February 6, 2026

REMINDER: YOUR SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED

Overview for this week.

1. Bindu's Corner: This week, Bindu brings us a poem by Khalil Gibran. 

2. Winter X Games 2026: Last month's X Games in Aspen, CO, were a prelude to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

3. Winter Olympic Games: Milano Cortina 2026 is officially underway. By the time you receive this week's Flock, some events will have been decided, but stay tuned, I'll be following the Games throughout the month. 

4. Super Seniors: Retired teacher and former marathoner, Peter Saccone, has found his own path to wellness by practicing the lifestyle he preached tohis young students throughout his career.

5. Reader Submission: I have a texting code cheat sheet submitted by a Flock reader.

6. Volcanoes: Volcanic clouds are made up of particles known as tephra that can be harmful to health, agriculture, and infrastructure, and can create dangerous conditions for transportation.

7. Travel: Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, California, considered the birthplace of yoga in America, represents a unique blending of Dharmic spirituality and SoCal surf culture. 

8. Hayward M. Fox, Ph.D.: Read the latest post from Dr. Fox's blog.

9. Bonus Video: The "Ice Volcanoes" of the Great Lakes.

A Note From Beth

I hope you will pick and choose, and enjoy your reads.

Please feel free to share the Flock.

Now, to this week's Flock.

Thank you, Bindu, for this poem by Khalil Gibran, author of The Prophet.

Last month marked the 25th consecutive year of the winter X Games at Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, CO. This year, general admission to daytime slope-side competitions was free to the general public, with paid tickets required for nighttime competitions, concerts, and events associated with the games. I didn't take advantage because I had a clear view of the renowned halfpipe from my living room window. The X Games were born out of a class of sports known as action sports, such as skateboarding, surfing, BMX, freestyle motocross, and, in winter, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and freeskiing, which were outliers in international competition at the games' inception. Since the first games in 1995, many of the X Games sports have now been incorporated into the Olympics.

From: The Concert Chronicles, By: Zack Hartman

Some events unfold in a straight line. The X Games do not. They arrive in fragments, moments spread across a full weekend, stitched together by snow, sound, risk, conversation, and mutual awe. You do not experience it chronologically so much as you absorb it.

From the opening press conference through the final night at Buttermilk, the winter X Games felt less like something you attend and more like something you move through.

The tone was set early at the press conference. Athletes sat alongside leadership, including Jeremy Bloom, and the message was clear: X Games is actively reshaping its future. The introduction and continued emphasis on the X Games League framed the entire weekend with a focus on structure and continuity. Athletes are treated as professionals with careers. Teams, rivalries, and seasons that people can follow with intention.

That context carried weight once competition began.

Across all three days, the mountain demanded respect. Snow fell steadily, stacking to roughly fifteen inches by the final night. Wind chill dropped to around fifteen below. Visibility came and went without warning, gear froze, fingers went numb, and still nothing slowed down.

Dual opening ceremonies for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games were held simultaneously in the northern Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the first time two cities have hosted the Games. This year, I'm paying special attention to the USA's Women's skiers who are expected to do well across the board. Mikaela Shiffrin, coming off a 2026 World Cup victory in the women's slalom, is looking strong for the women's slalom, giant slalom, and team combined. I'm also rooting extra hard for Lindsey Vonn, who, after tearing her ACL in a crash at the World Cup, will become the oldest woman, at 41, to compete in the Olympic downhill. I will be following the Games and posting results throughout the month.

From: Reflector, By: The Associated Press, February 4, 2026

The torch relay is nearly complete and some of the top athletes are already making headlines. There are 16 sports in all, including some never seen before, and 116 gold medals are waiting to be awarded.

Milan’s San Siro stadium is the venue for Friday's opening ceremony, which is usually the most viewed moment of the Games as millions around the world will watch on official broadcasters. U.S. pop star Mariah Carey, crossover tenor Andrea Bocelli are among the performers. It begins at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. Eastern).

This will be the most spread-out Winter Games in history: The two primary competition sites are the city of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the winter resort in the Dolomites that is more than 400 kilometers (250 miles) away by road. Athletes also will compete in three other mountain clusters besides Cortina, while the closing ceremony will be in Verona, 160 kilometers (100 miles) east of Milan.

