It is now February 18, 2020. I think it will be a very good day. I have no stress and I often take that for granted. Having lived in a pressure cooker for most of my life, that fact that I no longer want or need to do that is something to be grateful for. The Commission doesn’t have much for us today but the quality is high. It’s National Drink Wine Day, Crab-Stuffed Flounder Day, Thumb Appreciation Day and Pluto Day. I’m a big fan of opposing digits but I have to go for the wine. Now to historical footnotes. In 1787 Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II bans children under 8 from labor. What job can you give to an 8 year old? In 1804 the 1st US land-grant college, Ohio University, Athens Ohio, chartered. In 1839 the Detroit Boat Club forms (& still exists). In 1885 Mark Twain publishes the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in the US. In 1901 H Cecil Booth patented a dust removing suction cleaner. In 1930 a cow flown in a plane and milked. The milk is sealed in paper containers and thrown out and parachuted. Finally, on this date in 1970 US President Richard Nixon launches the “Nixon doctrine”. This doctrine stated that the United States would support our allies but not undertake all the defense of the free nations of the world. This is the birthday (1933) of Yoko Ono. Some people blame her for breaking up the Beatles but she disagrees. I like this quote from her, “Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” This is the date in 1564 when Michelangelo died. He said, “Carving is easy, you just go down to the skin and stop.” And, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” It would be fun to spend an afternoon with him. Now, I’ll begin this totally new, never been used day. Abide
