Today in history

[onesubdrvr]

I got the family a "Learning Calender" that has interesting facts for every day, some trivia questions, and topics for discussion, and I thought it would be cool to share it here too.

I'll start today, and keep going until atleast this day next year

12/25:

"On this day in 1939, English novelist Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol was read on the radio for the first time. The book was first published in December of 1843 and sold over six thousand copies in one week"

Merry Christmas Everyone!
Wayne

[Ed Donnelly]

Dec 25 th a couple of thousand years ago, Christ was born..

Just keeping up with your, this day in history........Ed

[onesubdrvr]

Dec 25 th a couple of thousand years ago, Christ was born..

Just keeping up with your, this day in history........Ed

Absolutely Ed,... I was just skipping the obvious, and copying from the calander ;)

[BUIZILLA]

Dec 25 th a couple of thousand years ago, Christ was born.. does anybody know how old the Virgin Mary was on that day?

[Just Say N20]

It is believed Mary was 13, 14 or 15 when she gave birth to Jesus.

[onesubdrvr]

12/26

Today is Boxing Day. This holiday is celebrated in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada and includes the tradition of giving money and gifts (in a box) to charities, to the needy, or to people in service jobs.

Wayne

[Ed Donnelly]

How about the fact that Joseph was 90 when Jesus was born...Ed

[Ghost]

"Methus'lah lived nine hundred years
Methus'lah lived nine hundred years
But who calls dat livin' when no gal'll give in
To no man what's nine hundred years"

-George and Ira Gershwin

[BUIZILLA]

my Pastor says 15 or 16... he couldn't find it in print though..:nilly:

[Donzi Vol]

my Pastor says 15 or 16... he couldn't find it in print though..:nilly:

Pretty sure she was 16. I was told a couple years ago at church, but I don't remember the historical reference. I will try to find it.

[Donzi Vol]

my Pastor says 15 or 16... he couldn't find it in print though..:nilly:

This is the reply I got from one of my ministers.

there's a good chance that mary was younger like around 13 or 14 because she was already betrothed to joseph. that usually ocurred when girls were younger.

now joseph could have upwards of 30 back then also. just because that was normal back then.

I'm still waiting to hear back from my teaching pastor (who is ridiculously knowledgeable about this stuff). Hopefully he'll have a print reference.

So what happened today in history??

[onesubdrvr]

Sorry so late today guys, family in town for a 2nd Christmas, and FINALLY have sneaked away real quick,...

12/27

This is the second day of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that begins on December 26 and lasts for seven days. This tradition started in 1966 and celebrates the 7 principles of
1) unity
2) self-determination
3) collective work and responsibility
4) cooperative economics
5) purpose
6) creativity
7) and faith.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

12/28

It was so hot in Alberta, Canada on this day in 1999 that trees sprouted leaves and an ice rink sprouted grass. Temperatures reached 20.6 Celcius (69f), making it hotter there than in Mexico.

Wayne

[hardcrab]

December 28, 1958

It was 50 years ago today before a crowd of 64,185 spectators at Yankee stadium in NYC,
The BALTIMORE Colts beat the New York Giants 23 to 17 in what is known as "the greatest game ever played"

[Ghost]

Good pull on the Baltimore Colts game. (We Baltimore fans have a pretty big game today too...and freakishly warm weather, 71 degrees at my house right now, to boot.)

[onesubdrvr]

12/29

On this day in 1800, Charles Goodyear was born in Connecticut. Early on in his career, Charles learned the ins and outs of the hardware business, but later moved back to his hometown to help his father with his manufacturing business. Charles became the first American to vulcanize rubber.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

12/30

Born on this day in 1899 in Norway, Helge Ingstad grew up to explore and map Norse settlements. With the help of his archeologist wife, Anne, he found a Viking settlement on Newfoundland; proving that the Vikings had been to North America 500 years before Christopher Colombus.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

12/31 New Years Eve

Henri Matisse, French painter, was born on this day in 1869. He painted the inside of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary in Vence, France. He took on this special project for a friend, even though at the time, he was confined to a wheelchair.

[Cuda]

It seems almost every year that New Year is celebrated on this day. :)

[onesubdrvr]

Beginning of a new month (and year) - History Quote extra ;)

"We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry."

- Maria Montessori

01/01

The first-ever traveler's checks were issued by a London bank on January 1, 1772. The London Credit Exchange Company created them for use in 90 different European cities. These days, vacationers more commonly use a credit card when traveling.

[onesubdrvr]

It seems almost every year that New Year is celebrated on this day. :)

Nice one Joe ;)

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/02

On this day in 1839, French inventor and photographer Louis Daguerre took the first-ever photo of the moon. To take the picture, he used a revolutionary metal-plate method called Daguerreotype.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/03

In 1987, Singer Aretha Franklin became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Aretha started out singing gospel in her fathers church. She is know as "The Queen of Soul"

Wayne

[Cuda]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkgQHcdlZU
:)

[Conquistador_del_mar]

12/30

Born on this day in 1899 in Norway, Helge Ingstad grew up to explore and map Norse settlements. With the help of his archeologist wife, Anne, he found a Viking settlement on Newfoundland; proving that the Vikings had been to North America 500 years before Christopher Colombus.

Wayne

Wayne,
I found this intriguing. I didn't know it was a proven fact that the Vikings had established an encampment in Newfoundland 1000 years ago. By the way, Helge Ingstad lived to be 101 years old!! Bill

http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Helge-Ingstad

[onesubdrvr]

Wayne,
I found this intriguing. I didn't know it was a proven fact that the Vikings had established an encampment in Newfoundland 1000 years ago. By the way, Helge Ingstad lived to be 101 years old!! Bill

http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Helge-Ingstad

See, this isn't just a silly thing,.... I've browsed the calander, and found quite a few interesting facts,... but everyone will have to wait for their day ;)

101,... WOW,... there is something to say for that foul food the vikings / swedes ate hundreds of years ago ;)

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/04

Louis Braille was born on this day in 1809 near Paris, France. When he was 3 years old, he injured his eyes playing with a sharp tool and became blind. By 15, he had developed a system of reading for the blind known today as Braille. Braille letters are raised dots read by touch.

