Birthday Traditions

Birthday Traditions from Around the World

Although birthday traditions are quite similar in some countries today, not everyone celebrates in the same way. There are numerous traditions surrounding birthdays, some of which are described below. You may recognize some of the customs, while others will be very unfamiliar. There may also be special birthday traditions in your family or a friend’s family that do not appear below. Family history, culture, language and economic status are all details that affect the way a person observes the anniversary of their birth. Two of the most significant factors throughout history, however, have been geographic location and spiritual beliefs. The following customs have been divided according to these two categories.

Here is a list of different continents, countries and cultures and their own unique birthday traditions:

Africa

In many African cultures, the day a child is born is not observed as a special day. Instead, when African children reach a certain age, they are initiated into the community and this is when they learn the laws, beliefs, customs, songs and dances of their tribes. These initiation ceremonies are celebrated for groups of children instead of individual children.

Egyptian Birthday Traditions – Egyptian birthday parties are full of singing and dancing when a child fulfills a year in his/her life. Lots of flowers and fruit are used to decorate the party as symbols of life and growth.

Ghanan Birthday Traditions – On their birthday, children wake up to a special treat called “oto” which is a patty made from mashed sweet potato and eggs fried in palm oil. Later they have a birthday party where they usually eat stew and rice and a dish known as “kelewele”, which is fried plantain chunks (these are similar to bananas). The Asante people in Ghana celebrate “krada” (which means “Soul Day”) on the day of their birth. On a person’s krada, he or she wakes up early and washes themselves using a special leaf soaked overnight in water (this is a cleansing ritual intended to purify the inner soul). Then in the afternoon, they have a feast with family and friends and the celebrant is usually dressed in white clothing.

Kenyan Birthday Traditions – When a baby is born, the mother takes the baby strapped to her back into the thorn enclosure where the cattle is kept, and there, her husband and the village elders wait to give the child his or her name.

Nigerian Birthday Traditions – In Nigeria the 1st, 5th, 10th and 15th birthdays are considered extremely special events. On these birthdays they have huge parties which have up to 100 guests or more. On their birthdays they have a feast consisting of an entire roasted cow or goat. They also serve a dish called “jollof rice” which is rice with tomatoes, red peppers, and onions plus cassava which is similar to sweet potato.

Sudananese Birthday Traditions – In Sudan the children who live in the cities celebrate their birthday whereas in the country they don’t. Children will usually drink a red punch that is called “karkady” (this is made from hibiscus flowers).

Asia

Chinese Birthday Traditions – When a Chinese child turns one year old, it is a very important event. The parents might tell the baby’s fortune by placing the baby in the center of a group of objects (such as coins, a doll, a book, etc.) and they wait to see which object the baby picks up. If the baby picked up a coin, he/she may be rich, if the baby reached for a book he/she may become a teacher, if the baby reached for the doll he/she may have many children, etc. The sixth birthday is also a special birthday for the Chinese. For the party itself, friends and relatives are invited for lunch and extra-long noodles are served to wish the birthday child a long life. In China, it is considered unlucky to give someone a clock for a birthday present (in Mandarin, the word for “clock” is similar to death). On the other hand people believe that tigers protect children and so family members might bring newborns special gifts decorated with tigers.

Indian Birthday Traditions – On a Hindu child’s first birthday, his or her head is shaved while being held by a special fire. Removal of the hair cleanses the child of any evil in past lives, symbolizing a renewal of the soul. Usually on the day of the birthday, the child will wear very colorful clothing to school and will pass out chocolates to the entire class. The child will also kneel and touch their parents’ feet as a sign of respect. They then all visit a shrine, where they pray and the child is blessed. In the afternoon there might be a meal that includes a spicy vegetable stew called curry and chutney which is a spicy fruit relish. The dessert is a treat known as “dudh pakh”, which is rice like pudding (they might also stir in pistachios, almonds, raisins, and a spice called cardamon).

Japanese Birthday Traditions – Certain birthdays in Japan are more important than others (the 3rd, 5th, and 7th). During these special birthdays, Japanese children participate in the upcoming Shichi-go-san Festival (meaning the “Seven-Five-Three” Festival), celebrated annually on November 15. During this festival, children and their families visit a shrine or other place of worship and will give thanks to God for their health and strength, and ask to be blessed with continued well-being in the future and a long life (this is due to the fact that a long time ago children died before their 3rd, 5th or 7th birthdays). For this occasion, girls and boys always dress in their finest clothes, which may be traditional kimonos or also western-style clothing.

Korean Birthday Traditions – In Korea, on the 100th day (which is called a “paegil”) after a child’s birth, a small feast is usually held to celebrate the child having survived this period. The family, relatives, and friends celebrate with rice cakes, wine, and other delicacies such as red and black bean cakes sweetened with sugar or honey. It is believed that if the rice cakes are shared with 100 people the child will have a long life and therefore rice cakes are usually sent to as many people as possible to help share the happiness of the occasion. Those receiving the rice cakes do not return the serving vessels empty, but with skeins of thread expressing the hope of longevity, and with rice and money symbolizing future wealth. The red and black bean cakes are believed to bring the child luck and happiness and are placed at the four compass points within the house.

Malaysian Birthday Traditions – Friends or relatives who visit, give presents to the person celebrating their birthday or they may give an “ang-bao” which is a small red packet filled with money. At about 16, when teenagers start to invite boys and girls to their parties, there is lots of dancing and games to help find a partner (the trick is to always have the same numbers of boys and girls!).

Nepalese Birthday Traditions – A certain mixture of rice yogurt and color is placed on the birthday child’s forehead for good luck.

Philippine Birthday Traditions – On a birthday, early in the day, the family goes to hear Mass and to thank God. Also, in the Philippines, birthday cakes are baked in various sizes and shapes. The celebration also includes noodles representing a long life. The outside of the birthday child’s house is adorned with blinking colored lights in the early evening.

Vietnamese Birthday Traditions – Vietnamese do not know or acknowledge the exact day they were born, everyone’s birthday is celebrated on New Years day (“Tet” is the name for the first morning of New Years). A baby turns one on Tet no matter what day he or she was born on that year. On the first morning of Tet, parents, siblings, relatives and close friends congratulate children on becoming a year older by presenting them with red envelopes that contain “Lucky Money,” or “li xi”.

Australia and New Zealand

Australian Birthday Traditions – Many Australian Birthday parties are barbeques as the weather most of the time is not very cold. In Australia the children eat a dish called “Fairy Bread” which is a very popular snack (it is buttered bread covered with tiny sprinkles known as “hundreds and thousands”).

New Zealandian Birthday Traditions – After the birthday cake is lit, the happy birthday song is sung loudly (often out of tune) and then the birthday person receives a clap for each year they have been alive and one for good luck.

Europe

Danish Birthday Traditions – In Denmark, presents are placed around the child’s bed while they are sleeping so that they will see them immediately when waking up. Also, a flag is flown outside a window to designate that someone living in that house is having a birthday.

