Sanity Sunday - Sylvia Telles

by Nomad

One of the most talented Brazilian bossa nova singer during the 1950s and '60s, Sylvia Telles' vocal style has been described as "smooth, sophisticated, generally understated, yet somehow bursting with raw emotion."

The Sanson Memoirs- 1/3

by Nomad

Not too long ago, I spent about a month reading The Memoirs of  Sanson Family. I am pretty certain you've never heard of it. I myself discovered it accidentally on the "shelves" of archive.org. For history buffs, it is a remarkable and unique find, a truly riveting history.

Written by Henry-Clément Sanson, the last of the family line, the two-volume chronicle tells the true story of a French dynasty of state executioners. It covers the period beginning with the age of the kings and through the horrific revolution. Exactly how accurate it is is, of course, up for debate but most scholars consider it reasonably accurate.

The Dreaded Inheritance 

The family history began with Charles Sanson of Abbeville (1658–1695), a soldier in the French royal army. According to the tale, Charles fell off his horse, breaking his leg and was cared for by a gruff father and his lovely daughter. While nursed back to health, the brutish soldier fell in love with the young woman.
Tenderer feelings were stirred, as they say.

Three News Stories to Brighten Your Day

by Nomad

Photo by Marcin Ryczek

Every day and all around us, there are people turning tragedies into positive stories. Unfortunately, nine times out of ten, those stories go unnoticed or trivialized. In time, hopelessness overwhelms us and I think, gives us a distorted view of what's happening.
In truth, it is entirely up to us which we would like to focus our attention on, the rotten side of life or the good.

The Colorful Mr. Sater: A Few Notes on Trump's Former Business Partner

by Nomad

Donald Trump, Tevfik Arif and Felix Sater in 2007 / Getty

Postponed Times Two

Soon after the Michael Cohen hearings, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff publicly announced that a former Trump business partner would appear at a public hearing March 14 - later postponed to March 27. It was part of Congress' deeper inquiry into “Russian investment in Trump’s businesses and properties.”

Sanity Sunday Musical Break - Meditation Music from India

by Nomad

For this Sanity Sunday, I have arranged something a little different, meditative music for trying times. 
Even though I have never been too much of a devotee of meditation, I did find this music relaxing and- for want of a better word- soulful. Whether that means anything as far as reducing my stress levels or any other health benefits, I can't tell you.

In any event, I hope you enjoy it.