people lay on them or push them in to their skin.

It seems to create a painful sensation, like stepping on a LEGO toy, but surprisingly then creates a feeling of release when you adapt to it or remove yourself from the tension. It reminds me of the idea of cold showers that can feel kind of uncomfortable but then have supposed benefits, or how weightlifting destroys people's muscles but then the muscles grow back stronger.

Here's a 3d print design for these acupressure "rosettes": https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3619377

Anyone tried these or have any thought on them?

#discussions #health #wellness #acupressure #3dprinting

I've seen this frugal concept before and I think it's worth repeating, about "regifting" yourself stuff you already have that maybe you aren't utilizing fully, or of giving that "gift" of a reminder about this to others.

Maybe you have a musical instrument that hasn't been played in a while, or someone else does and a reminder to them might get them playing it again.

In seeking for "new" things we maybe forget about things we already have access to that we own or other people own.

Have you tried this idea, like of making out a list, and regifted stuff to yourself or others, and how did it turn out or how do you think it would turn out?

#discussions #minimalism #christmas #xmas

Thematic Book Series: Heating People, not Spaces | Low Tech Magazine

Restoring the Old Way of Warming: Heating People, not Spaces

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2015/02/restoring-the-old-way-of-warming-heating-people-not-places/

Insulation: First the Body, then the Home

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2011/02/insulation-first-the-body-then-the-home/

The Revenge of the Hot Water Bottle

(Personal Note: Contains an immodest ad)

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2022/01/the-revenge-of-the-hot-water-bottle/

Energy Labels Oblige Frugal Homeowners to Make Unsustainable Investments

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2018/01/energielabels-verplichten-zuinige-woning-bezitters-tot-nutteloze-investeringen/

How to Keep Warm in a Cool House

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2015/03/how-to-keep-warm-in-a-cool-house/

Sunbathing in the Living Room: Tile Stoves and Other Radiant Heating Systems

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2008/12/sunbathing-in-the-living-room-oven-stoves-and-heat-walls/

Heat Storage Hypocausts: Air Heating in the Middle Ages

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2017/03/heat-storage-hypocausts-air-heating-in-the-middle-ages/

The Revenge of the Circulating Fan

https://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2014/09/circulating-fans-air-conditioning.html

#discussions #lowtech #tech #technology #energy

Documentation: Documenting All the Things

Documentation: Documenting All the Things

https://infogalactic.com/info/Documentation

Any tips for documenting software or other things in life?

Examples of good or bad docs?

It seems like an overlooked but important topic in software and other things in life (like creating user manuals, etc.)

Thoughts on documentation in general?

#discussions #tech #technology

Advent of Code 2023

https://adventofcode.com/2023/about

> Advent of Code is an Advent calendar of small programming puzzles for a variety of skill sets and skill levels that can be solved in any programming language you like. People use them as interview prep, company training, university coursework, practice problems, a speed contest, or to challenge each other.

#discussions #tech #technology #programming

Bedienungsanleitung

Diese Computersimulation zeigt Ihnen, wie ein Computer arbeitet und wie Sie ihn programmieren. Dabei geht es ums Prinzip. Erfahren Sie, wie man mit einem Grundgerüst aus ganz weigen Befehlen Programme schrieben kann, die komplizierte Probleme lösen.

Für Ihr erstes Programmbeispiel - eine Addition -, das wir schon einmal in den Programmspeicher geschrieben haben, benötigen Sie nur eine Anzahl Streichhölzer und einen Stift (Kugelschrieber oder Bleistift). Der Stift dient als Programmzeiger, damit Sie immer wissen, was zu tun ist.

Die Streichhölzer werden in den Datenregistern zu Zahlen zusammengelegt. Der Computer wird diese Zahlen manipulieren, indem er Streichhölzer dazulegt oder wegnimmt.

