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March 9th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Catherine of Bologna Forty Martyrs of Sebaste Frances of Rome Pacian Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria (Coptic Orthodox Church) Gregory of Nyssa (Episcopal Church (United States)) March 9 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Teachers' Day or Eid Al Moalim (Lebanon) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Amerigo Vespucci Day Bang Clang Day Genealogy Day International Fanny Pack Day Joe Franklin Day National American Paddlefish Day National Barbie Day National Crab Meat Day National Dishwasher Day National False Teeth Day National Get Over It Day National Heroes and Benefactors Day National Lina Day National Marcia Day National Meatball Day National Shane Day National Urban Ballroom Dancing Day World Kidney Day Made in UK Day Panic Day Somi’s Birthday Matthew Gray Gubler’s Birthday Suga’s Birthday Bow Wow’s Birthday Kimberly Guilfoyle Oscar Isaac ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Mar 9th, 2024 - Mon Mar 11th, 2024 World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup Sat Mar 9th, 2024 - Sun Mar 17th, 2024 Flower and Patio Show *** As a dentist, I recently tried out a new chocolate-flavored pumice paste on my patients. No one liked it except for a six-year-old boy. While I polished his teeth, he continued to smile and lick his lips. "You must really like this new flavor," I said. "Yep," he replied, nodding with satisfaction. "It tastes just like the time I dropped my candy bar in the sandbox." *** I think my wife's going deaf," Joe told their doctor. "Try to test her hearing at home and let me know how severe her problem is before you bring her in for treatment," the doctor said. So that evening, when his wife was preparing dinner, Joe stood 15 feet behind her and said, "What's for dinner, honey?" No response. He moved to ten feet behind her and asked again. No response. Then he stood five feet in back of her and tried again but still got no answer. Finally, he stood directly behind her and asked, "Honey, what's for supper?" She turned around. "For the fourth time—I said chicken!" *** Bob, age 92, and Mary, age 89, are all excited about their decision to get married. While out for a stroll to discuss the wedding they pass a drugstore. Bob suggests they go in. Bob asks to speak to the pharmacist. He explains they're about to get married, and asks, "Do you sell heart medication?" "Of course we do," the pharmacist replies. "Medicine for rheumatism?" "Definitely," he says. "How about Viagra?" "Of course." "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?" "Yes, the works." "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antacids?" "Absolutely." "Do you sell wheelchairs and walkers?" "All speeds and sizes." "Good," Bob says to the pharmacist. "We'd like to register for our wedding gifts here, please." *** When my Dad got out of the Army, a friend gave him a job as a “diesel fitter” at his ladies’ undergarments factory. On Dad’s first day, the friend took him to the production line where he would be working. The friend explained that as a diesel fitter, my dad’s responsibility would be to pick up each garment as it came off the line, look it over, and then hold it up and announce, “Yep, deez’ll fit ’er!” At least, that’s the story my dad told a thousand times. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ( R. I. P. ) *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

March 8th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Edward King (Church of England) Felix of Burgundy John of God Philemon the actor March 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) International Women's Day, and its related observances: International Women's Collaboration Brew Day Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Be Nasty Day Maha Shivaratri Nari Dibas National August Day National Middle Name Pride Day National Oregon Day National Peanut Cluster Day National Preschooler's Day National Retro Video Game Day United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace National Freelancers Day International Grant Professionals Day Freddie Prinze Jr. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Mar 8th, 2024 - Thu Mar 14th, 2024 Catholic Sisters Week Fri Mar 8th, 2024 - Sun Mar 17th, 2024 British Science Week National Science and Engineering Week Fun Observances Proofreading Day March 8 is Proofreading Day. The day promotes error-free communication and encourages everyone to spend some time updating and expanding his or her proofreading skills. Proofreading is a careful examination and reading of any written text to spot spelling, grammatical, stylistic, and punctuation errors before its publication. Proofreading or Copy Editing While often confused with copy editing, proofreading does not usually include editorial revision. Unlike copy editors, who may receive copies or versions of the text throughout the writing or editing process, proofreaders only get to the see the final proof right before publication. The job of the proofreader is to go carefully through documents and spot formatting and typography errors in the text. In contrast to a copy editor, who can fine-tune the text themselves after spotting errors, a proofreader is expected to send the text back to the writer or the editor for making corrections. Proofreading and Technology In recent years, with the emergence of word processing and typesetting software, the proofreading profession has undergone a sea change. Today, proofreaders do not need to use old-fashioned symbols to indicate errors - they can highlight errors right within the electronic text. New proofreading software has also cut down the time a proofreader needs to spend on a text. How to Celebrate? Celebrate Proofreading Day by combing through all your writings carefully and spotting mistakes and correcting them. It is only human to make mistakes, but it is also human to correct them. Find ways to enhance your communication – proofread your emails and even phone texts and SMSs. Spend some time learning the tools of effective and efficient proofreading. Did You Know… …that a 1631 reprint of the King James Bible was called the Wicked Bible because of a proofreading error? The commandment “Thou shalt not commit adultery” was mistakenly printed as “Thou shalt commit adultery.” *** When my wife was about to have our first baby, we brought a tape recorder to the delivery ward to capture the sounds of the birth, the baby's first cry and our doctor's voice saying, "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!" We intended to use the tape as a fun message on our answering machine to help announce the birth to friends and relatives. My wife's labor went relatively smoothly and, when it seemed appropriate, I inserted the blank tape and began recording. Shortly thereafter, our baby was born and we all heard the first cry. The doctor held up the baby and, with tape rolling, loudly proclaimed, "Wow, will you look at the scrotum on him!" *** My son is an avid listener to our city’s police frequency, and he leaves the scanner on all the time. One morning while making his bed, I heard the dispatcher say, “Car 34, there is a five-foot boa constrictor in a front yard. The resident wants a policeman to come and remove it.” There was a long pause, then some static. Slowly, a voice said, “We can’t get the car started.” *** According to the Internet: The inscription on the metal bands used by the U. S. Department of the Interior to tag migratory birds has been changed. The bands used to bear the address of the Washington Biological Survey, abbreviated as “Wash. Biol. Surv.”—until the agency received the following letter from an unhappy camper: “Dear Sirs: While camping last week, I shot one of your birds. I think it was a crow. I followed the cooking instructions on the leg tag and want to tell you it tasted horrible.” The bands are now marked “Fish & Wildlife Service.” *** Me: What’s the Wi-Fi password? Bartender: You need to buy a drink first. Me: OK, I’ll have a Coke. Bartender: Three dollars. Me: There you go. So what’s the Wi‑Fi password? Bartender: “You need to buy a drink first.” No spaces, all lowercase. *** *** *** *** The photo is just a graphical recreation of what the passport would've looked like, created first by Heritage Daily, since access to the actual passport’s images haven't been made public. Ramses II's Egyptian Mummy Was Issued A Passport 3000 Years After His Death *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

