Twenty-six times since 1972, the world's
timekeepers have added a leap second to the clock to make up
for time lost to Earth's slowing rotation. The adjustment is
necessary because Earth's rotation is not regular. It
sometimes speeds up, sometimes slows down, but is gradually
slowing overall.
It
will happen again tomorrow.
That's right, we get one more second of 2016 added to our
lives. The final minute of 2016 will have 61 seconds. After
all of the political nonsense during these past twelve
months, it is almost like adding insult to injury to have a
leap day and a leap second in the same year. Oh well, savor
the extra second of life. We can never get too many of
them.
Dec 30, 2016
Saudi Calendar Change
As we look forward to a new year, thought I
would pass along some calendar info. Saudi Arabia adopted the
lunar Islamic calendar when it was founded in 1932. In October
2016, that all changed. Saudi Arabia moved from the lunar based
Hijri calendar, which starts with the emigration of Muhammad
from Mecca to Medina, and adopted the standard Gregorian
calendar as a leap into modernity and as a basis for paying
civil servants.
Government employees complained they would have to work an extra 11 days each year, because the Islamic lunar calendar is 11 days shorter than the 365-day solar year.
There are other calendars still in use around the world. It is 1395 in Iran, 2628 in Kurdistan, and 5776 in Israel’s Knesset, 2559 in Thailand, and year 28 (of the Heisei era) in Japan.
Government employees complained they would have to work an extra 11 days each year, because the Islamic lunar calendar is 11 days shorter than the 365-day solar year.
There are other calendars still in use around the world. It is 1395 in Iran, 2628 in Kurdistan, and 5776 in Israel’s Knesset, 2559 in Thailand, and year 28 (of the Heisei era) in Japan.
Political Time
Less than one hundred years ago, the US Congress passed the
Standard Time Act in 1918, which established a single, standard
system of timekeeping for the entire US and designated its five
time zones by reference to the Greenwich meridian. 'An Act to
preserve daylight and provide standard time for the United States'
was enacted on March 19, 1918. It both established standard time
zones and set summer Daylight Saving Time to begin on March 31,
1918. Daylight Saving Time was observed for seven months in 1918
and 1919.
After the War ended, the law proved so unpopular that it was repealed the next year with a Congressional override of President Wilson's veto. Daylight Saving Time became a local option, and was continued in some states and in some cities.
After many changes to the clocks, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. Beginning in 2007, Congress retained the right to revert to the 1986 DST law should "the change prove unpopular or if energy savings are not significant". Going from 2007 forward, Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ends at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of November. There are now seven time zones for the United States, EST (Eastern), CST (Central), MST (Mountain), PST (Pacific), AKST (Alaska), and HAST (Hawaii).
The earth is about 4.5 billion years old and finally, nine years ago, US politicians finally agreed to what time it is (unless it proves unpopular). Luckily they have not seen fit to change the calendar and we can still celebrate the New Year on January 1.
These same politicians tell us they can predict the future about many things, including global warming, but they cannot even agree on what time it is or if "energy savings are not significant".
After the War ended, the law proved so unpopular that it was repealed the next year with a Congressional override of President Wilson's veto. Daylight Saving Time became a local option, and was continued in some states and in some cities.
After many changes to the clocks, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. Beginning in 2007, Congress retained the right to revert to the 1986 DST law should "the change prove unpopular or if energy savings are not significant". Going from 2007 forward, Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ends at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of November. There are now seven time zones for the United States, EST (Eastern), CST (Central), MST (Mountain), PST (Pacific), AKST (Alaska), and HAST (Hawaii).
The earth is about 4.5 billion years old and finally, nine years ago, US politicians finally agreed to what time it is (unless it proves unpopular). Luckily they have not seen fit to change the calendar and we can still celebrate the New Year on January 1.
These same politicians tell us they can predict the future about many things, including global warming, but they cannot even agree on what time it is or if "energy savings are not significant".
Wordology, Nickel
The name for this metal began during 18th century by Swedish
mineralogist Axel von Cronstedt from the Swedish 'kopparnickel',
which was taken from the German 'Kupfernickel'.
Copper miners named this different metal ore Kupfernickel, which literally translates as copper-devil. The German word Nickel, related to the name Nicholas, an antiquated term for a mythological spirit that haunts houses, caves, and mines. They used this term because they were often fooled into thinking that nickel ore was copper.
During the second half of the 19th century, people began to refer to small coins as nickels, because they were made of nickel rather than copper. Today a US nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Copper miners named this different metal ore Kupfernickel, which literally translates as copper-devil. The German word Nickel, related to the name Nicholas, an antiquated term for a mythological spirit that haunts houses, caves, and mines. They used this term because they were often fooled into thinking that nickel ore was copper.
During the second half of the 19th century, people began to refer to small coins as nickels, because they were made of nickel rather than copper. Today a US nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel.
What's in a Name, Email
Here is a tip to track marketing of your email.
When you sign up to a new web site for any reason, use the
website name as part of your real name. When you begin getting
more junk mail (as you will) at least you will know which site
sold your email address.
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist
Now that the holidays are over and you made
your New Year resolution to drop some post-holiday weight, think
about this. A dietitian is an expert
in prescribing therapeutic nutrition. A dietitian is
accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly
the American Dietetic Association). A Registered Dietitian
Nutritionist has completed an undergraduate program in nutrition
and also a one year clinical internship program. Registered
Dietitian Nutritionists must pass a national exam administered
by the Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics and maintain their registered status through
continuing education.
