We’ve now entered the space/time of April, 2021. This time last year we were going into the storm and this month, we’re coming out of it. So good. My glass is more than half full, my expectations are high and my gratefulness index is off the charts. In addition to April Fools Day, there are so many special occasions today that I’ll only give you a few of the best ones: National Atheist’s Day, National Burrito Day, International Edible Book Day?, Fossil Fools Day, National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day, National Sourdough Bread Day and St. Stupid Day which is an annual parade in San Francisco on April 1st founded by Ed Holmes of the First Church of the Last Laugh to celebrate that the unifying bond in society is stupidity. That’s my pick of this list. Now to the history of April 1st. In 1778 New Orleans businessman Oliver Pollock created the “$” symbol. Now you know where it came from. In 1866 on April 1st, the US Congress rejected a presidential veto which gave equal rights to all persons. This was the Civil Rights Act of 1866 which gave equal rights to African Americans and was vetoed by Andrew Johnson who assumed the presidency after Lincoln’s death. Finally, on this day in 1970 US President Richard Nixon signed a bill limiting cigarette advertisements. If you recall, up until that point, the Cigarette companies were pretty much the main sponsor of everything. This is the birthday (1777) of Kentucky’s Henry Clay who served in both the House and the Senate. He said, “Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character”. I agree with Henry. This is the day in 1984 that Motown legend, Marvin Gaye, was shot to death by his father Marvin Gaye Sr in LA at 44. Marvin said, “If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.” Now you should know a couple of things you didn’t know a few seconds ago. Have an excellent day. Abide.
