Today's Six Trendiest Cities in the US

From My travel Readings This Week. I was not surprised that Oakland, CA is in the list. There are two Portland Cities in the list. One is in Maine and the other is in Oregon. I have been to the two cities and I agree with the author's listing the two cities in the top six trendiest cities in the US currently. The city of Tucson, AZ  was a topic of our meal time conversation the other day with a new resident ( BO) here at THD.  I was appointed the Greeter of BO who was a resident of Tucson before his move here last week,      

"People are attracted to certain cities for many reasons, from aesthetic appeal to a wide-range of culture, arts, and entertainment. Whether it’s well-established or up-and-coming, when a city ticks all the boxes it doesn’t take long for word to get around. The next time you’re looking for a fun new place to visit or maybe even a new place to live, you’ll want to consider one of these spots as you’ll quickly discover why they’ve become today’s trendiest cities in the U.S."

https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/6-of-the-trendiest-cities-in-the-u-s/ZFKPahG9cAAI0D1H

1. Durham, North Carolina

Credit: Sean Pavone/ Shutterstock

Durham may best be known as the home of Duke University, but it’s becoming a 

destination that offers a lot more than Blue Devils basketball games. The city is a big 

draw for visitors of all kinds, with cool gathering places and fantastic restaurants.

 The buzzing culinary scene offers everything from regional favorites like juicy barbecue 

and biscuits to quirky treats such as black garlic ice cream. Much of the food is centered

 around the local farm-to-table movement, with chefs whipping up delectable dishes 

from the area’s farms and farmers’ markets.

2. Tucson, Arizona

Credit: dszc/ iStock

TIME magazine recently listed Tucson on its World’s Greatest Places 2023 ranking, 

calling it the “Soul of the Sonoran Desert.” While it was once a rough Wild West down,

 only drawing visitors for its proximity to Saguaro National Park, an increasing number

 of people have been discovering the delights of this great city.

Located a little over 110 miles southeast of Phoenix, Tucson offers everything from 

colorful adobe neighborhoods and hip boutique hotels to innovative eateries, a co-op

 that’s crunchier than any Whole Foods, and even a local bike shop that becomes 

a space for hosting Women, Transgender, and Femme workshops on Mondays. 

It’s easy to find sustainably grown, locally sourced seasonal food all year round, 

with farmers’ markets and farm stands throughout the area.

3. Boise, Idaho

Credit: Charles Knowles/ Shutterstock

Boise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. with a surge of millennials moving

 here over the past several years. Idaho’s capital offers lots of small-town charms with

 the amenities of a large city. It’s a gastronomic hotspot with everything from incredible

 coffee roasters and gourmet donut shops to fine-dining restaurants with tasting menus

 on par with what you’d find in big cities like Seattle and San Francisco. The revitalized

 downtown also offers outstanding shopping and a wealth of cultural attractions, including

 theaters, performing art centers, and museums. Plus, it’s a starting point for a host of

 outdoor adventures. The Boise River Greenbelt is a 20-mile trail that runs along the

 banks of the Boise River providing opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking right 

in the city, while Hulls Gulch Reserve offers roughly 150 miles of trails at the base

 of the foothills just north of downtown.

4. Oakland, California

Credit: JasonDoiy/ iStock

Oakland was once just the underrated city on the other side of the bay, with 

San Francisco stealing the spotlight, but in recent years, it’s been ranked on everything

 from the top underrated cities to visit in the U.S. to the best coffee cities, the best cities

for vegans and vegetarians, and the best foodie cities. Diverse and cosmopolitan, 

you’ll find a wide range of ethnic eats and an art scene that can rival its more well-known

 sister. It includes everything from high-end art galleries and laid-back collectives 

to performance venues on practically every street. Pop-up galleries happen all year 

long and buildings are splashed with colorful street art. You can even enjoy a little

 of Italy right in Oakland with rides in a traditional Venetian gondola offered 

on Lake Merritt.

