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Extreme Weather: 5 Things You Need to Know
On this date in 1923, the town of Marble Bar, Australia, began a record-setting streak of 160 days with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Here are some things you may not have known about temperature extremes around the world. Marble Bar, which is located in northwestern Australia, has an average maximum temperature…
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Tickertape Parades: A Salute to Heroes
On this date in in 1886 the first tickertape parade was held in New York City. Here are some things you may not of known about tickertape parades. The first parade was an impromptu celebration following the dedication of the Statue of Liberty. They’re called tickertape parades because originally most of the paper thrown was…
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Bugs in the Embassy: A Diplomatic Incident
On this date in 1985, construction on the new American Embassy in Moscow was suspended after listening devices were discovered. Here are some things you may not have known about the diplomatic incident. Construction on the new American Embassy began in 1979, using Soviet workers. In 1985 the Americans discovered that the columns holding the…
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Pony Express: A Legendary 19-Month Failure
On this date in 1861, the Pony Express ceased operations after a 19-month run. Here are some things you may not of known about the old west mail service. After the discovery of gold in 1849 and the admission of California as a state in 1850, a faster way to deliver transcontinental mail was needed.…
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Charge of the Light Brigade: Into the Valley of Death
On this date in 1854, a hopelessly overmatched British cavalry unit, charged into battle against the Russians during the Crimean War. Here are a few things you may not have known about the Charge of the Light Brigade. The Crimean War pitted the British, French and Ottoman empires against the Russian Empire. The Russians wanted…
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Kamikaze: Five Things You Didn’t Know
On this date in 1944, the first Kamikaze attack of World War II took place. Here are some things you may not have known about the suicide missions. By the time 1944 rolled around, Japan had suffered several critical defeats, leaving it with old aircraft and inexperienced pilots. An example of this was the loss…
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Battle of Yorktown: The End of the Revolutionary War
On this date in 1781, British Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. Here are six things you may not have known about the Battle of Yorktown. The battle was known as “The German Battle” in Germany. About one-third of the 27,000 troops involved in the battle were…