Today is June 20th. • On this date in 1782, Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States. It took six years of discussion and debate to finalize the seal, during which one congressman said they would have to pass the seal in order to see what was on it. • On this date in 1863, West Virginia was admitted to the Union as | Read More »
Today is June 19th. • On this date in 1856, the first national convention for the Republican Party, which had been formed only two years before by anti-slavery activists, drew to a close in Philadelphia. Dick Cheney presided. • On this date in 1905, the world’s first nickelodeon opened to much fanfare in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Spongebob Squarepants presided. They had to say “nickelodeon” because the | Read More »
Today is June 18th. • On this date in 1812, the War of 1812 began. (The guy that names the wars was out sick that day.) The war officially ended on December 24, 1814, though additional battles took place before the word got out. Awkward. • Also on this date, in 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated near the town of Waterloo at the famous Battle | Read More »
Today is June 15th. On this date in 1215, King John put his royal seal on the first part of the Magna Carta, an early example of limitations on the authority of a monarch and codification of the rights of citizens under the law. Plus it would make a great band name, so there’s that. Also on this date, in 1300, Dante, of “‘s Inferno” | Read More »
Today is June 14th. Today is Flag Day, a day commemorating the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. Today is also the Army’s birthday. It wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese again this year, but I told it it was getting too old for that. In all seriousness, though, happy birthday soldiers, and God Bless. Also on | Read More »
Today is June 13th. On this date in 1922, Charles Osborne got the hiccups. The attack lasted continuously for 68 years, putting him in the Guiness world record book. It is estimated that he hiccuped over 430 million times. It is also estimated that he said the words “yes, I’ve tried that” over 200 million times. Also on this date, in 1983, Pioneer 10 crossed | Read More »
Today is June 12, 2012. On this date in 1979, cyclist Bryan Allen became the first person to cross the English Channel in a human-powered aircraft, piloting the Gossamer Albatross. The plane weighed only 70 pounds when empty, and was powered by pedaling. His only complaints about the journey were being groped by the TSA before takeoff, and that his luggage ended up in Belgium. | Read More »
Today is June 7th. With apologies, this will be an abbreviated Daily Links, for various reasons. But still, consider this an Open Thread. L.A. Council Sided With Celebrities Over Local Business To Ban Plastic Bags | The Blaze “Now a new ad by the American Progressive Bag Alliance criticizes L.A. councilmen for being “star struck” over the celebrities and ignoring local business people” Florida Gov. | Read More »
Today is June 6th. On this date in 1833, Andrew Jackson became the first U.S. President to ride on a train, when he took a trip on B&O Railroad. The ticket was expensive, but he got his money back when he passed GO. The trip was almost a disaster, though, when his tiny dog, top hat, and race car didn’t fit in the overhead compartment. | Read More »
Today is June 1st. On this date in 1792, Kentucky became the 57th U.S. state. I’m sorry, 15th. Also on this date, in 1869, Thomas Edison received a patent for his first electronic voting machine. It was a lever-based system, and he spent the rest of his life fighting allegations that he was the reason George W. Bush won Florida. On this date in 1980, | Read More »
Today is May 30th. On this date in 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Her final words were “do you smell something burning?” Also on this date, in 1997, Neil Young cancelled his entire European tour after having cut his finger while making a ham sandwich. Young makes some very complicated sandwiches. On this date in 1908, the man behind the bunny, | Read More »
Today is May 29th. On this date in 1453, the Siege of Constantinople ended, and the city was conquered by the Ottomans. An artist’s rendering of the battle can be found here. Also on this date, in 1864, Union troops reached Totopotomoy Creek, only to find that the Confederates had anticipated their move and beat them to it. All fighting ceased as everyone tried to | Read More »
Today is May 28th. Today is Memorial Day. Our front page today has several excellent posts honoring the holiday. In today’s header, I included the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the emblem of the Marine Corps, my branch of service. But I truly honor and am grateful for the service of every single member of the United States Armed Forces, the world’s greatest fighting force. The | Read More »
Today is May 25th. On this date in 1977, the movie Star Wars opened in theaters. It became a global phenomenon, received 7 Oscars, and proved definitively that Han shot first. Also on this date, in 1983, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi opened in theaters. It too was a critical and commercial smash, and proved definitively that yub nub. On this date | Read More »
Today is May 24th. On this date in 1543, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus died in his home at the age of 70. The father of modern astronomy, Copernicus taught us that Earth was not, in fact, the center of the universe. The center of the universe is actually my wife, I’m told. Often. Also on this date, in 1844, Samuel B. Morse sent the first telegraph | Read More »
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