ERIC’S TECH TALK: What is “intelligence” in the age of A.I.?

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by Eric W. Austin

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly integrates into our daily lives, from virtual assistants to autonomous vehicles, the question of what constitutes ‘intelligence’ becomes increasingly relevant. Is it the ability to solve complex problems, the capacity for creative thought, or something more elusive?

When we witness machines performing tasks once thought exclusive to humans, it challenges our traditional understanding of intelligence. This leads us to ponder: can machines truly ‘think’, or are they merely simulating a facet of human cognition? As we venture deeper into this era of advanced AI, it’s crucial to explore not only how we define intelligence but also the implications of attributing such a quality to machines. This exploration raises profound questions about our perceptions of intelligence and the potential risks of misjudging the line between genuine cognitive abilities on one hand, and sophisticated programming on the other.

Defining intelligence has long been a subject of debate among psychologists, neuroscientists, and AI researchers. Intelligence in humans is often gauged by the ability to learn, adapt to new situations, understand complex concepts, and apply logical reasoning. Psychological assessments, like IQ tests, attempt to quantify these abilities, though they remain subject to debate regarding their comprehensiveness and bias. In the realm of AI, intelligence takes on a different hue – it’s about the ability of machines to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence. This includes pattern recognition, language understanding, and decision-making. However, this technological mimicry begs the question: does the replication of human-like problem-solving denote true intelligence, or is it merely a sophisticated imitation? The distinction is crucial, as it shapes our understanding of AI’s role and potential in our society.

Consider a straightforward scenario: a man is tasked with delivering boxes from Point A to Point B. Upon arrival, his job involves carrying the boxes up a flight of stairs to a designated spot. This task, while simple, is generally perceived as one carried out by an intelligent agent – a human. Now, imagine automating a part of this process: at the destination, a conveyor belt is introduced. Instead of manually carrying the boxes upstairs, the man places them on the conveyor belt, which completes the task. Although the end result is the same, attributing intelligence to the conveyor belt seems illogical. This suggests that the mere completion of a task, initially performed by a human, doesn’t inherently transfer the attribute of intelligence to the machine.

On the other hand, consider a task undeniably associated with human intelligence: writing a poem in iambic pentameter. This creative endeavor requires not just linguistic skill but also emotional depth, creativity, and an understanding of complex literary techniques. If we were to replace the human poet with a machine capable of crafting a comparable poem, does the achievement of this task by the machine signify intelligence? This juxtaposition of tasks, from the mundane to the highly complex, raises a pivotal question: Is the distinction we draw between these tasks in terms of intelligence merely a matter of their complexity, or is there a deeper criterion at play in our perception of what constitutes ‘intelligent’ action?

As we turn our gaze to the present capabilities of AI, we find a landscape teeming with advancements that once bordered on the realms of science fiction. Today’s AI systems can diagnose diseases, translate languages in real-time, create stunning artwork, and even write articles like this one. The complexity and sophistication of these tasks are escalating rapidly, pushing the boundaries of what we thought machines could achieve. Does the ability of AI to perform these complex tasks equate to intelligence? Or are these systems still operating within the realm of advanced algorithms and data processing, lacking the essence of true cognitive understanding?

The concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) takes this discussion a step further. AGI refers to a machine’s ability to understand, learn, and apply its intelligence to a wide range of problems, much like a human brain. Unlike specialized AI designed for specific tasks, AGI embodies the flexibility and adaptability of human intellect. The pursuit of AGI raises profound questions: If a machine can mimic the broad cognitive abilities of a human, does it then possess ‘intelligence’ in the true sense? And how do we reconcile this with our earlier distinctions between simple automation and genuine intelligence?

As AI continues to evolve and blur the lines between programmed efficiency and cognitive ability, we find ourselves grappling with the very nature of intelligence. From the simplicity of a conveyor belt to the complex potential of AGI, our understanding of intelligence is continually being challenged and redefined. This article does not seek to provide definitive answers but rather to provoke reflection on what it means to be intelligent, both in humans and machines.

As we witness the rapid advancement of AI technologies, the question remains open for interpretation and contemplation: What truly defines intelligence, and how close are we to witnessing its embodiment in the machines of tomorrow?

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The 12 days of Christmas

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Christmas is over for another year! But not the 12 Days of Christmas.

