 Today being October 1st, I decided to check what holiday – if any – fell on this date. Well, wouldn’t you know it but today, October 1, 2024, is “Less Than Perfect Day”. What? That’s right: Less Than Perfect Day. OK, this definitley warranted some investigation.
Firstly, I discovered that Less Than Perfect Day shares the date with International Raccoon Appreciation Day. Who knew? Meanwhile… I figured if I was going to try to understand what a less than perfect day might mean, I better start with understanding what a perfect day itself signifies. My research led me to a website where it’s explained as follows: “A perfect day can mean different things to different people. Some may consider a perfect day as one where everything goes smoothly, they spend it doing something they love, or they have meaningful interactions with loved ones. It is important to try to make the most of each day, and appreciate the good moments, even if the day as a whole isn't ‘perfect’.” OK, fine. Now that we know that, what would a less than perfect day look like? The web had an answer for that one too: Less Than Perfect Day is a period of time to accept that it's okay to not be perfect. “Some people are perfectionists that are very hard on themselves if they make a mistake, and some people are okay with their faults. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, today is a day to remember that we all make mistakes and that we should try hard at everything we do, but not so hard as to stress ourselves out.” Lovely. So, that left one question for me to think about: given that today is Less Than Perfect Day, how should we go about celebrating it? The answer to that came with these suggestions: “Spend the day trying to keep yourself from stressing out about things you aren't perfect at. It might be a day to challenge yourself to try new and difficult things, because at the same time you will be focusing on not caring if you can't do them with perfection.” Makes sense. Essentially, we are being reminded to promote self-acceptance, reminding us to see the beauty in imperfection by commemorating the benefits of not being perfect. We’re encouraged to embrace our flaws, learn from our mistakes, and accept our unique qualities. And there you have it. Happy Less Than Perfect Day! (And a big appreciative Hi to your raccoon, should you have one as a pet on its special day!)
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 AHA! Time for suicide commentary. Again.
With the news that several people have been taken into custody in Switzerland following the first use of an assisted suicide device, once again we find the do-gooders lining up against the practical folks. I have long believed that should any one of us decide we simply don’t want to be here any longer, we ought to be able to do something about that. Surely that’s a foundation of human rights. I mean, isn’t that our entitlement as human beings with at least some control over our lives? I’ve written before, asking why it is that Kurt Cobain, of the grunge music band Nirvana, was forced to spray his guts and blood all over the walls and floor of his home for his wife and child to discover after his shotgun did it’s awful duty. And why did poor jazz singer Susannah McCorkle, staggered by personal and professional setbacks, jump out of her 16th-floor Upper West Side apartment, splattering her remains on the sidewalk below for passers-by to glory in. And then there’s Robin Williams, hanging himself from a rafter in the basement of his home with a belt around his neck, for his poor wife to discover. Aren’t we humane enough to provide people like them – and the many others who seek redress away from this world – with an out that is quiet, dignified, not painful. Apparently not. We insist that they leave with terrible discomfort. And isn’t that just what the people in Switzerland were trying to do with the Sarco capsule? It features a sealed chamber in which a person sits in a reclined seat and pushes a button to release nitrogen gas that takes the place of oxygen in less than a minute; the individual loses consciousness and falls to sleep after a few breaths; they die in less than five minutes. Result: a peaceful, fast and dignified death. Now, that sure sounds to me like a reasonable out. But no, we have the usual band of do-gooders who purport to know more about you than you know about yourself. They have all the answers for questions that don’t need asking. And they want you to know that they are there to ensure your final wishes are ignored. That’s wonderful, because with their actions, you can now spray your guts across the room with a shotgun… or you can leap out of your window and fall to your splattered death while the hoi polloi looks on… or you can wrap a belt around your neck, fasten it to a beam in your home and hang yourself for your spouse to find later. Yup, you do-gooders – we owe you such a big vote of thanks for designing such a swell way to exit. And don’t worry, because this same group will arrange the laws to ensure anyone suggesting the Sarco capsule is accessory to suicide and “suspected incitement”. Yeah, right…  I’ve just learned that Sérgio Mendes has died. He was 83 (way too early to go!) and passed away after suffering from the effects of long Covid. I was a big fan!