5. Portland, Maine

Credit: Sean Pavone/ iStock

Portland is renowned for its striking natural beauty, laid-back outdoorsy lifestyle, and

thriving arts scene. It’s incredibly picturesque with cobbled streets and a setting along

 the island-dotted waters of Casco Bay. Locals and visitors alike enjoy everything from 

hiking, biking, and climbing to paddling and swimming. Plus, farm-to-table dining isn’t

 just a trend, it’s been a way of life here for decades. There are countless local 

entrepreneurs offering homemade or homegrown products, from coffee and beer

 to mittens. The Old Port is especially enticing with its many galleries, museums, 

coffee shops, and bookstores ending at the working waterfront.

6. Portland, Oregon

Credit: BruceBlock/ iStock

There’s another Portland that’s seriously trending, but this one is on the opposite coast.

 Located on both the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the shadow of Mount Hood, 

Portland, Oregon, offers everything from street art to farm-to-table cuisine. Plus,

 it’s about the same distance from the nearest surf break as the closest ski slope.

 It’s been named the No. 1 bike-friendly city by Bicycling magazine numerous times 

and locals also enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing between the dozen bridges

 that span the Willamette.  Those who like to shop will find dozens of vintage stores

 and design-savvy boutiques, plus one of the world’s greatest bookstores is here:

 Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent bookstore on Earth, with around 

a million books spread across 8,000 square feet. It has its own coffee shop where

 many like to enjoy a cup while thumbing through the pages.

About the author: K.C. Dermody | Writer

K.C. Dermody is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland' and hundreds of travel articles online and in print. Currently living in Baja, Mexico, she's traveled the world, visiting over 40 countries to date. When she's not writing, she might be found snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez, paddling among whales in Newfoundland, or exploring ancient sites in Greece. 

Meanwhile, here are 12 things to always remember. 

Lastly, Did you know that....

There were over 200 Filipinos that fought in the American Civil War (1861-1865), serving on both the Union and Confederate sides! Many were sailors from Spanish-controlled Philippines, working on Spanish galleons or whaling ships, who jumped ship or were recruited—especially in Louisiana, a major port city at the time. Some Filipinos ended up in the U.S. Navy, while others joined land regiments, fighting in famous battles like Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Their stories remain largely hidden in history, but their contributions prove that Filipinos have been making an impact globally for centuries.

French President Emmanuel Macron- New Leader of the Free World

From My Readings This Week

BREAKING: French President Emmanuel Macron steps into the boots that Donald Trump abandoned as leader of the free world and vows to defeat Russian aggression that “knows no bounds.”

The world desperately needs leadership like this right now. “I want to believe the US will stay by our side. But we have to be ready if that isn’t the case,” Macron said in a televised address.

“I’m speaking to you tonight because of the international situation and its consequences for Europe,” Macron said to the French people. “I know you are legitimately worried faced with the historic events that are shaking the world order.”

“The war in Ukraine, which has left almost one million dead and injured, continues with the same intensity,” he continued. “The US, our ally, has changed its position on this war, supporting Ukraine less and allowing doubt to linger on what will come next.”

Macron said that the world is becoming more “brutal” and has entered a “new era,” adding that “it would be madness to stay a spectator in this world of danger.”

He stated that France and all of Europe must stand together and help Ukraine “to resist until Ukraine can negotiate a peace with Russia that is solid for themselves and for all of us.”

Demonstrating a bravery that the American president so clearly lacks, Macron stated that peace cannot be obtained by “abandoning Ukraine.”

“Peace cannot be concluded at any price,” he said, taking an oblique jab at Trump’s rhetoric. “Who can believe today that Russia would stop at Ukraine?”

Macron also addressed the possibility of expanding nuclear deterrence to safeguard European nations.

"Our nuclear deterrent protects us: it's complete, sovereign, French through and through," said Macron.

“But, responding to the historic call of the future German Chancellor, I have decided to open the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent through our (nuclear) deterrence," he added.

“Europe’s future should not be decided in Washington or Moscow, and yes the threat from the east is returning. And the innocence of these 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall is over,” he continued.

Macron also addressed Trump’s disastrous tariff policy, calling it “incomprehensible, as much for the American economy as ours.”

In a time of American madness, it’s deeply encouraging to see that our allies are remaining sane.