One of the myriad of Christmas songs we have been hearing on radio is the 12 Days of Christmas. Did you ever wonder about the partridge in a pear tree? What was he doing in a tree in the dead of winter? Well, a closer look also indicates that six of the 12 symbols in the song refer to birds.

Everyone knows the 12 Days of Christmas song. Few of us know the meaning of the gifts delineated in the somewhat monotonous carol or, in fact, the significance of the 12 days to the story of Jesus’ birth. When I started poking around, I found some deep historical secrets and also an ongoing mix-up that blows the lid off the usual imagery of baby Jesus in the manger.

Let’s start with the facts. According to Dr. Paul Spilsbury, academic dean and professor of the New Testament at Regent College on the UBC campus, “basically, the church calendar is divided into seasons, and Christmas, in the church calendar, is a season rather than a day,” he says. “Christmas lasts for 12 days.”

The 12 days of Christmas go from December 25 until January 5. Traditionally, including in my mother’s house, the Christmas tree had to come down on or before January 5, because that was the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Epiphany.

Usually we think of the first Christmas as the moment the world (in the Christian narrative) realized the savior had arrived. Not so. That was 12 days later. Epiphany is the feast associated with the Magi – the Three Wise Men – coming to Jesus, presenting their gifts. It also commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple.

“Epiphany is like the coming out of Jesus,” says Spilsbury. “The manifestation of Jesus to the world.” And here is where much of what you think you know about the manger scene may not be correct.

“There are two stories in the Gospels about the birth of Jesus,” he explains, one in the Gospel of Matthew and one in the Gospel of Luke. “And the two stories are not exactly the same.”

In one gospel, the Magi visit Jesus in a house, not in a manger. In the other, the arrival of Jesus in the manger is met with angels and shepherds, but no wise men.

“Christian tradition has always kind of woven the two stories together and said the one happened first and the other one second or something like that,” says Spilsbury. “In your typical pageant or Christmas card, you often have a scene in which there are wise men in the stable, but if you look at the original stories in the gospel, those are two separate scenes. We’ve kind of mixed them all together… they get kind of coalesced, fused together.”

Mary and Joseph had advance warning that her son was the manifestation of God made flesh. The world, however, became aware of this only on Epiphany — 12 days after Jesus was born. The Three Wise Men represent the awareness of Jesus as the son of God spreading to the larger world.

“It’s when the wise men come with their gifts and that, in a sense, is the revealing to the world,” Spilsbury says. “That’s what epiphany is about, revealing to the world the holiness of this baby… the Magi were from another country, they were not Jews, so it was the making known of the Christ child to the world, as it were.”

So that’s what the 12 days of Christmas are all about. Now what about that song?

Between 1558 and 1829, Roman Catholics in England were forbidden from openly practicing their religion. In order to introduce the catechism in their children, Catholics created the song as, basically, a series of mnemonic devices to give kids the broad outline of the Roman Catholic worldview and teachings.

Both “my true love” and the partridge in a pear tree represent Jesus — the partridge because it’s a bird that will sacrifice its life to save its children.

So, the remaining symbols inclulde birds: Two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments. The three French hens are faith, hope and love. Four calling birds are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The five gold rings are the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament and so on, through six days of creation (geese a-laying), seven gifts of the holy spirit (swans a-swimming), eight beatitudes (maids a-milking), nine fruits of the holy spirit (ladies dancing), the 10 commandments (lords a-leaping), 11 faithful apostles (pipers piping) and 12 points of belief in the Apostle’s Creed (drummers drumming).

If one understood the song’s underlying meaning, it provided a pretty good beginning upon which to delve into a wider exploration about religious teachings. And it could be sung publicly leaving the Protestant establishment none the wiser.

What the ground dwelling grey partridge was doing up in a pear tree has spawned a number of theories; some believe the words were originally a catechism song for 16th century Catholics unable to practice their faith publicly and the bird in the tree represented Christ on the cross.

Now we know why the partridge is in the pear tree.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which team has the Boston Celtics met the most times in the NBA finals?

Answer
Los Angeles Lakers (a record 12 times).

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Recycle your Christmas tree into the landscape

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by Melinda Myers

Don’t drag that Christmas tree to the curb to be hauled away by the trash collectors. Give it a second, even third life, in your landscape. No live Christmas tree? Don’t worry. I’m sure your friends and neighbors will share theirs.

