Author Archives: penquin

It was on this day in 1992 that Johnny Carson hosted his last episode of The Tonight Show. He had first started in 1962 and had done over 4,500 of them by the time he stepped down. The guests that sat down … Continue reading →

Better drink some whiskey and/or wine, eat some salted peanuts, and get ready to party…’cause it is Saturday nite! Just watch out for those outlaws…and for the enjoyment of everyone else, please don’t dance outside of your personal box. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMlrI6IkQv0 … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1881 that Clara Barton established the American Red Cross. While visiting Europe she had heard about the International Red Cross, and once back in the US she began work on establishing a chapter in the States. … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1916 that a Norman Rockwell painting first appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. As a teenager he had transferred from a regular high school to specialized art school and was the art … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1898 that the US Post Office authorized private companies to print and sell postcards. (Prior to this, companies could only make “souvenir cards.”) At first, postcards were not allowed to have a “divided back”…the … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1980 that Mount St. Helens, a volcano in Washington, erupted. The resulting damage was unprecedented for volcanic activity in the US. 250 homes were destroyed and over 55 people killed. Many miles of railways and highways were also wiped … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1902 that an ancient mechanical calculator/computer called the Antikythera mechanism was discovered in a shipwreck off of Greece. Estimated to have been built around 150 BC, the device was first thought to be a clock. But upon … Continue reading →

But list, O list,- so soft and low Thy lover’s voice tonight shall flow, That, scarce awake, thy soul shall deem My words the music of a dream. Thus, while no single sound too rude Upon thy slumber shall intrude, Our thoughts, … Continue reading →

The funny lady was in the announcer’s booth and had some very interesting commentary to make…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esIZ04A3et8&feature=player_embedded#t=4m20s For those who haven’t heard the tale of Dock Ellis, Snopes has the issue covered.

It was on this day in 1905 that 110 acres of land in southern Nevada was auctioned off by the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. The purchased land was near a fort that had been established 50 years earlier by … Continue reading →