A bite from this brown recluse can leave you with significant scarring from tissue breakdown, but odds are strongly in favor of your survival. You can identify brown recluses by the violin-shaped marking on their abdomens.

March 7th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Blessed Leonid Feodorov (Russian Greek Catholic Church) María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa Perpetua and Felicity Siméon-François Berneux (part of The Korean Martyrs) March 7 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Maritime Day in Slovenia Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Jose Abad Santos Day Nametag Day National Be Heard Day National Ben Day National Carol Day National Cereal Day National Cooper Day National Crown Roast of Pork Day National Flapjack Day National Hospitalist Day National Sharon Day National Teresa Day Plant Power Day Sock Monkey Day National Slam the Scam Day Jenna Fischer Rachel Weisz Laura Prepon Bryan Cranston Fun Observances Alexander Graham Bell Day Alexander Graham Bell Day is celebrated every year on March 7. The unofficial holiday recognizes the day in 1876 when Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for the technology that would later become the telephone and changed the world of communications. Patent Date On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for “transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically.” Three days later, on March 10, Bell uttered the famous words "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you" into a transmitter. His assistant, Thomas Watson, who was in the next room, heard the words clearly and thus, the first telephone was created. In commemoration of the day he was granted the patent, Bell’s fans around the world celebrate March 7 as Alexander Graham Bell Day. It is a day recognized by an official act of the legislature in Nova Scotia, Canada. Prolific Inventor In addition to the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell is also credited with being the inventor of the metal detector and he is known for developing the Hydrodrome, a watercraft that set a world marine speed record in 1919. How to Celebrate? Learn more about the science and technology behind the telephone and the cell phone. Visit your local telecommunications museum. Every time you call a friend or text someone send a silent thank you to Bell. Without him, we would still be using pigeons to send messages. Did You Know… …that Bell was one of the founding members of the National Geographic Society? *** Carol was pregnant with her first child, and her husband was about to leave on a two-week business trip. When Carol went to her doctor appointment, she had some questions. "My husband wants me to ask you something—" Carol began. The doctor interrupted her. "I get asked that question all the time," he said in a reassuring tone. "Sex is fine until late in the pregnancy." "No, that's not it!" an embarrassed Carol confessed. "My husband wants to know if I can still mow the lawn." *** Needing to shed a few pounds, my husband and I went on a diet that had specific recipes for each meal of the day. I followed the instructions closely, dividing the finished recipe in half for our individual plates. We felt terrific and thought the diet was wonderful—we never felt hungry! But when we realized we were gaining weight, not losing it, I checked the recipes again. There, in fine print, was "Serves 6." *** I worked at a boarding kennel where people leave their dogs and cats while on vacation. One morning I had taken a cat out of his cage, and after playing with him and replenishing his food and water, I put him back in. A few minutes later, I was surprised to see the feline at my feet, since the cage doors lock automatically when they’re shut. I couldn’t figure out how the cat escaped, until I bent down to pick him up and spied his nametag: “Houdini.” *** Thinking no one could hear me as I loaded a UPS tractor trailer, I began to whistle. I was really getting into it when a coworker in the next trailer poked his head in. “You know, I always used to wish I could whistle,” he said. “Now I just wish you could.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

