Barks and Whistles dot-com
Today is NATIONAL Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
help out your local / county / region No-Kill
shelter with the available dogs / cats / companion
animals! Follow the rules and have your new
pet spayed or neutered! Be well and enjoy them / it!
Barron Trump -- St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Maryland $40,000 per year
Sasha Obama - Sidwell Friends School (Quakers) $40,000 per year
Malia Obama - graduated from Sidwell then took a gap year then Harvard for
undergraduate degree
Jenna Bush - Austin High School, Austin, TX
Barbara Pierce Bush - Austin High School
Chelsea Clinton - Sidwell School
Amy Carter - Stevens Elementary & Rose Hardy Middle Schools (public)
Tricia & Julie Nixon - VP's daughters attended Sidwell and a NY Chapin School
Margaret Truman was 21 when father Harry was POTUS (1945-1952)
FDR & Eleanor Roosevelt kids: John (youngest) in early teens
The predecessor POTUS and FLOTUS will attend together their
son's High School graduation on May 17 (3rd Friday). Trump Sr.'s court
attendance is not covering 5 days that week nor on Friday 24th of
May, nor Memorial Day May 27 (Monday).
Judge Merchan announced Tuesday 4/30 that Trump could
attend the private event for his 18-year-old son.
His trial on the 34 counts of falsifying business to cover up
the records of his sexual tryst with Stormy Daniels, and yearlong
affair with Karen McDougal, Playboy model who was victimized
by the National Enquirer using a "Catch and Kill" method of
denying publicization of those running for office.
Visits to this Googler Blog / web column
May 1, 2024 = 430
May 2 = 154
May 3 = 109
May 4 = 166
May 5 = 106
May 6 = 101
May 7 = 163
May 8 = 182
5/9 = 305
5/10 = 225
5/11 = 193
5/12 = 64
5/13 = 66
5/14 = 81
5/15 = 100
5/16 = 97
5/17 = 85
5/18 = 87
5/19 = 99
5/20 = 101
5/21 = 66
5/22 = 125
5/23 = 62
5/24 = 74
5/25 = 75
5/26 = 104
5/27 = 80
5/28 = 96
5/29 = 79
5/30 = 36
5/31 = 107
TOTAL for the 31 days of May : 3,957 visits to this blog
10 a.m. opening both days
Renaissance Faire re-enactments, cosplay heroes / villains,
at Riverside Park, Downtown Niles, MI (southern Berrien County)
Children admittance (under 5): Free
Ages 5-12 $5
Ages 13 - Adults $7
Seniors & Veterans $5
First Day until 6 p.m. / Sunday last day until 4 p.m.
to memorialize the young people / children of
Gaza strip killed since last October in IDF actions,
defensive and offensive; SUNDAY April 28, 2024
9 p.m. Eastern
#FreePalestine publicity on InstaGram
We are mobilizing in solidarity with colleges and universities
across the nation for #FreePalestine
ndsmcobserver.com online article
pro-palestinian-protesters-demonstrate-during-Jenkins-celebration
Location:
near Basilica of Notre Dame (where retiring President John Jenkins
was conducting an indoor mass // outside there were tents set up
for reception / refreshments to be given to students, faculty, staff,
Holy Cross priests and others participating in Jenkins' Mass.
3:33 p.m. Friday 26 April election year
HHS Secy. Xavier Becerra announced that there
will not be a ruling of his exec. branch dept.
this year on the likely ban of the cigarette additive.
Since 2009, flavors were banned; however, menthol
was left out after lobbying from the industry.
