Monthly Archives: September 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_du9tC74qs It was on this day in 1966 that Star Trek first appeared on TV. A review of this first episode called it “an incredible and dreary mess of confusion and complexities.” During the second season, rumors of it being cancelled started to swirl … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1968 that Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham played together in public for the first time. They were touring as The New Yardbirds in order to fulfill contractual obligations Page … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1959 that the Barbie doll first appeared in stores. Named after the creators’ own daughter, it was one of the first dolls in America that wasn’t a baby or infant. Two years later her boyfriend Ken … Continue reading →

  “Labor Day is traditionally a time for picnics and parades. But this year is no picnic for American workers, and a protest march would be more appropriate than a parade. Not only are 25 million unemployed or underemployed, but … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1698 that the Tsar of Russia shaved the beard off his commander of the army. Peter the Great had just returned from a two-year tour of Europe, and he wished to “modernize” the royal court. All … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1950 that the comic strip “Beetle Bailey” first appeared in print. Originally set at the fictional Rockview University, the main character would join the Army less than a year later and has been stationed at Camp Swampy ever since. … Continue reading →

Heard about this news story and one of my first thoughts was “Was Tom Jones in the area?” Then I read about him being in the hospital, and I wondered what exactly it was that exhausted him. Here are two … Continue reading →

“My free life began on the third of September, 1838.” It was on this day in 1838 that Frederick Douglass boarded a train in Baltimore, starting his escape to freedom. The 18 year old slave had been hired out by his … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1944 that Lt JG George Bush got his plane shot out from under him. He was flying a TBM Avenger, assigned to the carrier USS San Jacinto in the North Pacific. The aircraft was hit as he … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1859 that our Sun let loose with a massive solar flare. The eruption of energy took less than 18 hours to reach Earth, a journey that usually takes about 4 days. The effect was felt all … Continue reading →