1 Aug

 

Flagstaff Today 86°: 52° Week 31 Day 213 Wind 8 mph Gusts 19 mph Active Fire: 82 miles away Risk of Fire: Extreme Nearest lightning: 128 miles away Air Quality: Fair Sunshine Aug. Averages: Temps: 79°\50° Moisture: 9 Day

Monthly Observations

American Adventures Month American Artists Appreciation Month Link American History Essay Contest (8/1 - 12/15)  Arrr-gust: International Pirate Month  Link Back to School Month Link

Black Business Month Boomers Making A Difference Month Bystander Awareness Month Children's Eye Health & Safety Month Child Support Awareness Month Link

Weekly Observations

Lollapalooza: 7/31-8/3 Link  Tall Timber Days: 1-3 Twins Days: 1-3

International Clown Week: 1-7 Link National Cleanse Your Skin Week: 1-7  Link National Minority Donor Awareness Week: 1-7 Simplify Your Life Week: 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week: 1-7 Link Sturgis Rally: 1-10 Link

Daily Observations

Braham Pie Day\Homemade Pie Day Girlfriend's Day International Alberino Day Link International Beer Day Link   International Can-It-Forward Day  Link  (Mason Jars) Lammas Day (Merry Loafmas)  Lughnasa or Lughnasadh  Link Mahjong Day Minority Donor Awareness Day National Minority Donor Awareness Day   National Spritz Day  Link

National Water Balloon Day Raspberry Cream Pie Day Respect For Parents Rounds Resounding Day Spider-Man Day Tomboy Tools Day Link  Twins Day-3 Link  US Air Force Day Link World Lung Cancer Day World Wide Web Day Link World Scout Scarf Day

Today’s Quotes                                                             

Today’s Memes

 

Thoughts for the day

August is starting out nice.

I did some shopping this morning.  Picking up essentials.

The Dragon Bravo fire at the North Rim is now over 100,000 acres, now making the top ten list of devastating fires in AZ. Even worse, it is now only 4% contained.

I have never heard of mid-decade redistricting for congressional districts. My experience remembers redistricting following a census. I also do not believe that state legislators should draw boundaries. It should be done by a bipartisan committee of citizens. Politicians only believe in gerrymandering when the new districts help their party.

History Facts Americans Commonly Get Wrong

Rosa Parks Wasn’t Just Tired—It Was a Planned Act of Protest ©unsplash

The common tale says Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat because she was “just tired.” In fact, Parks was a lifelong activist and her action was part of a planned strategy by the NAACP to challenge segregation laws. Parks herself later said, “The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” The Montgomery Bus Boycott that followed was carefully organized and lasted over a year, led by local civil rights leaders and supported by thousands of ordinary citizens.
Parks wasn’t the first to refuse her seat, but the NAACP chose her case because of her impeccable character and community standing. The real story is one of courage, planning, and collective action—not just a spontaneous moment of individual fatigue.

Literary Legends…

Jack Kerouac Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel On the Road gave voice to the restless spirit of the Beat Generation. His spontaneous, free-flowing prose and exploration of countercultural themes redefined American literature in the mid-twentieth century. Kerouac’s influence stretches across music, poetry, and youth culture. The significance of his work and legacy is explored in depth by the Beat Museum.

Random Thoughts…

The political terms “Left-Wing” and “Right-Wing” are traced back to the French Revolution. It referred to the side of the assembly politicians sat. The Right was supportive of the King and upper class while the Left was supportive of the Revolution and the Lower Class.

The Capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott

The biggest film of 1947: Forever Amber earned ~ $16,000,000

The price of a bottle of Coca-Cola stayed at a nickel for over 70 years. As a result, vending machines only took nickels, and before raising prices to a dime the president of the company asked President Eisenhower to mint 7.5 cent coins to keep the increase reasonable.

