August 11, 2023

Overview for this week.

1. We open with baby Truffle, now known as baby Zeus, enjoying a Tucson sunset.

2. An abridged video of Dr. Fox's July 29th seminar will be made available in a future issue of The Flock.

3. Please have the people of Maui in your thoughts. The island was hit by devastating fires driven by strong winds from Hurricane Dora this week. Anyone wishing to give can hit this link: American Red Cross of Hawaii. Earmark your giving for Maui Wildfire Recovery Fund.

4. The Flock has been covering the climbing team of Kristin Harila and Tenjin Sherpa as they set a new speed record for summiting the world's 4 highest peaks. Kristin has decided that it is time to retire, and Tenjen has decided to do it all over again.

5. The Perseid meteor shower will be at its peak this weekend and we'll let you know the best places to see it.

6. It's back-to-school time again. We have some advice to help reduce the stress of starting a new school year for both students and parents.

7. In Performing Arts we congratulate the Young Concert Artists new Composer-in-Residence Alistair Coleman and send a shout-out to our favorite piano and voice teacher, Linda Collazo.

8. In Wellness we look at the benefits of eating balanced and healthy grain power bowls

9. In the Book Corner we feature an issue of CookingLight dedicated to power bowl recipes.

10. We revisit Flocker Cita Scott's focaccia bread with some new pictures and insights on its preparation.

11. In the Pet's Corner we see an old friend Daisy the Akita, and meet a new one, a feline named Sweetie.

Now, to this weeks Flock.

Baby Zeus enjoying the sunset.

Dr. Fox's July 29th seminar was a great success. In an upcoming issue of The Flock he will be sharing an abridged video from the seminar with us all. Stay tuned, and we will keep you posted on future opportunities to attend one of Dr. Fox's seminars, either in-person or virtually. 

3. NATURAL DISASTER: Maui Wildfires

From: CNN, August 10, 2023

Help is desperately needed in Hawaii as devastating, fast-moving wildfires burn out of control across the Big Island and Maui.

Strong winds associated with Hurricane Dora have fanned the flames, knocking out local communication and destroying homes and historic buildings, including the popular Maui tourist destination Lahaina town.

Maui hospitals are overwhelmed with patients suffering burns and smoke inhalation. Thousands have evacuated or been displaced and dozens have been killed. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing, but local officials warn that the death toll could rise as more information becomes available.

From: WJLA, August 10, 2023

MAUI, HI (7News) — D.C.-based chef Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen (WCK) arrived in Maui late Wednesday night to help those suffering from the deadly wildfires.

A videographer is calling the wildfires that have hit Maui "apocalyptic," noting that people are "jumping in the ocean to escape the flames."

This is an unprecedented and catastrophic emergency for the island of Maui and the state of Hawaii. The fires are being fueled by winds from Hurricane Dora hundreds of miles off shore. Critical support is needed.

Mercy Chefs -- a leading provider of hot meals and relief for those facing disaster -- has deployed and we are serving meals to victims and emergency workers.

Norwegian woman mountain climber Kristin Harila, center and her Nepali Sherpa guide Tenjen Sherpa.

(AP Photo | Niranjan Shrestha)

From: Associated Press News, By: Binaj Gurubacharya, August 5, 2023

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A Norwegian who just became the fastest climber to scale all the world’s 14 highest mountains announced she was retiring from climbing high peaks on Saturday upon her return to Nepal.

Kristin Harila along with her Sherpa guide Tenjen were given a hero’s welcome at the Kathmandu airport where hundreds including mountaineers, government officials and well-wishers gathered to welcome them back with cheers and flower garlands.

Nepal's sherpa guide Tenjen Sherpa

(AP Photo | Niranjan Shrestha)

From: Associated Press News, By: Binaj Gurubacharya, August 9, 2023

A Sherpa guide who climbed the world’s 14 tallest mountains in record time is eyeing another record, looking to become the youngest person to scale all those peaks twice. Tenjen Sherpa, 35, and Norwegian climber Kristin Harila, 37, shattered the record for the fastest climb of the 14 mountains more than 8,000 meters (about 26,000 feet) high when they topped Mount K2 in Pakistan late last month. The previous record was 189 days, and the pair did it in 92 days.

