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It's January 1st, ⛓️ Haitian Independence Day. France had ruled the colony of Saint-Domingue as part of its worldwide empire since 1659. However, in 1791, a group of enslaved Africans, inspired by the American and French Revolutions, began an epic struggle for freedom that culminated in victory and a declaration of independence on this day in 1804. The declaration proclaimed that the new republic would forever after be known by the same name it was known as before the Europeans had arrived – "Haiti," which means "High Land" in the Native American Taino language. 

The Haitian Revolution is Haiti's defining moment. It was the largest slave uprising since Spartacus' unsuccessful revolt against the Romans in 72 BCE. Haiti's victory came as a total surprise and shock to the rest of the world and inspired countless other slave revolts throughout the Western Hemisphere. It also paved the way for the termination of the transatlantic slave trade. This victory was also the final nail in the coffin of Napoleon Bonaparte’s ambitions for a New World French Empire. He’d sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States the previous year in part to pay for the defeat of the revolt in Saint-Domingue. That was not to be. Haiti became the first independent state in Latin America and the first in the New World to be led by a person of color. 

The victory over France put an end to Haiti's military fight for freedom, but not its political fight. The US and most European nations, including France, didn't immediately recognize Haiti's independence. France didn't officially do so until 1825. The US didn't do so until 1862. That doesn’t matter, though. All that matters is Haiti. The Haitians recognized their own independence on this day in 1804 and have continued to do so every day since. ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet

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🐼 Every day should be Endangered Species Day. Please help protect our planet’s endangered species and their habitats. ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet

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It's December 27th, 🐼 National Visit the Zoo Day in the United States! The earliest type of zoo, the menagerie, dates as far back as 1500 BCE in Ancient Egypt. Egyptian Pharaohs and famous kings such as Alexander the Great, Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, and Moctezuma also kept menageries. Menagerie ruins have also been found in China and throughout the ancient Roman Empire. 

The first modern zoo was built in 1793 in Paris. Soon other cities all over the world followed. By the 19th century, science and geography had joined religion as central pillars of society. People naturally desire to see exotic animals from all over the globe and study their anatomy and behavior. These early modern zoos were like museums of living animals kept in small display areas. 

Today's 2,800 zoos and zoological parks across the planet attempt to function as natural habitats for the species they house. They educate and entertain six million people each year, while also furthering scientific research and the conservation of species and their habitats. 

Zoos are necessary because they educate the community, provide an understanding of the interdependence of animals and their habitats, and conduct conservation programs of animals in the wild, including breeding programs designed to reintroduce endangered species back into their natural environments. Enjoy your visit today and every day! ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet

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It's December 30th. 🌌 On this day in 1924, American astronomer Dr. Edwin Powell Hubble announced that the object in the night sky which up until then had been known as the Andromeda Nebula was in fact the Andromeda “Galaxy.” This revelation instantly doubled the number of galaxies and stars in the known universe and hinted at a vastly greater number, for until then every star that could be seen in the sky either by the naked eye or by telescope had been assumed to belong to our own Milky Way Galaxy. An entirely new scientific field was born – Cosmology. 

Hubble based his announcement upon his ingenious analysis of a Cepheid variable star in the Andromeda Nebula. In 1912, American astronomer Henrietta Leavitt had invented a formula for calculating the distance from our Solar System to Cepheids. Using Leavitt's formula, Hubble determined that a Cepheid inside the Andromeda Nebula was much further away than anyone had thought and that, therefore, the nebula was not a gaseous cloud inside our own galaxy, but was in fact another galaxy of stars like the Milky Way… and very far away. 

Later, in 1929, Hubble provided observational proof of French astronomer Georges Lemaître's "Expanding Universe" hypothesis. The resultant Hubble-Lemaître Law states that galaxies are receding from Earth at speeds directly proportional to their distances, like spots on an inflating balloon. Hubble calculated the rate of this expansion, which is now known as the Hubble constant, to be 170 kilometers per second per light year of distance. These discoveries led Hubble, Lemaître, and most other astronomers of that era to the obvious conclusion that an expanding universe, much like the result of an explosion, must have once existed in a tight unexploded state. Lemaître coined this hypothesis the "Primeval Atom Hypothesis," which of course is now known all over the planet, thanks to Dr. Sheldon Cooper and friends, as the "Big Bang Theory." 

