All posts by She Seeks Serene

My Journey of Reimagining Life, Love and Education

Morning News Podcast: Tokyo Olympics, Week GPS Signals, Studying Cicadas

The Tokyo Olympics are due to begin in just over two months. But with coronavirus cases climbing in recent months, 80% of Japanese people want the games to be cancelled.

The navigation signals sent by satellites like America’s GPS constellation are surprisingly weak. What happens when they’re jammed—or tricked? And in America cicadas have emerged from their underground redoubts for the first time in 17 years, for a frenzied few weeks of mating. How do you study a species that emerges fewer than six times in a century?

Artwork: ‘Flowers In A Terracotta Vase’ By Jan Van Huysum (1682-1749)

Lucy Chiswell, the Dorset Curatorial Fellow, explores Van Huysum’s ‘Flowers in a Terracotta Vase’ in ten minutes.

Jan van Huysum, also spelled Huijsum (15 April 1682 – 8 February 1749), was a Dutch painter.

Analysis: How India’s Covid Crisis Got Out Of Control

India’s Covid-19 crisis has resulted in record numbers of cases and deaths. WSJ breaks down the chain of events that led to the fastest-growing wave of infection since the pandemic started, and what it means for the world. Photo: Samuel Rajkumar/Reuters

Previews: ‘The Monocle Book Of Homes’ (Video)

Allow us to introduce you to our new publication, The Monocle Book of Homes. A guide to exceptional residences, the title is packed with beautiful photography, inspiring stories ­and few tips on making the most of your living space. So what are you waiting for? Come on in. Available at The Monocle Shop: https://monocle.com/shop/product/1961…

Analysis: ‘Old Dynamics’ In Israel-Hamas Conflict

As international calls for a cease-fire grow and Gaza death tolls rise, there seems to be no clear end in sight. WSJ’s Gerald F. Seib explains why this recent outbreak may be a sign that the old dynamics are still in place in the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestinians. Photo illustration: Todd Johnson

Guided Tours: Dubrovnik, Southern Croatia (Video)

Dubrovnik is a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea. It’s known for its distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century. Its well-preserved buildings range from baroque St. Blaise Church to Renaissance Sponza Palace and Gothic Rector’s Palace, now a history museum. Paved with limestone, the pedestrianized Stradun (or Placa) is lined with shops and restaurants. 

Dhruv’s Landing: Join YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and girlfriend Juli as they discover Dubrovnik! The Croatian city is one of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations. Amongst other productions, scenes from the world-renowned TV series Game of Thrones were shot here. A medieval fortress like something out of a picture book!

Walks: Kailua Beach On Oahu, Hawaii (4K Video)

Kailua Beach been voted the Best Beach in America in several different surveys, with special attention to it’s walking aspect. The 3 miles of beautiful fine, soft white sand along this crescent shaped bay borders the clear turquoise waters which have a consistent year round temperature of about 75 degrees F (25 C). The steady off shore trade winds, water temperature and protective reef make this bay a popular arena for all sorts of water sports. Looking to the north from the beach, you will see the Mokapu Peninsula (pic of the base) which houses the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base.  To the south are the world famous Mokulua Islands. 

Italian Villa Tour: Ravello, The Amalfi Coast (Video)

On the Amalfi Coast, halfway between Amalfi and Ravello, there is this prestigious property with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear sea of the Gulf of Sorrento.

Built between the 10th and 11th centuries, the villa was used as a watchtower and first defence, later as a monastery. An enchanting driveway, surrounded by nature and the sea, leads directly to the property which, with a total internal surface of 1,000 square meters, includes the main villa, a villa for staff and five annexes, which offer a total of thirteen rooms bedroom and fifteen bathrooms.

Crossing the main entrance we find ourselves immersed in an enchanting garden embellished with cypresses, palm trees and a fountain that creates a seraphic atmosphere, as well as two big panoramic terraces on both sides.

Museum Tours: The Louvre Reopens To Visitors (Video)

Date of Video: May 19, 2021

The Louvre, or the Louvre Museum, is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France, and is best known for being the home of the Mona Lisa. A central landmark of the city, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city’s 1st arrondissement.

English Seaside Views: ‘The Beach Hut’ In Cornwall

Popular with celebrities and surfers alike, The Beach Hut, in Millook, is a charming seaside home at quite a price — but it comes with its own stretch of beach and 40 acres of Cornwall.

Carla Passino, May 18, 2021

Built in 1929 as a tearoom, the property was converted in the 1980s and today has a romantic charm that complements the idyllic setting.

The open-plan studio interiors feature stripped wooden floors, exposed stone walls and a log burning stove, and open onto a covered veranda that’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the panorama.

Read more