British Birthday Traditions – It is an old English tradition to mix symbolic objects into the birthday cake as it is being prepared (in medieval times, objects such as coins and thimbles were mixed into the batter). People believed that the person who got the coin would be wealthy, while the unlucky finder of the thimble would never marry. Today, small figures, fake coins and small candies are more common. Guests are warned ahead of time as well, so that no one injures their teeth or swallows a tiny treasure. Also, when it’s your birthday, your friends give you the “bumps” which is when they lift you in the air by your hands and feet and raise you up and down to the floor, one for each year, then one for luck, two for luck and three for the old man’s coconut! They usually will also drink “squash” which is an orange or lemon flavored Kool-Aid-type drink made from syrup (rather than a powder).

German Birthday Traditions – On a child’s birthday the dining table or kitchen will have a special wooden birthday wreath placed on it. The wreath contains small holes for candles and a holder in the center for the life-candle (this is a taller candle and is beautifully decorated). This candle is lit each year of a child’s birthday until they reach the age of twelve. Usually on the day of the child’s birthday, a member of the birthday person’s family wakes up at sunrise and lights the candles on the birthday cake to be lit all day long. In Germany, when men reach the age of 30 and they still don’t have a girlfriend, they have to sweep the stairs of the city hall. All their friends will throw rubble on the stairs and even when you’re finished they’ll throw some more rubble. This way every girl can see that this man reached the age of 30 and still doesn’t have a girlfriend (and that he can clean a house very well!).

Dutch Birthday Traditions – In Holland, special year birthdays such as 5, 10, 15, 20, and 21 are called “crown” years. The birthday child usually receives an especially large gift on a crown year birthday. The family also decorates the birthday child’s chair at the dining room table with seasonal flowers, paper streamers, paper flowers and balloons. Children will eat pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and taarties (tarts made with different kinds of fillings) which is served with lemonade or hot chocolate. To receive a birthday present wrapped in black and white is considered bad luck.

Irish Birthday Traditions – A tradition in Ireland is to lift the birthday child upside down and have them be gently “bumped” on the floor for good luck. The number of bumps given is the age of the child plus one for extra good luck.

Lithuanian Birthday Traditions – In Lithuania a garland is hung around the entire door of the home of the birthday person. The birthday person sits in a decorated chair and family members lift them (up to three times).

Norwegian Birthday Traditions – In Norway the birthday child stands out in front of their class and chooses a friend to share a little dance with while the rest of the class sings a happy birthday song. Most birthday parties consist of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and dishes of red gelatin covered with vanilla sauce. At birthday parties guests may go fishing, but not for fish; they play a game known as “Fishing for Ice Cream”, where everyone pulls up a frozen treat attached to a piece of string.

Russian Birthday Traditions – Instead of a birthday cake, many Russian children receive a birthday pie with a birthday greeting carved into the crust. In school, teachers often give a gift to the student having a birthday. Children usually will play a game that features a clothesline. What they do is hang prizes from the clothesline and each guest gets to cut down a prize to take home.

Scottish Birthday Traditions – A pound note is given for every year old the child is plus an additional pound for good luck. A soft smack on the bottom is also given for each year.

Swedish Birthday Traditions – Like Danish and Norwegian people, Swedes like to use their national flag to decorate on birthdays and special occasions. Swedish children are often served breakfast in bed. Birthday cakes in Sweden are similar to pound cakes and are decorated with marzipan.

Middle East

Israeli Birthday Traditions – In Israel the child whose birthday it is usually wears a crown made from leaves or flowers and sits in a chair decorated in streamers. Guests dance around the chair singing and may also raise and lower it a number of times, corresponding to the child’s age (plus one for good luck). The thirteenth birthday for a boy is when he celebrates his Bar Mitzvah, and the twelfth birthday for a girl is when she celebrates her Bat Mitzvah. Each child has to prepare for this service for many months or even years ahead of time. On this day they must now obey the Jewish laws as an adult and behave responsibly.

Muslim Communities‘ Birthday Traditions – In Muslim cultures, people thank God (Allah) following the birth of a child by giving gifts to the poor. After the child is a week old, its head is shaved and then the family donates an amount of silver equal too, and often more than, the weight of the child’s hair. Following this ritual, family and friends come together for a feast and a naming ceremony.

North America and Central America

Canadian Birthday Traditions – In Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland) the birthday child is ambushed and their nose is greased for good luck. The greased nose makes the child too slippery for bad luck to catch them (this tradition is reputed to be of Scottish decent). Regarding the cake, a wrapped coin might be found between the layers of the birthday cake (whoever finds it is the first to get a turn at all the party games).

Mexican Birthday Traditions – In Mexico, kids love to have pinata’s at their birthday. A pinata is usually made out of paper mache (usually in the form of an animal or object), is filled with goodies and hung from the ceiling or a tree branch. The birthday child is blindfolded and hits the pinata until it is cracked open and all the goodies fall out. All the children then get to share the goodies. Also, when a daughter reaches her 15th birthday (which is called a “quinceanera”), the birthday is celebrated with a special mass in her honor. This celebration often includes a religious ceremony at church, in which the young lady recognizes her heritage and her spiritual journey. A party is then given to introduce her to everyone as a young woman, and the father may dance a waltz with her. In some Latin American countries, a young woman changes her shoes from flats to heels during the ceremony (this is symbolic—it shows that she has moved on to a higher level of responsibility). In Mexico there are two celebrations you have for your birthday. The first one is for your name or saint’s day, which on this day you attend church and a priest blesses you. Then you go home to have a party that includes relatives and close family friends. The saint’s day party is much quieter and more formal.

Native American Birthday Traditions – Throughout history, Native American tribes have usually placed significance on milestones in a child’s development rather than the day he or she was born. The day a child takes its first step is cause for just as much rejoicing as the day he or she accepts the responsibilities of an adult, gets married, becomes a parent, etc. The Winnebago Indians have a big birthday and anyone can attend, people find out about birthday parties through word of mouth. These parties can last all evening and through the night. The birthday person can choose to eat whatever they like for their birthday and it is made for them. The cake is taken around and shown to the guests and it is considered an honor to be asked to cut the cake. After the meal the children play a hand game. This is played by an adult holding a bone or stone in one of his or her hands and the children have to try to guess where it is.

American Birthday Traditions – At children’s parties, balloons and streamers are hung up and lots of friends are invited to the party. Sometimes the person having the birthday can choose what they want to do: bowling, swimming, arcades, amusement parks, camping trips, etc. The majority of American children celebrate birthdays with a cake topped with lighted candles. Most families use the candles to represent how old a person is turning (and another one for good luck). For instance, a 2-year old will have 3 candles on the cake. When the cake is set before the birthday child, candles lit, he or she is supposed to make a wish (without telling anyone what it is) and after making a wish, he or she tries to blow out the candles. If all the candles go out with one breath, it is believed that the wish will come true!

South America

Argentinian Birthday Traditions – In Argentina, the birthday child receives a pull on the earlobe for each year they have been alive.

Brazilian Birthday Traditions – In Brazil, the children usually eat candies shaped like fruits and vegetables. The houses are decorated for the occasion with festive banners and brightly colored paper flowers.

