World War One and Howard Taylor's Birthday?

Now there's a connection I wouldn't have thought of off-hand. See, I was poking around looking at the adoption of the Gregorian calendar (not chants - the scheme we use for months and such, which put today as Feb. 29). That's tied to Howard's birthday, since he celebrates his natal festivities today.
( What connection? )

Happy Birthday, Howard!

Rakugo Bits and Pieces

This has been a setup week, with lots of odds and ends. Some that particularly caught my attention:

It's hard to figure out when a liar is telling the truth. But welcome back anyway.
( The longer version . . . )

Hatena no chawan - look at that  tea cup - a rakugo story about misinterpretation
( More story . . .  )

Leading up to Friday's tale of why the factory owner left the little chopstick shop, which I'm probably going to have to tell another time - maybe after we find out what they're going to do on Saturday.