May 1st is here and April 2021 is no more. This April was so much better than last April. This morning I’m sitting outside writing this post from the Parrot Head weekend party at Homosassa Springs. It’s a fine way to begin a new month. We’ve got a big list today: May Day, Couple Appreciation Day, International Workers’ Day, International Lover’s Day, Loyalty Day, Save The Rhino Day, National Chocolate Parfait Day, Mother Goose Day and National Home Brew Day. There’s more but this is enough for me. Now to the historical footnotes. On this day in 1704 the Boston Newsletter published the 1st newspaper advertisement. In 1776 Adam Weishaupt founded the secret society of Illuminati with the goals of opposing superstition, and religious influence over public life, and abuses of state power. This is real cloak and dagger stuff. On this day in 1873 the 1st US postal card was issued. This day in 1901 saw Chicago White Sox outfielder Herm McFarland hit the first grand slam in American League history in a 19-9 win at home against Detroit. The Tigers commit 12 errors. Finally, on this day in 1939 Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27. This is the birthday (1881) of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin who was a French Jesuit priest, scientist, paleontologist, theologian, philosopher and teacher. He said, “The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope.” This is the day in 1700 that John Dryden, English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright died. John’s quote for today is “Happy the man, and happy he alone, he who can call today his own; he who, secure within, can say, tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.” I will try and follow his advice. Abide.
