Phalaenopses, also known as moth orchids, are a group of flowering plants that have captured the imagination of many with their delicate and enchanting beauty. These orchids are native to Southeast Asia, where they grow in warm and tropical climates. The magic of Phalaenopses lies in their stunning flowers, which come in a wide range of colors and patterns. From pure whites and pale pinks to vibrant purples and yellows, there is a Phalaenopsis to suit every taste and preference. Some varieties even have intricate patterns or speckles on their petals, further adding to their allure. What makes these orchids truly special is their ability to bloom for long periods, often lasting several months.
Boulder History: CU’s first Ralphie was a hard-working mascot
Ralphie I lived a full life. CU’s first buffalo mascot was well-traveled and garnered favorable publicity for the university. She reigned as homecoming queen, survived a kidnapping and was a working mom. She set a high bar for all Ralphies that followed.
In the early years, the University of Colorado students tried out a dog, a goat and a donkey as impromptu mascots. By 1934, the CU student newspaper, Silver and Gold, decided the school needed an official mascot. The name Buffaloes was selected from over 1,000 entries.
For the next few decades a series of different buffaloes ran at football games.
The students named one of them “Mr. Chips” in 1957.
In 1966, a 5-month-old bison from a ranch in Sedgwick, Colo., was bought with a $150 gift from John Lowery, father of CU freshman Bill Lowery.
The student body chose the name Ralph, for the “rrrralph” sound the animal made when running, so the story goes. The name was quickly changed to Ralphie when an observant fan pointed out the buffalo was female.
Ralphie quickly became popular at CU and across the country. On the job for 13 seasons, she appeared every CU home football game from 1966-1978. She also traveled in a trailer to a number of bowl games.
Early handlers were known as “the men in Ralphie’s life.”
In 1970, Ralphie was kidnapped by Air Force Academy cadets. The captors led her around Falcon Stadium dressed as a buffalo burger, sandwiched between oversized burger buns, alongside a giant bottle of ketchup. She was returned unharmed.
The following year, Ralphie was elected CU’s homecoming queen.
At the Gator Bowl in 1972, some Auburn University students tried to capture Ralphie, so she was assigned extra security.
CU hoped to eventually replace Ralphie with one of her own calves, but that wasn’t to be.
Ralphie I gave birth to at least three calves while on duty as mascot.
Handlers first believed that Ralphie was expecting in 1970. The CU sports publicist found the announcement on the front page, while the football team report was buried inside the newspaper. The exciting news prompted calls from the press as far away as New York.
That first pregnancy news turned out to be false.
The first Ralphie offspring, Buffy, also spelled Buffie, was born in the spring of 1972. The female sadly died of pneumonia the next fall.
Streaker, another girl, was born in 1974. She died of head injuries after trying to escape from her pen.
Spirit was born in 1975. Also female, Spirit made several appearances with her mother including Homecoming, Spirit survived into adulthood, but had a personality that was not suitable for taking her mother’s place. “She was the meanest thing you ever saw,” a handler commented.
Spirit apparently took after Barney, Ralphie’s 1,700-pound nasty-tempered boyfriend, the father of all of her calves.
A university report indicates four offspring. A search revealed another pregnancy announcement for Ralphie in 1976, while she was attending the Orange Bowl in Miami, but no information on a fourth calf. According to Gayle Shirley’s book “Four-Legged Legends of Colorado,” one calf died after it was born during an October snowstorm. It froze to death before anyone discovered it.
After a giving a lifetime of service to the University, Ralphie I retired to pasture in 1978. She died in 1982 after reaching the elderly buffalo age of 17.
Carol Taylor and Silvia Pettem write on history for the Daily Camera, alternating weeks. Write Silvia at the Daily Camera, 5450 Western Ave., Boulder, 80301 or email [email protected] , and write Carol at boulderhistorylibrarian@gmail.com.