March 6th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Chrodegang Colette of Corbie Fridolin of Säckingen Kyneburga, Kyneswide and Tibba Marcian of Tortona March 6 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) European Day of the Righteous, commemorates those who have stood up against crimes against humanity and totalitarianism with their own moral responsibility. (Europe) Foundation Day (Norfolk Island), the founding of Norfolk Island in 1788. Independence Day (Ghana), celebrates the independence of Ghana from the UK in 1957. Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Alamo Day Day of Memorial And Respect For Veterans Day of the Dude Iraq Day Of Tolerance And Coexistence Discover What Your Name Means Day National Brian Day National Damien Day National Dress Day National Ford Day National Frozen Food Day National Oreo Day National Report General Service Administration (GSA) Fraud Day National Shirley Day National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day No Homework Day Stop Bad Service Day Hospitality Workers in HealthCare Day Tyler1’s Birthday Tyler The Creator’s Birthday Shaquille O'Neal’s Birthday Jacob Bertrand’s Birthday Harriet Tubman’s Birthday Biannca Prince’s Birthday Fun Observances Dentist's Day Celebrate dentists all over the world and honor their role in keeping us healthy and smiling on March 6 or Dentist’s Day. Dentists tend to get a bad rap, but they are essential for keeping us and our communities healthy. Old Job Dentistry is one of the oldest medical specialization. Oral health has always been a source of trouble for people and a subject matter of great interest to physicians throughout human history. The first dentist in recorded history - Hesy Ra - is thought to have lived and practiced his dentistry in Egypt around 2600 BCE. Barbers as Dentists Before dentistry became an organized professional branch of medicine, barbers were part-time dentists, usually entrusted with the unsavory job of extracting teeth. Modern dentistry emerged during the late 17th century, though the lack of anesthesia and sophisticated equipment made going to the dentist a painful proposition. Today, dentists are an important part of any country's medical and health system. In addition to caring for people with tooth problems, dentists also perform surgeries to correct misaligned teeth and other problems affecting the jaw and the oral cavity. How to Celebrate? If you haven’t been to see your dentist in a while, use this day to make an appointment with them. Thank your dentist by sending them a thank you note or maybe some home baked goods – just make sure there isn’t too much sugar in them. Did You Know… …that the world's first dental school was opened by Dr. John M. Harris in Bainbridge, Ohio, on February 21, 1828? *** While I was serving as a juror, I chanced to share the elevator one morning with a visiting judge. He asked me where the jurors parked, and I informed him that we had our own lot several blocks away. Then it occurred to me that he might be having a problem finding a place for his car, so I continued, "but, Your Honor, they have a special place reserved for judges down below." "Yes," he said dryly, "I'm sure they do." *** Phil was driving down a country road late one night when he felt a big thud. He got out of the car and looked around, but the road was empty. Since there was nothing else to be done, Phil drove on home. In the morning the sheriff was standing at his doorstep. "You're under arrest for hitting a pig and leaving the scene," the lawman told him with a frown. "Please come with me." Phil couldn't believe his ears. "But how could you possibly know that's what happened?" he asked. "It wasn't hard," the sheriff replied. "The pig squealed." *** One afternoon I was walking on a trail with my newborn daughter, chatting to her about the scenery. When a man and his dog approached, I leaned into the baby carriage and said, "See the doggy?" Suddenly I felt a little silly talking to my baby as if she understood me. But just as the man passed, I noticed he reached down, patted his dog and said, "See the baby?" *** My Dad's favorite joke is indelible: Joe is a new man on a construction crew. The first day on the job, he opens his lunch box and mumbles, “Oh no, peanut butter!” The next day, “Peanut butter again!” This goes on for days, until another worker says, “Why don’t you ask your wife to make a different lunch?” Joe replies, “I’m not married. I make my own lunch.” Whether or not anyone else laughed, Dad certainly did. *** *** *** *** *** Which is why you should always keep your towel handy, I know I do. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Meanwhile...in Japan *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

I just looked at my last post and realized (finally) that it is about FLIES and not spiders. I am sooo sorry.

March 5th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Ciarán of Saigir John Joseph of the Cross Piran Theophilus, bishop of Caesarea Thietmar of Minden March 5 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of Physical Culture and Sport (Azerbaijan) Learn from Lei Feng Day (China) St Piran's Day (Cornwall) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Arrival Of The First Missionaries Custom Chief's Day Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day International Open Data Day Kyrgyzstan National Hat Day Multiple Personality Day National Absinthe Day National Cheese Doodle Day National Potty Dance Day National Scott Day National Sportsmanship Day National Town Meeting Day Reel Film Day Unique Names Day World Information Architecture Day mrfreshasian’s Birthday Claire Drake’s Birthday Madison Beer’s Birthday Chloe Veitch’s Birthday Eva Mendes Fun Observances ( 2 ) Learn What Your Name Means Day On March 5, or Learn What Your Name Means Day, do some research to find out the out the origin and history of your name - first and last. Maybe you'll find a great tale behind your name! The holiday is part of Celebrate Your Name Week created by American Jerry Hill in 1997. The purpose of the week is to encourage people to celebrate and appreciate their unique names. Types of Names A name is a word used to identify people, places, and things. A person is identified by their name or full name, and this usually consists of at least two words - the given name, which is also known as the first name, and the surname, which is also known as the family name or last name. The purpose of the surname or family name is to indicate that the person belongs to a specific family or clan. In many cultures, people are identified by a single name. Tracing History Because of different naming conventions around the world, a person's name, while not unique, can tell a lot of the person's heritage and family history. For example, many societies in the world use patronymic names - at least one part of a person's name comes from the father's family. By following the chain of shared names back, one can find, if records exist, a lot about one's ancestors. Similarly, some cultures follow a matronymic tradition where part of a person's name comes from the mother's side of the family. How to Celebrate? Talk to your parents or family members about your name. Ask them why they gave you your name and what it means. With a little bit of research you may be able to find out about the lives of your ancestors. How about learning your name in Morse code? Did You Know… …that the study of the history, origin, and meaning of proper names is called onomatology? ~~~~~~~ Cinco de Marcho Day A play on Cinco de Mayo, Cinco de Marcho is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on March 5. The made-up holiday encourages people to get ready for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. According to the official Cinco de Marcho website, the day was created in 2007 in the United States. It marks the beginning of a 12-day period when "people train their livers for drinking huge amounts of alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day." A Celebration of Irish Culture Also colloquially known as St. Paddy's Day, St. Patrick’s Day is an annual celebration of Irish culture. It commemorates St. Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints, who was responsible for spreading Christianity in Ireland during the 5th century. Associated with Irish Beer In recent years, with the spread of Irish immigrants around the world, St. Patrick's Day has become a holiday celebrated worldwide. In many parts of the world, people celebrate the day by drinking lots of Irish beer and participating in St. Patrick Day parades. Cinco de Marcho is a way to extend these celebrations to the previous weeks and encourage people to start consuming Irish beers days before the actual event. How to Celebrate? Host a party for your friends and organize drinking games. Visit your favorite bars with your friends and spend the evening drinking your favorite adult beverages. Do not drink? What about just getting together with friends and having a good time? Someone wise once did say that you don’t need alcohol to have fun. Did You Know... ...that Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated every year on May 5? The holiday celebrates the anniversary of the defeat of the French army during the Battle of Puebla in Mexico on May 5, 1862. *** My mother, a meticulous housekeeper, often lectured my father about tracking dirt into the house. One day he came in to find her furiously scrubbing away at a spot on the floor and launching into a lecture. "I don't know what you've brought in," she said, "but I can't seem to get this out." He studied the situation for a moment and, without a word, moved a figurine on the window-sill where the sun was streaming in. The spot immediately disappeared. *** Over the years, my husband and I have usually managed to decode the cute but confusing gender signs they sometimes put on restroom doors in restaurants (Buoys & Gulls, Laddies & Lassies, etc.), but every so often we get stumped. Recently my husband, Dave, wandered off in search of the men’s room and found himself confronted by two marked doors. One was labeled 'Bronco' and the other was designated 'Cactus.' Completely baffled, he stopped a restaurant employee passing by. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom," Dave said. Gesturing toward the doors, he asked, "Which one should I use?" "Actually, we would prefer you to go there," the employee said, pointing to a door down the hall marked 'Men.' "Bronco and Cactus are private dining rooms." *** For years I had been telling my friend Pete that he ate too much fast food, but he always denied it. One day he admitted I was right. "What changed your mind?" "My grandson. When my daughter told him I was coming to visit, he asked, 'Grandpa from Florida, or Grandpa from Pizza Hut?' " *** We Uber drivers never know whom we’re going to end up with as a passenger. One day, I was driving over a new bridge, the design of which was very confusing. Completely confounded, I muttered, “I’d love to meet the genius who designed this mess.” With that, my passenger extended his hand in my direction and said, “Well, today is your lucky day. My name is Mike, I work for the county engineer’s office, and I’m the genius who designed this!” Surprisingly, he still gave me a tip. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

