It is now the day after yesterday which happens to be 02.02.2022. For numerologists, this palindrome is a good reason to throw a pre-party for the day that comes in 20 more days. For the rest of us, it’s Groundhog Day, California Kiwifruit Day, Dump Your Significant Jerk Day, Crêpe Day, Heavenly Hash Day, Tater Tot Day, World Wetlands Day, Crepe Day, and my pick, World Ukulele Day. Besides being fun, playing the ukulele, or any instrument for that matter, is good for your brain. Now to the history of this date. By this date in 1349, at least 200 people a day were being buried in London as a result of the Black Death. In 1709 British sailor Alexander Selkirk was rescued after being marooned on a desert island for 5 years. His story inspires the book “Robinson Crusoe”. In 1848, the 1st ship load of Chinese immigrants arrived in San Francisco. In 1887 In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the first Groundhog Day was observed. In 1925 on this date, dogsleds reached Nome Alaska with emergency diphtheria serum. In 1942 on this date, the US auto factories switched from commercial to war production. On this day in 1932 the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was organized to provide funds to state and local governments and loans to banks, railroads, mortgage associations and other businesses to try and get America out of the Great Depression. On this day in 1970 Bertrand Russell past at the age of 97. He was from English academic who worked in philosophy, mathematics, and logic. He said, “The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.” “To understand the actual world as it is, not as we should wish it to be, is the beginning of wisdom.” “Why is propaganda so much more successful when it stirs up hatred than when it tries to stir up friendly feelings?” That’s a good question. I’ll end with “I believe four ingredients are necessary for happiness: health, warm personal relations, sufficient means to keep you from want and successful work.” Have a good Groundhog Day. Abide.
