It’s now Sunday, February 16, 2020. It’s a good day to be alive. Over 70% of the world’s population lives on less than $10 a day (Pew study from 2011). That knowledge should make you grateful for what you have and being grateful is one of the key ingredients of happiness. With that in mind, today happens to be Do a Grouch a Favor Day, National Almond Day and National Innovation Day. Not much to choose from. This is still the Great American Pie Month so you can always celebrate that. I try to avoid grouchy people. Now let’s see what happened on this date in history. In 600 Pope Gregory the Great decrees saying “God bless You” is the correct response to a sneeze. In 1838 Kentucky passes law permitting women to attend school. In 1883 “Ladies Home Journal” begins publishing. In 1932 the 1st patent for a tree issued to James Markham for a peach tree. In 1943 Sign on Munich facade: “Out with Hitler! Long live freedom!” done by “White Rose” student group, caught on 2/18, beheaded on 2/22. In 1968 US 1st 911 phone system goes into service in Haleyville, Alabama. Finally, in 1992 on this date the LA Lakers retire Magic Johnson’s #32 uniform. When I pick my dream team of everyone who has played the game, Magic is my guard. Since I can’t find any births or deaths that have suitable quotes, I’ll stick with Magic Johnson. I’ve met him several times and he is a remarkable guy. Always a smile, never gets tired of people approaching him for a picture. When he was playing with the Lakers he got the names of the season ticket holders who sat in the first row, called up the ones who were CEOs and asked them to mentor him. After he retired, he has become a very successful. He said, “I am a businessman. This is what I do each and every day. I love it. I love coming to work. I never have a bad day.” As I’ve often said, it’s all about attitude. If you love what you’re doing, it’s not work. Since I’m retired, it’s never about work with me. This is as close as it gets. Have a good one. Abide.