March 4th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Adrian of Nicomedia Casimir Felix of Rhuys Giovanni Antonio Farina (Catholic Church) Blessed Humbert III, Count of Savoy (Roman Catholic Church) Paul Cuffee (Episcopal Church) Peter of Pappacarbone Blessed Zoltán Meszlényi March 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) St Casimir's Day (Poland and Lithuania) World Obesity Day Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) Anniversary of The Coronation of The Sultan of Terengganu Benjamin Harrison Day Brain Injury Awareness Day Casimir Pulaski Day Courageous Follower Day Fun Facts About Names Day Global Day of the Engineer Guam Discovery Day Guam History And Chamorro Heritage Day Holy Experiment Day HPV Awareness Day Hug a G.I. Day Ida Day International GM Day International Scrapbooking Industry Day Lavity Stoutt's Birthday March Forth National Backcountry Ski Day National Dance The Waltz Day National Grammar Day National Marching Band Day National Pound Cake Day National Quinton Day National Ray Day National Safety Day National Snack Day National Sons Day Old Inauguration Day Toy Soldier Day World Tennis Day World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation Fun Facts About Names Day Do Something Day K Michelle’s Birthday Dylan Gilmer’s Birthday Bobbi Kristina Brown’s Birthday Moniece Slaughter’s Birthday Catherine O’Hara ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mon Mar 4th, 2024 - Fri Mar 8th, 2024 National School Breakfast Week National Scoot to School Week Newspaper in Education Week Mon Mar 4th, 2024 - Sun Mar 10th, 2024 British Pie Week Food Waste Action Week National Aardvark Week National Butchers Week National Cheerleading Week National Endometriosis Awareness Week National Procrastination Week Telecommuter Appreciation Week Women in Aviation Week Women in Construction Week Mon Mar 4th, 2024 - Mon Mar 11th, 2024 National Salt Awareness Week Mon Mar 4th, 2024 - Sun Mar 17th, 2024 Fairtrade Fortnight Fun Observances March Forth and Do Something Day March Forth and Do Something Day is a made-up holiday celebrated each year on March 4. The holiday encourages people to do something new that enriches their own lives or the lives of people in their community. March Fourth The name of this unofficial holiday plays on the words, march fourth, which when spoken out loud sounds like march forth - an expression used to convey action and moving forward. Homonyms March fourth and march forth are homophones - words or expressions that are pronounced alike, but have different meanings. Homographs, on the other hand, are words or expressions that are spelled the same way but have different meanings. Examples of such words include bass (a deep sound and a type of fish) and bow (to bend, the front of a ship and a type of knot). Homophones and homographs are both types of homonyms. How to Celebrate? March forth and do something. Volunteer in your community. Start something that you have always wanted to do, but have never had the chance to. Did You Know… …that the word March is a capitonym? Capitonyms are words or expressions whose meaning changes depending on where it's capitalized or not. March refers to the month, while march refers to a walking in a measured way. *** The family was viewing old slides and one flashed on the screen that caught everyone's attention. My father, wearing his favorite golf shirt, was holding me at the tender age of three weeks. The look on his face told all. "There's my prize possession," my father said. Touched, I smiled at him as he continued, "I wonder whatever happened to that golf shirt?" *** Traditional Chinese drugstores are always filled with bizarre remedies for everyday ailments. So while traveling in the Far East, I couldn't resist going into a drugstore to look around. There were rows and rows of jars filled with dried herbs, powders, and exotic oils. But one jar really caught my attention. The label said it was a guaranteed cure for stomachache. The jar was filled with chocolate chip cookies. *** To mail a big package of cookies to my two Air Force sons, both of whom were serving in Saudi Arabia, I was required to attach a label describing the contents. I carefully marked the box "Cookies" and sent it off, but after a month my sons said they had yet to receive my package. Suspicious, I baked another batch, only this time I labeled the contents "Health Food." Within a week my sons reported they had received the goodies. *** Spotted on T-shirts for sale in the Ponce de Leon Coast Guard Exchange: "Support Your Local Coast Guard…Get Lost." *** “Yesterday was my 18th birthday!” a customer said after walking into our convenience store. He then asked for some e-cigarette products and handed me his ID to prove he was indeed of age. I scanned the ID, but it came back expired. Now thoroughly deflated, he asked, “Does that mean I’m not 18?” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

Spiders produce different types of silk in different glands. Here, we show six types of silk, the name and location of the gland that produces it, and what the spider uses it for.

