14 May

 

14 May 2023

Flagstaff Almanac

Week 20 Day 134 Mother’s Day	Ave. Sky Cover 5%\ Visibility  24miles	Flagstaff Today  73° \ 36°
Wind  6mph \ Gusts  12mph	Nearest active fire: 48miles	Nearest Lightning:  27mi
Air Quality: Moderate High Risk of fire	May Averages: Flagstaff: 68° \ 34° May Average: 3 Days of moisture	Sunshine

Today’s Quote

Weekly Observations

8-14  International Coaching Week: Link National Stuttering Awareness Week 10-16  Universal Family Week 12-21 National Public Gardens Week  Link

14-20 National Eosinophil Awareness Week   Link  National Nursing Home Week   National Return To Work Week   National Transportation Week National Women's Health Week   Reading is Fundamental Week   Link  Salute to Moms 40+ Week   Work At Home Moms Week   World Trade Week

Daily Observations

Apraxia Awareness Day Link Buttermilk Biscuit Day Dance Like a Chicken Day Mother's Day Link  Link Mother's At The Wall Day

National Chicken Dance Day Link National Decency Day Link Link The Stars and Stripes Forever Day The Stars and Stripes Forever Day Underground America Day WAAC Day

Today’s Thoughts

Great day. I took a long walk around the neighborhood before starting laundry.

It’s graduation weekend with the community college and the University holding multiple graduation ceremonies on their individual campuses. Thankfully, both are on the west side of town, far from where I live. Residents know to avoid the west side of town all weekend.

I want to wish all the mothers out there a very Happy Mother’s Day. Also, to the single Dad’s who are raising children. I do miss the joy of getting something for my mom on this day. That’s why I donate to one of her favorite charities in her name on this day.

Tipping is getting out of hand. I heard a story this morning that a chain store is using self-check-out and is now giving its customers who use self-check-out to tip the business for the convenience of self-check-out. Seriously, deduct a percentage amount from my bill for using the self-check-out and not stealing anything. 

Enjoy

Mother’s Day

The history of American Mother's Day starts with peacemaker Ann Jarvis. During and following the Civil War, Ann Jarvis made a concerted effort to foster friendship and community between the mothers on both sides of the war. She started a committee in 1868 which established the first glimmer of today's holiday: "Mother's Friendship Day."
Ann's daughter Anna continued her legacy by creating the official holiday. Anna Reeves Jarvis sought to honor her own mother by establishing an intimate day of observance that is very obviously the basis of today's holiday. The very first Mother's Day was celebrated in 1908.
Woodrow Wilson signed Mother's Day into law in 1914. After Anna Jarvis created the Mother's Day International Association in order to streamline the intimate day of observance to the second Sunday in May, Woodrow Wilson legitimized the celebration as a nationwide holiday.
Mother's Day is the third highest selling holiday for flowers and plants. After Christmas and Hanukkah, more people buy flowers and plants for their moms on Mother's Day than any other holiday. Around approximately one quarter of all the flowers purchased throughout the year are bought for Mother's Day.
Carnations have a special meaning on Mother's Day. Anna Reeves Jarvis used the carnation on Mother's Day to symbolize whether your mother was living. A red carnation meant she was, and a white meant she had passed. Mother's Day is celebrated all over the world. Albeit on different days. But in addition to the U.S., Great Britain, Canada, Costa Rica, Samoa, Georgia, Australia, and Thailand all have designated celebrations to honor their country's mothers.
One of the earliest Mother's Day celebrations was in Ancient Greece. The Greeks would have spring celebrations in honor of Rhea, the goddess of fertility, motherhood, and generation.
Some countries still observe ancient festivals honoring mothers. In India, people celebrate Durga-puja, a festival that pays homage to the mother goddess, Durga. The festival is a ten-day event that takes place around September or October.

Ocean Trivia

The killer whale with a falsely incriminating name belongs to the oceanic dolphin family. Also known as an orca, they have black bodies with a white underside and patches near the eye.

Origins of State Names

Nebraska

Like many states throughout the Great Plains, the name Nebraska comes from a Native American term. In this case the word nebrathka comes from the Otoe people, and means “flat water,” a reference to the region’s Platte River. Nebraska likely owes its modern name to American explorer and politician John C. Frémont, who used the river’s Native name in a report to the Secretary of War. Fear not, though, there’s no warring with the state’s borders. Nebraska is a peaceful place nestled perfectly in the center of this great nation we call home.

Historic Events

• 1607 – Jamestown, Virginia was settled as an English colony.

• 1796 – Edward Jenner, “the father of immunology, administered the first smallpox inoculation.

• 1948 – Israel was declared to be an independent state and a provisional government is established.

