The Start of Something Good Per Mark Twain
Hello to September, National Parks, Football and Baseball Dog Pitchers
Welcome, back Substack friends to a new week where everything pumpkin spice is in full effect because it’s now September.
The sky at sunset is truly a wonderful, peaceful view.
What’s the good news? Let’s start with a historic $100 million grant for the US national parks thanks to the Lilly Endowment Inc. From Good Good Good:
Last week “the National Park Foundation — the nonprofit arm of the official National Parks Service — announced a historic $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
The grant is the largest ever received by NPF, and the largest grant benefiting national parks in the 108-year history of the NPS.
Specific plans for the money haven’t yet been actualized, but Will Shafroth, president and CEO of NPF, told the Associated Press that it will prioritize restoring coral reefs at Biscayne National Park in Florida and restoring trout species in western national parks, both of which have been part of recent investments from the foundation.”
Axios has reported that a middle school in San Francisco, CA has opened a free store in their school to help with lack of food insecurity for their students and parents.
“Students and parents at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Middle School won't have to go far to get their groceries thanks to a new free store inside the school.
MLK Middle School, located in the Portola neighborhood, is predominantly attended by students of color who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged families, according to last school year's data from the California Department of Education.
Amazon, food startup Goodr and the YMCA of Greater San Francisco on Monday unveiled the free grocery store for students and parents.
The grocery store, funded by Amazon, will operate weekly throughout the school year for about 75 families in the program, Jibraan Lee, a program specialist and former director of the Beacon program, told Axios at the event.”
Some ha-ha funny: Hellsman’s has created their own mayonnaise cologne for men. Only $8!
“Will Levis No.8, Parfum de Mayonnaise opens with a bright burst of tart lemon that provides a refreshing and clean introduction. At the heart of the fragrance lies a creamy, daring mayonnaise accord offering a smooth and complex heart. Parsley adds a fresh herbal element, reminiscent of a well prepared dish. And of course, this fragrance would not be complete without subtle coffee undertones, reminiscent of Will’s signature mayonnaise infused caffeine beverage. A sensual musk base weaves through the composition, evoking physicality and charisma. Finally, we finish off with a comforting creamy vanilla finish that is equal parts inviting and intriguing.”
You may wonder why Hellman’s has teamed up with this football quarterback for a mayonnaise scented cologne. In 2023, he signed a lifetime supply contract with the company. Search for Will Levis, coffee and mayonnaise and you’ll find out why.
More fun foodie news- Krispy Kreme now has a Dr. Pepper doughnut for the start of the football season. From Today:
“Starting Aug. 23, customers can get the collection for a limited time at Krispy Kreme shops across the U.S. It features an all-new doughnut that “delivers the refreshing experience of the iconic 23 original flavors of Dr Pepper,” per a press release, as well as a returning seasonal favorite. his new treat takes an original glazed doughnut, tops it with Dr Pepper-flavored frosting, a burgundy-hued sprinkle blend and a white chocolate Dr Pepper logo.”
The 2024 Paralympics started a few days ago in Paris. “The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which will take place between 28 August and 8 September, will bring together as many as 4,400 athletes from around the world. The athletes will compete in 549 medal events across 22 sports, taking the spotlight at some of Paris' most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Chateau de Versailles and the Grand Palais.”
So far China is in first place with the medal count, followed by Great Britain and Brazil. The US is in 4th.
The cutest viral video this week goes to Shohei Ohtani’s dog Decoy RUNS out the FIRST PITCH! “The player’s pup Decoy, “threw out” the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles.
The player’s pup Decoy, “threw out” the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Ohtani carried Decoy — who wore his own custom jersey — to the pitcher’s mound, where the dog waited for his owner’s signal to pick up the ball with his mouth before running it to Ohtani behind the plate. The designated hitter got a high-five from his furry friend and rewarded him with a treat. The play was met with raucous applause from the sellout crowd of more than 53,000 people at Dodger Stadium.”
This week’s book recommendation is from 2001- Heart Mate by Robin D. Owens
All his life, Rand T’Ash has looked forward to meeting his HeartMate, with whom he could begin a family. Once a street tough, now a respected nobleman and artisan, he has crafted the perfect HeartGift, which, in the custom of the psychically gifted population of the planet Celta, is the way a man finds—and attracts—his wife…
Danith Mallow is irresistibly drawn to the magnificent necklace on display in T’Ash’s shop, but she is wary of its creator, despite an overpowering attraction. In a world where everyone is defined by their psychic ability, Danith has little, placing her at the opposite end of the social spectrum from T’Ash. But T’Ash refuses to accept her rejection and sees it as a challenge instead. They are HeartMates, but can T’Ash persuade his beloved to accept her destiny by his side?
Why I’m recommending this book- The first book in a 15 book series that is one of the best Sci-Fi Alternative world romances I’ve read. Heart Mate is on my keeper shelf, and Robin does a fantastic jobs at soul mate romance. Plus there are mind talking adorable cats! A must read for any Sci-Fi romance fan.
Why not start something you have always wanted to do…
