From The Jump

Happy Leap Day.

Leap Year is designed so, over time, the year doesn't get out of whack.  We don't want sweltering weather during Christmas. Or do we?  Does it really matter?

First, of course, a society has to have days of the year and last long enough so they notice something is going on.  And then they adjust--by adding a day or even a month (such as the Chinese and Hebrew calendars) if you wait long enough.

But imagine the months revolving over different seasons.  It takes generations, but eventually summer will be winter and vice versa.  What would be so wrong with that?  Might even be fun.

Then, of course, there's the issue of those born on Leap Day.  They only get a true birthday every four years.  Here are a few of these poor people:

--Director William Wellman
--Baseball player Pepper Martin
--Hockey star Henri Richard
--Actor Dennis Farina
--Politician Bart Stupak
--Serial killer Aileen Wuornos
--Rock flautist Ian Anderson
--Motivational speaker Tony Robbins
--Law professor (and friend) Eugene Volokh
--Rapper Ja Rule

So happy birthday, all.