17 MAY

Yesterday, or possibly the day before, or maybe even some other day last week, was the feast of San Domingo de la Calzada, which as near as I can tell, means Saint Dominic of the Shoe. I can't tell you anything about him as he doesn't appear in any of my books. But Christopher Howse found himself in the middle of his feast day festivities in Spain and if you click here you will learn from him the story of Saint Dominic and the chickens, one of his celebrated miracles. (Saint Dominic's not Christopher Howse's.)

Our next door neighbour, Long Beach, doesn't celebrate saint's days. Instead, the local dignitaries (sarcasm intended) are appearing in and presiding over the annual Gay and Lesbian Parade. (I'd provide a link but the local paper's website is down.) Example #3, 643, 112 in the list headed "How You Can Tell When A Civilization Enters A Dark Age".