Move your locally grown Christmas tree outdoors after the holidays. Avoid trees imported from other states that may host invasive insects that can infest your landscape and nearby Christmas tree farms. Your local municipality or Department of Natural Resources has more information on any threats and disposal recommendations for your area.

Use your cut Christmas tree to protect evergreens in your landscape from winter winds and sun. They make excellent windbreaks while shading sensitive plants in your landscape. Strategically place your discarded tree on the windward side of rhododendron, boxwood, and other broadleaf evergreens to reduce problems with winter burn. Place it on the south side of these plants to shade them from the drying winter sun.

Or remove the branches and use them as winter mulch over bulbs and perennials. Layer the boughs over the plants and soil to keep the soil consistently cold. This reduces the risk of early sprouting and winter damage that can occur during winter thaws.

Or set the tree in the landscape for a bit of added greenery. Secure it in a snow pile or use stakes and guy wires in milder climates where the soil is not frozen. The birds will enjoy the added shelter and you will enjoy watching these visitors to your landscape.

Then consider adding a bit of food for your feathered visitors. Decorate the trees with fruits, berries, and seeds the birds can enjoy. Stringing cranberries and popcorn is a fun family activity and makes an attractive outdoor garland. Slices of oranges on colorful yarn and homemade bird ornaments can complete the adornments.

Sweep up the fallen needles that were under your tree indoors and use them as mulch in the garden. Place them directly on the soil or atop the snow. As the snow melts, the needles will be right where they belong. And don’t worry, they will not make the soil too acidic. In fact, as they break down, they add organic matter to the soil.

As spring arrives, consider chipping and shredding your tree into mulch for trees and shrubs or pathways in the landscape. No chipper? You and your neighbors may want to rent a chipper to shred these and other prunings for use as mulch in your landscapes.

And, if this is not possible, check for recycling resources in your community. Many municipalities have special pickups for Christmas trees. These are chipped, shredded, and made available for citizens to use in their landscapes.

Lake communities often sink the discarded trees to the bottom of lakes and ponds to provide habitat for the fish. Another great way to give your tree a second life.

And once you discover the value of this free resource you may find yourself collecting a few more from the neighborhood. However, your family may ask that you wait until dark to drag your evergreen treasures back home.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening.

THE BEST VIEW: Christmas memories

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by Norma Best Boucher

Christmas time is sometimes the happiest, sometimes the saddest time of the year. People are so wrapped up in the moment that they forget to remember. Often a simple thing like a card, an ornament, or a song will trigger their memories, and for a brief moment the past embellishes the present.

When I was young, my mother always decorated our Christmas tree. I’d sit on the couch and watch the lights sparkle, and she’d ask me where each ornament should go. I could have helped, but somehow watching my mother build Christmas with that tree was too special to interrupt. That was tradition.

Perry Como was tradition, too. While we decorated the tree, we listened to our Season’s Greetings from Perry Como album. As we listened to We Wish You A Merry Christmas, my mother, Perry, and I decorated our Christmas tree.

I have carried on the Christmas tree tradition. I don’t know why – it just happened. It felt comfortable. I decorate the tree, and my son tells me where the ornaments should go. The only difference is Arthur Fiedler. When we decorate our tree, the Boston Pops plays in the background. Perry Como is tucked away…with my memories.

My mother is gone now. It’s been 18 years. I’ve been so busy creating my own traditions that I haven’t had time to remember hers. Perhaps I haven’t dared.

This year when the time came to decorate our Christmas tree, everyone else was busy, so Arthur and I were going to carry on the tradition alone. I dug out the Boston Pops album, dusted it off, and put it on the stereo.

Then, something wonderful happened. Maybe it was an accident, maybe it was my subconscious playing a trick on me, or maybe it was just tradition, but last Christmas I confused the records, and from the sleeve of the Boston Pops album I pulled out Season’s Greetings from Perry Como, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas filled the house.

Alone, I laughed and I cried as all the beautiful memories flooded back. They had waited 18 long years, and they would wait no longer.

This is going to be a beautiful Christmas – one of the best I’ve ever had – full of tradition. I know because I’ve already experienced one of the best parts. My mother, Perry and I decorated our Christmas tree.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Fargo, Jingle Bell Rock, Peggy Seeger & David K. Shipler

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Fargo

I just finished watching the first season’s ten episodes of Fargo; Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of the positively despicable contract killer Lorne Malvo was scarily persuasive while the supporting cast, direction, sets, and cinematography contributed to its effectiveness as a fine collaborative effort.

