March 29, 2024

Overview for this week.

1. We are starting this week with the Hindu festival Holi where celebrants welcome spring with a joyous celebration of divine love expressed by singing, dancing, and splashing brightly colored powders on each other.

2. If you've ever wondered why we have an Easter bunny, and why that bunny delivers eggs, we have some answers.

3. This week in Bragging Rights, mom Petra brags on her two daughters, Ana and Zoe! Be like Petra and use the submissions link to share about someone you are proud of.

4. We have chosen the chemist Rosalind Franklin as our final Woman of the Week for Women's History Month. Rosalind Franklin's work was vital to the discovery of DNA, yet she received little credit for it during her lifetime.

5. The Flock's absolute favorite mezzo-soprano, Linda Collazo will be performing at Carnegie Hall on April 5th.

6. Springtime in Arizona is the best time to visit the state to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery. Making it a great time to pamper yourself with a stay at one of our best Resort Spas, CIVANA in Carefree, Arizona.

7. We have an update on Next Genner and The Flock's roving researcher, William George. CNBC quoted William's analysis of how the recent collision of the Dali containership with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Port of Baltimore will affect supply chains.

8. In Wellness we have some simple tips from a cardiologist about how simply adding more movement to your day can make you fitter and improve your heart health.

9. We have some video updates from Reid Park Zoo on one of their older residents getting some hoof care and two of their newest additions settling in.

10. A pair of eagles who have become a viral sensation as fans tuned in to a live web cam of their brooding have finally started welcoming hatchlings in their nest! 

11. The Tucson Village Farm hosted a U-Pick experience every Tuesday in March this year. Two of our regular Flockers were able to attend this last week.

12. I would like to express my most sincere condolences to the friends and family of David Breashears, who passed away on March 14th. David Breashears was a master documentary filmmaker and a highly respected mountaineer. He will be greatly missed in the climbing and mountaineering communities.

Now, to this week's Flock.

Holi, the Hindu festival of Colors, Love, and Spring was celebrated on Monday March 25th this year. We must apologize for missing this one, but it's such a joyous and colorful celebration that I still wanted to make sure that I got it into The Flock.

From: Holifestival.org

Holi is considered as one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of India and it is celebrated in almost every part of the country. It is also sometimes called as the “festival of love” as on this day people get to unite together forgetting all resentments and all types of bad feeling towards each other. The great Indian festival lasts for a day and a night, which starts in the evening of Purnima or the Full Moon Day in the month of Falgun. It is celebrated with the name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on first evening of the festival and the following day is called Holi. In different parts of the country it is known with different names.

The vibrancy of colors is something that brings in a lot of positivity in our lives and Holi being the festival of colours is actually a day worth rejoicing. Holi is a famous Hindu festival that is celebrated in every part of India with utmost joy and enthusiasm. The ritual starts by lighting up the bonfire one day before the day of Holi and this process symbolizes the triumph of good over the bad. On the day of Holi 2024 people play with colours with their friends and families and in evening they show love and respect to their close ones with Abeer.

India celebrates Holi, the Hindu festival of colours

A celebration of Holi Festival in the United States.

photo: Steven Gerner

From: Holifestival.org

Holi knows no bars, Holi knows no boundaries too. Across the world wherever Indians or people of Indian origin are present Holi is celebrated with gusto and bonhomie. People play with colours, light a bonfire called Holika and celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Well, the essence of any festival is to take a break from the daily humdrum of life and make it interesting. The other major intention of celebrating festival is to bring people together and generate a feeling of brotherhood and spread harmony all around.

A look at the Holi festivities around the world

From: Good Housekeeping, By: Hannah Jeon and Annie o'Sullivan, February 19, 2024

Although the Easter holiday signifies the end of the Lenten season and the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, the spring celebration is so much more than that for young kids. It's a day full of egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, Easter baskets, crafts and more. And while all those traditions come with questions from curious kids, there's none more prevalent than — where does the Easter Bunny come from?

While legend has told us that the Easter Bunny is a long-eared, cotton-tailed creature who hops from house to house to deliver festive baskets, there's more about his history that you might not be familiar with. In fact, the Easter Bunny's connection to this special Christian holiday goes back to pagan traditions.

As Christians probably already know, the Bible makes no mention of a mythical hare who delivers eggs to children on the day of Jesus Christ's resurrection. So, why exactly has a rabbit become a prominent part of one of Christianity's most important celebrations of rebirth and renewal? One theory, according to Time, is that the symbol of the rabbit stems from the ancient pagan tradition on which many of our Easter traditions are based — the festival of Eostre, which honored the goddess of fertility and spring. The goddess's animal symbol was a rabbit, which have long traditionally stood for fertility due to their high reproduction rates.

Why does the Easter Bunny bring eggs?

