The Body Shop

On this day in 1828 Simon Paap, a Dutch cabaret artist of diminutive stature (he stood 56 centimeters — 22 inches — "tall"), dies at the age of 39. In other news of small people today in 1952 the first human birth is televised to the public on KOA-TV in Denver, Colorado. From the related Annals of Anatomy, three entries for this date: In 1964 Beatle Ringo Starr's tonsils are removed; in 1982 the first permanent artificial heart (Model # Jarvic-7) is successfully implanted (at the University of Utah) in retired dentist Barney Clark — he lives another 112 days — and in 1986 vocalist Annie Lennox exposes her breasts to more than 10,000 fans at a Eurythmics concert in England.

Today also marks the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, an unspeakable practice where human beings are considered merely as bodies with parts meant to be exploited. There are at least 12 million people currently enslaved worldwide even though it is an illegal abuse under international law.

This "Naked" shirt is for anyone wishing to flaunt certain hidden physical attributes without following the example of Ms. Lennox. It's from the CafePress.com Birthday Suits shop — "Our designs always turn heads!"

[To purchase items click on the photograph or colored text links.]