It is obviously observed on December 31st (although I've seen it listed as being celebrated on October 18th.) Drink Champagne for breakfast today! It's a new year tomorrow. Wear your mask if you're going to be out in a crowd.
It's the Seventh day of Christmas. Today's gift count (84 gifts): you currently have Seven Swans a' swimming, 12 geese a' laying, 15 golden rings, 16 calling birds, 15 French hens, 12 turtledoves and 7 partridges in their respective pear trees. Today is also the Feast of St. Sylvester I who was one of the earliest Popes and served from 314 to 335 AD. In many eastern European countries this last day of the year is called “Sylvester”.
I can't begin to imagine the amount of bird waste you are removing at the point. But keep shoveling, you don't want the EPA on your tail (so to speak.) You may want to consider contacting your local garden store: fresh guano can garner a pretty price.
For those playing the home version - Tonight's the Sixth night of Kwanzaa.
December 31, 1923 -
On New Year's Eve, 1923, BBC engineer AG Dryland climbed onto a roof opposite the Houses of Parliament with a microphone to record the chimes of Big Ben. The sound he captured has been broadcast on BBC radio ever since.
From February 17th, 1924, the bell of Big Ben could regularly be heard on BBC radio, along with the Greenwich 'pips'.
December 31, 1966 -
The Monkees' I'm A Believer, hit #1 in America on this date. The song stays at the top for seven weeks.
Neil Diamond wrote this song. He had his first big hit earlier in 1966 with Cherry, Cherry, which got the attention of Don Kirshner, who was looking for material for The Monkees. Kirshner was sold on I'm A Believer, and as part of the deal, allowed Diamond to record the song as well. Diamond's version was released on his 1967 album Just For You. The Monkees version benefited from exposure on their television series.
December 31, 1969 -
Walt Disney through its Buena Vista Distribution Company released The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, starring Kurt Russell, and Cesar Romero on this date.
It’s the first motion picture to use the word “computer” in its title.
December 31, 1995 –
Cartoonist Bill Watterson ends his Calvin and Hobbes comic strip on this date.
Our last Saturday of the Year together
Today in History:
December 31, 1907 -
For the first time a ball drops at Times Square to signal the New Year on this date.
The New Year’s Eve Ball first descended from a flagpole at One Times Square, constructed with iron and wood materials with 100 25-watt bulbs weighing 700 pounds and measuring 5 feet in diameter.
December 31, 1909 -
The Manhattan Bridge, the last of the three suspension bridges built across the lower East River, was opened to traffic on this date (although not officially completed until 1912.)
This must have made it quite an interesting crossing.
December 31, 1935 –
Charles Darrow of Pennsylvania was issued the patent (US Patent #2,026,082) was issued for the game of Monopoly on this date; he assigned the patent to Parker Brothers.
December 31, 1936 -
Dr. Rolla Harger, a professor of biochemistry and toxicology, patented the Drunkometer, a balloon-like device into which people would breathe to determine whether they were inebriated in 1936. Just in time for New Year's Eve, the first practical use of the device in the field by Indianapolis police was conducted on this day.
December 31, 1958 -
Rebels forces lead by Fidel Castro, marched triumphantly into Havana, Cuba on this date. Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista fled the country with 180 of his supporters and personal fortune of more than $300 million dollars amassed through graft and payoffs.
Meanwhile, Michael grasps Fredo tightly by the head and gives a kiss, telling him "I know it was you Fredo; you broke my heart." Michael appeals to his brother to join him in leaving the country, but Fredo runs away, frightened.
But that's another story ...
December 31, 1999 -
The large Ferris wheel, the London Eye (also called the Millennium Wheel), was built in celebration of the change of millinia, opened on this date.
It went on to become a famous London landmark, and attracts thousands of tourists a year.
ACME would like to wish everyone the Happiest and Healthiest New Year. Hope you all have wonderful plans for this evening, even if it's just sitting at home.
Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians played Auld Lang Syne as a New Year’s Eve song for the first time on this date in 1929.
Can you stand one last 2022 Movie mash-up; this one is from CinéDIMI -
Somehow it has become the last page of the calendar.
Good Riddance, But Now What? - Ogden Nash
Come, children, gather round my knee;
Something is about to be.
Tonight’s December thirty-first,
Something is about to burst.
The clock is crouching, dark and small,
Like a time bomb in the hall.
Hark! It’s midnight, children dear.
Duck! Here comes another year.
Bunkies, thank you for indulging me for another year.
And so it goes
2 comments:
Speaking of guano: I recall a TV news story delivered with gravitas by Walter Cronkite (yes, I'm that old). The story concerned a cave full of valuable bat guano that had somehow caught fire. At the conclusion of the story, Mr. Cronkite couldn't resist, dubbing it a case of "endangered feces." Happy New Year, Doc!
Hey Doc - Thanks for putting in so much energy to keep us enlightened and entertained.
- Indeed
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