January 24, 2024

REMINDER: YOUR SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED

Regardless of political divisions,

after a peaceful transfer of power,

we stand united as proud Americans.

Overview for this week.

1. We swore in a new President on Monday, and despite our differences,we are proud Americans and stand united.

2. Monday was also MLK Day, and at the suggestion of a Flock reader, I'm including a post on Mahalia Jackson in respect to her contributions to the civil rights movement. 

3. Flock alumn Tara Fulgenzi sent us our Reader Submission this week, two spectacular whale videos and a pufferfish photo.

4. Tara's pufferfish photo got me thinking about the difference between pufferfish and blowfish. They're pretty similar, but you wouldn't want to pick up a blowfish.

5. I'm checking in with the Flock's favorite Next Gen roving reporter, William George, about his contribution to a major publication story on the early effects of the proposed tariffs on retailers.

6. In Wellness, I have an article from Harvard Health on integrating apps into your fitness routine and a review of six free apps to help you get started.

7. I'm finishing this week with an uplifting video of two men working through setbacks to save a deer from a freezing lake.

Now, to this week's Flock.

This past Monday saw the welcome return of a hallmark of American democracy: the peaceful transfer of power. In the 74th Presidential Inauguration, Donald J. Trump was sworn into office by Chief Justice John Roberts as the 47th president of the United States. This was just the third time a Presidential Inauguration coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The previous two times were Bill Clinton's second inauguration in 1997, and Barack Obama's second in 2013. The two events will not coincide again until 2053.

From: People, January 20, 2025

A historic transition of power unlike any since the 19th century unfolded throughout Monday, Jan. 20, as President Donald Trump was sworn in for a rare nonconsecutive White House term.

Trump planned an ambitious schedule for Inauguration Day 2025, one that included morning church with wife Melania Trump, tea time with outgoing first couple Joe and Jill Biden, an indoor swearing-in ceremony, a weather-proof "parade" at the Capital One Arena and a series of evening inaugural balls.

After I posted about Martin Luther King Jr. Day last week, a Flock reader who was at the March on Washington in 1963 suggested that MLK Day should also be celebrated as Mahalia Jackson Day. I wish to honor them both, and based on that suggestion, I am presenting more information this week about Mahalia Jackson along with a video of her performance of How I Got Over at the March on Washington from last year's MLK Day Flock.

From: National Museum of African American History & Culture

To speak of Mahalia Jackson's voice is to speak of magic and mystery and majesty. Hers is not a voice. It is a force of nature. It moves with the power of a tornado and soothes with the tenderness of a spring rain.

In describing the legendary gospel singer, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium."

He could just as well have been talking about her life's journey and the influence she had not only on gospel music, but on American music itself — from blues to rock and roll — and its impact on the world.

The woman who would one day be called the greatest gospel singer in the world was born in New Orleans on October 26, 1911. Her childhood home was a three-room house in the Black Pearl section of the city. It was a tiny space, home not only to little "Halie," and her mother and brother, but to assorted aunts and cousins, too. In total, thirteen people and a dog shared that home.

How I Got Over | Mahalia Jackson at MLK's Civil Rights Campaign

(Washington, 1963)

The Flock's favorite ocean adventurer, botanist, fitness and nutrition expert, wilderness yoga instructor, outfitter, and guide, Tara Fulgenzi, has been kind enough to share the following spectacular videos and pufferfish photo from a recent trip to Mexico. We've covered Tara's Wilderness yoga retreats in Arizona and the expeditions she leads through her company, Gaia Outfitters.

Humpback Whale Breaching

Swimming with Humpback Whales

Cradling a pufferfish

From: A-Z Animals, By: Rebecca Mathews. October 10, 2024

Are Pufferfish and Blowfish the Same Thing?

Scientifically, pufferfish and blowfish are not the same things, but people often use the names blowfish and pufferfish to describe any fish that inflates itself with water as a defense mechanism.

This creates some confusion, so people tend to differentiate fish that puff up by describing them as smooth or spiny pufferfish. This is not scientifically correct.

an uninflated pufferfish

Pufferfish vs. Blowfish: Classification

Both blowfish and pufferfish sit in the order of Tetraodontiformes. This order has ten families with over 360 species. Smooth-skinned pufferfish are part of the Tetraodontidae family, whereas spiny blowfish are part of the Diodontidae family.

Pufferfish vs. Blowfish: Appearance

Calm Tetraodontidae-family pufferfish have thin bodies with round eyes set in a large bulbous head. Small fins protrude from their smooth sides, and they eat with a sharp beak made from fused teeth. When danger approaches, a pufferfish draws in water to inflate its body into an inedible ball. This is for protection against predators.

Many species of pufferfish exist, such as pygmy pufferfish and Chinese puffers. They all look a bit different but have the same puffing-up capability.

Diodontidae family blowfish, often called porcupine fish or balloonfish, also puff themselves up with water. The main difference is their spiny skin, hence the name porcupine fish. Their spines are non-venomous and modified scales. Pufferfish don’t have spines, but some species have rough, bumpy skin.

Blowfish species are generally larger than pufferfish. Long-spine porcupine fish can reach up to 20 inches long. Another difference between the two fish species is the mouth area. Pufferfish develop a tough, pointed beak, whereas blowfish develop hard bite plates situated on their upper and lower jaw.

blowfish

Are Pufferfish and Blowfish Dangerous?

