6 Aug

 

 


Flagstaff Today 87°: 52° Week 32 Day 218

Wind 6 mph Gusts 9 mph

Active Fire: 52 miles away Risk of Fire: Extreme

Nearest lightning: 954 miles away

Air Quality: Fair Sunshine

Aug. Averages: Temps: 79°\50° Moisture: 9 Day 

Weekly Observations

International Clown Week: 1-7 Link
Nat’l Cleanse Your Skin Week: 1-7 
 Link
Nat’l Minority Donor Awareness Week: 1-7

Simplify Your Life Week: 1-7
World Breastfeeding Week: 1-7 Link
Sturgis Rally: 1-10 
Link 
International Lace Week: 3-8 
National Button Week: 3-9 
Link 
Nat’l Exercise w/ Your Child Week: 3-9 
Link 
Single Working Women's Week: 3-9

Knights of Columbus Family Week:   3-9
National Farmers' Market Week:  3-9 Link 
National Health Center Week: 3-9 
Link 
Internat’l Assistance Dog Week:  3-9 
Link 
Stop on Red Week:  3-9 
Link 

International Psychic Week:  4-8 Link 
National Bargain Hunting Week: 4-10 
Old Fiddler Days: 4-9 
Link
Rock for Life Week: 4-7 
Link

Daily Observations

Fresh Breath Day
Hiroshima Day
National Fresh Breath (Halitosis)  Day
National Root Beer Float Day  
Link 

National Social Engineering Day Link

Root Beer Float Day
Wiggle Your Toes Day

Today’s Quotes                                                             


Today’s Memes

 




Thoughts for the day

This morning, I swept off my deck to rid it of pinecones and pine needles. The deck looks much better now.

The Trump administration has tasked space program with putting a nuclear reactor on the moon. This has been discussed for decades but the US does not have the technology to do it. Years ago, the Soviets put a nuclear reactor in space. It stayed up for about 50 days, the burned up re-entering the earth’s atmosphere, leaving a trail of radioactive junk across Canada that took decades to clean up.

I’m keeping an eye on the Texas legislature. The Dems have left town to prevent a quorum to vote on the new Congressional districts.

oops...a reader of this blog, a BIA colleague discovered an error. The hottest chili is not the habanero. The current record holder, declared in 2023, is Pepper X, at more than 2.69 million SHU.

There have been a record breaking 396 earthquakes 5.0 or higher in the last 30 days. Most have been off the coast of Russia and have caused Tsunami waves around the area. Let’s hope this is not going to continue. The ring of fire has also opened up some new and some long dormant volcanoes.

After a conversation with a friend, I wanted to figure out how much the population Flagstaff has grown since I first came here in 1971. In 1971 there were 26,000 people here. As of Jan. 2025, the population is 76,000. There are times city council still believes we have the 1971 population. The growth has not been ideal.

Myths from Medieval Times

Medieval People Had Access To Clean Water

One of the most common historical myths is that Medieval water was too dirty to drink and that people only drank beer. On the contrary, historical evidence proves that most people drank water.

Water was free and clean, often gathered from rivers and wells. In 1236, construction of water pipes began in London, and soon everyone had access to it. However, since water is tasteless, many people preferred other drinks. Sometimes, Medieval people would flavor water with wine or honey, but religious clergy preferred to have water only.

Literary Legends…

Truman Capote

Truman Capote’s groundbreaking In Cold Blood pioneered the true crime genre, merging meticulous journalistic research with compelling literary style. Capote’s versatility as a writer spanned fiction, nonfiction, and short stories, showcasing his remarkable narrative talent. His innovative approach and captivating storytelling are highlighted by the New York Public Library, which explores the breadth and impact of his career.

Random Thoughts…

A group of Flies is called a Business or Swarm or Cloud.

The world record for the oldest cat ever is held by Creme Puff, who lived for 38 years. She lived from Aug 3rd, 1967 to Aug 6th, 2005.

Johnny Rotten – Real Name: John Lydon

Frank Zappa coined the term “Groupie”.

Raquel Welch – Real Name: Raquel Tejada

The phrase “…as American as apple pie” has only been around since the 1960s.

A group of Angels is called a Host.

