The 8th of March

Since I am not at the archives today, I have the time to explain why I am not at the archives today.

Today is the 8th of March, or International Women's Day. In fact, this is the 100th International Women's Day, as it was first celebrated by the socialist movement in Russia in 1912 and 1913. International Women's Day in 1917--March 8th by the Gregorian calendar, but still February by the Julian calendar in use in Russia--was the spark of the first, February Revolution in Petrograd.

It was an official holiday in the Soviet Union throughout its existence, although the practice of making it a non-working day dates, apparently and not a little oddly, only from 1965. It has spread to other countries, mostly but not exclusively those with a history of communist rule. In Russia it is colloquially termed "March 8th" and the most common gesture is to give the women in your life flowers. In fact, you can't walk anywhere today without people selling flowers, carrying flowers, delivering flowers.

In fact, it's a nice tradition in my opinion because it expressly celebrates all women, including friends, coworkers, and others, not only women only as mothers or partners as is the case with the respective American holidays.

On the other hand, much like Mothers' Day and Valentines Day, the danger is that by devoting one day to them, we forget to express our appreciation for others the rest of the year.

So, do something nice for the women in your life today, on March 8th, but also don't about the people who are important to you on June 8 or September 8, too.

Another Killer Fact...Actually a Hypothesis...

...brought to you by my history studies at UNC Chapel Hill.

The other day we were discussion the last years of Josef Stalin's life and his relationship with those around him: largely sycophants and lightweights that Stalin found easy to manipulate.

However, like most things, it's not that easy. Stalin died in March 1953, apparently of a brain hemorrhage, despite relatively good health for a man of his age. While death by natural causes is largely accepted as the true reason for his death, there is a small but significant amount of evidence that someone from amongst his inner circle did him in in order to avoid a gathering purge of the leadership at Stalin's bidding.

It's not hard to imagine. These were men who had seen and taken part in the havoc that Stalin wrought on others, secret police chief Beriia was himself the chief agent of some of the purges. If they felt threatened, it's not hard to imagine the man who controlled Stalin's residences and body guards taking a page from Stalin's own playbook.

I guess it just goes to show you that being an evil dictator has its occupational hazards too!