Since rabbits are mammals (and give birth to live young), it might seem like a case of mistaken biology to say the Easter Bunny lays eggs on the holiday. Adding another miracle to the festivities, perhaps? The answer may lie in combining iconography. Eggs, just like the rabbit, have long been considered an ancient symbol of fertility, rebirth and new life, all associated with the springtime celebration of Easter!

From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs represent Jesus' resurrection and his emergence from the tomb. According to History.com, the tradition of decorating eggs for Easter may date back to the 13th century, when eggs were traditionally considered a forbidden food during the Lent season. That's why people decorated them as the fasting period came to an end, to make eating them an even more celebratory way to feast on Easter Sunday.

Ana Crimmel - 40 shots in a row without making a mistake.

This week I have two Bragging Rights submissions from a good friend and Flock reader, Petra Crimmel. Petra has good reason to brag on her two daughters, Ana and Zoe! We first featured the sisters in The Flock's Youth Entrepreneurs. In the above video, 15 year old Ana hits 40 shots in a row without making a mistake. The encouragement is coming from her biggest fan and toughest coach, Petra.

We've been following Petra's daughter Zoe's professional and collegiate tennis career as well as her blog, Where in the World is Zoe. Now, Zoe has had her first article published online.

From: Global Warming Mitigation Project, By: Zoe Crimmel

Choices that better our health have a large chance of also helping the planet. Driving a car versus riding a bike or walking, eating a burger versus a salad, and so many other daily choices lead to longer-term effects. Our choices hurt or help our carbon footprint, which is the impact our individual choices and activities have on the planet. Individuals believe that the actions that precede the moment they purchase their food do not affect their personal carbon footprint. Can a simple life change really make that big of a difference? 

From the farm to your table, the steps it takes for food to be grown, processed, shipped, and stored all impact the planet and your health. The meat industry is among the highest polluters in the world. Carbon-capturing trees are cut down to make space for farm animals, harmful pesticides are used on crops for animal feed, and manure management which releases high levels of methane into the atmosphere and pollutes water systems (USDA.gov).

While Rosalind Franklin's research was an important contribution to the discovery of DNA's double helix structure, she never fully received the recognition that she deserved as a scientist for her contribution to the discovery. This was in part due to her death from cancer at age 37, which preceded the Nobel Prize committee's recognition of the discovery.

From: History.com

It’s one of the most famous moments in the history of science: On February 28, 1953, Cambridge University molecular biologists James Watson and Francis Crick determined that the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA—the molecule carrying the genetic code unique to any individual—was a double helix polymer, a spiral consisting of two strands of DNA wound around one another.

Nearly 10 years later, Watson and Crick, along with biophysicist Maurice Wilkins, received the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for uncovering what they called the “secret of life.” Yet another person was missing from the award ceremony, whose work was vital to the discovery of DNA’s structure. Rosalind Franklin was a chemist and X-ray crystallographer who studied DNA at King’s College London from 1951 to 1953, and her unpublished data paved the way for Watson and Crick’s breakthrough.

Linda Collazo will be performing again at Carnegie Hall on April 5th as part of the 2024 Harmonic Convergence Concert. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend this time.

Produced by Choirs of America and led by Principal Conductor Rollo Dilworth, the Harmonic Convergence Concert represents the culminating performance of the 2024 Nationals for Top Choirs festival. The performance will feature choral programs from across the country.

photo: CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

I've covered Resorts and Spas in the western U.S. and also in Switzerland in past issues of The Flock. This week, I want to feature one that is closer to home. Springtime in Arizona is the best time to visit the state and a great time to pamper yourself with a stay at one of our greatest Resort spas, CIVANA in Carefree, Arizona.

From CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa is a playground of wellbeing located just outside of Scottsdale. CIVANA was created to invite more into wellness. More people. More choices. More affirmation and celebration. More unbounded joy and exploration. Simply put, we're here to help people learn sustainable tools to live their happiest, healthiest life. Within the resort, guests have access to over 25+ diverse wellness classes each day along with chef designed meals and an award-winning spa.

photo: CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Intentionally designed as an approachable alternative to most wellness resorts and one that suits the modern traveler, we offer each guest the flexibility to create an impactful, immersive experience that best suits them – from devout students of wellness who want to dive deeper to those who simply want to relax and unplug.

photo: CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

At CIVANA we believe that wellness is a personal journey, not a prescribed destination; And that living well—happy, healthy, and whole—means honoring what makes each of us feel truly alive.

Flock roving reporter and data researcher at Import Genius, William George was quoted in the following article from CNBC on supply chains that would be affected by Tuesday's collision of the containership Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Port of Baltimore. 

photo: Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images

From CNBC, By: Lori Ann LaRocco, March 27, 2024

Ocean carriers are declaring “force majeure” due to the Baltimore port bridge crisis, telling logistics companies and U.S. shippers including retailers that once cargo is dropped off at alternate ports, it becomes their responsibility to pick up.