Historic Events

Click here for 6 Aug history

Birthdays

60 – David Robinson, American basketball player

55 – M. Night Shyamalan, Indian-American director, screenwriter
53 – Geri Halliwell, English singer, dancer, actress

43 – Adrianne Curry, American model

 

@91 – Louella Parsons, American gossip columnist (d. 1972)


@79 – Robert Mitchum, American actor (d. 1997; lung cancer)


@77 – Lucille Ball, American comedic actress and television producer (d. 1989; aortic aneurysm)


@73 – Norman Wexler, American screenwriter (d. 1999; heart attack)

@73 – Alexander Fleming, Scottish biologist, pharmacologist, botanist, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1955;heart attack)

 

@64 – Susie Taylor, American writer and first African-American Army nurse (d. 1912)


@34 – Dutch Schultz (Arthur Simon Flegenheimer), American gangster (d. 1935; shot)

…The End for today…

           

5 Aug

 

 




Flagstaff Today 86°: 48° Week 32 Day 217

Wind 11 mph Gusts 20 mph

Active Fire: 82 miles away Risk of Fire: Extreme

Nearest lightning: 603 miles away

Air Quality: Fair Sunshine Breezy

Aug. Averages: Temps: 79°\50° Moisture: 9 Day 

Monthly Observations

Romance Awareness Month Link
Rye Month 
Link
Tomboy Tools Month (Pink Tools)

What Will Be Your Legacy Month
World Mutt-i-grees Rescue Month  
Link

Weekly Observations

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 
International Lace Week: 3-8 
National Button Week: 3-9 Link 
Nat’l Exercise With Your Child Week: 3-9 Link 
Single Working Women's Week: 3-9

Knights of Columbus Family Week:   3-9
National Farmers' Market Week:  3-9 Link 
National Health Center Week: 3-9 Link 
International Assistance Dog Week:  3-9 Link 
Stop on Red Week:  3-9 Link 

International Psychic Week:  4-8 Link 
National Bargain Hunting Week: 4-10 
Old Fiddler Days: 4-9 Link
Rock for Life Week: 4-7 Link

Daily Observations

Chile Pepper Day
Dolly Parton Day  
Link
National Oyster Day 
National Electric Traffic Light Day  
Link  

 

National Night Out Link  
National Underwear Day 
Link

Oyster Day
Underwear Day
Work Like a Dog Day 

Today’s Quotes                                                             


Today’s Memes

 



Thoughts for the day

I started the new week with an oil change for my vehicle. I also needed a couple of filters. They said it would be 45 minutes, but it was less than 30 minutes. All good.

The weather is a bit windy today, hoping it beings back the monsoon.

The North Rim Dragon Bravo fire has already cost $34.4 million, and the cost continues to rise as the devastation continues.

Myths from Medieval Times

The Dark Ages Weren't So Dark

The long period in between Ancient Rome and the Renaissance, which included the medieval period, is often seen as an era that was bereft of culture. While there was some element of cultural decline, this doesn't tell the whole story.

Great works of literature from luminaries such as Chaucer were created during the medieval period, contributing to the rich storytelling tradition of the time. Meanwhile, artistic achievements combined with practical advancements to create intricate metalwork and Romanesque architecture.

Literary Legends…

Flannery O'Connor Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Flannery O'Connor’s Southern Gothic stories masterfully expose the grotesque, spiritual, and redemptive elements lurking within the everyday. Her sharp wit and distinctive voice have made works like A Good Man Is Hard to Find enduring classics in American literature. O'Connor’s profound influence on fiction is carefully preserved and celebrated by the Flannery O’Connor-Andalusia Foundation.

Random Thoughts…

Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine.

Notice the big letter on the face of the dollar bill? Each letter represents which Federal Reserve Bank printed it! “G” is for Chicago

Procrastination is a dish best served eventually.

The hottest chile in the world is the habanero.

Historic Events

Click here for 5 Aug history

Birthdays

78 – Rick Derringer, American singer-songwriter (Hang on Sloopy)

63 – Patrick Ewing, Jamaican-American basketball player

59 – James Gunn, American director, producer, screenwriter

36 – Jessica Nigri, American model and cosplayer

 

@85 – Reginald Owen, English-American actor, singer (d. 1972)

@84 – Don Matheson, American actor (d. 2014)

@84 – Conrad Aiken, American novelist, short story writer, critic, poet (d. 1973)

@83 – John Saxon, American character actor (d. 2020)

@82 – Neil Armstrong, American astronaut (d. 2012)

@82 – Gertrude Rush, American lawyer, jurist (d. 1962)

@79 – Loni Anderson, American actress (d. 2025)

@67 – Bob Clark, American director, producer, screenwriter (d. 2007; car crash)

…The End for today…

           

4 Aug

 

 




Flagstaff Today 86°: 46° Week 32 Day 216

Wind 6 mph Gusts 14 mph

Active Fire: 82 miles away Risk of Fire: Extreme

Nearest lightning: 414 miles away

Air Quality: Fair Sunshine

Aug. Averages: Temps: 79°\50° Moisture: 9 Day 

Monthly Observations

Nat’l Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
National Traffic Awareness Month
National Truancy Prevention Month 
Link
National Water Quality Month  
Link 
National Wellness Month