Jingle Bell Rock

One particularly favorite 45 for me as a child was a big Christmas favorite released in 1957 by Decca – the megahit Jingle Bell Rock as very definitively sung by Bobby Helms (1933-1957); as with Gogi Grant’s singing of the Wayward Wind and Perry Como’s of May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You, these three performances remain unsurpassed by anyone else.

Helms later commented that, when he was first shown the song, he had no interest in recording it but never would regret changing his mind.

Peggy Seeger

A younger sibling of folk singer Pete Seeger (1919-2013), Peggy Seeger, still living at 88, recorded an LP, Peggy Alone, in 1967 consisting of 17 folk songs with such titles as Handsome Molly, Bad Bad Girl, Burns and his Highland Mary, Little Nellie – each of which tell a story.

Miss Seeger not only sang with extraordinary beauty and conviction but accompanied herself with the five-string banjo, Appalachian dulcimer, guitar, autoharp and English concertina, being an accomplished performer on each instrument and performed a half dozen selections unaccompanied.

She also provided a booklet with background information on and the lyrics of each song.

David K. Shipler

Investigative journalist David K. Shipler wrote a 1983 book, Russia – Broken Idols, Solemn Dreams, based on his visits with people he met during his 1975-79 years as the Moscow bureau chief for the New York Times. It makes for fascinating browsing particularly for the anecdotes from those who lived through the Stalin years.

In keeping with the spirit of winter solstice on December 21, I was struck by a few sentences Shipler wrote about a trip to Siberia:

“The day I arrived in Yakutsk….it was 46 below. When our plane landed, the door was frozen solidly shut, and it took about half an hour for a powerful hot-air blower – standard equipment at Siberian airports – to break the icy seal….The smaller children are wrapped in layer after layer so that little more than their eyes are exposed…Buildings have triple windows and triple doors…Private cars are put away for the winter.”

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What You Need to Know About Cataracts

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Keep an eye on your sight. Blurry vision, faded colors and double images can all be symptoms of cataracts—which can be cured.

(NAPSI)—By age 80, most people either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. That’s because most cataracts are the result of natural aging. You may not notice that you have a cataract at first. But over time, they can make your vision blurry or hazy, colors fade, you can’t see well at night, or you may see double images. The good news is that cataract surgery can restore your sight. With a high success rate of more than 90 percent, cataract surgery enables people to see better after their cataract is removed.

Here are the top six things ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – want you to know about cataracts:

1. Cataracts can be removed with surgery. Surgery is the only way to cure cataracts. Early on, you may be able to cope with reduced vision from cataracts by using brighter lights, wearing anti-glare sunglasses, or using magnifying lenses for reading. But if cataracts start getting in the way of everyday activities such as reading, driving, or watching TV, an ophthalmologist will need to remove the clouded natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens, also called an intraocular lens (or IOL), to correct blurry vision.

2. You can slow development of early cataracts. You can take steps to protect your eyes from cataracts. Using 100 percent UV blocking sunglasses, quitting smoking, maintaining control over high blood sugar, and eating a healthy diet can help prevent cataracts.

3. People with diabetes are more likely to get cataracts. Natural aging is the most common cause of cataracts, but some people are at higher risk for cataracts than others. People who have diabetes with high blood sugar levels can get cataracts quicker and at a younger age than those with normal blood sugar levels. Improving glucose levels may help delay cataracts.

4. Eye color affects your risk of developing cataracts. Studies show that people with dark brown eyes have a higher risk of developing cataracts than people with lighter eyes. However, UV light is a known contributor to cataract development no matter what color your eyes are. Wearing sunglasses whenever outdoors is recommended for everyone.

5. Treating cataracts may decrease your risk of dementia. Though the link between eye health and dementia is unclear, recent studies suggest people who had cataract surgery were 30 percent less likely to develop dementia.

6. You may eventually need a follow-up procedure. Some people will again develop hazy vision years after cataract surgery. This is usually because the lens capsule has become cloudy. The capsule is the part of your eye that holds the IOL in place. Your ophthalmologist can use a laser to open the cloudy capsule and restore clear vision, a procedure called a capsulotomy.