Instead of taking a long break, Tenjen intends to start working toward his new goal by joining an expedition to scale Mount Shishapangma in China within the next couple of months.

“I have already done (it) once and I want to double it,” he told The Associated Press in Kathmandu on Wednesday. “It is now my new target to be the youngest to scale these peaks twice.”

5. THE HEAVENS: Perseid Meteor Shower Update

Earth orbiting through the debris field of comet Swift-Tuttle from late July until September 1.

Illustration courtesy of Bob King, AstroBob. The Berkshire Edge

The Perseid meteor shower will continue to be visible through the end of August. A waning crescent moon will make the nights and early mornings of  this coming weekend the best chance to view the meteor shower. Stargazers can expect to see as many as 40 to 90 shooting stars per hour.

From: The Berkshire Edge, By:Judy Isacoff, August 5, 2023

In a dark sky lit with stars a streak of bright light appears and is gone in one inspired breath. Then, a brushstroke with a long and lasting trail carries our spirit on a sublime ride. A meteor is light produced by meteoroids—bits of asteroids or comets—burning up due to friction upon entering Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, travelling at 37 miles per second, according to NASA. By extension, meteors—or shooting stars—are trails of incandescent air created by luminescent rocks. The largest, brightest meteors are fireballs or Earth grazers—both possible Perseid events. A meteorite is a solid piece of debris from outer space that lands on Earth, having survived entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

A meteor streaks above Anza-Borrego Desert State Park during a previous Perseid meteor shower. credit:Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times

From: Los Angeles Times, By: Matt Pawlik, August 4, 2023

When the sun goes down over the next several days, you’ll want to look up. Summer’s celestial blockbuster, the Perseids meteor shower, is back, gracing the night sky through about Sept. 1. Based on the American Meteor Society’s forecast, our planet will see the densest display on August 12th and 13th.

Here are my favorite Southern California spots, from deserts to mountains to the coast, to watch the dancing streaks of light. Grab a spot early for a stellar evening escapade or, if you’d prefer to catch the event from the comfort of your sofa, you can also view it virtually.

The asteroid belt is a region of space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter where most of the asteroids in our Solar System are found orbiting the Sun. The asteroid belt probably contains millions of asteroids.

The main difference between asteroids and comets is their composition, as in, what they are made of. Asteroids are made up of metals and rocky material, while comets are made up of ice, dust and rocky material. Both asteroids and comets were formed early in the history of the solar system about 4.5 billion years ago. Asteroids formed much closer to the Sun, where it was too warm for ices to remain solid. Comets formed farther from the Sun where ices would not melt. Comets which approach the Sun lose material with each orbit because some of their ice melts and vaporizes to form a tail.

6. KID'S/EDUCATOR'S CORNER: Back-To-School

It's back-to-school time again. This can be a hectic and anxious time of the year for both children and parents. A little bit of preparation and planning can help relieve the stress for all involved.

From: Reading Eggs

Transitions can be tricky for kids, particularly if they're starting school for the first time or returning after an extended period away. The pandemic pushed us all into a new normal, and just when kids were getting the hang of it, the goalposts have changed again. Preparation is key when it comes to banishing the pesky butterflies that can take hold of stressed kids' tummies when change is afoot. Knowing where to begin with allaying their fears can be overwhelming, but there's no need to fret, we've got you covered!

Practical small steps are the best approach to dealing with overwhelming expectations.

From: wikiHow, By: Jai Flicker, May 4, 2023

Ah, the big day you’ve been dreaming of is almost here—high school! As the day gets closer and closer, you may be wondering how you can best prepare for the new world you’re about to experience. Not to worry. There are plenty of things you can do to get ready for high school. To make it easy for you, we’ve put together a handy list of helpful suggestions you can use to make sure you’re fully prepared.

