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Casey Jones: You’d Better Watch Your Speed
(Originally published in 2015) Today marks the 115th anniversary of the death of legendary train engineer Casey Jones. Here are some things you may not know about Casey Jones: One: On board engine number 382, Jones and fireman Sim Webb departed Memphis, Tennessee for Canton, Mississippi. By the time they took over, the train was…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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Archive: Annie Oakley Gets Her Gun
130 years ago, Annie Oakley was hired to join Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. Here are a few things you may not have known about Annie Oakley. One: Her real name was probably Phoebe Ann Moses. Or Mosey, Or Mauzy. She and her siblings never agreed on what their last name was. There is also…
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Archive: Introducing New Coke!
Thirty years ago, the Coca-Cola Company introduced New Coke, replacing the formula of its flagship soft drink. Here are some things you may not have known about the New Coke fiasco. One: In 1983, Pepsi-Cola had begun to outsell Coca-Cola in grocery stores. Coke believed that this was due to younger drinkers preferring the sweeter…
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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…
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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…