It’s now the 4th day of September 2021 and I’m trapped on this ball of rock flying through space at 448,000 miles per hour protected by a thin atmosphere from radiation and temperature that would kill me in a few seconds. These facts help me to understand my place in the universe. It isn’t big and it isn’t important in the greater scheme of things but it’s all I’ve got and I’m grateful to have it. Today is Blue Shirt Day, Child Health Day, Cinnamon Roll Day, International Toot Your Flute Day, National Taco Day, Golf Day, and National Vodka Day. This is one of those lists that you can use to plan an entire day. On this day in 476 the last Roman Emperor abdicated to forces led by Odoacer when his army invaded Rome. Today marks the traditional end of the Western Roman Empire. In 1807 on this day, Robert Fulton began to operate his steam ship between New York and Albany. On this day in 1882 the first large-scale test of Thomas Edison’s light bulb was held when it was used to light New York’s Pearl Street Station. This is the day in 1957 that the Governor of Arkansas called out the National Guard to prevent 9 black students from entering Little Rock’s Central High School. This is the day in 1970 that we lost Janis Joplin. One New Year’s Eve several decades ago, I got up in front of a standing room only club, got the audience clapping their hands and then sang “Mercedes Benz” to the cheering crowd. I’m a fan of hers. I’ll end this post with some of her insights. “You can destroy your how by worrying about tomorrow.” “Don’t compromise yourself, you’re all you got.” “You know you got it, if it makes you feel good”. “You are what you settle for.” And my very favorite Janis Joplin quote: “Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz”. Abide.