In an alert to customers Tuesday, CMA CGM wrote, “Those (containers) on the water will be discharged at an alternate port where they will be made available for pick-up, and CMA CGM’s bill of lading will terminate.”

It was the first ocean carrier to declare force majeure — the provision in a contract that frees parties from an obligation due to events beyond their control.

“The impact of the Baltimore port stoppage on construction and contractor supply chains may be significant,” said William George, director of research for ImportGenius.

You don't need a gym, or even a lot of time, to fit in some exercise for better heart health and a longer life, a cardiologist says.

photo:andresr/Getty Images

From: Business Insider, By: Gabby Landsverk, March 15, 2024

Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy and stave off aging, and you don't need to spend hours a week to benefit, according to a cardiologist.

Thanks to cutting-edge wearables and advances in the booming fitness tech industry, it's easier than ever to keep tabs on your heart health in real time. Fitness stats like VO2 max can help make sure you're getting the most out of your exercise sessions.

But even with all the data available, you don't have to overcomplicate your workouts, said Dr. Edo Paz, a cardiologist at White Plains Hospital and senior vice president of medical affairs at the digital health company Hello Heart. While it can be motivating to measure your health progress with metrics like resting heart rate, the real test is low-tech, Paz said.

"For the vast majority of people, you don't need any of this stuff. You just need to go out and start doing some activity," he told Business Insider.

We have three new videos from the Reid Park Zoo this week: Yebonga the Rhino gets a pedicure; Moyo, the giraffe born on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is now two months old and a foot and a half taller; and the zoo's newest addition, the elephant calf born on March 8th enjoys some time playing in the mud.

Hoof Care for Geriatric Rhino, Yebonga

Moyo the Giraffe is 2 Months Old

Elephant Calf Enjoys Mud

Here is the latest update on an eagle 'power couple' turned viral internet stars as fans looked in on a live feed of their brooding. The current count is that they have welcomed three hatchlings to their nest and are doting over the little bobbleheads. 

From: PetHelpful, By:Natalie hoage, March 25, 2024

If you enjoy watching animals in their natural habitats, Explore.org has a really cool TikTok account where they share live video feeds of animals in the wild from all over the world. They shared some 'egg-citing' news on Wednesday, March 20th of two eagles who welcomed new babies into their nest. Explore lovingly refers to the eaglets as 'bobble heads' and it's a perfect description of them!

The proud parents, Akecheta and Thunder, have called the same nest home since 2020. Explore wasn't sure how many eggs were in the nest this time, and were pleasantly surprised to see not one, not two, but three eaglets being cared for by the doting parents. Watch on as the busy parents keep on eye on their new brood.

photo: Cita Scott

Last Tuesday, some Flock favorites attended the final Tucson Village Farms Harvest Your Own Vegetables at U-Pick Markets event for 2024. Cita Scott, The Flock's resident artist and photographer was there to capture a shot of Flock alumnus Louise Glasser, mother to Pepe the Mule, with a prized radish that she picked.

From: Tucson Foodie, by: Jess Luse, March 1, 2024

Each week, we open 20 slots for sign-ups. The U-Pick experience price will vary based on the vegetables available and is inclusive of a guided U-Pick harvest, food demonstration, and a box of select produce (based on availability) picked by YOU.

While our regular Tuesday Market continues to welcome all community members, those seeking an immersive farm experience, including the opportunity to personally pick vegetables, will need to secure a reservation for the U-Pick event via Eventbrite.

This is a great family event!

Our U-Pick season is over, but we hope to welcome you in the spring of 2025 to harvest your own veggies at Tucson Village Farm!

Mountaineer, filmmaker and author David Breashears while filming the IMAX documentary “Everest” that premiered in 1998

From: Vail Daily, By: John Laconte, March 26, 2024

David Breashears is best known as the filmmaker who co-directed and co-produced the 1998 IMAX documentary “Everest,” but before he reached legendary filmmaker status, he was a legend in the Colorado climbing community.

Breashears died March 14 at the age of 68 of natural causes. He was found unresponsive at his home in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Breashears was born in Georgia to a military family and moved around the country and the world before settling down with his mother in Denver. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, where he “paid the barest lip service to school,” he wrote in his 1999 autobiography “High Exposure: An Enduring Passion for Everest and Unforgiving Places.”

These Flock regulars are always here for you:

• Dr. Hayward M. Fox, Ph. D. and The Institute of Personal and Transpersonal Knowledge
• Kimberly Gomer of Body Beautiful Miami, our body shaper and fee-based nutritionist. 
• Kyria Sabin of Body Works Fletcher Pilates, she's the best.
• Where in the World is Zoe
• Sarah Smallhouse & Make Elections Fair Arizona - Sign the petition here!
• The Fabric Jeanie! Tap to learn more.

In coming weeks: we'll be sharing more investigative articles from our roving reporter William George, original writing from Flock favorite Dino DeConcini, and an update on the Marolt brother's coming expedition to Argentina.

Happy Easter!

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