31/29: -1
In the summer of '09, I titled my birthday wish list, "M.P.W. at XXX." On this ultimate day of my thirtieth year, allow me to present a poem by Rudyard Kipling, a poem with only a slight connection to the number thirty, but a connection I've always enjoyed nonetheless.

"A Song to Mithras
(Hymn of the 30th Legion: circa A.D. 350)"

Mithras, God of the Morning, our trumpets waken the Wall!
"Rome is above the Nations, but Thou art over all!"
Now as the names are answered, and the guards are marched away,
Mithras, also a soldier, give us strength for the day!

Mithras, God of the Noontide, the heather swims in the heat.
Our helmets scorch our foreheads, our sandals burn our feet.
Now in the ungirt hour—now ere we blink and browse,
Mithras, also a solder, keep us true to our vows!

Mithras, God of the Sunset, low on the Western main—
Thou descending immortal, immortal to rise again!
Now when the watch is ended, now when the wine is drawn!
Mithras, also a soldier, keep us pure till the dawn!

Mithras, God of the Midnight, here where the great bull dies,
Look on thy children in darkness. Oh take our sacrifice!
Many roads thou has fashioned—all of them lead to the Light:
Mithras, also a soldier, teach us to die aright!

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day
Dan Potthast, "Tornado Joe" from Sweets and Meats (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: Where's Teddy?'s real world nickname has been, from almost the moment he was born, "Bear." He has received as presents both numerous teddy bears and teddy bear-themed clothes; since his name is Teddy—with Theodore only a formality—this is neither unexpected nor improper. Today, though, I heard that's he's acquiring a new nickname, "Tornado Ted," inspiring today's pick of the R.B.D.S.O.T.D. Bog help us if ever he earns the combination of his two nicknames, for no force of this earth could stand against the Tornado Bear.