Today, April 21, marks the traditional founding of the ancient city of Rome in 753 BCE, making it 2770 years old (or MMCCLXXVIIII ab urbe condita, as the Romans would say!) There are numerous cities around the world with older birthdates, but 2770 years is still a good run for a continually-occupied city. FELICEM DIEM NATALEM, ROMA!
(Sorry, I don’t get much opportunity to use my arcane college education much these days).

Oh, and I totally forgot that Mark Trail (the strip) turned 80 on April 15! But by a special dispensation, Mark Trail (the writer and adventurer) remains a healthy 32 years old. So raise a glass to Ed Dodd, then go to an IHOP and eat a stack of flapjacks in the strip’s honor (or memory, if you wish)!

Well, that’s one way to shape the narrative, I reckon. At least Mark finally ditched the hat.