Mendes was a marvelous musical talent. One of the most successful Brazilian artists of all time, he was a pianist, songwriter, arranger and bandleader whose career started with the 1960s bossa nova boom. “His success was based on his skill in matching Brazilian songs and rhythms against different western styles, from jazz and rock to funk and hip hop,” stated an online obituary. It’s true: from recording in the 1960s with jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley… right up to collaborating in 2006 with will.i.am and other members of the rap group Black Eyed Peas, Sergio managed to escape the “rules” that hold too many artists in place. One of my favorite recordings of all times, “So Many Stars”, features a wonderful tune written by Sergio with lyrics by my favorite writers Marilyn and Alan Bergman (I was thrilled to interview Alan for my book about Ruth Lowe). The song’s on Sergio’s early album for A&M Records, “Sergio Mendes and Brazil ’66: Look Around”. Listen to Lani Hall’s brilliant vocal, along with Sergio’s backing, on this YouTube selection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3x6R6iNxXU RIP Sergio!  September is World Alzheimer's Month. If you follow this blog at all, you’ll know I’ve chosen finding a cure for ALS as my principal charity. Buy the reality is, you’re more likely to get Alzheimer's than you are to come down with ALS.
Alzheimer's Disease is such a lousy condition to watch loved ones deal with. But there is growing evidence that people can prevent or reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes, including participation in regular physical activity, staying socially engaged, and maintaining good heart health. This combination, with a focus in clinical care on brain health and early detection, can have significant results. The US Against Alzheimer’s website says this: “Just as we have found ways to reduce heart disease risk, researchers increasingly are finding evidence that there may be steps we can take to reduce our risk of Alzheimer’s—or at least delay its onset. Until recently, it was not clear that there was much providers could do without pharmacological treatment. But rapidly advancing science now points to the ability to reduce dementia risk and enhance cognitive function and health as we age.” Want to know more? You can learn specifics here: https://www.usagainstalzheimers.org/alzheimers-prevention?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw3P-2BhAEEiwA3yPhwNPPp5tkVkHtvhrLwOjK4MWkgvLnR4GJCDBOihvYGhR7Tx_dhMoB1hoC16QQAvD_BwE  Many scientists are optimistic that we're on the cusp of age breakthroughs. Not only to help us live longer, but - more importantly - to extend the number of years we live with good health.
With that in mind, I was a financial backer for Ed Marshall’s recent celebration wherein he raised money for Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital by jumping out of a airplane and parachuting to the ground. He did this to commemorate his 100th birthday! At the completion of his jump, the 100 year old Mr. Marshall said, referring to the parachute itself, “Thank God it opened!” Apparently he showed no nerves, but did state he doesn't plan to do it again. Meanwhile, donors have already raised more than Ed’s original goal of $100,000: “$1,000 for each year of my life!” Now, I thought that was pretty impressive (and it certainly gave me ideas of what to do to celebrate my 100th birthday one day). But, not to take anything away from Ed, I’ve just learned about a woman, Manette Baillie, who’s become the oldest skydiver in Britain after she jumped out of a plane at age 102. When asked about this momentous occasion, the 102-year-old said, “I just want other people who are getting towards 80 and 90 not to give up anything. Just keep going.” Like Ed Marshall, Manette is using this feat to raise money for a series of UK-based charities. BTW, it’s not the first time she’s attempted extreme events at an advanced age. Two years ago, just ahead of her 100th birthday, she drove around the U.K.’s famed Silverstone racetrack, reaching speeds as high as 130 mph. When asked what’s next, Manette said this would likely be her final fundraising challenge, adding about her new goal: "I shall be taking up knitting!"  Welcome to National Dog Day: August 26. This special occasion celebrates the love and companionship that dogs bring to our lives. As the website publicizing this day states: “National Dog Day celebrates all dogs, mixed breed and pure. Our mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day... for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage, now they're detecting cancer and seizures...things even humans cannot do.”
