Monthly Archives: January 2024

History

On this day January 14

Today in History

  • 2005 The European Huygens space probe lands on Saturn’s moon Titan

    It was the first ever landing in the outer solar system.

  • 1967 The Summer of Love is launched with the Human Be-In

    San Francisco was the epicenter of the Hippie Revolution, which soon influenced cultures around the world.

  • 1953 Tito becomes President of Yugoslavia

    The authoritarian leader became a unifying symbol in his country and is still known by many today.

  • 1943 Churchill, Roosevelt and de Gaulle meet in Casablanca to discuss their WWII strategy

    During the secret Casablanca Conference, the leaders agreed that the allied forces would accept nothing less than the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers.

  • 1559 Elizabeth I is crowned Queen of England

    “The Virgin Queen” was the daughter of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII.

History

On this day January 12

Today in History

  • 2010 An earthquake kills 316,000 in Haiti

    Most of the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was destroyed during the disaster.

  • 1991 The U.S. Congress votes for war in Iraq

    President George H. W. Bush was given the authority to use military force to expel Iraq from Kuwait.

  • 1969 Led Zeppelin releases their debut album

    The album was imaginatively named “Led Zeppelin”.

  • 1967 James Bedford is frozen with intent of future resuscitation

    Bedford was the first human to be cryonically preserved; his body awaits resuscitation in Scottsdale, Arizona.

  • 1908 The first long-distance radio message is broadcast from the Eiffel Tower in Paris

    Scientist Lee de Forest’s broadcast was heard by an audience of 50.

Medical

COVID-19 and Influenza Claim Lives

Tragic Loss in New Brunswick: COVID-19 and Influenza Claim Lives

The year-end festivities, usually a time of joy and celebration, have taken a somber turn in New Brunswick. The recent toll of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and influenza outbreak has brought forth heart-wrenching news. Regrettably, 17 more beloved individuals from our community have succumbed to these relentless diseases, with six of these precious lives lost during the holiday season.

These losses have left a deep impact, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of these viruses. The statistics paint a grim picture: among those lost to COVID-19, two were individuals aged between 45 and 64, while the remaining 15 were aged 65 or older. Moreover, the grasp of the virus spared no age group, affecting even our youngest members. Shockingly, three children under the tender age of four found themselves among the hospitalized.

Speaking of hospitalizations, the figures are unsettling. A total of 174 individuals required hospital care due to COVID-19 during the recent three-week period. These hospitalizations, encompassing various age groups, involved 12 individuals aged 20 to 44, 26 aged 45 to 64, and a staggering 132 individuals aged 65 or older. The severity of the situation is further underscored by the fact that 11 of these patients needed intensive care, battling against the cruel grip of this virus.

Adding to this tragic narrative, the influenza outbreak has claimed the lives of nine more individuals. This compounded loss, alongside the ongoing battle with COVID-19, underscores the crucial importance of public health measures and the need for continued vigilance within our communities.

Each of these numbers represents a life cherished, leaving behind a void in families and communities across New Brunswick. As we collectively navigate these trying times, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to safety measures. Vaccination, adherence to health guidelines, and empathy towards one another are crucial elements in safeguarding our communities against these devastating losses.

Let these numbers not just be statistics but a clarion call for unified action. May the memory of those lost be a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and support each other through these challenging times. Together, with resilience and solidarity, we can strive towards a safer, healthier future for New Brunswick.

Famous

A woman of extraordinary courage

    Christine Granville was a woman of extraordinary courage, a Polish-British agent who fearlessly navigated the treacherous landscapes of espionage during World War II. Her story was a tapestry woven with bravery, cunning, and unwavering dedication to the Allied cause.

    Born Krystyna Skarbek in Poland, she adopted the alias Christine Granville as she plunged into the heart of espionage. Fluent in several languages and possessing an indomitable spirit, she quickly became a key operative in the clandestine world of intelligence gathering.

Image of Polish Countess Krystyna Skarb, known as Christine ...

    One of Christine’s remarkable stories recounted her daring escape from Nazi-occupied Europe. Disguised as a milkmaid, she trekked through the snow-covered peaks of the Tatra Mountains, evading capture by the Gestapo. Her tenacity and resourcefulness saved countless lives as she smuggled vital information across borders and helped others escape the grip of the Nazis.

    Her experiences were as varied as they were harrowing. In one instance, she infiltrated enemy lines to extract critical intelligence, risking her life to provide vital information to the Allies. Her tales of espionage were whispered in clandestine meetings, illustrating her unmatched bravery and unparalleled wit in the face of danger.

    Christine’s acts of valor were recognized through numerous war medals, each emblematic of her extraordinary service. Among these was the George Medal, awarded by Britain for conspicuous bravery in hazardous circumstances. The Croix de Guerre, a prestigious French military decoration, adorned her chest, a testament to her gallantry in the fight against tyranny.

    The Polish government bestowed upon her the Virtuti Militari, Poland’s highest military decoration, in recognition of her exceptional courage and contribution to the Polish resistance. The medals sparkled on her uniform, but they were more than mere symbols—they represented the sacrifices, risks, and unwavering determination of a woman who defied all odds to protect freedom and honor.

    Christine Granville’s life was tragically cut short after the war, but her legacy endured, inspiring future generations with her extraordinary feats of bravery and heroism. Her stories echoed through history as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dared to challenge tyranny and fight for a better world.