February15: Remember the Maine

Happy birthday, Galileo.

The USS Maine blew up in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898. Why exactly this happened, or even whether the explosion was an accident or a deliberate act of sabotage, is still uncertain -- but it didn't stop the American press, especially, the Hearst newspapers from demanding that America declare war on Spain because of the disaster. War did follow, and Teddy Roosevelt rode up San Juan Hill and into national office. Many of the Usual Suspects proclaim Friday Remember the Maine Day as a result.

Friday will also be Singles Awareness Day, originally a day for those who were shut out on Valentine's Day to meet and mingle and perhaps pair up for next Valentine's Day. If you disregard our advice in yesterday's post and celebrate Jack Benny's Birthday today, you may be painfully aware tomorrow that you are now single. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Friday is also National Gumdrop Day and the birthday of Galileo Galilei (born on February 15, 1564).