Ecuadorian Birthday Traditions – In Ecuador, when a girl turns 15, there is a great celebration and the girl wears a pink dress. The father puts on the birthday girl’s first pair of high heels and dances the waltz with her while 14 other girls and 14 other boys also dance the waltz.

Peruvian Birthday Traditions – In Peru, guests at a birthday party might receive two kinds of party favors. These are called “recordatorio”, which means souvenir. The first favor is a goody box or bag and the second is a pin made in honor of the event. These pins are so elaborate that some children might collect them. At these parties children almost always receive fancy paper hats.

https://www.coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com/birthday-traditions/

My Birthday!

Teacher Discounts

From USA Today:

“Teacher discount! Target offering teachers 15 percent off select classroom supplies”

Target's special discount for teachers ended July 21. But on July 27, Michaels stores are offering teachers 20 percent off their entire purchase with a valid educator ID. Exclusions apply. The arts and crafts chain normally offers teachers a 15 percent discount. It's no secret many teachers dig into their pockets to pay for classroom supplies each year. Target has a new way to help educators stretch those dollars. Through July 21, the retailer is offering teachers nationwide a special 15 percent discount. This is the first time Target is offering the discount on "select classroom supplies, from pens, pencils, crayons and markers to classroom storage and organization and tissues, hand sanitizer and more." “As many teachers begin to think about the upcoming school year, the Teacher Prep Event helps them get the classroom supplies they need at a greater value," said Mark Tritton, Target's executive vice president and chief merchandising officer in a statement. "It’s a way for Target to acknowledge the role they play in going the extra mile for their students.” But don't head to your local Target yet. While teachers can cash in on the offer when shopping in-store and online, the first step is to sign up for the coupon at Target.com/teacherprep. To verify eligibility, Target is working with third-party verification service SheerID. On Target.com, teachers will fill out a form and enter a school email address and the coupon will be emailed.  Teachers without a school email address can submit "any document that clearly shows your name and your school," according to the website.  Options include a "school ID card, letter of employment on school letterhead, current pay stub and “any official document that clearly shows your first/last name, current date, and status as a teacher," according to the website. This offer is only being verified online, according to SheerID's frequently asked questions. In a National Center of Education Statistics study released in May, 94 percent of teachers reported spending their own money on supplies. The average amount teachers said they spent without reimbursement was $479, far more than the federal $250 tax deduction available to teachers. About 44 percent said they spent $250 or less, while 36 percent spent from $251 to $500, the survey showed.

Here is more information about the teacher discount:

- All teachers nationwide are eligible for the discount, including preschool teachers, homeschool teachers and college professors.

-   Go to Target.com/teacherprep to register for a coupon. 

- Online verification is required and Target is partnering with SheerID, a nationally-recognized eligibility verification services company.

- The single use coupon cannot be combined with any other Target category coupon.

Eligible items for the discount include:

- Select classroom supplies: Pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, folders, binders, arts and crafts items like markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue and classroom storage and organization.

-  Essentials: Disinfecting wipes, facial tissue, hand sanitizer and food storage bags.

- The discount excludes trial and travel-size items and Bullseye’s Playground. For more information about eligible items, visit Target.com/teacherprep.

^ It’s sad that teachers (who make little to no money as it is) are buying their own classroom and student supplies because the schools, parents and communities provide little to nothing in that respect. I hope many other companies follow suit with this promotional deal. ^

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/07/13/target-offering-teachers-special-discount-july-15-21/781839002/

New Uniforms

From Military.com:

“Army's New Hot Weather Uniforms Are About to Hit Shelves”

The design of the Army's Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform has been finalized, and it's now being shipped to military clothing sales stores, officials told Military.com this week. "The Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform gives warfighters an option in terms of having a uniform that is designed to allow soldiers to conduct their mission in an extremely hot or wet environment," said Col. Stephen Thomas, head of Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment. Uniform officials have made final design adjustments on the original prototype based on soldier comments during testing last year. "This is the final design," said Thomas, who was wearing the new uniform. "Based on the user evaluations, we did at Fort Shafter and Schofield Barracks in Hawaii last year, we got some tremendous feedback from soldiers that were participating." The new uniform is a 57/43 nylon-cotton blend, compared to the standard Army Combat Uniform's 50/50 nylon-cotton blend. The mix helps the uniform dry more quickly and perform better in the heat. "It's designed to be cooler ... and it's designed to breathe better than the current ACU that's on the shelf," Thomas said. The first prototype featured fewer pockets than the ACU to reduce the amount of fabric layers. The design, officials said, would help speed drying time and feel less bulky. Based on soldier feedback, however, Army officials returned some of the ACU's features to the final design, Thomas said. "On the initial prototype, we did not have the pen pocket on the left forearm; soldiers said 'hey, we like the pen pocket,'" he said. The final design also features shoulder pockets with button-flap closures, similar to the original ACU design. "Everything we have done in the design of the uniform is based on soldier preference," Thomas said. "Just like with the trousers ... the prototype did not have back pockets. Soldiers said 'hey, we like back pockets. We want to be able to put our wallets in our back pockets.' So we have added two back pockets to the final design." One of the most noticeable differences between the ACU and the new hot-weather uniform is the absence of chest pockets on the latter. Uniform officials tailored the original raglan, or baseball-style, sleeve to make it more fitted. "The prototypes were kind of slouching off soldiers' shoulders a little bit," Thomas said. The final design also eliminates the mesh material at the bottom of the trousers, which was added to speed drying times in a wet jungle environment. "The soldiers didn't really like that ... it was additional material that was cumbersome and in the way," Thomas said. The trousers also feature side cargo pockets in a more streamlined style, Thomas said. The Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform, which costs roughly the same as the ACU, is currently available in military clothing sales stores at Fort Benning, Georgia as well as at Fort Shafter and Schofield Barracks. "The plan is to have seven waves; this is wave one," Thomas said. The second wave will deliver the new uniform to stores at Forts Hood and Bliss in Texas. "The rest of the five waves will be completed by February 2020. And by that time the uniform will be in all the military clothing sales stores," Thomas said.

