1. The first day of the spring season is called the vernal equinox, which is Latin for “equal night.”
2. The idea that the first day of spring (the vernal equinox) is 12 hours of night and day rarely works, usually it happens before the vernal equinox.
3. Benjamin Franklin proposed daylight savings back in 1784.
4. The United States begins saving daylight on the second Sunday in March. The practice started in 2005.
5. Spring fever is not just a saying, experts believe the body’s diet and hormone production change.
6. If you stood on the equator you would see the sun pass directly overhead which happens only twice a year (during spring and again in autumn).
7. Can you really stand an egg on its end today? Yes, but you can also do that any other day of the year if you have the patience.
8. The first spring flowers are typically dandelions, lilies, tulips, lilacs, iris, and daffodils. (There are many more than that of course).
9. The earth’s axis tilts toward the sun during the spring causing more daylight.
10. The first day of spring in the southern hemisphere is the date of the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere, usually in September.

Happy Spring from The Cool Dude!

Ever wonder why it smells fresh after it rains? Back in 1964, two Australian scientists, Isabel Joy Bear and R. G. Thomas, began to study on this scent that is produced by the rain. They coined the term petrichor which is a pair of Greek root words for stone and the blood of the gods to explain the aroma. They determined that the scent is mainly caused by a blend of oils produced by plants during arid periods. When a storm comes after a drought the oils that have accumulated over time in the rocks are mixed and dispersed into the air. These oils mix with compounds in the air and produce the fresh smell of rain scent!

• Review the contents of your medicine cabinets and throw away dated prescriptions and
  over-the-counter medicines. Be sure all medicines are out of the reach of children or
  contained in a cabinet equipped with childproof locks.
• Celebrate spring by cleaning the garage. Hold a yard sale, or organize a community
  yard sale with neighbors. Dispose of paint thinners, household cleaners and pesticides
  properly. Contact your city’s department of public works to find out the next scheduled
  collection of hazardous materials.
• Clean the refrigerator, inside and out, with mild detergent. Remove all trays and
  shelves, wash, and allow to dry thoroughly before replacing them. Remove old ice from
  ice-making tray.
• After heavy rains, inspect your basement walls for signs of moisture. If you detect
  wetness, run a portable dehumidifier. If condition persists, consult a waterproofing
  contractor. Check to make sure your sump pump works properly by pouring water into
  the pump silo to raise the float and activate the motor.
• Test the pressure and temperature relief valve on your water heater by opening it and
  allowing some water to flow out. If little or no water flows out or it doesn’t shut off,
  replace it. Bad valves can cause explosions.
• Spring is a good time to build a doghouse. Make sure to provide adequate roof
  ventilation to allow hot air to escape. And don’t use pressure-treated wood in any area
  where your dog might chew it.
• Daylight Savings Time begins. Honor the occasion by replacing batteries in smoke and
  carbon monoxide detectors.

Spring time brings beautiful flowers, warmer weather and sunshine, on its good days. On the bad days Spring time can be cold, raining, and sometimes even hailing and no matter what the weather is like most likely you will need to be driving somewhere. Here are some tips to get you from point A to point B safely this season.

Driving cautiously after or during a rainstorm.
Rain accounted for 46% of all weather-related accidents from 2002-2012. Rain causes the roads to become slippery and that will reduce your car’s handling and cause it to take longer stop. Try and keep a good distance between your car and the car in front of you.

Watch for wildlife
Animals are very active during the spring time. Many types of animals, especially deer around dawn and dusk.

Look out for bikers
Be sure to keep in mind that when the weather is nice bikers tend to come out more. So watch for them while you are driving for sure!