DAILY DIRT: Morning shower? A rub-a-dub-dub in the tub? Or … an ‘airbath?’

Never underestimate the brain that belonged to Ben Franklin … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 959 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Ben Franklin will forever be regarded as one of the nation’s most famous founding fathers, his accomplishments were many and quite diverse.

Franklin altered the course of U.S. history in numerous ways, including his contributions to civic, scientific and cultural projects and breakthroughs.

But …

That doesn’t mean Franklin might not have been a bit off kilter.

Franklin enjoyed taking what he called “air baths”. This involved sitting naked in his room for an hour or so each morning, believing its “cleansing” effect was good for his health.

Franklin’s words: “An air bath of Mother Nature’s gentle breeze is the most divine refreshment for both body and soul, invigorating our spirits and washing away the grime of daily life.”
The story goes that Franklin, in his infinite wisdom, stumbled upon the concept of air baths while experimenting with the effects of fresh air on the human body, according to historyoasis.com.

A man of insatiable curiosity, he ventured to explore the potential health benefits of exposing one’s skin to the elements, thus laying the groundwork for the ritual that would become an integral part of his daily routine.

Franklin would select a room in his abode — one that offered ample privacy and unobstructed access to the great outdoors.

With the windows flung wide open, he would proceed to disrobe, casting aside the garments that shielded him from the world, and embrace the air in all its refreshing glory.There he would stand or sit, “his skin kissed by the gentle breeze, his senses attuned to the subtle nuances of the environment around him”. Or something like that.

As the air swirled about his body, Franklin “would often engage in contemplative pursuits, such as reading or writing, allowing his mind to soar to new heights even as the air bath worked its magic upon his physical form”.

Franklin took his air baths year ’round, despite whatever the temperature may have been.

While few people today engage in the practice of air baths as Franklin did, the spirit of his ideas lives on in the wellness movement. Practices such as cold water immersion, hydrotherapy, and even saunas can be seen as modern adaptations of the air bath concept. Maybe ol’ Ben wasn’t as “off kilter” we might think.

2. Did you know (Part 22) …

• That an estimated 25 million TONS of spiders exist on Earth. And none live in Antarctica.
• That just 10 percent of the population is left-handed, and men are more likely than women to be a lefty.
• That deaf people use sign language in their sleep.
• That identical twins do not have the same fingerprints.
• That the following songs are 70 years old in 2024: “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley and the Comets, “Ain’t That A Shame” by Fats Domino, “That’s Alright Mama” by Elvis Presley, “Mr. Sandman” by the Chordettes and “In The Still Of The Night” by the Five Satins.

3. This week’s celebrity birthdays include:

• Former sportscaster Brent Musberger turns 85 on Sunday. For a long time, Musberger was Mr. Sunday Afternoon in the fall.
• Singer Stevie Nicks, who rose to fame with Fleetwood Mac, will be 76, also on Sunday. If not the rgeatest female rock voice, Stevie would certainly earn a spot on the medal stand.
• Singer Gladys Knight turns 80 on Tuesday. No word if any of the Pips have a birthday.
• Former Creedence Clearwater Revival front man John Fogerty will be 79, also on Tuesday.
• LaToya Jackson turns 68 on Wednesday. Does LaToya have any other claim to fame outside of being Michael Jackson’s sister? Asking for a friend.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Here are all the Jackson kids, I think: Michael, Marlon, Tito, Jackie, Randy, LaToya, Rebbie and Janet.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. That’s Miss Jackson if you’re nasty.