On this day in 1726, the father of modern geology, James Hutton was born. He proposed the idea that the surface of the earth was slowed formed by processes such as erosion and sedimentation. I never think of geology as an especially theoretical subject. This undoubtedly is based not on any great understanding of the subject but the fact that when I was in school, the geology students were all so fit and tanned and always going on geology camping trips. I extrapolated based upon that. But Hutton figure out how the earth works primarily based upon theory. In addition to his many accomplishments, he is the first person to propose what came to be known as the Gaia Hypothosis.

Opera composer Antonio Sacchini was born in 1730. Here is a bit from his opera L’isola d’amore. Have you noticed how opera singers (female and male) have gotten, well, very attractive? Or more simply: sexy. This woman could use a couple of pounds, but she has really great legs. And she can sing. I’m not too fond of the choreography, but the rest is impressive:

Uncle Tom creator Harriet Beecher Stowe was born in 1811. Publisher and original author of Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, John Bartlett was born in 1820. I have a 1944 edition of the book always close by. It is extremely well organized. But I have to say: it doesn’t usually have the quotations that I’m looking for. It really is necessary to have a more up to date copy since sayings go in and out of vogue.

Burl Ives, who I know as the snowman in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer was born in 1909. Gene Barry of The War of the Worlds fame was born in 1919. And novelist Jerzy Kosinski was born in 1933.

Two real fucktards are having birthdays today: Donald Trump is 67 and Pamela Geller is 55. And Boy George is 52. I don’t have many thoughts either way about Boy George, but for some reason, I read his autobiography.

The day however, belongs to the great musician Junior Walker who was born on this day back in 1931. I’ve really loved his music over the years. I’m sure you’ve heard this classic:

Happy birthday Junior Walker! You are sorely missed.