It’s February 16th, 2024. A good night’s sleep is a foundation to build a good day on. Add a little gratitude, some positive thoughts and we’re ready for another excellent day of life. This is Daytona Pole Day, Do a Grouch a Favor Day, Innovation Day, National Almond Day National Caregivers Day, National Tartar Sauce Day, and Tim Tam Day which happens to be a Australian candy bar. Now let’s find out what happened on February 16. In the year 600 Pope Gregory the Great decreed that saying “God bless You” was the correct response to a sneeze. On this day in 1659 the first known cheque was written (400 pounds) and is now on display at Westminster Abby. On this day in 1861 Abraham Lincoln stopped his train at Westfield on this way to Washington to thank 11-year-old Grace Bedell in person for her advice to grow a beard to gain more votes in his upcoming election for President. On this day in 1937 DuPont patented nylon. On this day in 1942 the Bangka Island massacre happened when Japanese soldiers machine-gunned 22 Australian Army nurses and 60 Australian and British solders. This is the day in 1959 that Fidel Castro became the 16th Prime Minister of Cuba after his troops overthrew Fulgencio Batista. On this day in 1992 the LA Lakers retired Magic Johnson’s #32 jersey. Today’s dead person is the Greek philosopher Sophocles who died in 405 BC. He said, “One world frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love.” “Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.” “What people believe prevails over the truth.” “If we always helped one another, no one would need luck.” “You must remember that no one lives a life free from pain and suffering.” “Ignorance is a tough evil to conquer.” “Stubbornness and stupidity are twins.” “You don’t know what kind of day you will have, until evening.” I’ll end with “Kindness will always attract kindness.” Abide.
