Monday Open Thread; January 1 is Giordano Bruno's Birthday


January 1 is the 1st day of the year, there are 364 days left
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Today's number is 1

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One is the first non zero number - really? Try "integer"
One is also the first odd number - ditto
One is the multiplicative identity. Any number times one is the original number
One is one squared. This is the only real number which is itself squared
One is its own cube and all higher powers, also unique
One is the square of its negative, unique among positive numbers
One is also, again uniquely, its own factorial
One is Hydrogen
One is the loneliest number
BUT
One is not a prime, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JM2oImb9Qg

Title 1 of the US Code is GENERAL PROVISIONS

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1 BCE
was the Year of the Consulship of Lentulus and Piso
The Chinese Emperor, Ai of Han, died; succeeded by his nine year old his cousin, Ping of Han. One Wang Mang was appointed regent by the Grand Empress Dowager Wang, and Former regent Dong Xian committed suicide. And you thought you had it bad.
Augustus sent Gaius east to invade Parthia. Something about Armenia.
Ptolemy of Mauretania was born
Empress Fu and Empress Zhao Feiyan died
Jesus, the son of God, was or was not born in this year or the following one or any one of many other years.

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1 CE
was the Year of the Consulship of Caesar and Paullus
Ovid wrote the poem Metamorphoses
Confucius was given his first royal title
Areius Paianeius became Archon of Athens
Gaius Caesar married Livilla
Quirinius became an advisor to Gaius in Armenia. Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, like his dad, also served in Armenia.
Publius Quinctilius Varus, who haunts these columns, and Claudia Pulchra had a son, Quinctilius Varus
Lucius Annaeus Gallio, an eventual proconsul was born
Arshak II of Iberia, Sapadbizes of Kush & Amanishakheto of Kush died
Jesus, son of God, was or was not born in this year or the preceding one or any one of many other years.

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>Strong>January 1 became the official start of the year in various places in various years, ranging from 45 BCE to 1752

On this day in:

>Strong>January 1 became the official start of the year in various places in various years, ranging from 45 BCE to 1752

45 BCE -- The Julian Calendar takes effect, the year starts on January 1
42 BCE -- The Roman Senate posthumously deified Julius Caesar. This was a BFD
1502 -- The Portuguese explored the area that was to become Rio de Janeiro
1772 -- The first traveler's cheques (usedful in 90 countries) went on sale
1801 -- The legal union of Kingdom of Great Britain and Kingdom of Ireland was completed (though illegitimate)
1801 -- Ceres was discovered
1804 -- Haiti became the first black republic and second independent country in North America
1808 -- The US outlawed the further importation of slaves.
1812 -- The Bishop of Durham ordered troops from Durham Castle to break up a miners' strike. God hates strikes.
1833 -- The UK claimed sovereignty over the Falklands (because they were so close, no doubt)
1863 -- The Emancipation Proclamation took effect but only in Confederate territory
1892 -- Ellis Island opened to process immigrants into the US
1899 -- Spanish rule of Cuba ended.
1901 -- The Commonwealth of Australia was formed
1912 -- The Republic of China was established. (You know, Sun Yat-Sen's China)
1934 -- Alcatraz became a prison
1934 -- Nazi Germany passes the "Law for the Prevention of Genetically Diseased Offspring"
1937 -- The UK required Safety glass in vehicle windscreens
1947 -- The Canadian Citizenship Act 1946 converted British subjects into Canadian citizens.
1959 -- Fulgencio Bastardo Batista was overthrown by Fidel Castro's forces
1971 -- Cigarette ads were banned on US TV
1979 -- China and the US established diplomatic relations
1983 -- ARPANET adopted the Internet Protocol, becoming the Internet.
1989 -- The Montreal Protocol went into force. US RWNJs went permanently batshit crazy with rage and paranoia
1994 -- NAFTA went into effect.
1995 -- The WTO went into effect
1999 -- The Euro was introduced

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Born this day in:

1548 -- Giordano Bruno, mathematician, friar, philosopher, poet, cosmological theorist and martyr ***
1735 -- Paul Revere, silversmith, engraver
1752 -- Betsy Ross, seamstress, US flag designer
1768 -- Maria Edgeworth, author
1769 -- Marie Lachapelle, obstetrician, the mother of modern obstetrics.
1769 -- Jane Marcet, science (and pseudoscience) author
1864 -- Alfred Stieglitz, photographer and curator
1879 -- E. M. Forster, author and playwright
1895 -- J. Edgar Hoover, corrupt, wantonly lawless foe of civil rights who created the FBI's culture
1900 -- Xavier Cugat, singer, songwriter, and actor.
1911 -- Roman Totenberg, violinist
1912 -- Kim Philby, spook
1919 -- J. D. Salinger, author
1923 -- Milt Jackson, vibraphonist and composer, MJQ
1942 -- Country Joe McDonald, singer, songwriter, and guitarist
1942 -- Judy Stone, singer and songwriter
1956 -- Andy Gill, guitarist, singer, and songwriter
1956 -- Martin Plaza, singer, songwriter, and guitarist
1971 -- Chris Potter, saxophonist and composer
1979 -- Brody Dalle, singer, songwriter, and guitarist

*** He was tortured by the inquisition and brutally murdered by the Church for the unforgiveable mortal sin of thinking for himself. He thus became a secularist martyr in the Church's unending war on empiricism & free thought "heresy".

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Died this day in:

1782 -- Johann Christian Bach, German composer
1894 -- Heinrich Hertz, German physicist and academic
1953 -- Hank Williams, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
1981 -- Hephzibah Menuhin, American-Australian pianist
1992 -- Grace Hopper, American computer scientist and admiral, co-developed COBOL
1997 -- Townes Van Zandt, American singer-songwriter, guitaris
2013 -- Patti Page, American singer and actress

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Holidays, Holy Days, Festivals, Feast Days and such:
Emancipation Day (United States)
Jump-up Day (Montserrat)
National Bloody Mary Day (United States)
New Year's Day (Gregorian calendar)
Public Domain Day (multiple countries)
Triumph of the Revolution (Cuba)

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So, for music,
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The (sleazy no good) Bishop of Durham

Cuba

Giordano Bruno

Paul Revere

Xavier Cugat

Charo

And Back up to Jedgar

Milt Jackson

Country Joe

Hank Williams

Townes Van Zandt

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Bonus:

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picture is Bruno's statue in the Campo de' Fiori by enhydra lutris

It's an open thread, so do your thing

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riverlover's picture

In at least the NE US, many polar bear club swims have been called off today due to ice and frigid temperatures.

Trying for a third day in a row to get a battery replacement for my car. My usual repair place, a AAA connection, doesn't DO batteries. And mine is frozen solid. Good thing I have food.

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Hey! my dear friends or soon-to-be's, JtC could use the donations to keep this site functioning for those of us who can still see the life preserver or flotsam in the water.

enhydra lutris's picture

@riverlover
you have good luck getting it fixed. That's something I never think about out here.

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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Raggedy Ann's picture

Happy first day in 2018. What will the year bring? Keep those seat belts buckled!

Have a beautiful day! Pleasantry

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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

enhydra lutris's picture

@Raggedy Ann
I'm postponing lookint at the news for a while, so it's good so far.

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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Lookout's picture

what will we make of it?

Here's hoping you all find the new year peaceful, productive, and positive. It is a beautiful but cold day here in NE Alabama...14 degrees this AM....which is cold to us sissy southerners. Just will have to bundle up for the morning walk.

Have you heard this ONE? https://www.one.org/us/
ONE is a campaigning and advocacy organization of more than eight million people around the world taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aievcgb6-Xo (2 min)

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

enhydra lutris's picture

@Lookout
ailments. It is cool for us, but above freezing and I get to stay inside as long as I wish, so that's good. I think I have heard of ONE somewhere along the line. Here's to them [imaginary toast].

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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Now, if only we could change the world as easy as we change the calendar, we'd have something.