Preliminary heats began on Wednesday. Check here for a daily schedule.

Key dates to know

Competition runs Feb. 4-22. Here are some of the dates to mark on your calendar:

Feb. 4: Competition begins (curling).

Feb. 6: Opening ceremony.

Feb. 7: First gold medal events.

Feb. 8: Gold medal, women’s Alpine skiing downhill.

Feb. 13: Gold medal, men’s figure skating.

Feb. 18: Gold medal, women’s Alpine skiing slalom.

Feb. 19: Gold medal, women’s figure skating. Gold medal game, women’s ice hockey. First gold medals in ski mountaineering, a new Olympic sport.

Feb. 22: Gold medal game, men’s ice hockey. Closing ceremony.

Top storylines

Athletes to watch: Two of the most decorated Alpine skiers in history, 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, opened the World Cup season in dominant form. Vonn still plans to compete despite rupturing her ACL last week. Eileen Gu is back in freestyle skiing, as is Chloe Kim in snowboarding. NHL players are back on Olympic ice for the first time since 2014 so watch for the likes of Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid.

From: Olympics.com

In the USA you can watch the Olympic Winter Games on NBC and, or on their streaming service Peacock, and in Spanish language on NBC Universal partner Telemundo. In the UK, the BBC will be broadcasting the Games and streaming is available through the BBC iPlayer, website and app. For the rest of the globe, the official Olympics.com website has a directory on where to watch Milano Cortina 2026 from Afghanistan to Zambia.

Each edition of the Olympics feature official mascots for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This year's mascots, Tina and Milo, two anthropomorphic stoats accompanied by the flow, six small sidekicks based on winter blooming Snowdrops. The mascots were chosen by a public poll of over 1600 entries drawn by Italian students between the ages of 6 and 14.

From: Olympics.com

The official Mascots of Milano Cortina 2026 are two cheerful stoats named Tina and Milo.

The lighter-colored stoat represents the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, while her younger brother Milo, with his darker fur, is the face of the Paralympic Winter Games.

Their names are inspired by the host cities: Tina from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milo from Milano.

From: NBC Olympics, January 31, 2026

The Winter Olympics officially kick off on Feb. 6 2026. While the grandeur, upsets and history-making moments will remain, the spectacle promises to be even more spectacular than ever with a series of new competitions, formats and the introduction of ski mountaineering. 

Here’s what’s new at the Milan Cortina Games:

• Ski Mountaineering debuts as an Olympic sport

The last time a new discipline was introduced to the Winter Olympics American Idol had just premiered. Skeleton debuted at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and for 24 years the status quo remained. Not anymore. Ski mountaineering will climb its way into competition at Milan Cortina 2026, with sprint and mixed relay events taking centerstage.

Skimo combines elements of cross-country skiing, climbing and downhill, with competitors racing through a course to achieve the best time. During an initial ascent, athletes wear adhesive skins on the bottoms of their skis, which enable them to ski uphill. Then, an on-foot portion requires quick ski removal and a speed hike. Once at the mountaintop, "ski-moers" snap back into their ski boots and race downhill to the finish line.

• Team Combined | Alpine Skiing

The team combined event is still in its formative years, having been introduced to the sport at the 2023 World Junior Alpine Skiing Championships. In 2025, it debuted on the professional level at the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships, with Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson winning gold in the inaugural women’s race and Franjo von Allmen (SUI) and Loic Meillard (SUI) capturing gold in the men’s race.

Its predecessor, the super combined event, also was made up of a downhill and slalom race, however, one athlete was tasked with completing both.

• Equal Distances for Men and Women | Cross-Country Skiing

Twelve total Olympic cross-country skiing events will take place at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games. There are six events for both men and women. The distances for each event are now the same for both men and women for the first time in Olympic competition.

• Dual Moguls | Freestyle Skiing

Part of the FIS World Cup circuit since 1995, dual moguls has been newly added to the freestyle skiing Olympic program for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. All skiers who qualify to compete in moguls also will compete in this event.

