This day in history

Today being the Gallant Hero's birthday (specific numbers are so inconsequential, aren't they?), we pause for a few moments to reflect upon other momentous events that have occurred on this day in history, and also upon what specific number the Hero might be.

Unfortunately, there is a remarkable lack of noteworthy events happening on this day in history -- probably owing to some mechanical mishap involving Punxsutawney Phil on Feb. 2 -- but we will do our best to bring you the important events on this day in...

Political History
Some of you may recall our extensive posts last summer on our visits to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, and Joe's subsequent infusion of the great man's ideals into his own life. As Joe is probably Mr. Washington's #1 fan, we are pleased to note that on this day in 1783, Mr. Washington was elected as the first president of our nation, beating out several other opponents, although Joe was not one of them.

A few years earlier on this day, in 1454, the Secret Council of the Prussian Federation, acting upon an ill-advised council vote to stop being secret, sent a "formal act of disobedience" to the Grand Master. The Grand Master, although not fluent in Prussian, was pretty fluent in formal acts of disobedience, and took immediate action to ensure that the Secret Council remained secret forever.

Food History
This day is known, in certain circles that do not include me, as National Stuffed Mushroom Day. In accordance with my own observance of Refrain from Eating Foods with Fringe on Them Day (which is celebrated every day), we will not be partaking of mushrooms for Joe's birthday dinner.

Medical History
This date also marks the longest operation in medical history, in Chicago in 1951. This probably comes as somewhat of a surprise to Joe's mother, who no doubt up until this time has believed that the longest medical procedure in history was giving birth to him, although it must have been a relief for her after enduring nine whole months of his clamoring to be let out so he could play with his GI Joes.

??? History
Also on this day, in 1600, occurred the momentous first meeting between Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler. It was momentous because without that first meeting, there never would have been a second one, and you know what that means.* **

*If you do, please let me know.

**It reportedly occurred near Prague, if that helps.

And this concludes our look at historical events of February 4th. You will have noticed that we did not look very hard at how old the Hero is today. The Princess feels it prudent to leave this to your imagination.