London CNN — 

An image of a napping polar bear curled up on an iceberg has captured the hearts of voters to become the winner of this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award.

British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani called it an honor to win the award for the dreamy scene “Ice Bed.”

Captured off Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, the photographer said that the image “stirred strong emotions,” such as hope, in those who saw it.

“Whilst climate change is the biggest challenge we face, I hope that this photograph also inspires hope; there is still time to fix the mess we have caused,” Sarikhani added in a press release.

Organizers said more than 75,000 people voted in the competition — a record number.

“Ice Bed” was chosen from a shortlist of 25 images, which was previously narrowed down from around 50,000 entries. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

I’ve only been on a cruise ship once.

It was a relatively short trip from Florida to The Bahamas.

Wouldn’t you know, we ran into rough seas.

Our cruise ship looked like the photo above.

The reason they don’t do well in storms is that they are top heavy.

To be stable, the center of gravity must be much lower.

In order to accommodate hundreds of passengers, they must be top heavy.

So, buckle up if you’re going on a cruise!

There are such inequities in this life.

Some have everything.

Many have nothing or close to nothing.

Will you help someone today?

How about a lonely person?

60% of adults report being lonely.

Do you know a lonely person you can call or visit?

Can you take a treat to a family that just moved into your neighborhood?

Can you visit a widow or widower about a month after the funeral when everyone has gone on with their lives assuming the remaining spouse has gone on with their’s.

Is there someone who needs a ride to a doctor appointment?

There IS someone you can help today.

If not today, when?

(Dale Carnegie)

At the end of the day, we must be able to live with ourselves.

This is when Character verses Reputation is important.

Character-The way someone thinks and behaves.

Reputation-The way others observe you.

The best way for you to identify your character is to list the values you live by.

Are you honest?

Are you loyal?

Do you hold yourself accountable?

Are you diligent?

Do you exercise self-discipline?

Are you kind?

If you are a person who possesses the above qualities you’ll earn something more valuable than a reputation.

You’ll earn THEIR RESPECT!

I think I’m probably like everyone else.

I turn on the news regularly either on the TV or on my phone.

Actually, video footage of a bombing in the Middle East is on my phone within an hour of the event.

So, with today’s technology, there is always a new story to report.

The problem, however, is that those visual images remain with me for hours thereafter.

And we accummulate many of these images which are quite disturbing.

Let’s face it.

We are living during chaotic times.

I’ve reached the conclusion that I should watch fewer news shows, not more.

There is usually nothing I can do about all these happenings.

So, I’m going to seek a more peaceful daily life.

How about you?

If not today, when?

Americans are living through the toughest housing market in a generation and, for some young people, the quintessential dream of owning a home is slipping away.

Mortgage rates surged in recent years, hitting the highest levels in more than two decades last fall.

While rates have come down slightly since then, home prices remain painfully elevated and a limited inventory of housing is still failing to keep up with demand.

Such conditions mean that housing has become woefully unaffordable.

It’s still a tough time to be hunting for a home, but it’s even worse for young, first-time buyers who need to save up for a down payment and build up their credit score.

The situation isn’t a whole lot better for renters, with rents barely comingdown from record highs and half of tenants in that market saying they can’t even afford their payments.

The uneasiness over America’s affordability crisis is captured clearly in surveys and polls, but data that outlines the sentiment specifically among young people is limited.

CNN spoke with some young Americans about their thoughts on the current state of the US housing market and their plans for the future.

Surviving is the priority, not saving for a down payment or even having kids.  (CNN)

 

You’ve heard of the footlong hot dog.

Are you emtionally and physically prepared for the footlong cookie?

10 days ago, Subway introduced the footlong chocolate chip cookie.

Today, they are sold out and had to remove it from the menu until it can regroup.

Further proof that chocolate is the preferred food in America!

If the cookies are not available today, when?

Do you agree that our lives have become complicated?

Most of us use credit cards and the Internet.

Our credit cards are constantly being attacked .

The Internet is constantly gaining more personal information about us.

If you have children of school age, they may be exposed to harmful information.

Yes, there are benefits derived from the Internet, but there is a downside.

A recent report found that 50% of Americans are anxious.

Are there ways you can simplify your life?

I recommend it!

If not today, when?

Have you ever been told, “You have a gift?”

Here are some indicators of an intellectually gifted person:

  Ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their age peers.

  Surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age.

  Strong sense of curiosity.

  Enthusiastic about unique interests and topics.

  Quirky or mature sense of humor.

There are, however, many kinds of gifts.

Perhaps your gift is in music, sports, public speaking, art, writing or one of many other pursuits.

Two questions:

Have you identified your greatest gift?

Are you using your greatest gift?

If not today, when?

(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Friendship is a two way street.

Each person must take the initiative.

Like all human relationships, it may also require patience & forgiveness on occasion.

That said, there is nothing more precious than a friendship that endures the years.

To grow old together while sharing the transitions of aging is a tonic for both.

Friendship is like fine wine, It gets better.