March 3rd 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Anselm, Duke of Friuli Arthelais Cunigunde of Luxembourg Katharine Drexel John and Charles Wesley (Episcopal Church (USA)) Marinus and Asterius of Caesarea Winwaloe March 3 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Hinamatsuri or "Girl's Day" (Japan) Liberation and Freedom Day (Charlottesville, Virginia, USA) Liberation Day (Bulgaria) Martyrs' Day (Malawi) Mother's Day (Georgia) Sportsmen's Day (Egypt) World Hearing Day World Wildlife Day Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) 33 Flavors Day Canadian Bacon Day Caregiver Appreciation Day Clean Up Australia Day Finisher’s Medal Day Global Omega-3 Day™ Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race International Ear Care Day International Irish Whiskey Day Missouri Compromise Day National Anthem Day National Cold Cuts Day National Jackson Day National Moscow Mule Day National Mulled Wine Day National Rita Day National Robin Day Navy Reserve Birthday Peach Blossom Day Simplify Your Life Day National Soup It Forward Day - 1 Soup it Forward Day - 2 Venezuela Carnival Talk in Third Person Day National If Pets Had Thumbs Day - 1 What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day - 2 Camila Cabello’s Birthday Buddy Valastro’s Birthday Jessica Biel Alexander Graham Bell Birth anniversary of Samaon Sulaiman ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sun Mar 3rd, 2024 - Sat Mar 9th, 2024 Celebrate Your Name Week Chocolate Chip Cookie Week Dental Assistant Week National Consumer Protection Week No More Week Professional Pet Sitters Week Read an eBook Week Return Borrowed Books Week Return The Borrowed Books Week School Social Work Week Teen Tech Week Words Matter Week World Glaucoma Week World Orphan Week Telecommuter Appreciation Week Fun Observances I Want You to be Happy Day March 3 is I Want You to be Happy Day, a day to set aside selfish thoughts and to make someone feel special and happy. The anonymous creators of the unofficial holiday wanted to encourage people to do things that cheer up people around them. A Universal Emotion Even though happiness is a universal emotion, it can mean different things to different people. In today's busy world, it is easy to forget this and take on a more self-centric view of happiness. I Want You to be Happy Day inspires people set aside their definition of happiness and to find out what makes their loved ones happy and do those things for them. Happy Days The day is also known as National I Want You to be Happy Day in the United States. Other happy holidays are Let's Laugh Day, Random Act of Kindness Day, International Moment of Laughter Day, and Laugh and Get Rich Day. How to Celebrate? Make someone’s day special. Compliment them or just do something special to make them happy. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you and that you will do everything to ensure that they are happy. Having troubles with a friend or a family member? Sit down with them and clear things up and tell them that you want them to be happy. Did You Know… …that many believe that the phrase "happy as a clam" originates from the fact that open clams give an impression of a smiling clam? Other sources, however, suggest that the fuller version of the phrase - happy as a clam at high water - explains why a clam may be happy. At high water, clams tend to have no predators including humans. *** Pointing to a pan of chicken wings and legs disguised in the classic mess-hall manner, a young airman asked the mess sergeant, "What's for chow?" "Air Force chicken," replied the sergeant. "You want wings or landing gear?" *** A couple we know were in Lamaze class, where they had an activity requiring the husband to wear a bag of sand—to give him an idea of what it feels like to be pregnant. The husband stood up and shrugged, saying, "This doesn't feel so bad." The teacher then dropped a pen and asked him to pick it up. "You want me to pick up the pen as if I were pregnant?" he asked. "Exactly," replied the instructor. To the delight of the other husbands, he turned to his wife and said, "Honey, pick up that pen for me." *** After being at sea in the Persian Gulf for 90 straight days, I went to the squadron command master chief to complain. "Chief, I joined the Navy to see the world," I said, "but for the past three months all I've seen is water." "Lieutenant," he replied, "three-quarters of the earth is covered with water, and the Navy has been showing you that. If you wanted to see the other quarter, you should have joined the Army." *** When I was in high school in the ’70s, Dad said he’d just heard my favorite group on the radio, Carrying Grain. The band was Hall & Oates, and this gag perfectly sums up my father’s sense of humor. *** *** *** *** This one put me in a nostalgic mood, so here is a song I really liked and one of my favorite groups from way back when. The Irish Rovers - The Unicorn - YouTube While on that page I found "Celtic Thunder" which I have followed for years, featuring a duet of George Donaldson and a very young, Damien McGinty. IRELAND - 'A BIRD WITHOUT WINGS' - YouTube Sadly, George passed away March 12, 2014 (R.I.P.) *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

