As you may know, I dedicate part of my weekend to reading and researching things for this blog. Often, I don't find much that genuinely excites me. But that certainly wasn't the case this weekend. There was an abundance of fun and interesting things for me to share with you. But the most amazing one is what I'll share with you today. I always take great pride when I can write about one of my relatives, even distant cousins who live in faraway lands like the Goliath frog, the subject of this morning's blog.
Many of you might think of frogs as being slimy. And, for the most part, you'd be correct. But frogs have lots of other characteristics like being colorful and being found nearly everywhere throughout the world. The largest species of frog is known as the Goliath frog and this hefty honey lives in the central African country of Cameroon, as well as in Equatorial Guinea. It was recently discovered that this giant frog species build ponds for their eggs and tadpoles by moving rocks up to half the weight of their body!  That might not seem like much until you realize that the Goliath frog can weigh up to 6.6 pounds (just under 3 kilograms) and measure 13 inches in length (33 cm) when fully grown! Scientists believe that their heavy labor could explain their size.
"The researchers, led by a team from Berlin's Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde), found that the frogs altered existing natural ponds or created new nests in small ponds, about 3 feet wide and 4 inches deep, along riverbanks in Cameroon. 'They sometimes move rocks weighing up to 2 kg (4.4 pounds). We think that this laborious activity may explain why adult frogs need to be giants in the first place,' said Marvin Schäfer, lead author of the study, in a press release."
As well as being strong, Goliath frogs are also anxious parents, ​nurturing their young in ponds away from torrent rivers and potential predators. "Giant frogs are the first African amphibian species now known to actively prepare or even construct breeding sites for their offspring," said Mark-Oliver Rödel, project leader and president of conservation group Frogs & Friends, in a press release. "This shows how little we know about the biology, even of some of the most spectacular creatures of our planet."
Scientists hope the research will help conservation efforts dedicated to the rare frogs, which are considered endangered. The exploitation of natural resources, shrinking habitats, as well as climate change and pollution...all man-made problems...are the main causes of the species loss. Another 40% of the world's amphibians are also considered under 'threat."  These sobering statistics came from a report written as recently as May 2019 by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Humans need to realize that climate change, among other life-threatening concerns, are real and they are here, happening now. I'm a big climate change guy but I'll get off the soap box now...at least for today.
Tomorrow will be another fascinating blog with a few interesting facts about DNA. I know you won't want to to miss that! Until then, I wish you all a happy Monday,
                                                                        PEACE.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/09/africa/goliath-frog-intl-scli-scn/index.html

Tomorrow, the 17th of August is National Nonprofit Day. If you will, stop and think for a few minutes about how many NPOs there are in the world and how much good they do. It's staggering to think about and heart-warming at the same time. But what are nonprofits, if not for the many volunteers who donate their time and resources to further the missions of these selfless organizations? They couldn't do much with the help they receive. National Nonprofit Day recognizes and honors all those who volunteer their service of others.
Nonprofit organizations help a wide range of causes; everything helping endangered species, to bringing fresh water to African villages, to feeding the elderly, to advocating for children in foster care, and too many more to mention. If there's a worthy cause, there's probably a nonprofit out there that can help. To honor these nonprofits and their volunteers today, I thought we'd take a look at a few surprising facts about NPOs.
"What does your neighborhood association have in common with the multibillion-dollar Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation? Both are nonprofit organizations. And as such, they play an incredibly important role in our everyday lives. Nonprofits help millions of people [and animals] around the globe every day."
1.  If the nonprofit sector were a country, it would be the 16th largest in the world, as measured by GDP (gross domestic product), according to The World Bank Group
2.  In 2012, nonprofit groups employed just over 11 million people in the U.S. That’s more than 10% of private-sector employment.
3.  An estimated 25% of all Americans over age 16 served as volunteers for a nonprofit between September 2010 and September 2014.
4.  Individuals, foundations, and bequests contributed $358 billion to nonprofits in 2014.
5.  In 2014, religious organizations received the largest share of charitable donations at 32%. Educational nonprofits were second with 15%. The third-largest share went to human service organizations.
The nonprofit sector has a tremendous economic and social impact, bringing programs that reflect our highest ideals to people at all levels of society. But to fulfill their missions, NGOs rely on volunteers like you and me to help carry out their important work. I hope you'll think about donating your time and services to helping a nonprofit that's close to your heart. And if you know someone who already volunteers, please thank them. They deserve to know how much they're appreciated.
With the weekend upon us is, wouldn't it be a time to call, email, or drop by an area nonprofit and see what you can do to help? But whatever your plans include, please stay safe and have some fun! it's what weekends are all about. Please stop by on Monday and see what I have in store for you this next week. Until then,
                                                                        PEACE.

