There’s something I like about January.

A new year, a new month, a new beginning.

Which makes this the perfect time to relaunch Holy Cow! History, your weekly dose of quirky, fun, forgotten tales from our past.

It’s also the time to unveil our brand new logo. So please tell me what you think of it. Truth be told, I never cared much for the old logo. The cow in it looked too goofy. Holy Cow! History is meant to be fun— fun is good. Goofy is not. And so we leave the old logo behind with the old year and start anew. Please drop me an email at the address listed below and share your thoughts on it.

What’s in store for this column in the coming weeks? Here’s a preview of just some of the things that will be coming your way very soon.

“Say what?” A famous quote from history is being repeated a lot lately, especially in association with the $600 stimulus checks now being mailed out by our Uncle Samuel in Washington. Many people, both Democrats and Republicans, think the amount is too small. Which has led to the quote’s resurrection. But did a famous person actually say the line we all know? We’ll find out.

Speaking of new beginnings … the New Frontier of John F. Kennedy’s 900 days in the White House was getting underway 60 years ago this month. And it started with JFK doing several things none of his predecessors ever had. One is particularly compelling, coming at the moment in time when America is preparing to have its first woman vice president. Discover the intriguing story right here in The Chronicle.

And of course, January can’t end without a little silliness. There’s a famous soft drink many folks enjoy every day here in the Midlands. You’ve known it for decades. But what you probably don’t know is that 30 years ago this simple soda producer acquired something that propelled into a world Super Power, if only briefly. How it happened, what the soft drink maker did about it, and what we learned from the experience are all coming your way in just a few weeks.

And that’s just the tip of the historical iceberg of tales that will be coming your way very soon.

Needless to say, there’s plenty to look forward in the months ahead. I’ll see you back here next week with the first story of 2021. Till then, Happy New Year everyone!

Have comments, questions or suggestions you’d like to share with Mark? Message him at jmp.press@ gmail.com .