“I think I correctly gauged the American public’s willingness to elect a biracial president. I think I drastically under-rated their willingness to actually be governed by one.”
– Andrew Sullivan, in The Daily Beast
April 6, 2012 – 258 days Until Baktun 12
Survivalist Tip: If you have a pickup truck like me, consider buying a camper for it. This is mainly for those who are certain they might have to flee their home when the apocalypse hits. A hard-shell camper will protect your gear and supplies from wind, rain and any zombies, hip-hop artists or IRS agents that might survive the initial upheaval. A good one will cost about $500 and it should be made of heavy duty fabric and be easy to install. As you traverse the barren wasteland, you can be assured that your food, water and chocolate will be safe for a long time.
Filed under Mayan Calendar Countdown
Today’s Notable Birthdays
If your birthday is today, “Happy Birthday!”
Pianist – composer André Previn (Oscar-winning film scores: Gigi, Porgy and Bess, Irma La Douce, My Fair Lady; conductor: Pittsburgh Symphony, London & LA Philharmonic Orchestras) is 83.
Singer – songwriter Merle Haggard (Okie from Muskogee, If We Make It Through December, Hungry Eyes, Workin’ Man Blues) is 75.
Actor Billy Dee Williams (Brian’s Song, Lady Sings the Blues, The Imposter) is 75.
Actor Roy Thinnes (From Here to Eternity, The Invaders, Outer Limits, The Hindenburg) is 74.
Director – producer – writer Barry Levinson (Rain Man, Disclosure, Bugsy, Good Morning, Vietnam, The Natural, Diner) is 70.
Actor John Ratzenberger (Cheers; The Empire Strikes Back, Timestalkers) is 65.
Actress Marilu Henner (Taxi, Evening Shade) is 60.
Actress Ari Meyers (Author! Author!, Kate & Allie, Think Big) is 43.
Actor Jason Hervey (The Wonder Years, Wildside, Fast Times) is 40.
Filed under Birthdays
On April 6…
1776 – The Continental Congress opened all American ports to international trade with any part of the world that wasn’t under British rule.
1830 – Joseph Smith established the Mormon Church in Fayette Township, NY.
1882 – Rose Schneiderman, U.S. women’s rights activist and the only female member of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Labor Advisory Board, was born in Sawin, Poland.
1895 – Writer Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest, The Picture of Dorian Gray) was arrested for homosexual acts, after he lost a libel case against the Marquess of Queensbury.
1896 – The first modern Olympic Games began in Athens, Greece with 13 nations competing.
1909 – Commodore Robert Peary became the first man to reach the North. Actually, Peary and Matthew H. Henson, Peary’s servant, were the first men to reach the North Pole. Because Henson was a Black, hired man, his presence was not recognized until 1945 when he received a medal for outstanding service in the field of science from the U.S. government.
1916 – Charlie Chaplin signed a movie contract with the Mutual Film Corporation with an annual salary of $675,000, becoming the highest-paid film star in the world.
1917 – Two days after an 82 to 6 vote to declare war against Germany, the U.S. entered World War I.
1927 – William P. MacCracken, Jr. earned license number ‘1’ when the Department of Commerce issued the first aviator’s license.
1956 – Capitol Tower, the home of Capitol Records in Hollywood, CA, and the first circular office tower designed in America, was dedicated.
1957 – Trolley cars in New York City completed their final runs on this day.
1992 – War erupted in the former Yugoslavia, as Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence.
Filed under History
Retro Quote
“We’re going to close the unproductive tax loop holes that have allowed some of the truly wealthy to avoid paying their fair share.”
– President Ronald Reagan, Northside High School, Atlanta, GA; June 6, 1985
Filed under News
Quote of the Day
“Ronald Reagan, who, as I recall, is not accused of being a tax-and-spend socialist, understood repeatedly that when the deficit started to get out of control, that for him to make a deal, he would have to propose both spending cuts and tax increases. Did it multiple times. He could not get through a Republican primary today.”
– President Barack Obama, at a meeting of the Newspaper Association of America
Good Friday
For most people, every Friday is good. In the Christian faith, ‘Good Friday’ is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. The celebration, which commemorates the suffering of Jesus Christ, is as old as Christianity itself. Many people engage in prayer, fasting and repentance on Easter. Many Catholic schools consider it a holiday and close for the day. In years past, students of Catholic schools had to attend Good Friday services at their local church, or they’d be considered absent and subsequently penalized. When I attended Catholic grade school in Dallas in the 1970’s, I guess that practice had ceased.
It’s interesting that many people only visit church on Easter Sunday and treat it like a car inspection: it’s good for a year. While no longer a practicing Catholic, I still believe in Jesus Christ, which may come as a surprise to those who’ve heard my anti-religious rants. But, there’s a distinct difference between being a person of faith and being devoutly religious. Some of the best people I’ve ever known have no religious preference, or don’t believe in a Supreme Being at all. Some of the worst people I’ve known, however, can quote a religious text word for word, but are arrogant and disrespectful towards others. I’ve worked with many of those types, and our current crop of GOP presidential candidates are prime examples. I honestly believe Jesus is disappointed in how people have twisted his philosophies of love, respect and tolerance.
Regardless of your faith, or lack of faith, I hope everyone has a great weekend and treats you with the dignity and respect you deserve!
Filed under News