Previously in 2023 the Biden-Harris admin. set a
deadline to take away the popular additive but
that has past with only "pending" on official
announcement channels.
cnn.com/
April 24, 2024
Jose Andres and other chefs / humanitarian workers
memorialized the crew bombed by IDF (Israel Army)
during their work in Gaza to feed the hungry / malnourished.
http://cathedral.org
3101 Wisconsin Ave., D.C. NW
20016
April 27, 2024
The annual WHCA (White House Correspondents' Dinner)
hosted by Colin Jost, Saturday Night Live comedian / "mock news anchor"
2,700 journalists, newsmakers, White House officials,
and celebrities (including Scarlett Johansson, among many others)
thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4620668-dc-white-house-correspondents-dinner
Typically, the incumbent POTUS attends but this was not the case
in 2017,2018,2019,2020 (Trump-Pence administration).
It will not be the case following the Trump-Vance election in Nov. 2024
meaning the
April 26, 2025 WHCA Dinner will go off without participation
from Trump himself, nor FLOTUS, nor his 27-year-old Press Secretary
Caroline Leavitt.
to the Library of Congress, District of Columbia
Best wishes and many more years featuring
reading, culture, literacy!
@librarycongress
NY Times:
Trillions of noisy, red-eyed insects are emerging together
as temperatures warm
from the earth after more than a decade of feeding on tree roots.
This spring Brood XIII Northern IL and Brood XIX Great Southern
Brood are emerging simultaneously. . .
NYTimes.com/2024/04/24/science/why-do-cicadas-emerge.html
Today between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m.
there is a Frost Advisory with likely temperatures
to be in the upper 20s and below freezing.
AREA: S. Berrien County, Michigan
Homeowners and gardeners are urged to be mindful
to cover sensitive plants and to take indoors
container garden and plantings to avoid killing frost.
Temperatures by the weekend are to resume with
more normal low temperatures in the overnight and
pre-sunrise conditions.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
The last Friday of April this year is:
April 26, 2024
ARBOR DAY was originally
founded by Julius Sterling Morton;
plant a tree and join in with others!
26th Annual day for Law Enforcement to
Take Back opioid and other harmful drug
Prescription dosage drug bottles and
remainder pills. Geared to prevent theft
and drug abuse.
Expired, unused, and unwanted prescription
dosages as well as liquid and pill medications
as well as vaping cartridges.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Check with local police, state police
in your area as far as local drop-off points.
The comedian will address Duke University graduating
class commencement on May 12, 2024 and
will accept a Doctor of Arts honorary degree from Duke.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak will give the commencement
address at University of Colorado, which he attended from
1968-69. Along with Steve Jobs, he co-founded Apple
computers in 1976. He previously received an
honorary doctorate in engineering in 1989.
POTUS Joe Biden will deliver the address
May 19 to the HBCU (historic Black college/University)
and May 25, 2024 to the West Point, NY army academy cadets.
Born in April 1564
the actor-playwright would be 460 years old
if the traditionally assigned "birthday"
could be ascertained: April 23.
Observed as a religious / saint's feast - festival
St. George's Day (annually) is
April 23rd
The expected date this year had been set for
April 29th -- but the Free Expression group
PEN
had been overly criticized as being
sympathetic to Israel and half of the
prize nominees had withdrawn their names
over the organization's response to the War in Gaza.
The 2024 Earth Day observation (annual recognition day) will be marked
at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., D.C.
by POTUS Biden announcing $7 billion in
federal solar power grants.
www.nbcnews.com/
science/environment
April 22, 2024 following sundown, First Passover Seder
LAST night of Passover is April 30, 2024
May 23 - Flower Moon
June 21 - Strawberry Moon
July 21 - Buck Moon
August 19 - Sturgeon Moon
September 17 - Harvest Moon
October 17 - Hunter's Moon
Nov. 15 - Beaver Moon
Dec. 15 - Cold Moon
Berrien & Cass Counties, MI
Frost possible early morning hours
before 8 a.m. Monday 4/22/2024
The young Pole's funeral was held Saturday April 20, 2024
A letter was read from Polish President Duda
He and 6 other aid workers were bombed by Israeli troops as they
were in the Gaza area to feed those -ill- starving, dying
from the prolonged occupation of the Palestinian area since
HAMAS attacks last year on Oct. 7.
