Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Feb 25th - A Day of Contradictions

As if we need further proof that the world is full of contradiction, today is significant in four completely different ways.

It is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and a day traditionally given over to fasting and mortification of the flesh.

It is also National Clam Chowder Day, celebrating a well-known comfort food, designed to warm and sustain the flesh.

Also in the warm-and-fuzzy department, some bright spark decided that Feb 25th will be National Cuddle Day this year.

And back on the dark side, it's also Pistol Patent Day--a celebration of Samuel Colt's intellectual property rights on an instrument of death. His 1836 patent No. 138 guaranteed Colt ownership of a pistol design with a six-chambered revolving cylinder full of bullets.

So what is the common ground between these four celebrations? Beats us. We'll just wish you a happy day of mortifying the flesh, warming it, pressing it against someone else's, and pumping it full of lead.

How's that for a cheery greeting?

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