By Abubakar D. Sani
What do the University of Calcutta Cape Canaveral Richmond, Virginia And Apple Computers – Have in common? Hang on – There's more – Here’s the roll-call: Humphrey O’Sullivan Ron Hubbard Caligula and California Not to mention Japan Hadrian Frederick the Great And Sharon Tate And, of course Winston Churchill Ted Bundy And Neil Diamond Last, but by no means The least Are L. Ron Hubbard And Brazil, ‘home’ of soccer All of them Without exception Have a milestone recorded On January the 24th For, on that day, In 1857, the University was founded In 1899, Rubber heels were patented And, in 1908, the Boy Scout Movement was formed Likewise, the Space Shuttle, Discovery Was launched in 1985 A mission, all-military and oh-so-secret And Winston Churchill died - in 1965 As did Ted Bundy and Ron Hubbard The serial killer and The founder of Scientology In 1989 and 1986 respectively Not to mention the Roman Emperor, Caligula, in 41AD As for births, leading the pack Is Frederick the Great, the Prussian King And, in 76AD, another Roman Emperor, Hadrian As were the American musician and actress Sharon Tate and Neil Diamond In 1943 and 1941 Respectively (bless them) The first personal computer The Apple Macintosh Went on sale in 1984 – (The genius of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak) Six years later – in 1990 Japan launched its first lunar probe Preceded, in 1948, by the California Rush for Gold And, in 1946, by the UN's 1st Resolution – on Nuclear energy Richmond, Virginia's claim to fame Is that beer Was first canned there In 1935 (since then the world has never been the same!) Just as well As it preceded The Brazilian anti-slavery rebellion In 1835 (alcohol would have made it worse!) But, what is the point of this historical excursion You may well ask: what has January the 24th Got to do with anything Beyond mere trivia, that is Well, it's confession time! That day just happens to be The anniversary of yours truly Placing him squarely within the Aquarius Zodiac sign! Of whom, it has been said (Not without some justification) Are the most humanitarian and generous Not to mention friendly, innovative and broad-minded Famously symbolized by the Water-bearer (Isn't it said that He who brings water brings life?) They are truly one of a kind Considerate, tolerant Forward-looking and liberal What more needs to be said Except to wish the celebrant good cheer! Written By Abubakar D. Sani, Esq.