https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/public-policy/resource/five-surprising-facts-about-nonprofits

They take you to dizzying heights and then plunge you very quickly back to earth. You either love them or you hate them. I belong to the first group while my mom belongs to the second one. What am I talking about? That would be roller coasters. Why? Because today is National Roller Coaster Day.
Roller coasters are a staple at amusement parks and they're also one of the most popular rides at local fairs. Late summer is prime time for fairs and for last-minute trips to the amusement parks before school begins. Land of Lily Pad isn't any different and this weekend my whole family is going to the annual Swamp Fair. Little Quigley is finally big enough this year to ride the roller coaster. Dad and I will accompany him while Mom, no doubt, looks on in horror. 
What do you know about roller coasters? Probably not much, if you're anything like me. They're fun (or not) while you're riding them but then you never give them any thought after that. I decided it might be kind of fun to look at a few fun roller coaster facts and see if there was anything worth uncovering. And there definitely was! So in honor of roller coaster day, here's everything you'll ever want to know about your favorite (or scariest) ride.
1.  The roller coaster dates back to 18th-century Russia. that first coaster descended from the "Russian Mountains" and was constructed of huge piles of snow that existed around the grounds and gardens of the the palace in St. Petersburg in the 18th century. The slides were built to a height of between 70 feet (21 m) and 80 feet (24 m), had a 50 degree drop, and were reinforced by wooden supports and had ice on top. Sometimes wheeled carts were used instead of sleds. These slides became popular with the Russian upper class.
2.  "Russian mountains" remains the term for roller coasters in many languages, such as Spanish (la montaña rusa), Italian (montagne russe), and French (les montagnes russes). Ironically, the Russian term for roller coaster, американские горки (amerikanskie gorki), translates literally as "American mountains.
3.  The world's fastest roller coaster is, indeed, very fast. Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates reaches freak out–worthy speeds of 149 mph in under five seconds. If you don't want to travel abroad for a similar thrill, the U.S. is home to six of the 10 world's fastest roller coasters.
4.  The first U.S. roller coaster was very slow. Called the Switchback Railway, the New York attraction opened in June 1884 in Coney Island, Brooklyn—and reached a whopping speed of 6 mph! But in all fairness, it did only cost a nickel (5-cents) to ride. That slow-poke coaster grossed about $600 a day (pretty impressive for the time) while today's roller coaster averages about $15,000 a day. Some difference, eh?
5.  The world's oldest roller coaster that is still operational is 100 years old and is located in Altoona, Pennsylvania.  It's considered a national Historical Landmark.
6. Concerned about your safety? The average roller coaster, during the busy summer season, is tested three times a day. 
​7.  The tallest roller coaster is in the Six Flags Great Adventure Park, New Jersey. Kingda Ka roller coaster reaches up to a whopping height of 465 feet!
8.  The longest roller coaster. Japan’s Nagashima Spa Land is home to the longest rollercoaster in the world. The Steel Dragon 2000 has a track which covers 8133 feet. (2479 meters)
9.  If you want roller coaster ride choices, then I suggest you visit Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. It currently has the highest amount of roller coasters in its park with 19 different coasters to choose from.
10. Early coasters built of wood. In 1959, the first ever steel roller coaster was created. The Matterhorn bobsled roller coaster was built for Disneyland in California.
Those are some pretty awesome facts! The closer we get to the weekend, the more excited I am about visiting Swamp Fair. And now that little Quigley is older, it'll be twice the fun. I always look forward to family outings, don't you?
You can celebrate National Roller Coaster Day by riding your favorite one. If you're not a fan, or live too far away, you can always look up roller coasters online and "visit" them from the comfort of your air-conditioned home.
There's lots to celebrate tomorrow tomorrow so please plan on stopping back by. Until then,
                                                                         PEACE.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_roller_coaster
https://www.holidaysforallseasons.co.uk/latest-blog/10-facts-roller-coasters

