Monday

Dec. 16, 1996

Mossbawn Sunlight

by Seamus Heaney

MONDAY 12/16

Today's Reading:"Mossbawn Sunlight" by Seamus Heaney from POEMS 1965-1975, published by Farrar Straus Giroux.

In Mexico, the annual eight-day celebration called Posadas begins today. Groups of people go from door to door asking for "posada," or shelter, as Mary and Joseph did before the birth of Jesus.

Today, in the state capitals of the nation, electors are meeting to cast the official votes for President and Vice President of the United States.

It's the birthday of English science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke, author of the short story "The Sentinel," on which the film 2001: SPACE ODYSSEY was based. He was born in Minehead, Somerset, in 1917.

It's the birthday of anthropologist Margaret Mead, born in Philadelphia in 1901.

Author V.S. Pritchett (YOU MAKE YOUR OWN LIFE; BLIND LOVE AND OTHER STORIES) was born on this day in Ipswich, England, 1900.

English playwright, actor, and composer Noel Coward (PRIVATE LIVES) was born on this day near London in 1899.

It's the birthday of Gothic revival architect Ralph Adams Cram, born in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, 1863.

Poet and philosopher George Santayana was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1863. His most famous line about history: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

It's the birthday of author Jane Austen (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE; EMMA; PERSUASION) born in the village of Steventon, Hampshire, England, 1775.

The Boston Tea Party took place on this day in 1773.

It's the birthday of composer Ludvig van Beethoven, born in Bonn, Germany, 1770.

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.®

 

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