It looks like Central Florida is in for a very nice day. Sunshine and the temperature will be in the high 70s. It might be a nice day to just sit outside and really look at what’s going on. We’re surrounded by life but we don’t notice it most of the time. I wonder what it was like a few million years ago before humans depleted and transformed the natural world. Enough rambling. It’s February 24, 2020. On this day we celebrate Carnival Monday which goes by many names such as Fat Monday, Luni Gras and Merry Monday. It’s also Twin Peaks Day, National Tortilla Chip Day and World Bartender Day. We can probably celebrate at least three of these at once. Now let’s have a history lesson. In 1803 on this date the US Supreme Court rules a law unconstitutional (Marbury v Madison) for the first time. This is a big deal. The Court’s decision established that the U.S. Constitution is actual “law”, not just a statement of political principles and ideals. We’ve now learned something we didn’t know before. In 1839 the steam shovel is patented by William Otis. In 1868 the 1st US parade with floats takes place; Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, Alabama. On this date in 1868 US House of Representatives vote 126 to 47 to impeach President Andrew Johnson. Why was he impeached? He was Lincoln’s VP and was trying to implement the Lincoln’s plan to readmit the confederate states back into the union. The Republicans believed that the plan was too lenient toward the South and voted to impeach Johnson. The Senate was 1 vote short of removal from office. Finally, in 1993, the 35th Grammy Awards: Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton wins. What a great song. Today is Chester Nimitz birthday (1885). He commanded the Pacific fleet in WWII. He said, “God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless.” This is the date that Tommy Douglas died at the age of 81 in 1986. He was the Canadian Prime Minister that established the first single-payer, universal health care program in the Americas. He said, “Courage, my friends; ’tis not too late to build a better world.” With that, I’m going to listen to Eric and then start my day. Abide