Birthdays with some quotes

79 – George Lucas, American director, producer, and screenwriter
“The one way the world hasn’t changed: teaching is still the most important job.”– George Lucas
71 – David Byrne, Scottish singer-songwriter
“People will remember you better if you always wear the same outfit.”– David Byrne
71 – Robert Zemeckis, American director, producer, screenwriter
“No matter how many obstacles that are thrown in our path, there are ways to accept them and to live through them.”– Robert Zemeckis
@61 – Thomas Gainsborough, English painter (d. 1788; cancer)
“Fools talk of imitation and copying, all is imitation.”– Thomas Gainsborough
54 – Cate Blanchett, Australian actress
“If you know you are going to fail, then fail gloriously.”– Cate Blanchett
52 – Sofia Coppola, American director, producer, screenwriter
“Forget the audience, make what you want to see.”– Sofia Coppola
39 – Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook
@37 – Bobby Darin, American singer-songwriter and actor (d. 1973; sepsis)
“It isn’t true that you live only once. You only die once. You live lots of times if you know how.”– Bobby Darin
30 – Miranda Cosgrove, American actress

 
 

 

13 May

 

13 May 2023

Flagstaff Almanac

Week 19 Day 132	Ave. Sky Cover 15%\ Visibility  26miles	Flagstaff Today  73° \ 34°
Wind  5mph \ Gusts  12mph	Nearest active fire: 131miles	Nearest Lightning:  601mi
Air Quality: Moderate High Risk of fire	May Averages: Flagstaff: 68° \ 34° May Average: 3 Days of moisture	Sunshine

Today’s Quote

 

Weekly Observations

7-13  Be Kind To Animals Week Dating and Life Coach Recognition Week Drinking Water Week Flexible Work Arrangement Week Food Allergy Awareness Week International Clitoris Awareness Week National Alcohol & Drug Related Birth Defects Awareness Week National Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week National Correctional Officer's Week National Family Week National Hospital Week National Hug Holiday Week National Root Canal Appreciation Week National Tick Awareness Week National Tourism Week National Pet Week North American Occupational Safety & Health Week Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week Public Service Recognition Week Salvation Army Week  Spring Astronomy Week Update Your References Week

8-14  International Coaching Week: Link National Stuttering Awareness Week 10-16  Universal Family Week

Daily Observations

American Indian Day Link  Apple Pie Day Bereaved Mother's Day Birthmother's Day Link Children of Fallen Patriots Day Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day Link  Crouton Day Frog Jumping Day Fruit Cocktail Day Hummus Day  Link Indigenous Arts Day International Migratory Bird Day Link

Letter Carrier's  Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day Link  Mother Ocean Day National Archery Day  Link   National Babysitters Day  National Crouton Day Link National Dog Mom's Day National Miniature Golf Day National Windmill Day Stay Up All Night Tulip Day World Belly Dance Day World Fair Trade Day World Migratory Bird Day

Today’s Thoughts

Spring continues to bring great weather.

The Sun’s loss last night sends Denver Nuggets to the next round.

Title 42 has officially ended. We will continue to watch so see what happens. So far, not the mass crossing predicted by the right. I hope it remains peaceful and helps those escaping persecution in their home country.

Next week I have my 3month follow-up for my bladder procedure. I haven’t had any problems. Hopefully things will be A-OK.

Enjoy

Interesting History

Woolly Mammoths Existed When The Egyptian Pyramids Were Being Built.

Wooly mammoths are considered to be prehistoric creatures by many, considering that we know early humans hunted them long before the establishment of any advanced societies. However, scientists have concluded that the massive beasts were still roaming the Earth until around 1560 BC, with their remains being found off the coast of eastern Russia.

At the same time, the oldest of the Great Pyramids in Egypt, the Pyramid of Djoser, was constructed between 2630 - 2611 BC. This means that while it's unlikely Egyptians knew of their existence, wooly mammoths were alive and well.

Origins of State Names

Montana

Though its elevation falls shy of the nearby Rocky Mountain region, the towering crags of Montana are undeniably abundant. Its rocky terrain is what inspired the name Montana, which is Latin for “mountainous.” Montana was first proposed as a name in 1864, when the Dakota territory was split into smaller portions, though the mountains have loomed large over the state for tens of millions of years prior to that.

Historic Events

• 1861 – The Great Comet of 1861 (C/1861 J1) was discovered,
  and it should return in 2063.
• 1917 – The first reported apparition of Our Lady of Fátima in Fátima, Portugal.

Birthdays with some quotes

@86 – Bea Arthur, American actress and singer (d. 2009)
“I really cut my teeth on off-off-off Broadway shows.”– Bea Arthur
73 – Stevland Hardaway Morris (Stevie Wonder), R&B singer
@66 – Joe Louis, American boxer (d. 1981; cardiac arrest)
“A champion doesn’t become a champion in the ring, he’s merely recognized in the ring. His ‘becoming’ happens during his daily routine.”– Joe Louis
62 – Dennis Rodman, American basketball player
“This life is like a swimming pool. You dive into the water, but you can’t see how deep it is.”– Dennis Rodman
59 – Stephen Colbert, American comedian, talk show host
“Contrary to what people may say, there’s no upper limit to stupidity.”– Stephen Colbert
@49 – Mary Wells, American singer-songwriter (d. 1992)
37 – Lena Dunham, American actress
36 – Candice King, American actress
36 – Robert Pattinson, actor
30 – Debby Ryan, American actress
@17 – Ritchie Valens, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (d. 1959; cancer)

