We are now halfway through the month of February 2024. You know the daily drill: be grateful, live in the moment, be kind and be happy. Some days are harder than others, but you’ll always be better off beginning your day in a positive way. 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, and Susan B. Anthony Day. I think I’ll celebrate Squidward Day just because I do like Sponge Bob. It was a TV show that my grandchildren and I could agree on. Now to the history of today. In 399 BC Philosopher Socrates is sentenced to death by the city of Athens for corrupting the minds of the youth of the city and for impiety. This is interesting. The trial of Socrates is held in public. 3 people argued against him for 3 hours and he provided a defense for the same period of time. The jury was 500 people who voted guilty 280 to 220. His penalty was death by poison. In 1768 the 1st mustard is manufactured in America and advertised in Philadelphia. In 1804 New Jersey becomes last northern state to abolish slavery. In 1879 the US Congress authorizes women lawyers to practice before Supreme Court. In 1903 1st Teddy Bear introduced in America. In 1927 the silent film “It” is released in the US starring Clara Bow. She is one of the few stars that made it to “talkies”. She said, “The more I see of men, the more I like dogs.” 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.” This is also the day in 1965 that Nat King Cole died of lung cancer at the age of 49. He said, “Get me well so I can get on television and tell people to stop smoking.” Good advice Nat. Now I’m going to start my day. Abide.
