20 Dec

 

 

Flag Today  56°/20°   Week 51  Day 355 Air Quality: Fair Sunshine Wind 8 mph Gusts 12 mph Gentle Breeze Active Fire: 517 miles away Risk of fire: High   Nearest Lightning: a miles away Dec. Averages: Temps: 45°\18° Moisture:  5 Days

Weekly Observations

4-24 Andisop (Meteorological Fiddling) Link 14-1/5/25 Christmas Bird Count Week Link  14-28 Halcyon Days: 14-28 (Always 7 days before and 7 days after the Winter Solstice)

15-21 Gluten-free Baking Week 16-24 Posadas 16-20 Cookie Exchange Week 17-23 Saturnalia

Daily Observations

Games Day Link Go Caroling Day International Human Solidarity Day Mudd Day National Sangria Day

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day Link  Poet Laureat Day Sacagawea Day Underdog Day

Today’s Seasonal Quote                                                                

 

Today’s Meme

 

Thoughts for the day

Having a nice late fall day.

I had lunch with Faith and Andy. They are heading back to Phoenix for Christmas with Kayla and family. We haven’t been to Golden Dragon for a while. It has new owners, an upgraded dining area, and much more food for the price. They took over in April and are doing a great job.

Members of the House earn $175,000/year to serve the people. Don’t forget that.

It looks like unelected Elon, with elected leader Trump want to see the government shut down by blocking the continuing resolution. We had numerous shutdowns during the Reagan administration. It is always a pain, never solves the problem, and our government continues to operate. I call it grandstanding by those who don’t care.

Trivia Time

 

Christmas Traditions

Xmas is a Secular Abbreviation

The term 'Xmas' often sparks debate, perceived as a secular shortcut that removes 'Christ' from Christmas. However, this abbreviation has religious roots. The 'X' comes from the Greek letter Chi, the first letter of 'Christ' in Greek.

Using 'Xmas' dates back centuries, respected in religious circles. Far from diminishing its significance, it maintains the essence of the holiday.

This myth highlights how language evolves, reminding us that understanding history can deepen appreciation for traditions.

Random Thoughts…

Always borrow money from a pessimist… He won’t expect it back.
Instead of dividing the backing vocals (low, medium, and high), Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor, of the band Queen, would record each background part together in unison, twice. 2×3 part harmony.
1982’s original Tron movie didn’t win any special effects awards because the Motion Picture Academy thought they “cheated” by using computer graphics.

Ancient Roman Life

Sexual Exploitation of Slaves

In ancient Rome, slaves endured the harsh reality of sexual exploitation, with no legal rights over their own bodies. Masters frequently exercised sexual dominance over their slaves, a practice ingrained in Roman societal norms. Female slaves were particularly vulnerable, often subjected to abuse or forced into prostitution.

The offspring of such unions were born into slavery, further entrenching the cycle of exploitation. While instances of genuine affection did occur, they were rare exceptions. This grim aspect of Roman slavery underscores the deep-seated inequalities and the brutal personal experiences of slaves in their daily lives.

Historic Events

20 Dec History

Birthdays

Jonah Hill, 41 Movie Actor Chase Matthew, 27 Country Singer Uri Geller, 78, Israeli-English magician and psychic

@91 – Irene Dunne, American actress (d. 1990) @86 – Charlie Callas, American actor, and comedian (d. 2011) @84 – John Hillerman, American actor (d. 2017) @81 – George Roy Hill, American director (d. 2002)   @69 – Harvey Firestone, American inventor (Firestone Tires)(d. 1938; heart attack)

…The End for today…