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- July 28, 2022
- Air Conditioning Appreciation Days 2022
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When I was in the 5th grade I recall daddy getting our first air conditioner. It was a window unit he installed into the rental property in which we resided at Hanahan, SC.
The cooling and dehumidification was luxurious to me personally.
Over the years we lived in several Navy housing units and these had central air which we pretty much maxed out during the summer months. I don't recall them ever failing.
When Dad retired we moved to his homestead in Salley SC and there too we had air conditioning. There was a window unit in the first shotgun style house in which we resided. A year or so later we had central air in the new home daddy built out there in the boonies. By and large I recall spates of suffering at those places nearby where there was no air conditioning and I have been a proponent of air conditioning since childhood.
Something about South Carolina, the heat, humditity, gnats, and yellowflies brought it all about.
As an adult I have been one to include air conditioning in my list of priorities. A few years back we replaced my old 3 ton unit with a new 3 ton Armstrong split unit. I need more air conditioner due to all the electronics operating in my house.
I maintain a locked down multihomed network featuring a server cluster, several workstations, as well as several routers with range extended wireless all over the place.
My outside compressor unit has a decidedly "Lennox" appearance to it — and looking over various brands sold as well as the literature included I suspect that this particular model is sold under a number of trade names. The other two pieces in the attic are not items I readily recognize in my decidedly HVAC challenged mindset.
Air Conditioning Appreciation Days are here. Corresponding to the dog days by and large this is an observance held from July 3 through August 15 every year.
The days mark the invention and role of air conditioning in modern existence. I for one could not live comfortably without air conditioning in the white hot humid summers of South Carolina.
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- July 27, 2022
- Bagpipe Appreciation Day 2022
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I have experienced quite a few bagpipe performances in my life. This is likely due to the Scot in my family heritage.
Fifty percent on Mom's side with the other half from my Dad being of Brit extraction. I don't know how the genetics would play out. This would make my information qualitative, not quantitative.
My last performance experience was at my late Aunt Glenda Idella Johnston Jolly's funeral, complete with Clan Johnston regalia.
Talk tae iz in Scots.
Today is Bagpipe Appreciation Day.
It is an annual observance celebrated on July 27. The day celebrates an ancient musical instrument known as the bagpipe. This instrument dates back thousands of years and has become a part of the Scottish tradition and is beloved by many.
Bagpipes have been used during battle, funerals, parades, weddings, and various ceremonial occasions by royalty.
Though I'm not really a fan of the music I find the bagpipe an interesting example of cultural curiosa.
Thank ye and guidbye.
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- July 26, 2022
- National All or Nothing Day 2022
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I've never really done my utmost in any endeavor.
While the road to Hell may be paved with 'good intentions' I find that those efforts I put forth were never all I was capable of and I attribute this to those various environments into which I found myself immersed.
My career, though successful by any standard wasn't really what I wanted for myself — and those people in charge of me in the workplace certainly would not be present in a perfect world.
Perfect world? AND JUST WHAT IS THAT? Chalk it all up to a lack of ambition? Perhaps, but I have always thought myself to be somewhat of an ambitious sort.
That "E" for effort was typically an F and the leadership of the workplace largely uninspiring — with exceptions here and there, of course. My sorry streak surfaced early ... and I didn't really know much about who I was and what I was about until very late in my journey.
When it came to "All" or "Nothing" I typically found myself on the nothing side of the equation by and large. When Mrs Robinson at Horace O'Bryant Jr High School dragged me into the hall and roundly chastised me for making Fs while scoring highest on their pitiful 'standardized' tests there is an indication of some disparate circumstance somewhere.
However, be all this as it may — I got through it all and continue to pay my bills in retirement. I see my former cohorts now and observe some of their lifestyles compared to my own. I feel I have a favorable outcome as far as existence goes ... even if I was a late bloomer and under achiever.
National All or Nothing Day is celebrated every July 26 to encourage people to give their all to every task or dream they embark on.
So if you engage in risks there are rewards ... the safety of living "risk free" is likely to be less than that for which you might have hoped.
Happy National All or Nothing Day to you.
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- July 25, 2022
- Health and Happiness with Hypnosis Day 2022
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Though I'm not the total skeptic, I remain skeptical regarding the efficacy of certain treatment modalities others promote as supposedly main stream.
One of these is hypnosis.
I say this because I am one who cannot be hypnotized. The various failed attempts have all reinforced my disdain for hypnotherapy as it is called; which I view as a subterfuge to be used upon the weak by various shysters here and there to gain some end result.
Though it is not mine to demonstrate or rant regarding those things I view as the purview of the charletain ... I'm afraid hypnosis resides in this realm as far as I am concerned.
Hypnosis may be defined as inducing a state of consciousness in which a person apparently loses the power of voluntary action and is highly responsive to suggestion or direction.
Supposedly, this allows it's use in therapy, typically to recover suppressed memories or to allow modification of behavior by suggestion. Though in use and touted by some, it remains controversial.
Far be it from me to run from a controversial opinion myself.
Health and Happiness with Hypnosis Day is observed annually each July 25th allegedly to increase the supposed awareness some benefit from hypnotherapy on health and happiness.
Sorry, but if you believe this you are a mental weakling in my humble opinion.
I will admit that I could be wrong. I just don't think so. Perhaps the "action" of hypnosis is subject specific and cannot be applied universally. In any case I'm not much of a believer in the abilities of hypnotists.
Health and Happiness with Hypnosis Day anyway.
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- July 24, 2022
- Amelia Earhart Day 2022
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Amelia Earhart was a lady who worked as a pioneering aviator.
She was born on this day in 1897 and became a symbol of that 'can do' spirit in America that the democrats are presently attempting to quash at every opportunity.
Today is National Amelia Earhart Day.
Observed each July 24th we remember her life and achievements.
While many remember her primarily for the tragedy of her mysterious disappearance during an attempt to fly around the world; hers was a life filled with achievements and trailblazing.
In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic—as a pilot.
Her awards include The American Distinguished Flying Cross and The Cross of the French Legion of Honor.
In 1929, Earhart helped found the Ninety-Nines, an organization of female aviators.
So on this day we recognize who she was and what she did as a citizen aviator and woman in the United States.
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- July 23, 2022
- Hot Enough For Ya Day 2022
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Today is Hot Enough For Ya Day.
It is observed on July 23 and represents a vehicle to see humor in the midst of that oppressive humid heat associated with the dog days (July 3 - August 11) which is a climate hallmark in the deep south of the United States.
Summer days and nights here are usually filled with hot and humid atmospheres and extremely high temperatures.
Lately the national weather has been a steady stream of heat waves working from the West to the East.
That's where an oversized cooling unit comes into play ... particularly in the presence of a house filled with electronic networking, servers, workstations, and the like.
If you are a resident of the Northern Hemisphere and the deep south of the United States in particular it's likely pretty doggone warm outside today as it has been of late since (and before) Summer began.
So perhaps you'll hear "Is it hot enough for ya?" in your travels today.
See Also:
Dog Days 2021
Dog Days here, but not there ...
Dog Days 2018
Dog Days
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- July 22, 2022
- Fragile X Awareness Day 2022
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Fragile X syndrome is a cause of intellectual disability which runs the gamut from mild to severe.
It is found in both males and females with the female individuals typically having milder symptoms.
Symptoms include delays in talking, anxiety, and hyperactive behavior.
Some of those affected may have seizures.
Their physical features frequently include enlarged ears, a long face with prominent jaw and forehead, as well as flat feet.
Therapy can be used to treat their learning disabilities.
Medications may be used to treat anxiety and mood disorders.
I don't know any fragile x patients of which I am aware. I do know of several little boy children who had early behavioral issues which were subsequently diagnosed as autism.
It is amazing how these children don't know how to comport themselves early on for extended periods, yet manage to acquire a level of socialization later in their life times.
