Today in History

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Today is a remarkable day in history, but then every day is remarkable. There are four newsworthy events to celebrate today. First, art takes center stage with the dedication of one of the most awesome displays of art in the world. Many painters had a hand in this remarkable work, including Botticelli. For some reason that name sounds familiar. However, the artist who made the biggest impression, and for whom movies have been made, particularly The Agony and the Ecstasy, starring Charlton Heston in one of his historic roles depicting a famous personage. This one, Michelangelo, commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Pope Julius II was played by Rex Harrison in the movie. On this date in 1483 The Sistine Chapel was consecrated by Pope Sixtus IV. Next up, on this day in 1914, two oceans meet for the first time. It is one of engineering's most difficult projects. Begun by France in 1881, it stopped due to engineering problems and high worker mortality rate. The United States took control of the project, cutting through the dense jungle, alive with venomous snakes, insects, and spiders. Yellow Fever and Malaria would be responsible for killing thousands of workers, and by 1884, 200 people died each month. However, perseverance won out and on 15 August 1914 the Panama Canal opened across the Isthmus of Panama. Next up is a celebration. Everyone loves to celebrate, and what better way to celebrate than doing so as a National Holiday as India celebrates her independence from Great Britain, where they had a presence since 1612. Other countries to rule India before Great Britain were the Dutch, Danish, and French.. Happy Indian Independence Day to all our Indian members. And finally, a dedication to music. Everyone loves music, and most people are familiar with the sounds that came from this Peace and Love music festival where music and love weren't the only thing distributed by those in attendance, drugs were too. The organizers of this famous festival were John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Artie Kornfield, and Mike Lang. Half a million people showed up for this free concert - were you there? Music came from artists Richie Havens, Joan Baez, Santana, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and many more. No one expected the Woodstock Festival, August 15-17 to become what it did, or to live on as the greatest music event in history, or the biggest Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll festival to descend on Bethel, New York. There was also a lot of mud created by the rain received over those three days, but nobody minded. Thanks for reading. Picture from Wikimedia Commons