Today is February 21st. On this date in 1878, the first U.S. phone “book” was distributed in Connecticut. It consisted of only a single page. Over 100 years later, distribution of the phone book remains one of the widest examples of a company saying “here, you throw this away” in the world. Also, on this date in 1946, Hans Gruber (sometimes referred to as Snape) | Read More »
Today is February 17th. On this date in 1972, President Richard Nixon departed for his famous trip to China, as only he could. That historic visit resulted, of course, in the Shanghai Communiqué, a punk fusion band based out of San Francisco. Also, on this date in 1766, Thomas Malthus was born, and remained none too happy about that for some time. Also born on | Read More »
Today is February 15th. On this date in 1798, the first serious fist fight broke out in Congress, when Roger Griswold (CT-Federalist) and Matthew Lyon (VT- Republican) threw down. According to this article, Griswold “charged across the Senate floor and began striking Senator Lyon about the head with a heavy wooden cane. Lyon arose and retreated to a fire pit were he grabbed hot tongs | Read More »
Today is February 14th. It’s Valentine’s Day, if you’re into that sort of thing. In 1929, in Chicago, 7 rivals of Al Capone were brutally executed in what came to be known as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. So yeah, enjoy your Vermont Teddy Bear now!! Also on this date in 1989, the first GPS satellite went into orbit. Then, as now, it made no | Read More »
Today is February 13th. On this date in 1635, the first public school, the Boston Latin School, was established in what would later become the United States of America and, according to pamphlets recently distributed in Wisconsin, was promptly and viciously attacked by Scott Walker. The school later went on to educate five signers of the Declaration of Independence. Also, on this date in 1867, | Read More »
I’m traveling today, so this will be a ‘light’ edition. Today is February 8th. On this date in 1936, the first NFL draft was held. The first player drafted was Jay Berwanger, to the Eagles. Berwanger is also the first winner of the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy the year before, an award known today as the Heisman Trophy. Berwanger, a halfback, is also known for | Read More »
Today is February 7th. It is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birthday. Wilder, born in 1867 in the “Big Woods” of Wisconsin, was the author of Little House on the Prairie, among other novels. She is best known for my being annoyed as a child, when my sister and mother wanted to watch the show based on the book. Also born on this date were: Frederick Douglass | Read More »
Today is February 6th. It’s Ronald Reagan’s birthday, and on this date in 1987, he became the oldest President of the United States in history, at age 76. It was also on this date in 1998 that Washington National Airport was renamed in his honor. Today he would have been 101 years old. Happy Birthday, Mr. President. This country sure could use some Reagan 101 | Read More »
Today is February 3rd. On this date in 2009, Eric Holder was sworn in as Attorney General. Sorry about that. Also on this date in 1815, the world’s first commercial cheese factory was established in Switzerland, laying the groundwork for annoying Packers fans the world over. On February 3rd in 1870, the 15th Amendment was ratified, establishing that the “right of citizens of the United | Read More »
Today is February 2nd. On this date in 1863, Mark Twain was “born.” Which is to say, Samuel Clemens (born November 30, 1835) used the pen name for the first time. Also on this date, Buenos Aires was founded, and New York City was incorporated (at the time named New Amsterdam), in 1536 and 1653 respectively. Today would also be Ayn Rand’s 107th birthday. If | Read More »
Today is February 1st. On this date, in 1896, Puccini’s La Bohème debuted in Turin, Italy. It would eventually become one of the most frequently performed operas in the world. Just 108 years later, on the same date, Justin Timberlake exposed Janet Jackson’s breast during their Super Bowl performance of “Rock Your Body”. Oh music. What happened to you? You used to be so nice! | Read More »
Today is January 31st. On this date in 1606, Guy Fawkes was executed. Fawkes, of course, was best known for being a mask. Today is also the 147th anniversary of the passing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States, by the House of Representatives. It was later ratified on December 6th of the same year. Today is also Phil Collins’ birthday, | Read More »
Today is January 30th. On this date in 1847, the city of Yerba Buena changed its name to San Francisco, stating that it was just more FAAABULOUS, then promptly banned Happy Meals. I think I speak for everyone when I say “hey, nice bridge!” Also on this date, in 1911, the first airplane rescue at sea was made by the U.S. Navy’s destroyer, “Terry”, prompting | Read More »
Today is January 27th. On this date in 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, thereby laying the ground work for Falco to top the charts 230 years later. (Which I’m sure was his reasoning in being born.) Today is also the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet forces. I would also like to note that this week was National School | Read More »
Today is January 26th. On this date in 1837, Michigan became the 26th state to join the United States. Fast forward to this year, and “them people is living in ‘Mad Max’ times,” according to noted scholar Moe Syzlak. Also, on this date in 1969, after days of flooding and landslides, California was declared a disaster area. And nothing has changed since, amiright? Eh? Hey | Read More »
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