 
 

 

12 May

 

12 May 2023

Flagstaff Almanac

Week 19 Day 132	Ave. Sky Cover 5%\ Visibility  23miles	Flagstaff Today  71° \ 28°
Wind  6mph \ Gusts  15mph	Nearest active fire: 60miles	Nearest Lightning:  424mi
Air Quality: Moderate High Risk of fire	May Averages: Flagstaff: 68° \ 34° May Average: 3 Days of moisture	Sunshine

Today’s Quote

Weekly Observations

6-12  National Nurses Day and Week Link  Link     8-12 Economic Development Week  Link National Etiquette Week Teacher Appreciation Week 8-14  International Coaching Week: Link National Stuttering Awareness Week 10-16  Universal Family Week 12-21 National Public Gardens Week  Link

7-13  Be Kind To Animals Week Dating & Life Coach Recognition Week Drinking Water Week Flexible Work Arrangement Week Food Allergy Awareness Week International Clitoris Awareness Week National Alcohol & Drug Related Birth Defects Awareness Week National Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week National Correctional Officer's Week National Family Week National Hospital Week National Hug Holiday Week National Root Canal Appreciation Week National Tick Awareness Week National Tourism Week National Pet Week North American Occupational Safety & Health Week Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week Public Service Recognition Week Salvation Army Week  Spring Astronomy Week Update Your References Week

Daily Observations

Child Care Provider Day Link  Fintastic Friday: Giving Sharks A Voice  Fintastic Friday: Giving Sharks A Voice  Internat’l Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological & Neurological Diseases  Link Internat’l Nurses Day Link   Link Limerick Day ME/CFS International Awareness Day Link Migratory Bird Day

Military Spouse Appreciation Day Link  National Nutty Fudge Day Link National Public Gardens Day Link   National Provider Appreciation Day National Provider Appreciation Day Link  National Saphire Segulah Day  National Saphire Segulah Day Link Native American Rights Day Nutty Fudge Day Odometer Day O. Henry Pun-off Day Link

Today’s Thoughts

Another warm and nice spring day.

There were 2 small earthquakes in Cameron, AZ yesterday. They were 3.0 and 3.2. This is a small community with a great historic trading post/restaurant between Tuba City and Flagstaff. Many boarding school students come from this area. Thankfully, there were no injuries or damage reported.

CNN gave valuable prime time to a NH Town Hall meeting last night that gave Trump a change to do his shtick. He didn’t disappoint his backers. Everyone saw that if he wins the Presidency, it will simply be a repeat of his first term. I have to wonder how many Americans are ready for that.

Enjoy

Animal Trivia

Beavers were once the size of bears.

If you lived roughly 10,000 years ago, you would probably be a little scared of beavers. You see, beavers used to be the size of black bears and they roamed the lakes and wetlands of North America only 10,000 years ago. Thankfully for everyone nowadays, giant beavers died out during the last ice age, leaving us with the smaller, cuter, fuzzier, beaver that we know today. The current beaver is the national animal of Canada.

Origins of State Names

Missouri

From one watery state to another, Missouri was also named after the river that bears its name. In 1673, a Native American Sioux tribe named the Missouris — a name given to them by the Fox tribe — called the area home. That name was initially thought to mean “muddy water,” but in later years it was determined to mean “people with big canoes.” You’d need big canoes to navigate the Missouri River, which believe it or not is actually the longest river in the United States! The river was named after these original inhabitants, which in turn gave its name to the future territory and eventual state.

Historic Events

• 1846 – The Donner Party of pioneers left Independence, Missouri for California, on what became a year-long journey of hardship and cannibalism.
• 1847 – The Modern Odometer (Roadometer) was invented by William Clayton

Birthdays with some quotes

@96 – Katharine Hepburn, American actress (d. 2003)
@94 – Burt Bacharach, American singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer (d. 2023)
@90 – Florence Nightingale, Italian-English nurse, social reformer, and statistician (d. 1910)
@90 – Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra, American baseball player, coach, and manager (d. 2015)
“If the people don’t want to come out to the ballpark, nobody’s going to stop them.”
“It ain’t over till it’s over.”
“I’m lucky. Usually, you’re dead to get your own museum, but I’m still alive to see mine.”
“Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical.”
@83 – Mary Kay Ash, American businesswoman, founded Mary Kay Cosmetics (d. 2001)
@75 – Edward Lear, English limerickist (d. 1888; heart disease)
@74 – Henry Cabot Lodge, American historian, politician (d. 1924; stroke)
73 – Bruce Boxleitner, American actor
@71 – Tom Snyder, American journalist and talk show host (d. 2007; leukemia)
@71 – George Carlin, American comedian, actor, and author (d. 2008; heart failure)
64 – Ving Rhames (Irving Rameses Rhames), American actor
61 – Emilio Estevez, American actor
55 – Tony Hawk, American skateboarder
42 – Rami Malek, American actor
39 – Clare Bowen, Australian actress
37 – Emily VanCamp, Canadian actress