NASA paid tribute to Hubble's great and many contributions to astronomy and cosmology by naming its first "Great Observatories" space telescope after him. This workhorse eye in the sky was launched into low-Earth orbit in 1990. It’s one of the largest and most versatile research tools ever devised by humankind and has been responsible for countless scientific, engineering, and technological breakthroughs. And, of course, on 25 Dec 2021, NASA launched Hubble's de facto successor, the James Webb Space Telescope into outer space. ☮️ R.I.P., Edwin… Jamiese of Pixoplanet

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It's December 31st. 🦖 On this day in 1853, sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins hosted one of the most legendary events in the history of science – a New Year's Eve dinner party held inside an Iguanodon at London's Crystal Palace Park.

Sir Richard Owen, the "Father of Dinosaurs," was the guest of honor. Afterwards, he was often referred to as the brains of the gathering of 21 scientists and dinosaur enthusiasts – appropriate because his seat at the head of the table happened to also place him inside the head of the Iguanodon.

Owen was collaborating with Hawkins in populating the park with dinosaur sculptures. He verified the accuracy of all the sketches Hawkins used to sculpt the dinosaurs in poses the creatures would’ve assumed when they walked the Earth over 66 million years ago.

The dinner party cemented Owen's role as leader of the paleontological world in the United Kingdom. He offered a solemn toast "to the memory of Gideon Mantell, discoverer of the Iguanodon" who had died the previous year. Then the New Year's celebration began. A recurring scene throughout the festivities witnessed the guests enthusiastically singing the chorus to "The Jolly Old Beast."

The jolly old beast

Is not deceased.

There's life in him again!

ROAR!

Who says scientists don't know how to have fun!? ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet

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🤎 The Fascinating Origin and History of Juneteenth

The Roots of Juneteenth

😭 Slavery began with awful slave raids in Africa. [1]

The origin of Juneteenth, a day of profound significance, traces back to June 19, 1865. It was on that day that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing with him the momentous news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people in America were now free, as declared by President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The last remaining enslaved African-Americans were finally liberated!

This historic event occurred more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, highlighting the delays and struggles Civil-War-era African-Americans had to overcome to finally gain their freedom. The moment is commemorated annually as Juneteenth, a term derived, of course, by combining "June" and "nineteenth," and has evolved into a powerful symbol of liberation, resilience, and America's continuing journey toward racial equality.

By exploring the origins and historical context of Juneteenth, we gain valuable insights into the enduring spirit of a people who fought for their rightful freedom and the broader narrative of American history.

The Historical Context of Juneteenth

😭 19th Century Vigilante Slave Ship Packing Chart [2]

The historical context of Juneteenth is rooted in the grim reality of the institution of slavery in America, an institution that forcibly brought millions of Africans to American shores and subjugated them to inhumane conditions for centuries.

By the mid-19th century, the United States was sharply divided over the issue of slavery, leading to the eruption of the Civil War in 1861. The Confederate southern states, which relied heavily upon slave labor, fought to preserve their way of life against the northern states, who were determined to end slavery.

In the midst of this brutal conflict, on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring freedom for enslaved people in the Confederate states. However, due to ongoing warfare and the slow spread of information, many enslaved individuals remained unaware of their emancipation.

This delay persisted until Union forces made significant advances into Confederate territory, culminating in General Gordon Granger's announcement in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865.

This pivotal moment not only marked the end of slavery in Texas, but also symbolized a new beginning for the nation, which was striving to rebuild and redefine itself in the aftermath of civil war and slavery.

The Emancipation Proclamation

🎩 Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation [3]

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, a landmark executive order that declared freedom for all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. This bold proclamation shifted the purpose of the Civil War, framing it as a fight not only to preserve the Union, but also to abolish slavery.

However, the immediate impact of the Emancipation Proclamation was limited; it couldn't be enforced in areas still under Confederate control. Nevertheless, the issuance of this proclamation was a crucial step toward ending slavery, as it allowed African-Americans to join the Union Army, bolstering its forces with approximately 200,000 Black soldiers and sailors.

Furthermore, the Emancipation Proclamation set a moral precedent and laid the foundation for the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment, which would completely abolish slavery nationwide.

The Announcement in Texas

📢 Gen. Gordon Granger's Juneteenth Announcement [4]

The announcement in Texas stands as the cornerstone of Juneteenth's significance. General Granger's issuance of General Order No. 3 publicly proclaimed: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."

This announcement directly impacted approximately 250,000 enslaved African-Americans in Texas, who had remained in bondage long after their legal emancipation due to the slow dissemination of information and the resistance of enslavers. The news was met with a mixture of astonishment, joy, and relief among the newly freed individuals, while slaveholders faced the abrupt end of an era.