^ Hopefully this hot weather uniform will help the men and women serving in hot climates (like Iraq and Afghanistan.) ^

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/06/27/armys-new-hot-weather-uniforms-are-about-hit-shelves.html

Bases Heating Up

From Military.com:

“On Bases in Germany, Air Conditioning a Rare Luxury as Temperatures Near 100 Degrees” 

The military in Germany is sweatier than ever as record high temperatures bake base offices and homes, most of which are without air conditioning even as summer scorchers become more frequent. But there is potentially good news for the Army in Europe: officials are looking at recent weather trends to see if policies that limit the use of air conditioning need to be modified. "Validated historical weather data is being reviewed and analyzed to determine the impact of recent weather trends on existing policies," said Ray Johnson, Installation Management Command-Europe spokesman. The reason air conditioning isn't everywhere on garrisons already is twofold: a desire to save energy costs and a view that the temperatures in Germany are not extreme in the summer. "Based on historical ambient weather data, air conditioning is generally not considered appropriate for climate conditioning for U.S. installations in Europe, with the exception of Italy," IMCOM-Europe's current policy states. However, recent data reveals a warming trend. From 2014 through this month, there were 98 days above 86 degrees in Kaiserslautern, the city where about 50,000 military Defense Department personnel and family members live in or near. In comparison, the city only saw 39 days above that temperature in the six-year period from 1975 to 1980, and 50 from 1985-1990, according to the German Meteorological Service. Central air conditioning in German homes is an extreme rarity, with most historically built to endure cold winters, though snowfall is typically light in Kaiserslautern. About 60 miles to the city's northwest at Spangdahlem Air Base, a family housing brochure states that air conditioning isn't allowed in government units because homes "should be built to mirror units found in the off-base community." Air Force installations in Germany also require waivers for air conditioning in hopes of cutting energy costs. Ramstein said they don't expect major changes to the base air conditioning policy, which is currently under revision. "No one would deny that we have very hot days in Germany," said Lt. Col. Kevin Parker, 86th Civil Engineer Group commander. "However, the number of days and severity, according to cross-service policy, do not warrant the expense of installing or maintaining comfort cooling." A January 2018 policy at Ramstein Air Base states that Kaiserslautern averages only 17 hours above 90 degrees and 48 hours above 85 degrees per year. That data appears outdated. The average high temperature in Kaiserslautern from June, July and August from 2013 to 2018 was 91 degrees, according to a Stars and Stripes analysis using data from the Agricultural Meteorological Service Rheinland-Pfalz weather website. All but three months during that period had at least one day over 89 degrees. "Extreme weather events have increased throughout Germany," said Harald Hofstaetter, a technician with the weather service. On Wednesday, Germany recorded its highest June temperatures in history, as the mercury rose to 101.5 degrees in parts of the country. German authorities took the rare step of imposing speed limits on parts of the autobahn because of concerns that high speeds would warp the asphalt. It was the third year in a row they've done so. Italy, which includes major Navy, Army and Air Force installations, is also experiencing temperatures upward of triple digits, but there are fewer restrictions on air conditioning there. In Germany, however, Army personnel can't add air conditioning units in their base homes or office spaces without permission. Approval must first be granted by the local garrison department of public works director. "The DPW can approve exceptions to policy in coordination with the garrison energy manager for communications rooms, health care facilities and secure facilities," Johnson said. Garrison commanders can approve portable cooling devices in Army family housing for medical conditions recognized by the Exceptional Family Member Program screening process, he said. Other requests require IMCOM-Europe review. For those, "approvals are generally granted if the justification validated/endorsed by the garrison DPW and is in line with the IMCOM-E policy," Johnson said. Multiple stores in Kaiserslautern had plenty of portable air conditioning units on sale a couple of weeks ago, but most were gone Thursday. Most units require a bucket to gather water and running an exhaust hose out of a window, which can let bugs and hot air back in a building without a separate window-sealing cover. Meanwhile, the heat wave has altered some Army training operations. To reduce the risk of fire, soldiers have stopped using tracer rounds on live-fire ranges at Grafenwoehr, home of the Army's largest training area in Europe. The move came after a small grass fire sparked on one of the ranges earlier in June, said Sgt. Maj. Micheal Sutterfield, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria's sergeant major. His advice for soldiers and civilian employees on base: Stay hydrated and go to air-conditioned places like the post exchange and the commissary during the hottest parts of the day. Lack of tracers hasn't affected Bavaria's Hohenfels Training Area, which focuses on war games that do not use live ammunition, but officials there have pushed some training to later in the afternoon. The heat wave comes as annual rates for heatstroke across the U.S. military have risen steadily from about three cases per 10,000 people in 2014 to nearly five per 10,000 last year, according to military data. The command at Grafenwoehr has told leaders that making sure soldiers and others get enough water is "leadership 101," Sutterfield said. "We're especially worried about at-risk groups of people, like pregnant women, children and the elderly," Sutterfield said. "You should check on them and your fellow soldiers often during this [heat wave] to make sure they're OK."

^ I lived in military housing in West Germany and then on the economy in Germany not to mention travelling to Germany since I lived there and there is nothing worse that it being hot and not having air conditioning. The current policy for base housing in Germany is just plain dumb. A soldier and his/her family should be allowed to use a portable air conditioner if they want to. ^

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/06/27/bases-germany-air-conditioning-rare-luxury-temperatures-near-100-degrees.html

Terrible Money

^ I don't miss the days of leaving the house at 4 am to catch the commuter train and then taking the last train home at night to do it all over again the next day. Now I work no matter the day or the time. ^

What Was Stonewall?

Stonewall Riots

In the early hours of June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons and neighborhood residents as police roughly hauled employees and patrons out of the bar, leading to six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement outside the bar on Christopher Street, in neighboring streets and in nearby Christopher Park. The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

Gay Bars: A Place of Refuge 

The 1960s and preceding decades were not welcoming times for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. For instance, solicitation of homosexual relations was illegal in New York City, and there was a criminal statute that allowed police to arrest people wearing less than three gender-appropriate articles of clothing. For such reasons, LGBT individuals flocked to gay bars and clubs, places of refuge where they could express themselves openly and socialize without worry. However, the New York State Liquor Authority penalized and shut down establishments that served alcohol to known or suspected LGBT individuals, arguing that the mere gathering of homosexuals was “disorderly.” Thanks to activists’ efforts, these regulations were overturned in 1966, and LGBT patrons could now be served alcohol. But engaging in gay behavior in public (holding hands, kissing, or dancing with someone of the same sex) was still illegal, so police harassment of gay bars continued and many bars still operated without liquor licenses—in part because they were owned by the Mafia.

Stonewall Inn 

The crime syndicate saw profit in catering to shunned gay clientele, and by the mid-1960s, the Genovese crime family controlled most Greenwich Village gay bars. In 1966, they purchased Stonewall Inn (a “straight” bar and restaurant), cheaply renovated it, and reopened it the next year as a gay bar. Stonewall Inn was registered as a type of private “bottle bar,” which did not require a liquor license because patrons were supposed to bring their own liquor. Club attendees had to sign their names in a book upon entry to maintain the club’s false exclusivity. The Genovese family bribed New York’s Sixth Police Precinct to ignore the activities occurring within the club. Without police interference, the crime family could cut costs how they saw fit: The club lacked a fire exit, running water behind the bar to wash glasses, clean toilets that didn’t routinely overflow, and palatable drinks that weren’t watered down beyond recognition. What’s more, the Mafia reportedly blackmailed the club’s wealthier patrons who wanted to keep their sexuality a secret. Nonetheless, Stonewall Inn quickly became an important Greenwich Village institution. It was large and relatively cheap to enter. It welcomed drag queens, who received a bitter reception at other gay bars and clubs. It was a nightly home for many runaways and homeless gay youths, who panhandled or shoplifted to afford the entry fee. And it was one of the few—if not the only—gay bar left that allowed dancing. Raids were still a fact of life, but usually corrupt cops would tip off Mafia-run bars before they occurred, allowing owners to stash the alcohol (sold without a liquor license) and hide other illegal activities. In fact, the NYPD had stormed Stonewall Inn just a few days before the riot-inducing raid.

