8 Jul

 

8 Jul

Weather Expectations         Week 22  Day 188      Flag Today  88°/60°                             

Wind 12 mph Gusts 31 mph

Active Fire: 21 miles away Risk of fire: Extreme  

Nearest Lightning: 134 miles away Humidity:  17%

Air Quality: Moderate Sunshine Breezy Smoky

July Averages: Temps: 82°\51°  9 days with rain

Today’s Observances:

Coca Cola Day  Link
Math 2.0 Day (Founding Day)  Link
National Freezer Pop Day  Link
National Video Game Day  Link
SCUD Day (Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama)

Weekly Observances:

Fleet Week 2026 (New York): 3-8

Freedom Week: 4-10

National Marijuana Facts Week: 4-10

World Orienteering Championships: 4-12 Link

Tour de France: 4-26  Link

Be Nice To New Jersey Week: 5-11 
National Therapeutic Recreation Week: 5-11  Link 

Running of The Bulls (Spain): 7-14
Sports Clich Week: 7-14 Link 

Monthly Observances:

Sarcoma Awareness Month
Self Care Month  Link  
Smart Irrigation Month Link
Smartphone Courtesy Month
Social Wellness Month
Tour de France Month (1-24)
Vehicle Theft Prevention Month Link
Wheat Month Link
Women's Motorcycle Month
World Watercolor Month Link
Worldwide Bereaved Parents Month

Fresh Quotation:

 

 

Today’s Reflection:

Another smoky day here at my place.  These fires are very dangerous.

Before I entered the hospital I needed a haircut. Now 7 weeks later I finally got it done. It makes me feel and look a whole lot healthier. So glad I can do normal stuff again…next on my list is a pedicure.

The USA played Belgium at the World Cup last night. The Belgians outplayed the US team through out the game. I’m sure that the controversy played a part with the US team’s mental state as they played very safe.

Historical events

 

8 Jul

 

Good to know:

Blue-Billed Curassows are primarily terrestrial birds that feed on the forest floor. They eat fruits, worms, insects, snails, crayfish, and sometimes carrion. Sadly, these forest birds are classified as critically endangered due to habitat destruction.

Picture of the Day:

 

Today’s Trivia:

The Hero Twins' Monster-Slaying Journey © nativeamericanarts

Born of the sun and water, the Navajo Hero Twins—Monster Slayer and Born-for-Water—embarked on a perilous quest to rid the world of evil creatures. Armed with lightning arrows and rainbow shields gifted by their father, they confronted giants, monsters, and other terrors threatening their people.

Each victory required not just strength but cleverness. The twins used strategy and sacred knowledge to overcome seemingly impossible odds, restoring harmony to the land.

Their adventures form cornerstone stories in Navajo culture, appearing in sacred sand paintings and healing ceremonies. The twins' courage teaches that even ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary feats when protecting their community.

Today’s Birthdays:

Toby Keith Country Singer [1961-2024] @62…vehicle crash

Birthplace Clinton, OK

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Jaden Smith Movie Actor 28 years old

Birthplace Malibu, CA

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Kevin Bacon  Movie Actor 67 years old

Birthplace Philadelphia, PA

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Anjelica Huston Movie Actress 74 years old

Birthplace Santa Monica, CA

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Jeffrey Tambor TV Actor 82 years old

Birthplace San Francisco, CA

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Michael Weatherly TV Actor 58 years old

Birthplace New York City, NY

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Billy Crudup Movie Actor 58 years old

Birthplace Long Island, NY

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That’s All for Now

7 Jul

 

7 Jul

Weather Expectations         Week 22  Day 188      Flag Today  83°/60°                             Wind 18 mph Gusts 30 mph

Active Fire: 22 miles away Risk of fire: Extreme  

Nearest Lightning: 170 miles away Humidity:  17%

Air Quality: Moderate Sunshine Breezy Snowy

July Averages: Temps: 82°\51°  9 days with rain

Today’s Observances:

Chocolate Day Link
Dive Bar Day  Link
Father-Daughter Take A Walk Together Day
Global Forgiveness Day Link
National Day of Rock n' Roll
Tell The Truth Day
World Kiswahili Language Day

Weekly Observances:

National Independent Living Week: 1-7
National Unassisted Homebirth Week: 1-7

Fleet Week 2026 (New York): 3-8

Freedom Week: 4-10

National Marijuana Facts Week: 4-10

World Orienteering Championships: 4-12 Link

Tour de France: 4-26  Link

Be Nice To New Jersey Week: 5-11 
National Therapeutic Recreation Week: 5-11  Link 
Running of The Bulls (Spain): 7-14
Sports Cliché Week: 7-14 Link 

Monthly Observances:

National Make A Difference to Children Month
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
National Parks & Recreation Month
National Picnic Month
National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month
National Rodeo Month
National Vacation Rental Month
National Watermelon Month
National Wheelchair Beautification Month
Sandwich Generation Month

Fresh Quotation:

 

 

Today’s Reflection:

This we is starting out great. A good night’s sleep. A very good visit with my Oncologist and a visit from PT-Home Care. The oncologist is running a new blood test to see if CLL is still present. I will return to a low-dose…1 tablet a day…of the treatment. I will return for a follow-up on 20 Jul, to see the next step. It is quite a relief for me. The PT lady came to my house and evaluated me. As fast as I’m recovering, we will hold off on home PT. Everything I heard today is very encouraging.

I watched World Cup last night as Mexico fell to England. My brother had bought Mexico Soccer shirts for his staff. It was a tough loss, but Mexico played a good game. I can’t understand how Trump could call the head of FIFA over the Red Card call on the American player. When FIFA overturned the Red Card penalty, I was shocked.  The Athletes deserve better. I will watch tonight’s game with the US. 

Historical events

 

7 July History 

Good to know:

Although Horseshoe Crabs are arthropods, they are more closely related to scorpions and spiders than they are to crustaceans. They are also the only living members in their Order, Xiphosura.

Picture of the Day:

A sixteen-year-old giant panda at the Wolong Nature Reserve. From the show "National Geographic: 50 Greatest Wildlife Photographs”. Ami Vitale

 

Today’s Trivia:

Raven Steals the Light

Darkness once enveloped the world until Raven—the clever trickster of Pacific Northwest tribes—hatched an ingenious plan. Transforming himself into a pine needle, he was swallowed by the chief's daughter and reborn as the chief's grandson.

The doting grandfather kept precious boxes containing the sun, moon, and stars. When no one was looking, Raven stole these treasures and flew through the smoke hole, releasing celestial light into the sky.

His feathers, once white, turned permanently black from the smoke as he escaped. This beloved Haida and Tlingit tale explains both the origin of light and why ravens are black—showcasing how creation stories often contain explanations for natural phenomena. 

Today’s Birthdays:

Ringo Starr Drummer 86 years old

Birthplace Liverpool, England

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Steven Crowder Comedian 39 years old

Birthplace Grosse Pointe, MI

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Shelley Duvall Movie Actress [1949-2024] @75…diabetis complications

Birthplace Houston, TX

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Lisa Leslie Basketball Player 53 years old

BirthplaceGardena, CA

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Jim Gaffigan Comedian 60 years old

Birthplace Illinois

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That’s All for Now

6 jul

 

6 Jul

Weather Expectations         Week 22  Day 187      Flag Today  79°/56°                             

Wind 8 mph Gusts 8 mph

Active Fire: 22 miles away Risk of fire: Extreme  

Nearest Lightning: 239 miles away Humidity:  20%

Air Quality: Moderate Sunshine Cloudy

July Averages: Temps: 82°\51°  9 days with rain

Today’s Observances:

Earth at Aphelion at 1:30 pm
Fried Chicken Day Link
Hand Roll Day Link (Food)
International Kissing Day or World Kiss Day 
Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day Link

Weekly Observances:

National Independent Living Week: 1-7
National Unassisted Homebirth Week: 1-7

Fleet Week 2026 (New York): 3-8

Freedom Week: 4-10

National Marijuana Facts Week: 4-10

World Orienteering Championships: 4-12 Link

Tour de France: 4-26  Link

Be Nice To New Jersey Week: 5-11 
National Therapeutic Recreation Week: 5-11  Link 

Monthly Observances:

National Contract Sewing Month Link
National Cord Blood Awareness Month Link
National Culinary Arts Month
National Deli Salad Month
National "Doghouse Repairs" Month
National Grilling Month
National HIV Awareness Month  
National Horseradish Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Ice Cream Month

Fresh Quotation:

 “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

― Oscar Wilde  

Today’s Reflection:

Getting ready for another week. I meet with one doctor tomorrow to see if I need my med he prescribed. At the end of the week to mee with my Primary Care people to review my current circumstances.

I watched the DC fireworks last night, billed as the largest in history. It was quite impressive. There was a wide variety of music performed by the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra and vocalists. Glad I watched it.

I found this list of the current democracy nations along with the year they began: United States…1788; Norway…1814; Netherlands…1831; Denmark…1849; Canada…1867; Luxembourg…1898; Australia…1901; Mexico…1917; and Austria…1920.  Quite an impressive list. Where is Greece? They were under many forms of government since their roots of democracy. 

Historical events

6 Jul 

Good to know:

White Buffalo Calf Woman's Sacred Gift

Among the Lakota Sioux, few stories hold more reverence than the appearance of White Buffalo Calf Woman. During a time of great hunger, this mysterious figure approached two hunters, bringing with her the sacred pipe and seven holy ceremonies.

Her teachings formed the spiritual backbone of Lakota culture. Before departing, she transformed into a white buffalo calf, promising to return in times of great need.