The significance of this day extends beyond the immediate freedom it brought; it marked the beginning of a new chapter for African-Americans, who began to forge their paths as free citizens.

Early Celebrations of Juneteenth

⛓️ On Juneteenth 1865, chains were broken for all! [5]

Early celebrations of Juneteenth, beginning in 1866, were marked by an overwhelming sense of joy, community, and reflection among newly freed African-Americans. The first Juneteenth events were spontaneous gatherings where people rejoiced in their newfound freedom, often held in rural areas or near rivers where they could celebrate without interference.

These early celebrations featured activities such as prayer meetings, singing spirituals, barbecues, and feasting on traditional foods. Participants dressed in their finest clothing – often discarded by former owners – to symbolize their emancipation and newfound dignity.

Emphasis was also placed on education and self-improvement, with leaders delivering speeches about the importance of literacy and political participation.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, including laws that restricted their assembly and ongoing racial discrimination, African-Americans persevered in commemorating Juneteenth annually. These early celebrations were not only acts of remembrance but also declarations of their resilience and enduring hope for a future of equality and justice.

Juneteenth in the 20th Century

⛓️ On Juneteenth 1865, dignity was restored to all! [6]

Juneteenth in the 20th century experienced periods of both decline and resurgence, reflecting the broader struggles and triumphs of African-American communities.

During the early 1900s, as the Great Migration saw many African-Americans moving from the rural South to urban areas across the country, the nature of Juneteenth celebrations began to change. Urbanization and the pressing need for economic survival often meant less time for public celebrations, and the observance of Juneteenth declined in many areas.

However, the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s brought a renewed focus on African-American history and cultural pride, revitalizing Juneteenth as a symbol of freedom and resistance. Civil rights activists used Juneteenth to highlight the ongoing struggles against segregation and inequality, linking the historical significance of emancipation to contemporary fights for justice.

By the late 20th century, the momentum grew for official recognition, with Texas becoming the first state to establish Juneteenth as a state holiday in 1980. This period also saw the emergence of larger, more organized celebrations featuring parades, festivals, and educational events, reflecting a broader acknowledgment of Juneteenth's importance in the American narrative.

Modern-Day Juneteenth

⚰️ Many Americans died fighting for the cause. [7]

Modern-day Juneteenth celebrations continue to evolve, serving as both a commemoration of the past and a call to action for the future.

In recent years, Juneteenth has experienced a resurgence in popularity and significance, fueled by a growing awareness of racial injustices and a renewed commitment to confronting systemic racism.

Across the United States, our neighborhoods come together on June 19th to honor the legacy of emancipation through a variety of activities, including parades, festivals, picnics, educational workshops, and historical reenactments. These activities not only highlight the cultural richness and resilience of the African-American community but also provide opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and collective healing.

Additionally, the official recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021 marked a significant milestone in acknowledging the importance of this day in American history. As Juneteenth continues to gain momentum, it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, inspiring individuals and communities to work toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

The Importance of Juneteenth Today

⛓️ Title Page from an 1840's Anti-slavery Book [8]

The importance of Juneteenth today cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in America. In a time when systemic racism and inequality continue to impact communities of color, Juneteenth provides an opportunity for reflection, education, and action.

By commemorating the end of slavery and celebrating the resilience and strength of African-Americans, Juneteenth fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of American history and the enduring legacy of oppression.

Moreover, Juneteenth serves as a unifying force, bringing people of all backgrounds together to acknowledge the injustices of the past and commit to building a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations.

As Juneteenth gains wider recognition and celebration, its importance as a day of remembrance, reflection, and activism only continues to grow, reinforcing its significance in the ongoing fight for freedom and equality.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Spirit of Juneteenth

⚰️ Many children died before freedom was secured. [9]

The historical significance and evolution of Juneteenth encapsulates a journey of resilience, resistance, and hope for freedom. Originating from the announcement of emancipation in Texas on June 19, 1865, Juneteenth has evolved into a nationally recognized day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

From its early celebrations characterized by spontaneous gatherings of newly-freed African-Americans to its resurgence in the 20th century as a symbol of civil rights and cultural pride, Juneteenth has endured as a testament to the ongoing struggle for racial equality. Its official recognition as a federal holiday in 2021 underscores its profound importance in American history and its role in fostering dialogue, reflection, and activism against systemic racism.

