I have to admit I was concerned when my granddaughter Clio was born on this special day-April 1. As an example, Katie called up that morning to announce she thought she was going into labor – she was not due for 3 weeks so we assumed it was a clever joke. No really, I am having contractions! A few hours later Clio arrived. At this point I am more comfortable that the day itself is not foreboding. At least I was until I read that fossils indicate that it is likely that on the 1st of April 66 million years ago there was a meteor collision with Earth that probably caused the extinction of dinosaurs. Not only did the aftermath take out T-Rex it also eliminated 75% of all life on the planet. The impact of the space rock near the Yucatán peninsula hit with the energy of a billion Hiroshima bombs. The details of this event, according to a supercomputer simulation, are fascinating as reported by the New Yorker magazine in this month’s issue. Not to worry, that was the worst event that has occurred in modern history… on April 1st.
As an aside, after all the talk about those sneaky Russian’s collusion and interference in our elections it did seem fitting that those folks introduced daylight savings time in 1981 on April Fools day.
Some impressive feats to mention. My ski friend who must go nameless has skied a personal best 63 days in this exceptional snow year. If you know how difficult it is to get your boots on let alone ski aggressively you may appreciate that not just any Grandparent could hit this milestone. Remember Wilt Chamberlain, tall basketball player, until now he was the only player to post a “20-20-20” game. This week Russell Westbrook scored twenty points while collecting 20 rebounds and making 21 assists. Westbrook dedicated his game to the memory of Nipsey Hussle who was fatally shot last week in LA. Automobiles continue to go electric, in Norway last month those vehicles made up 58.4% of the new car sales. The country plans to end the sale of all fossil-fuel vehicles by 2025. How does that fit with the Saudi Oil company revealing net income last year of $111.1 billion, likely the most profitable company on the planet. Apple posted net income of about half that amount. I predict technology will win that race over time and the world will join Norway.
I am wearing an orange wrist band this week and I promised not to remove it because it is signed by Hank, Hattie and Ethan. I fear the promise is short lived but I won’t forget them. Olaf said it well, he’s a snowman in case you don’t have grandkids, “some people are worth melting for.”
Enjoy the spring, Mike