Slim Pickens Day!

As much as librarians rely on facts and figures to provide you with the best possible answers to your many questions, many of us also have a fanciful side. For example, we often consult Chase's Calendar of Events to help develop programs and displays, such as Audiobook Month in June. However, we can't always go "by the book" for certain things. So in the spirit of whimsy, we declare today Slim Pickens Day.

That's right, we're taking June 29, his birthday, to pay homage to a quintessentially American actor. He's portrayed memorable characters in some of our favorite films, everything from Dr. Strangelove to Blazing Saddles to Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. With over a hundred film and TV credits and five decades of work, Mr. Pickens was also in some, well, doozies. Thankfully, even as a bit player, he tends to enliven any scene he's in.

So take a moment today to think of Slim Pickens, ruminate on Slim Pickens, and if you're brave, imitate a bit of Slim Pickens. You don't need to go so far as to ride an atom bomb to the world's destruction, but a bit of twang, a bit of swagger, a bit of gee whiz or Yeeee Haaaaaa!!!!, and I can bet you'll be having a very good day.