Der Aufbau der Maschine

Legen Sie Ihren Stift als Programmzeiger zu Beginn der Simulation immer so aufs Formular, daẞ seine Spitze auf Programmspeicherzelle Nr. 1 zeigt. Also Startspellung wie eingezeichnet. Neben den Programmspeicher-Zellen-Nummern finden Sie die Inhalte der Zellen un könen am Befehlssymbol (in der ersten Zelle ist es 1) erkennen, welcher befehl auszuführen ist. Nach dem Befehlssymbol folgt eine Zahl. Sie gibt an, welches Datenregister betroffen ist, oder wohin der Programmzähler neu zeigen soll. Im Kasten unten im Know-how-computer steht die Beschreibung eines jeden Befehls. Dort is für die ja nur im konkreten Fall bestimmte Zahel XX als Platzhalter geschrieben. Wenn Ihr Programmzähler also am Anfang auf die Speicherzelle 1 zeigt, dann lesen Sie bei unserem Additionsprogramm s 4. In der Mitte unten steht, was bei s zu tun ist: Setzen Sie an Stelle von XX diesmal 4 ein also PC auf Programmspeicher-Zelle 4.

Wenn Sie eine 1 addieren sollen, dann legen Sie einfach ein zusätzliches Streichholz in das vom Programmbefehl angesprochene Datenregister zu den dort möglicherweise schon vorhandenen. Beim Subtrahieren einer 1 nehmen Sie ein Streichholz weg.

Wenn Sie den Programmzähler um 1 erhöhen sollen, lassen Sie die Spitze einfach auf die nächste Zelle zeigen, die auf die momentane Stellung folgt. Und wie bereits erwähnt, wenn Sie den PC auf XX setzen sollen, dann lassen Sie die Spitze auf die XXte Programm-Speicher-Zelle zeigen.

...

Program-Speicher

Program-Speicher Zellen-Nummern

. . .

Der Know How Computer

Entwickelt von Wolfgang Back (WDR) und Ulrich Rohde (PC Magazin)

. . .

Programmzähler PZ

. . .

Die Befehle:

+ = Addiere 1 zum Inhalt von Datenregister XX und erhöhe PZ um 1

- = Subtrahiere 1 vom Inhalt von Datenregister XX un erhöhe PZ um 1

S = Setze PC auf XX

O = Prüfe, ob der Inhalt vom Datenregister XX gleich 0 ist. Wenn ja, dann erhöhe PZ um 2; wenn nein, dann erhöhe PZ um 1

Stop = Stop

. . .

Datenregister

...

Alles klar? Dann starten Sie das Spiel mit dem Computer.

Ein einfaches Additionsprogramm haben wir für Sie schon im Programmspeicher vorbereitet. Legen Sie dazu eine Anzahl Streichhölzer in das Datenregister 1 und eine andere Anzahl in das Datenregister 1 und eine andere Anzahl in das Datenregister 2. Am besten mehr als eins aber weniger als fünf, damit die Sache am Anfang nicht zu mühsam wird.

Der Programmzähler (Stift) muẞ jetzt zu Beginn auf die Programmspeicherzelle 1 zeigen. Lesen Sie den Inhalt der angezeigten Programm-speicherzelle und vergleichen Sie anhand des Symbols, welcher Befehl ausgeführt werden soll.

Der erste Befehl lautet s 4

Das erste Symbol ist ein s, also führen Sie den Befehl s aus: Sie sollen den Programmzähler auf Programm-speicherzelle 4 setzen. Also lassen Sie die Stiftspitze auf Zelle 4 zeigen. Dort steht 0 2.

Der neue Befehl lautet 0, bitte führen Sie ihn aus. Anstelle von XX setzen Sie jetzt die 2 ein: Sie sollen prüfen, ob der Inhalt des Datenregisters 2 Null ist.

Angenommen, es liegt mindestens ein Streichholz in Datenregister 2, dann bewegen Sie den Programm-zähler um genau eine Stelle weiter, die Spitze zeigt dann auf Programmspeicherzelle 5. Dort steht s 2. Also s durchführen, dabei XX durch 2 ersetzen. Der Programmzähler zeigt jetzt auf die zweite Programmspeicherzelle.

Der Befehl darin lautet +1. Zur Ausführung müssen Sie zum Inhalt von Datenregister 1 ein Streichholz dazulegen und den Programmzähler um 1 erhöhen - er zeigt dann auf die Zelle 3. Dort steht - 2. Sie müssen also aus Datenregister 2 ein Streichholz wegnehmen und wieder den Programmzähler um 1 erhöhen.

