The last day of July is now upon us. It’s been a memorable month for me as in lots of memories were created. It didn’t end on a high note but one I’ll remember. The Covid bug is almost gone which means that August will be my return to normal. Life is good. July 30th is National Avocado Day, National Cotton Candy Day, National Jump for Jellybeans Day, National Mutt Day, National Raspberry Cake Day, Shredded Wheat Day, and Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day. Now some history: On this day in 1498 Columbus discovered the island of Trinidad on this 3rd voyage. I’m sure the people living on Trinidad were surprised to be found. On this day in 1703 the novelist Daniel Defoe was placed in a pillory for the crime of seditious libel after publishing a satirical pamphlet about the government. The crowd pelted him with flowers. On this day in 1809 the 1st practical US railroad track was opened. It was for horse drawn cars in Philadelphia PA. In 1922 on this day 18-year-old Ralph Samuelson rode the world’s first water ski. On this day in 1942 the German SS gassed 1,000 Jews in Minsk, Belorussia. On this day in 1961, Israel welcomed its one millionth immigrant. Today we will visit the grave of the French philosopher Denis Diderot. He’s one of my favorites. Denis said, “Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.” “Those who fear the facts will forever try to discredit the fact-finders.” “We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter.” “Happiest are the people who give most happiness to others.” Last one: “Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy.” Diderot is one of those people who can make you think if you give him a chance. Have an excellent day. Abide.
