01.10.2024 is here. Last night the storms rolled through with less than anticipated force. It’s almost never as bad as the weatherman tells you it will be. That could be a metaphor about life. I’m looking forward to living this day even though it will be in the low 60s instead of our normal 75 degrees. January 10 is Bittersweet Chocolate Day, Houseplant Appreciation Day, League of Nations Day, National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, National Oysters Rockefeller Day, National Peculiar People Day, and Save the Eagles Day. I could go for a dozen Oysters today. Moving on. On this day in 49 BC Julius Ceasar defied the Roman Senate and crossed the Rubicon (it’s a river) uttering “alea lacta est” (the die is cast) starting a civil war that make him a dictator for life. On this day in 1663 King Charles II granted a monopoly over the trade along the west coast of Africa for “redwood, elephant’s teeth, negroes, slaves, hides, wax, grains, or other commodities of those countries.” On this day in 1861 Florida seceded from the Union. On this day in 1901 oil was discovered at Spindletop near Beaumont Texas starting the oil boom (gusher age). On this day in 1917 suffragettes lead by Alice Paul held their first protest outside the White House. This is the day in 1958 that Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” reached #1. Today is a tough day for finding good quotes. I’ll use someone I’ve never used before: Alexander the Great. He was made King at 20 and conquered the ancient world by the time of his death at 32. He said, “Let us conduct ourselves so that all men wish to be our friends and all fear to be our enemies.” “May God keep you away from the venom of the cobra, the teeth of the tiger, and the revenge of the Afghans.” It seems that Alexander knew that fighting in Afghanistan was dangerous. He also said, “Are there no more worlds that I might conquer?” I probably should read a book about him. Enough for today. Please note that our historical footnotes didn’t include any Jews being murdered. Abide.