Er zeigt dann wieder auf Befehlszelle mit dem Inhalt 0 2. Erneut prüfen Sie, ob im zweiten Datenregister keine Streichhölzer mehr liegen. Wenn doch, dann wiederholt sich das Ganze mit dem Befehl s 2 in Befehlszelle 5. Wenn aber Datenregister 2 Null ist, dann müssen Sie jetzt den Programmzeiger um 2 Stellen weiterbewegen, er zeigt dann auf Befehlszelle 6, darin steht Stop.

Was tut das Trainingsprogramm? Es addiert einfach die Zahlen in Register 1 und 2, indem es den Inhalt von Register 1 solange um ein Streichholz erhöht, solange es aus Register 2 eins wegnehmen kann. Als Ergebnis steht die Summe dann in Register 1. So einfach denkt ein Computer.

...

...

...

English

...

User manual

This computer simulation shows you how a computer works and how to program it. This is about principle. Learn how to write programs that solve complicated problems with a basic framework of completely different commands.

For your first program example - an addition - that we have already written to the program memory, you only need a number of matches and a pen (ballpoint pen or pencil). The pen serves as a program pointer so that you always know what to do.

The matches are merged into numbers in the data registers. The computer will manipulate these numbers by adding or taking away matches.

The structure of the machine

As a program pointer, always place your pen on the form at the beginning of the simulation so that its tip points to program memory cell No. 1. So Startspellung as indicated. In addition to the program memory cell numbers, you will find the contents of the cells and you can recognize which command to execute by the command symbol (in the first cell it is 1). The command symbol is followed by a number. It indicates which data register is affected, or where the program counter should point again. In the box at the bottom of the know-how computer is the description of each command. There is written XX as a placeholder for the numbers that are only determined in the specific case. So if your program counter points to memory cell 1 at the beginning, then read our addition program s 4. In the middle at the bottom it says what to do with s: Instead of XX this time 4, put a PC on program memory cell 4.

If you want to add a 1, then just put an additional match in the data register addressed by the program command to the ones that may already be there. When subtracting a 1, they take away a match.

If you want to increase the program counter by 1, just let the tip point to the next cell that follows the current position. And as already mentioned, if you want to set the PC to XX, then let the tip point to the XXth program memory cell.

...

Program memory

Program Memory Cell Numbers

. . .

The Know How Computer

Developed by Wolfgang Back (WDR) and Ulrich Rohde (PC Magazin)

. . .

Program counter PZ

. . .

command:

+ = Add 1 to the content of data register XX and increase PZ by 1

- = Subtract 1 from the content of data register XX and increase PZ by 1

S = Set PC to XX

O = Check whether the content of the data register XX is equal to 0. If yes, then increase PZ by 2; if no, then increase PZ by 1

Stop = Stop

. . .

Data Register

...

Are you all right? Then start the game with the computer.

We have already prepared a simple addition program for you in the program memory. To do this, put a number of matches in the data register 1, and another number in the data register 1, and another number in the data register 2. It is best to put more than one but less than five, so that the matter does not become too troublesome at the beginning.

The program counter (pin) must now point to the program memory cell 1 at the beginning. Read the contents of the displayed program memory cell and use the icon to compare which command should be executed.

The first command is s 4

The first symbol is an s, so execute the command s: you should set the program counter to program memory cell 4. So let the pen tip point to cell 4. There is 0 2 there.

The new command is 0, please run it. Instead of XX, you now use the 2: you should check whether the content of the data register 2 is null.

Suppose there is at least one match in data register 2, then move the program counter by exactly one place further, the tip then points to program memory cell 5. There it says s 2. So perform s, replacing XX with 2. The program counter now points to the second program memory cell.

The command in it is +1. For execution, you need to add a match to the contents of data register 1 and increase the program counter by 1 - it will then point to cell 3. There it says - 2. So, you need to take a match from data register 2 and again increase the program counter by 1.