Regular eye exams are important to maintaining your best vision, even after cataract surgery. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends scheduling a visit to the ophthalmologist every year after cataract surgery if you’re older than 65, or every two years if under 65.

Can’t Afford an Eye Exam? EyeCare America® Can Help.

For individuals age 65 or older who are concerned about their risk of eye disease and/or the cost of an eye exam, you may be eligible for a medical eye exam, often at no out-of-pocket cost, through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America® program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need of eye care across the United States. To see if you or a loved one qualifies, visit www.aaoinfo.com/ECApatient to determine your eligibility.

CRITTER CHATTER: Some things never change at the wildlife center

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by Jayne Winters

Admissions at Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center slow down at this time of year; the only new resident I saw today was a gray squirrel which had been hit by a car several days ago. No external injuries were seen and Don said it was eating and drinking normally, so hopefully it has suffered only bruising. Although seemingly on the road to recovery, the weather is too cold now for release, so he’ll be moved from his carrier in the living room to a larger cage in the basement until spring time. The little red squirrel rescued from the glue trap is doing very well, but his tail reminds me of a poodle that has been groomed, with the tuft of fur on the end. He and Chippy will also be overwintering with Don and enjoy the peanuts I’ve left as a treat.

As most of us are looking forward to Christmas and time off from work or school, Don and the volunteers at Duck Pond get no vacation or reprieve. The daily chores still have to be done, no matter the weather, chilly temperatures or dark hours. Preparations for winter were well documented by Carleen in previous columns:

From 2008: “The babies that arrived in the spring and summer have been released. There is much to do before the first snowstorm. All the dishes, cages, empty pens and dog houses used to shelter animals need to be cleaned, repaired and painted. The power washer is a tremendous help…dirt and mud just melt away and soon they are clean and white, ready to be stored for the winter. Nothing is put away dirty. The mobile pens are moved to one area where they will be covered with tarps to protect them from the snow and ice.

The young deer need to be moved to their winter pen. Barriers are set up to walk them from one pen to the next. The concern is that they not get spooked, jump over the barrier and run off, probably never to be caught and too young to be on their own in the wild. The geese and ducks need to be rounded up off the ponds. This can be a challenge as they always want to go in the wrong direction.”

From 2009: “After the animals ready for release are gone, reality sets in again. Pens need to have tarps replaced as the raccoons really enjoy shredding them. Buildings and shelters in need of paint will be spiffed up.

Living in Maine, the inevitable happens – the first snowfall. We sit in the warm house, watching the accumulation, knowing that we will soon have to remove snow from the pens that hold the wildlife that were not big or fat enough to be released in the fall. Pens will need to be shoveled, along with plowing and using the snow blower to clear paths to all the enclosures. Ice will be pounded from every water container several times a day as fresh water freezes almost instantly. Whatever hasn’t frozen to the bottom of the pen (food and other debris) will be raked up, carried away and disposed of. Everyone needs to be fed – hay is carried to the deer pen and grain to where the birds are housed.

The howling winds, bitter cold and blowing snow do not end calls about wildlife in need. Homeowners want unwelcome skunks removed from under their houses. Raccoons, deer, and other animals that are victims of vehicle hits will need to be picked up and taken to the vet to determine if injuries are life threatening. If not, they will recover at the Care Center [or transferred to another rehabber] until spring release. The work really never ends, it just slows down for a few months. In spite of all the work and heartache over animals we are unable to save, we always look forward to the first spring baby!”

Don and his volunteers greatly appreciate other rehabbers who continue to generously provide assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. Please check the following web sites to see if there is one near you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html – Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. Please note the previous e-mail address is no longer monitored.

LIFE ON THE PLAINS: Christmas on The Plains

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Water St., Waterville, The Plains, circa 1930. Note the trolley in the center of the photo. The trolley ceased operations on October 10, 1937. Many of the buildings in this photo are no longer there. (photo courtesy of Roland Hallee)

by Roland D. Hallee

Growing up on The Plains in the ‘50s and ‘60s saw many changes when it came to Christmas.

My early memories included going out with the family one evening to a lot and picking out a Christmas tree. My dad took it home, set it up on a homemade stand, and commenced to reconfigure Mother Nature’s creation.

That consisted of cutting some excess branches from one side, drilling a hole in the trunk in some bare areas, and inserting the cut branches. He did this until the tree was symmetrical. Then we decorated it.

