It's Malaria Awareness Day

I must thank our former President. Malaria Awareness Day was designated to be April 25 by President George W. Bush in 2007. President Bush described Malaria Awareness Day to be a day when "we focus our attention on all who suffer from this terrible disease -- especially the millions on the continent of Africa."



So I encourage all Americans to begin heavily drinking Gin and Tonics to honor the day (I am not affiliated in anyway with Bombay Sapphire - not that I wouldn't consider any offers.)


April 25, 1917 –
Ella Jane Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song, considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century, was born on this date.







Singing doesn't get better than this.


It's an abbreviated Today in History (I have to take the kids out in the rain:)
April 25, 1792 -
French highwayman Nicolas Jacques Pelletier is beheaded by the guillotine, after extensive testing during its development with corpses and sheep, making him its first victim. The speed that the guillotine worked as quick as lightening and in the twinkling of an eye - it was over.

The outcome was not well received by the crowd who called for the return of the gallows.


April 25, 1926 -
The premiere of Giacomo Puccini's opera, Turandot was at La Scala, Milan, on this date, one year and five months after Puccini's death. It was conducted by Arturo Toscanini.



Turandot was unfinished at the time of Puccini's death and was later completed by Franco Alfano.


April 25, 1972 -
"And if you covered him with garbage,
George Sanders would still have style...."



George Sanders actor and husband of not one but two Gabor sisters, kills himself leaving this great suicide note, "Dear World, I am leaving you because I am bored. I feel I have lived long enough. I am leaving you with your worries in this sweet cesspool - good luck."

Short and to the point.


April 25, 1980 -
In Iran, a commando mission to rescue hostages was aborted after mechanical problems disabled three of the eight helicopters involved. During the evacuation, a helicopter and a transport plan collided and exploded. Eight U.S. servicemen were killed.



The mission was aimed at freeing American hostages that had been taken at the U.S. embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979.


And on a personal note - still as lovely as ever, Andrea once again celebrating her 39th birthday.



And so it goes