He then points again to command cell with content 0 2. Check again whether there are no more matches in the second data register. If so, then the whole thing is repeated with the command s 2 in command cell 5. But if data register 2 is zero, then you now have to move the program pointer by 2 digits, it then points to command cell 6, it says Stop.

What does the training program do? It simply adds the numbers in registers 1 and 2 by incrementing the contents of register 1 by one match as long as it can take one away from register 2. As a result, the sum is then in register 1. That's how simple a computer thinks.

Paper Computers

So someone posted on the topic of "Volvelle" elsewhere and this sparked some further research on a related topic of some "paper computers" that have been created

I found a three part Youtube video series, if you search for "pape computer Chris Staecker" they'll come up, otherwise here are links to the three parts and some notes on them:

Der Know How Computer (WDR Papiercomputer) - Paper Computers #1 (German)

https://yewtu.be/watch?v=Z27KQiBnkJI

Printable verion of the "WDR Papiercomputer" [PDF]:

http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/files/machines/filer.php?name=knowhowcomputer.pdf

(Note: will put German and translation in a comment)

The Little Man Computer - Paper Computers #2

https://yewtu.be/watch?v=t-mOfXhgfQY

Downloadable / Printable "Little Man Computer" [PDF]:

https://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/files/machines/filer.php?name=littlemancomputer.pdf

Mr Matt's Instructo Paper Computer: Paper Computers #3

https://yewtu.be/watch?v=ZGnGRkZEvvY

Author's website where you can download a manual on how to operate your own "Instructo Paper Computer":

https://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/machines/instructo.html

#discussions #education #school #learn #tech #technology #computer #computers

Resting With Elevated Legs

I saw a viral video about a navy seal method of taking a nap for 8 minutes which included elevating your legs; the idea being that it makes it easier or better for blood to flow and relaxes you

Such elevation can be done by putting the legs at a 90 degree angle on to a chair, bed, or other surface, or greater angles with smaller stacks of pillows

I also saw some articles about possible benefits of sleeping this way

So, have you tried resting with elevated legs at all or have any thoughts on the practice?

#discussions #health #wellness #sleep

"Andermas": St. Andrew's Day (November 30th)

https://infogalactic.com/info/St._Andrew%27s_Day

Some traditions and customs associated with this day especially in certain countries

#discussions #religion #Christian #Christianity

Car That Runs on Plastic Waste

https://hackaday.com/2023/11/15/diesel-station-wagon-runs-on-plastic/

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2023/11/plastic-waste-in-the-fuel-tank/

#discussions #lowtech #energy #cars #transportation

"The Catholic Land Movement"

I can't find too much info on this online, but I stumbled upon it as related to "distributism"; seems to have been a movement sparked by opposition to industrialism in the 1800s, by Catholics, who wanted to preserve a more agrarian way of life. It has been revived in recent years, or there is an attempt to create a "Neo-Catholic Land Movement", as mentioned on sites like catholiclandmovement.info.

The Industrial Revolution initially created a lot of instability in society and the papal encyclical "Rerum Novarum" was issued partially in response to it. Even into much of the 20th century, agriculture was a big part of the economy in the U.S., but now in the 21st century life has changed more dramatically, which has created further moral problems.

There was a book published called something like "The Catholic Land Movement's Founding Papers" with a collection by some recognized authors like Hilaire Belloc, and a reprint of said book in more recent years called "Flee to the Fields". I can't find much of these contents online but maybe I could cobble them together if requested (I can obtain access to "Flee" book).

I do see this online which may offer a sketch of the idea:

"The Catholic Land Movement: Its Motives" by Fr. Vincent Mcnabb, O.P., S.T.M, Foreword by G. K. Chesterton (early 20th century?)

https://www.ecatholic2000.com/cts/untitled-495.shtml

In my view a "CL movement" would simply be sharing practical homesteading skills, as many secular sites probably already do, but would also argue for how the agrarian way of life might be conducive to living a sound moral life, from a Catholic standpoint.

"On Rural Life" by Pope Pius XII (1946)

https://www.papalencyclicals.net/pius12/poprural.htm

On this Thanksgiving (U.S.), it is a time to give thanks for farms and food and the "fruits of harvest", and to reflect on their importance and impact on our way of life today.