Please like and share! Vive la France 

!

https://abcnews.go.com/International/macron-warns-trump-careful-ukraine-fact-checks-white/story?id=119157061

Meanwhile, here's my Latin phrase of the Day

Lastly, Did you Know That....

The world's oldest bonsai tree is over 1,000 years old! This bonsai, known as Ficus retusa linn, is housed in the Crespi Bonsai Museum in Milan, Italy. Standing at 10 feet tall, it is a testament to daily dedication and meticulous care. It features dense aerial roots and a perfectly balanced form.

The Crespi Ficus was moved to Italy in 1986 after more than a decade of negotiations between its current and previous caretakers—just a brief moment in the life of this ancient tree. Not only is it believed to be the oldest bonsai in the world, but it is also planted in the largest bonsai pot ever made, which was crafted and fired as a single piece.

The Crespi Ficus is considered the crown jewel of a breathtaking collection of over 200 bonsai trees. Despite attempts by others to purchase bonsai from Crespi, this beloved tree remains, continuing to inspire visitors to the museum’s lush botanical gardens for years to come.

The Movie-The Apprentice- The Young Trump Biopic

I saw about 90 minutes of 120 minutes of this movie last night at our Cinema. After about 90 minutes the Projector in Our Cinema conked out. I continued the movie in my Amazon Prime Account in my Apartment. I  enjoyed the movie very much! The rape scene ( Trump raping Ivana) was edited out.

Actor Sebastian Stan- as a young Donald Trump was Oscar nominated for the Best Actor, 2025. 

Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong Say Their Trump Movie Is a Tragedy, Not a Mockery

The “Apprentice” stars and the director Ali Abbasi say their film is a “humanistic” treatment of the former president and his mentor, Roy Cohn.

The Apprentice received rave reviews and an 8-minute standing ovation after its Cannes Film Festival premiere in May. Simultaneously, though, reports emerged that the film’s principal financier, Kinematics — founded by producer Mark Rapaport, son-in-law of the billionaire and known Trump donor Dan Snyder — had objections to a pivotal scene in the movie where a young Donald rapes his then-wife Ivana Trump. Days later, Trump’s real-life lawyers filed a cease and desist letter threatening to sue the producers and any future distributors of The Apprentice. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/10/movies/the-apprentice-sebastian-stan-jeremy-strong-interview.html

The Apprentice is a 2024 biographical film that examines Donald Trump's career as a real estate businessman in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s, including his relationship with attorney Roy Cohn. Directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, the film stars Sebastian Stan as Trump, Jeremy Strong as Cohn, Martin Donovanas Trump's father Fred, and Maria Bakalova as Trump's first wife, Ivana.

An international co-production between Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and the United States, the film was announced in May 2018, but languished until Abbasi, Stan, and Strong joined in 2023. After premiering at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, and despite impressing the critics, sparking an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes, "strong reviews, [and] feverish media attention" the film struggled to find American distribution due to its subject matter and an attempt by Trump's legal team to block its release. Briarcliff Entertainment eventually bought the rights, and theatrically released it on October 11, 2024. The film received generally positive reviews from critics for its acting, directing, and editing; Trump, meanwhile, described it as a "defamatory, politically disgusting hatchet job" intended to harm his 2024 presidential campaign.

For their performances, Stan and Strong each received an Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA acting nomination, with Strong also earning a SAG Award nomination. The film grossed $17 million on a $16 million budget.

Legal issues

Trump described the film as "a cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job" and described those involved in it as "human scum".

Billionaire Dan Snyder, formerly the owner of the Washington Commanders NFL team, invested money in the production of The Apprentice with the impression that the film would be a positive portrayal of Trump. Snyder is a close friend of Trump who donated $1.1 million to his inaugural committee and Trump Victory Committee in 2016 and $100,000 to his 2020 presidential campaign. After seeing a cut of the film in February 2024, Snyder was said to be furious, and lawyers for the Snyder-backed Kinematics production company sought to stop the release of the film.

