Thirty-eight and Thank You

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes yesterday.  It's always a humbling experience to see the number of people who take time out of their day to wish you well. 

It was a good day.  Time with my family, good food, and I learned something about myself.  Cannot ask for more.  The song of the day on a favorite Disney theme park and classic television/records streaming site was "Smile Darn Ya Smile" from Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, so it had to be a good day.  Further, for a comic book fan, it's always fun when your birthday falls on a Wednesday, when new comics drop.

In terms of what I learned, I discovered what might be the root of my fascination with theme parks.  I was born on the anniversary of the opening of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.  It opened August 15, 1843 and is one hundred and seventy-five years old today.  The second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, the gardens served as one of the early inspirations for Disneyland.

I also discovered a connection to my appreciation of Make Mine Music and in particular The Whale Who Wanted to Sing at the Met.  It went into wide release August 15, 1946.

Today is also National Relaxation Day.  I appreciate that very much.

Malcolm slew Macbeth on this day in 1057.

The Sistine Chapel was dedicated on this day in 1483.

The Panama Canal opened on this day in 1914.

The Wizard of Oz premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theater in 1939.

India declared its independence on this day in 1947.

The Beatles played at Shea Stadium to a crowd of nearly 60,000 in 1965.

And Woodstock began on this day in 1969.

I share a birthday with Jennifer Lawrence (1990), Ben Affleck (1972), Debra Messing (1968), Justice Stephen Breyer (1938), Julia Child (1912), and Napolean Bonaparte (1769).

So, yes, a good day.

As always, thank you for reading.  I'm continually amazed.