Wayne

[zelatore]

01/04
When he was 3 years old, he injured his eyes playing with a sharp tool and became blind.

Huh. I always heard it was a BB gun.

'you'll shoot your eye out!'

(which, as a kid, I very nearly did)

[onesubdrvr]

01/05

On this day in 1940, FM radio was first demonstrated to the FCC. The first FM stations were primarily classical music and educational programming. But by 1978 FM stations outnumbered AM stations.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/06

On this day in 1907, Maria Montessori opened her first school and daycare center in Rome. Maria focused on letting children develop skills at their own pace. Her method is now used in preschools and elementary schools all over the world.

Wayne

[hardcrab]

January 6 ;

1931 - Thomas Edison submits his last patent application.

1942 - Pan American Airlines is the first commercial airline to schedule a flight around the world.

Births ;

1412 - Joan of Arc
1912 - Danny Thomas
1920 - Sun Myung Moon
1924 - Earl Scruggs
1925 - John DeLorean
1951 - Kim Wilson ( Fabulous Thunderbirds)
1960 - Howie Long

Deaths :

1852 - Louis Braille
1993 - Dizzy Gillespie
2006 - Lou Rawls

[Cuda]

01/05

On this day in 1940, FM radio was first demonstrated to the FCC. The first FM stations were primarily classical music and educational programming. But by 1978 FM stations outnumbered AM stations.

Wayne
What is better about frequency modulation compared to amplitude modulation?

[zelatore]

What is better about frequency modulation compared to amplitude modulation?

Do you mean other than the fact that it's less prone to atmospheric interference?

[onesubdrvr]

01/07

In 1927, 50 years after the invention of the phone, transatlantic phone service began with a call from New York City to London. Thirty-one calls were places that first day. How much did it cost for a 3 minute call?


Wayne

[Ghost]

01/07

In 1927, 50 years after the invention of the phone, transatlantic phone service began with a call from New York City to London. Thirty-one calls were places that first day. How much did it cost for a 3 minute call?


Wayne

I'm guessing $20. I'm also guessing at least one of the 31 was a wrong number.

[onesubdrvr]

I'm guessing $20. I'm also guessing at least one of the 31 was a wrong number.

lol, I'm betting more than 1 / 31 bad numbers ;)

Actual amount was $75.00,.... WOW :eek: and I thought it was expensive when I went over minutes on my cell plan lol

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/08

An electric counting machine that tallied numbers fed to it on punch cards was patented in 1889 by Dr. Herman Hollerith. Seven years later, he founded a business that later became the well known computer company IBM.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/09

Karel Capek was born on this day in 1890. The Czechoslovakian science-fiction wriiter is credited as being the first to us the word "robot" for his manufactured human-like creatures (Robot means "serf labor" - "drudgery" or "hard work" in Czech, Slovak & Polish)

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/10

The first-ever passenger jet flight left from Chicago, Illinois en route to New York City on this day in 1951. The 1-hour 42-minute flight was piloted by Donald Rogers.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/11

Alexander Hamilton was born on this day in 1755. Under first US President George Washington, Hamilton became the first Secretary of the Treasury. On which dollar bill can you find his portrait?

Wayne

[gcarter]

01/08

An electric counting machine that tallied numbers fed to it on punch cards was patented in 1889 by Dr. Herman Hollerith. Seven years later, he founded a business that later became the well known computer company IBM.

Wayne
I know something about this.....
The machine was originally developed for the national census.
It was later developed for the textile industry to control colored patterns in looms.

[Cuda]

01/10

The first-ever passenger jet flight left from Chicago, Illinois en route to New York City on this day in 1951. The 1-hour 42-minute flight was piloted by Donald Rogers.

Wayne
I assume the first ever jet crash came sometime after this. Other than Quantas. :)

As a matter of fact I was speaking to a girl in Minn that was a stewardess (not flight attendant) for Quantas. She said they still haven't had a crash, but a few "incidents".

I'm not afraid of flying, it's the crashing part that bothers me. :)

[onesubdrvr]

I assume the first ever jet crash came sometime after this. Other than Quantas. :)

As a matter of fact I was speaking to a girl in Minn that was a stewerdess (not flight attendant) for Quantas. She said they still haven't had a crash, but a few "incidents".

I'm not afraid of flying, it's the crashing part that bothers me. :)
Joe,

That old saying comes to mind,..... it's not the fall that hurts, it's the sudden stop! lol

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/12

Modern workers repairing acient pyramids outside Cairo Egypt found that using modern cement caused stones to split. On Jan 12, 1984, they switched to the ancient Egyptian method of interlocking blocks without morter.

Wayne

[Cuda]

Joe,

That old saying comes to mind,..... it's not the fall that hurts, it's the sudden stop! lol

Wayne
Sudden deaceleration trauma. :)

[onesubdrvr]

01/13

Originally invented by baker William Russel Frisbie, reusable tin pie pans were perfect for baking pies. But after the president of Wham-O watched some Yale students throwing and catching the pan, he designed a similar saucer-like disk and named it the Frisbee. His company introduced the new toy on this day in 1957.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/14

The clarinet was invented in Nuremberg Germany on this day in 1690. Flute maker Johann Christoph Denner modified a folk reedpipe called the chalumeau. By the 1780's, clarinets were common in orchestras.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/15

When Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt saw his daughter's Super Ball, it inspired the name of the championship football game that was to be played. On this day in 1967, the first ever Super Bowl took place with the Green Bay Packers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/16

On this day in 2006, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was sworn in as Liberia's new president. This was the first time a female was elected head of state in Africa and the first time Liberia had a female president.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/17

The first TV sitcom debuted on this day in 1949. The Goldbergs, which began as a radio program, dramatized the adventures of a Jewish family living in the Bronx.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/18

On this day in 1944, the first Jazz concert was held at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Among the performers were Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, and Artie Shaw.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/19

On this day in 1736, James Watt was born. A Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer, he was known for his improvements in the steam engine. The electrical unit "watt" was named in his honor.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day.


Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/20

The Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution changed the presidents term to start at noon on January 20. So since 1937, the newly-elected President of the United States has been sworn into office on this day every 4 years.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/21

The USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine, was launched on this day in 1954. It could travel 10 times faster than diesel-powered submarines. Also on this day in 1976, the first Concorde jet took off from Heathrow Airport in London. It can travel at twice the speed of sound.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/22

In 1948, George de Mestral removed a cocklebur stuck to his jacket, looked at it under a microscope, and conceived the idea of Velcro, a strong, light-weight, washable fabric fastener.

Name something on your boat with velcro.

Wayne

[Ghost]

Some headliner supports and the stern seat pad.

[onesubdrvr]

Some headliner supports and the stern seat pad.


Thanks for playing along ;) I tried and tried, but couldn't think of any velcro on the Ragazza when I had it,......

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/23

Crayola brand crayons were first sold in 1903, eight colors for a nickel. Invented by Edwin Binney and his cousin, Harold Smith, the crayons were made using a combination of pigment and wax.

Wayne

[Conquistador_del_mar]

01/15

When Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt saw his daughter's Super Ball, it inspired the name of the championship football game that was to be played. On this day in 1967, the first ever Super Bowl took place with the Green Bay Packers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10

Wayne

That 1967 game was the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, but was later known as the Super Bowl I. One of my best friends played defensive tackle for the Chiefs in that game, but he was taken by melanoma cancer a few years ago. Bill

[onesubdrvr]

01/24

The first Apple Macintosh personal computer was released on this day in 1984. Two days earlier, a $1.5 million commercial aired during the Super Bowl that introduced the new computer.

What was the price of the new computer?

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

2,495.00

How much RAM did it have??
Originally slated for 256k, memory prices caused it to be a meer 128k :)

Wayne

[gcarter]

Just before this, about '82 I think, Apple released the Lisa......a small business computer......about $10K :nilly::nilly: or close to it anyway.

[Cuda]

01/21

The USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine, was launched on this day in 1954. It could travel 10 times faster than diesel-powered submarines. Also on this day in 1976, the first Concorde jet took off from Heathrow Airport in London. It can travel at twice the speed of sound.

Wayne
I had a lunch box I took to elementary school that had a picture, and a coss section of the Nautilus on it. I think my mom still has it full of toy soldiers. :)

[Cuda]

01/17

The first TV sitcom debuted on this day in 1949. The Goldbergs, which began as a radio program, dramatized the adventures of a Jewish family living in the Bronx.

Wayne
Did that predate Amos and Andy?

I had a boss that said, "You must think I'm dumb as Andy Gump". :)

[Cuda]

01/18

On this day in 1944, the first Jazz concert was held at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Among the performers were Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, and Artie Shaw.

Wayne

Has any jazz band since learned to play the same song at the same time?

[Cuda]

Thanks for playing along ;) I tried and tried, but couldn't think of any velcro on the Ragazza when I had it,......

Wayne

Speaking of which, did you ever find that rear seat on I-95 after leaving Porky's?
:)

[Cuda]

That 1967 game was the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, but was later known as the Super Bowl I. One of my best friends played defensive tackle for the Chiefs in that game, but he was taken by melanoma cancer a few years ago. Bill
I hate to admit that I'm old enough that I watched that game, and every superbowl since (although as pointed out, it wasn't called superbowl back them). As I recall, neither of the first two superbowls even sold out.

[onesubdrvr]

Speaking of which, did you ever find that rear seat on I-95 after leaving Porky's?
:)
LMAO,... I had almost forgotten about that,.... but no, never did,... but it wasn't the rear seat,.... it was the engine hatch,... about 7' wide, 3' long 3/4" marine plywood,.... and the foam and vinyl,....

I bet that scared the hell out of someone!!!

Wayne

[Cuda]

Announced Jan 83, released June 83 Price:$9,995, built 100,000 in two years
Motorola 68000, 5 MHz CPU, 1 Meg RAM, 12" monochrome monitor driven with a grapcics card capable of 720 X 364, 1 parallel, 2 serial ports
mouse port, Two 5-1/4 inch floppy drives, external 5 Meg hard drive.
OS: Apple Lisa GUI
By comparison, I paid $9.95 today for a two gig memory card.

[onesubdrvr]

01/25

On this day in 1963, Wilson Kettle died. He lived to be 102 years old and held the Guiness Book of World Records for having the largest number of living descendants. He had 13 children, 65 grandchildren, 201 great-grandchildren and 305 great-great-grandchildren.

Wayne

[Cuda]

01/25

On this day in 1963, Wilson Kettle died. He lived to be 102 years old and held the Guiness Book of World Records for having the largest number of living descendants. He had 13 children, 65 grandchildren, 201 great-grandchildren and 305 great-great-grandchildren.

Wayne
I had a great uncle that had 22 kids. There is a school outside Beckley, WVa named the Griffith School. When I asked dad how it got it's name, he said it was probably named after Uncle Stanton.

[onesubdrvr]

No matter what ANYONE says, I've stopped at 5!!!! NO MORE FOR ME!!


Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/26

In 1784, in a letter to his daughter, Benjamin Franklin expressed unhappiness over the choice of the eagle as the symbol of America, and stated his own preference: the turkey.