• Mixed Team Relay | Skeleton

The mixed team relay, which will make its Olympic debut at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, pairs one woman and one man from each nation for back-to-back runs, combining their times for the final score. After featuring on the IBSF World Cup circuit, the event turned heads at the 2025 World Championships in Lake Placid, where Mystique Ro and Austin Florian struck gold for Team USA — making them early favorites for Olympic glory.

• Women's Large Hill | Ski Jumping

For the first time ever, the women's ski jumping program at the Olympics will feature two events: the normal hill, which debuted in 2014, and the new large hill event. The addition marks the continuation of a push to promote gender equality at the Winter Games

• Men's Super Team | Ski Jumping

The men's super team replaces the traditional men's team competition, which had been contested at the Olympics since 1988. In the new super team event, two jumpers compete together in three scored rounds as opposed to four athletes competing in two scored rounds, as is done in the traditional team event. 

• Women’s Doubles | Luge

After debuting the mixed team relay at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games, luge once again adds to its roster, with the women's doubles event planned for its first Olympic outing in Cortina. First competed at the senior level for a full World Cup season in 2022-23, the event finally brings gender parity (albeit with a quota of 11 teams to men's 17) to the sport, which previously saw the doubles event, technically gender neutral, competed only by men since its inaugural Games in 1964.

Octogenarian Peter Saccone has found the secret to keeping his mind and body healthy in retirement by following a combination of daily physical and intellectual exercise that he taught his elementary school students throughout his career as an educator. Now he follows a daily routine of morning exercise followed by indulging his favorite pastime, reading mystery novels outside in the sun. I find his story inspiring and hope to follow his example in my eighties and nineties.

At 82, retired teacher and former marathon runner has discovered his next chapter doesn’t require a busy social calendar

Pete Saccone's daily routine of long morning workouts and quiet afternoons spent reading follows a predictable rhythm that would be monotonous to some but provides comfort to him

From: The San Diego Union-Tribune, By: Barbara Bry, January 24, 2026

Peter Saccone rises at 5:30 a.m. every day as he has for decades. Instead of going for a run or to his job as a fifth-grade elementary school teacher, the 82-year-old former ultramarathoner now goes to his workout room, which has a stationary bike, treadmill and rowing machine. 

For 2 1/2 hours, he works through his routine with the same discipline that carried him through more than 100 marathons and grueling six-day races. “I say to myself, you know how good you will feel at 9 a.m.,” he explains, his still lean runner’s frame a testament to a lifetime of exercise. 

The reward: “You will have a good meal, and you can spend the rest of the day reading and sitting in the sun,” he says…

Saccone taught fifth grade at Meridian Elementary School in El Cajon, where he created “Funner to Be a Runner” — a name his 10-year-old students came up with when he started taking them out to walk, and eventually run, around the school field. Three times around equaled a mile, and those miles added up to more than just physical fitness. For 23 consecutive years, he says his students posted the highest academic test scores in the school. Afterward, they would go back to the classroom and listen to classical music for 25 minutes while writing and reading. 

His program was featured on local TV news, in the Los Angeles Times, in Sports Illustrated and in a YouTube video created by the American Sports Institute. What mattered most to Saccone were the quiet transformations — the child who discovered they could do something well, the struggling student whose self-esteem blossomed with each lap completed, and the natural athletes who helped their classmates.

“I made it a point to run with every kid every day,” Saccone recalls from his Lemon Grove home.

Today, Saccone’s world has contracted a bit, but his spirit hasn’t. He hasn’t been to a store in years, relying on ordering groceries online from Walmart and weekly food deliveries from Jewish Family Service of San Diego, whose driver, Sage Fregoso, has become such a regular presence that Saccone bought him a holiday gift.

“For many customers, my co-workers and I are the only people they see socially all day,” said Fregoso, who has worked for Jewish Family Service for five years. “I can’t think of a more noble thing to do than feeding the people.”

The organization’s “delicious” meals — five frozen entrees, fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk — sustain Saccone’s vegetarian lifestyle. When he needs to get to doctor’s appointments, Jewish Family Service’s On The Go ride service for seniors provides transportation with five days’ notice.

“I am fortunate to have found Jewish Family Service,” he says, and he contributes to the organization even though it’s not required…

“I try to think about positive things,” he says. “I don’t throw in the towel. I keep plugging along.”

