(mildly NSFW)
October 27, 1553
Michael Servetus, noted theologian, was honored in Switzerland for his discovery of the pulmonary circulation of the blood, on this date bybeing burned at the stake just outside Geneva with what was believed to be the last copy of his writing chained to his leg. Historians record his last words as: "Jesus, Son of the Eternal God, have mercy on me.".
John Calvin is given a good deal of credit for having arranged these honors, which may have had something to do with his own gratitude to Mr. Servetus for having raised an important theological question.
Throughout history, such important theological questions have caused almost as much bloodshed as important theological answers. That doesn't mean theology's an especially bloody field—there's been just as much carnage from philosophy, political science, economics, linguistics, and the rest of the humanities.
It's probably all that blood that puts the "human" in the "humanities."
The New York City subway system opened officially 104 years ago today, which means New Yorkers can look forward to 365 days of riding the World's Most Crowded, Smelly and Largest Transportation System!
Let Joy Reign Supreme!!!
October 27, 1954 -
Walt Disney's 1st TV show, "Disneyland," premieres on ABC
October 27, 1964 -
In a private ceremony, Sonny and Cher exchanged rings in Tijuana (on this date) and told others they were married, they were not legally married until 1969.
October 27, 1993 -
Santa Ana winds drive 14 fires across five Southern California counties, which destroy more than 500 homes and cause perhaps $1B in damage within a week's time. Times don't seem to change.
And so it goes.
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