It’s March 1st, 2021. March is named after the god of war and a planet: Mars. In ancient Rome, several festivals of Mars took place in March because that was the earliest month of the year when the weather was mild enough to start a war. At one time, March was the first month in the Roman calendar. Today is National Dadgum That’s Good Day, National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, National Fruit Compote Day, National Pig Day, Share A Smile Day and National Compliment Day. If you change the word “Dadgum” to “Damn” it sounds better. In 1780 Pennsylvania became the 1st US state to abolish slavery (for newborns only). Edward Kidder, a London pie-maker opened the 1st formal cooking school in London, England on this date in 1784. In 1847 Michigan became the 1st English-speaking jurisdiction to abolish the death penalty (except for treason against the state). In 1872 Yellowstone became the world’s 1st national park. On this day in 1932 the 20 month old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh was kidnapped from their home in East Amwell, New Jersey. The child was found dead on May 12th. This is the day in 1954 that the US exploded Castle Bravo, a 15 megaton hydrogen bomb at Bikini Atoll, which accidentally became the most powerful nuclear device ever detonated by the US. This is the legendary baseball announcer, Harry Caray’s birthday. He said, “Not only do I like to go to bars because I like to drink, I do like to drink, but I go because who do you see there? Baseball fans.” This is the day in 1697 that Francesco Redi, referred to as “founder of experimental biology” died. He said, “Good Chianti, that aged, majestic and proud wine, enlivens my heart, and frees it painlessly from all fatigue and sadness.” Yes, drinking quotes today. I’m sure around 5 this afternoon, I’ll raise my glass and toast them. Abide.