I hate to admit it, but I've been feeling a little down recently. Wanting to upgrade my lily pad, I checked my bank account and found that I had nowhere near the amount of Lillipadlian currency to redecorate that the contractor said I'd need. It's a small thing, I know, but it bummed me out. Dharma was coming to see me this morning so I figured why not ask him what I should do?
When he arrived, I ushered him to the breakfast table and poured him a cup of his favorite tea. As we ate our food, I told him about my dilemma. "What should I do, Dharma? I need to upgrade my pad but I don't have the funds to do it." Dharma smiled and responded without hesitation, "Tadpole, he is a wise frog who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. I understand your frustration Irwin, but the fact of the matter is your pad is fine just the way it is. You have all the comforts of home. What more could you ask for? And please don't tell me that you need a more modern stove or a newer dishwasher. or that your sofa is out of date. Those are just cosmetic upgrades. Honestly, my boy, they won't make you happier. Why not, instead, focus your attention on the wonderful life you have. You are fortunate in so many ways. Be grateful for those things, my boy. Many other frogs would love to trade places with you."
I knew he was right. But even that didn't make me feel better. I needed a push in that direction. Sometimes the heart and the mind aren't on the same page. "Dharma, can you help me with a few ways to jumpstart my gratitude?" Dharma  happily obliged. 
Be began by telling me that gratitude can be almost as important as nutrition when it comes to living a better and healthier life. To back this up, he said that research has shown that people who have an attitude of gratitude also; eat healthier, develop stronger immune systems, demonstrate more optimism and mental acuity, exercise regularly, solve mental challenges easier, have deeper friendships, sleep better, have increased self-esteem and self-worth, show increased productivity, cope better with stress, and work and perform better at their job. Not to mention, they enjoy life far more than those who don't have as much gratitude. If you're like me, you're probably thinking, "Wow, I could use more of those things in my life, too!" So my next question to Dharma was, "How can I develop more gratitude. Are things I can actively do that with help strengthen my sense of gratitude?"
"Yes, Irwin, there are things you can do and they're not hard. One must only take a little time to practice them. Developing a stronger and deeper sense of gratitude is some anyone can do if they want to."
Here are Dharma's five top tips. 
1. Write it down. Start a gratitude journal and write in it every day for a month. Be specific about what you are thankful for.  Watch how your thoughts develop over time.  You may start simply, but when you add stories and color, it becomes more powerful.
2.  Talk about it. Sharing what you are thankful for isn’t just for Thanksgiving.  Make it a habit to talk about what you are grateful for all year long.  It will reinforce your feelings.
3.  Meditate.  Whether you regularly meditate or not, take a break a few times a day.  Focus on a spirit of thankfulness.  Who are you thankful for?  Bring the person to mind.  Imagine your life surrounded by blessings.
4.  Express it.  Do you have someone in your life you inspired you or who helped through a difficult time...maybe someone who made you feel special? take a few minutes and express your gratitude to them for the boost they gave you. Perhaps it's a teacher, a long-ago friend, or a neighbor. Whoever they are, take time from your schedule and write them a thank you note. No, don't text or email. WRITE to them! if they've since passed on, that's okay. You can still write to them and tell them how much they meant to you. Even though you can't mail the note, the act of expressing your gratitude is still helpful.
5.  Seek it. If you want to be thankful, get around people with that characteristic.  Some people just bubble over with enthusiasm and gratitude for life. Just like happiness, gratitude can be contagious. You must be willing, though, to catch it and you must be around those who are grateful for it to spread to you. So no more time around sad sacks, spend time with those who inspire you.
As always, Dharma's words hit home. He made me realize that although I am not currently able to upgrade my lily pad, I am one lucky frog! My pad is comfortable, I have wonderful friends and family, I have a career doing what I enjoy most, and I have a teacher who is always there to help me and coach me when I need it most.
Please take a little time today and be grateful for your life. If you look around, I bet you'll see so many things staring you in the face that are pretty wonderful. And you've been ignoring these gifts for too long. You'll feel happier and healthier if you begin to pay attention to awesomeness that comes your way every single day.
Please stop back by tomorrow for a look at something that is a staple of many fairs this time of year. And this thing is guaranteed to take you to new heights. What is it? Come back tomorrow and find out. ​Until then,
                                                                        PEACE.

https://www.skipprichard.com/5-ways-to-cultivate-an-attitude-of-gratitude/

The Seven Wonders of the World is a list that's been around for a very long time. I wondered, though, how the list came to be of seven wonders, and not five or eight? My research indicates that the Ancient Greeks believed that the number seven represented perfection and plenty. The very first list is thought to be based on a popular Hellenic guidebook on the period of Mediterranean history dating from 323 BC through the emergence of the Roman Empire and the battle of Actium in 31 BC. 
But, like many things, that list was evolved through time. As times change so do people's tastes. The modern world no longer wanted to simply look at pictures of the Seven Wonders in some old dusty history book. No, the modern world wanted to go and visit these wonders. Well, since all the old "Wonders" were no longer in existence, a new list was developed. And that's what I have for you today; the modern list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The old list still exists but now it's called the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. And while the wonders on this new list are still very old, they are all still with us and can be visited and photographed.  In 2007 a contest was held to find these new wonders and 100 million votes were cast. Here are the top seven vote getters.
1.  Chichen, Mexico - One of numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the list, the complex of Chichen Itza is the most famous symbol of the once mighty Mayan civilization. Archaeologists believe Chichen Itza emerged as a major economic and cultural center around 600 AD and grew for several centuries. The pyramid of El Castillo ("The Castle") is probably the best known structure of the once vast city.
2.  Christ the Redeemer in Brazil - By far the "baby" of this list, the Christ the Redeemer statue was finished in 1931 but has already taken its place in the pantheon of historic wonders. Standing 30 meters (98 feet) tall and outstretched arms spanning 28 meters (92 feet), the simple but mesmerizing white statue of Art Deco design has an amazing view over Rio de Janeiro. It's one of the most magnificent meetings of natural and man-made beauty in the world.
3.  Colosseum, Rome, Italy - Those Romans sure did enjoy their games -- gladiator fights, man vs. animal contests, chariot races and even mock naval battles. And say what you will about their entertainment choices, they built a Colosseum to last. Emperor Vespasian ordered the construction around 71 AD, and it was dedicated in 80 AD during the rule of his son Titus. It held around 50,000 spectators and even had a retractable awning to shield Romans.
4.  The Great Wall of China - The Great Wall began around 220 BC, and construction continued for millennia. Its purpose: Keep nomadic people to the north out of China. Eventually, it couldn't hold back the Mongols, who successfully invaded in the 13th century anyway and set up shop in what's now Beijing under the direction of Kublai Khan. Stretching for 8,852 kilometers (5,500 miles) along the best-preserved Ming Dynasty portion of the superstructure, its travel appeal is obvious. In the words of UNESCO's page on the wall: It's "an outstanding example of the superb military architecture, technology and art of ancient China."
5.  Machu Picchu, Peru - It is the most isolated and challenging-to-reach of the New Seven Wonders of the World (among other things, you have to adjust to the high altitude of the Peruvian Andes). But the rewards are huge in exchange for the trouble you'll go through to get there. Machu Picchu is the most splendid example of Incan architecture placed in a jaw-dropping landscape of tropical mountain forest. There are about 200 structures in this religious and agricultural center set on a steep ridge crisscrossed by terraces of stone.
Amazingly, it was in active use only a short time, historically speaking. The Inca built it in the 15th century, but it was abandoned after the Spanish invasion in the 16th century.
​6.  Petra, Jordan - Set in modern-day Jordan's southwestern desert region between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, Petra was inhabited going back to prehistoric times. People today may recognize it from the 1989 movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," but during the classical heydays of Greece and Rome, it was known as an important caravan stop between the Mediterranean and the Far East. By the 7th century AD, it was abandoned. But its desert location preserved much of it through the centuries No wonder it mesmerizes visitors today -- its blend of Eastern and Hellenistic styles, half-built and half-carved into the natural red sandstone of the area, truly deserves the term "unique."
7.  Taj Mahal, India - The world-famous Taj Mahal is actually an incredibly elaborate tomb and an enduring symbol of love. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ordered construction in 1632 as a monument to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The stunningly beautiful structure, considered the height of Indo-Islamic architecture, was completed in 1648. The white marble structure is in Agra, about 212 kilometers (132 miles) south of India's capital, New Delhi.
There you have it, the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. So go ahead and book a vacay to any one of these exotic destinations. Don't forget your camera. You'll want to take a few "selfies" with these amazing structures. And that's sure not something you can't do with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon!
Please come back tomorrow. The Dharma Frog will be here, as he is every Wednesday, and is sure to have an insightful lesson for me. Hope to see you then!
                                                                        PEACE.

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/new-seven-wonders-of-the-world/index.html

As you may know that I have a younger brother, Quigley with whom I am very close. What you might not know is that my mother has an older brother and my dad has two younger sisters. My Aunt Ima Wart is the middle child. And I've learned a great deal from her about what it's like to be a middle child. Today is National Middle Child Day and it is dedicated to those who are neither the oldest, often considered the leader, and the youngest or baby of the family. In smaller families, that leaves one middle child but in larger families of four or more, there os more than one middle child.
"From their personality traits to their success later in life, birth order can play a big role in a child's development. And scientists have spent significant time looking at just what it means to be a middle child." Here are some of those surprising and scientific facts about middle children.
1. They are emotionally A-OK. In a 2013 study, researchers at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid found that middle children who lived with both biological parents were less likely to develop emotional disorders or be diagnosed with ADHD than their siblings. Why? They're constantly surrounded by family and siblings. The doctors determined that's a surefire way for them to stay healthy.2.  They're team players. A 1966 study in The Journal of Genetic Psychology (and it still holds true today) found that middle children tend to do better in group situations. This also sets them up to be good employees, as well.
3.  They take risks.  When analyzing the data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, researchers at the University of Colorado at Denver found that first-borns tend to be milder in their actions, but middles throw caution to the wind. This can, of course, have both good and bad consequences.
4.  The middle child is seldom the favorite one. Australian researcher Julie Fitness outlines her shocking study results: middle children are rarely considered the "favorite child." Now, yes, you might be shaking your head and demanding that you "don't have a favorite child," but science would say otherwise. Maybe a preference? Either way, it looks like it's definitely either your first or youngest child.
5.  They're the good kids. All right, so they're maybe not the "favorite," but that doesn't mean they act out. In fact, a 1964 study done by the Texas Christian University and the University of Minnesota looked into peer acceptance and rejection in relation to birth order. Ultimately, researchers found that middle children, who are surrounded by both older and younger siblings, do not "act out." In fact, they're the most well-adjusted of the bunch.
6.  Middle children aren't as smart as their older siblings, but there's still good news. A 2001 study published by the American Psychological Association found that the more siblings a child has, the less intelligent they are. This is the "dilution model" and it exists because parents naturally can spend less and less time with each child to help with learning and comprehension. So for middle children, they're less intelligent than their older sibling but more intelligent than their younger brother or sister. 
7.  They're successful. Katrin Schumann, the co-author of The Secret Power of Middle Children, notes that middle children have come out on top in many ways. Take this fun fact, for example, 52 percent of all American presidents have been middle children. Add Bill Gates, Julia Roberts, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela to that list and you have a pretty successful roster of middles. Schumann notes that since middle kids tend to be more independent and creative, that's a perfect recipe for a thriving future.
8.  They're great negotiators. Drs. Jason Kaufman and Daniel Eckstein looked into famed psychotherapist Alfred Adler's individual psychology theory and researched how birth order affects personality. In their 2012 studies, they found that since middle siblings may have to negotiate between the oldest and youngest children, and always have to be articulate to be heard, they're excellent at eloquently presenting their points.
9.  They're attracted to other middle kids. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Individual Psychology finally looked into birth order and romantic partnerships and found that middle children tend to fall in love and grow romantic relationships with other middle children. Like attracts like and this is another excellent example of that in action. And finally,
10. They're great marriage material. The same 2009 study on birth order and romantic preferences looked at 2,500 individuals and their partners and determined that middle children end up in much happier relationships and choose to stay faithful to both romantic partners and friends. There's one thing you can know for sure, middle children are devoted and true.
No matter what the personality tests and therapists say, this day directs us to focus on the middle child. Parents and siblings should pull out all the stops and make today all about  middle-born family members. Do something special for them. Prepare a favorite meal. Or call them and remind them just how much you love them. Spend the entire day doing things they enjoy. 
And here's a brief history of this day. National Middle Children’s Day was created by Elizabeth Walker in the 1980s.  It was originally intended to be observed on the second Saturday in August, however, along the way it has become generally accepted to celebrate it on August 12.  In a newspaper article submitted by her grandson, Litton Walker, III, Walker stated that she wanted to create a National day to honor those children “born in the middle of families” who she felt were “left out.”  The name was later changed to National Middle Child Day. 
I'm going to remind my dad to hop over to Aunt Ima's pad on his way home from work today and remind her just how special she is...maybe even bring her some flowers or a box of her favorite chocolate-covered insects.
I hope you'll join me back here again tomorrow for a look at the new, hot-off-the-press list of the Seven Wonders of the World. I think you'll be surprised! Until then,
                                                                        PEACE.

https://thestir.cafemom.com/being_a_mom/177007/surprising_scientific_facts_middle_kids
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-middle-child-day-august-12/

I love Book Lover's Day almost as much as Christmas, and that says a great deal. it was my love of books that led me to become a writer. There's something in the way a book feels when you hold it. And who hasn't felt the anticipation of turning a page to see what happens next? But the true hallmark of a great book, at least for me, is whether or not I am sad to reach the end of it. I always want a good book to go on for at least a few more chapters. Books inherently offer solitude and a temporary escape from your own story. To me, they are pure magic. 
Today is Book Lover's Day and to celebrate it, I've scoured the interweb and found some weirdly interesting facts about books that I'd like to share with you, my fellow lover of the written word.
Ready? Let's begin!
1.  As of 2010, there are 129, 864, 880 books in print worldwide, according to Google. Nine years later, that figure is a lot higher. (It doesn't include my own six books, for instance.)
2.  The most expensive book ever purchased was sold for $30.8 million. It was Codex Leicester by Leonardo Da Vinci, and it was purchased by Bill Gates, according to Business Insider.  He probably made the money back within the hour so it  wasn't a big deal for him.
3.  There's a word for loving the smell of old books. You know you love the smell of old books. Come on now and admit it. They have the aroma of dust and a whole lot of history. Okay, so the dust part might not be great, especially if you have allergies, but the history of everyone who has ever owned or held that book is still there. And it has a certain smell. The smell of age. Well now you can name that smell. “Bibliosmia” is that word and you’ve probably been searching for it your entire life. You can thank me later.
4.  The longest sentence ever written had 832 words. And which book contains this
l-o-n-g sentence? it's Victor Hugo's Les Miserables.
​5.  Authors names didn't used to be printed on the cover of the book. The covers of the first printed books were considered artworks. They were covered in drawings, leather and even gold — so there wasn’t a place for the author’s name.
6. The first book ever written using a typewriter was The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain. 
7.  U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt read one book every single day. Now that's what I call dedication to reading!
8.  What are the three most read books in the world? The Bible is number 1 and that comes as no surprise. But numbers 2 and 3 may; Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, and Harry Potter. 
9.  Icelandic people read more than anyone. Is it because of their weather or do they simply develop a love of books at an early age. Either way, they win the prize.
10. Alice in Wonderland is based on a real 10-year-old girl. Her name was Alice Liddell, and her family was close friends with author Lewis Carroll. While on a boating trip, she asked him to tell her a story — and that’s how Alice was born.
11. Illiteracy is still a huge problem throughout the world. One in five adults around the world can’t read or write, with the highest rates in South and West Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Books are amazing and each one is journey. Whether books entertain us, inform us, or teach us, there's no better way to spend a little quiet time than curled up with a good book. I hope that you can find a little time today to start reading a new book or, perhaps, pick up and re-read a classic or old favorite. And please don't forget to share your love of reading today with a child. It's a joy they'll carry with them for a lifetime.
That does it for me this week. I hope you'll plan on joining me again on Monday for another week of interesting and informative blogs.  In addition to Book Lover's Day today, there are a few other things to note that might be worthy of celebrating over the weekend...just in case you're looking for something different to do. Saturday is National Lazy Day, National Bowling Day, and National Garage Sale Day.  On Sunday, it's Presidential Joke Day (Nope. I'm not going there and you can't make me....) as well as National Spirit of (19)45 Day.
Have a great weekend!
                                                                       PEACE.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/11-random-facts-books-weirdly-192533509.html

Before the sun was even up at dark-thirty this morning, before I was fully awake, or had had my first cup of tea I knew today was special. Why? It's because the eighth day of August each year is designated as Happiness Happens Day! What is that, you ask? It's the day set aside each year to simply be happy...to let happiness happen; however and whenever it does. And if you're open to it, that can be all the time! "The day encourages happiness all day. Recognize every moment of glee, joy, delight, and pleasure. Don’t let it pass. Most importantly, a flicker of a giggle should be given its due and should it blossom into full-blown happiness, don’t be surprised.  It happens!"
Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said, "For every minute that you're angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness." This may seem like a silly question but, how do you want to spend your time?
Another element of this day strictly prohibits squashing anyone else's happiness. We may find someone else's happiness a bit irritating. We may think they're being foolish. No matter is going on in own lives, that doesn't give any of us the right to pour water on another's happiness. And, who knows? Their ability to smile may brighten up our own day...if we let it. Happiness is contagious, after all.
If you need a few simple tricks to become, then stay happy, keep reading!
1.  Gratitude. Try to be grateful for every moment of your life. The opposite of life isn't a great alternative. So even breathing can become an act of happiness.
​2.  Savor your alone time. In this busy world, most of us don't get much time to ourselves to do as we please. When those rare times do present themselves, savor them. Alone time allows us to recharge our brains and an opportunity to explore our own interests.
3. Enjoy a cup of positivi-tea! Spend time finding a little good in everything. it's a waste of time to dwell in the past or ruminate about the future. You're here right now and this moment is what we should be celebrating. Positivi-tea tastes great and can be sipped alone or shared with others.
4.  Help others. If you want to feel good, then do good for someone else. Make someone else's day beautiful. In return, yours will become glorious, too!
5.  Try out a little humility. Sure, having self-confidence is a good thing but feeling over-confident and superior aren't.
6.  Respect everyone and respect nature. "Respect is a two-way street; if you want to get it, you must first give it." ~ R. G. Risch
7.  Laugh loudly and laugh often. Laughter is the best medicine. Laughter is good therapy, too. "A good laugh heals a lot of hurts." ~ Madeleine L'Engle
8.  Honestly, being honest can bring on happiness. Knowing that we are honest with ourselves and with others increases trustworthiness, loyalty, and the value of a person.
​9.  Do your best. When I know that I am putting forth my best effort, I get a higher sense of satisfaction with my life. Do good, and you will have good. Most good things don't happen overnight. It's like planting flowers. The seeds take time to germinate, sprout and produce beautiful blooms.
Be sure and share your happiness today. use #HappinessHappensday to post your happy thoughts and photos on all your social media platforms. 
PS. In case you are wondering, this awesome day was created in 1999 by a group who calls themselves, The Secret Society of Happy People. Originally it was called Admit Your Happy Day. "Happiness Happens Day was created to recognize and express happiness.  August 8th was chosen as it is the anniversary of the first membership in 1998.
Tomorrow is another wonderful and fun day to celebrate. It's Book Lovers Day. I have a few oddly interesting facts about books to share with you. I'm pretty sure you won't want to miss those! Until then, I wish you 
​                                                                     PEACE.​

