Halloween 2020 is now here. On this 31st day of October, if we lived in ancient Europe, we would build bonfires and dress in costumes to ward off the spirits of the underworld to celebrate Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “sow-win”). Any reason for a party is a good one. Besides Halloween, it’s also Hug A Sheep Day, Books For Treat’s Day, National Carmel Apple Day, National Magic Day, National Knock Knock Joke Day and Scare A Friend Day. Halloween used to be one of my favorite holidays because scaring children (who want to be scared) is one of life’s guilty pleasures. Now some history: On this day in 1517 Marin Luther posts his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg marking the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. This is the day in 1913 that the Lincoln Highway, the first national coast to coast highway is dedicated. On this day in 1941, after 14 years of work, Mt. Rushmore is completed. Also on this day in 1941, the USS Ruben James is torpedoed by a German U Boat to become the first US Navel Vessel sunk in WWII. Lastly, on this day in 2011 the world population reached 7 billion. This is the birthday (1931) of the journalist Dan Rather. Dan said, “Don’t taunt the alligator until after you’ve crossed the creek.” and “Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow.” This is also the day in 1984 that Indira Gandhi, 3rd Prime Minister of India stopped living. She said, “There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.” That has been my experience also. That’s enough for this post. Especially on this day, wear a mask… Boo… Abide.