Przemysl Train Station,
where thousands of Ukrainians
arrived in 2022
20 April 2024
Politico headline :
"After stormy week in NYC Court, weather cancels
T's North Carolina rally" -- T. boomed his voice over
the stereo system as he called into the rally 1/2 hour
before it was scheduled to begin. Lightning striking
in the distance and thunder clapping as he warned
the crowd of MAGA & Proud Boys in uniform
to seek shelter. . .
http://politico.com/news/2024/04/20/trump-north-carolina-campaign
campaign-rally-cancelled-rain-00153507
McCormick Place
15th edition of the pop culture show and biggest geek party
in downtown Chicago, IL
http://c2e2.com
The trial of Donald J. Trump (predecessor POTUS) will begin Monday
April 22, 2024
He is charged with falsifying business records relative to "hush money"
payments to Porn star STORMY DANIELS and mistress Karen
McDougal (Playboy model) in order to deny that he had committed
serial adultery and treated women as sexual objects in commerce;
he once bragged to Billy Bush (cousin of George W. Bush POTUS 43)
that he grabbed women by (expletive deleted). . .
Free-entry event sponsored by 8 area libraries (Berrien County, MI)
Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College, Napier Avenue vicinity (1100 Yore Ave.)
11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Vendors, mini hobby area, tabletop gaming area, video game contest
Cosplay contest (come in costume and enjoy others in costume / apparel)
Prizes range from $150 to $35.
Michiana Boardgamery will have play to win games and run a
silent auction where proceeds go to next year's Fandom Fest.
6th Annual Pop-con
For those people who would otherwise not be able to attend a con-type event
and celebrate their hobby / pop culture area/s
email = swmifandomfest.gmail.com
fanfestswmi.com = website
For springtime this year
the Jewish holiday season of Passover / Pesach
April 22, 2024 evening
4:30 p.m. Wed. 4/17/2024
The Senate chaired by President Pro Tempore needs to vote
to adjourn as a Court to try Homeland Defense chpn.
Alejandro Mayorkas; it can then come back to work this
month or next month (May 1) to address important
matters of national security and funding requests for
Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan & Asian allies as well
as appropriations and regular business.
In trying to stop the party line vote, Senator John Kennedy (GOP - Louisiana)
moved to adjourn the Senate until May 1, 2004.
The President Pro Temp Patty Murray would have ruled such a
motion out of order and the vote on the 2 "charges" brought
by House Republican managers sent over by Speaker of the House
Mike Johnson (also of Louisiana) was 49 - 51; falling far below the
needed Constitutional requirement of 2/3 of the Senators present.
Vice President Kamala Harris would have voted to break a time
if the Senators present had tied at 50-50.
6 p.m. Tuesday April 30, 2024
Hanson Theater, Upton Mendel Center, campus of Lake Michigan
College, Benton Harbor, MI
SPEECH: on election protection and will engage in Q/A
with members of the audience
Email your questions ahead of time to tbohm@lakemichigancollege.edu
on/before April 26, 2024.
Event sponsored by Berrien-Cass League of Women Voters
and LMC Votes!
11:30 a.m.
a strong thunderstorm will impact SE Berrien County (MI)
Wind gusts up to 40 MPH and pea-sized hail
4/17/2024
Patty Murray (most senior of Senate
Democrats, she represents Washington)
Today April 17, 2024
she will swear in the 100
Senators as jurors in the
Impeachment trial of
Homeland Security Cabinet
Secy. Majorkas. The entire
body will then vote to proceed
or to vote up or down the
charges brought by House
Speaker's 11 H. of Rep. (GOP)
impeachment managers.
DH
The Sunday April 14, 2024 airing of a Madison Square Garden concert
of pianist / songwriter / singer Billy Joel will be re-aired this coming
Friday due to a cut-off during the song "Piano Man" by the noted
singer-songwriter. The live event had been pre-taped and the Sunday
night airing with commercials had begun late due to CBS Sports coverage
of the Masters Golf Tournament and a regular "60 minutes" news program.
