The years 1400 to 1700 are recognized as the golden age of exploration. Over sea and land. 

Exploring how sailors ate during those years. Food was necessary to stay alive. 

“Hardtack” was the primary food. A hard cracker made from flour, water and salt. It had a long shelf life. Sailors would soak it in water, beer or broth. The soaking/dunking also killed any bugs which might have invested the hardtack.

Protein was required even back then. Salted beef and pork were stocked at the beginning of a trip. Salt kept meats edible for months. Salted fish also – typically cod. Pigs, goats and chickens were taken aboard live and then slaughtered and eaten as time progressed.

Salted butter and cheese.

Beer was a common beverage. Fresh water was difficult to keep for long periods. Beer lasted longer.

Fruits and vegetables were available at the beginning of a trip. However they did not last long and so were consumed early during a voyage.

The thumbs up gesture. Goes as far back as Ancient Rome. Common at gladiator fights. Thumbs up/thumbs down determined a gladiator’s fate.

The only President with a Ph.D. was Woodrow Wilson. 

Woodrow Wilson must have upset Donald Trump. Wilson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for forming the League of Nations.

Only two percent of Americans presently have Ph.D.’s.

Twelve U.S. Presidents never attended college. Included in the group were three of America’s top Presidents: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman.

I watched an environmental movie yesterday afternoon that I first saw many years ago. “Erin Brockovich.” Starred Julie Roberts. She won an Academy Award for her performance. 

The first Kentucky Derby was run in 1875. The victor was Aristides.

The Preakness yesterday was won by Napoleon Solo.

The first legal same sex marriage was performed in the U.S. in 2004.

“Loveflation” is dating being more expensive and therefore less frequent. The rising cost of dating. Because of it, more than one half of Americans are going on fewer dates. A study revealed 27  percent have stopped dating altogether.

I close with Trump’s major religious event today. The fourth day in a row I am mentioning it. Probably because overall the entire thing is mass foolishness.

First, the length of the event. Nine hours! Midnight Mass does not take that long. Nor the three hours it took to crucify Christ. On the other hand, being a Trump event nine hours should be expected. 

The event will take place at the National Mall. It is titled “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Pride and Thanksgiving.” The two live speakers at the event are Hegseth and Johnson. Trump and Rubio will appear via video.

In addition to the speakers, there will be live music, many prayers, and food and beverage vendors.

Trump and his cohorts are beyond normal in holding the event. Crazy! All of a sudden, top Americans have become religious fanatics.

Additionally, Trump and his people know not that of which they will be speaking today. The thrust of the event is to return Americans to religion as it was during the days of our Founding Fathers. Trump and his illiterate followers claim the Lord and the birthing U.S. were intermingled. Nothing farther from the truth. Our Founding Fathers were for separation of church and state. Not the intertwining Trump and his people will be attempting to sell today.

Enjoy your Sunday, if you can!