Pufferfish and blowfish contain toxic venom that’s dangerous to predators, but they’re not aggressive toward humans. Blowfish and pufferfish prefer to paddle about the coral reef using their short fins and great eyesight to hunt out shellfish. Divers should not touch any species of blow or pufferfish because their toxins can transfer through the skin.

Their venom is created from their diet. Puffers and blowfish synthesize toxins from their prey’s bacteria, turning them into self-defense venom. However, in some parts of the world, such as Japan, Tahiti, and Hawaii, pufferfish and blowfish are a tasty delicacy. In Japan, pufferfish meat is called fugu. Chefs undergo a 2-3 year apprenticeship to avoid poisoning customers.

The last couple of times I checked in with the Flock's favorite roving reporter and data analyst, William George, he had been using his analysis of shipping data to contribute to journalists' efforts to explain the lasting effects last year's port strikes had on the pharmaceutical industry and the underlying cause behind Target's massive earnings loss. In the following article, William applies his insight to the steps retailers are already taking in preparation for the upcoming tariffs on imported goods.

From CNBC: By: Lori Ann LaRocco, January 17, 2025

One major threat to the U.S. supply chain has been lifted, with a tentative deal to keep port workers from striking across the East and Gulf Coasts reached last week, but shippers have been frontloading products for the U.S. market in the weeks leading up to President-elect Trump’s inauguration due to the potential for aggressive trade tariffs.

... For many big companies, the frontloading effort began earlier last year, according to William George, director of research at Import Genius, who reviewed retail customs records. “Walmart’s China-originating U.S. maritime imports are up over 33% from 2023 to 2024,” said George. “Columbia Sportswear’s year-over-year imports are up over 50% from 2023 to 2024, and are up over 80% during the March to December period, when frontloading activity is believed to have spiked,” he added.

Topping the list of items being frontloaded in the CNBC survey were apparel and sneakers, followed by housewares, appliances, and middle-priced goods. Tequila, wine, furniture, and manufacturing and auto parts, were also identified.

I'm a big fan of using a smartphone app to help me track and plan my workout goals. Fitness apps can range from simple ones monitoring general health or daily activity to specialized ones focusing on specific activities and goals. While the more advanced apps offer enhanced features, the default health apps pre-installed on most smartphones can get you on your way.

From: Harvard Health Publishing, By: Elizabeth Pegg Frates, MD, December 21, 2020

One of the best moves you can make for your health is to get moving. “Walking is man’s best medicine” is a well-known quote from Hippocrates. Centuries later, we have multiple research studies that reveal the power of exercise as medicine. One study specifically compared exercise to common medications for heart disease, stroke, and prediabetes, demonstrating that exercise can have comparable outcomes with regard to lowering risk of death. Recent research also highlights the impact that even short doses of exercise can have on your mood and increased creativity. However, as when you stop taking a medicine, if you stop exercising, the benefits stop as well.

Finding ways to make exercise fun and engaging is key

Most people know exercise is good for their health, yet only about half of Americans meet the physical activity guidelines to accumulate 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

These days, making exercise more fun can include using apps on your phone or a fitness tracker, as well as using social media sites. Research has demonstrated that there is a relationship between using commercial physical activity apps and increased engagement in exercise.

Do certain people respond more favorably to using exercise apps?

A recent study explored the psychological mechanisms that come into play when people use apps to increase their levels of exercise. Researchers surveyed 1,274 male and female adults between the ages of 18 and 83, asking them questions online at one specific point in time (also known as a cross-sectional study).

From: American Academy of Family Physicians, By: David Rebedew, MD

Exercise delivers numerous physical and psychological benefits to patients, including both the prevention and treatment of disease. However, many patients do not obtain the recommended 150 minutes of weekly moderate activity.1 In fact, some may not register this amount of activity on a monthly basis. There are numerous reasons why people choose not to exercise, including a lack of time, interest, finances, proper workout facilities, or external support.

The transportability of mobile phones means patients can use them while exercising, and numerous fitness applications can help address each of the above excuses. This article focuses on six apps that are free and do not require exercise equipment. All earned top ratings when reviewed using FPM's “SPPACES” criteria.

Apps Reviewed:

J&J Official 7 Minute Workout

J&J Official 7 Minute Workout teaches users a high-intensity full-body work-out that they can complete within seven minutes.

[ANDROID] [APPLE iOS]

30 Day Fitness Challenge

30 Day Fitness Challenge provides a template for making new exercise and dietary habits. [ANDROID] [APPLE iOS]

Charity Miles

Charity Miles converts miles walked into money for the user's charity of choice.

[ANDROID] [APPLE iOS]

Nike+ Run Club

Nike+ Run Club is an app for runners to log their duration, distance, and speed, gain motivation by listening to Nike athletes and coaches, and be involved in an online running community.

[ANDROID] [APPLE iOS]

Zombies, Run!

Zombies, Run! combines a role-playing game with a story to motivate users to run more and faster.

[ANDROID] [APPLE iOS]

C25 - 5K Running Trainer

C25K (Couch to 5k) provides a walking/running program to help inactive patients increase their cardiovascular stamina.

[ANDROID] [APPLE iOS]

They worked so hard to save the deer

I ran across this video earlier in the week of a deer being rescued after falling through a frozen lake. I was impressed by the perseverance and determination these gentlemen showed to save the deer.

Flock alumn Dr. Puneet Shroff is demonstrating a yoga balance pose from Tasmania.

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! 

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.

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

520-818-4433

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