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Tomorrow everyone is Irish. We joke, party, and parade in celebration of the Irish (born in England, by the way) St. Patrick. We turn waterways green and drink green beer. We wear green and cook special meals. Did you know that 650,000 American babies have been named Patrick in the last century? Or that 40 pounds of green dye go into the Chicago River on this day (even more this year)?
Discover more bits of St. Pat trivia at St. Patrick’s Day by the Numbers.
Top o’ the day, to ye. Have a grand time tomorrow.
(From a Kelly who married an O’Donnell.)
Stephen Hawking was a great scientist. He had the world and future figured out and lived long enough to see some of it confirmed. Sometimes he commented on humanity, as well. Such as in today’s Thursday Thought quote.
I’m posting this at exactly 10:00 my local time in solidarity with all those participating in the National Student Walkout. Whether or not we’re for greater gun control, we have to respect what these kids are doing. They’re leaving school–most for a short period of time–to gather for one minute of silence honoring and remembering each of the 17 students gunned down a month ago today at Florida’s Stillman Douglas School. They aren’t rioting, fighting, or destroying property, just being peaceful, serious, and respectful as they exercise their right to free speech. What a lesson for adult protesters!
They’re participating in democracy, trying to make changes they believe important. They’re not asking that people give up their guns or making vague demands. They clearly are asking for three things: 1) ban assault weapons, 2) universal background checks, and 3) laws to disarm those who show signs of violence. This clarity is another lesson adult protesters can learn from.
And they’re reminding Congress members that many of them will vote in the upcoming elections, and future voters among them will remember what Congress does–or doesn’t do.
I’m proud of our youth for doing this, and for those who disagree who, rather than interfere, simply don’t participate. And for schools who allow this teaching moment, a teaching moment for youth and adults alike.
I’ve been pleased with some TV programs, notably “The Good Doctor,” “Born This Way,” and “Speechless.” Finally! Shows that depict people with disabilities as having actual real productive lives. More series now include characters in wheelchairs, for example, as part of their regular cast as opposed to window-dressing gliding through in the background.
I have a physical disability, weakened by polio. But I’m educated, successful, and have a full life–like almost all of my disabled friends. For too long we didn’t see people like us on TV or in the movies (they haven’t evolved yet, though). On the rare occasion that a disabled person appeared, they were those background-gliders, extras in a hospital, or beggars on the streets.
This new trend is having an effect, too. With a tightening job market, employers are actually looking toward hiring people with disabilities. In fact, job statistics show rising employment of that segment of the population.
I’m starting to feel represented. And I’m seeing more people like me working in shops and venues I frequent. It’s about time!
Having trouble sleeping? Here are some plants that you can put into your bedroom that might very well help you sleep better.
I’ve been listening to elementary school kids and teenagers as they talk to each other. Two terms are now ‘way too common for my comfort. No, not the usual profanity. These are terms that are more disturbing because they reflect a loss of innocence that should not be happening.
One is “active shooter,” which was once a term used only by SWAT.
The other one I thought I left back in my childhood–“duck and cover.”
Eleanor Roosevelt gives us today’s Thursday Thought quote. Considering all she went through, I believe she knew what she was talking about.
Tomorrow is YOUR DAY. It’s International Women’s Day. I’m not calling you to action or protest or even stand up for your rights–unless, of course, you choose to. I just want to wish you a joyous day in which you simply celebrate the woman you are.
I haven’t given you any language trivia for quite awhile. By now you know that I’m a die-hard for getting people interested in language.
But what IS a “die-hard”? Today it means a person who is firmly set on a certain belief. But it hasn’t always meant that.
Originally (1700s) this term was a lot more literal than it is today. It referred to a hanged man who struggled a long time before dying on the gallows. Later, during the Napoleonic Wars, the Battle of Albuera (1811s) gave it added meaning when a British officer was wounded. Instead of pulling back, he urged his soldiers on by yelling, “Stand your ground and die hard. Make the enemy pay dear for each of us!” That did the trick. Despite the 75% casualty rate, the regiment soldiered on to victory. Thereafter, their nickname was “the Die Hards.”
So now you know……..