-
“Wizard of Oz”: What You Don’t Know About a Classic
On this date in 1939, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Here are some things you may not have known about the landmark film. Many people incorrectly think it was the first film in color. The first color film was 1903’s hand colored “The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ.” The first feature…
-
Fire Sprinklers: The Best Defense is an Early Defense
On this date in 1874, the first automatic fire sprinkler head was patented. Here are a few things you may not have known about sprinklers. The first fire sprinkler in recorded history was designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It was part of an automated kitchen he designed for a patron. The rest of the automation…
-
Electoral College: The Complicated Way to Pick a President
In 2000, Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore won the popular vote, but was not elected president. How does something like that happen, you ask? The answer is the Electoral College. Here are some things you may not know about how the United States picks its president. The entire American federal style of government was created…
-
Singapore: From Unwanted Island to Economic Power
On this date in 1965, Singapore was expelled from Malaysia, becoming the only country to earn its independence unwillingly. Here are some things you may not have known about the world’s only island city-state. Singapore is among the 20 smallest countries in the world. It’s located just off the southern tip of the Malay peninsula…
-
Airships: From Blimps to Zeppelins
On this date in 1929, the Graf Zeppelin began its round-the-world flight. Here are some things you may not have known about Zeppelins, blimps and other types of airships. Airships, also known as dirigibles, are aircraft that are lighter than air, or almost lighter than air, and can navigate under their own power. The navigation…
-
American Bandstand: The Televised Dance Party
On this date in 1957, “American Bandstand” premiered on national television. Here are some things you may not have known about the long-running music show. The show started on a local Philadelphia TV station in 1950. It was called “Bandstand” and was hosted by Bob Horn, a local radio personality. It showed short musical films…
-
Election Special: Third Parties
The American political system is dominated by two major parties, the Democrats on the left, and the Republicans on the right. However other parties have a long history of affecting the outcome of elections and changing the priorities of the major parties. Today, we’ll look at the history of so-called third parties in the United…
-
Cable Cars: A San Francisco Icon
On this date in 1873, the first cable car in San Francisco began operating. Here are some things you may not have known about the Bay Area icon. San Francisco’s first cable car system ran along Clay Street from Kearny Street to Leavenworth Street. One of the main reasons for building the system was to…
-
NASA Inventions: From Space to You
On this date in 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the National Space and Aeronautics Act, which authorized the formation of NASA. Here are a few technologies that you may not have known were created or developed for the American space program. Grooved pavement was developed to increase runway safety in the rain. The technology has…
-
Bonus Army: Protesting for Veterans Benefits
On this date in 1932, U.S. President Herbert Hoover ordered the army to forcibly evict a group of veterans which had gathered in Washington, D.C. Here are some things you may not have known about the Bonus Army. In 1924, The U.S. Congress overrode a veto by President Woodrow Wilson to allow World War I…