This meant that the local affiliates were not allowed to leave the concert
but the network signal was abruptly concluded.
The concert in totality will be shown from 9 - 11 p.m. Friday 4/19 and
no operational cut-off will occur again.
The full Pink Moon
is Tuesday April 23 at 7:49 p.m. eastern
(Brightest point).
According to OLD Farmer's ALMANAC .com
FIND an open area and watch
as the moon rises just above the horizon!
http://ALMANAC.com/content/full-moon-April
Calling all Superheroes!
The LifePlan HERO Run begins and ends at Niles Riverside Park
9 a.m. Eastern until 10 a.m.
This race takes you through downtown Niles and through
historic neighborhoods! Register at
LifePlan.org/herorun
the 5K and 10K Run or Walk is for the LifePlan ministry
Association: registrations now in April are $25
per runner; awards given at 10 a.m.
There is a costume contest ; packet pick-up will be at:
LifePlan, Niles, 527 E. Main Street
April 16, 2024
Begins at 5 p.m. Eastern until approx. 8 p.m. (sunset)
Bring your favorite tools to join the common
effort of planting; weeding; straightening
the Niles MI Amtrak garden plots. All are welcome.
Meet your fellow gardeners & next-door neighbors.
May 23, 2024
at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Washington, D.C.
The world itself keeps Easter Day,
And Easter larks are singing;
And Easter flow'rs are blooming gay,
and Easter buds are springing.
ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!
The Lord of all things lives anew,
And all His works are living too,
ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!
from THE_EASTER_BOOK (1954)
translated from German
It was a strange and wondrous war,
When death and Life did battle.
With royal might did Life prevail,
Made death His knave and chattle/
The sacred Book foretold it all:
How death by death should come to fall.
Now death is laughed to scorn!
The first prosecutor to put an American president (predecessor)
on criminal trial. A first-time D.A. who isn't planning on being
in the courtroom every day: "I've been an officer of the
court going on more than 20 years, and the way we
conduct ourselves is important. In the Courtroom first
and foremost, but obviously, there's a public dimension.
So we are guided by the rules of the court and fair play."
Bragg indicted Trump on 34
felony counts of falsifying business
records -- charges that could lead
to prison time.
http://politico.com online article
about the NY District Attorney
A French connection: the modern founder of the Olympic Games
Baron de Courbetin's heart is buried just outside the ruins
of ancient Olympia
2024 Summer games will be held at Paris, France
the native country for Baron Pierre de Courbetin.
April 14 is start of the Olympic Torch procession from
country to country
abcnews.go.com/international/wire story/french-connection-Paris-flame
make-stop-Greece-heart-109213279
The predecessor defendant (President from 2017 until 1/20/2021)
will testify in the first-ever criminal trial
on Monday, April 15, 2024 in a Manhattan, NY court room.
Trump is charged with criminal conspiracy following
sexual affairs/relationships with 2 females -- also testifying
is his "fixer" Michael Cohen of New York City.
One was paid $150,000 by David Pecker for exclusive
publishing rights and another was paid $130,000 to
keep quiet about the sexual encounter.
Southern Berrien County (MI)
NW Winds 20-30 mph. with gusts up to 40
to 45 mph expected. From 11 a.m.
until 8 p.m. EDT Friday 12 April.
also affected are portions of
SW Michigan,
N. Indiana, NW Ohio
April 10, 2024
As news was shared at the "State Dinner" honoring Japan's P.M.
