World Rock, Scissor or Paper Day
August 27
The first known mention of the game was in the book Wuzazu by the Chinese Ming dynasty writer Xie Zhaozhi, who wrote that the game dated back to the time of the Chinese Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) and called it shoushiling. By the early 20th century, the game had spread beyond East Asia, especially through increased Japanese contact with the west. Its English-language name is taken from a translation of the names of the three Japanese hand-gestures for rock, paper and scissors. The World Rock Paper Scissors Society holds annual Championship competitions for prizes of up to $10,000. Japanese researchers have taught chimpanzees to successfully play the game.
International Bat Night
August 27
There are over 1,400 species of bats worldwide. Bats can be found on nearly every part of the planet except in extreme deserts and polar regions. The difference in size and shape are equally impressive. Bats range in size from the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat (also called the Bumblebee Bat) that weighs less than a penny – making it the world’s smallest mammal – to the flying foxes, which can have a wingspan of up to 6 feet. The U.S. and Canada are home to about 45 species of bats. Bats have few natural predators and disease is one of the biggest threat. Owls, hawks and snakes eat bats, but that’s nothing compared to the millions of bats dying from White-Nose Syndrome. The disease – named for a white fungus on the muzzle and wings of bats – affects hibernating bats and has been detected in 33 states and seven Canadian provinces. More than 6.5 million bats have died so far from White-Nose Syndrome.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Lyndon B. Johnson – 36th President of U.S. – born in Stonewall, Texas
Mack Brown – Football Coach – born in Cookeville, Tennessee
