2 Aug

Flagstaff Today 86°: 54° Week 31 Day 214 Wind 7 mph Gusts 15 mph Active Fire: 72 miles away Risk of Fire: Extreme Nearest lightning: 127 miles away Air Quality: Fair Sunshine Aug. Averages: Temps: 79°\50° Moisture: 9 Day

Monthly Observations

Children's Vision & Learning Month Clear The Shelters Month   Link (8.10-10. 10) Get Ready for Kindergarten Month Feeding Pets of the Homeless  Month  Link Link  Golf Month

Happiness Happens Month Link International EFT Tapping Month Motor Sports Awareness Month National Breastfeeding Month Link National Catfish 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  Satchmo Week: 2-3 Link

Daily Observations

Coloring Book Day Earth Overshoot Day? Link Home Fermentation Day Link  Ice Cream Sandwich Day  International Blues Music Day International Hangover Day  National Coloring Book Day Link National Clown Day National Disc Golf Day)  Link

National Jamacian Patty Day Link  National Mustard Day Link National Play Outside Day Link  National Summit Day Link   National Sunflower Day Link ) National VFR Day Link  Satchmo Days thru -3 Sandcastle Day Sleep Under The Stars Night Link  Take A Penny/Leave A Penny Day  Link

Today’s Quotes                                                             

 

Today’s Memes

 

Thoughts for the day

I keep hoping the monsoon returns to our bone-dry area.

I never viewed the Smithsonian as being involved in politics. I was stunned when the National Smithsonian Museum of American History removed Trump’s name for an exhibit about US Impeachments. I expected more from them.

History Facts Americans Commonly Get Wrong

The Wright Brothers Were Not the First to Fly—But the First Controlled, Powered Flight  ©pixabay

Americans love to say the Wright brothers “invented flight,” but people had been experimenting with gliders, balloons, and even powered aircraft for decades before 1903. What Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved at Kitty Hawk was the first controlled, sustained, powered flight.
Others, like Gustave Whitehead and Alberto Santos-Dumont, also made early flights, but the Wrights’ achievement was well documented and repeatable. Their meticulous approach to control and stability set their Flyer apart from everything that came before.
The difference is subtle but important: they didn’t invent flight itself, but they made it practical and reliable. This nuance often gets lost in the rush to celebrate a simple origin story.

Literary Legends…

Walt Whitman © Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass stands as a revolutionary work in American poetry, breaking boundaries with its free verse and exuberant celebration of individuality and democracy. Whitman’s bold embrace of the American spirit and his inclusive vision reshaped the literary landscape, encouraging generations to find their unique voices. His influence on national identity and literary form is meticulously documented by the Walt Whitman Archive, ensuring his legacy endures.

Random Thoughts…

The whip is probably the first human invention to break the sound barrier.

The library posters in “The Breakfast Club” can also be seen in the school halls of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Both John Hughes’s films were shot back-to-back to save time and money.

Columbus thought manatees were mermaids, describing them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted.”

The first airline stewardesses were all registered nurses, but this requirement disappeared when many nurses left to enlist during WWII.

Walking around the earth (if it were all land) at average walking speed would take 3.4 years.

World-wide lightning strikes peak in activity at 7:00 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time.

 

In 1976, the first eight Jelly Belly® flavors were sold: Orange, Green Apple, Root Beer, Very Cherry, Lemon, Cream Soda, Grape, and Licorice.

The Vlassic pickle mascot is a stork because pregnant women often crave pickles.

Historic Events

Click here for 2 Aug history

Birthdays

80 – Joanna Cassidy, American actress 77 – Dennis Prager, American radio host, author 72 – Butch Patrick (Patrick Alan Lilley), American actor 66 – Victoria Jackson, American comedic actress 66 – Apollonia Kotero, American singer, actress 61 – Mary-Louise Parker, American actress 55 – Kevin Smith, American actor, director, producer, screenwriter 49 – Michael Weiss, American figure skater 49 – Sam Worthington, English-Australian actor

@93 – Betsy Bloomingdale, American philanthropist, socialite (d. 2016) @88 – Myrna Loy, American actress (d. 1993) @81 – Peter O’Toole, British-Irish actor (d. 2013) @76 – Carroll O’Connor, American actor (d. 2001; heart attack)   @65 – Elisha Gray, American businessman, co-founded Western Electric (d. 1901) @60 – Jim Capaldi, English drummer, singer-songwriter [Traffic] (d. 2005; cancer)

…The End for today…

            

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…