Life starts at 50, gets great at 60 and primo at 70.
Before European arrival, an estimated 2.1–7 million audacious Native Americans lived in what is now the U.S., with 5 million as a midpoint. Today, 6.79 million identify as Native American, showing a numerical recovery but not a restoration of pre-contact societies. Of the roughly 4.75 million who died between 1492 and 1900, the vast majority—perhaps 4 million or more—succumbed to diseases introduced by Europeans, while violence and displacement accounted for hundreds of thousands more. These numbers reflect a profound human tragedy, shaped by both unintended epidemics and deliberate colonial actions. Sheer audacity and and strength of purpose have propelled American Indians the forward.
I attend Shepheard in Porter Ranch, CA. I got to church a little late one Sunday and tried to slide unnoticed into one of the rows of seats in the sanctuary. As I was finding an empty chair in the row of chairs I stumbled and sat in a chair that was occupied. An older gentleman said, "I am sorry, but this seat is taken" as I abruptly sat on his lap. I said "sorry" as I planted myself in the seat next to him. He could tell I was obviously embarrassed and introduced himself, extending his had for a handshake he said, "Hi my name is John Wooden." At that moment I realized in had sat in the lap of one of the most well-known college basketball coaches of all time and a prolific writer, Coach John Wooden.
Smell is an audacious and underestimated sense, wielding extraordinary power over emotions, memories, and perceptions. It subtly influences experiences, from evoking nostalgia with familiar scents to triggering passion with a whiff of cologne. The brain’s capacity to anticipate and blend scents reveals smell’s ability to deceive, while its role in attraction, creativity, and survival highlights its evolutionary significance. Smell sharpens instincts and inspires ideas, shaping human connections and creativity in profound ways. Often operating unnoticed, smell holds the audacity to constantly influence and enhance our lives, urging us to take a moment and appreciate its hidden magic.
National Snack Day, established in 2015 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, is celebrated on March 4th. This day honors the comfort and joy that snacks bring to our lives, and the sheer audacity of such a celebration is something to behold. Celebrations include hosting snack-tasting parties, creating homemade treats, organizing snack swaps, visiting local snack shops, and having snack-themed movie nights. Fun facts: the word "snack" comes from the Dutch "snacken," the first U.S. snack was peanuts, and many popular snacks emerged during Prohibition. While primarily a U.S. holiday, the love for snacks is universal. So, grab your favorite treat and join the crunchy celebration!