Wayne <-- on my way to Nassau :)

[RedDog]

January 26, 1922

House passes bill authored by U.S. Rep. Leonidas Dyer (R-MO) making lynching a federal crime; Senate Democrats block it with filibuster

[onesubdrvr]

January 26, 1922

House passes bill authored by U.S. Rep. Leonidas Dyer (R-MO) making lynching a federal crime; Senate Democrats block it with filibuster
Interesting fact, thanks!

Wayne

[Cuda]

01/26

In 1784, in a letter to his daughter, Benjamin Franklin expressed unhappiness over the choice of the eagle as the symbol of America, and stated his own preference: the turkey.

Wayne <-- on my way to Nassau :)

I knew about Benji, and the turkey thing. Ben said it epitomized the American spirit more. He's a cunning bird! If you don't think so, try to hunt one, It only took me about 20 years to get my first gobbler.

[onesubdrvr]

01/27

The Apollo I (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001364.html) fire killed astronauts Grissom, White, and Chaffee during a simulated launch at Cape Canaveral.

The space program has certainly given The US some of our greatest moments, as well as some our greatest tragedies.

Wayne

[hardcrab]

January 27th;

1967 - The Doors self titled debut album was released.

1918 - Elmore James was born. :party:

2004 - Jack Paar died.

[Cuda]

January 27th;
1967 - The Doors self titled debut album was released.
1918 - Elmore James was born. :party:
2004 - Jack Paar died.
A lot of people don't realize Jack Paar hosted the tonight show before Carson.

[onesubdrvr]

01/28

1547

King Henry VIII of England died and his nine-year-old son, Edward VI (http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0816796.html), assumed the throne.
1915

Congress (http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0813228.html) passed legislation creating the U.S. Coast Guard (http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0812679.html).
1986

U.S. shuttle Challenger (http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0811244.html) exploded 72 seconds after lift off, killing all seven crew members aboard, including school teacher Christa McAuliffe.


Wayne

[chappy]

The Challenger is something I'll always remember. Teacher turned on the tv in class and let us watch the coverage.:garfield:

[Cuda]

The Challenger is something I'll always remember. Teacher turned on the tv in class and let us watch the coverage.:garfield:
Damn, now I feel old. :(

[HOWARD O]

I guess today will make history..... Billy Powell, keyboard/piano player for Lynrd Skynrd, passed away today. I always thought he was great on the piano and always liked his character. May he rest in peace!

[HOWARD O]

Damn, now I feel old. :(

That even made me feel old and you've got eons on me! Okay, maybe not eons..... :biggrin.:

[chappy]

I guess today will make history..... Billy Powell, keyboard/piano player for Lynrd Skynrd, passed away today. I always thought he was great on the piano and always liked his character. May he rest in peace!

Damn.

http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=349800&GT1=28102

I remember watching him speak of the plane crash on a television special about the band. Very moving. Seemed like a very nice guy. RIP.

[HOWARD O]

Damn.

http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=349800&GT1=28102

I remember watching him speak of the plane crash on a television special about the band. Very moving. Seemed like a very nice guy. RIP.

I may have seen the very same show. Really down to earth guy. Don't know how he died but he was a pretty big feller, could've been a number of things I guess. He sure had a lot of talent.

[chappy]

I may have seen the very same show. Really down to earth guy. Don't know how he died but he was a pretty big feller, could've been a number of things I guess. He sure had a lot of talent.

It was a VH1 "Behind the Band" I think. I remember him tearing up as he told the story of the wreck, the details he spoke of were very graphic. Quite a legacy of music they left, "Simple Man" was always my favorite. Sorry about the hijack, but thanks for bringing this up Howard, I always thought their music could stand the test of time.

[HOWARD O]

Yep, that was the show. Simple man is right up there, my wife's favorite. I am partial to Tuesday's Gone. :yes:

I basically "came of age" to their music and really never tire of it. Maybe it's because I am "older" now, but it seems to me that today's music just doesn't stand up to that "test of time" you speak of. Maybe it was the music and/or the era, don't know, but there really isn't anything like it anymore.

Wow, I think my folks said the same thing about the big bands when I was growing up! But given the choice, I'd rather listen to big bands than most of the crap out now!

[onesubdrvr]

The Challenger is something I'll always remember. Teacher turned on the tv in class and let us watch the coverage.:garfield:


My science teacher was a finalist for the Teacher-in-space program,.... but she wasn't photogenic enough :eek: , anyway, we watched in class until t-minus one minute then went outside, I was all the way up in Jacksonville, but we could tell something was wrong, ran inside, and saw the tragedy on the news. I also saw the other shuttle when in came back in and disintegrated on re-entry - from my back yard in PSL.

Two things I'll never forget for sure.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/29

1886

Karl Benz (http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0807082.html) received a patent for the first successful gasoline-driven car.


1936

Ty Cobb (http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0109087.html), Babe Ruth (http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0109607.html), Honus Wagner (http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0109730.html), Christy Mathewson (http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0109434.html), and Walter Johnson (http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0109327.html) were the first players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame (http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bballhalloffame.html) in Cooperstown, New York.


Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/30

In 1933, Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany. The first episode of the "Lone Ranger" radio program was broadcast on station WXYZ in Detroit.


Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

01/31

In 1958, Exploreer I, the first US Satellite was launched from Cape Caneveral, Florida. It transmitted to Earth until May 23 when it's batteries died. How many days did it transmit data?

Wayne

[Cuda]

My science teacher was a finalist for the Teacher-in-space program,.... but she wasn't photogenic enough :eek: , anyway, we watched in class until t-minus one minute then went outside, I was all the way up in Jacksonville, but we could tell something was wrong, ran inside, and saw the tragedy on the news. I also saw the other shuttle when in came back in and disintegrated on re-entry - from my back yard in PSL.

Two things I'll never forget for sure.

