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Let me pass along to you, friends, a bit of esoterica you might find interesting.

That being, the “Cosmographiae Introductio” was the book that first used the name “America” for the New World. It was published in 1907. You knew that, of course. Right?

For anyone who has an interest in the history of World War II the name Audie Murphy is quite familiar.

Murphy was a fifth-grade dropout from Texas, five feet seven and 138 pounds, who earned both a battlefield commission and the medal of honor for his valor in France. After the war he became a star in western movies. Only in America, as they say.

When referencing events, seeming small when seen from the perspective of the “big picture,” I often use the word poignant.

Such is the case from this World War II solider, who had his right hand blown off. He said to his father in a letter:

“Dad, you’ll have to be patient with me as I learn to bowl with my left hand.” Oh, my. Eyeball sweat.

Twenty twenty four. 2024. Not possible, but here we are, have been now for a bit.

When I ruminate along such lines, it hardly seems possible to think I arrived on this planet in mid-February of 1939. Lordamercy.

Malta. The capital city Valletta. Want to know just a little about goings on there? Sure you do. Can’t wait, right?

It was pulverized by Axis bombs from 1940-43. Shipwrecked Saint Paul converted the Maltese to Christianity there.

Turkish brigands captured Fort St. Elmo in 1565, nailing defenders to wooden crosses that were floated across Grand Harbour. The Maltese retaliated by decapitation Turkish prisoners and ramming the severed heads into cannon breeches then firing them at the enemy. Oh, what fun. Such an uplifting story.

And all that, folks, is just a little about Malta. During the War it served as a meeting site for very high level discussions and decision making. A truly historic place here on our planet.

This should just about do it for today. As always, thanks for your readership.

See you next time.