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Washington National Cathedral: The Nation’s House of Prayer
On this date in 1907, construction began on the Washington National Cathedral. In 1990, construction was completed. Here are some things you may not of known about what is known as America’s “National House of Prayer.” The official name of the cathedral is the Cathedral of Saint Peter and St. Paul in the City and…
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Presidential Debates: A Short History Long on Influence
On this date in 1960, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy participated in the first presidential general election debate. Here are some things you may not have known about that debate and those that followed. The famous 1858 debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas were held while the men were running for Senate. The…
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Bob Marley: One Love For Music
On this date in 1980, Bob Marley played what would be his final concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here are some things you may not have known about him. Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, Jamaica. His parents originally gave him the first name Nesta, meaning “wise messenger.” Later,…
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“The Hobbit”: 5 Things You Didn’t Know
On this date in 1937, “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien was published for the first time. Here are some things you may not have known about the book. Tolkien was professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke College, Oxford. In his spare time he wrote poetry and short stories. In the early 1930’s Tolkien said he found…
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RMS Olympic: An Inauspicious Start for Titanic’s Sister
On this date in 1911, the RMS Olympic collided with the HMS Hawke off the Isle of Wight. Here are some things you may not have known about the collision involving one of the Titanic’s sister ships. The Olympic was completed on May 31, 1911 and was the largest ship in the world. It’s maiden…
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Simon & Garfunkel in Central Park, 35 Years Later
On this date in 1981, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel played their landmark “Concert in Central Park.” Here are some things you may not have known about the show. Simon & Garfunkel met as children in Queens, New York in 1952. They began performing together in 1957 under the name “Tom and Jerry.” Their initial sound…
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Mexican Independence Day Isn’t On May 5th
Today is Mexican Independence Day. Here are some things you may not have known about it. As you’re hopefully aware, today is not the 5th of May. Cinco de Mayo is frequently confused for Mexican Independence Day, but it’s actually a celebration of the Mexican victory over French troops in the Battle of Puebla. Mexican…
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Khrushchev Visits the United States
On this date in 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev began a two-week tour of the United States. Here are some things you may not have known about it. Khrushchev’s visit was preceded by American Vice President Richard Nixon’s visit to Moscow in July of 1959. During Nixon’s visit, he engaged in a wide-ranging debate with…
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Hoagies, Heroes, Subs and Grinders
Today is National Eat a Hoagie Day. Here are some things you may not have known about the sandwiches. “Hoagie” is a term used mainly in the Philadelphia region for a submarine sandwich. Regionally in the U.S., they’re also known as heroes, grinders, torpedoes, wedges, zeppelins, spuckies, blimpies, bombers, Italians, and spiedies. The origin of…