August 19, 2022. I read a quote a few days ago that said “pretend that your life is over. Now what are you going to do with what is left?” I’ve forgotten who said it. It’s similar to “today is the first day of the rest of your life.” It’s time for me to do some things that I haven’t done and go to some places I haven’t been to. Maybe I can find a good tattoo shop in Oslo? Could happen. Today is Black Cow Root Beer Float Day, International Orangutan Day, National Hot and Spicy Food Day, National Kool-Aid Day, National Potato Day, National Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, and National Soft Ice Cream Day. Plenty of things to celebrate in that list. Now history: On this day in 1504 the Battle of Knockdoe, the bloodiest battle of medieval Ireland, was fought. The weapon of choice was the battle axe. Up to 10,000 were killed. On this day in 1791 Benjamin Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson criticizing his pro-slavery stance and requesting justice for African Americans using the Declaration of Independence. On this day in 1897 the 1st electric taxis were driven in London. On this day in 1919 after nearly 100 years of British control, Afghanistan declared it’s independence. On this day in 1941 Germany invaded the Soviet Union. On this day in 1951 the St Louis Browns send Eddie Gaedel who stood 3 feet, 7 inches to pitch-hit. He walked on four pitches. On this day in 1953 the democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran, Mohammad Mosaddegh was overthrown in a coup orchestrated by England and the US. Today’s dead person is the French philosopher Blaise Pascal who stopped living in 1662 at the age of 39. He said, “Don’t try to add more years to your life. Better add more life to your years.” “People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs, not on the basis of proof, but on the basis of what they find attractive.” “It’s not those who write the laws that have the greatest impact on society. It’s those who write the songs.” “If I had more time, I’d write a shorter letter.” I like that one. Abide.
