Today's fact
It is possible to get high by licking a toad. The Cane Toad produces a toxin called bufotenine to ward off predators. When licked, this toxin acts as a hallucinogen.

On this day in history ...
583 - Lupercalia
1764 - St. Louis founded
1845 - William Parsons - the Earl of Rosse - 1st uses 72-inch reflector
1861 - Ft Point completed & garrisoned (but has never fired cannon in anger)
1876 - Historic Elm at Boston blown down
1898 - USS Maine sinks in Havana harbor - cause unknown
1917 - SF Public Library (Main Branch at Civic center) dedicated
1933 - Pres-elect Franklin Roosevelt survives assassination attempt
1950 - Walt Disney's "Cinderella" released
1954 - 1st bevatron in operation - Berkeley - California
1955 - Production announced-1st pilot plant to produce man-made diamonds
1972 - Bill Torrey becomes 1st Islander General Manager