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  One of the most famous books in English literature was released on this day in 1897. While it has inspired numerous movies and vampire lore in general, it wasn't the first. Carmilla  came out in 1872, and heavily influenced later Gothic vampire fiction.  It may be that a female antagonist was less appealing to early film adaptations, but it's also noted that Stoker's "monster-hunting plot" was better for the stage and screen.  There's also some history that predates all of this, that of Vlad the Impaler. Vlad II joined the Order of the Dragon in 1431 and took the name Dracul.  His son, Vlad III, would then take the name Dracula, or son of the dragon. Bran Castle has become the tourist destination for the look that inspired Stoker, but his real home was Poenari Castle. Despite the fact that Stoker did not invent the name Dracula, his wife pursued copyright protections against the studio making Nosferatu.   They changed the vampire's name to Count Orlock, ...

  International Day of Biodiversity! This encompasses the vast array of animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms as well as the complex ecosystems they form. Biodiversity is what supports our food, water, clean air, medicine, and protection from natural disasters. This year's theme is "Acting locally for a global impact," focusing on halting and reversing nature loss. But instead, we're getting data centers. There is good news: Six species saved by ecosystem restoration. UN

Nestinarstvo is a firewalking festival in southeast Bulgaria and northern Greece. It celebrates the feast of Saints Constantine and Helena. (Some things say that is today, while others indicate June 4th). The nestinari, or performers, walk and dance across the embers, carrying icons for the saints. This practice is a mix of Eastern Orthodox beliefs and pagan traditions.  It is recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage.

  The patent was approved on this day, 1873, for work pants reinforced with metal rivets. But the idea started in 1870.  A customer approached Reno tailor, Jacob Davis, requesting a more durable pant for her husband.  Davis had settled in the area a couple years earlier, and opened a shop on Virginia Street. His fabric supplier was Levi Strauss, and he had been set up in San Francisco since 1853.  He followed the Gold Rush and ran a wholesale dry goods store. Strauss was very well off by 1872, so Davis reached out to him to partner up.  The first manufacturing facility was located on Fremont Street, and the first "waist overalls" were sold.  By 1880, Strauss had opened his own factory and showroom on Battery Street. The term "501" came into use in 1890, when the patent went into the public domain. "Blue jeans" didn't enter the vernacular until the 1960's.

  Trego Hot Springs

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