Wayne
There is a girl who lives near me, that was on the beach, and video taped the explosion. :(

[onesubdrvr]

02/01

The first car insurance policy was sold on this day in 1898. Dr. Truman Martin of Buffalo, NY paid $11.25 premium that covered $5,000 - $10,000 of liability. Twenty-seven years later, Massachusetts became the first state to mandate automobile insurance.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/02

Inspired in part by a television show called "The Lieutenant" Stan Watson introduced the concept of a possible action figure to the Hasbro toy company. Based on characteristics of World War II soldiers, the G.I. Joe line was launchewd on this day in 1964.

Wayne

[DonziJon]

It was February 2, 1959: Buddy Holley, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper Flew into History. It was "The Day the Music Died". John

[DonziJon]

Not suprised that there is no response here. Only and old fart would remember this stuff. Richie Valens was only 17 when he died. Six months older than me. He's dead and I'm alive. I guess part of that is good. :confused: I guess when you get older you get sentimental. John

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritchie_Valens

[Cuda]

Not suprised that there is no response here. Only and old fart would remember this stuff. Richie Valens was only 17 when he died. Six months older than me. He's dead and I'm alive. I guess part of that is good. :confused: I guess when you get older you get sentimental. John
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritchie_Valens
The Richie Valens movie was excellent.

The Big Bopper was the only guy that could sing Chantilly Lace. :)

[onesubdrvr]

02/03

The first paper money in North America was issued on this day in 1690 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. These notes called "bills of credit" were used to pay soldiers and were considered legal tender. The example of Massachusetts was soon followed by other colonies.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/04

The first telegraph company opened on this day in 1847 with four East Coast offices. The price to send a message varied from a penny to a nickel per word.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/05

The Blizzard of 1978 began forming on this day. Three air masses converged over Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts and snowfall for the next two days was 55 inches.

Wayne

ps I thought I got this up yesterday,... oops ;)

[onesubdrvr]

02/06

On this day in 1926, Oliver Hardey signed a contract with producer/director Hal Roach. Hal introduced Oliver to Stan Laurel, and the pairing quickly became one of the most successful film comedy duos of all time.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/07

"Start spreadin' the news, I'm leavin today, I want to be a part of it, New York, New York:... On this day in 1985, New York City's Mayor Ed Koch proclaimed this song as the city's official anthem. The song was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb and was made famous by Frank Sinatra's recording.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/08

In 1920, Johnson & Johnson employee Earle Dickson invented Band-Aids when he cut squares of gauze and placed them in the middle of strips of tape for his accident-prone wife. Dickson eventually became a vice-president of the company.

Wayne

[Ghost]

Dickson eventually became a vice-president of the company.

Good to hear he actually got some credit. This snippet is from an episode of "The Wire":

Bodie: Think the man got paid?
Wallace: Who?
Bodie: Man who invented these [Chicken McNuggets].
Wallace: $hit, he richer than a motherf#cker.
D’Angelo: Why? You think he get a percentage?
Wallace: Why not?
D’Angelo: Nigga please, the man who invented them things just some sad a$$ down at the basement of McDonald’s, thinking up some $hit to make some money for the real players.
Bodie: No man that ain’t right.
D’Angelo: F#ck right. It ain’t about right. Its about money. Now you think Ronald McDonald go down to that basement and say “Hey Mr. Nugget, you the bomb. We selling chicken faster then you can tear the bone out. So I’m gonna write my clowny a$$ name on this fat a$$ check for you.” $hit. Man, the nigga who invented them things still working in the basement for regular wage thinking up some $hit to make the fries taste better or some $hit like that. Believe.

[onesubdrvr]

02/09

Famous African-American poet Laurence Dunbar wrote his first poem at age 6 and gave his first public recital at age 9. His first published poem was in a newspaper put out by high school friends Wilbur & Orville Wright. Dunbar died on this day in 1906.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/10

Alanson Crane of Virginia received a patent on this day in 1863 for his invention: the fire extinguisher.

The steps for opertating a fire extinguisher spell PASS
P-Pull the safety pin and test
A-Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
S-Squeeze the handle
S-Sweep the extinguisher from side to side while aiming at the base of the fire.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/11

US President Ronald Regan proclaimed Feburary 11, 1983 as National Inventors Day. To recognize the enormous contribution inventors make to the nation and to the world, this day falls on the anniversary of the birth of inventor Thomas Alva Edison who had over 1,000 patents to his name.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/12

On this day in 1816, the oldest working opera house in Europe was destroyed by fire. However, this beautiful landmark in Naples, Italy was re-designed by architect Antonio Niccolini and rebuilt within ten months. It continues to operate today.

Wayne

[Cuda]

Good to hear he actually got some credit. This snippet is from an episode of "The Wire":

Bodie: Think the man got paid?
Wallace: Who?
Bodie: Man who invented these [Chicken McNuggets].
Wallace: $hit, he richer than a motherf#cker.
D’Angelo: Why? You think he get a percentage?
Wallace: Why not?
D’Angelo: Nigga please, the man who invented them things just some sad a$$ down at the basement of McDonald’s, thinking up some $hit to make some money for the real players.
Bodie: No man that ain’t right.
D’Angelo: F#ck right. It ain’t about right. Its about money. Now you think Ronald McDonald go down to that basement and say “Hey Mr. Nugget, you the bomb. We selling chicken faster then you can tear the bone out. So I’m gonna write my clowny a$$ name on this fat a$$ check for you.” $hit. Man, the nigga who invented them things still working in the basement for regular wage thinking up some $hit to make the fries taste better or some $hit like that. Believe.

