October 4th has arrived. This is a good day to avoid watching the news. The congressional chaos has reached a level not seen often. I’m going to be positive and choose to believe that we will get over this historical bump in the road and return to our normal level of vitriol and stupidity by the end of the year. My plan for today is to do my best to be kind to everyone and enjoy this beautiful day. It’s Balloons Around the World Day, Coffee with A Cop Day, Dick Tracy Day, International Toot Your Flute Day, Cinnamon bun Day, National Golf Day, National Ship in a Bottle Day, National Taco Day, and National Vodka Day. I like tacos and vodka. I’ve got several flutes. I’m all set! Onto history: On this day in 1363 the Battle of Lake Poyang ended. The interesting thing about this navel battle is that 850,000 people took part in it. Wow. On this day in 1712 Utrecht (Netherlands) banished poor Jews. I’m guessing that if you were a rich Jew, you could stay? On this day in 1854 Abraham Lincoin resumed his political career by giving a speech denouncing slavery at the Illinois State Fair. On this day in 1921 the League of Nations refused to assist starving Russians. Today’s dead person is the singer, songwriter Janis Joplin who died at the too young age of 27. Janis observed “You can destroy your now by worrying about tomorrow.” “You know you’ve got it if it makes you feel good.” “Wait a minute, maybe I can do anything.” “On stage I make love to 25 thousand people; and then I go home alone.” “I won’t quit to become someone’s old lady.” “I’d rather have ten years of superhypermost than live to be seventy sitting in some goddamn chair watching TV.” I think that’s the way she lived her short life. Abide.
