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Martin Luther King Jr. Day: The Origins
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States. Here are some things you may not have known about the holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader. The idea of a holiday honoring King began shortly after he was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. In the early days, the…
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Great Molasses Flood: A Sticky and Deadly Situation
On this date in 1919, a massive storage tank failed, sending more than 2 million gallons of molasses through the streets of Boston, killing 21 people and injuring 150 others. Here are some things you may not have known about the Great Molasses Flood. The tank, which was owned by Purity Distilling Company was 50…
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“Today” Show: A Morning News Pioneer
Today is the 64th anniversary of NBC’s “Today” show. Here are some things you may not have known about “Today” and the morning news shows that followed. The show was created by NBC vice president Pat Weaver, who is the father of actress Sigourney Weaver. One of the proposed names for the show was “The…
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Sick Day: No Show Today
As you can probably tell from my voice, I’m a bit under the weather, so there won’t be a show today. You probably don’t want to listen to me sounding like this anymore than I want to be talking. Before I go, let me remind you of this week’s take-home test: What was name of…
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David Bowie: A Legend Passes
Rock icon David Bowie died earlier today at the age of 69, according to his family Here are some facts you may not have known about the musical innovator. Bowie was born David Jones in Brixton, South London on January 8, 1947. His mother worked as a waitress and his father worked for a charity.…
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Rationing: Making Do During WWII
On this date in 1940, food rationing began in Great Britain during World War II. Here are some things you may not know about rationing. Bacon, butter and sugar were the first foods to be rationed in the UK. This was followed by rations for meat, tea, jam, cereals, cheese, eggs, milk and canned and…
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Charles Addams: A “Family” Man
Today is the 103rd anniversary of the birth of illustrator Charles Addams. Here are some things you may not have known about the creator of “The Addams Family.” Charles Addams was born in Westfield, New Jersey in 1912. Houses in his hometown were said to be the inspiration for the Addams Family mansion. A childhood…
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Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan: Unsportsmanlike Conduct
On this date in 1994, American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by a man hired by the husband of her main competitor, Tonya Harding. Here are some things you may not have known about the skaters and the attack. Nancy Kerrigan was born in 1969 in a suburb of Boston. She began skating at…
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Golden Gate Bridge: Form and Function
On this date in 1933, construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge. Here are some things you may not have known about the bridge. Ferry service between San Francisco and Marin County started in the 1820s. The Golden Gate Ferry Company, which originated in 1867 went on to become the largest ferry system in the…
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Topsy: The Electrocution of an Elephant
On this date in 1903, Topsy, an Asian elephant was euthanized by electrocution at Coney Island, New York. Here are some things you may not have known about the incident. Topsy was brought to the United States and performed in the Forepaugh Circus, where she gained a reputation as a bad elephant after killing a…