My last name is Petrone. How I got it interesting. It goes back to my grandfather on my father’s side.

Lets begin this way. My parents named me after my two grandfathers. My father’s dad was named Louis. My mom’s dad Silvio. I was named Louis Silvio Petrone.

Grandfather Louis’ middle name was Ulysses. I assume he picked it up in Italy when he was born.

Grandfather Louis was a sheep herder in Italy. Somewhere near Naples. He came to the United States around the turn of the century. The 1900s. At the that time, he was a boss of sorts with the younger persons helping to care for the sheep. My grandfather was referred to as a “patron” which is Italian for boss.

He was 12 years old when he arrived in the U.S. Ellis Island, of course. Spoke no English. The police officer and immigration official doing the paperwork for his admission spoke little Italian.

They asked his last name. He did not understand. Thought they were asking what he did for a living so his response was “patron.” The immigration official wrote down “Petrone” and that is the way Petrone became our family name.

I never asked what granddad’s real last name was. Not even from my father. Never seemed important. By the time my curiosity had gotten the better of me, my grandfather had died.

Why this historical litany? I came across a statement on the internet this morning…..”It’s a likely myth that inspectors at Ellis Island changed immigrants’ names.” Based on my story, the Petrone story, not exactly true. The screwup with our last name occurred with the official at Ellis Island.

The Declaration of Independence was passed/adopted on July 4, 1776. However, it was not signed on that date. It was not signed till this day, August 2, 1776.

Mosquitos are the world’s deadliest animals. They kill about 760,000 persons annually.

James Baldwin: “The longer I live, the more I deeply learn that love – whether we call it friendship or family or romance – is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light.”

The International Space Station produces oxygen from recycled water.

An 1844 chess match “via telegraph” anticipated the board game’s online popularity.

A concerned biologist spearheaded a project to build rope bridges for wildlife in the Amazon. Lead to 15,000 safe wildlife crossings and zero roadkill.

It is easier to spot a liar by listening rather than looking. Generally always better to listen first.

Interest in a 4 day school week is growing in many States. Already 2,100 schools nationwide are following the abridged 4 day school week.

Lab studies show dandelion extract triggered death in a variety of cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Human trials are being conducted to verify if such is correct.

My family’s experience with dandelion consumption.

When I was young and into my high school years, the eating of dandelions was big time. We were always off to the park or a large field to pull dandelions, bring them home, wash them good, and then consume in various fashions. Note they were free. We were relatively poor in the earlier years. So it was natural to eat dandelions.

Having read about dandelions and cancer this morning, I gave the issue some thought as regards my family. Taking into account the wide arena of relatives, all who were economically similarly situated and ate dandelions big time, I could only think of two who died of cancer.

Must be some truth to the lab studies report.

On this day in 1943, PT-109 sunk. Its “Captain” Lt. John F. Kennedy was instrumental in saving his crew.

On this day in 1934, Hitler became dictator of Germany. German President von Hindenburg died and Chancellor Adolf Hitler became “absolute dictator” of Germany under the title of “Fuhrer” or “Leader.” The Third Reich was born.

Trying to move my ass a bit. Began walking yesterday. Goal is to walk everyday.

Yesterday did all of 40 steps. I was exhausted! Had to be the hot sun. I walked mid day. This morning I went out to walk at sun-up at 7 a,m.. Actually no sun. Walked 160 steps.

I am proud of myself.

Enjoy your day!

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