August 31 - First Singles Tennis Champion in U.S.!

Posted on August 31, 2021


This is an update of my post published on August 31, 2010:



On this day in 1881, the first U. S. Open, then called the U. S. National Championship, was completed with 19-year-old Harvard student Richard D. Sears winning the title.

During the tournament, Sears didn't lose a single set.



Sears went on to win the title every year for seven consecutive years. (This record is still unbroken, but the rules were different then, which makes it hard to compare athletes' accomplishments.) Sears retired from the game in 1887, still undefeated.


Watch some of the U.S. Open tennis today.


Above: Naomi Osaka

Below: Nick Kyrgios



Above: Sloane Stephens

Below: Stefanos Tsitsipas



Or play some tennis. It's a great game, lots of fun AND lots of exercise, and a game you can play with just one other person, all your life.

  • Here is an interesting video about some of the pre-tennis games and activities that teachers use with young kids getting started with tennis.

  • And here is a video capturing a few moments of one of the greatest tennis matches of recent years.

  • And this one shows some funny moments in pro tennis.





Also on this date:






























Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

August 30 - Happy Birthday, Sylvia Earle

Posted on August 30, 2021


This is an update of my post published on August 30, 2010: 


In red: Sylvia Earle

Although my last name is Earle, too, this well-
respected oceanographer is not a relation of mine.
(I wish she was!)


The oceanographer Sylvia Earle became famous in the 1970s as she led a group of five female aquanauts 50 feet deep into the ocean to live for two weeks in a small underwater home during Mission 6 of the Tektite II project.




After that well-publicized mission, Earle continued to do scientific research - but she also used her fame to become a public speaker, writer, and film producer as she advocated more research on oceans and ocean life, and as she urged people to be more environmentally conscious.


Some of the highlights of Earle's career include being chief scientist for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence.



Sylvia Earle is sometimes called “Her Deepness” or “The Sturgeon General.”


Learn more about the oceans.

  • Here are some ideas for young children.
  • Here are some games and puzzles for older kids.
  • Check out the website of the organization Earle headed (NOAA) for information about the ocean and photo galleries about the ocean.




Also on this date:




















Anniversary of the discovery of Franz Josef Land (Arctic Ocean islands)



 (Dates vary)





Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

August 29 - Nut Spas in Russia

 Posted on August 29, 2021


This is an update of my post published on August 29, 2010:





This holiday is the last of three Russian holidays in August: 

Honey Spas (August 14)

Apple Spas (August 19)

and Nut Spas (August 29). 


These holidays celebrate the harvesting of honey, fruit, and nuts, and many Russians eat the featured food on these holidays. Also, many Russians visit friends, carrying with them candy or flower gifts, and give small gifts to children.



Here and here are some Russian recipes with honey, apples, and nuts. Or try these recipes for Russian Nut Balls (or Tea Cakes, Nut Roll Bread, or Royal Walnut Cake.





Play a Russian game.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)