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-happiness-happens-day-august-8/
https://byrslf.co/10-simple-ways-to-be-happy-9cc3421b4926

The news in Land of Lily Pad is mostly good. Sure, we have the occasional story about a pending shortage of bugs or an extended period of inclement weather heading our way but, generally, the news is pretty upbeat and positive. That is not the case with world news, however. I emailed my wise teacher, The Dharma Frog earlier in the week and asked him if he could share some advice to humans about dealing with the never-ending onslaught of horrible news that humans face. He was more than happy to help.
Breakfast was ready and the tea had steeped just the right amount when Dharma arrived. He wasted no time in sitting down to the morning repast I had prepared for him. I poured the tea and Dharma began to speak, "Tadpole, I, too, am deeply saddened by the world news. We are lucky to live in this happy and quiet place. I hope the citizens of this fine swamp are truly grateful for the life we have. I gave a great deal of thought to all the horrible things that are going on all around us and I decided on a subject that I think might help address some of the underlying causes...or at least help with a solution. Irwin, in the end, a frog will remember not the words of his enemies but the silence of his friends. This same sentiment can be applied to governments, as well. When we see something that is hurtful, wrong, and potentially dangerous happening around us and we stay quiet, well, that makes us half complicit in the wrongdoing." And so began my lesson on complicity.
More often than not, frogs and humans alike think that staying silent when they see or hear something that's wrong, they are merely staying out of somebody else's business. And in some. small circumstances, that might be true. For example, a co-worker is dissing about another co-worker's favorite sports team.  Everybody's entitled to their own opinion on who should have won the championship. But when it comes to someone attacking others about the really big stuff...race, religion, country of origin, sexual identity, and the like, staying quiet doesn't help. Instead, it adds to the problem. Your silence then means that you agree. The same holds true for governments and their elected officials. If you don't agree with what your elected representatives are saying...or not saying. Let them know! And vote them out of office. After all, they are there to represent YOU and YOUR values and beliefs; not to have long-term employment.
Complicity can mean that to remain silent while someone is attacked, hurt, or physically harmed is to be complicit in the hurting.  Watching someone be killed without doing anything to stop it makes you responsible in some way for the killing.  It can mean that to remain silent while someone is racist or just plain mean is to allow that racism to continue."
What that means to me is being held accountable for my beliefs through my words and through my actions. My silence makes me at least partially complicit in the wrongdoing.
I asked Dharma to share a few reasons why we all need to speak out when we want most to stay quiet. Here are his top 5 reasons.
1.  Staying silent is deemed as approval. "You may think that staying silent keeps you from being involved in any conflict, but quite the opposite. Silence is as much an active form of communication as talking. "
2.  The greater good should be the priority. Perhaps you believe as I do, that most humans (and frogs, too) are good-hearted by nature. Yet "many stay silent because they don't want to do any harm by offending or criticizing someone. But when a person [or group] is headed down a dangerous path it's selfish to put your own need to be comfortable above the needs of the others. The effect of your silence could harmful, or even deadly.
3.  Demonstrate that you are invested. "Why are you in the conversation in the first place? Someone invited you into the dynamic. If you truly don't have a stake then find a better use of your time. But if you are there for a reason you need to show your commitment to the process and the people involved by being active and vocal. Speaking up is an important form of honesty. Honesty actually builds trust, especially when combined with tact and empathy."
4.  No one else may know. "You can't assume the obvious is obvious. Your experience and knowledge have value in a given situation. No one else has your unique perspective. That doesn't mean that everything in your brain is worth communicating, but with a little discretion and thought, you should be able to bring value in most situations.
5.  You may not be alone in your thinking. "It's entirely possible that your insightful observations and conclusions have surfaced in the minds of others. Others may share your thoughts and opinions but may be also unwilling to speak up. By speaking your mind you encourage them to voice their opinions as well. If everyone holds back, the bus may silently head over a cliff."
It's up to each of us to do what's right. We can't and shouldn't believe that it's somebody else's job or duty to do so. Someone once said, "The world suffers a lot. Not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people." Isn't now the perfect time to speak up? Thank you, Dharma, for giving us some important reasons to be brave in these troubled time when bravery is in very short supply. It doesn't take courage to do horrible things. But it does take courage to speak out against them.
​Dharma reminded me this morning that Land of Lily Pad used to be a swamp of only small green frogs. But over the past few decades, frogs of many colors and from many countries have moved to Lily Pad to enrich their own lives and the lives of their children. Not only have we embraced them, but we have flourished because of them. They are now so much a part of lives and culture, that we no longer view them as being different. And they're not. They are just as much Lilypadlians as I am. 
Tomorrow is National Happiness Happens Day. And I know you won't want to miss my blog on that! Until we meet again, stay safe and I wish you all
                                                                      PEACE.