#discussions #religion #Christian #Christianity #food #health #wellness

Thematic Book Series: How to Downsize a Transport Network?

Note: I don't necessarily agree with the author's writings, but I find the "low technology" approach fascinating and indeed practical in certain circumstances, and certainly worth discussion.

Link About Book (and then individual links are to a good chunk of the contents):

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2023/10/thematic-book-series-how-to-downsize-a-transport-network/

How to Downsize a Transport Network: the Chinese Wheelbarrow

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2011/12/how-to-downsize-a-transport-network-the-chinese-wheelbarrow/

The Citroën 2CV: Cleantech from the 1940s

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2008/06/the-citroen-2cv-cleantech-from-the-1940s/

The Status Quo of Electric Cars: Better Batteries, Same Range

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2010/05/the-status-quo-of-electric-cars-better-batteries-same-range

Electric Velomobiles: as Fast and Comfortable as Automobiles, but 80 times more Efficient

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2012/10/electric-velomobiles-as-fast-and-comfortable-as-automobiles-but-80-times-more-efficient/

Get Wired again: Trolleybuses and Trolleytrucks

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/07/get-wired-again-trolleybuses-and-trolleytrucks/

High Speed Trains are Killing the European Railway Network

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2013/12/high-speed-trains-are-killing-the-european-railway-network

Life Without Airplanes: from London to New York in 3 Days and 12 Hours

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2008/06/life-without-airplanes-from-london-to-new-york-in-3-days-and-12-hours/

How to Design a Sailing Ship for the 21st Century?

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2021/05/how-to-design-a-sailing-ship-for-the-21st-century

#discussions #tech #technology #lowtech #offgrid

pretty eye-opening repost tbh, thanks for the food for thought

https://infogalactic.com/info/St._Martin%27s_Day#Customs

> Saint Martin's Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Martin, Martinstag or Martinmas, the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours or Martin le Miséricordieux, is celebrated on November 11 each year.

> Bishop Perpetuus of Tours, who died in 490, ordered fasting three days a week from the day after Saint Martin's Day (11 November). In the 6th century, local councils required fasting on all days except Saturdays and Sundays from Saint Martin's Day to Epiphany (the feast of baptism on January 6), a period of 56 days, but of 40 days fasting, like the fast of Lent. It was therefore called Quadragesima Sancti Martini (Saint Martin's Lent).[5] This period of fasting was later shortened and called "Advent" by the Church.[6]

It is a voluntary fast under the current rules in the West.

Eastern Catholics and Orthodox observe a similar fast: the Nativity Fast

https://infogalactic.com/info/Nativity_Fast

> The Nativity Fast is a period of abstinence and penance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches, in preparation for the Nativity of Christ, (December 25).[1] The corresponding Western season of preparation for Christmas, which also has been called the Nativity Fast[2] and St. Martin's Lent, has taken the name of Advent.

Habit Stacking

I think the simple idea is that you try to tie a new habit to a current habit

For example, if sometime after you wake up you eat breakfast, then you can "stack" a habit on to that habit by tying a new habit to it.

That way you can make a string of habits (then doing something tied to this new habit, once that's reinforced) which makes it easier to remember or do, as you have these strings of (hopefully good) habits that you've reinforced

I guess you could also then refine each habit or the strings of them by trying to improve each habit (if someone eats breakfast for example, of maybe eating a healthier breakfast)

Has anyone heard of this concept or experimented with it?

#discussions #health #wellness #productivity

Taurid Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend

https://www.space.com/taurid-meteor-shower

#discussions #science #astronomy #stars

Omegle Has Shut Down

https://www.omegle.com/

Webmaster posted a letter on the homepage about it

#discussions #tech #technology #news

Bad Web Design: "No, I'm Not Interested In [Good Thing]"

This is a kind of recurring pop up that's sad to see, in order to get on to some site they want you to probably sign up for emails or something, and to decline you have to click some link that says something like "No, I'm not interested in being happy", or "No, I don't want to meet any new friends or be healthy".

It's kind of sad to see such an abuse of psychological principles.

Discuss the phenomenon and related phenomena?

#discussions #tech #technology