Even today, the birth of a white buffalo is considered an incredibly rare and sacred event. Native communities celebrate these births as fulfillment of her ancient prophecy—a sign of hope and renewal for indigenous peoples facing modern challenges. 

Picture of the Day:

 

Today’s Trivia:

Metamorphic rocks start out as any other type of rock, but are then significantly changed through exposure to high heat, high pressure, hot mineral-rich fluids, or a combination of these factors. Metamorphic rocks are most commonly found deep within the Earth or in places where tectonic plates meet, as these are areas where the necessary transformative forces are commonly found. Quartzite and marble are examples of metamorphic rocks.

Today’s Birthdays:

Kevin Hart Comedian 47 years old

Birthplace Philadelphia, PA

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50 Cent Rapper 51 years old

Birthplace New York City, NY

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Sylvester Stallone Movie Actor 80 years old

Birthplace New York City, NY

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George W. Bush US President 80 years old

Birthplace New Haven, CT

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John Paul JonesWar Hero (1747-1792) @45 years old

interstitial nephritis

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Frida Kahlo Painter (1907-1954) @ age 47

pulmonary embolism

Birthplace Coyoacan, Mexico

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Della Reese Gospel Singer (1931-2017) @86  years old

BirthplaceDetroit, MI

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Dalai Lama Religious Leader 91 years old

Birthplace China

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Ned Beatty Movie Actor (1937-2021) @ 83 years old

Birthplace Louisville, KY

That’s All for Now

 

Week 222  Day 186                                

 Weather Expectations  Flag Today  80°/56°    Wind17 mph Gusts 24 mph

Active Fire: A miles away Risk of fire: Extreme  

Nearest Lightning: 369 miles away Humidity:  %

Air Quality: Moderate Sunshine still smoky

July Averages: Temps: 82°\51°  9 days with rain

Today’s Observances:

Bikini Day Link
Thong Day Link

Weekly Observances:

National Tom Sawyer Days: 1-5

National Independent Living Week: 1-7
National Unassisted Homebirth Week: 1-7

Roswell UFO Days: 2-4 Link

Fleet Week 2026 (New York): 3-8

Freedom Week: 4-10

National Marijuana Facts Week: 4-10

World Orienteering Championships: 4-12 Link

Tour de France: 4-26  Link

 Be Nice To New Jersey Week: 5-11 
National Therapeutic Recreation Week: 5-11  Link 

Monthly Observances:

International Women with Alopecia Month
International Zine Month
National Anti-Boredom Month
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month Link
National Baked Beans Month Link
National Black Family Month
National Blueberry Month
National Blood Type Awareness Month
National Child-Centered Divorce Month Link
National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month Link

Fresh Quotation:

Strong people have a sense of self-worth and self-awareness; they don’t need the approval of others.

~Roy T. Bennett

Whenever one family has come to grief, a hundred families will send relief.

~Chinese Proverb

Today’s Reflection:

It’s a nice warm day. I slept well last night. I was up early…about 6am, with a list of things to do today. I changed the linens on my bed. It was much harder with the bed rail, but I finally got it done. Then I took out 2 bags of garage…one at a time, due to their weight and those pesky steps. Then I cut up two peppers and vacuumed sealed them for my daily salad. I had a nice talk with my brother. He was shopping at the slow market…think farmer’s market and having breakfast with a friend he ran into. Laura is on a business trip to Mexico City, so he has the hacienda to himself.

Last night I watched the PBS A Capitol Fourth special; it was outstanding as usual. Mount Vernon was a good choice for the fireworks in honor of our 250^th birthday.

NAU, our local university, just announced that they will have 250 less full-time employees in Aug. They expect there will be 3000 less students enrolling in the fall. Quite a blow.

Historical events

 

5 Jul

 

Good to know:

EXTRA 

Meaning additional or additionally, extra was borrowed into English from Latin in the 16th century. The slangier use of extra to describe something particularly good or impressive, however, first emerged back in 1917-although likely not as an extension of the older word, but as a shortening of extraordinary. 

Picture of the Day:

 

Today’s Trivia:

Kingfishers dive into the water to clean themselves and to eat. When hunting, they completely submerge themselves in the water, folding their wings back to create a V shape for better aerodynamics when they enter the water. They are even capable of diving straight through a thin layer of ice to catch a fish!

Today’s Birthdays:

Shohei Ohtani Baseball Player 32 years old

Birthplace Oshu, Japan

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Pauly D [Paul Michael DelVecchio Jr.] Baseball Player  46 years old

Birthplace Providence, RI

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Edie Falco TV Actress 63 years old

Birthplace New York City, NY

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Megan Rapinoe Soccer Player 41 years old

Birthplace Redding, CA

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Ji Chang-wook TV Actor 39 years old

Birthplace Anyang, South Korea

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That’s All for Now