In today's world, where systemic racism continues to plague our society, Juneteenth provides a crucial opportunity for education, reflection, and action. As we honor Juneteenth's historical significance and celebrate its evolution, we also acknowledge the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and renew our commitment to creating a more just and equitable society for all.

As we reflect upon the importance of Juneteenth in contemporary society, it becomes evident that this day holds profound significance beyond its historical roots. Juneteenth serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of African-Americans in the face of oppression, and it underscores the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

Juneteenth reminds us that the fight for freedom and justice is far from over and encourages us to stand together in solidarity as we strive to build a society where every individual is valued and respected. As we celebrate Juneteenth each year, let us recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of dismantling systemic oppression and fostering a world where the principles of freedom, equality, and justice ring true for all.

As we conclude our exploration of Juneteenth, let's all of us join in the celebration and commemoration of this significant day. Participate in Juneteenth events in your community, whether it's attending a parade, joining a festival, or engaging in educational workshops.

Take the time to learn more about the history of Juneteenth and its profound impact on American society. Share this knowledge with others, whether it's through conversations with friends and family, social media posts, or community outreach initiatives.

By actively participating in Juneteenth celebrations and educating others about its history, we not only honor the struggles and achievements of those who came before us and fought for freedom, but we also contribute to America's ongoing journey toward a more just and equitable society. Let's embrace Juneteenth as a time for reflection, remembrance, and action, and work together to ensure that its significance is recognized and celebrated for generations to come. ☮️ Peace... Jamiese

🤎 Celebrate Juneteenth, but the effort goes on. [10]

📚 Text Sources:

❤️ Juneteenth – Proof That Love Can Conquer All! [11]

👕 Stylish Apparel for a Juneteenth Celebration [12]

📷 Image Sources:

1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Slave_Raid,_Africa,_ca.1800-ca.1865_(imp-cswc-GB-237-CSWC47-LS16-029).jpg by Unknown Artist; License: Public Domain per Source Website. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

2. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47dc-4d67-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 by Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; License: Copyright Status Unknown per Source Website. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

3. https://www.loc.gov/item/97507511/ by Strobridge Lith. Co.; License: No Known Restrictions on Publication per Source Website. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

4. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Juneteenth_Plaque.jpg by William C Teller; License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

5. https://stock.adobe.com/images/international-day-for-the-abolition-of-slavery-december-2-hand-with-chain-and-background-template-for-banner-card-poster/472860869 by MURGROUP; License: https://stock.adobe.com/license-terms. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

6. https://stock.adobe.com/images/black-female-afro-american-slave-with-heavy-rusty-chain-around-her-neck/363636884 by PixlMakr; License: https://stock.adobe.com/license-terms. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

7. https://flic.kr/p/cDAz2U by John Brown (1800-1859); License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

8. https://picryl.com/media/a-picture-of-slavery-for-youth-1 by Jonathan Walker (1799-1878); License: Public Domain per Source Website. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

9. https://www.fanpop.com/clubs/human-rights/images/256995/title/african-children-photo by alyssa-lauren; License: https://www.fanpop.com/terms. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

10. https://freesvg.org/1547847719 by Herman Miller; License: Public Domain per Source Website. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy. https://stock.adobe.com/images/silhouette-man-and-milky-way/128865050 by 24Novembers; License: https://stock.adobe.com/license-terms. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

11. https://openclipart.org/detail/331705/juneteenth by j4p4n; License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy. https://1drv.ms/i/s!Ahg9NGBvaMDGrSIfhQnkSr7GHfYw?e=bWR0Xs by Tia Hancy; License: Artist's Permission. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

12. https://placeit.net/c/mockups/stages/pullover-hoodie-mockup-of-a-couple-holding-hands-at-a-studio-30770 by Placeit; License: https://placeit.net/. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy. https://placeit.net/c/design-templates/stages/t-shirt-design-template-with-female-soldiers-and-a-flag-in-an-eagle-for-veterans-day-1815c/editor?stateFolder_Silhouette=hidden by Placeit; License: https://placeit.net/. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy. https://placeit.net/c/design-templates/stages/black-history-month-t-shirt-design-creator-with-an-optimistic-quote-and-an-illustration-2022i-2264 by Placeit; License: https://placeit.net/. Enhanced by Jamiese Hancy.

https://www.bit.ly/history-of-fathers-day

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It’s Juneteenth, the End of US Slavery!

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Thank You to the Best Dads in the World!

