August 23, 2024

REMINDER: YOUR SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED AND WELCOMED

Paris 2024 Paralympics

August 28th, 2024 -– September 8th, 2024

Overview for this week.

1. The Paris 2024 Paralympics open in five days on Wednesday, August 28th. I have some more facts and trivia to help you get familiar with the Games.

2. I wanted to feature the University of Arizona's Adaptive Athletics program. Arizona's program is a model for colleges around the country. Over the past 50 years they have sent 51 athletes to the Paralympics. I’m also featuring one of those athletes, wheelchair rugby team member and three-time Olympian Josh Wheeler.

3. In honor of a trailblazer in para sport, Richard Traum, who passed away at the start of this year, I'm reposting our tribute to him and the organization he founded, Achilles International, from the Flock Archives.

4. The world's second most populous country, India, celebrated its 78th Independence Day last week on August 15th.

5. In The Heavens, I have some information on witnessing this weekend’s planetary alignment, where six planets will be visible in the pre-dawn sky.

6. Space.com has a gallery of stunning photos of Monday's Supermoon Blue Moon from around the world. Be sure to click through to see the full gallery.

7. In the Kid's Corner, a proud mom has shared a book review written in Spanish from a 10-year-old aspiring writer.

8. In our second reader submission this week, I have two very well produced audio plays written by Gloria Blum and submitted by her husband Barry. "The Trial of Sarah" explores the initial rift between the Jews and the Arabs that started as conflict in Abraham's family. "Ma's Last Request' is a one-act family comedy. 

9. In the Book Corner, we revisit Abraham's family and their influence over three of the world's great religions. 

10. Fern graces the Pet's Corner this week checking in with a new glamour shot, and a couple of short videos.

Now, to this week's Flock.

Tap to view past issues.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will begin next Wednesday, August 28th. The opening ceremony beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET. will be broadcast on NBC, CNBC, and USA Network. You can stream the Paralympics through the Peacock app, the official Paralympics YouTube channel, and at the International Paralympic Committee website. Last week we highlighted the 76-year history of the Paralympics and provided a link to the full list of Paralympic sports. This week I have highlighted some facts and trivia from the official Olympics website to help you familiarize yourself to the Paralympic Games. I hope you get to enjoy this years competition.

Did you know the word “Paralympic” uses the prefix “para-”, which means “next to” in Greek? That it is possible to shoot a bow and arrow without using your hands? That the basketball hoop stands the same height off the ground for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games? Or that wheelchair rugby is played with a round ball? Check out the list of 50 facts you absolutely need to know about the Paralympic Games.

The symbol of the Paralympic Games is made up of three waves called “Agitos”, which means “I move” in Latin.

The Games are an opportunity to discover two sports that exist only at the Paralympic Games: boccia and goalball.

Since the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the guides (in para athletics and para triathlon) and pilots (in para cycling and para triathlon) are also awarded medals.

No prostheses are allowed in para swimming; swimmers compete without the aid of accessories.

The balls used in blind football and goalball are filled with bells. They make a noise when they roll so that the players can locate them.

The hoop used in wheelchair basketball is 3.05 metres from the ground, just like at the Olympic Games. There’s no difference, it’s all about skill and dedication!

Athletes often record faster times at the Paralympic Games than at the Olympics. In Rio in 2016, Algeria’s Abdellatif Baka won the 1500m gold in 03:48:29, while Matthew Centrowitz of the USA had become the Olympic champion two weeks earlier in a time of 03:50:00.

The University of Arizona adaptive athletics is one of the largest and most successful collegiate-based programs in the country supporting competitive teams in men's basketball, women's basketball, golf, handcycling, para swimming, rugby, tennis, track and roadracing. The UA Adaptive Athletics program has been represented in the Paralympics going back to the Rome 1960 Paralympic games. The University of Arizona is sending sixteen athletes to the Pars 2024 Paralympics, competing in six sports, and representing three countries.

We are a dynamic wheelchair and adaptive sports community with seven competitive teams and counting. The largest and most successful collegiate-based program in the country.

From: The University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics

The largest and most successful collegiate-based program in the country, the University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics Program houses seven competitive teams as well as an adaptive fitness center. In its 50-year history, Adaptive Athletics has sent 51 athletes to the Paralympics and has won a number of national titles, making this program a leader in the adaptive and wheelchair sports community. With excellent disability and athletics resources, and weather that allows for competition and training year-round, the University of Arizona is home to a dynamic and vibrant wheelchair and adaptive sports community.  