Some people will be born, live their whole lives, and die without ever running as fast as they possibly can

Historic Events

Click here for 1 Aug history

Birthdays

77 – Avi Arad, Israeli-American producer, founded Marvel Studios 65 – Chuck D (Carlton Douglas Ridenhour), American rapper 45 – Jason Momoa, American actor

@72 – Herman Melville, American novelist, short story writer, and poet (d. 1891; cardiac dilation) @71 – Yves Saint Laurent, Algerian-French fashion designer, co-founded Yves Saint Laurent (d. 2008) @68 – William Clark, American explorer, of Lewis & Clark (d. 1838) @65 – Dom DeLuise, American actor (d. 2009; kidney failure) @63 – Francis Scott Key, American author, poet (d. 1843;  pleurisy) @63 – Claudius, Roman emperor (d. 54; poisoned) @59 – Coolio, American rapper (d. 2022; OD) @57 – Taylor Negron, American actor (d. 2015; liver cancer) @53 – Jerry Garcia, American singer-songwriter, guitarist (d. 1995; heart attack) @42 – Edward Kelley, English spirit medium (d. 1597)

…The End for today…

           

31 Jul

 

Flagstaff Today 87°: 52° Week 31 Day 212 Wind 6 mph Gusts 13 mph Active Fire: 82 miles away Risk of Fire: Extreme Nearest lightning: 148 miles away Air Quality: Fair Sunshine Jul Averages: Temps: 82°\51° Moisture: 8 Day

Weekly Observations

Lollapalooza: 31-8/3 Link

Daily Observations

National Avocado Day  Link National Chili Dog Day Link   National Cotton Candy Day National Intern Day Link  National Jump for Jelly Beans Day

National Mutt Day  Link   National Orgasm Day Link  Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day  Link   World Ranger Day Link

Today’s Quotes                                                             

Today’s Memes

 

Thoughts for the day

It’s another nice summer day.

When I started my blood treatment, they used a steroid. I had to increase one of my meds to counteract some of the side effects. I went to renew the script and found it was too early. I explained what happened and Caremark said they needed a new script. I hope it gets here before I use all the current one.

There was an 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia. That has sent tsunami warnings from Alaska down to California as well as Japan. This was a very large quake and may produce devastating waves. I haven’t read anything about the cruise ships that I figure were in the area. 

History Facts Americans Commonly Get Wrong

The Alamo’s “Last Stand” Was More Complicated ©unsplash

“Remember the Alamo!” is a rallying cry rooted deep in American memory, but the details of the famous 1836 battle are often misunderstood. Many believe the defenders fought for American independence, but Texas was actually a Mexican state at the time.
The fighters included Americans, Tejanos, and even some Europeans, and their motives were mixed—some for independence, some for land, others for personal reasons. The Mexican army, led by Santa Anna, overwhelmed the defenders after a 13-day siege.
The battle became a symbol of heroism, but historians note that the events leading up to and following the Alamo were much more complex, involving political power struggles, shifting alliances, and the ongoing issue of slavery in Texas. The simple “good guys vs. bad guys” story doesn’t capture the reality of the Alamo’s tangled legacy.

Literary Legends…

Richard Wright  Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Richard Wright’s groundbreaking works, Native Son and Black Boy, boldly expose the harsh realities of racism and systemic oppression in America. With unflinching honesty and vivid storytelling, Wright confronts readers with the struggles and complexities faced by Black Americans in the early twentieth century. His powerful narratives continue to provoke reflection, discussion, and debate. Wright’s enduring influence and literary legacy are highlighted by the Library of America.

Random Thoughts…

You can’t have a depressing scene in a movie without extreme close-ups and rain.

The biggest film of 1949: Samson and Delilah (Drama) earned ~ $29,000,000

Clark Kent (Superman) is the male movie counterpart to the girl who takes off her glasses, and everyone realizes she’s pretty. 

Alan Napier, the actor who played Alfred in the 1960s version of Batman, was the show’s only cast member who had never heard of Batman and had no idea who the character was before the show began filming.

There are 18 different animal shapes in the animal cracker zoo.

Helen Keller was once a pupil of Alexander Graham Bell at his school for the deaf.

Historic Events

Click here for 31 July history

Birthdays

82 – Lobo (Roland Kent LaVoie), American singer-songwriter 82 – William Bennett, American journalist, politician 67 – Mark Cuban, American businessman 60 – J. K. Rowling, English author and film producer 59 – Dean Cain (Dean George Tanaka), American actor 47 – Zac Brown, American country singer-songwriter 46 – B.J. Novak (Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak), American actor, director, producer, screenwriter 44 – M. Shadows (Matthew Charles Sanders), American musician, lead singer of Avenged Sevenfold

