Today is August 19 2020. The first thing I do every morning when I sit down in front of this computer is to look into the future. I see two tropical depressions headed toward us and a third one just starting to move off Africa. We will just have to wait and see what develops. When you’ve seen what a hurricane can do, you start to look into the future during the summer months in Florida. Now to the present: It’s ‘Black Cow’ Root Beer Float Day, International Bow Day, International Orangutan Day, National Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, National Hot and Spicy Food Day (my #1 pick), National Potato Day, World Humanitarian Day and National Soft Ice Cream Day which would be my #2 pick. Now to the way back machine: On this day in 1793 the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, then the US capital has its 1st fatality. The epidemic lasts till November killing around 5,000 people. In 1897 the 1st electric taxis are driven in London. On this day in 1953 the democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran is overthrown in a coup orchestrated by the United Kingdom and the United States. Our intervention didn’t turn out too well it seems. Today is the birthday (1919) of Malcolm Forbes, (Forbes Magazine) who said, “The biggest mistake people make in life is not trying to make a living at doing what they most enjoy.” This is also the day in the year 14 that Augustus Caesar, First Roman Emperor, stopped living at the age of 75. I’ll give you two of his quotes: “We write our names in the sand: and then the waves roll in and wash them away.” and “Have I played the part well? Then applaud as I exit.” It’s remarkable to me that I can read the thoughts of someone who lived over 2,000 years ago. That’s enough for today. Be careful. It’s not over yet. Wear the mask.
