We have reached August 1st, 2023. It’s a good time to remind ourselves that the purpose of life is to enjoy it. To limit worry because it does no good. To allow other people to be who they are (mind our own business). To be kind because Karma is real. Today is Homemade Pie Day, International Childfree Day, National Girlfriends Day, National Night Out, National Raspberry Cream Pie Day, Play Ball Day, Respect for Parents Day, Rounds Resounding Day, Scout Scarf Day, Spider-Man Day, and Woman Astronomers Day. Now let’s find out what happened on this day: In 30 BC Augustus Caesar entered Alexandria, Egypt, bring it under the control of Rome. On this day in 1498 Columbus landed in South America (Venezuela). On this day in 1774 English chemist Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen. In 1781 on this day General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown ending the American Revolutionary War. On this day in 1834 the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 went into effect abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire. On this day in 1900 the 1st Michelin Guide was published as a hotel and restaurant reference guide to encourage more road travel which would boost tire sales. On this day in 1914 Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany declared war on this nephew Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. On this day in 1933 the death penalty was instituted for being anti-fascist in Germany. On this day in 1933 the National Recovery Administration was launched as part of the New Deal. The NRA’s goal was to eliminate “cut throat competition” and institute regulations to establish “fair practices” and set prices for industry, labor and government. On this day in 1944 Anne Frank made her last diary entry. She was arrested 3 days later. Since it’s Herman Melville’s birthday (1819), I’ll use him for today’s quotes from dead people. Herman said, “Ignorance is the father of all fear.” “Of all the preposterous assumptions…nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed.” “Only the man who says no is free.” “We die, because we live.” I’ll end with “One of the coolest and wisest hours a man has, is just after he awakes in the morning.” True for me. Abide.
