Dr. Albert Hofmann, the person who synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide, died tonight.

Love him or hate him, he was important.

Here in the Boston area it's a legal holiday. It's also a holiday in Cambridge and Somerville (right, mem?). Evacuation Day is one of only two celebrated in the U.S.

On March 17, 1776 the 11-month siege of Boston ended when the Continental Army, under Washington, fortified Dorchester Heights with cannons captured at Ticonderoga, forcing General Howe's garrison to attack or flee. To prevent what could have been a slaughter of his troops, Howe agreed to retreat to Nova Scotia via his ships without setting the city on fire as he left.

It's a double celebration day here.

Many of the soldiers who volunteered to serve under General George Washington to break the yoke of British colonialism were Irish Catholic. These soldiers and their families experienced first hand British occupation and suppression. Many of their sacrifices during the War of Independence were critical in bringing about the establishment of the United States of America. After a failed movement in 1876, the holiday was finally proclaimed on the 125th anniversary in 1901.

So a Happy March 17th to all of you and there's more...

Tom Tancredo is being hailed as a saint for his visionary mercy when he created the wall that spared the lives of millions of Mexicans from the fiery Katrina that is engulfing much of their northern neighbor.

When asked about his being compared to Mother Teresa and James Lee Witt, Mister Tancredo, ever the shy cosmopolite, whisked it away with a gentle flick of his polished hand. "It is nothing any other shy cosmopolite would do."