It has become February 15, 2022. We are over the hump and on the downside of this 28-day month. So far it’s been a good one. The new Covid strain has peaked, and we appear to be nearing the end of this pandemic. So far, so good. Now let us see what the Commission has for us: It’s National Hippo Day, Annoy Squidward Day (think Sponge Bob), I Want Butterscotch Day, Remember the Maine Day, National Gumdrop Day and Susan B. Anthony Day. Now to the history of the 15th of February: In 399 BC Philosopher Socrates is sentenced to death by the city of Athens for corrupting the minds of the youth of the city. The trial of Socrates was held in public. 3 people argued against him for 3 hours and he spoke in his defense for 3 hours. The jury was 500 people who voted guilty 280 to 220. His penalty was death by poison. In 1768 the 1st mustard was manufactured in America. In 1804 New Jersey became the last northern state to abolish slavery. In 1879 the US Congress authorized women lawyers to practice before Supreme Court. Finally, in 1936 on this date, Adolf Hitler announces construction of the Volkswagen Beetle. This is Susan B. Anthony’s birthday (1820). She was a social reformer and women’s suffrage movement leader. She said, “Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less.” Today we will stop by the gravestone of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing who was a German philosopher, writer, and art critic. He said, “Let us be lazy in everything, except in loving and drinking.” “The searcher’s eye seldom finds more than he wishes to find.” “To look forward to pleasure is also a pleasure.” I like the last observation. Looking forward to doing something is often better than doing that something. Last night’s meal at the Chop House is proof of that. Have a good day and be sure to Abide.