The Stonewall Riots Begin 

When police raided Stonewall Inn on the morning of June 28, it came as a surprise—the bar wasn’t tipped off this time. Armed with a warrant, police officers entered the club, roughed up patrons, and, finding bootlegged alcohol, arrested 13 people, including employees and people violating the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statute (female officers would take suspected cross-dressing patrons into the bathroom to check their sex). Fed up with constant police harassment and social discrimination, angry patrons and neighborhood residents hung around outside of the bar rather than disperse, becoming increasingly agitated as the events unfolded and people were aggressively manhandled. At one point, an officer hit a lesbian over the head as he forced her into the paddy wagon — she shouted to onlookers to act, inciting the crowd to begin throw pennies, bottles, cobble stones, and other objects at the police. Within minutes, a full-blown riot involving hundreds of people began. The police, a few prisoners, and a Village Voice writer barricaded themselves in the bar, which the mob attempted to set on fire after breaching the barricade repeatedly. The fire department and a riot squad were eventually able to douse the flames, rescue those inside Stonewall, and disperse the crowd. But the protests, sometimes involving thousands of people, continued in the area for five more days, flaring up at one point after the Village Voice published its account of the riots. Though the Stonewall uprising didn’t start the gay rights movement, it was a galvanizing force for LGBT political activism, leading to numerous gay rights organizations, including the Gay Liberation Front, Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD (formerly Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), and PFLAG (formerly Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). In 2016, President Barack Obama designated the site of the riots—Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and the surrounding streets and sidewalks—a national monument in recognition of the area’s contribution to gay and human rights.

https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/the-stonewall-riots

50:Stonewall

Heat Tips

Pet Heat Safety

^ When it's in the 80s-90s F and very humid here in the mountains of northern New England it must be even hotter everywhere else. One is for Americans (F) and one for the Metric-inclined (C). No matter what system you use don't leave your pet in your car. Also check on: the elderly and the disabled. ^

Hot Europe

From Yahoo:

“European Heatwave Decelerates Transportation, Accelerates Wildfires”

A sizzling heatwave has been rough on European citizens and tourists this week. The record-setting temperatures are no joke, and they're being blamed for killing at least one person, helping spark a huge wildfire and slowing transportation a bit. The extreme heat and dry air are blowing in from North Africa and could last through the weekend. Monthly and all-time temperature records were broken on Wednesday, June 26 in parts of the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland and Spain. A record high temperature of 105.6° Fahrenheit (F), or 40.9° Celsius (C), was reported in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Forecasters expect parts of France to see temperatures rise to 110°F by Friday.

Fahrenheit = (Celsius temperature X 1.8) + 32

"The whole government is mobilized," French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on Monday. Public health warnings for heat have also been issued in Belgium, Italy and Switzerland. The temperature in Coschen, Germany peaked at 101° F, a new German record for June. Radzyn, Poland and Doksany, Czech Republic set new record national highs of 101° F and 38.9C respectively. Even in the high-altitude Alps, temperatures topped 85°F in some spots. Parts of Austria recorded local all-time high temperatures. It's been so hot that the transport ministry in Germany's eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt has imposed temporary speed limits of 62 to 74 mph (100 to 120 kilometers per hour) on several short stretches of the Autobahn. Those stretches usually have no speed limit, but officials fear the road might buckle and crack in the heat, putting drivers and their passengers at risk. In Paris, authorities have temporarily banned older vehicles from the city because the extreme heat can increase and aggravate pollutants in the air. Regional authorities estimate that the brief ban affects nearly 60 percent of vehicles in the Paris metro area, including many delivery trucks and older cars with higher emissions levels. Violators could be fined. Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires in Spain's Catalonia region where temperatures have soared past 100°F. Officials say these are the worst fires in the region in 20 years and may spread rapidly. At least 10,000 acres (4,000 hectares) have been burned by the fires near the town of La Torre de l'Espanyol, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the coastal city of Tarragona. Officials said that the size of the fire could become five times larger as the heat wave persists. At least 30 people have been evacuated and five roads have been closed. Regional interior minister Miquel Buch told Catalan radio the fire might have been caused by "an accumulation of manure in a farm that generated enough heat to explode and generate sparks." No deaths were reported in Spain. But this morning, June 27, the body of a 72-year-old homeless Romanian man was found near Milan's central train station. Officials say the heat may have been a factor in his death. Back in France, the heat has forced the cancellation of some public events and schools in France have postponed exams for the first time ever. Public cooling rooms have been opened in Paris and other cities. Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has bent some rules during the women's World Cup soccer tournament. Under normal circumstances, spectators are not allowed to bring any bottles or drink containers into stadiums. But, because of the heat, FIFA allowed people attending Monday's match in Paris to bring outside water bottles into the stadium. FIFA also may implement cooling breaks for players, with three-minute pauses for water at the 30- and 75-minute marks if temperatures reach 90°F inside the stadiums. Such breaks were first allowed during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil during a scorching heatwave. If the weather gets hot enough, FIFA could also postpone games. No games had been originally scheduled for Wednesday, but play resumed today. Unfortunately, Europe is no stranger to excessive heat. In the summer of 2003, a heat wave was blamed for tens of thousands of deaths across the continent. At the time, it was the hottest summer for Europe since the 16th century. However, Europe does not have frequent heat waves, so many parts of the continent lack the resources to cope with them. Many buildings don't have air conditioning and they aren't designed with passive cooling in mind. For example, as few as 2 percent of homes in Germany are air conditioned. It's an issue that European countries may want to consider addressing sooner rather than later. It's difficult to impossible to link a single event, like this heat wave, to global warming. While extreme weather occurs naturally, some experts say it could happen more often because of climate change.

^ It’s important to take it easy during a heatwave – especially in places like Europe that don’t use air conditioners in many homes and public places. I have lived in Germany and in Russia (not to mention travelling throughout Europe) and it’s not easy or fun to live or visit those places when it’s so hot. The majority of places do not have air conditioning and being stuck on crowded and smelly public transportation is nasty. ^

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/european-heatwave-decelerates-transportation-accelerates-225118868.html

"Army Man" Funeral

From Military.com:

“Uniformed Soldiers and Cops Attend Funeral of 5-Year-Old Who Wanted to Be 'Army Man' “