Thanks for the musica cubano EL! Perfect accompaniment for the new year bean pot assembly.

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enhydra lutris's picture

@QMS
I was pleased to find that Cubano musica, it is really easy to listen to.

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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Jan. 1, 1951, I was born. And the world has never been the same!

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"Without the right to offend, freedom of speech does not exist." Taslima Nasrin

enhydra lutris's picture

@Fishtroller 02
always pegged you for younger. Enjoy.

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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

@enhydra lutris @enhydra lutris officially adopted the Jack Benny 39 years old meme. Started counting backwards today!

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"Without the right to offend, freedom of speech does not exist." Taslima Nasrin

Mark from Queens's picture

it was about 10 degrees.

Had an interesting confluence of two things that kind of dropped an opportunity right in my lap, if I could dare brave the weather.

Got called for a driving job that would take me to Soho/Chinatown area, which was not far from where a friend had invited me to his girlfriend's bday/NYE party. When I told my partner I was planning on parking the van after the drop-off and heading to the party via walking the Bridge she thought I was crazy and that there was no way that was happening (and even I thought I wouldn't go through with it).

Went outside in front of my apartment to start my van to warm it up and thought I nearly froze to death just running outside in a hoodie. I then pretty completely thought, "I'm definitely not doing this." But I know myself; my predilection for adventure is pretty strong. So I took the precautions: long johns underneath, a neck wrap, Ipod, etc.

When I finished my 2nd drop-off the night had already fallen and the winds downtown were whipping so hard that the side door of the hotel where I was (that David Johanson was playing at) was a serious struggle to open. Took a walk to the nearest subway to check the map to see if it was anywhere near the DUMBO/Bklyn Hts location where the party was. The one to get there was another few blocks away.

So I came up from the subway foyer and noticed that with every few steps the weather became a little more tolerable. There were also more than a few stout, hardy people walking the streets
some six hours before "the ball drops." Decided I would buy a better pair of gloves from one of those classic Chinese hat/sunglasses vendors. I felt measurably more insulated and even better about it. The party was still and hour and half from starting. That's it. I'm walking the Brooklyn Bridge.

Made my way down fairly deserted streets, though scattered groups of bundled up people were around. But it did have an almost end of the world quality at times. Had the Ipod on with better earphones that actually stay inside the ear canal, than the crappy white Apple ones that aesthetically looked cutting edge when introduced years ago, but were too impractical to stay put, especially when walking or running.

I hardly get any exercise these days, as a currently sedentary middle-aged first-time father of two infants. Which is not me at all. So this chance at a nice long vigorous walk, over a legendary bridge that was a remarkable feat of human accomplishment about 140 years or so ago, with incredible vistas, could not be a better.

As I approached the curve just passed the odious One Police Plaza (where I still remember clearly getting major goosebumps when on an Occupy march the chants of We Are the 99% reverberated so loudly in that high-arched Roman portico entrance that it like something straight our of "V For Vendetta") I thought maybe I'd be one of only a few hearty souls to be crazy enough to actually walk the bridge on such a bone-chilling night. But I was wrong. Lots of tourists, even some families, with kids bundled up in blankets, multiple hats/scarves sitting on benches or crowded behind those huge majestic columns, seeming to be waiting in place for some fireworks show or something (which I thought was crazy).

Made my way over pretty vigorously, stopped to take a selfie or two for the family, and eventually found myself in a deserted DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Br Overpass). A lone welcomed oasis from the winter chill was an opened poetry store. Used the bathroom and browsed the books. Though not necessarily a poetry fan many seemed of a radical/progressive bent and the two I picked up completely captivated me. One was by someone named Leighton I think, a little palm-sized pamphlet thing about the Debt Crisis, in which thanked David Graeber and the Strike Debt folks for the inspiration.

