Out and About – Week of March 25th

As much as we all might enjoy getting Out and About, there are some places we are not permitted to go, no matter how much our curiosity beckons us to do so. Here are several of them:

Area 51, United States. Enshrouded in mystery and a regular feature in sci-fi folklore, Area 51 is a top-secret U.S. Air Force facility located within the Nevada Test and Training Range. The perimeters of Area 51 are well-guarded with signage indicating trespassers may face severe consequences, even lethal force. The secrecy surrounding this facility only fuels public curiosity and speculation. Unauthorized access is deemed a significant threat, potentially jeopardizing sensitive information. As a result, it remains a no-go zone for civilians, perpetuating the mystique that surrounds it.
Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China. The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, is one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the world. Known for its terracotta army, thousands of life-sized soldier statues standing guard over the emperor’s tomb, it presents an exceptional testimony to the first empire of China. However, the actual burial chamber of the emperor remains unexplored and off-limits.
North Brother Island, United States. North Brother Island, an eerie patch of land situated in New York City’s East River, has a history steeped in tragedy and isolation. Its past roles include a quarantine hospital for infectious diseases, a rehabilitation center for drug addicts, and a home for WWII veterans. The dilapidated and overgrown ruins of these buildings still stand today, a testament to the island’s past. In 1963, North Brother Island was declared a bird sanctuary and has remained off-limits to the public ever since. With access strictly controlled by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, it now stands as a time capsule of New York’s past, untouched by the city’s relentless evolution.
Forbidden places around the world intrigue and beckon with their stories, mysteries, and secrets. Whether they exist for the sake of preservation, protection, security, or out of respect for cultural values, these locations serve as reminders of the delicate balance between human curiosity and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. There are so many other fantastic places to visit throughout the world, I guess we’ll have to put these particular places out of our minds. Curiosity will have to be handled by the felines of the world.

“I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.”

~ George Bernard Shaw

This Friday is Good Friday and next Sunday is Easter. This is a special time for all Christians. It’s not all about the Easter Bunny and the hunt for Easter eggs. Please remember the reason for the season.

Here are four interesting facts about reading. Read on:

In 2021, American women read an average of 15.7 books per year and American men read an average of 9.5. This is from a Gallup poll.
Reading fiction is tied to higher levels of empathy. This is from the University of Toronto.
People read 30 minutes per day lived an average of two years longer than their peers who didn’t.
Reading for six minutes can reduce stress by 68%.
S H A L O M

Submitted by Norm Stutesman