That went on for several years, until my mother decided she had had enough with decorating, and my dad didn’t want to do any more spruce cosmetic work.

They bought an artificial tree. It was nothing like today. This tree was silver. Completely artificial and commercial. There was a light that would set on the floor behind, with a flood light, that had a multi-colored wheel that would rotate – blue…yellow…green…red, etc.

That tree was set up in the living room. Christmas was held on Sunday, after church, while my mother would prepare the Christmas dinner, of roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, you get the picture. Our grandparents, who lived next door, always came, too.

As we grew older, things changed again. Now, my dad had finished a portion of the basement into a “rumpus” room. That is where the artificial tree was set up. But, come Christmas, there were more changes. My mother didn’t want the hustle and bustle of Christmas day, so it was off to midnight Mass on Christmas eve. Afterwards, mom would warm up the tourtère pies, and we would have the distributing of Christmas gifts at that time. Of course, until we were old enough to attend the midnight Mass, we had to wait at home until the adults returned. Again, the grandparents were present.

Following the holidays, when we had a real tree, my mother was meticulous in taking down the Christmas tree, making sure every last piece of tinsel was removed before it was put out to the street for the annual city Christmas tree pickup.

When I was about nine years old, my parents went out one evening and left us four boys at home – my oldest brother was old enough to babysit. While rough-housing with my younger brother, we discovered Christmas gifts “hidden” behind the couch. So much for Santa.

But, as much as Christmases are always special, especially once my wife and I raised our two children, enjoyed the day with our grandchildren, and now experiencing Christmas with our great-grandchildren, Christmases are even more special.

But the memories of Christmas on The Plains in the ‘50s and ‘60s will always have a place in my memory.

MY POINT OF VIEW: How did they come about the date for Christmas?

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by Gary Kennedy

Here it is December again, already, and 2023 is rapidly coming to an end. This is the month that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. The date of birth of Jesus is not actually stated in the gospel nor in any historical record. Biblical scholars believe his date of birth to be between 4 BC (the year King Herod died) and 6 AD (the year of the census of Quirinius).

The rationale behind the date December 25th was due to the date of Jesus crucifixion. Christians developed the idea that Jesus’ was born exactly nine months after March 25th, the traditional date of Jesus’ crucifixion. It was believed that Jesus was conceived and crucified on the same date; the date of his birth was nine months later. For me this isn’t a logical explanation for this event but no one seemed to make a case against it.

The historical records state that Pope Julius in 350 AD asserted December 25th to be Christ’s birth date. This also is a dubious unfounded claim. There are other possibilities that I find more scientific. Going by the New Testament, Mathew 2:1 states that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea in the time of Herod the King. Herod’s death would have been around 4 BC. A good guess here for Jesus’ birth could be around just before 4 BC. If you read John 2:20 you will find agreement between Luke and John. However, if you are truly looking for the year of Jesus’ birth, you’re in for a long haul as some arguments are centuries apart.

When I started this research, for pleasure only, I was looking only for a seasonal date. Nothing I had read in the past spoke of winter as such. Considering the geographical location of the birth of Christ you don’t have snow or rain as a marker so you need other things. I believe by now the actual month of Christ birth can be more or less figured out. The year of Christ’s birth is around 4 BC.

The historical record is too incomplete for any sort of accuracy regarding the year of his birth. December 25th is accepted as his month and day. It’s highly unlikely that is true but considering the lack of information and our need to celebrate his birth I suppose December 25th will have to do.

We do know and it should be acknowledged that it is more than likely Jesus was born closer to harvest time and not winter. There is mention of the shepherds watching over their sheep. When winter was about to appear the shepherds would go into the mountains and drive their flocks down to the low lands where it was warmer with more favorable foraging and shelter. Also, there was astronomical mention of the placement of stars. Some scientists have pinpointed September as a likely time for this event.

However, I believe we stopped looking for that particular answer a long time ago and decided if the good Lord felt it was of great importance he would have had it laid out more clearly. Perhaps he disliked birthdays as I do. For whatever reason we have accepted December 25th as the birthday of our lord, Jesus Christ. It is a time when we rejoice and are thankful that he was born, thus giving us the opportunity for everlasting life in paradise.

