December 31, 2006


We can afford no liberties with liberty itself.
Robert Jackson



When Peter Piper
Pickle picker
Kissed his gal
His beard
Would prick 'er
Burma Shave
1941


Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.
Bill Vaughn





THE FRAGILE NATION
  • November 26, 1789 - A Day of Thanksgiving is established by a congressional resolution and a proclamation by George Washington.
  • March 1, 1790 - A Census Act is passed by Congress. The first census, finished on Aug. 1, indicates a total population of nearly 4 million persons in the U.S. and western territories. African Americans make up 19 percent of the population, with 90 percent living in the South. Native Americans were not counted, although there were likely over 80 tribes with 150,000 persons. For white Americans, the average age is under 16. Most white families are large, with an average of eight children born. The white population will double every 22 years.
    The largest American city is Philadelphia, with 42,000 persons, followed by New York (33,000) Boston (18,000) Charleston (16,000) and Baltimore (13,000). The majority of Americans are involved in agricultural pursuits, with little industrial activity occurring at this time.
  • April 17, 1790 - Benjamin Franklin dies in Philadelphia at age 84. His funeral four days later draws over 20,000 mourners.
  • July 10, 1790 - The House of Representatives votes to locate the national capital on a 10 square-mile site along the Potomac, with President George Washington choosing the exact location.
    • THE HISTORY PLACE


    New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.”
    James Agate



    PRESIDENTIAL TRIVIA
    James Buchanan When England's Prince of Wales came to visit the White House in 1860 Buchanan had to sleep in the halls because so many guests came with the prince
    James Buchanan 1857-1861



    In the back yard there is a hollow stump that contains six ears of corn. If a healthy squirrel carries out only three ears each day, how many days will it take to empty the stump.




    A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other



    Keep flax from fire, and youth from gaming.
    1736


    “New Year's Day - Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”
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