In our history, University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics has sent 51 athletes and alumni to the Paralympic Games. With its first competition in Rome, Italy in 1960, the Paralympic Games provide elite competition or the world's best, most accomplished disabled athletes. 

University of Arizona alumnus Josh Wheeler practices passing drills in Campus Recreation's SouthREC facility. Wheeler will travel to Paris for the 2024 Paralympics, where he will play for Team USA's men's wheelchair rugby team. He was a member of the silver-medalist teams at both the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2020 games in Tokyo.

From: University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics, By: Logan Burtch-Buus, August 21, 2024

Josh Wheeler flashes a smile as he races across the basketball court. Arms pumping furiously, hands pushing against the wheels of his new wheelchair, his eyes track a red-and-white striped ball as it sails through the air over his left shoulder.

The ball comes up short, landing just inches behind Wheeler's chair as he nears the end of the court. Eyes trained on his target, he comes to a quick stop, turns, reaches out and grasps the ball with one hand as his chair tips on to one wheel.

Quite the precarious position.

At first glance it may seem like a near-accident, but the maneuver only causes Wheeler to laugh as he warms up for practice at the University of Arizona Campus Recreation's SouthREC facility. Wheeler can be found in the gym three days a week, running drills with his teammates. After passing exercises and wind sprints, Wheeler ends the training session tired and sweating – though his smile remains.

...Taking on Canada in the Champ-de-Mars Arena won't be Wheeler's first time playing on the world stage. A longtime member of Team USA's wheelchair rugby squad, he was a member of the silver-medalist teams at both the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2020 games in Tokyo. 

This year, Wheeler's mind is set on winning gold in front of his family.

Wheelchair Rugby Athlete Josh Wheeler Prepares for 2024 Paralympics

With the Paris 2024 Paralympics coming up and the focus on athletes with disabilities, I felt compelled to repost two articles from March this year. In the early spring of this year, the adaptive sports community lost a titan when Richard Traum, founder of Achilles International passed away. The following is reposted as it appeared in the March 22, 2024, issue.

I recently learned about the unexpected loss of a dear friend of my husband Michael and myself, Richard Traum. He was a fixture in Central Park among the New York running community. Dick was such an example of perseverance and leadership. He was a huge influence on my life and so many others. His passing came as a shock, and I am still heartbroken.

From: Dignity Memorial

Richard G. Traum Ph. D., lovingly known to many as Dick Traum, passed away on January 23, 2024 at 83 years old in New York City. Born and raised in Manhattan

He is survived by his loving family, was a devoted husband to Elizabeth, father to Joe, father-in- law to Josie, his greatest title “Grandpa” to Isabella and brother to Joanne.

After losing his leg in a car accident, his motivation to excel grew. He was the first amputee to run on a prosthetic leg and complete the NYC Marathon in 1976. In 1983, he founded and was the President of a running group, Achilles Track Club. Its reach expanded internationally over time to form Achilles International. An organization that inspires other disabled athletes to participate in mainstream sports.

After leaving Achilles International in 2019, he continued to inspire as President of United States Wheelchair Sports Fund till the present day. He is a published author of three books, “A Victory for Humanity”,"Go Achillies" and “The Courage to Go Forward”.

He leaves an everlasting legacy. He has touched and 

"You have this one life, what are you going to do with it?"

– Dick Traum

I wanted to include a bit more this week about Achilles International, the organization that Dick Traum created to promote and support athletes with disabilities. Anyone who regularly participates in triathlons, marathons, and fun runs recognizes their bright yellow shirts and the positivity they represent. They do truly wonderful work.

From: Achilles International

Achilles International, a global organization operating in 18 countries including the US, transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Since our founding in 1983, we have empowered over 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe.

Achilles International’s portfolio of programs includes the Achilles Freedom Team which serves wounded military personnel and veterans; Achilles Kids which provides training, race opportunities, and an in-school program for children with disabilities; the TriAchilles Team which expands our running program into biking and swimming; Achilles Chapter workouts; and, our signature Hope & Possibility® race which takes place in several cities worldwide.

We break down barriers to race start lines and empower the disability community to cross the finish line.