A nutritionist is a non-accredited title that may apply to somebody who has done a short course in nutrition or who has given themselves this title. The term nutritionist is not protected by law in almost all countries so people with different levels of knowledge can call themselves a nutritionist. A nutritionist can also be someone who completes an undergraduate or graduate degree in nutrition. Some individuals market themselves as nutritionists with little or no training in nutrition. Before you take nutrition advice, be sure to check out the professional background and training of the individual giving it.
Incidentally, 'Dietitian' spelling is preferred over 'Dietician' in the dietetics world, and the term Registered Dietitian has been updated to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, further confusing the distinction.
A nutritionist is a non-accredited title that may apply to somebody who has done a short course in nutrition or who has given themselves this title. The term nutritionist is not protected by law in almost all countries so people with different levels of knowledge can call themselves a nutritionist. A nutritionist can also be someone who completes an undergraduate or graduate degree in nutrition. Some individuals market themselves as nutritionists with little or no training in nutrition. Before you take nutrition advice, be sure to check out the professional background and training of the individual giving it.
Incidentally, 'Dietitian' spelling is preferred over 'Dietician' in the dietetics world, and the term Registered Dietitian has been updated to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, further confusing the distinction.
Employment Facts
As of 1 October 2016, from a US population of 325 million, 113 million private sector workers support 32 million government workers and contractors, 94 million people who can work, but chose not to, 70 million who cannot work, and 16 million unemployed and underemployed. That is 35% supporting 65%, including all of the government workers, which taxpayers pay for during working years and retirement until death.
Dec 24, 2016
Happy Friday
Happiness does not need
sunshine to create rainbows.
The end of a rainbow always lands on a Happy Friday!
The end of a rainbow always lands on a Happy Friday!
Merry Christmas
Tomorrow we will be celebrating Christmas again. I wish
each of you a sincere Merry Christmas. I hope you get everything you need, all you
deserve, and most of which you want.
Eight Other December 25 Events
December 25, 325 is the first date that Christmas was celebrated specifically on December 25.
December 25, 597 England adopted the Julian calendar, now used by most of the world.
December 25, 800 Charlemagne is crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III.
December 25, 1066 William the Conqueror is crowned King of England.
December 25, 1717 the great Christmas Flood ravaged the Netherlands and parts of Germany and Scandinavia.
December 25, 1776 - 11pm, General George Washington, along with 5,400 men, crossed the Delaware River, in order to surprise Hessian troops celebrating the Christmas Holiday.
December 25, 1914 the Christmas Truce. During the height of World War I, the Germans began to sing Christmas Carols, crossed the lines, and met with Allies and both shook hands. (The next day they resumed fighting.)
December 25, 2002 University of New Mexico junior place-kicker Katie Hnida attempts to kick an extra point in a game against UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl. She is first woman to play in Division I football.
December 25, 597 England adopted the Julian calendar, now used by most of the world.
December 25, 800 Charlemagne is crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III.
December 25, 1066 William the Conqueror is crowned King of England.
December 25, 1717 the great Christmas Flood ravaged the Netherlands and parts of Germany and Scandinavia.
December 25, 1776 - 11pm, General George Washington, along with 5,400 men, crossed the Delaware River, in order to surprise Hessian troops celebrating the Christmas Holiday.
December 25, 1914 the Christmas Truce. During the height of World War I, the Germans began to sing Christmas Carols, crossed the lines, and met with Allies and both shook hands. (The next day they resumed fighting.)
December 25, 2002 University of New Mexico junior place-kicker Katie Hnida attempts to kick an extra point in a game against UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl. She is first woman to play in Division I football.
Happy Boxing Day
In the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand Boxing Day is
celebrated on the first weekday after Christmas. This year it
will be celebrated December 26.
Incidentally, The day after Christmas, December 26 is celebrated as Saint Stephen’s (patron saint of horses) Day. It is one of the reasons Boxing Day has come to be associated with horse racing and fox hunting.
Incidentally, The day after Christmas, December 26 is celebrated as Saint Stephen’s (patron saint of horses) Day. It is one of the reasons Boxing Day has come to be associated with horse racing and fox hunting.
Laughing and Sleep
Laughing for fifteen minutes has the same benefit as getting two
extra hours of sleep.
Gemütlichkeit
This word is perhaps best translated as 'coziness', but the English word can only express one aspect of the German meaning. It is a great word for winter and for the Holidays in particular.
Gemütlichkeit is epitomized by a snug room with a sofa nestled next to a roaring open fire, and the friendly, jovial atmosphere, and the resulting state of mind.
Germans use it to refer to many things from people, to a beer in a warm pub, to evenings watching a film.
The OED defines Gemütlichkeit as "the quality of being pleasant cheerful; cozy, snug, homely; genial, and good-natured".
Even though it is an accepted word in English, it is yet to find its way into everyday language. Regardless, my wish to you all for this Holiday Season is Gemütlichkeit!
Gemütlichkeit is epitomized by a snug room with a sofa nestled next to a roaring open fire, and the friendly, jovial atmosphere, and the resulting state of mind.
Germans use it to refer to many things from people, to a beer in a warm pub, to evenings watching a film.
The OED defines Gemütlichkeit as "the quality of being pleasant cheerful; cozy, snug, homely; genial, and good-natured".
Even though it is an accepted word in English, it is yet to find its way into everyday language. Regardless, my wish to you all for this Holiday Season is Gemütlichkeit!
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