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It’s June 18th. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

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It's January 5th. 🦉 On this day in 2002, Born Free USA and the Avian Welfare Coalition teamed up to launch America's first annual National Bird Day in celebration of the annual Christmas Bird Count, which runs every December 14th through January 5th. The Christmas Bird Count provides conservationists with important data on the health and numbers of birds across the US. Since 1970, the number of birds across North America has dropped by 29% – a loss of nearly three billion birds. Not very good news. 

National Bird Day has thus naturally broadened its mission to include raising awareness of the plight of our remaining living dinosaurs and the need to bring about change in order to improve their environments' and ecosystems' health and sustainability. 

Half a million birdwatchers and bird enthusiasts are expected to participate in today's celebration. Festivities will focus on activities that inspire people to appreciate birds more, like education, bird adoption, bird photo contests, etc. 

One specific National Bird Day campaign aims to improve the welfare of "pet" birds like parrots, parakeets, and cockatoos by discouraging their purchase as pets, and encouraging support for wild bird habitat conservation programs and captive bird rescue organizations and sanctuaries. 

Birds have always held a special place in our hearts, haven't they? Edgar Allan Poe's Raven, Bambi's Friend Owl, Sesame Street's Big Bird, Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” the Beatles' Blackbird, Looney Tunes' Roadrunner and Tweety Bird, Harry Potter's Hedwig, the Lion King's Zazu, Aladdin's Iago, Long John Silver's Captain Flint, Walter Lantz's Woody Woodpecker, Peanuts' Woodstock. I could go on and on and on, but I'll let you do that. Enjoy the day! ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet 

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It's January 4th, 🦯 World Braille Day. On this auspicious day in 1809, a child named Louis Braille was born in Coupvray, France. Young Louis was blinded at the age of three by an accident in his father's harness-making shop. Despite his disability, though, he excelled in his education. 

While Louis was a student at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, he began developing the reading system for the blind that would eventually make him famous. Braille's creation involved a code he invented himself and used cells that contained up to six dots, making it possible for a fingertip to feel an entire cell with just one touch and move quickly to the next cell. 

Braille spent the rest of his life teaching at the institute and perfecting his system, but unfortunately didn't live long enough to see it put into use. Braille suffered from a respiratory illness (probably tuberculosis) most of his adult life and finally succumbed to the disease in 1852 at the age of 43. 

Two years later, thanks to the unrelenting insistence of his students, the Royal Institute for Blind Youth officially adopted Braille's system. Its use quickly spread throughout the French-speaking world, but was slow to catch on elsewhere. After his introduction to the system at the first European Conference of Teachers of the Blind in 1873, Britain's Dr. Thomas Rhodes Armitage championed Braille's invention, and its use quickly spread over most of the rest of the planet. The United States was slowest to see the light. They didn't adopt the system until 1916. 

In November 2018, the United Nations proclaimed that from now on, World Braille Day would be celebrated as an international celebration day every January 4th to show appreciation for Louis Braille and to promote "awareness of the importance of his creation as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and visually impaired people." ☮️ R.I.P., Louis… Jamiese of Pixoplanet

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It's January 3nd. 🌜 On this day in 2019, at 02:26 UTC, China's Cheng'e 4 (嫦娥四号, Moon Goddess 4) spacecraft achieved the world’s first soft landing on the far side of the Moon. The Yutu 2 (玉兔二号, Jade Rabbit 2) rover was deployed about 12 hours later. Cheng'e 4 is the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program's fourth of six planned missions to the moon. The first two missions achieved Lunar orbit. The third and fifth missions collected Lunar samples on the near side and returned them to Earth. The sixth will attempt to do the same in 2025. 

Gheng’e 4’s ongoing mission is to determine the age and composition of this unexplored region of the Moon. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) targeted the landing for the Von Kármán crater within the South Pole-Aitken basin, a low-lying area 2,500 kilometers across and 13 kilometers deep which covers nearly a quarter of the Moon's surface. Scientists believe this basin – the largest hole in the solar system – is the result of a massive impact. CNSA hopes that Cheng'e 4 can find and study some exposed deep lunar crust and mantle rocks. This would provide an unprecedented view into the Moon's internal structure and origins. 

In May 2019, CNSA reported that Cheng'e 4 had found what appear to be mantle rocks. CNSA continues to report Cheng'e 4's findings to the world concerning Lunar surface temperatures, Lunar rock and soil chemical compositions, Solar corona radiation characteristics, and cosmic ray observations. 