This year I hope all of you will spend time praying for our brothers and sisters in the world. Many are suffering and dying in a world of unrest. This is a world of plenty, without unity. Many have lost their way and need to find the path to righteousness. If you are a Christian then you believe in Christ. Christ is the righteousness from God. (1st Cor. 1:30) God paid the price for all of us (Rom 3:21-26). Being righteous literally means to be right. It’s a moral path with the Bible as a guide. I have always loved seeing that special glow on a Christians face. You can tell at a glance the person has a beautiful heart. I personally strive to join them in the place they exist. My prayer for everyone this Christmas season is to see that beautiful glow on more faces. It is a search that one must make in order to embrace the beauty of righteousness.

This year I for one ask all my fellow Christians to include the true beauty of Christmas with all the other gifts that are placed under the Christmas tree. It’s the one gift you don’t and can’t purchase. (Brotherly love) The poorest of us has this gift available for giving. Set the arrogant pride aside and develop and give the one thing that was given to and for you, LOVE. I am sure you will radiate with that glow I previously mentioned.

From my family to yours and I am sure all here at The Town Line newspaper’s staff and board of directors, wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas. May each and every one of you receive that wonderful and precious gift that I have spoken of and carry it into the New Year. Never forget those less fortunate then you.

Last but not least, remember our elderly and our veterans. Many of them are needy during these holiday times. They are all part of love and respect. God bless and keep you and yours safe. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Eat Beets to Get Back on Your Feet!

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by Dr. Stephanie Rubino, ND

Eat your veggies! This well-established advice is an essential part of our daily nutrition habits, and for good reason. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and important phytochemicals, abundant vegetable intake promotes health and reduces chronic disease risk. Among the various vegetables available, beetroots have gained scientific attention in recent years.

Low in calories and fat, beetroots are also a good source of protein and dietary fibre. Although beetroots have a high carbohydrate and sugar content, the body can readily convert these compounds into energy. Research has noted the role of beetroots in supporting physical performance, vascular health, cardiorespiratory disorders, and diabetes, thanks to vital bioactive compounds listed below:

Vitamins (C, B1, B6, A, K, E, plus β-carotene);
Minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc);
Nitrates, Betalains and Polyphenols.

Beetroots are some of the highest dietary sources of nitrates, a compound also found in other vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, celery, and radish. The body can convert dietary nitrates into nitric oxide, a signaling molecule essential for health. One study found that beetroot juice supplementation led to a 21% increase in nitric oxide levels 45 minutes after consumption. That’s impressive!

Nitric oxide has been shown to relax and dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and increase nutrient and oxygen delivery to the heart, brain, and muscles. Additional benefits of nitric oxide include immune function support, glucose and calcium homeostasis, and regulation of the mitochondria, our energy powerhouses.

Our body’s ability to produce nitric oxide decreases with age, increasing our risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. However, increased dietary intake of nitrates with beetroot juice has been shown to influence blood pressure. In one systematic review, the efficacy of beetroot juice supplementation was associated with significantly lower levels of blood pressure. An additional review of studies looking at the health benefits of beetroot juice found that because of their support of blood pressure, beets “should be promoted as a key component of a healthy lifestyle” in healthy and hypertensive individuals.

Beetroot juice is associated with significantly lower levels of blood pressure.

High nitrate levels in beetroot juice have also been investigated for their sport-enhancing benefits, especially in endurance activities. Nitrates can impact other factors such as oxygen uptake, blood flow, platelet aggregation, heart rate, cardiac output, and performance. Nitric oxide supports the more efficient use of oxygen in the body, thereby making beetroots a great choice for athletes and anyone with an active and demanding lifestyle. Research also points to the benefits of beetroot juice supplementation for individuals with peripheral artery disease, helping them to exercise with less pain and at higher workloads for longer time periods during individual training sessions.

Betalains are another important active compound in beetroots that possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits, helping to support health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, asthma, arthritis, intestinal inflammation, and diabetes.

Add beetroots to your life.

Beetroots have great potential to be used as a medicinal food, and supplementation has been described as an easy, cost-effective, and evidence-based strategy to reduce blood pressure and support other positive health outcomes. Enjoy this superfood on its own, or generously add it to salads, soups, or smoothies. Fermented beetroot supplements are especially beneficial – the traditional food preservation technique of fermentation helps improve digestibility and nutrient bioavailability for overall health.

Dr. Stephanie Rubino operates a general naturopathic practice with a focus on women’s health, and digestive health. She has a special interest in educating the public and other health professionals about a range of health topics and natural health product issues.