...BLACK CATS ARE ANYTHING BUT BAD LUCK
Happy National Black Cat Day! Sure, some misinformed so-and-so probably tried to tell you these majestic miniature panthers are bad luck, but don't believe the haters. In fact, in Scotland, Britain, and Japan, the presence or appearance of a black cat is indicative of imminent good fortune and prosperity.
If you've ever thought about adopting a little void, today's a great day to do it. Black kitties have lower rates of adoption, despite the fact that their fur camouflages quite nicely on the mostly black clothing you probably own.
Okay, that's not a black cat thing, that's just a cat thing. The soothing purrs and soft snuggles make it a fair trade, though.
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Alright, let's eat some birthday cake! Born on this day in years past:
• Former US President, conservationist, historian, and writer Theodore Roosevelt Jr. was born on this day in 1858. Teddy served as US President from 1901 to 1909 and remains the youngest person to become President of the United States. As President he prioritized promising the average citizen fairness, breaking of trusts, regulation of railroads, and pure food and drugs. He also valued conservation and established national parks, forests, and monuments intended to preserve the nation's natural resources. Historians credit Roosevelt for changing the nation's political system by permanently placing the "bully pulpit" of the presidency at center stage and making character as important as the issues.
• English actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer John Cleese was born on this day in 1939. Cleese co-founded Monty Python, the comedy troupe responsible for the sketch show Monty Python's Flying Circus. He co-wrote British series Fawlty Towers and has written/appeared in films such as A Fish Called Wanda and Fierce Creatures.
• American poet, novelist, and short-story writer Sylvia Plath was born on this day in 1932. Plath is credited with advancing the genre of confessional poetry and is best known for two of her published collections, The Colossus and Other Poems and Ariel, as well as The Bell Jar, a semi-autobiographical novel published shortly before her death in 1963.
• American pop artist Roy Fox Lichtenstein was born on this day in 1923. In his work inspired by the comic strip, Lichtenstein produced precise compositions that documented while they parodied, often in a tongue-in-cheek manner. His work was influenced by popular advertising and the comic book style.
• English musician, singer, songwriter, and lyricist Simon John Charles Le Bon was born on this day in 1958. Le Bon is best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the band Duran Duran.
It was also on this day that the New York subway opened in 1904 — and fare was only 5 cents!
OK, let's get to the main course — fun links to brighten your day!
1. Dine on the dark side with Ghoul at Heart
Lori Castellon shows us how to add a dose of Halloween to salads, freshly baked bread, sushi and more!
2. The Abba parody you need for spooky season!
Comedian Brian David Gilbert covers ABBA classic 'Lay All Your Love On Me' with a vampiric twist!
3. Danish artist Thomas Dambo turns trash into treasure
Dambo's Instagram features his latest project, turning recycled wood into giant trolls that he's stashed around the world!
4. Surrealist Richard Saunders transforms hedges into cats
Inspired by his own cat, this artist works larger than life cat topiaries into natural settings!
5. Cartoonist Teo Zirinis gives voice to every day objects
These single panel comics share the humorous and pun-fueled thoughts of pumpkins, llamas, household appliances, and more!
OK! Hopefully these little diversions helped to brighten your day! We'll be back here in your inbox on Friday with NEW ART, more random holidays, celebrity birthdays, a new episode of the Boredwalk Podcast, and (probably) more! Until then...
Peace, love, and black cat cuddles,
Meredith
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