But before the topic of the day, I should mention that today is the most confusing Federal holiday we have, Juneteenth National Independence Day,  commemorating the end of slavery in the country.   In 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery. Juneteenth is a portmaneau of the words  June  and  nineteenth , as it was on June 19, 1865, when Texas ended the Civil War  between the Union and seceding south, and officially, slavery in these states. Although, from that day to December 6, 1865--when the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified--there were still slaves in the states that never left the Union.   This day was recognized as a Federal holiday in 2021 when President Biden signed the Juneteenth act into law. Juneteenth is the first new holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. So is today a paid holiday for workers?   Yes, if you are employed by the Federal government. Yes, if you are...

Hurricane Calvin was once up to 125 MPH.  Now down to a tropical storm and positioned 230 miles due south from where I am composing this posting. The rain and floods were not much.  I almost could have gone golfing.  From where I sit composing this blog, here is a photo towards the eye of Calvin. Three sports events of note this weekend: The Women's World Cup will begin with New Zealand vs Norway at 3 AM EDT tomorrow morning ( 9 PM Hawaii tonight ) and U.S. vs Vietnam at 9PM EDT ( 3PM Hawaii ) Friday.  Not sure if she will start, but Trinity Rodman is a rookie on the American team.  Yes, daughter of Dennis Rodman, here with her mother. The  Tour de France  bike race ends on Sunday, with a recap on NBC at 5PM EDT ( 11AM Hawaii ).  The entire race can be seen on Peacock and USA. The Open tees off at Royal Liverpool from 4AM EDT Thursday ( 10PM Hawaii tonight ) on the  USA channel.   Your NBC channel will then show the entirety ( 8 hours th...