At 82, Pete Saccone has discovered that the next chapter doesn’t require a lot of travel or a busy social calendar. Sometimes it’s enough to move your body as best you can, to lose yourself in a good book, and to know that somewhere out there, former students are living better lives because once upon a time, their teacher taught them that it’s “Funner to Be a Runner” — and that with each step forward, no matter how small, you can transform not just your body, but your entire world.

This is cute. Here's a texting code cheat sheet that should be useful for texters from 12 to 112, but particularly helpful for Flockers who remember rotary dials and corner pay phones.

Texting Code Cheat Sheet

I've often posted about volcanoes in the Flock, especially those on the Big Island of Hawai'i, where I used to live. I've been following Kilauea's recent explosive eruptions, which have produced more volcanic clouds and ash than the more common lava flows on the Big Island. This piqued my interest, and I found the following article about the particles, known as tephra, that make up a volcanic cloud.

Inside Volcanic Clouds: Where Tephra Goes and Why It Matters

Monitoring and forecasting the movement of volcanic clouds is key to mitigating the impacts on communities, infrastructure, and air traffic.

From: Eos, By: Federica Pardini, June 16, 2025

During explosive eruptions, tephra particles are injected into the atmosphere and undergo different fates: while larger particles settle close to the volcano, smaller ones remain suspended, forming volcanic clouds. In all cases, tephra poses significant hazards to human activities both near the volcano and hundreds of kilometers away.

A new article in Reviews of Geophysics explores our current understanding of tephra plumes and clouds, including their generation, characteristics, and monitoring strategies. Here, we asked the lead author to give an overview of tephra plumes, recent advances in modeling them, and what questions remain.

How does tephra form and spread?

Tephra forms through a process called fragmentation within volcanic conduits and is then expelled into the atmosphere by volcanic plumes. These fragments are classified based on their size: blocks and bombs (greater than 16 mm in diameter), lapilli (ranging from 2 mm to 16 mm), and ash (less than 2 mm in diameter). Once airborne, larger tephra particles typically settle near the volcanic vent, while finer particles (ash) can be carried by the wind over vast distances, forming what are known as volcanic clouds.

What kinds of hazards does tephra pose both in the air and on the ground?

Volcanic clouds pose a significant threat to aviation safety. When aircraft encounter these clouds, tephra particles can be ingested by jet engines, leading to performance degradation and, in severe cases, catastrophic engine failure. In addition, airborne tephra poses serious risks to public health. Studies on populations exposed to volcanic ash have documented increases in both acute and chronic respiratory conditions. The most dangerous particles are those smaller than 4 micrometers in diameter as they can penetrate deep into the lungs’ alveolar region, potentially triggering toxic reactions.

On the ground, tephra fallout can cause extensive damage to critical infrastructure, leading to substantial economic losses across multiple sectors. These include energy systems, water and wastewater services, transportation networks (aviation, land, and maritime), food and agriculture, manufacturing, and communications. Rural communities, particularly those reliant on agriculture and livestock, are especially vulnerable. Tephra fallout can disrupt livelihoods not only in the immediate aftermath of an eruption but also over the long term. This is because tephra deposits can be remobilized by wind, generating ash storms that resemble the effects of the original eruption. These recurring events can persist for years, hindering economic recovery and prolonging hardship for affected communities.

What factors influence how far tephra spreads?

Tephra can be dispersed over vast distances, and in some cases, it may even travel around the globe. The extent of tephra dispersal is influenced by several factors, including the magnitude of the eruption, the size of the tephra particles (with smaller fragments remaining suspended in the atmosphere for longer periods), the volcano’s geographic location, and atmospheric conditions (particularly wind strength and direction). For example, the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, one of the major eruptions of the 20th century, injected massive amounts of volcanic ash into the stratosphere, which were carried by high-altitude winds and circled the globe in just 22 days.

Swami's Beach is a popular surfing destination that sits at the southern end of Encinitas, California. Surfers in the 1940s an 50s nicknamed the beach after Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1920 and founded the Self-Realization Fellowship ashram that sits on the bluffs above the beach in 1937. Paramahansa Yogananda is often referred to as the “ father of Yoga in the West,” and encinitas is still considered a major hub for yoga.

Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, CA

From: Encinitas 101

Nestled between the coastal towns of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California, Swami’s Beach stands as a symbol of Southern California's unique blend of surf culture, spiritual vibes, and stunning natural beauty. Referred to as "Swami’s Reef'" or just "Swamis" by the locals, this beach is an internationally known surfing spot due it’s nice point break and excellent weather. There is also a small park located at the top of beach bluff, call Swamis Seaside Park with parking and bathrooms. Learn more about the allure and charm that make Swami’s Beach a must-visit destination for surf enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and beach lovers alike.

More about Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, CA

Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, California, is a destination that seamlessly weaves together the thrill of surfing, the tranquility of spiritual exploration, and the scenic splendor of the Pacific coastline. Whether you're seeking the perfect wave, a serene space for meditation, or a vibrant community atmosphere, Swamis Beach offers a unique and enriching experience that captures the essence of Southern California's coastal charm.

The Surfing Haven

Swami’s Beach is renowned for its world-class surf breaks, attracting surfers from around the globe. Named after the nearby Self-Realization Fellowship ashram founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, this iconic surf spot boasts a consistent swell and long, peeling waves that provide an ideal canvas for surfers of varying skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner eager to ride your first wave, Swamis offers an exhilarating surfing experience against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

A Spiritual Oasis

Adjacent to the beach, the Self-Realization Fellowship ashram adds a unique dimension to Swamis' character. Established in 1937, this spiritual retreat founded by the influential yogi Paramahansa Yogananda provides a tranquil space for meditation and self-discovery. The towering golden lotus towers above the ashram, serving as a beacon of spiritual energy that resonates with the beachgoers below. Many visitors find solace and inspiration in the ashram's gardens, contributing to the overall sense of tranquility that pervades Swamis Beach.

Yoga on the Cliffs at Swamis Seaside Park

In keeping with Encinitas' reputation as a yoga hub, Swamis Beach often becomes an impromptu yoga studio for enthusiasts seeking to practice with a view. Yoga practitioners can be found on the cliffs overlooking the beach, embracing the natural surroundings as they flow through asanas. The convergence of surf, spirituality, and yoga creates a harmonious atmosphere that reflects the holistic lifestyle embraced by many in the community.

My thanks and great appreciation go out to Dr. Fox for once again blessing us with his wisdom. Please visit Dr. Fox's website at the Institute of Personal and Transpersonal Knowledge and explore his past blog posts, guided meditations, and study guides.

From: Institute of Personal and Transpersonal Knowledge, written by Hayward M. Fox

While these "ice volcanoes" are not geological volcanoes, their form and appearance bear a striking resemblance to the real thing.

Find Out Why 'Ice Volcanoes' Are Exploding Around the Great Lakes

These Flock regulars are always here for you:

Cita Scott for paintings, photography, and culinary art. Cita will be in and out of town all summer. Don't hesitate to give her a jingle. (520) 404-1551

Kimberly Gomer, MS, RD/LDN

Registered and licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist. Find me on my website at KimberlyGomer.com for information about nutrition coaching.

Sarah Smallhouse & Make Elections Fair ArIzona

– Sign the petition here

Sensitive & Specific: The Testing Newsletter by Mara G. Aspinall and Liz Ruark. Mara is always here to help in understanding testing knowledge and how it's being applied.

Kyria Sabin of Fletcher Pilates,

(520) 323-7070

The Fabric Jeanie!

Tap to learn more. 

(520) 245-0589

Linda Collazo, mezzo-soprano

for piano and voice lessons

Andres Valbuena, drum selection, drum basics, and more.

Dr. Hayward M. Fox, Ph.D.

The institute of Personal andTranspersonal Knowledge

Tucson Village Farm:

Vegetaable growing in the summer heat.

The Physio Shop,

Elite physical therapy services and more.

Icebox Cryotherapy,

Icebox Tucson’s unique enhancers allow you to be your best version! 

Nathan Anderson of Catalina Acupuncture

(520) 999-0080

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.

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

520-818-4433

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