Oh my! That's some of the funniest chit I've ever read! I can barely type from laughing so hard!
:kingme::kingme::kingme:

[onesubdrvr]

02/13

On this day in 1884, A.C. Gilbert was born. Although he studied to be a doctor and was an amazing magician, what he's best known for happened as he watched out the window of a train one day. Men riveting steel beams on an electrical power-line tower inspired him to invent the Erector Set.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/14

The VI Olympic Winter Games opened in Oslo, Norway on this day in 1952. Thirty countries participated in 22 events for 6 sports. One of the sports, Bandy (kind of like ice hockey) was demonstrated, but never returned to the Olympics.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/15

Speaking of the Winter Olympics, four years later at the 1956 Olympics in Italy, Tenley Emma Albright became the first American female skater to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating. Albright went on to graduate from Harvard Medical School in 1961, and became a surgeon.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/16

On this day in 1960, the USS Triton, a nuclear powered submarine left New London, Connecticut on a journey around the world. It returned on May 11th, having traveled 41,500 miles in 84 days, becoming the first submarine to circumnavigate the globe.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/17

In 1908 Jaques Brandenberger, a Swiss chemist coated a tablecloth with a thin coat of viscose film, attempting to make it stain proof. Instead, he accidentally invented "cellophane" or plastic wrap.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/18

With an increase in the use of paper came the need for paper fasteners. The McGill Single-Stroke Staple Press was presented on this day in 1879. It held only one wire staple at a time and had to be reloaded after each use.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/19

Thomas Edison accidentally invented the phonograph on this day in 1878 while attempting to improve the telegraph. The first phonograph, which operated with a hand crank, played "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/20

On this day in 1913, King O'Malley drove the first survey peg to begin work on the construction of Canberra. Canberaa is the capital city of Australia and is the countrys largest lnland city.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/21

On this day in 1828 a printing press made especially for the newly-invented Cherokee alphabet arrived in Georgia. A week later, the Cherokee Phoenix, the first indian language newspaper in history was printed. Who invented the printing press?

Wayne

[Ghost]

Who invented the printing press?

Steve Guttenberg :wink:

[Ed Donnelly]

removable letter printing press was Gutenbrg in 1440

But the Chinese had clay press for bookmaking way into the B.C. ...Ed

[onesubdrvr]

Steve Guttenberg :wink:


removable letter printing press was Gutenbrg in 1440

But the Chinese had clay press for bookmaking way into the B.C. ...Ed
Ed,

You are absolutely correct,...... but they were looking for the creator of the modern press, which was infact Gutenberg

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/22

With a promise to sell nothing for more than a nickel, Frank Woolworth opened the Great 5 Cent Store on this day in 1879. Adding items that cost up to a dime, Woolworth's "five and ten" stores became a huge success with nearly 600 stores in operation by 1911.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/23

On this day in 2005, the Slovakia Summit, between U.S. President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin was held. This marked the first time a sitting president of the United States visited Slovakia since its independence iun 1993.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/24

James Wright was looking to invent a rubber substitute when he accidentally invented Silly PUtty. In 1950, marketer Peter Hodgson paid college students to put the substance into colorful eggs, a New Yorker article featured the Silly Putty and 250,000 units were sold in three days.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/25

On this day in 1793, George Washington held his first cabinet meeting as U.S. President. In attendance were Thomas Jefferson - Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton - Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Knox - Secretary of War, Edmund Randolph - Attourney General and Samuel Osgood - Postmaster General.

How's that for a hard-hitting line-up?

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/26

Levi Strauss was born in Germany on this day in 1829. In 1850 the gold rush drew him to California where he found his fortune, not in gold, but in his patent of sturdy denim pants reinforced with copper rivets. His "Levis" of "blue jeans" were an instant success.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/27

On this day in 1951, the 22nd Ammendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. This ammendment limits the amount of time that the president is in office to two terms. Can you name the only US President to serve longer?

Wayne

[chappy]

02/27

On this day in 1951, the 22nd Ammendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. This ammendment limits the amount of time that the president is in office to two terms. Can you name the only US President to serve longer?

Wayne

I think it was FDR.

[Ghost]

Concur--FDR.

[onesubdrvr]

I think it was FDR.


Concur--FDR.

Correct, FDR!

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

02/28

Nylon was first produced on February 28, 1935 by Wallace Carothers at DuPont. Nylon fibers are used in toothbrushes, stockings, parachutes, fabrics, bridal veils, carpets, musical strings and rope. What is nylon made of?

Wayne

[Ed Donnelly]

Plastic polymers??????????.............Ed

[Ghost]

Plastic polymers??????????.............Ed

I would agree with this. But my guess is they were looking for something more simple. Since so much of the plastic/polymer world is full of hydrocarbons, I'm going to go out on a limb and guess 'oil' and doubtless look foolish when we hear the answer.

[onesubdrvr]

I would agree with this. But my guess is they were looking for something more simple. Since so much of the plastic/polymer world is full of hydrocarbons, I'm going to go out on a limb and guess 'oil' and doubtless look foolish when we hear the answer.

Not foolish at all, Coal, water and air ;)

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/01

Now this was a great idea! President Grant created Yellowstone Park, the nations first national park, on this day in 1872. In 1807, John Colter explored part of the Yellowstone region, returning with tales of steaming geysers and bubbling cauldrons.

Wayne

[zelatore]

Yellowstone was the first National Park, but which current National Park is actually older?

[Ed Donnelly]

Hot Spring Reservation in Akansas. It was a question on American history a few months ago on my 12 yr olds test...........Ed

[onesubdrvr]

03/02

The first adding machine was invented by a 19 year old French boy in 1642. Blaise Pascal created a wooden box with 16 dials which added and subtracted when turned. Blaise was also a math wiz.

I don't know how much I agree with this as the Abacus is a counting machine isn't it?? Must be some sort of interpretation as to how complex the adding / subtraction is.

Wayne

[Ghost]

03/02

The first adding machine was invented by a 19 year old French boy in 1642. Blaise Pascal created a wooden box with 16 dials which added and subtracted when turned. Blaise was also a math wiz.

I don't know how much I agree with this as the Abacus is a counting machine isn't it?? Must be some sort of interpretation as to how complex the adding / subtraction is.

