-
Rolls-Royce: History on the Road and in the Air
On this date in 1904, Charles Stewart Rolls met Frederick Henry Royce in Manchester, England. Here are some things you may not have known about the history of Rolls-Royce. Henry Royce built his first car in 1904 in Manchester, which led to him being introduced to car dealer Charles Rolls at the Midland Hotel. Royce’s…
-
Washington, D.C.: A Capital Idea
On this date in 1802, Washington D.C. was incorporated as a city. Here are some things you may not have known about the American capital. Since the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, there have been three capital cities of the United States. The first was New York from March 1789 to December 1790, then the…
-
King James Bible: The Standard Since 1611
On this date in 1611, the King James Bible was published for the first time. Here are some things you may not have known about it. The first known efforts to translate the Bible into English happened in the seventh century. Aldhelm, the Bishop of Sherborne, is said to have translated the Psalms, while The…
-
3D: Your Eyes are Playing Tricks on You
On this date in 1953, the first experimental 3D television program in the U.S. was broadcast. Here are some things you may not have known about 3D. The first television show broadcast in 3D in the U.S. was “Space Patrol” on KECA-TV in Los Angeles. The show was also the first West Coast show to…
-
Occupation of Japan: 1945-52
On this date in 1952, the Allied occupation of Japan following World War II ended. Here are some things you may not have known about it. Japan surrendered to end the Second Wold War on August 14, 1945. Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender on the radio the next day, marking the first time most Japanese…
-
Palace of Westminster: Seat of British Government since 1016
On this date in 1840, the foundation stone of the new Palace of Westminster was laid in London. Here are some things you may not have known about the building that houses Parliament. The oldest part of the building that is still in use is Westminster Hall, which was built in 1097. It was the…
-
Chernobyl: 30 Years Later
Thirty years ago today, a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union exploded, causing the worst nuclear accident in history. Here are some things you may not have known about it. The disaster happened during a safety test on reactor number four. During the test, there was an unexpected power surge,…
-
License Plates: Identifying Vehicles Since 1893
On this date in 1901, New York became the first state in the U.S. to require license plates on automobiles. Here are some things you may not have known about license plates. The first license plates were issued in France in 1893. Germany followed in 1896 and The Netherlands in 1898. When plates were introduced…
-
Earth Day: Helping Save Our Planet
On this date in 1970, Earth Day was celebrated for the first time. Here are some things you may not have known about it. The first Earth Day was organized by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who planned it as a day of environmental education. In New York, the event drew an estimated crowd of more…
-
Loch Ness Monster: Missing since 1933
On this date in 1934, what went on to become known as the most famous photo of the purported Loch Ness Monster was published in The Daily Mail. Here are some things you may not have known about the Loch Ness Monster and other legendary beasts. The study of creatures whose existence has not been proven…