"The re-tuned data should provide us valuable information to disclose the secrets of our Moon, from the never-touched side! My fingers are crossed!" –  Le Qiao, Lunar Geologist, Shandong University, Weihai, China. ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet 

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It's January 2nd, 🤖 Science Fiction Day. On or about this day in 1920, prolific science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov was born in Petrovichi, Russia. He emigrated with his family to America when he was three years old, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. As an adult, Asimov became a biochemist, but he gradually abandoned that career in favor of his passion – science-fiction writing. He wrote or edited about 500 volumes before he passed away in 1992, the most famous being his "Foundation," "Galactic Empire," and "Robot" series. He also coined the word "robotics" and introduced the world to the "Three Laws of Robotics."

First Law: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

Second Law: A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

Third Law: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

In honor of Asimov's substantial contributions to the science-fiction genre, the Hallmark Channel and Scholastic Corporation organized the first annual US National Science Fiction Day on this day in 2012. The event has grown in popularity throughout the US over the years and has now begun to take hold throughout the world. 

So, kick back today and let your imagination run wild with a good sci-fi novel, short story, comic book, TV show, or movie. You won't be disappointed if you choose from a master like Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert A. Heinlein, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Frank Herbert, Mary Shelley, George Orwell, Michael Crichton, Frederik Pohl, Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, or of course Isaac Asimov. ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet

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It's December 29th. 🩸 On this day in 1890, US troops under the command of Colonel James W. Forsyth massacred more than 300 Sioux Native Americans in the area of Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota. 

In the late 1880s prior to the massacre, the atmosphere amongst the Native Americans on their reservations was one of desperation and despair. The US Government had been confiscating more and more of their treaty-guaranteed lands and cutting their food rations. In 1889, a Paiute tribesman named Wovoka had a vision that if the Native Americans appealed to their Great Spirit by performing the sacred Ghost Dance day in and day out, their white oppressors would disappear and the Native Americans would once again rule the Great Plains. 

Ghost Dance performances quickly spread throughout the reservations. The Army tried to stop the practice, but the Native Americans persevered – even after the police shot Chief Sitting Bull dead. Sitting Bull’s followers fled to join Chief Spotted Elk's tribe. 

The US 7th Cavalry forced Chief Spotted Elk and his Sioux tribe to go to Wounded Knee Creek where the soldiers could keep watch over them. On December 29th, 1890, the soldiers attempted to disarm the Sioux. One man resisted, and the others began to dance. The soldiers opened fire. Within minutes, at least 300 Native Americans were dead – including many women, children, and even babies. 

Typical of the times, the American public generally approved of the massacre. They felt it was justified to avenge the 7th Cavalry's defeat and General George Custer's killing at the Battle of Little Bighorn four years earlier. Twenty soldiers received the Medal of Honor, the US military’s highest and most prestigious commendation, for their actions at Wounded Knee.

These days, thankfully, Wounded Knee is not touted as a victory against a dangerous enemy, but is remembered as an outright massacre. Congress officially apologized in 1990, but for some unfathomable reason, they’ve still not passed the “Remove the Stain Act,” which would revoke the Wounded Knee Medals of Honor. ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet

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It's December 28th. 🦋 On this day in 1973, US President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act into law. This act is considered to be one of the most significant and influential environmental laws in American history. At first glance, it appears to be no more than a federally-maintained list of animals on the brink of extinction, but it goes much deeper than that. This law supports federal agents, activists, and everyday people in their efforts to save endangered species. 

The Endangered Species Act provides for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and their habitats – from iconic creatures like the Bald Eagle to lesser-known critters like the Island Night Lizard. The US Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency charged with enforcing the Endangered Species Act, currently lists nearly 1,500 endangered and threatened species in the US. The law requires all federal agencies to ensure that their actions don't jeopardize any endangered species or their habitats. 

There have always been conflicting views of the Endangered Species Act, and the Supreme Court has often had to intervene to settle disputes. Conflicts have often involved non-governmental conservation groups like Greenpeace and their tireless efforts to block potentially damaging actions by real estate developers, fossil fuel companies (oil spills, strip mines, pipeline routes, fracking, etc.), and the military (national security issues such as Navy sonar vs. whales). 

The US currently suffers from growing political extremism. The Endangered Species Act is barely strong enough right now to safeguard our animal and plant populations. We need to make sure it's able to continue protecting our biodiversity and natural habitats into the foreseeable future because the danger of mass extinctions is real and looming. 

We can do this. We succeeded in bringing the whooping crane, gray wolf, monarch butterfly, grizzly bear, American alligator, and so many more species back from the brink of extinction. This isn't our first rodeo. ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet