Did you know that, on this date in . . .

1751: A daughter poisons her father. A tale worthy of a Midsomer Murders episode, this real-life British drama involves a 26-year-old spinster, a wealthy father, an adulterous fortune-hunter, an illicit affair, betrayal, arsenic . . . everything but incest. And nearly 300 years ago. What fun!

1917: China declares war on Germany. World War I. China was on our side back then. Ah, the good old days.

1935: FDR signs Social Security Act. And a good thing, too. But you still can’t live on it.

1945: Japan’s surrender made public. World War II finally ends. Amen.

1985: Michael Jackson purchases the publishing rights to the majority of the Beatles’ catalog. If you happen to have $47 Million hanging around . . .

1994: The terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal is arrested. That’s a relief. (Aside: I knew someone years ago who claimed to have attended university with him. If true, that means I was just one degree of separation from one of the most notorious . . . Holy crap!)

2003: Blackout hits northeast United States. It’s a mess in New York, Ohio, parts of Canada, and more. And in May of 2004, the birth rate in those same areas suddenly surges. Hmmm . . . coincidence?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/14/24