Fumio Ishido, the 112-year-old gift to the federal government at
Washington, D.C. will be renewed with healthy new
cherry trees, noted for beautiful blooms.
nytimes/2024/04/10/us/politics/japan-us-cherry-trees.html
"NATIONAL Cherry Blossom Festival" (annual observance)
Because POTUS & FLOTUS (President Joe and Dr. Jill Biden)
asked him to perform music at a State Dinner celebrating
U.S. / Japan diplomatic and security relationships. . .
nytimes/2024/04/09/us/politics/biden-state-dinner-japan.html
Simon Harris of the Fine Gael party
Tuesday 4/9/2024 he is set to become, at age 37, the
Republic of Ireland's youngest head of government,
the culmination of a swift political rise to a post
he has long aspired to.
http://nytimes.com/20204/04/09/world/Europe/simon-harris-ireland-taoiseach.html
Japanese P.M. who is invited this week to:
the Bidens' 5th State Dinner at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., D.C.
a joint address delivered to both Houses of
Congress, D.C. on defense and other global concerns.
April 8, 2024
P.M. Netanyahu announced that a date has been set to invade
the city of 1,000,000 Palestinians; no consultation with the
U.S. Biden administration.
UPDATE: Date for impeachment managers to
be sent by Mike Johnson with charges against
DHS Secy. Mayorkas is held up until =
Tuesday April 16, 2024
Johnson speech of "engrossment" to take place in the Rayburn Room
House of Representatives, Capitol, Washington, D.C.
SPEAKER of the HOUSE to make a short speech
(Johnson was elected Oct. 25, 2023 : the 4th pick of
the GOP Conference since 55th Speaker of the House
Kevin McCarthy (CA) was forced from office)
UPDATE: SPEAKER OF HOUSE delays until Tuesday
April 16, 2024 the history-setting "Impeachment" effort
of the House of Repr. (vote of 214-213)
Engrossment ceremony where he signs the paperwork
for the impeachment of DHS Secretary Mayorkas;
the "charges" are walked over by group of impeachment managers
who are then to argue the Senate must convict. However,
none of the "paper" charges involve impeachable offenses.
Majority leader of the Senate likely to refer the charges
to a committee or to call for an immediate vote to acquit
the Cabinet Secretary.
First time since 1876 that a Cabinet official
has been impeached by the House
VOTE was 214-213
NRSV , Updated edition translation (2021)
verse 10:
The earth quakes before them;
the heavens tremble.
The sun and the moon are
darkened, and the stars
withdraw their shining.
verse 31:
The sun shall be turned
into darkness
and the moon to blood. . .
3 p.m. Eastern
Monday April 8, 2024
until 4:24 when the eclipse ends
After rain showers come on Sunday April 7,
then the view for the 97% eclipse should be clearer.
Clouds will have to break for view at Michiana
to not remain obstructed.
Looking at the sun without the right eye protection
for even a SHORT time,
can permanently damage the retinas and
even cause blindness,
called solar retinopathy.
TOP STATES with most eye injury concerns =
Tennessee
Alabama
South Carolina
Illinois
Montana
NO
those in highly concentrated areas of eclipse watching might experience
temporary delays in connection or cell coverage cut-offs due to heavy traffic
on given cell company service but the astronomical event itself
will not affect talking or texting with your cell phone!
NYTimes.com online article
Science-cicada-emergence-invasion.html
Brood XIX (Great southern U.S.) and Brood XIII
(North Illinois) will emerge together this summer
when a 17-year cycle coincides with a 13-year cycle.
A 16-state area will be center stage for these periodical
cicadas.
April 8, 2024
Pizza Hut will offer "Total Eclipse of the Hut": all large pizzas will cost $12
Krispy Kreme "Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut": glazed pastry dipped in
chocolate, with silver sprinkles, buttercream filling plus Oreo cookie
Frito-Lay's Sun Chips time-limited new flavor: pineapple habanero
and black bean spicy gouda
Smoothie King: Eclipse Berry Blitz Smoothie
Burger King: BOGO (buy first one get 2nd free): Free Whopper w/purchase
Moon Pie: Solar Eclipse Survival Kit: 6-count boxes with chocolate,
vanilla, butterscotch plus 12-count chocolate-only box
Warby Parker: at locations will give away ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses
Saturday April 6, 2024
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Univ. of Notre Dame (S. Bend, IN) Neuroscience and Behavior program
offers annually a free event for the public to promote STEM disciplines,
especially neuroscience.