March 2nd 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Air Force Day (Sri Lanka) Baloch Culture Day (Balochistan) Christian feast day: Agnes of Bohemia Angela of the Cross Blessed Charles the Good, Count of Flanders Chad of Mercia (Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Eastern Orthodox Church) John Maron March 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Feast of 'Alá (Loftiness), First day of the 19th month of the Baháʼí calendar (Baháʼí Faith) and first day of the Baháʼí Nineteen Day Fast Jamahiriya Day (Libya) National Read Across America Day (United States) Peasants' Day (Myanmar) Texas Independence Day Adwa Victory Day (Ethiopia) Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) American Citizenship Day International Rescue Cat Day James Ronald Webster Day National Banana Cream Pie Day National Egg McMuffin Day National Walter Day Toddle Waddle World Teen Mental Wellness Day Open Data Day Dr. Seuss Day Luke Combs’s Birthday Jon Bon Jovi’s Birthday Janhvi Kapoor’s Birthday Cindy Mello’s Birthday Becky G’s Birthday Savannah LaBrant’s Birthday Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Bryce Dallas Howard Method Man Rebel Wilson Desi Arnaz ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 - Tue Mar 5th, 2024 International Women’s Week Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 - Wed Mar 6th, 2024 Read Across America Week Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 - Sun Mar 10th, 2024 Jewish Book Week Sea Week Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 - Sun Mar 17th, 2024 Iditarod Race Fun Observances Old Stuff Day March 2 is Old Stuff Day. Take some time on this made-up holiday to appreciate the beauty of all things old and vintage. Or you can reflect on the same old, and sometimes boring, things that you do every day and take the opportunity to change things up. The holiday is also sometimes called National Old Stuff Day in the United States. Increased Value While people often see old things as something to be replaced by newer, shinier things, not all of them are useless. Wines, for example, are more valuable and tastier as they grow older. Many old items like maps, books, jewelry, furniture, clothes, and artifacts also gain value as they age. This is because they represent workmanship and aesthetics of a previous historical era, as well as technology that may not exist in present times. Much more valuable than old inanimate items is the wisdom and knowledge we can get from old people. From old family members, one can learn their family history, their genealogy, and their origins. Old people can provide us a richer and more colorful account of the past than any history book can. Antique Versus Vintage Not all old things are created equal. Those who study history divide historical items into two groups based on their age. Antiques are items that are at least 100 years old, while vintage items usually have to be at least 30 years or more old. How to Celebrate? Sort out that crammed attic or basement, and throw away any old things you have no use for anymore. Or, start a vintage collection. Visit thrift stores and flea markets - who knows what treasures you may come across? Get together with your grandparents or someone older than you and ask them to tell you stories about their childhood and youth. Learn about what was going on in the world when they were growing up. Take a bit of time today to contemplate your life and to add a few new activities or hobbies to spice up your routine. Continuing on the theme of old things, perhaps you could pick up collecting old rocks? Did You Know… …that earliest known pieces of jewelry made by humans are thought to be about 100,000 years old? Found in a cave in Israel, the pieces were made from mollusk shells. *** I called a video shop to order the war movie Battle of the Bulge. "Hold on," said the clerk. "I'll check our aerobics tapes." *** I was hospitalized with an awful sinus infection that caused the entire left side of my face to swell. On the third day, the nurse led me to believe that I was finally recovering when she announced excitedly, "Look, your wrinkles are coming back!" *** My wife received a credit-card application in the mail that she had not requested. She didn't want it, but I did. So I crossed off my wife's name on the form, entered my own and returned the application. I soon got a phone call from a woman saying my application had been rejected. I asked her why, and she told me the card could only be issued to the person originally solicited by the offer. However, she invited me to reapply, which I did during the same telephone call. A few days later I got another call to tell me my second application had been rejected. Why? The woman told me their files showed that I had previously applied for a card and had been denied. *** At his 103rd birthday party, my grandfather was asked if he thought that he'd be around for his 104th. "I certainly do," he replied. "Statistics show that very few people die between the ages of 103 and 104." *** As my sister and I were counting the cows in a pasture, Dad glanced over at the herd and said, “There are 127.” “How’d you know?” we asked. He replied, “I counted their legs and divided by four.” Decades later, my kids give me the same look I gave my dad every time I pull that same gag. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

Bro you shouldn’t do this especially with a terrestrial tarantula because they could get really hurt. And with a body as heavy as a Goliath bird eater, it’s looking grim. I have one and he gets nervous when I even put my hands in the cage.