Wayne

Good question. I don't know well enough how an abacus works to know if it actually performs any calculations, or whether the operator does the calculations and uses it to record what is computed. The nitwits who showed it to us back in elementary school showed us was the recording of calculations (AKA: add three more, move 3 more beads over, etc).

But then again, my teacher for one of those years pronounced Houston "HOW-stun," which drove me nuts. Anyone who watched football knew better. So, if there are ways to really make an abacus sing, doubtless they were lost on that lot. (Thank God my parents supplemented my education through the lean times...)

[zelatore]

Hot Spring Reservation in Akansas. It was a question on American history a few months ago on my 12 yr olds test...........Ed
actually I was looking for Yosimite. It was set aside as a protected park before Yellowstone but wasn't designated as a "national park" until later.

I didn't know about Hot Springs.

[onesubdrvr]

03/03

Born on this day in 1962 in East St. Louis, Missouri, Jacqueline Joyner-Kersee attended UCLA where she ran track and played basketball. She went on to win a silver medal in the 1984 Olympics and gold medals in the 1988 and 1992 games.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/04

On this day in 1801, Thomas Jefferson became the first US president to be inaugurated in Washington D.C.

Where were George Washington and John Adams inaugurated?

Wayne

[Ghost]

Hmmm, I always get confused about this. There's Philly and NYC, and even my Annapolis served as a temporary US capital. But they say the first answer that comes into your head is usually right, so I'll try NYC.

[onesubdrvr]

Hmmm, I always get confused about this. There's Philly and NYC, and even my Annapolis served as a temporary US capital. But they say the first answer that comes into your head is usually right, so I'll try NYC.
Well, you're close enough ;)

Washington was inaugurated in NYC, Adams in Philly

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/05

On this day in 1875, the Wisconsin legislature offered $10,000 for the invention of "a cheap and practical substitute for use of horse and other animals on highway and farm". George Selden, who patented a self propelled gas-burning vehicle, was awarded the money, but he never produced a marketable car.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/06

On this day in 1957, Ghana declared its independence from Britain. This African country boasts many natural resources - among them gold, diamonds, and cocoa - and a warm, tropical climate being only a few degrees north of the Equator.

[onesubdrvr]

03/07

In 1976, teenager Xavier Roberts invented "Little People" dolls, available for adoption from Babyland General Hospical in Cleveland, GA. In 1983 the Coleco Toy Company loved the idea so much they mass marketed the dolls under a new name, "Cabbage Patch Kids" and the rest - as they say - is doll history.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/08

In 1972, Mike Marshall was kicking around a handmade bean bag when his friend, John Stalberger, joined him. They called the new game "Hackin' the Sack", and later marketed it under the trademark "Hacky Sack".

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/09

On this day in 1959 at New York City's International Toy Fair, a new kind of doll was introduced. Invented by Ruth Handler and named after her daughter, Barbara, 351,000 Barbie dolls were sold that first year. Barbie was introduced into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/10

Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call on this day in 1876. While testing his invention, he spilled some acid on himself and yelled "Watson, come here. I want you!" In another room, Watson, Bell's assistant, clearly heard his voice and came running.

lol, I wonder what he would think of this whole cell phone craze lol

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/11

On this day in 1960, the Pioneer V spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida in one of the first attempts to study the solar system. As it orbited the sun, Pioneer V measured radiation and magnetic fields between Earth and Venus.

And to think, they just launched another craft to view other planets around other stars to look for one that is inhabitable. Truely amazing how much progress has been made, and the things that have come from it. One of my favorites - The cordless drill :D

Wayne

[Ghost]

03/11

On this day in 1960, the Pioneer V spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida in one of the first attempts to study the solar system. As it orbited the sun, Pioneer V measured radiation and magnetic fields between Earth and Venus.

And to think, they just launched another craft to view other planets around other stars to look for one that is inhabitable. Truely amazing how much progress has been made, and the things that have come from it. One of my favorites - The cordless drill :D

Wayne

I love the cordless drill too. So with no intent to detract from that, I have to share a story that may or may not be true, but strikes me as funny anyhow. We've all heard all the talk about how NASA has created new technologies, which now benefit us in our daily lives. The first of these I remember was the big deal made about the wonderful high-tech "Space Pen" that would work in zero gravity, and all the research dollars that went into it. I've been told the Russians just used a pencil instead.

[onesubdrvr]

I love the cordless drill too. So with no intent to detract from that, I have to share a story that may or may not be true, but strikes me as funny anyhow. We've all heard all the talk about how NASA has created new technologies, which now benefit us in our daily lives. The first of these I remember was the big deal made about the wonderful high-tech "Space Pen" that would work in zero gravity, and all the research dollars that went into it. I've been told the Russians just used a pencil instead.
That's hillarious!!! So true,.. unfortunately, the US doesn't trust it's military / etc. so they make you write with pen,... harder to erase evidence that way.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/12

The Dennis the Menace comic strip debuted on this day in 1951. The inspiration came when 4-year-old Dennis, son of creator Hank Ketcham, refused to nap and messed up his whole room. Hank's wife exclaimed "Your son is a menace!" Today, Dennis appears in over 10,000 newspapers, in 48 countries and is published in 19 different languages.

Can you name a menace in your life?

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/13

How's this for a great idea? The worlds longest underwater tunnel opened on this day in 1988. The Selkin Railroad Tunnel connects the Japanese islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. This tunnel is 32.3 miles long.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/14

Eli Whitney was issued a patent for the cotton gin on this day in 1794. The cotton gin replaced the tedious hand labor of taking the seeds out of cotton, revolutionizing the textile industry.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/15

On this day in 1944, Sylvester Stewart was born in Denton, TX. He became a musician and songwriter, changed his name to Sly Stone, and together with his family and friends formed a band that pioneered the development of funk and psychedelic music.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/16

The world's first liquid-fuelled rocked was launched on this day in 1926, giving hope to future space travel. Robert Goddard's rocket traveled 60mph to a height of 41 feed, landing 184 feet away.