Equally amazing are the various talents of these individuals.
In July 2000 the 106th Congress designated July 22 as National Fragile X Awareness Day. Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities internationally. Presently there is no cure.
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- July 21, 2022
- National Be Someone Day 2022
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One of the many poignant portrayals by the late Robin Williams was the character Andrew in Bicentennial man.
Derived from the late Dr Isaac Asimov's short story it is directed by Chris Columbus and has a wonderful ensemble cast who compliment one another immensely for a work that is at once touching, infuriating, and enlightening regarding the human condition and that which we are.
The film follows the 'life' and times of the lead character, Andrew, who is an android purchased as a household robot programmed to perform menial tasks.
His evolution includes polymath and artisan skills that eclipse those found in most mortals.
Within a few days the Martin family realizes these differences evident in Andrew's abilities and that they don't have just any droid as Andrew begins to experience emotions and creative thought.
In a story that spans two centuries, Andrew learns of humanity as he efforts preventing those who created him from enacting his destruction.
July 21st brings us National Be Someone Day.
The date is an opportunity for us to make a difference in a child’s life ... ostensibly in just 10 seconds.
Anyway the wide eyed wonder of Andrew the android makes me think of this day and I hope that I too may someday be a mentor to someone who really needs it.
At this stage of my game so many I encounter are of "child" age comparatively speaking.
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- July 20, 2022
- International Chess Day 2022
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I recall when I was nine years old I got my first chess set. It was a board and plastic pieces as well as another annotated board with cardboard squares having a picture of the piece and arrows to show the various moves allowed.
I immersed myself and played the game for quite a few of my younger years prior to setting the game aside for other pursuits.
The last chess game I played was circa 1979 in the missile radar control room aboard the USS MacDonough (DDG-39) with my late navy buddy, Jerry R Landry who worked the missile house.
We played about an hour or so and ended up with a draw. I'd do anything to play another game with him but this will never happen.
Today is International Chess Day. It was proclaimed by the General Assembly and recognizes the establishment of the International Chess Federation.
While many celebrate both the game and the day, I have fallen to the background and really don't have any chess pursuits anymore. It's all a part of an earlier place and time for me.
We evolve and change over the course of our existence. Such is life.
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- July 19, 2022
- Stick Out Your Tongue Day 2022
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I once didn't have much of an opinion about persons sticking out their tongues at others.
Then little miss west coast entertainment complex slave Miley Cyrus came out in a devil costume doing it and all of a sudden I find such behavior repulsive to the nth degree.
You may not stick your tongue out in my presence without receiving a large amount of grief regarding public comportment.
Today is Stick Out Your Tongue Day. It is celebrated annually on July 19.
While a polite greeting in Tibet it is somewhat rude in adults otherwise regardless of how at home you may be with the recipient.
Now medical evaluations not withstanding, I suppose I am against the act as a matter of social interaction.
I don't recall if I have stuck my tongue out at anyone in my personal history. Anyhoo, I suppose I might be too frumpy in my old age but I won't be sticking out my tongue at you to celebrate the day.
Sorry !
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- July 18, 2022
- New Shoulder Holster
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I took the plunge for a new high falutin hand tooled leather shoulder holster for my sidearm.
I picked it up yesterday and it was custom fit to me on the spot.
My concealed carry permit provides for open carry in this state so guess who wore the thing home and freaked out the Tamil proprietor at the local convenience store.
He seemed a bit intimidated and somewhat afraid to speak compared to usual.
Anyway I don't intend to get too radical with the thing. I'm afraid my Dirty Harry wannabe days have been over a while now. Sorry Clint!
It's just I've always wanted open carry with style and the dark brown leather provides that for me ...
I'm very happy with the work and the service and I'll be sure to return to Palmetto Leather Works for any subsequent requirements in holsters or other tooled leather goods ...
Hopefully there won't be much need for any defensive cap busting anyway.
