A Plants Size, Form and Growth Rate in Your Landscape

How these plant characteristics affect the look of your landscape.

New York City Vacation Planner

Best Time to Visit NYC

The best time to visit NYC all depends on why you’re planning on visiting the Big Apple. Whether visiting in the summer, winter, spring or autumn, there is always something to do. From its history and its architectural and technological innovation to its world-renowned arts and culture, New York City is a city most people have marked on their bucket list as a place to visit at least once during their lifetime.

Below you will find an attraction guide to Manhattan. The source listed has a free insider guide to send for. It’s a huge city with much to see and do. You might want to check out this resource and have a fun-filled trip.

Source: New York City Vacation | Plan a NYC Trip in 10 Easy Steps (nycinsiderguide.com)

Human perception: Our brain sees not what we see, but what we expect

In recent research conducted at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, scientists have made a significant discovery about how our brains process social interactions, such as observing someone else’s actions. 

This study suggests that our perception is heavily influenced by our expectations, rather than solely by the visual information we receive.

Traditionally, it was believed that when we watch someone perform an action, our brain processes the information in a sequential manner.  However, the new study challenges this notion about human perception. 

The findings were groundbreaking. When actions were shown in a predictable sequence, the brain increasingly relied on its motor system to predict what would happen next. Essentially, what we expect to happen next shapes what our brain perceives. 

“What we would do next, becomes what our brain sees,” explained senior author Christian Keysers. This contrasts sharply with the classical model of information flow from visual to motor areas.

Seeing what we expect to see

This shift towards a predictive brain model indicates that our brains are not just passive receivers of sensory input. Instead, they actively generate predictions about what will happen next, and these expectations can suppress the actual sensory input. 

This phenomenon allows us to perceive the world as we expect it to be, unless our expectations are violated, prompting us to become aware of the actual sensory input.

Study implications 

The study’s findings contribute to a broader understanding within neuroscience about how our brains function. It suggests that we perceive and interact with the world based more on our internal expectations and predictions than on the external stimuli we encounter. 

This paradigm shift in understanding brain function and human perception opens up new avenues for exploring how we engage with the world around us.

The study is published in the journal Cell Reports.

Title image © Provided by Earth©

What is a Plant’s Function in your Landscape

Plants serve an architectural function by defining the floors, walls and ceilings of our outdoor rooms. Plants can also serve an architectural function by highlighting or masking architectural features of a house or building. 

Plants serve an engineering function by: influencing how we walk through the landscape; blocking objectionable views on or off the property; establishing buffers between divergent activities; and minimizing drainage or erosion issues.

You must decide how your plants will best function in your landscape. Here a some ideas.

Apology Messages to Show You’re Truly Sorry

Making mistakes in a relationship is inevitable, but being able to genuinely apologize to your partner is essential. Show your true love how sorry you are with one of these heartfelt apology messages.

How to say sorry to someone you love?

The most important thing when apologizing is not to be defensive and place blame on her. Be specific, honest, and vulnerable. Here are some messages that will show you the way to apologize.

  1. Please forgive me, my love. I promise I will go to the ends of the earth to make up for the mistakes I’ve made.
  2. I am so sorry, darling. I promise to become a better person if you decide to forgive me.
  3. I am sorry for being a jerk, and I will work on myself every day. Please give me another chance.
  4. I don’t know why I took you for granted, and I have no excuse for it. I will never do that again I promise. I am sorry; you are too precious to me to lose.
  5. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you, nonetheless; I did, and I am sorry for that. I didn’t weigh the consequences of my actions, and I will make sure I do that in the future.
  6. I can’t change what I did in the past, but I will most definitely take care of my actions in the future. Please forgive me this one time.
  7. I was supposed to give you peace and joy, yet I did the exact opposite, and I regret every moment of it. I am so sorry, my dear.
  8. I am sorry for the times that I took you for granted, I am sorry for the times I ignored you and prioritized less important things, I am sorry for the times that I have been an insensitive person, and also sorry for the times I have hurt you deeply whether it was intentionally or unintentionally. I am sorry for everything my love, and I will work on myself every day to become a better person. All I need is forgiveness from the most important person in my life. I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.
  9. If I had the ability to turn back time, I would take back every word that has ever hurt you. I would swallow my pride and destroy my fragile ego just so that I could take away all the hurt that I have ever caused you. 
  10. I can’t begin to imagine how deep I have cut you with my pride or wounded you with my words. All I can say is that I am sorry, and all I ask is a chance at redemption. I am so sorry, baby; please forgive me.

Source: vibelovely.com

‘Suits’ L.A. Spinoff Promises ‘Same Energy and Good-Looking People’ as Original Show

New details have been revealed about the upcoming “Suits” spinoff, which is going to be set in L.A.

Written by Aaron Korsh, who created the original “Suits” series, the new show will be set “in the same timeframe” as the original, president of Universal International Studios and UCP Beatrice Springborn said on Wednesday.

“We are working on it right now,” Springborn told the audience at U.K. industry conference Content London, referring to the show as “Suits L.A.”. “It’s so fun and happy.” (A source tells Variety that “Suits L.A.” is not the official title).

Springborn, who joined Universal in 2020 from Hulu, explained that returning series like “Suits” were attractive to buyers. “A lot of streamers are looking for ongoing series, things that feel easy to watch,” she said. “Our show ‘Suits’ is incredibly huge on Netflix.”

Source: variety.com

What’s Coming to Freevee December 2023

A new month is here, and Amazon’s free streamer has plenty of great content to watch. The Secret Life of Pets 2 is just one release to look out for.

If you’re in the mood to watch something else but you don’t want to pay for another streaming platform, Amazon has you covered. Freevee is completely free. It’s ad-supported to be able to keep it free. There is something for everyone throughout the month.

Everything streaming on Freevee in December 2023

All the Freevee Originals are denoted with the asterisks.

December 1

Series

FBI True (2023)

The Middle Seasons 1-9 (2009)

Movies

Earth to Echo (2014)

Everybody’s Fine (2009)

Gods of Egypt (2016)

Happy Christmas (2014)

Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021)

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Jason’s Lyric (1994)

Joey (1997)

Kick-Ass (2010)

Masquerade (1988)

Men in Black (1997)

Men in Black II (2002)

Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

Peter Pan (2003)

Repo Men (2017)

Sahara (1984)

Still of the Night (1982)

Tank Girl (1995)

Ted (2012)

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

The American (2010)

The Emoji Movie (2017)

The Gift (2015)

The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

The Purge (2013)

The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)

The White Buffalo (1977)

Think Like a Man (2012)

Think Like a Man Too (2014)

December 3

Movies

Mistletoe Mixup (2021)

December 4

Movies

The Star (2017)

December 6

Series

Hollywood Houselift with Jeff Lewis Season 2 (2023)

December 7

Movies

A Lot Like Christmas (2021)

December 8

Movies

The Fairy Princess & the Unicorn (2019)

December 10

Movies

Copshop (2021)

December 11

Movies

Spy Cat (2018)

December 14

Movies

Spy Cat (2018)

December 15

Series

Night Court Seasons 1-9 (1984)

December 20

Movies

When Hope Calls: Hearties Christmas Present (2021)

December 21

Movies

Christmas Giveaway (2021)

December 22

Movies

Sing 2 (2021)

December 31

Series

Fringe Seasons 1-5 (2008)

The Waltons Seasons 1-9 (1972)

Movies

Stillwater (2021)

Source: fansided.com

What’s Coming to Netflix December, 2023

WHAT’S WORTH STREAMING

Netflix has a full slate of buzzy new shows and Oscar-hopeful movies coming in December.

May December — NETFLIX FILM

Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under the pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.

Sweet Home: Season 2 (KR) — NETFLIX SERIES

Who’s knocking? A monster, a human, or a hybrid…? The stakes are higher than ever as the lines begin to blur, and nobody is safe from infection.

Basketball Wives: Seasons 3-4

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Big Brother: Seasons 6 and 17

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

Black Swan

Blockers

Boyz n the Hood

Burlesque

College Hill: Celebrity Edition: Season 1

Holey Moley: Seasons 1-2

Insidious

L.A. Confidential

Man of Steel

The Meg

Neighbors

Real Husbands of Hollywood: More Kevin, More Problems: Season 1

Shazam!

She’s All That

She’s the Man

Suicide Squad

Taken

Taken 2

The Suicide Squad

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman 1984

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 3

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Welcome to Samdal-ri (KR) — NETFLIX SERIES

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 4

Dew Drop Diaries: Season 2 — NETFLIX FAMILY

Whoosh, here we go! Athena, Phoebe and Eden return to help their kids solve everyday problems with glitter, grit and a great attitude.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 5

Stavros Halkias: Fat Rascal — NETFLIX COMEDY

Acerbic comic Stavros Halkias skewers tech culture, air travel, sex — and himself — in this raunchy, rollicking and irreverent stand-up set.

Top Chef: Seasons 6 and 15

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 6

Blood Coast (FR) — NETFLIX SERIES

As a vicious drug dealer tries to overtake Marseille, a rogue police captain and his daredevil team welcome a new recruit with an agenda of her own.

Christmas as Usual (NO) — NETFLIX FILM

To celebrate their engagement, Thea takes Jashan home — but his Indian roots and her family’s Norwegian traditions clash in a chaotic Christmas.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 7

Analog Squad (TH) — NETFLIX SERIES

After learning of his estranged father’s sickness, a scheming middle-aged man assembles a fake family to reunite with him for one last time.

The Archies (IN) — NETFLIX FILM

Set in 1960s India, Archie and the gang navigate romance, friendship and the future of Riverdale as developers threaten to destroy a beloved park.

Hilda: Season 3 — NETFLIX FAMILY

A trip to see her great-aunt sparks Hilda’s interest in fairies. But the young explorer may have a stronger connection to the creatures than she thinks.

I Hate Christmas: Season 2 (IT) — NETFLIX SERIES

It’s that time of year again, but now Gianna is in love and ready to embrace the Christmas spirit — even if new issues arise and threaten it.

High Tides (BE) — NETFLIX SERIES

Over a tense summer on the Belgian coast, a wealthy friend group faces adulthood’s harsh realities while grappling with love and societal expectations.

My Life With the Walter Boys — NETFLIX SERIES

When a tragedy disrupts her life, a teen moves in with her guardian’s big family in a small town and learns new lessons about love, hope and friendship.

NAGA (SA) — NETFLIX FILM

Teenage Cindy has high aspirations: to conquer the world. But first, she must survive high school — and high society — in her hometown of San Pedro.

World War II: From the Frontlines (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

Through vividly enhanced archival footage and voices from all sides of the conflict, this docuseries brings WWII to life like never before.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 8

Blood Vessel (NG) — NETFLIX FILM

Brought together by chance, six people fleeing a town devastated by oil pollution stow away on a mysterious ship — not realizing the dangers that await.

The Great British Baking Show: Holidays: Season 6 (GB) — NETFLIX SERIES

Ring in the holidays with judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood as bakers gather for festive fun in the tent and a chance to win the coveted cake stand.

Leave the World Behind — NETFLIX FILM

A family’s getaway to a luxurious rental home takes an ominous turn when a cyberattack knocks out their devices — and two strangers appear at their door.

Women on the Edge (AR) — NETFLIX FILM

After meeting in an anger-control group, two women set out to expose a sketchy plastic surgeon, resulting in an empowering journey — and friendship.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 9

Love and Monsters

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 12

Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

From back in the day to the top of their game, Kevin Hart and Chris Rock offer an unparalleled, behind-the-scenes look at their friendship and careers.

Single’s Inferno: Season 3 (KR) — NETFLIX SERIES

A new set of singles embark on a journey of love on a remote island — navigating drama, passion and everything in between for a chance at Paradise.

Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 13

1670 (PL) — NETFLIX SERIES

A quirky nobleman navigates family feuds and clashes with peasants in his misguided quest to become Poland’s most famous figure In this satirical comedy.

Car Masters: Rust to Riches: Season 5 — NETFLIX SERIES

New faces join the Gotham Garage gang as they prepare to bring their business to the next level — but it’ll take a lot of hard work and creativity.

Holiday in the Vineyards

The Influencer (CO) — NETFLIX SERIES

After a social media stunt goes wrong, an influencer is forced to rebuild her reputation while navigating a cutthroat online scene.

Se Eu Fosse: Luísa Sonza (BR) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

Brazil’s most polarizing pop singer opens up in this docuseries about her love life, career, controversies and the creation of a new album.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 14

As the Crow Flies: Season 2 (TR) — NETFLIX SERIES

Aslı and Lale must break from the norm and face fresh challenges as they continue to fight for their survival in a cutthroat media industry.

The Crown: Season 6 Part 2 (GB) — NETFLIX SERIES

With the Commonwealth irrevocably changed, Queen Elizabeth II reflects on her life and legacy, and paves the way for her successors Charles and William.

Married at First Sight: Season 14

Yu Yu Hakusho (JP) — NETFLIX SERIES

After a selfless act costs him his life, teen delinquent Yusuke Urameshi is chosen as a “Spirit Detective” to investigate cases involving rogue yokai.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 15

Carol & The End of The World — NETFLIX SERIES

With a mysterious planet hurtling towards Earth, extinction is imminent for the people of the world. While most feel liberated to pursue their wildest dreams, one quiet and always uncomfortable woman stands alone — lost among the hedonistic masses.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (GB) — NETFLIX FILM

A fearless band of chickens flock together to save their own kind from an unsettling new threat: a nearby farm that’s cooking up something suspicious.

Face to Face with ETA: Conversations with a Terrorist (ES) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

Josu Urrutikoetxea, also known as Josu Ternera, gives an exhaustive interview to journalist Jordi Évole about his involvement in the terrorist group ETA.

