Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, is here. I’m happy to be here. I’ll make a memory today. I hope it’s a good one. It’s African American Coaches Day, Ballet Day, National Fettuccine Alfredo Day, Rose Day, Send a Card to a Friend Day, and Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbors Day. Not a bad list of things to celebrate. Not great but not bad either. Now some history: On this day in 1238 Mongolian forces captured and burned down the Russian City of Valdimir after an 8-day siege. The repeated invasions of and raiding of the Mongolian armies was one of the primary reasons that Russia was formed. On this day in 1569 King Phillip of Span established the Spanish Inquisition in South America. That means, if you weren’t Catholic, there was a good chance you got burned at the stake, if you survived the torture. On this day in 1812 an 8.2 earthquake shook New Madrid, MO. On this day in 1817 Baltimore became the 1st American city lit by gas streetlamps. On this day 1845 the Portland Vase, thought to date to the 1st century BC was shattered by a drunken visitor to the British Museum. On this day in 1904 Baltimore catches fire and 1,500 buildings in 80 blocks were destroyed. On this day in 1943 shoe rationing began in the US. On this day in 1946, Southern Democrats (before the political parties reversed themselves) filibustered FDR’s Fair Employment Practices Act which forbid the discrimination against Blacks in the government jobs. During the war, FDR had established non-discrimination under Executive Order. Today’s dead person is Ann Radcliffe who was an English novelist who passed in 1823. She said, “I never trust people’s assertions, I always judge of them by their actions.” “How strange it is, that a fool or knave, with riches, should be treated with more respect by the world, than a good man, or a wise man in poverty!” “Wisdom can boast no higher attainment than happiness.” Last one: “What is acquired without labor is seldom worth acquiring at all.” Abide.
