We are now in the time space designated as December 2, 2019. It’s 34 degrees this morning. That’s about as cold as it ever gets in Central Florida. I woke up thinking about the people living in their cars and in tents. It makes me grateful for where I am and sad for where they are. We need to find a way to do better. That’s a discussion for another time because It’s National Fritters Day, Business of Popping Corn Day, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Play Basketball Day Choose Women Wednesday and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Day. Rockefeller Center is one of my favorite spots in New York City. Before retirement, I used to end up there several times a year. Now to the history of this day: 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte is crowned Emperor of France in Paris. Now for a couple of Napoleon quotes: “If you want a thing done well, do it yourself”. “Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools.” He’s a really interesting person. In 1859, abolitionist John Brown is hung for murder, treason and conspiring slaves to revolt at Charles Town, Virginia. In 1901, King C. Gillette begins selling safety razor blades. Finally, in 1950 “I Robot” collection of sci-fi short stories by Isaac Asimov is published. Asimov is one of my favorites. I’ve probably read every book. Here are a couple quotes: “Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” and “The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” A brilliant writer. However, if given the choice of who to spend an afternoon with, I’d have to pick Napoleon. This is the day the infamous Marquis de Sade died in 1814 at the age of 84. He said, “Either kill me or take me as I am, because I’ll be damned if I ever change.” Interesting quote. That’s enough for today. Abide.