March 1st 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Beer Day, marked the end of beer prohibition in 1989 (Iceland) Christian feast day: Agnes Tsao Kou Ying (one of the Martyr Saints of China) Albin Eudokia of Heliopolis Pope Felix III Leoluca Luperculus Monan Rudesind Saint David's Day or Dydd Gŵyl Dewi (Wales and Welsh communities) Suitbert March 1 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Commemoration of Mustafa Barzani's Death (Iraqi Kurdistan) Disability Day of Mourning Heroes' Day (Paraguay) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina from Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1992. National "Cursed Soldiers" Remembrance Day (Poland) National Pig Day (United States) Remembrance Day (Marshall Islands) Samiljeol (South Korea) Self-injury Awareness Day (international) Southeastern Europe celebration of the beginning of spring: Baba Marta Day (Bulgaria) Mărțișor (Romania and Moldova) The final day (fourth or fifth) of Ayyám-i-Há (Baháʼí Faith) World Seagrass Day Yap Day (Yap State) Zero Discrimination Day Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day Baby Sleep Day Denim Day for Dementia Endometriosis Awareness Day International Martisor International Women of Color Day National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day National Dadgum That's Good Day National Day of Unplugging National Dress in Blue Day National Employee Appreciation Day National Fruit Compote Day National Horse Protection Day National Hotel Slipper Day National Minnesota Day National Peanut Butter Lover's Day National Sage Day National Speech and Debate Education Day National Texas Stress Day National Wedding Planning Day National Welsh Corgi Day Overseas N.H.S. Workers Day Peace Corps Day Public Risk Management Awareness Day Refired Not Retired Day Share a Smile Day World Civil Defense Day World Day of Prayer International Wheelchair Day National March First Day National Barista Day Mountain Hare Day National Salesperson Day Wonho’s Birthday Justin Bieber’s Birthday Ron Howard’s Birthday Sawyer Sharbino’s Birthday Philza’s Birthday Kesha’s Birthday Kenny Redneck Tv’s Birthday Frederic Chopin’s Birthday Lupita Nyong’o Jensen Ackles Mark-Paul Gosselaar ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Mar 1st, 2024 - Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 Festival of Owls Week Fri Mar 1st, 2024 - Wed Mar 6th, 2024 National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week Fri Mar 1st, 2024 - Thu Mar 7th, 2024 Hearing Awareness Week National Ghostwriters Week National Invest in Veterans Week National Will Eisner Week National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week North Dakota Winter Show Universal Human Beings Week Observances (click on the month for details) Academy Awards Month Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month Alport Syndrome Awareness Month American Red Cross Month Berries and Cherries Month Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month Brain Injury Awareness Month Colic Awareness Month Color Therapy Month Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness Month Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month Dolphin Awareness Month Employee Spirit Month Endometriosis Month Essential Tremor Awareness Month Exotic Winter Fruit & Leeks and Green Onions Month Expanding Girls' Horizons in Science and Engineering Month Eye Donor Awareness Month Frozen Food Month Gardening, Nature and Ecology Books Month Gender Equality Month Greek-American Heritage Month Honor Society Awareness Month Humorists are Artists Month International Mirth Month Irish-American Heritage Month Listening Awareness Month Mad for Plaid Month Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness and Training Month March Madness Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal Mental Retardation Awareness Month Middle Level Education Month MS Awareness Month National Athletic Training Month National Bed Month (U.K.) National Breast Implant Awareness Month National Caffeine Awareness Month National Celery Month National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month National Cheerleading Safety Month National Clean up Your IRS Act Month National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month National Craft Month National Credit Education Month National Crochet Month National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - 1 National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - 2 National Endometriosis Awareness Month National Ethics Awareness Month National Flour Month National Kidney Month National March Into Literacy Month National Music in Our Schools Month National Noodle Month National Nutrition Month National Optimism Month National Peanut Month National Professional Social Worker's Month National Reading Month National Sauce Month National Umbrella Month National Women's History Month NZ Book Month Play the Recorder Month Poison Prevention Awareness Month Read an E-Book Month Red Cross Month Save Your Vision Month Sing With Your Child Month Small Press Month Social Work Month Spiritual Wellness Month Supply Management Month The Great Daffodil Appeal Trisomy Awareness Month Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month Veggie Month Women’s Month (Philippines) Workplace Eye Wellness Month Youth Art Month Fun Observances ( 2 ) World Compliment Day March 1 is celebrated as World Compliment Day, a day that aims to address the “basic human need for recognition and appreciation.” Started in the Netherlands by Hans Poortvliet in 2001, the day is now celebrated in many European countries including Norway and Belgium. Spread Joy and Positivity According to the official website of the unofficial holiday, Poortvliet created the day as a way to spread happiness and increase productivity. The website encourages people to use words instead of gifts as a way to praise and appreciate people. The idea is to create the “most positive day in the world.” How to Celebrate? Pay compliments to everyone you meet. Appreciate family, coworkers, and friends for their hard work and for being there in your life. Did You Know... ...there is a similar holiday, Compliment Day that is annually celebrated on January 24? ~~~~~~~ Plan a Solo Vacation Day Need a vacation and don’t have a traveling companion? Then March 1 or Plan a Solo Vacation Day is the unofficial holiday for you. On this day treat yourself to that vacation you have always wanted, without having to wait for someone to join you on your adventures. Advantages Planning a solo vacation can be intimidating and overwhelming. But traveling alone can have many advantages. Informal studies have shown that those who travel by themselves tend to be more spontaneous and adventurous. Facing unknown situations in new and strange places can help people overcome their fears and anxieties. Friendlier Those who travel solo are forced to interact with locals and fellow travelers, instead of just hanging out with a small group of people. This translates into social benefits in real life - solo travelers can easily mold themselves to fit into any social group and situation. Do Whatever You Want Finally, taking a solo vacation means you can be your own master. You don't have to stick to a plan or follow someone else's lead - you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and do whatever you want to do. No more boring museums or spending countless hours shopping. How to Celebrate? Go on, plan your dream holiday all for yourself! You don’t need a traveling partner to have fun! Don't want to travel? What about a solo staycation? Stay at home, explore your city, catch up on your reading, meet with friends and enjoy your time off from work. Did You Know… …that the earliest guidebooks were called periplus? They were Roman and Greek documents that listed ports and landmarks that ships could encounter on their voyages. *** I had just had my 50th birthday and found the decade marker traumatic. When I went to get my driver's license renewed, a matter-of-fact woman typed out the information, tested my vision, snapped the camera and handed me a laminated card with my picture on it. "You mean I have to look at this for the next four years?" I jokingly said to her. "Don't worry about it," she replied. "In four years it'll look good to you." *** I am a first-grade teacher and a new empty nester. One night I was trying out an art project: making a person with simple materials. I took a coat hanger, attached a paper-plate face, put a shirt on the hanger and stuffed it. Then I sat it on the couch to see how it looked. Later that evening my son walked in the door, home for a surprise visit. Taking one look at my coat-hanger friend sitting on the couch, he said, "Mom, it's not that bad, is it?" *** At 82 years old, my husband applied for his first passport. He was told he would need a birth certificate, but his birth had never been officially registered. When he explained his dilemma to the passport agent, the response was less than helpful. "In lieu of a birth certificate," the agent said, "you can bring a notarized affidavit from the doctor who delivered you." *** My friend Garrick had the solution to forgetting his wife’s birthday and their wedding anniversary: He opened an account with a local florist and provided it with both dates as well as instructions to send flowers and a card signed “Your loving husband, Garrick.” For a few years, it worked. Then one day, Garrick came home on their wedding anniversary. He saw the flowers on the dining room table and said, “What nice flowers. Where did you get them?” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

