We have just past the Welcome to February 17, 2020 sign. The sign is at mile marker 02172020. The off ramp is up ahead but I won’t be taking it. Life is good. February happens to be Spunky Old Broad’s and Great American Pie month. I like them both. Today is National Café au Lait Day (coffee with milk), National Cabbage Day, President’s Day, National Indian Pudding Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day and Who Shall I Be Day. Maybe Polish Cabbage Soup is on the menu for tonight? Could be. Now to the historical footnotes. In 1600 Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive after being charged with heresy by the Roman Inquisition. Speaking truth to power has always been a dangerous occupation. Bruno said, “Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.” In 1876 Sardines are first canned by Julius Wolff in Eastport, Maine. In 1883 A Ashwell patents free-toilet in London. What is a free-toilet? I looked it up. It’s the gizmo that shows if the toilet is occupied or not. In 1913 the 1st minimum wage law in US takes effect in Oregon. In 1915 on this date, Edward Stone who becomes the 1st US combatant to die in WW I, is mortally wounded. In 1933 the first issue of American news magazine “Newsweek” is published. In 1958 the Comic strip “BC” 1st appears. Finally, In 1969 Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash record an album; it was never released. I’ve seen recordings of them playing together and they are awesome. Today is Jim Brown’s birthday. Jim said, “God ain’t got nothing to do with winning a damn football game.” This is also the day that the Apache chief Geronimo died at the age of 79. He said, “I should never have surrendered. I should have fought until I was the last man alive.” Interesting person to read about. So there you have it. I recommend giving a spunky old broad you know a hug and try to find a piece of pie today. I’m going to. Abide.