The program consists of hands-on activities designed to foster public
enthusiasm for the sciences, technology, engineering, & mathematics.
It brings together ND Students and Michiana families to learn
about different aspects of the brain.
ADDRESS for Howard Park, 219 S. Saint Louis Blvd., S. Bend IN
http://defense.gov
celebrating military-connected children,
youth, and teens
There are more than 1.6 million military
children who face many challenges
and unique experiences as a result
of their parent/parents' service.
Secy. of Defense Lloyd Austin announced that
April 4 is the 75th anniversary since the U.S. and several allies
signed the North Atlantic Treaty (post - WW II).
NATO (since 1949)
see Defense.gov/
POTUS Joe and FLOTUS Dr. Jill Biden will host state dinners
on April 10 for heads of state, ambassadors, officials relating
to Japan and on May 23 for Kenya's presidents and ambassadorial
officials. These historic gatherings showcase ties between the two
important nations and the United States of America.
www.politico.com/ article on 2024 state dinners including this
year one for USA Top Teachers.
Dr. Jill Biden has announced that the nation's top teachers
will be guests of honor at a formal dinner akin to such
given to heads of state or government. Details
to be shared later in 2024!
politico.com/news/2024/04/03/jill-biden-top-teachers-00150460
Grand Rapids, MI
Ex-president Tr*mp claimed in public event that he
spoke with the family of victim Ruby Garcia, killed
recently by suspect who is a legal resident of Mexico.
Mavi Garcia, sister of the Grand Rapids resident who
died in a shooting March 22, 2024 said:
He did not speak to any of us,
it was shocking that he said he
had spoke to us, and misinforming
people on live TV (WOOD-TV).
Mavi continued: "It's always been
about immigrants; nobody speaks
about when Americans do heinous
crimes. . ."
Date of MLK's final sermon - address in Memphis TN
the Mason Temple / auditorium
COGIC Headquarters
"I've been to the mountain top"
Saint Mary's / Center for Spirituality / annual lecture
Carroll Auditorium in Madeleva Hall, campus at
Notre Dame, IN (North of South Bend, IN)
April 11, 2024 (Thursday evening)
Free to the public and student body / faculty
7 p.m. "Bearers of an 'Idle Tale' :
Women's Authority in a Credibility Economy"
Natalia Imperatori-Lee (Manhattan College)
more information at
Saintmarys.edu/spirituality
On April 15, 2024
the trial of the first former POTUS to face criminal prosecution begins when
Tr*mp faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records
related to his affair / sexual proposition of Stormy Daniels.
The gag order placed on frequent "Truth Social" tweeter Tr*mp
has been expanded due to his ongoing harassment online of
Judge Merchan's daughter.
www.nytimes.com/2024/04/01/nyregion/trump-gag-order-juan-merchan.html
Federal and state office primaries will be held
August 6 (Tuesday)
April 8, 2024 is the cut-off date for Hoosier voters to
register at their County Clerk; ID required.
May 7 is the date for the Indiana Primary (Federal
and state offices) -- early voting happens
on dates t.b.a.
The holy month of Ramadan ends with a solemn Iftar dinner.
DETAILS -- www.npr.org/2024/04/01/1241988655/Biden-iftar-ramadan -Gaza
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. D.C.
In previous years the Bidens had hosted larger Eid celebrations,
but that didn't seem appropriate during the Israel - HAMAS war ongoing.
April 1, 2024
The annual Easter celebration for children of D.C. and other invited
families was delayed today 90 minutes; everyone was welcomed
by POTUS Joe and Dr. Jill (FLOTUS) to the Egg-ucation event.
