Dog Days of Summer

Everyone talks about "dog days of summer," but few know what the expression means. You might be surprised to learn the story behind the phrase. Some say it signifies hot sultry days "not fit for a dog." Others claim it's the weather in which dogs go mad. But the dog days are defined as the period from July 3 through Aug. 11 when the Dog Star, Sirius, rises in conjunction (or nearly so) with the Sun. As a result, some felt that the combination of the brightest luminary of the day (the Sun) and the brightest star of night (Sirius) were responsible for the extreme heat that is experienced during the middle of the summertime. Other effects, according to the ancients, were droughts, plagues and madness. Explains a lot, huh?

Meanwhile, Buddy is working on his diving form, in anticipation of being called at the last minute to serve as a member on the U.S. Olympic Diving Team. GO USA!!!!!