He was too young for an official military burial, but he certainly got a military sendoff. It was a farewell worthy of the "Army Man" that River "Oakley" Nimmo wanted to be when he grew up -- though this truest of warriors didn't get the chance. Oakley, as he was known to many, died of neuroblastoma at age 5 last Thursday after fighting the rare cancer for more than half of his short life. His family invited military members to his funeral, and on Tuesday they complied, with dozens of police officers and soldiers, all in uniform, showing up to honor the boy at Cullendale First Baptist Church in Camden, reported CNN. The Arkansas National Guard posthumously promoted Oakley to "colonel." "The Arkansas National Guard has promoted 'Army Man' River Oakley Nimmo to the rank of Honorary Colonel, with an effective date of June 20, 2019, in honor of his life and passion for the United States military," said the guard in a statement on Facebook Tuesday. "The order promoting River assigned him to the Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock, Ark., with a duty title of ARMY MAN." The guard presented Oakley's family with a certificate lauding the "patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of River Oakley Nimmo" and appointing him as an Honorary Colonel in the National Guard of Arkansas and of the United States. It was signed by Maj. Gen. Mark H. Berry, the Adjutant General of the State of Arkansas, and Gov. Asa Hutchinson in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Arkansas National Guard. The family had announced his death last week in a heartrending Facebook post on the page devoted to Oakley's three-year battle with the devastating disease. "Tonight around 5pm, our sweet boy, River Oakley Nimmo, went to Heaven in my arms," his mother, Shelby Nimmo, wrote last Thursday. "We are absolutely broken. He FOUGHT absolutely 110% until the end." The family said they planned "to give Oakley a full military service in honor of his wish to become an 'Army Man' one day," the post read. "We ask that any active military members and/or veterans to please attend the funeral in their uniforms." Diagnosed at age 2, Oakley seemed to beat the disease in 2017. The cancer appeared to be vanquished in June 2017 but came back a month later, according to the military news website Task and Purpose. He had just turned 5 on May 6, according to his obituary, which described a "sweet, brave boy" who was known for being "feisty, courageous, smart and full of life." Between hospital stays, his parents said, Oakley drove power wheels, shot toy guns and talked about being an "Army Man" someday. "Oakley spent most of this life fighting to live, and did it with a smile on his face," his family said. "On behalf of the men and women of the Arkansas National Guard, rest in peace little buddy," the National Guard said. "To River's family, you're in our thoughts and prayers."

^ This is both a sad and yet happy story. It’s sad because of the young life taken, but it’s happy in that the cops and soldiers paid their respect in this manner. ^

https://www.military.com/off-duty/2019/06/27/uniformed-soldiers-and-cops-attend-funeral-5-year-old-who-wanted-be-army-man.html

Disability Disaster Planning

From Disability Scoop:

“Trump Signs Law Improving Disaster Planning For Those With Disabilities”

The federal government will be required to do more to consider the needs of people with disabilities when hurricanes, fires and other disasters strike under a new law signed by President Donald Trump. The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act, which was signed by the president this week, calls for the creation of a national advisory committee specifically focused on disaster planning for those with disabilities. Comprised of government officials, health care professionals and people with disabilities, the committee will be tasked with reviewing federal policies and making recommendations to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are properly factored in disaster planning. “No American should ever feel like they might be left behind or forgotten when disaster strikes,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., who proposed the advisory panel and who has a disability himself. “By including people with disabilities as advisors during disaster planning and policy development, this bill ensures that the unique needs of this vulnerable community will be included.” The establishment of the so-called National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters is part of a larger law enhancing the government’s ability to respond to natural disasters and public health emergencies. It comes as multiple government reports in recent months have exposed flaws in the nation’s disaster preparedness for people with disabilities. Earlier this month, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office issued a report finding that people with disabilities and individuals over age 65 “faced particular challenges evacuating to safe shelter, accessing medicine and obtaining recovery assistance” during the 2017 hurricane season. Investigators said that changes are needed at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, to better accommodate this population. Separately, a report out last month from the National Council on Disability found that people with disabilities are often unnecessarily institutionalized during and after disasters because of conflicting federal guidance and inadequate access to services, among other issues.

^ Disaster planning with the needs of the disabled in mind is desperately needed. I really hope this Committee can find out what the general needs for the disabled are as well as the specific needs of the different disabilities, make recommendations to local, State and Federal Governments that will be followed before (preparation/evacuation), during (sheltering) and after (relief) a disaster. ^

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2019/06/26/trump-signs-disaster-planning-disabilities/26841/

Hilarious Timing

Immediately after watching a report on the news about all the problems German officials have had with their Government planes breaking-down (including their back-up planes) a car commercial aired with the tagline "German engineering at its best." Talk about hilarious timing.

What's PTSD?

PTSD

Overview

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD. Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.

Symptoms

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships. They can also interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks. PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.

Intrusive memories

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event

Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)

Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event

Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

Avoidance

Symptoms of avoidance may include:

Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event

Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

Negative changes in thinking and mood

Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:

Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world

Hopelessness about the future

Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event

Difficulty maintaining close relationships

Feeling detached from family and friends

Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed

Difficulty experiencing positive emotions

Feeling emotionally numb

Changes in physical and emotional reactions

Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:

Being easily startled or frightened

Always being on guard for danger

Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast

Trouble sleeping

Trouble concentrating

Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior

Overwhelming guilt or shame

For children 6 years old and younger, signs and symptoms may also include:

Re-enacting the traumatic event or aspects of the traumatic event through play

Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event

Intensity of symptoms

PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over time. You may have more PTSD symptoms when you're stressed in general, or when you come across reminders of what you went through. For example, you may hear a car backfire and relive combat experiences. Or you may see a report on the news about a sexual assault and feel overcome by memories of your own assault.

When to see a doctor

If you have disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event for more than a month, if they're severe, or if you feel you're having trouble getting your life back under control, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Getting treatment as soon as possible can help prevent PTSD symptoms from getting worse.

If you have suicidal thoughts

If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, get help right away through one or more of these resources:

Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

Contact a minister, a spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.

Call a suicide hotline number — in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

Make an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional.

When to get emergency help

If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

If you know someone who's in danger of attempting suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person to keep him or her safe. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Or, if you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Causes

You can develop post-traumatic stress disorder when you go through, see or learn about an event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violation.

Doctors aren't sure why some people get PTSD. As with most mental health problems, PTSD is probably caused by a complex mix of:

Stressful experiences, including the amount and severity of trauma you've gone through in your life

Inherited mental health risks, such as a family history of anxiety and depression

Inherited features of your personality — often called your temperament

The way your brain regulates the chemicals and hormones your body releases in response to stress

Risk factors

People of all ages can have post-traumatic stress disorder. However, some factors may make you more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event, such as:

Experiencing intense or long-lasting trauma

Having experienced other trauma earlier in life, such as childhood abuse

Having a job that increases your risk of being exposed to traumatic events, such as military personnel and first responders

Having other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression

Having problems with substance misuse, such as excess drinking or drug use

Lacking a good support system of family and friends

Having blood relatives with mental health problems, including anxiety or depression

Kinds of traumatic events

The most common events leading to the development of PTSD include:

Combat exposure

Childhood physical abuse

Sexual violence

Physical assault

Being threatened with a weapon

An accident

Many other traumatic events also can lead to PTSD, such as fire, natural disaster, mugging, robbery, plane crash, torture, kidnapping, life-threatening medical diagnosis, terrorist attack, and other extreme or life-threatening events.

Complications

Post-traumatic stress disorder can disrupt your whole life ― your job, your relationships, your health and your enjoyment of everyday activities.

Having PTSD may also increase your risk of other mental health problems, such as:

Depression and anxiety

Issues with drugs or alcohol use

Eating disorders

Suicidal thoughts and actions

Prevention

After surviving a traumatic event, many people have PTSD-like symptoms at first, such as being unable to stop thinking about what's happened. Fear, anxiety, anger, depression, guilt — all are common reactions to trauma. However, the majority of people exposed to trauma do not develop long-term post-traumatic stress disorder.

Getting timely help and support may prevent normal stress reactions from getting worse and developing into PTSD. This may mean turning to family and friends who will listen and offer comfort. It may mean seeking out a mental health professional for a brief course of therapy. Some people may also find it helpful to turn to their faith community.

Support from others also may help prevent you from turning to unhealthy coping methods, such as misuse of alcohol or drugs.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

PTSD Awareness

Soldiers Found

From the BBC:

“Bodies of US WW2 troops found on Pacific island”

A group searching for the bodies of US troops has discovered graves that they believe contain more than 30 marines and sailors from World War Two. The remains were discovered in March on the Pacific atoll of Tarawa, which was the scene of a three-day battle with the Japanese in November 1943.  US defence department officials plan to transport the remains 2,300 miles (3,700km) to Hawaii for identification. More than 1,000 US troops died in fighting on the remote island. The non-profit group that uncovered the remains, History Flight, has been working with the US defence department and the Republic of Kiribati, where Tarawa is located, to search for the dead soldiers. During World War Two, the island was so heavily fortified that a Japanese. The bodies are believed to belong to the 6th Marine Regiment, which were part of the 18,000 American soldiers who stormed the island. As the US invasion began, American boats got stuck on a reef at low tide and were forced to wade to shore under heavy Japanese machine-gun fire. Many of the discovered graves are below the water table, meaning the excavated dig site must have water pumped out before the workers can begin each day. Experts say some of the graves were hastily dug where the men fell as America erected runways and bases to continue its "island-hopping" campaign against the Japanese empire.  The Pentagon had previously deemed the men buried on Tarawa's Betio Island to be "unrecoverable". The Kiribati government gave permission to the group to destroy one abandoned building in order to search for bodies. The majority of the remains were found under that building, a History Flight spokeswoman told BBC News. Since 2015, the remains of 272 service members who died on Tarawa have been found, with more than 100 identifications made using dental records, DNA evidence and dog tags.  Mark Noah, president of History Flight, estimates there to be another 270 bodies yet to be discovered. In a statement to BBC News, Mr Noah praised the group's partnership with the US Department of Defense, noting that "since 2015 the partnership has accomplished the three largest recoveries of missing servicemen since the Korean War".

^ It’s sad knowing that the US Government simply gave up on trying to find their soldiers on Tarawa. I am glad though that History Flight decided to do what the US Military and Government would not do. Every man and woman who died for the US deserves to have a proper burial and be identified to their families. ^

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48775714

Real Summer

Today it was sunny, hot, humid and dry. A real Summer-like day (which has bene rare this year.) I had hoped it would last at least 24 hours, but severe thunderstorms, hail and heavy rain on on their way tonight.

NS To Pay

From the BBC:

“Holocaust: Dutch rail firm NS confirms compensation”

The Netherlands' state-run rail company NS has said it will pay tens of millions of euros in compensation to Holocaust victims and their families. The company earned millions in today's terms by transporting Jewish families to a Nazi transit camp. Some 107,000 Jews were taken to Westerbork and deported, mainly to deaths camps at Auschwitz and Sobibor. Only 5,000 survived. NS said the deportations were a "black page in the history of the company". It apologised in 2005 for its role in helping the Nazi occupiers in World War Two, but it only set up a commission to decide how much to pay in November last year. Its decision to "learn, honour and remember in an enduring way" followed a campaign by Salo Muller, whose parents were murdered at Auschwitz. "It is estimated that several thousand people are eligible for the allowance, including an estimated 500 survivors. NS will set aside several tens of millions of euros for this in the coming years," NS said in a statement. Each survivor will receive €15,000 (£13,000; $17,000), while €5-7,000 will go to children and widowed spouses of victims.

What was Dutch railway's role in deportations?

NS said in November that it had operated trains on behalf of Germany's Nazi occupiers, but it did more than just run the trains.  "The NS complied with the German order to make trains available," Dirk Mulder from the National Westerbork Memorial told Dutch TV last year. "The Germans paid for it and said the NS had to come up with a timetable. And the company went and did it without a word of objection." NS made an estimated €2.5m in today's terms, Dutch public broadcaster NOS estimates, in transporting Jews from across the Netherlands to the Westerbork camp. Westerbork became a transit camp in 1941 and the first deportees left on 15 July 1942. The final train left on 13 September 1944, with 279 Jews on board. Among those deported from the camp were 245 Sinti and Roma.

Who is Salo Muller?

Salo Muller challenged the Dutch rail company after hearing of a successful campaign in the US  Salo Muller is a former physiotherapist at top Dutch football club Ajax. In 1941, when he was five, his parents were arrested by the Nazis and put on a train from the capital Amsterdam to Westerbork, where they spent nine weeks before being deported to Auschwitz and murdered. He decided to act when he heard that the French government had agreed a $60m compensation fund with the US to be distributed among thousands of survivors and their relatives.

^ This is long over-due. Every company, business, national government, etc. that collaborated with the Nazis during World War 2 should be required to compensate the survivors and their families. ^

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48778715

Max Wright

From Hollywood Reporter:

“Max Wright, Who Played the Dad on 'ALF,' Dies at 75”

Max Wright, who portrayed the beleaguered father of the suburban family who gave a home on Earth to an extraterrestrial in the 1980s NBC sitcom ALF, has died. He was 75. TMZ reported that Wright died Wednesday in his home in Hermosa Beach, California. His son, Ben, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter without providing details. Wright, who often played uptight characters, was a stage veteran who made his Broadway debut in 1968 in The Great White Hope; he had been in the original production at the Arena Stage in Washington. He received a Tony nomination for best actor in a play in 1998 for his turn as Pavel Lebedev, chairman of the local council, in Ivanov, and he appeared on Broadway in another Anton Chekhov classic, The Cherry Orchard. In the 1980s, Wright portrayed radio station manager Karl Shub on the short-lived but acclaimed NBC sitcom Buffalo Bill, starring Dabney Coleman, and from 1999-2001 he was Norm MacDonald's boss Max Denby on the ABC comedy Norm. He also played the manager of Central Perk in two early episodes of Friends and was a regular on another NBC show, Misfits of Science. On the big screen, the Detroit native was one of the futuristic scientists in the Alan Arkin comedy Simon (1980), and he appeared in All That Jazz (1979), Warren Beatty's Reds (1981), The Sting II (1983), Touch and Go (1986), Soul Man (1986), The Shadow (1994), A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999) and Snow Falling on Cedars (1999). Wright played the social worker dad Willie Tanner on ALF, which ran on NBC for four seasons, from 1986 through 1990. Tom Patchett, a producer on Buffalo Bill who created ALF with Paul Fusco, hired him for the job. "Max absolutely made you forget ALF was a puppet," Patchett said in a 2016 oral history of the show.

