Paracultural Calendar for Oct 8

[Mark Thibodeau]

 <http://www.cedu.niu.edu/~henning/ChicagoFireWebQuest/fire2.jpg>

On this day in *1645*, *Jeanne Mance* opened the *Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal*,
the first lay hospital in North America.

***

On this day in *1871*, a cow kicks over a lantern in *Mrs. O'Leary*'s barn,
sparking a wind-fed conflagration destined to be remembered for all man's
days as the *Great Chicago Fire*... or not, depending on who you ask.
According to representatives from *PETA*, for instance, it was Mrs.
O'Leary, herself, who started the fire. Then, to cover her tracks, she
cruelly used a gentle, defenseless cow as a convenient scapegoat... or,
scapecow. Whatever. But whoever started it, over the next two days, fire
ripped through the Midwestern metropolis, burning it to the ground
virtually in its entirety. Four square miles were left a smoking ruin,
100,000 people were left homeless, and at least 300 people lost their lives.

***

On this day in *1918*, in the Argonne Forest in France, United States *Corporal
Alvin C. York* kills 28 German soldiers and captures 132.

***

On this day in *1956*, the New York Yankees's *Don Larsen* pitches the only
perfect game in a World Series; one of only 21 perfect games in MLB history.

***

On this day in *1962*, the nightmarish hermit nation of *North Korea* reports
a voter turnout of 100% for their national election, with 100% of the votes
going to the Workers Party. Holy shit, man... what do you figure the odds
were on that happening?!

***

On this day in *1967*, guerrilla leader *Che Guevara* and his men are
captured in Bolivia.

***

On this day in *1969*, the opening rally of the *Days of Rage* occurs,
organized by the *Weather Underground* in Chicago, Illinois.

***

On this day in *1982*, a newly “freed” Poland ironically bans *Solidarity* and
all trade unions.

***

On this day in *2001*, U.S. President *George W. Bush* announces the
establishment of the Office of Father- I mean HOMELAND Security.
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