Today is Voltaire’s birthday, 1694. He was a caustic social critic, and particularly daring for his day in History. He was prolific in all sorts of forms, from books and plays to letters and pamphlets. He presented a range of ideas that We take for granted today.
It might be a good time to point out that historically, freedom of speech is a modern idea.
So We Rhinos wish Voltaire a Happy Birthday. It’s entirely possible that he is correcting matters wherever he is at present.
Sir Wm. S. Gilbert (b.1836), of Gilbert & Sullivan fame, wrote the books, dialogue, and lyrics for the pair’s many hugely successful operettas. Their talents complimented one another in every way. For most people, they exist primarily as a unit: Gilbert&Sullivan. Their influence on musical theatre has been profound.
Of course, Rhinos did not sing their songs to themselves before G&S wrote them; for that pleasure We had to wait. But We have made up for the delay with vigor. As clever as clever can be!
Happy Birthday, Mr. Gilbert. And thank you.
Today is Robert Louis Stevenson’s birthday, back in 1850 in Scotland. Despite having had a tough time getting recognized, his works are among the best known 19th century writings today.
Rhinos like ’em, and don’t care who knows it!
For Rhinos, understanding the Past is like trying to understand the Present. It’s a no-win proposition. There are simply too many variables, most of which We have no way of comprehending.
The Past is interesting, We grant you. But We always come down to one version of what and why, versus another, if not a dozen variations.
The Past is great but relies on a lot of twists and turns. Gotta stay Flexible when dealing with the Past. Also, the Present.
October 2 is Marie Antoinette’s birthday, 1755. She was a Fashionista, if ever there was one. Unlike Us Rhinos, she didn’t just dream this stuff up; she actually wore it around the house. That house was a palace or two, she being Queen of France.
She was an enthusiast about Cake, and recommended it whenever she was asked.
Ms. Juliette Gordon Low (b. Oct.31, 1860) founded what was to be the Girl Scouts, starting in 1912. Her goal was to foster independence, physical health, and unity and friendship among young women. Your Inner Rhino applauds her aims and efforts.
Young Rhino gals are always in troops of one, with Mom as troop leader. The goals of this training are remarkably similar to Ms. Low’s.
Need We point out that ‘Inner Rhino’ is not a modern invention?
Today is National Candy Corn Day. Candy Corn was “created” by Mr. George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company in the 1880s. Like it or not, everybody knows what it is.
The illustration does not truly represent the confectioner’s art; it is more in the spirit of the Halloween season.
Another Conversation Stopper, brought to you by Your Inner Rhino.
Mr. Othniel Marsh (b.1831) was a paleontologist, heading the Peabody Museum at Yale. He engaged in the Bone Wars (see YIR Sept. 7, 2017), which did a great deal to promote field research in the West.
Despite his personality, he is accountable for naming over 80 fossil dinosaurs and other critters as well. He used Latin to help him out. Without Mr. Marsh, maybe We’d never know what to call them; Big Whatevers?
Rhinos find it fascinating to imagine a world millions of years before We were even thought of. Jeepers!
Rhinos don’t come with a Maintenance Manual. However it is We work, or whatever is going on inside, in the Wild each Rhino just uses the sense they have, and hopes for the best.
Nature does provide each of Us with a remarkable range of Instincts. Learning to balance and rely on those Instincts takes time and dedication. It is a fund of knowledge which must be honored.
The critter that knows better is often the one that dies young. Sorry, but it’s so.
“I woulda, coulda, shoulda said ‘X’, which would have baked their biscuit but good!”
Thus begin convoluted internal debates about the response that got away. Rhinos all round the world know this feeling. Grumbly dissatisfaction.
However, it is the thing that We did say that more often leads to Regrets, at least in our humble experience.
Your Inner Rhino 