My tie's design crisscrosses the name "Norton,” and it’s a logo from the (old) Norton computer software company. They sold antivirus and disk repair software. But the main reason I’m wearing it today (with a tie clip bearing an imperial crown) is for yesterday's anniversary of the self-declaration of Emperor Norton I of the United States, who was born in England in 1818 or 1819. On 17 September 1859, Joshua Abraham Norton, of San Francisco, declared himself Emperor. As related by Wikipedia, "Although he had no political power, and his influence extended only so far as he was humored by those around him, [Norton] was treated deferentially in San Francisco, and currency issued in his name was honored in the establishments he frequented. Though some considered him insane or eccentric, citizens of San Francisco celebrated his regal presence and his proclamations, such as his order that the United States Congress be dissolved by force and his numerous decrees calling for a bridge crossing and a tunnel to be built under San Francisco Bay." "Norton's orders were ignored by the Army, and Congress likewise continued without any formal acknowledgement of the decree." Joshua Norton died in 1880 and his grave bears the inscription "Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico."
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