The film includes controversial scenes, including those that depict Trump violently raping his first wife, Ivana, abusing amphetamines to lose weight, and undergoing liposuction and plastic surgery to remove a bald spot. The rape scene was based on divorce records. In a deposition under oath, rendered during their divorce proceedings, Ivana accused Donald of rape and of pulling out her hair by the handful when his plastic surgery to alter his hairline failed. In 2015 Ivana Trump issued a statement clarifying earlier allegations made during her 1989 divorce proceedings. 

She claimed that her use of the term "rape" was not meant in a literal or criminal sense and was made during a time of high emotion, stating "Donald and I are the best of friends, and together we have raised three children that we love and are very proud of. I have nothing but fondness for Donald, and I wish him the best of luck on his campaign. I have recently read some comments attributed to me from nearly 30 years ago at a time of very high tension during my divorce from Donald. The story is totally without merit. Donald and I are the best of friends and he would never rape me."

 Sherman cited the Trump biography Lost Tycoon: The Many Lives of Donald J. Trump, by Harry Hurt, as the main source for Trump's use of amphetamines and said, "There’s been other reporting over the years that Trump, in the ’80s, took these pills that essentially are amphetamines, and they kind of give you manic energy...It’s always been one of the explanations for why he went on this deal-making binge...I felt it was one of the themes of the film—as Trump gains more power, he loses touch with his own humanity. I thought of the diet pills as him trying to develop this superpower of never needing to sleep."

On May 20, 2024, Variety reported that Steven Cheung, the communications director of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, threatened legal action over the film. On May 24, Variety reported that Trump's attorneys sent a cease-and-desist letter to the filmmakers, seeking to block "all marketing, distribution, and publication of the Movie." The film's producers responded to the letter by issuing a statement saying, "The film is a fair and balanced portrait of the former president. We want everyone to see it and then decide."

Subsequent to this, Abbasi offered to screen the film for Trump, believing that he might approve of its depiction of him. He also said that realistic films need to be produced about the threat of fascism.

In September 2024, Dan Snyder and his production company Kinematics sold its stake in the film, citing creative differences. Snyder was reportedly motivated to depart because of the film's unflattering and controversial portrayal of the central figure. The stake was acquired by James Shani and his production company Rich Spirit, which was already involved in the film with an original investment of $500,000.

Here's one of theNumerous Reviews that I can identify with

In the recent cinematic endeavor "The Apprentice," an intricate tapestry is woven—a narrative that seeks to dissect the evolution of Donald Trump from a seemingly inexperienced grifter into a formidable and mercurial figure of power. This journey is marked by his fateful meeting with Roy Cohn, depicted as a mentor skilled in the dark arts of manipulation and persuasion, a figure who lives by the credo that the truth is pliable, resilience means never admitting defeat, and morality is optional when success is the prize. The film captures the transformation of Trump with stark clarity, illustrating a metamorphosis driven by relentless ambition. Roy Cohn, with his storied career shadowed by a ruthless reputation, offers Trump the blueprint of power without conscience. Cohn emphasizes that perception outweighs reality, an ethos that Trump absorbs and revises into an art form. The narrative implies that through Cohn’s mentorship, Trump learns to manufacture his own truths and override conventional ethics. As the years pass, the film tracks a shift in Trump's allegiance and demeanor. Despite Roy Cohn's influence in his ascent, Trump begins to distance himself, a calculated maneuver that coincides with Cohn's descending health and dwindling political clout. This act of cold pragmatism is embodied in a poignant scene where Trump evicts Cohn’s son from his hotels and later dismissively overlooks Cohn himself during his illness. The personal dynamics portrayed, particularly with Marla, add layers to Trump's persona as someone who compartmentalizes relationships and sees them as transactions. His actions toward Marla—caring little for deep emotional connections—are illustrative of a man driven more by self-interest than sentiment. Roger Stone emerges as another intricate node in this network of influence, highlighting the political ecosystem that Trump navigates with deft cunning. The film suggests a continuous interplay of these powerful figures, each contributing to a narrative where betrayal seems endemic, and loyalty is contingent on utility. "The Apprentice" insists it is based on actual events, a claim that invites skepticism and introspection, not just about its subject but about the portrayal itself. It raises questions about the accuracy of these depictions and the implications of presenting conjecture as history. The film leaves the audience to ponder the ethical balance between depicting historical figures with dramatic embellishment and remaining tethered to reported reality. Ultimately, "The Apprentice" offers a critical reflection on power's seductive and corruptive nature, framing Trump as both a product and perpetuator of this cycle—a nuanced and entrenched narrative that provokes both fascination and unease.

