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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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- July 14, 2022
- Popeyes no more
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Popeyes used to be my favorite place for fried chicken.
I recall buying bags of the stuff and consuming it over the span of a couple of days because I loved it so.
The spicy variety caught my eye and their cajun rice dish went hand in hand to become one of my most favorite taste combinations.
All was fine and dandy for many years until the chain leadership ...
In all their lack of wisdom — struck the cajun rice from the menu in what I viewed as a pompous disregard of the customer.
Needless to say I returned to Bojangles with this news of cajun rice being taken away from the Popeyes menu.
I wasn't so incensed about green beans which were being removed concurrently.
The cajun rice removal from the menu was an immediate deal breaker however.
I used to spend a fair amount weekly with these people consuming their fare with enthusiasm.
Bojangle's assures me their dirty rice dish is here to stay.
So much for enthusiasm for a product line. Boo Popeyes. Boo stupid Popeyes administration.
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- July 13, 2022
- Embrace Your Geekness Day 2022
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I used to revel in geekdom. I was okay with the moniker because it represented technical ability among the minions of computer illiterates.
Nowadays I have subdued interests in presenting a skilled presence because the primary outlet for my abilities is myself. You know, it's not a factor of skill to advertise so much as it is to be able when others are not.
I once worked with a girl who thought her college degree was all that mattered. The fact that she is an unskilled dolt was neither here nor there. She represented herself as a true geek when in reality she was a poor imitation without the ability to code, troubleshoot, or repair anything and without any of that requisite knowledge which qualifies you as technically proficient.
Yet she was CIO where I worked. This is because the administration was even more inept than she. There is no redeeming virtue at an incorporated municipality that promotes an absence of technical ability to this level so I departed and never looked back.
Today is Embrace Your Geekness Day. It is observed each July 13 annually.
The day encourages people to be proud of being a geek or for knowing a geek friend.
As for me, I'll simply continue my technical thing behind the scenes and have no further interest in self promotion or doing any favors.
However, this being said feel free to embrace my geekness should you feel the need.
See Also:
Geek Pride Day 2021
Geek Pride Day 2019
Geek Pride Day 2018
Geek Pride Day
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- July 12, 2022
- National Simplicity Day 2022
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My life doesn't really support much in the way of simplicity. I have complex issues with which to contend right on into retirement.
It's rather a disappointment, but I suppose most retirees have not relegated themselves to operation and support of a server cluster and node on the internet with those associated duties I perform daily. I even have a highly insulated massively air conditioned central room with ample uninterruptable power designed expressly for this purpose.
I suppose I could take the road "more travelled" and do much less during the week particularly involving things technical. It's simply a matter of not wanting to go crazy from bordom pursuing streaming television in lieu of the workaday world in which I once immersed myself. I decline to devolve into some himbo just because it may be the natural order of things.
The various artworks I create for illustration during my blogging activities are about the only satisfying aspect of life these days.
Today is Simplicity Day.
It is said to promote getting back to the basics and honors the birthday of Henry David Thoreau — likely an homage to his shack on Walden Pond and that far less complicated lifestyle he pursued there.
It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look, which morally we can do.
Henry David Thoreau.
See Also:
Simplicity Day
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- July 11, 2022
- International Essential Oils Day 2022
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Yeah, my girl got me interested in essential oils.
I now use them because I feel that they improve my state of being in various ways.
Though I will never be the essential oil scholar she is I make my own way as I can.
I'll never forget the day she had me sniff a spot of peppermint oil on a tissue deeply and vigorously.
It immediately raised my mood and increased my energy for a good long while.
Today we have International Essential Oils Day.
It is a vehicle to present those benefits that essential oils provide to us.
It is held under the auspices of a company called Young Living and honors their founder the late D Gary Young and the topic is one I find both interesting and useful.
So my botanical experience is far less than many others I still use the jojoba oil, the tea tree oil, and enjoy a whiff of peppermint every so often.
I use the NOW brand of products because they have a good selection and my experience with the products has been most satisfactory from a standpoint of quality.
I hope you'll take a moment to partake if the whim strikes you.
You may find that you too beneft from adding essential oils to your life.
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- July 10, 2022
- Sorry state of affairs
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From the "See what you made me do" file ...
I've been forced to revamp my firewall to accommodate fewer rule entries. It seems that the capacity of rule space is finite to the point that I've run out of it for new rules.
This being the case, I am forced to opt for more class A network blocks than I had originally envisioned.
The class A networks are all foreign with no domestic networks being affected.
I hate to resort to such heavy handed tactics but I will not be exploited and those presenting this manner of problem will simply stay off of my cluster.
I'm also considering the addition of mail server filters in lieu of firewall rules to handle the overflow. They're quick and easy and log the intrusions.
The mail server is much less restrictive than the web server from a perspective of general access because I try to allow valid traffic — and fact is I like to keep it out of the firewall as much as possible.
The requirement of this level of prevention is a very sad notion indeed, but reality sometimes leads us down paths we'd just as soon avoid.
Terrible.
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- July 9, 2022
- Heavy Humid Weather 2022
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I'm not usually one to take excessive note of atmospheric conditions around me. I pretty much try to take whatever comes my way in stride. Today, however, the weather brought back childhood memories of Hollow Creek community in Aiken County with the thickness of the air and heat of it all.
I recall the yellowflies and gnats dive bombing us when we ventured out doors. There was a white insect repellant balm which came in a tube that members of my family would smear on my face, mostly the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears — which helped somewhat.
It was a time where if the 98 degrees didn't get you the 90% humidity would. Such was the weather in my yard today.
Humidity is good for some things, bad for others. The general comfort level is improved with diminished humidity in the presence of heat. Personally, I'm pretty sensitive to humidity in the summer heat.
The heat index is a composite of the temperature factored with the humidity and represents what the current temperature "feels like" on your skin. Lately my local heat index has been steadily running in the 105 to 110 degree range during peak sunshine.
That is what the weather "feels like" lately. I hope your weather is more amenable to your lifestyle. I'm pretty much shut in the air conditioning. I'm very fortunate to sport the 3 ton unit in my small home which accommodates all the electronics I maintain.
Locally we don't see much in the way of gnats and yellowflies. I have been wondering if this holds true in rural Aiken county nowadays where they flourished in those hot humid school days of my youth.
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