It is now August 25th, 2021. As an ordained priest by the Church of the Latter–Day Dude (https://dudeism.com), I’ve decided to use what little power I have to designate this day, Compliment Day. Since I don’t have the power or the inclination to order you to do anything, I suggest that you pay everyone you meet today a compliment. Try to put smiles on faces. Be a happiness messenger. In addition to Compliment Day, today is also Kiss And Make Up Day, National Banana Split Day, National Second-hand Wardrobe Day, and National Whiskey Sour Day. Have not had a banana split in a long time. Now some historical footnotes: On this day in 1609 Galileo demonstrates his 1st telescope to Venetian lawmakers. In 1718 on this day, hundreds of French colonists arrive in Louisiana and New Orleans is founded. On this day in 1862 the US Secretary of War authorized Gen Rufus Saxton to arm 5,000 slaves. This is the day in 1910 the Yellow Cab is founded. On this day in 1915 a hurricane kills 275 in Galveston, Texas with $50 million damage. On this day, two philosophers died. In 1776 David Hume passed and in 1900 Friedrich Nietzsche. First quotes from Mr. Hume: “The life of man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster” and “When I hear that a man is religious, I conclude he is a rascal!”. I like both of those. Now to Nietzsche: “Sometimes people don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed“ and “I was in darkness but I took three steps and found myself in paradise. The first step was a good thought, the second a good word; and the third, a good deed.” That quote brings us back to Compliment Day which I’m sure Nietzsche would classify as a good deed. That all folks. Abide.