Women perform a dance on Independence Day in Kerala, India

India is the world's second most populous country and the largest democracy. Last Thursday, August 15th, India celebrated its 78th Independence Day.

From: Business Standard

The Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 every year to commemorate India’s freedom from the British rule in 1947. After independence, India became the world's largest democracy after the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act, 1947, transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly.

The Independence Day also marks the anniversary of undivided India’s partition into India and Pakistan.

India's struggle for independence started in 1857 with the Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut and it gained momentum after the First World War. In 20th century, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian National Congress (INC) and other political organisations launched a countrywide independence movement and revolt against the oppressive British rule.

During the Second World War in 1942, the Indian Congress launched the Quit India Movement demanding an end to the British rule which prompted colonial rulers detaining many campaigners, nationalists, and ministers including Gandhi.

During the partition of India in 1947, violent riots, mass casualties, and displacement of nearly 15 million people took place amid religious violence.

From: Culture Trip, By: Poonam Binayak, August 23, 2019

Every year on 15 August, the streets of India are adorned with the tricolours of the national flag as the country celebrates its day of independence.

In the weeks leading up to 15 August, landmarks and government buildings are lit up in the country’s national colours. Shops, malls and houses are decorated in similar colours, and shopkeepers can be found selling flags, dupattas (lengths of fabric) and kites for the occasion. Documentaries, patriotic films and programmes related to India’s freedom are aired on TV channels to get people into the spirit of Independence Day.

From: Firstpost, August 14, 2023

As the sun rises on the 15th of August, a colorful spectacle takes over the skies of India. The soaring kites of various shapes and hues mark the celebration of the nation’s hard-fought independence.

Kite flying has evolved into a cherished tradition, symbolizing not just the freedom attained in 1947, but also the unity and diversity that define India.

Kite flying holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, especially on the occasion of Independence Day.

The activity has deep historical roots, harking back to the pre-independence era when it was used as a form of protest against the British Raj.

In the modern context, it represents the nation’s triumphant struggle for freedom and the unity that binds its diverse populace.

On this day, people of all ages gather on rooftops, open fields, and public spaces across the country to fly kites with great enthusiasm.

This Saturday, August 24th is your best chance to see a planetary alignment of six planets. if you are up before dawn on Saturday morning you have a good chance of seeing Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury without the need for magnification. Neptune and Uranus will require at least a set of good binoculars. I can recommend downloading a stargazing app like Star Walk or SkyView Lite to your phone. They make it much easier to find and identify celestial objects. App Store: Star Walk, SkyView Lite | Google Play: Star Walk, SkyView Lite

Determined skygazers will be able to see Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, Mars and Mercury.

From: CNET, By Joe Hindy, August 20, 2024

Did you miss the June 3 planet parade, when six planets lined up in the sky? A second chance is coming in just a few days, on the morning of Aug. 24, when stargazers once again will have the opportunity to see six planets in the sky at the same time. These events, known as planetary alignments or planet parades, aren't as rare as some other astrological events. But 2024 has brought a total solar eclipse, Aurora Borealis and June's six-planet parade, so it's been a good year for backyard astronomers. 

Prime time for the planet parade will be Saturday morning, Aug. 24, when Saturn, Jupiter and Mars will be visible with the naked eye. Neptune and Uranus will be visible for most of the night, but require high-powered binoculars or telescopes to view. The planets are fairly well spread out so you may need to turn your head quite a bit to see all of them. Saturn will appear first, followed by Neptune. Uranus, Jupiter and Mars will come over the horizon as the night goes on. Finally, Mercury will appear over the horizon at approximately 5:45 a.m., approximately 30 minutes before sunrise. 

Much like last time, the best vantage point for folks in the US will be in the New York state region on the morning of Aug. 24 between 5:45 a.m. ET and sunrise, which is slated for 6:15 a.m. ET. Once the sun comes over the horizon, the planets will become less visible until daylight obstructs them entirely. 

The rest of the world will have an opportunity to see the parade as well. According to the Star Walk app, you can view the parade on the following dates in the following regions:

• Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong, Aug. 23
• Athens and Tokyo, Aug. 24
• Berlin, London, and Reykjavík, Aug. 26
• Mexico, Aug. 28
• São Paulo and Sydney, Aug. 30

image credit: THOMAS TRAASDAHL/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images

Space.com has a gallery of stunning photos of Monday's supermoon blue moon from around the world. I'm posting a few here but be sure to click through and browse the full gallery.

August's full moon was the first of four supermoons this year. We've rounded up some of the best photos worldwide.

From: Space.com, By: Daisy Dobrijevic, August 21, 2024

August's Supermoon Blue Moon 2024 put on an epic show worldwide and we've rounded up some of the best photos to prove it. 

The Supermoon Blue Moon occurred at 2:26 p.m. EDT (1826 GMT) on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, when the moon was 100% fully illuminated. Moonrise times are dependent on your viewing location.

August's full moon was a seasonal Blue Moon meaning it's the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. The term supermoon refers to a full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth during its orbit, according to NASA. August's full moon will be followed by three more supermoons on Sept. 17, Oct. 17 and Nov. 15.

Supermoon Blue Moon rising over the Longquan Mountain Observation Deck in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China.

image credit: Yang Qitian/VCG via Getty Images

Supermoon Blue Moon rising above the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.

image credit: Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkiye

Supermoon Blue Moon rising behind Nacka, Stockholm, Sweden.

image credit: JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images

I like to feature young writers from time to time, this young lady will likely be publishing soon. A rightly proud mom submitted this for inclusion in the Flock, and I'm very pleased that she did. It's certainly an award winner.

By: Natasha Jain (5th Grade, 10 years old)

Este es un reporte en la libro, Refugee de Alan Gratz. Este libro five un poco intenso pero era muy divertido a leer. este libro acera de tres niños y sus viajes a escapar su ciudad que esta siendo invadido. pero todas de los niños son por un diferente lugar y tiempo pero todas de ellos tengo un casa en común y es escapar. los niños son Josef en Germany 1930's, Isabel en Cuba 1994, y Mahmoud en Syria 2015. El libro Refugee es de los niños enfrentar duras condiciones climáticas y superar desafíos durante sus viajes. yo me gusta el libro Refugee Porque los viajes de los niños eran cosas que muchos Refugees necesitan acer. Me gusta eso porque en esta libro tu aprende muchas en esta libro tu aprende muchas cosas que los refugees necesian acer, y como vida era para ellos. yo recomendé el libro refugee porque es muy divertido a leer, y el libro tiene tantos giros diferentes que te dan ganas a seguir leyendo el libro.

Dear friends of mine and Flock readers Barry and Gloria Blum have shared two of plays written by Gloria with us this week. Gloria and I met in the mid-eighties on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and shared many walks together. "The Trial of Sarah" and "Ma's Last Request". "The Trial of Sarah" won a Silver Prize from the National Audio Theatre Festivals (NATF) contest.

From: The National Audio Theatre Festivals

The Trial of Sarah, a family peace play written by Gloria Itman Blum, is a retelling of the biblical story of Sarah sending Hagar and Ishmael away to the desert to protect her own son Isaac. This fearful demand dividing Abraham's family may have been the precursor to the hostility between the Jews (the descendants of Isaac) and the Arabs (the descendants of Ishmael). The Angelic Court of Eternal Accountability reexamines and heals this ancient conflict.

A one-act stage play (comedy) about Leah, an uninhibited and fearless Jewish immigrant mother from Poland. Each of the five scenes depicts a humorous yet touching true story as remembered by Leah's daughters.

You may still see this message come up but ignore it, it won't harm your computer:  

Can't scan file for viruses "Ma's Last Request_MASTER.mp3" (107 MB) exceeds the maximum file size that Google can scan. 

This file might harm your computer, so only play this file if you understand the risks.

This week I have two books that explore the common roots of three of the world's major religions.

A prominent rabbi and imam, each raised in orthodoxy, overcome the temptations of bigotry and work to bridge the chasm between Muslims and Jews

F. E. Peters, a scholar without peer in the comparative study of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, revisits his pioneering work. Peters has rethought and thoroughly rewritten his classic The Children of Abraham for a new generation of readers-at a time when the understanding of these three religious traditions has taken on a new and critical urgency.

We've been graced with another visit this week from the Flock's favorite mouser, princess Fern.

Fran kneading her dough

I make biscuits every day

photo submitted by Fern's uncle Ken in Alaska

These Flock regulars are always here for you:

In coming weeks: we'll be sharing more investigative articles from our roving reporter William George, original writing from Flock favorite Dino DeConcini.

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 third year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story.

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