At friend's party we talked politics a bit. And though my friend, who came out to phone bank for Bernie at Zuccotti Park, voted for Bernie he fell for the propaganda and ultimately supported $hills. He agreed with most all of my criticism of the duopoly charade, the DNC fraud, etc. But just before I left and he'd been drinking more, admitted he's fallen for the mainstream Russia red herring. I jokingly told him I'm worried about him, and he laughed and said the same back. We agreed that he come over and visit the kids so we could have a more to have a better conversation about the totality of it all.

My Ipod battery had run out by then. I walked back over the bridge and thought of the many times I'd marched with Occupy all over that downtown area near Wall and around Wall St, and of course over the Bkyln Br, with #BlackLivesMatter and a #StopMassIncarceration/Abolish The Police march with Cornel West, who was a consistent, unmistakable and towering presence at so many of them.

From Walt Whitman to "Taking Brooklyn Bridge" by Stuart Leonard, Occupy activist, we've all communed with our antecedents while on that grand marvel.

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"If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph:

THE ONLY PROOF HE NEEDED
FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
WAS MUSIC"

- Kurt Vonnegut

@Mark from Queens can feel it through the wording. Crossing the bridge emblematic. Good go.

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enhydra lutris's picture

@Mark from Queens
narrative to boot.

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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Azazello's picture

It's official, 2017 was the hottest year on record for us. 2016 was the next hottest, tied with 2014 and the fourth hottest year on record was 2015. See the pattern ? The last four years have each been the hottest years ever recorded. A high temp of 76 is predicted for today after a bone-chilling 46 last night. Any bets on whether or not 2018 will turn out to be yet another "hottest year ever recorded" ?
Have a nice, warm day.

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We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.

@Azazello 2 degrees F on the thermometer this AM with 15 knot winds = minus 17 degrees F. Wood stove day. Good sunshine and view of the full moon tonight!

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enhydra lutris's picture

@Azazello
about 2017. Enjoy.

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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Azazello's picture

@enhydra lutris
but in the back of my mind there's dread. If it's 76 on New Year's Day what will it be in May ? Everybody I talk to feels the same way. We can't really enjoy it because we're afraid of what's coming this summer.

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We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.

Shahryar's picture

and get turned down.

But no hard feelings. After the Beatles get chart success they're still friendly with Decca's Dick Rowe and George Harrison recommends another group Rowe could sign...the Rolling Stones.

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Azazello's picture

@Shahryar
was recorded and released. It was a Chuck Berry tune, Come On, which Keith describes as "very different from Chuck Berry's version; it's very Beatle-ized".

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We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.

Mark from Queens's picture

@Azazello
when they're given I Wanna Be Your Man.

Love when, at the Rolling Stones R&R Circus, John refers to Jagger as "Michael."

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"If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph:

THE ONLY PROOF HE NEEDED
FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
WAS MUSIC"

- Kurt Vonnegut

Azazello's picture

@Mark from Queens
for that made-for-tv event. The Stones hated the R&R Circus and suppressed it for years. The reason? Their own execrable performance of Sympathy .... There are two guitar parts on the live version of that tune, a simple chord progression and Keith's more complicated part which appears to have begun as a Nicky Hopkins keyboard improvisation adapted by Keith for guitar. Brian Jones was by then too fried to handle the easy chord part and the performance suffered. They could have enlisted John, Pete Townsend or any competent guitarist to play it but that would have been disloyal to Brian. Here are the two guitar parts:
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzuokvjB4KQ width:400 height:240]

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We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.

@Shahryar George

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Mark from Queens's picture

@QMS
Fumbling my way through chords on an acoustic guitar these past few years.

Chordie is my spot for songs. On the set list lately have been a couple of post-Beatles George hits, such Blow Away and Here Comes The Moon, which my 2yr old son has taken to singing all around the house. Beware of Darkness is tough, and I keep trying, because that's always been a favorite.

Of course He's So Fine My Sweet Lord was there from the very beginning, with its five easy chords.

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"If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph:

THE ONLY PROOF HE NEEDED
FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
WAS MUSIC"

- Kurt Vonnegut

enhydra lutris's picture

@Shahryar
specifically for you -

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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Shahryar's picture

@enhydra lutris

by the Merseybeats!

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