From: Today: By: Elise Solé, August 9, 2023

Ever wonder what teachers are really thinking and feeling?

They have a lot on their minds as they start the school year. We found a handful of K-12 educators willing to spill their expectations for families.

7. PERFORMING ARTS: Young Concert Artists

Alistair Coleman

The Flock has featured the Young Concert Artists and several of their alumni including pianist Brian Wong and violinist Randall Goosby. The Young Concert Artists is a New York City-based non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and promoting the careers of talented young classical musicians from all over the world.

From: Young Concert Artists, March 16, 2023

YCA is thrilled to announce that Alistair Coleman has been selected to be YCA’s 2023 Composer-in-Residence! Alistair joins the YCA roster with a three-year comprehensive management contract, and will be awarded $18,000 for three YCA commissions to be written over the course of the residency, and premiered in upcoming debut concerts. He was selected out of nearly 150 composers who submitted for the YCA composer search, representing an incredibly high level of talent and imagination.

Learn More About Alistair

ALISTAIR COLEMAN Broadacre City for Flute and String Quartet (2022)

Students of Ms. Collazo have successfully been admitted to music schools including Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and Talent Unlimited High School.

Linda Collazo is a professional opera singer from the South Bronx. She has performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall and is an alumni of LaGuardia High School. Her work has been featured on BronxNet TV and News 12 The Bronx.

"Linda is very patient and will work at your pace... I absolutely recommend -- you have nothing to lose!"

– Marcos Vargas, Piano Student

8. WELLNESS: Power Bowls

From: Healthline, By: Christalyuen, August 27, 2020

In the age of slow cookers and one-pan wonders, monochrome meals have automated how we enjoy our meals. While the ability to get dinner out in one washable dish is worthy consolation, we often forget that comfort is baked — not only into the food — but also into the design of a bowl.

From holding its warmth to feasting on the deliciousness laid inside, eating out of a bowl is like cracking open a globe and savoring all the spiced complexity this world has to offer.

And as Francis Lam wrote for the New York Times, a grain bowl isn’t about the recipe — it’s about the formula of grain, protein, vegetable, and dressing that creates a perfect, balanced bite.

9. BOOK CORNER: CookingLight Power Bowls

I am a big fan of Cooking Light magazine. The June 2023 issue features recipes for healthy and nutritious power bowls.

These bowls are versatile and super easy to modify to fit your diet and needs. Because these are Cooking Light recipes, you can be assured that these bowls are brimming with health-promoting nutrients instead of fats and sugars. Jump on the bowl bandwagon and see how easy healthy eating can be.

10. BAKING: Cita Scott's Focaccia Bread Update

Last week, Flock contributor and all-around artist Cita Scott shared her thoughts on the magic and art of baking bread. This week she has generously provided us with some updated photography showing her focaccia bread as it is being prepared. The photo above is the blank canvas.

Next, it's dressed up with seasoning and toppings. It is now that the dough starts to jiggle and bubble as your creation comes alive.

The finished Focaccia bread, out of the oven, cooled, cut into squares and ready to be enjoyed.

11. PET'S CORNER: Sweetie and Daisy

Meet Sweetie and Daisy. We first met Daisy in the May 12th issue of the Flock. Today we meet Sweetie for the first time. She is a senior rescue kitty that a good friend of Daisy's mom, and long-time Flock contributor, Cita Scott, found through a cashier at Trader Joe's. Sweetie is deaf and has a picky appetite. When Daisy comes by for a visit, Sweetie always greets her with a nose lick. She even shares her pink catnip mouse with Daisy too.

Sweetie knows how to beat the heat with a nap.

She’s such a good girl!

photo:Cita Scott

Don't Be Shy: Share Your Stories!

I'm looking forward to sharing more of your personal stories - oral, written, or otherwise, as we enter our second year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story.

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

520-818-4433

View as Webpage