^ This is so sad. I loved watching “Alf” when I was younger. ^

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/max-wright-dead-alf-dad-tony-nominated-actor-was-75-1221314

How To Rescue

Top Tips for Safely Bringing Home a Rescue or Shelter Dog

Congratulations on choosing to adopt a rescue dog! Rescues and shelters everywhere house wonderful dogs, each of them just waiting to become a member of your household. While shelter dogs come from various backgrounds and experiences, they all share one important fact: they are dogs, and the dog you choose needs to be understood and treated as such. Just like us, dogs need order and leadership. They seek structure, structure which you must provide. Your dog needs to know that you that you have a set of house rules. This makes the transition from the shelter to your home easier, faster and more rewarding. Below are tips to help ensure a smooth transition for your new furry friend. Hold a family meeting to create rules about caring for the dog. Will he be allowed on the couch, the bed, and in all rooms of the house? Where will he sleep and eat? Who will walk him and clean up after him? As a family, you must all be consistent with your decisions or you will confuse the dog, usually resulting in the dog making his own rules and causing unnecessary tension. Have the necessary items your dog will need from the start: ID tags, a collar and a 6 foot leash, food and water bowls, food, dog toys, a crate and bedding, and basic grooming tools. Bring your new dog home when you can be there for a few days (ideally) so you can supervise him as he learns your house rules. Just before you bring your dog into the home, take him for a walk to tire him out a little. Walks are not only good exercise, but they also serve as a training tool and an opportunity to establish the lines of communication that better educate him.

Establish Ground Rules in the First Days

At first, limit your dog to one room or area. This allows him time to become familiar with the smells and sounds of his new home. Try to limit your time away from home those first days; your spending time with him will help him to become more comfortable in his new, unfamiliar home. Keep your dog on leash while inside your home for the first few weeks so you can immediately teach him what behaviors are and are not acceptable by showing and guiding him through the appropriate exercises. For safety’s sake, NEVER leave a leash on your dog when he is unsupervised. Your rescue dog should NOT be left alone in the house with your existing pets until you have carefully monitored and controlled their interactions for a period of time.  [See our dog to dog and dog to cat intro articles for tips.] Expect housetraining accidents. Your dog is in a new territory and is establishing a new routine, so accidents probably will happen. Review housetraining information available from the shelter, your veterinarian or your local Bark Busters trainer. [More housetraining tips here.] The key is to be consistent and maintain a routine. Dogs instinctively like to den, and a crate makes the ideal place for your dog to sleep and get away from household hubbub. While crate training also makes housetraining and training in general easier, limit the amount of time the dog is crated. The crate should be roomy enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. An alternative to a crate is a dog-proofed part of your home, such as a laundry or mud room. You can use a tall climb-proof baby gate or dog gate to block off the area from the rest of the house. Most rescue dogs have been given basic vaccinations and many have already been spayed or neutered. It is important that your dog is examined by a veterinarian within a week after adoption for a health check and any needed vaccinations. While there, arrange for the spay/neuter surgery if needed. For the first few days, limit guest visits to allow your dog to get comfortable with his new family. When you do have guests, ask their help in training your dog by instructing them not to pay attention to him until he has calmed down. One way to communicate this request is to post a sign on your front door informing visitors that you have a new dog in training.

A Trained Dog Makes for a Happy Human-Canine Bond

Get guidance for training your dog. A well-trained dog is a happier dog and a joy to have around. Your animal shelter may have performed a behavioral evaluation on your dog to help the adopter understand what, if any, potential behavioral issues the dog may have. Knowing this information ahead of time may be helpful when you begin training with your new dog. If you already have a dog, whether he was adopted from a shelter or not, a helpful tool (called the Behavioral Rating Quiz) to determine how he compares to other dogs is available at www.BarkBusters.com. Dogs need consistent pack structure. If they don’t have a consistent set of rules to follow, then they try to become the leader, which can create numerous behavioral problems. Thus, you—and all humans in your home—need to be consistent. Practice obedience training, set rules and apply them calmly and consistently, and praise your dog’s good behavior. He will be much more comfortable in a pack with structure and will bond more quickly to you. It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable and what is not. Dogs have a language of their own, and once we understand it, we can communicate better what we expect of them.

A Bright Future

Hats off to you for bringing home a rescue dog! Your patience and training will help to create a bond that will reward you both for years to come. With the right balance of discipline, understanding and affection, your rescue dog will become a loyal, grateful and loving companion.

http://www.adoptapet.com/blog/top-tips-for-safely-bringing-home-a-rescue-or-shelter-dog/

Happy Birthday

^ Happy Birthday to my dog! ^

Storm Memorial Goal

From Military.com:

“Desert Storm Memorial is Way Short of $40 Million Fundraising Goal”

The National Desert Storm Memorial Association is currently $32 million short of its $40 million fundraising goal for a planned 2021 dedication ceremony on the National Mall, association president and CEO Scott Stump said Tuesday. The largest single contribution thus far of $500,000 has come from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the association has "about $32 million to go" to reach the $40 million goal, Stump said as he gave an update on the memorial's progress at a National Press Club event. Failure to reach the $40 million goal is "not an option. We'll get the money," said Stump, who served as a Marine lance corporal with 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines in the 1991 campaign that drove the Iraqi army from Kuwait. Stump said he was encouraged by recent contacts he has had with corporations and foundations on meeting the fundraising goal to allow for a planned dedication ceremony in 2021, which would be the 30th anniversary of the Desert Shield/Desert Storm operation. The association's plan was to raise another $22 million and also get concept approval for the design of the memorial on a site off Constitution Ave. and across 23rd St. NW from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial by the end of this year. The tentative design would be semi-circular to recall the "left hook" by U.S. ground forces through the Saudi desert to cut off Iraqi troops in Desert Storm. It is planned to include the names of the fallen and the 34 countries that joined the U.S. coalition against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, according to the association's website. Another $10 million is projected to be raised for a potential groundbreaking and start of construction in 2020, according to a release from the association. Without the memorial, the risk would be that Desert Storm would become not a "forgotten war" but a "forgotten victory," Stump said. At the National Press Club event, former officials in the administration of President George H.W. Bush and veterans of the campaign gave "insights on Desert Storm" that began with a massive 39-day air assault followed by the "100-hour" ground push that liberated Kuwait. Former White House Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater recalled being with President George H.W. Bush when he made the phone call to then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. "This will not stand," he promised, in reference to Saddam's invasion of Kuwait. Joe Davis, an Air Force veteran of Desert Storm and now chief spokesman for the VFW, said he was glad the proposed site for the Memorial was "as close as we could get to the Vietnam wall." He said the parades that welcomed home the troops from Desert Storm were also a reflection of the nation's restored sense of gratitude for military service -- a gratitude that many Vietnam veterans never experienced.

^ I really hope they get all the money they need since the country should have a National Desert Storm Memorial in DC. ^

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/06/25/desert-storm-memorial-way-short-40-million-fundraising-goal.html