Familia (MX) — NETFLIX FILM

As a family discusses the future of their idyllic olive farm over a meal, the complexity of their relationships emerges through laughs and confessions.

The Hills: Seasons 3-4

Yoh’ Christmas (ZA) — NETFLIX SERIES

Single, 30 and under pressure, Thando lies to her family that she has a boyfriend. Now she has 24 days to bring one home for Christmas. Can she do it?

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 18

Mush-Mush and the Mushables

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 19

Project Runway: Season 17

Trevor Noah: Where Was I — NETFLIX COMEDY

Returning to Netflix for his fourth original comedy special, Trevor Noah shares his hilarious experiences from his recent travels around the world, ranging from foreign national anthems to varying cultural norms.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 20

Cindy la Regia: The High School Years (MX) — NETFLIX SERIES

Teenage Cindy has high aspirations: to conquer the world. But first, she must survive high school — and high society — in her hometown of San Pedro.

Love is Blind Brazil: After the Altar (BZ) — NETFLIX SERIES

Drama, closure and rekindled flames collide as cast members from past seasons of “Love is Blind Brazil” come together in this special reunion episode.

Maestro — NETFLIX FILM

Maestro is a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. A love letter to life and art, Maestro at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love.

Taming of the Shrewd 2 (PL) — NETFLIX FILM

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 21

Flipping Out: Seasons 4-5

Like Flowers in Sand (KR) — NETFLIX SERIES

Supa Team 4: Season 2 — NETFLIX FILM

While Mr. Magedzee searches for a cleaner, greener power source, Supa Team 4 searches for the evil Chusi. Will they all find what they’re looking for?

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 22

Gyeongseong Creature: Season 1 Part 1 (KR) — NETFLIX SERIES

Gyeongseong, 1945. In Seoul’s grim era under colonial rule, an entrepreneur and a sleuth fight for survival and face a monster born out of human greed.

Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire — NETFLIX FILM

When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, a mysterious stranger living among its villagers becomes their best hope for survival.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 24

A Vampire in the Family (BR) — NETFLIX FILM

When a fainthearted ex-soccer player learns his brother-in-law is a vampire with world domination plans, he must gather his courage and save the day.

The Manny (MX) — NETFLIX SERIES

A high-powered executive hires a rancher in a panic to care for her kids. Little does she know, he’ll challenge her views of gender roles — and of love.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 25

Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (GB) — NETFLIX COMEDY

The BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning mind behind The Office, Extras and Afterlife takes the stage for a provocative new stand-up special, riffing on the end of humanity, political correctness, family weddings, funerals and Artificial Intelligence.

Star Trek: Prodigy: Season 1

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 26

Thank You, I’m Sorry (SE) — NETFLIX FILM

Suddenly alone during the late stages of her pregnancy, Sara receives an unexpected lifeline when Linda, her estranged older sister, arrives.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 27

Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

The brutal conditions of an infamous wilderness therapy camp — and the alleged abuse of the troubled teens who attended — are exposed in this gripping tell-all documentary.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 28

Pokémon Concierge (JP) — NETFLIX FAMILY

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 29

Berlin (ES) — NETFLIX SERIES

Back to his golden age before the events of “Money Heist,” Berlin and a masterful gang gather in Paris to plan one of his most ambitious robberies ever.

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 31

Blippi Wonders: Season 3

The Millionaire Matchmaker: Seasons 3-4

Source: vitalthrills.com

Let me know if you prefer each title with storyline, as shown, or just the title alone.

Things to NEVER Buy at a Thrift Store

Buying used is often an easy way to find inexpensive, high-quality, and one-of-a-kind pieces. But in some cases, preowned or old items can be unsanitary, more expensive, and—in worst-case scenarios—dangerous. So the next time you scour your favorite thrift shop (or an antique store or garage sale), think twice about these items.

Stuffed Animals

©Tomekbudujedomek – Getty Images

Yes, they’re adorable, but they’re probably dirty—or worse, infested with bed bugs or fleas.

Pet Furniture

©Getty Images

You’ll never know what previous pets were up to on secondhand pet beds, houses, crates, blankets, and toys. To prevent stinky smells from overtaking your space, and to ensure your furry friend has a clean place to sit or sleep, buy ’em something brand new.

Pillows

©Getty Images

Bringing home any sort of used textile or item covered with fabric puts you at risk for a bed bug infestation. In fact, bed bugs can survive up to one year in upholstered pieces. And with cute throw pillows available for just $10-$20, it’s both affordable and wise to go for something new.

Source: bestproducts.com

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