Cats, One on Gary’s Shoulder

Azurite resting on Gary’s shoulder. He says that he does not like cats.

Beautiful cat Susie

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Memorial Day

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memorial day

Today’s editorial in the Prescott Daily Courier is about the meaning of Memorial Day. I think Tim Wiederaenders got it just right:

This weekend is not about automobile races, such as the Indianapolis 500 or the Prescott Valley Grand Prix (held Saturday and Sunday); trips to the ocean or camping in the mountains; or even a barbecue.

It is about those who gave all so we could enjoy those things.

While you are flipping a burger, cracking open a cold one, cheering on your favorite driver (amazing race Sunday, huh?!) or just hanging out with friends and family, please pause for a moment and remember those who made it possible.

Sometimes I agree with the paper’s editorial opinion, sometimes not. This one is worth a read.
link: https://www.dcourier.com/news/2017/may/29/column-memorial-day-has-solemn-meaning/

A high school graduation

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high school graduation

We attended a high school graduation Friday evening, the son of a cousin of Gary’s graduated from Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy which is a charter school in Prescott. The young man graduating requested that we don’t post any photos of his graduation on social media, so no pictures.

I was amazed how small the class of 2017 was. 43 graduates. I think my high school home room class was just a bit smaller. The ceremony was held at Prescott’s Elks Theater, which dates back to 1915.

My high school graduation ceremony was also held at a movie theater because the crowd would not fit into the school’s auditorium. My graduation was disrupted when a melee erupted in the audience. Police were summoned to clear the building. Yes, my high school memories are “different”.

I attended Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx borough of New York City. For fun I googled it today and found out that it graduated its last class in 2014. Here’s the first part of the article I found:

It was where David Berkowitz once roamed before he became infamous as the “Son of Sam,” and where Councilman James Vacca learned to love public service.

Christopher Columbus High School, the 75-year-old Bronx alma mater of Berkowitz, Vacca, and countless other infamous and famous names graduated its last class in June — and on Friday teary-eyed alumni reeled in the years one last time.

And

“It was like watching a slow death,” said Vacca, a 1973 graduate. “It molded me into the career I’ve had. For many of us, you can’t replace the memories.”

Those who share Vacca’s memories of the once thriving school include fellow lawmaker Jeff Klein, designer Calvin Klein, actress Anne Bancroft, and TV personality Darlene Rodriguez.

I also found some statistics from 2010 here,

Graduate & Dropout Information (2010)
Graduation Rate
School: 41.0%
District: 60.0%
Percent of Graduates Earning a Regents Diploma
School: 42.0%
District: 66.0%
State: 83.0%
Percent of Students That Dropped Out
School: 9.0%
District: 4.0%
State: 3.0%
Public Assistance (2010)
Estimated Percent of Students From Households That Receive Public Assistance: 61-70

Yes, a 41% graduation rate. Anyone else thinking “this is a failing school?”

Another study says chocolate is good for health

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health

Chocolate, coffee. Health foods. I plan to consume more of both

A new study suggests there’s a link between eating chocolate and a decrease of between 11% and 20% in “artrial fibrillation,” a heart flutter or irregular heart beat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other complications. The study, published in the BMJ (formerly, the British Medical Journal) is based on more than 55,500 participants who had also provided information on their chocolate intake.

“Moderate consumption of cocoa and cocoa-containing foods may promote cardiovascular health due to their high content of flavanols,” the study found. Flavanols are plant-based nutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. There has been extensive research showing that moderate consumption of chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is associated with a lower rate of heart attacks and heart failure.

link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/another-study-suggests-chocolate-is-good-for-your-heart-2017-05-25

Back of our house, with nice sky

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farmhouse, home, prescott az

7 image panorama of the rear of our house in Prescott, Az. Garage is on the left. I like the sky and clouds.