Wayne

[Cuda]

Yesterday's lauch went much farther. :)

[onesubdrvr]

03/17

On this day in 1845, British inventor Stephen Perry patented the rubber band. Can you guess which entity is the largest consumer of rubber bands in the world?

Happy St. Patricks Day Y'all :)

Wayne

[Ed Donnelly]

Thats a nobrainer... The U.S. Post Office................Ed

[ChromeGorilla]

Captain Lou Albano? :biggrin.: :rlol:

[onesubdrvr]

Thats a nobrainer... The U.S. Post Office................Ed
That's right,.... ordering 1 million ounds a year for sorting and delivering the mail.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

Sorry about the skip in days,.... was in the Bahams on work.

03/23

On this day in 1893, the Boston Morning Post first published the initial OK. the abbreviation for the slang "all correct". So we'va had 170 years of use of this term in our American vernacular.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/24

In 1894, Will Kellogg invented cereal when he accidentally left a pot of boiled wheat to stand and become tempered. When he rolled the wheat, each grain emerged as a large, thin flake.

Wayne

[Ghost]

Sorry about the skip in days,.... was in the Bahams on work.

03/23

On this day in 1893, the Boston Morning Post first published the initial OK. the abbreviation for the slang "all correct". So we'va had 170 years of use of this term in our American vernacular.

Wayne

Some years ago in reading Patrick O'OBryan, I stumbled into the phrase "och aye", which strikes me in my gut as more likely. (I know there have been debates ad nauseum on this, with 10 or more theories about where okay originated. I'm not debating, just throwing this one out there as known-to-be-disputed. :) )

[onesubdrvr]

03/25

Speaking of breakfast food, this day is International Waffle Day. The holiday originated in Sweden where it is called Vaffeldagen. It markes the day where Swedish women set aside their winter tasks of chopping wood and knitting and begin their spring tasks by preparing waffles.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/26

On this day in 1953, Dr. Jonas Salk accounced the discovery of a vaccine to fight the crippling and sometimes deadly disease of Polio. At the time of the vaccine's release, the USA averaged 21,000 cases per year. Within 20 years, the average fell to just 7. Which US President was crippled by Polio?

Wayne

[Ghost]

Follow up question: Alas, which great North American nation was crippled by FDR?

[boxy]

Follow up question: Alas, which great North American nation was crippled by FDR?

Ghost, no need to hijack a trivia thread with political questions.....

[Ghost]

Sorry, sorry, I couldn't resist...

[onesubdrvr]

03/27

Elizabeth Murial Gregory "Elsie" MacGill was born on this day in 1905 in Vancouver, Canada. Known as the Queen of Hurricanes, whe worked as an aeronautical engineer during WWII and was the world's first female aircraft designer.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/28

Henri Fabre took off from water in the first ever successful seaplane flight on this day in 1910. The 50-horsepower plane invented by Fabre was call "Le Canard" meaning "The Duck." How far did it fly?

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/29

On this day in 1956, Soviet scientists reported that they had developed a new electron microscope. The powerful microscope enabled atoms to be seen for the first time.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/30

US Patent 19,783 for a penci with an attached eraser was issued to Hyman L. Lipman on this day in 1858. In 1862, Lipman sold his patent to Joseph Reckendorfer for $100,000. Reckendorfer then sued the pencil manufacturer Faber for infringement but the Supreme Court ruled against Reckendorfer, declaring that this was actually a combination of two already-known things with no new use.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

03/31

On this day in 1903, Richard Pearse managed a series of long hops in a pedal-and-engine-powered monoplane. Traveling 50 yards down a dirt road in New Zealand. Later that year, the Wright brothers made their first flight.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

04/01

Samuel Morey patented the internal combustion engine on this day in 1826. His engine harnessed power created by the explosion of water vapor, turpentine vapor and air, and came complete with a single carburetor.

Wayne

funny, I can't recall anyone here mentioning trying to run an engine off of a turpentine and water mix,..... wonder how it'd work :rlol:

[onesubdrvr]

04/02

On this day in 1899, a young chemist named Charles Hall pattented an inexpensive method for separating aluminum from its surrounding ore. Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

04/03

On this day in 1860, the Pony Express mail delivery service began. Horeseback riders carried mail in a pouch across a 2,000 mile route between Missouri and California. A relay team of riders carried letters from east to west in just 10 days. How much did it cost to send a letter on the Pony Express?

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

04/04

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister who led the Montgomery Bus Boycot and delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech to thousands. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. On this day in 1968, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tenessee.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

04/05

Isaac Quintard of Stanfield, Connecticut patented the apple cider mill in 1806. Apple cider was a very popular drink of that time, but had been around for centuries before that. It's even rumored to have been a favorite of Julius Caesar.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

04/06

Roy Plunkett was a chemist. On this day in 1938, he was checking on an experiment he was conducting and discovered that tetrafluorothelylene in the containter had polymerized into polytetrafluorothelyene. In other words, he accidentally invented the teflon that's used in cookware today.

Wayne

[onesubdrvr]

04/07

On this day in 1891, Ole Kirk Christianson was born in Denmark. He became a carpenter and made wooden toys. His company LEgGOdt (meanint "play well") became the first in Denmark to buy a plastic injection-molding machine for making toys. Shortly thereafter, Legos were born.

Wayne

[zelatore]

Ha! Legos rock! I had tons of those things as a kid!

Of course, these days they're nothing like the basic 'bricks' I had to play with. I wondered into a Lego store a couple years ago looking for Christmas gifts for my nephew and was shocked at how complex some of the stuff has become.

The kits were all too complicated for the boy, but I did buy a Ferrari F1 pit box with Massa/Kimi cars set-up for myself.... :biggrin.: