Today is Monday, September 18, 2023
On this day in history…
1947- The official Air Force Birthday is recognized as Sept. 18, 1947, the date of the passage of the National Security Act of 1947. That legislation created what would later become to known as the United States Department of Defense.
Spotlight Photo
Quote of the Week
“Treat people the way you want to be treated. Talk to people the way you want to be talked to. Respect is earned, not given.”
– Hussein Nishah
Mira’s Photo of the Week
https://www.everafterphotographypnw.com/
Rachel’s friend, Mira, shares her art each week to help beautify the My Monday Memo.
A Few Good Facts
This section is an add-on from Britannica.com. Each day there is a new fun fact in their All Good Facts section. These are a few that Rachel found interesting.
Superman is due to become public domain in 2033, but be careful when depicting the Man of Steel. When Superman debuted, he was able to leap tall buildings in a single bound but not actually fly. A Superman who flies will still be protected by copyright. (9/4)
In 1958, before impressing American audiences with martial arts moves, Bruce Lee used his fancy footwork to become the Crown Colony Cha-Cha Champion in Hong Kong. (9/10)
Sperm whales are the loudest animals on Earth, capable of making 230-decibel sounds in short bursts. Jet engines, capable of breaking eardrums, generate 150 dB. Scientists estimate that 180–200 dB can be lethal to humans. (9/14)
Kitty Korner
19 weeks old
I. Am. Being. Smashed! Yes, those are my human’s knees trapping my head as I attempt to get to her pizza. That spinach smells soooo good. I wanna eat it up. Please make note that she couldn’t bother to stop eating to use her hands to restrain me but was still able to take a picture. It’s her fault for eating on the couch. Who am I kidding, I would try to get to her food no matter where she eats.
– Belichick (Beli)
We have both been up to mischief. This wasn’t my first attempt to see the light bulb in the lamp. My first attempt landed me on my butt when the lamp tipped over. My human thought it would be fun to let me try again, this time with her camera ready. She was nice enough to stop me before I fell over this time. She will do anything for a good shot.
– Brady
Word of the Day
Will you find it?
As a fun challenge each week, Rachel visits Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day when she sits down to write her weekly story. Whatever the word of that particular day happens to be, she must find a way to fit it into her story. Will you find it?
DEMURE
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day on Friday, September 15, 2023
Meaning
When describing something observed, such as clothing or an attitude, demure means “not attracting or demanding a lot of attention,” making it a synonym of reserved and modest. When used to describe a person—it’s usually applied to a girl or woman—it typically means “quiet and polite,” but it can also describe someone who puts on a show of false modesty, making it a synonym of coy.
Story of the Week
Muskoxen & Polar Bears
Pictured above: Twin polar bears, Astra and Laerke, enjoy a sunny day in the Pacific Northwest.
In recent weeks, Rachel has resumed a weekly visit to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA). This is something she used to do and found a great deal of enjoyment. As schedules change, this activity unfortunately dropped from her routine. She is very happy to make it a priority once again each week. With the recent additions of the twin polar bears, and now the birth of a muskox calf, there could be no better time. The PDZA is located a short 15-minute drive from Rachel’s home.
As she visits so often, visiting every exhibit each time isn’t necessary. This allows her to spend time with the animals she finds most interesting at the given time. For now, she heads straight to the Arctic Tundra area. This allows her to visit the Muskoxen area, as well as the polar bears. If she has extra time, she generally heads to the Asian Forest Sanctuary to get an eye on the tigers.
If you don’t know what a muskox is, think a horned created from Star Wars roaming the earth. That is what they remind Rachel of, at least. At the PDZA, there are two muskoxen, Hudson, and Charlotte. On September 7, 2023, Charlotte gave birth to a female calf. She has yet to be named and Rachel hasn’t had the chance to see her yet, but her announcement photo shows that she is simply adorable. As of September 14, 2023, voting is open on the PDZA website. Names in the running are Aurora, Willow, Artemis, and Juneau. Rachel voted for Willow. Rachel looks very forward to seeing this adorable addition roaming the fields during her weekly visits.
The new polar bear twins have been very active during Rachel’s recent visits. The time of day she visits seem to be the perfect time when they are playful and snacking. She most enjoys the crowds of children that accumulate and watch the twins in delight. These two are far too playful for anyone to accuse them of being demure.
Pictured above: Astra has fun with a bucket on her head. This entertained her for quite some time.
The twins, Astra and Laerke, are just about to turn three. They were born at the Detroit Zoo and moved to PDZA this summer. They filled the void left by the late Blizzard who passed from liver cancer in May of 2022. Thus far, Rachel spends most of her time observing Astra and Laerke.
Rachel looks forward to watching both the muskox calf and the twin polar bears grow, as well as enjoying all exhibits of the PDZA. Enjoy the photos below of a handful of other fun finds at the PDZA. Until next time, be well.