@94 – Milton Friedman, American economist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 2006) @90 – Marion Talbot, influential American educator (d. 1948) @86 – Curt Gowdy, American sportscaster and actor (d. 2006) @83 – Ahmet Ertegun, Turkish-American songwriter, producer, founded Atlantic Records (d. 2006) @79 – Fred Quimby, American animation producer (d. 1965) @49 – Whitney Young, American activist (d. 1971; while swimming) @46 – Ted Cassidy, American actor (d. 1979; heart tumor)

…The End for today…

           

30 Jul

 

Flagstaff Today 89°: 52° Week 31 Day 211 Wind 6 mph Gusts 9 mph Active Fire: 80 miles away Risk of Fire: Extreme Nearest lightning: 180 miles away Air Quality: Fair Sunshine Jul Averages: Temps: 82°\51° Moisture: 8 Day

Daily Observations

Cheesecake Day Link                                                       National Intern Day
Father-In-Law Day                                                             National Share A Hug Day
Friendship Day Link Link Link Link Link Link
Health Care Now!  Medicare's Birthday  Link
International Day of Friendship Link  Link  Link             Paperback Book Day
National Cheesecake Day                                                  Share a Hug Day
National Chicken and Waffles Day
National Whistleblowers Appreciation Day  Link

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Today’s Quotes                                                             

Today’s Memes

 

Thoughts for the day

A great summer day…just need some moisture.

I was reading an article about the First Lady and decided to read her bio on Wikipedia. The Wikipedia article is certainly worth reading. It was informative and I learned a few things.

Interesting: The last Republican president to reduce the national debt was in 1960 with Ike.

History Facts Americans Commonly Get Wrong

The First Thanksgiving Wasn’t What You Think©wikimedia

Ask almost any American, and they’ll describe the first Thanksgiving as a friendly feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans. In reality, the 1621 gathering was more complicated.
The Pilgrims and Wampanoag people did share a meal, but it wasn’t called “Thanksgiving” at the time, and the menu was nothing like today’s turkey-and-pie tradition. Historical accounts mention venison, seafood, and corn, but not cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes.
The celebration was a brief moment of cooperation amid years of tension and conflict between colonists and Indigenous peoples. Over time, the story was romanticized to promote unity and gratitude, glossing over the darker history of colonization and its consequences.
The real first Thanksgiving was more survival than celebration.

Literary Legends…

Edith Wharton Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Edith Wharton’s incisive novels expertly dissect the complexities and hypocrisies of Gilded Age society. Works like The Age of Innocence showcase her keen eye for social observation and her ability to capture the subtle tensions of class and convention. Wharton’s literary innovations—including her nuanced characterizations and elegant prose—have left a lasting mark on American fiction. Her influence and achievements are celebrated and studied by The Wharton Society.

Random Thoughts…

What if aliens never invaded earth because they have seen Hollywood movies and think past attempts from other races continually fail.

If there were people who could read minds, they would hear an awful lot of songs, sung with incorrect words, and likely very out of tune or rhythm.

Whoever figured out that a few stalks of wheat, a glass of milk, a tomato, and a ground-up pig could be turned into pepperoni pizza is probably the greatest genius to have ever lived.

The very best place to do a shady transaction or deal is in neon animal costumes outside a mental institution because no one would believe the witnesses.

If you had windshield wipers on your glasses you would think you’re the coolest person ever, but everyone else would think you look like an idiot.

Historic Events

Click here for 30 July history

Birthdays

96 – Sid Krofft, Canadian-American puppeteer and producer   89 – Buddy Guy, American singer-songwriter and guitarist 83 – Paul Anka, Canadian singer-songwriter 78 – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor,  38th Governor of California 75 – Frank Stallone, American singer-songwriter, actor 71 – Ken Olin, American actor 69 – Delta Burke, American actress 69 – Anita Hill, American lawyer, academic 62 – Lisa Kudrow, American actress 61 – Vivica A. Fox, American actress 57 – Terry Crews, American football player, actor 55 – Christopher Nolan, English-American director, producer, screenwriter 54 – Tom Green, Canadian comedian, actor 51 – Hilary Swank, American actress 47 – Jaime Pressly, American actress

@96 – Henry W. Bloch, American banker and businessman, co-founded H&R Block (d. 2019) @85 – Casey Stengel, American baseball player, manager (d. 1975)   @83 – Henry Ford, American engineer. businessman, founded the Ford Motor Company (d. 1947) @82 – Peter Bogdanovich, American actor, director (d. 2022)   @78 – David Sanborn, American saxophonist, composer (d. 2024; prostate cancer)

…The End for today…