Meet Regi
Regi the Ranger is the University’s official mascot – representing Regis at athletic, community, campus and service events. Regi is a firm believer in lighthearted fun and cura personalis, meaning “care for the whole person.” She always seeks to reflect our University’s values, inspire our community, build fellowship and celebrate Ranger pride.
Regi made her first appearance at the 2019 annual Ranger Day celebrations after an all-student vote on the new mascot's name. A joyful, inquisitive and compassionate fox, she welcomes all and encourages her human friends to make Regis their home. Regi also loves pulling pranks on the Northwest Denver Campus, including filling an elevator in Clarke Hall with balloons and setting out “free donut” signs that led in a circle.
What is a Ranger?
In 1912, the school paper ran a contest for a team name for the new football team. The Athletics board, a few faculty and the editor chose the "Rangers." Since then, the Regis Rangers have seen many mascots on campus and at events: from an old west cattle-hearding ranger, to a camel to celebrate Wednesday 'Hump' Days, to Roamin' the Ranger and our current prankster Regi the Ranger. No matter the mascot, Regis Rangers have always shown compassion for the world around us and consideration for how we impact and change it.
Student Success
Regi wants every student to strive for success while at Regis. All students are assigned an academic success coach as a resource, among others, to help guide them toward their goals. Make sure to check out other helpful tips Regi has for students.
What makes these orchids truly special is their ability to bloom for long periods, often lasting several months. This extended blooming period is a result of careful breeding and cultivation techniques, which have made Phalaenopses one of the most popular orchids for both hobbyists and collectors. Caring for a Phalaenopsis can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some knowledge and attention to detail.
Regi's Favorite Spots on Campus
Athletic Facilities
The Baseball Field, Field House and Match Pitch — basically the entire east end of campus where sports are played.
Main Hall
The roof of Main Hall gives Regi the best perspective to look down and plan pranks.
Boettcher Commons
Boettcher Commons (Quad) is Regi’s favorite area for walking around and giving high fives. In the wintertime, watch out — she has been known to throw snowballs.
Show Your Ranger Pride
Get out and let your Ranger passion shine.
- Buy Your Ranger Gear
- Attend an Athletic Game
These orchids thrive in bright but indirect light, making them suitable for indoor cultivation. They prefer temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-29 degrees Celsius) and should be protected from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. Watering is another essential aspect of Phalaenopsis care. These orchids have aerial roots that absorb moisture from the air, rather than through their potting media. To mimic their natural environment, it is best to water Phalaenopses by immersing their roots in water for a few minutes, allowing them to absorb the needed moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to allow the roots to dry between waterings. Phalaenopses are also known for their ability to rebloom, with proper care and attention. After the initial blooming period, the flower spike should be trimmed back to encourage new growth. Providing the orchid with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can also help promote healthy growth and future blooms. In conclusion, Phalaenopses are indeed a magical art of nature. Their captivating beauty, extended blooming period, and the ability to rebloom make them a favorite among orchid enthusiasts. With the right care and attention, these orchids can bring joy and beauty to any home or garden..
Reviews for "Unveiling the Magic: Growing and Caring for Phalaenopses Orchids"
1. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Phalaenopses magic art". The story was confusing and poorly written, and I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. The plot seemed to jump all over the place, and I couldn't follow what was happening. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it even harder to become invested in the story. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging read.
2. John - 2/5 stars - The concept of "Phalaenopses magic art" had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the book seemed to drag on without much happening. I kept waiting for the story to pick up and become more exciting, but it never did. The characters were also quite one-dimensional, and I struggled to care about their fates. While the world-building was decent, it wasn't enough to salvage the lackluster plot and characters. Overall, this book left me feeling bored and underwhelmed.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high expectations for "Phalaenopses magic art" based on its intriguing premise, but it ultimately failed to deliver. The writing style was overly descriptive, bordering on excessive, and it weighed down the flow of the narrative. I also found the characters to be unrelatable and hard to connect with. The story lacked proper development, and I wasn't able to fully immerse myself in the world the author was trying to create. Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to others seeking an engaging and enjoyable read.