This day is called December 13, 2022. This morning I woke up in a warm bed, in a warm house, steps away from my own bathroom unlike the half a million people in America who are homeless. If you need something to be thankful for this morning, not being homeless is a good one. December 13th is National Cocoa Day, National Day of the Horse, National Violin Day and my personal selection: Ice Cream Day. Now some history: On this day in 1636 the Massachusetts Bay Colony formed 3 militia regiments to defend the colony against the Pequot Indians. This event is recognized as the founding of the US National Guard. On this day in 1759 the 1st music store in America opened in Philadelphia. This is the day in 1774 that Paul Revere made his ride to warn of the approaching British warships. In 1889 on this day Belgium established laws regulating women and child labor. This is the day in 1920 that the League of Nations established the International Court of Justice in The Hague. On this day in 1937 Japanese troops conquer and plunder Nanjing. This event is known as the ‘Rape of Nanjing’ and is one of the reasons for today’s anti-Japanese attitude in China. On this day in 1950 James Dean began his career in a Pepsi commercial. Today’s guest dead person is the English author Samuel Johnson who died at the age of 75 in 1784. Here are some of his quotes: “Prejudice is a great time-saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts. Prejudice not being founded on reason cannot be removed by argument.” “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” “There are two types of knowledge. One is knowing a thing. The other is knowing where to find it.” “It is better to live rich than to die rich.” Last one: “None but a fool worries about things he cannot influence.” Smart guy. Have as good a day as you decide to have. Abide.
