17 th October

1933 Albert Einstein emigrated to the U. S. (See March 14th entry.)

1973 A group of Arab nations started an oil boycott. (See March 13 entry.)

1979 Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work with the destitute of Calcutta over three decades.

On this date in 1973, the western hemisphere woke up to a critical energy shortage when the oil-producing Arab states imposed a boycott. We’ve been looking for ways to conserve our own oil resources and find new energy alternatives ever since.

It has been said that there is no greater charity than to give selflessly to those who have no means to repay. Compassion and charity are particularly appropriate topics for today, as this is the anniversary of the day, in 1979, when Mother Theresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her three decades of work with Calcutta’s most destitute citizens.