The other side of the story()

February 29th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) As a Christian feast day: Saint John Cassian February 29 in the Orthodox church Rare Disease Day (in leap years; celebrated in common years on February 28) Bachelor's Day (Ireland, United Kingdom) Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) Leap Year Day Digital Learning Day National Toast Day International Underlings Day Richard Ramirez Aileen Wuornos Tony Robbins *** According to unofficial sources, a new simplified income-tax form contains only four lines: 1. What was your income for the year? 2. What were your expenses? 3. How much have you left? 4. Send it in. *** Two Hollywood stars ran into each other at the door of their psychiatrist’s office. “Hello, there,” said one. “Are you coming or going?” “If I knew that,” said the other, “I wouldn’t be here.” *** A teenager brings her new boyfriend home to meet her parents. They’re appalled by his haircut, his tattoos, his piercings. Later, the girl’s mom says, “Dear, he doesn’t seem to be a very nice boy.” “Oh, please, Mom!” says the daughter. “If he wasn’t nice, would he be doing 500 hours of community service?” *** Every time a little boy went to a playmate’s house, he found the friend’s grandmother deeply engrossed in her Bible. Finally his curiosity got the better of him. “Why do you suppose your grandmother reads the Bible so much?” he asked. “I’m not sure,” said his friend, “but I think she’s cramming for her finals.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn This is the first Feb 29th blog entry, here. This blog started in July 2021 If I'm still around in 2028, we'll try for a repeat.

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February 28th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: February 28 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Kalevala Day, also known as the Finnish Culture Day (Finland) National Science Day (India) Peace Memorial Day (Taiwan) Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) Andalusia Day Car Keys and Small Change Day Fasching Feast of Saint Vartan Floral Design Day Global Scouse Day Inconvenience Yourself Day International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day Launceston Cup Linus Pauling Day National Chocolate Souffle Day National Customized Wheel and Tire Day National Essay Day National Pancake Day National Time Refund Day National Vegan Lipstick Day Pink Shirt Day Canada Rare Disease Day US Snow Shoe Day National Tooth Fairy Day LunarEclipse’s Birthday Jason Aldean’s Birthday Fun Observances Public Sleeping Day Catch a few winks or take a long nap in public to celebrate Public Sleeping Day on February 28. Definitely one of the more quirky made-up holidays we have seen, Public Sleeping Day or National Public Sleeping Day as it is also known, encourages people to commune with nature by sleeping outdoors in public. Cold in the North Cold temperatures in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere may make observing this holiday a foolhardy venture so make sure you have a sleeping bag. And if you are looking for a restful adventure, this may be the perfect holiday for you to participate in. How to Celebrate? Get your favorite pillow and blanket and find a safe and clean place in public to take a nap. Make sure you layer up if it is still winter in your part of the world. You don't even need to find a special place to take a nap. If you have long commute why not take that time to catch a few winks? Get together with friends and organize a large pajama party at a park. Have everyone bring their sleeping bags, set up an outdoor movie screen, have a picnic and then take a nap. Did You Know… …that humans are the only mammals that can willingly delay sleep? *** In good weather, my friend Mark always let his yellow-naped Amazon parrot, Nicky, sit on the balcony of his tenth-floor apartment. One morning, Nicky flew away, much to Mark’s dismay. He searched and called for the bird, with no luck. The next day when Mark returned from work, the phone rang. “Is this Mark?” The caller asked. “You’re going to think this is crazy, but there’s a bird outside on my balcony saying, ‘Hello, this is Mark.’ Then it recites this phone number and says, ‘I can’t come to the phone right now, but if you will leave a message at the tone, I will call you back.’” Nicky’s cage had been kept in the same room as Mark’s answering machine. *** We brought our newborn son, Adam, to the pediatrician for his first checkup. As he finished, the doctor told us, "You have a cute baby." Smiling, I said, "I bet you say that to all new parents." "No," he replied, "just to those whose babies really are good-looking." "So what do you say to the others?" I asked. "He looks just like you." *** Neighbors of ours had a terrible disagreement over a patio they wanted for their backyard. The wife had rather grand ideas, while the husband wanted costs kept to a minimum. The wife won out, and the construction bill climbed higher and higher. I dropped by one day, when the patio was near completion, and was surprised to find the husband smiling from ear to ear as the workmen smoothed over the surface. I remarked how nice it was to see a grin replace the frown he had been wearing lately. “You see where they’re smoothing that cement?” he replied. “I just threw my wife’s credit cards in there.” *** I grew up hearing my dad tell a joke about a Mrs. Dunn, whose son, Timmy Dunn, had left Ireland for America, never to be heard from again. She discovered that Mike O’Malley was leaving for America and asked Mike to look for Timmy and tell him to write to her. Well, Mike looked for Tim everywhere he went, asking many a man whether he was Timmy Dunn, but to no avail. Then one day in a men’s room, a man walked out of a stall. Mike asked him, “Are you Dunn?” The gentleman said, “Yes.” Mike replied, “Well, why don’t you write to your mother?!” When my 12-year-old brother heard Dad tell the joke for the hundredth time, all of sudden, he started laughing. “I finally got it!” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

For what it is worth, so did I.