National Win With Civility Month
Neurosurgery Outreach Month
Personalized Learning Month
Psoriasis Action Month 
Link
Read-A-Romance Month

Weekly Observations

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 
Satchmo Week: 2-3 
Link

International Lace Week: 3-8 
National Button Week: 3-9 
Link 
Nat’l Exercise With Your Child Week: 3-9 
Link 
Single Working Women's Week: 3-9

Knights of Columbus Family Week:   3-9
National Farmers' Market Week:  3-9 Link 
National Health Center Week: 3-9 
Link 
International Assistance Dog Week:  3-9 
Link 
Stop on Red Week:  3-9 
Link 

International Psychic Week:  4-8 Link 
National Bargain Hunting Week: 4-10 
Old Fiddler Days: 4-9 
Link
Rock for Life Week: 4-7 
Link

Daily Observations

Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
Coast Guard Day
International Clouded Leopard Day 
Link
National Chocolate Chip Day 
Link
National White Wine Day 
Link

Picnic Day Link )
Single Working Women's Day
Raisin Bran Day  
Link
US Coast Guard Day

Today’s Quotes                                                             


 

Today’s Memes

 



Thoughts for the day

I took a nice walk this morning. The weather is great.

The Dragon Bravo mega fire is now 115,000 acres at 19% containment. Full containment is expected Sept.1. The devastation continues.

I’m looking forward to a great week. I’m hoping for the monsoon. It is very dry here in Flagstaff. I took my vehicle to the car wash…it had lots of dust covering up its shining silver color.

Myths from Medieval Times

People Did Not Eat With Their Hands

Another common fictional portrayal is that Medieval people ate with their hands. However, utensils had been around since the 4th century. Forks were invented in the Byzantine Empire, and knives had been around since 600 BC. Spoons were made from cow horns, wood, and brass.

Nobility owned silver and gold utensils that many people are familiar with today. During parties, many people brought their own knives, as hosts were not expected to provide them. In Medieval Asia, citizens had already been using chopsticks for the past few thousand years.

Literary Legends…

James Baldwin Source: Wikimedia Commons.

James Baldwin’s powerful essays and novels, including Go Tell It on the Mountain, offer unflinching examinations of race, sexuality, and identity in America. His eloquent, incisive writing challenged readers to confront uncomfortable truths and inspired vital conversations on social justice. Baldwin’s voice remains profoundly relevant in today’s cultural and political landscape. His legacy and ongoing influence are thoughtfully explored by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Random Thoughts…

The Epic of Gilgamesh was indeed the first Bromance narrative.

If people really slept like a baby, then they would wake up every 2 hours crying.
If every apple picked in Washington in a single year was placed side-by-side, they would circle the earth 29 times.

Randolph Scott – Real Name: Randolph Crane

A group of planted Flowers is called a Bed.

99% of all hazelnuts in the U.S. are grown in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

If I was transported back in time, I don’t think I’d remember enough critical information to make me wealthy or successful.

A 41-gun salute is a traditional salute to a royal birth in Great Britain.

It is impossible to look cool while your shoes are squeaking on the floor.

A group of Fish is called a Draft or Nest or Shoal or School. A group of caught Fish is called a Catch or Drought or Haul.

Historic Events

Click here for 4 Aug history

Birthdays

70 – Billy Bob Thornton, American actor

64 – Barack Obama, 44th President, Nobel Prize laureate
63 – Roger Clemens, American baseball player

55 – Bret Baier, American journalist
54 – Jeff Gordon, American race car driver

44 – Meghan Markle, American actress

33 – Dylan Sprouse, American actor
33 – Cole Sprouse, American actor

 

@101 – Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother of the United Kingdom (d. 2002)


@98 – Anita Page, American actress (d. 2008)


@92 – Helen Thomas, American journalist, author (d. 2013)


@78 – Richard Belzer, American actor (d. 2023; respiratory failure)


@70 – Louis Vuitton, French fashion designer, founded Louis Vuitton (d. 1892)

 

@69 – Pope Urban VII (d. 1590; malaria)


@62 – Helen Kane, American singer, actress (d. 1966; breast cancer)

 

@33 – Andy Hallett, American actor (d. 2009; heart failure)

@29 – Percy Bysshe Shelley, English poet, and playwright (d. 1822; lost at sea)

…The End for today…

           

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Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
I retired in '06--at the ripe old age of 57. I enjoy blogging, photography, traveling, and living life to it's fullest.