I’ve had wonderful rescue dogs throughout my life. But since my lovely Macy (pictured here) died 3 months ago, I have been without a canine companion. It was always my plan to observe a grieving period, and then head to the SPCA to see what pup might join us as our new rescue dog. But since we currently have 3 relatives staying with us while they find new accommodation, I’m dealing with their small dog being here too. Given the 4 cats we also have present, I’ll have to wait until the guests depart with their dog, and then look at getting a new pup. Meantime, let’s look at this item that’s also from the nationaldogday.com website: “While we feel that everyone has right to purchase a pure breed dog, we strongly discourage buying dogs from pet stores supplied by puppy mills, backyard breeders, the internet and newspaper ads. Rather, we encourage those seeking new canine companions, to consider choosing adoption first. If you'd like a pure breed dog, look into a pure breed rescue in your city, to see if they might have some little furry soul just waiting to make your life complete. Another great place to find a new best friend is at large chain pet stores that host adoption drives for local shelters and rescues. When considering buying from a breeder, verify that you're buying from a reputable breeder by checking out their licensing, internet reviews and ask for local references such as from a veterinarian. It's vital to educate yourself about the breed you're considering parenting.” Wise words. OK, ‘nuff said: let’s celebrate National Dog Day!  Don’t know about you but I’m fascinated by the politics of our neighbor to the south. It is now settled that that Republican Donald Trump and his running mate Senator JD Vance will be up against Democrat Kamala Harris and her running mate Governor Tim Walz.
Robert Kennedy, who was running as an independent (having previously listed his political affiliation as a Democrat, as with the longstanding majority of his family members), is bowing out of the race and apparently is now a Republican. He’s siding with Trump, much to his family’s irritation ("Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear," wrote sister Kerry Kenned, adding “My late father would detest everything about Trump, including his lying and fascist sympathies."). But this move has resulted in even more money flowing into the Democrats. Go figure. It will be interesting to see what happens during the next 2+ months of campaigning. Never a dull moment!!
 Conrad Black’s recent weekend newspaper column was headlined “Disgraceful Olympics”. He complained about the Last Supper of Jesus Christ being mocked by drag queens at the current Olympics opening ceremonies.
While he is welcome to his opinion on this it does give me the opportunity to weigh in. The cost of the Olympic Games has gone out of control. For instance, the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro ran approximately $23.6 billion. The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics cost $55 billion. But what do these incredible amounts have to do with sports? The Opening Ceremonies now cost hundreds of millions (billions?). Nice show, but what has this got to do with sports? Do the organizers not realize that these funds could be donated to countries so poor they can’t even generate a roster of sports talent to attend the Olympics. Some people are complaining that the opening ceremony in Paris this year was conspicuous for its mediocracy. Again, I ask: what the hell does this have to do with sports? I don’t want to come across as a “wet blanket”. And I count a couple of Olympics medal winners as friends. But seriously, I began losing interest in the Olympics when the Chinese were found to be painting the grass green (!) in their bid to become host (the grass had turned brown – dead – due to their poor climate conditions.) So, the climate is so poor that the plants die, but let’s not have that get in the way of wanting to host the Olympics, right? Then there was Juan Antonio Samaranch, the Spanish guy who served as President of the International Olympic Committee from 1980 to 2001. This clown actually expected people to refer to him as “Your Excellency”. C’mon folks, we’re talking about sports, not royalty!! “Nuff said!  Yesterday, we discovered a beautiful monarch butterfly sipping nectar from one of our garden plants. Now, what is so special about a monarch butterfly, you ask? Well, they are pretty rare these days.
Do you know much about monarchs? I can give you a very brief overview, starting with the fact that the monarch butterfly exhibits the most highly evolved migration pattern of any known species of butterfly or moth and perhaps any known insect. Each fall, monarchs set out on an incredible 4,000-to-5,000-kilometre journey from southern Canada to their wintering sites in the mountain forests of Mexico. This is one of the world’s longest insect migrations! Sadly however, monarchs are threatened by deforestation of wintering forests in Mexico, disruptions to their migration caused by climate change, and the loss of native plants along their migratory corridors. The increased frequency and severity of weather events is also contributing to reduced numbers. Now you know why I was excited to see the monarch butterfly yesterday. That’s it in the photo from yesterday (recognizable by the two pairs of brilliant orange, black-veined wings with white spots towards the edges). And if you want to go deeper, monarchs butterflies are powerful and beloved insects, symbols of resilience in urban environments and a familiar sight to herald summer in rural areas. In Mexico, their presence has an even deeper meaning: tradition holds the monarchs as the returning spirits of loved ones who have died. |
