Today is February 23rd. On this date in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo was joined. A thirteen day siege ended with a bloody, brutal assault on the mission. The Texans fought to the last, first with cannons, then with muskets, and finally vicious, hand-to-hand combat. All but two of the defenders were killed, including Jim Bowie, who, although seriously ill and bed-ridden, died fighting to the last, propped up on his cot with his famous knife in hand. Remember the Alamo!

Also on this date, in 1945, United States Marines raised the flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. The resulting photograph became the most reproduced photo in history. Read more about this most iconic of moments here. Semper Fi, and God Bless the United States Marine Corps.

CAP a Shill-for-Hire on Natural Gas | Commentary
“If CAP’s agenda is being driven so transparently by the special interests of its donors, how can it call itself a credible think tank?”

Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Gets Final Execution Order | IB Times
“Iran has issued what could be the final execution order for Youcef Nadarkhani, the Christian pastor who was found guilty of renouncing Islam.” h/t @VictoriaCoates

Chris Christie to Piers Morgan: Buffett Should Just Shut Up and Write a Check | Fox
“Tuesday night on CNN, Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) told Piers Morgan that he is tired of hearing about Warren Buffett’s claims that, as a billionaire, he doesn’t pay enough in taxes.”

GRAY: Pull tax-exempt status of Brock’s Media Matters | Washington Times
“But while news of guns and drugs may well attract the most headlines, it is critically important not to ignore what these reports should mean for MMA’s tax-exempt status.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Luciferous Logolepsy.
haptodysphoria: noun unpleasant sensation felt by some people when touching peaches, cotton, or similar surfaces.