buffalo journeys

  There is no STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) shortage. This was evident many years ago, but this myth propagates on to this day. This is especially true now in the age of AI (Artificial Intelligence).  The tech industry is in that cycle at the moment of mass layoffs or RIFs (Reduction In Force). How people would like to call it or put into terms, it is still being fired. It means many people will be without an income and health benefits at a time when inflation is at an all time high in the US, like Jimmy Carter era high. The impact is not just on the individual employee but also on the family that they help to support. Regardless of how some people would like to frame the numbers on the economy, many people are feeling the pinch of the inflation. Everyday American families will suffer as a result. Many of these tech company executives that are laying off employees left and right are making millions of dollars, and this is not including their stock options. Their

     A couple of years ago, we first noticed a sign on the interstate indicating an exit to a place called Ave Maria Grotto. We’ve seen it many times since but didn't think much of it until I decided to look it up online because I got tired of wondering to myself what is this place, each and every time I see this sign and then quickly forgetting about it as we drive past it.            As you can see from the photos, to our pleasant surprise, Ave Maria Grotto turned out to be an interesting place to visit. We had intended to just stop by and take a quick look around but ended up spending most of the afternoon there. It was time well spent though. The grounds were pretty and serene. We appreciated all the detailed work at the Grotto of many pilgrimage sites, churches, and statues.       Ave Maria Grotto is located in Cullman, Alabama, at St Bernard Abbey. It was originally built by a monk from the abbey named Br Joseph Zoettl. He used parts found around the house, so to speak, to ma