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of the Camelia Blooms in Our Courtyard;

Lastly, here's some THD News in case you have Not Heard.

THD had hired two women drivers replacing Joseph Woo. I met Liza the other day. Liza said she will be working part-time. Joseph is not coming back. He'd had some personal problems, I heard. He was an excellent driver, even if he does not smile at all! Good Luck Joseph in your future endeavors.  Your service to the THD community is much appreciated. 

I am looking for ward to meet the other driver- another experienced lady from what I heard. Nancy will be training both of them, I heard through the grapevine.  Our local transportation services is one of the Amenities why I decided to rent here at THD. 
 

Travel with Me to the Galápagos Islands via Dodie's Photos

From Machu Picchu, Dodie and Ruth went to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.   Last month they came back and posted photos of strange creatures (fauna) in the islands. 

Here are some photos Dodie posted on his FaceBook page.

"Just back from the Galápagos Islands. We did a boat tour of four islands: Floreana, Espanola, Santa Fe and Santa Cruz". The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago located in the Pacific ocean 600 miles (1000 kms) off the coast of Ecuador in the northern trip of South America. This island cluster is made of 13 main islands, about 9 minor islands, 39 islets and some 600 ocean rocks is home to a strange and fascinating collection of creatures, many of which cannot be found anywhere else on earth.  A marvel in terms of geology, about 3-5 million years ago, a huge volcanic eruption shook the earth breaking its crust creating  and under sea mountain range. The molten lava formed a chain of islands, most of them the peak of an underwater volcano, which remained untouched for millions of years. A diverse array of animals and plants found their way there – and thrived. It’s hard to believe that such a harsh jumble of saltwater soaked lava fields has become so rich with life.

Here are the Photos.

The Galápagos Islands (Spanish: Islas Galápagos) are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Eastern Pacific, located around the equator, 900 km (560 mi) west of the mainland of South America. They form the Galápagos Province of the Republic of Ecuador, with a population of slightly over 33,000 (2020). The province is divided into the cantons of San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela, the three most populated islands in the chain. The Galápagos are famous for their large number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin in the 1830s and inspired his theory of evolution by means of natural selection. All of these islands are protected as part of Ecuador's Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve.

Thus far, there is no firm evidence that Polynesians or the Indigenous peoples of South America reached the islands before their accidental discovery by Bishop Tomás de Berlanga in 1535. If some visitors did arrive, poor access to fresh water on the islands seems to have limited settlement. The Spanish Empire similarly ignored the islands, although during the Golden Age of Piracy various pirates used the Galápagos as a base for raiding Spanish shipping along the Peruviancoast. The goats and black and brown rats introduced during this period greatly damaged the existing ecosystems of several islands. British sailors were chiefly responsible for exploring and mapping the area. Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle was part of an extensive British survey of the coasts of South America. Ecuador, which won its independence from Spain in 1822 and left Gran Colombia in 1830, formally occupied and claimed the islands on 12 February 1832 while the voyage was ongoing. José de Villamil, the founder of the Ecuadorian Navy, led the push to colonize and settle the islands, gradually supplanting the English names of the major islands with Spanish ones. The United States built the islands' first airport as a base to protect the western approaches of the Panama Canal in the 1930s. After World War II, its facilities were transferred to Ecuador. With the growing importance of ecotourism to the local economy, the airport modernized in the 2010s, using recycled materials for any expansion and shifting entirely to renewable energy sources to handle its roughly 300,000 visitors each year. From Wikipedia

Meanwhile, here are the five most famous laws in the World

Lastly Did You Know That?

Despite appearing on ancient maps, Antarctica wasn’t officially discovered until 1820 by Russian explorers—making it the last continent found! This icy landmass remained a mystery for centuries, tantalizing explorers and mapmakers with its elusive presence.

The confirmation of Antarctica's existence marked a significant milestone in the age of exploration, opening up new frontiers for scientific research and discovery.