See Also:
Pistol Patent Day 2022
Second Ammendment Day
Bill of Rights Day
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- July 17, 2022
- National Yellow Pig Day 2022
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For reasons unknown to me today is National Yellow Pig Day. It is said to bring the unique attributes of the number 17 to the foreground. In particular it's significance to mathematics is mentioned in the literature.
Yeah, it's a prime number and the first four prime number may be added with a sum of 17. The 17th ammendment of the US Constitution gave citizens the right to elect senators by popular vote. In times prior the legislature performed that task. The atomic number of chlorine is 17. It is claimed that the average school bus with a load of passengers weighs 17 tons.
The factoids grow over time.
The day is said to originate in the early 1960s by mathematics heads Michael Spivak and David Kelly who were analyzing the properties of the number 17 and some yellow pig the context of which has escaped me.
Anyway, I'm not too keen on the yellow pig angle which seems central to the thing. Likewise, I am not particularly enamoured by prime numbers, 17 or not. Never was a numerophile either.
I'm more of an algebra with words type of guy. Code anyone?
My late maternal grandfather who departed prior to my birth was born on the 17th of July. My beloved mama was born on the 17th of June. My aunt Glenda who I also love dearly was born on the 17th of April. Turns out the number 17 is quite significant to my existence.
Otherwise, this appears as one of those eccentric days which may have some mysterious meaning outside the realm of coincidence which remains well beyond me. As I note increasingly over the years there remains much I do not know. There are worse things than some circuitous meaningless exercise in a place outside your sphere of existence.
Happy National Yellow Pig Day.
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- July 16, 2022
- World Snake Day 2022
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A disturbing event from years ago runs through my thoughts on occasion. I was at the River Walk off of Williams Street where I once frequently trotted about for exercise when I encountered a long time friend and we laughed and joked around for about an hour.
When we were headed out my friend encountered a green snake on the wooden walk way and he smashed it to bits.
I'm afraid that I was a little chapped over this incident and I explained to my friend, who by the way was a fellow of outstanding character, that we were in it's habitat and the animal — which wasn't even venomous — should have been left to it's own devices and not killed like the menace it was not.
Anyway, he accepted my criticism and we moved on because like I said, he was a fine fellow and one transgression shouldn't be a deal breaker between old friends such as we were.
When I was a kid I was phobic toward the ideas of serpents and their ilk. Being a rural Aiken county denizen I encountered snakes more often than those in urbane habitation might.
So now we have one of those days I'd just as soon avoid. World Snake Day happens July 16 and provides a vehicle to celebrate snakes and raise awareness regarding preserving them as species of wildlife.
Over the years I have learned peaceful coexistence. Whereas in a less evolved period in my life I might seek to simply kill a snake because it was there, now I let them go their way and I simply go mine.
So many of us have negative attitudes regarding these reptiles and this may be the biggest contraindication for the preservation of snakes because they often impede efforts to address threats to snakes which largely seek only to cohabitate in safety.
I find the notion of killing an animal just because of some ill conceived notion rather unevolved in humanity. In my latter days I have noticed that snakes really don't seek to harm you just because you're there. They just want to get along and make their way as we do.
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- July 15, 2022
- Be A Dork Day 2022
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A dork is defined as some contemptible and socially inept individual.
It's not stated, but over the years I have come to associate this term with men and have never used it in conjuction with any females I have known.
Now then, while I cannot speak to the past iterations of myself, I know for a fact that the present version of Dave is not a dork.
In fact, this Dave 6.0 as it were is about as undorklike as people come with my attempts at comportment and social awareness in conjunction with the technical aspects of my existence which go hand in hand with them.
Today is said to be National Be A Dork Day in the United States. Allegedly held each July 15 it proposes that we lose our inhibitions for a day.
Dorks are known for a decided lacking of social graces in conjunction with eccentric interests and hobbies.
While I freely admit the latter I contest the former as appertaining to me by any stretch of the imagination.
I am not and will never be ... a dork (again).
Thank you very much.
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