https://silenceiscomplicit.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/whats-in-a-word-silence-is-complicit/
https://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/5-reasons-you-should-speak-up-even-when-you-think-you-shouldnt.html

A lighthouse, as we know, is a towering structure with a beacon light that is used to guide boats and ships.  They're certainly one of the most photographed landmarks in any coastal community that's lucky enough to have one. if you've ever visited one, you know they have a feeling of stability and safety. If you can feel that standing on land and looking at one, just imagine how those feelings are amplified to a traveler who is lost at sea. "While lighthouse technology has evolved over the centuries, these structures were once widely used to mark dangerous reefs, shorelines, or harbors."
August 7th is designated as National Lighthouse Day. But since tomorrow is the 7th and my wise teacher, the Dharma Frog will be here, I thought I'd use today's blog to celebrate a few fun facts about lighthouses. 
1.  The first lighthouse was Egypt's Pharos of Alexandria built in the third century BC. The lighthouse of Alexandria was made from a fire on a platform to signal the port's entry. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was one of the tallest man-made structures in the world for many centuries.
2.  The world's oldest existing lighthouse is considered to be The Tower of Hercules. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the entrance of Spain‘s La Coruña harbor. The lighthouse, which was erected in the first century, is still operational.
3.  The tallest lighthouse is the Jeddah Light in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It measures 133 meters tall. a little over 436 feet tall. It is a concrete and steel lighthouse built in 1990 and marks the end of the outer pier on the north side of the entrance to the city’s seaport. It has a range of 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) and emits three white flashes every 20 seconds.
4.  The most expensive lighthouse that has been built in the US is Saint George Reef, located near Crescent City, CA. It took 10 years to construct and cost $715,000.
​5.  In 1759 an engineer named John Smeaton designed a new type of lighthouse. It became a model for most lighthouses that followed. The lighthouse was built from interlocking blocks of stone instead of wood. This strengthened the structure so it could withstand powerful waves.
6.   Originally, lighthouses were merely light with open fires, then candles, lanterns, and electric lights. Lanterns generally used whale oil as fuel. The Swiss scientist Aime Argand revolutionized lighthouse illumination in 1782 when he invented the smokeless flame. Early models used ground glass which was sometimes tinted around the wick.
7.  In 1821, the French physicist Augustine Fresnel developed a new kind of lens that capture 85% of the light emitted from the illuminant. He developed seven different sizes (that he called orders) and the sizes of the lenses & their effective range decrease as the order number increases.
8.  Lighthouse keepers were paid a lower middle-class wage. George Worthylake, an early lighthouse keeper, received an annual salary of 50 pounds (about $250). Today, that would translate to a salary of $16,000 annually. During the 19th century, the Head Keeper’s pay ranged from $250 to $600, others were paid less. The exception to this was in the West, where keepers were paid $1,000 during the Gold Rush. The service supplied certain foodstuffs during most of their history.
9.  Many of the lighthouse keepers were women. The US  Lighthouse Society has 80 women lighthouse keepers recorded, but most took over the job when their husband or male relative died or became unable to perform the duties.
​On National Lighthouse Day, we celebrate how these scenic, historic establishments have comforted travelers throughout the centuries. If you live near one, plan on visiting it soon. They're wonderful to see in photographs and paintings, but are even better when viewed up close and personal! Another way to celebrate National Lighthouse Day is to try your hand at painting one. No artistic skills? No problem. You can still celebrate the day by donating to The American Lighthouse Organization, an organization that is dedicated to preserving and protecting these historic structures. If you visit a lighthouse, consider making a small donation to its operating organization to continue public access.
As I mentioned earlier, Dharma will be here again tomorrow for another life lesson. Please plan on stopping by to see what he has in store for me. Who knows? It might be just what you need to solve one of your own problems. Until then, I wish you
                                                                        PEACE.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-lighthouse-day/
http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-lighthouses/