ON THIS DAY


On this date in 1820, Spain sold a good chunk of eastern Florida to the U.S. for $5 million.
  • Many thought the U.S. now owned the area, but it turned out it was just a time-share.
  • Back then, $5 million was a lot of money. These days, that won't even get you a decent relief pitcher.
  • The catch was, they had to keep all the bad drivers.

On this date in 1906, Dr. Lee DeForest gave a demonstration of his radio tube.
  • Of course, this paved the way for the development of the tube sock.
  • Almost immediately, controversy broke out -- no one could agree on whether you rolled up the tube or squeezed it from the middle.
  • Of course, eventually radio had its tubes removed, which is why we can't have any more frequencies.

The actor who first brought Dracula to life on the big screen, Bela Lugosi, was born on this date in 1882. He popularized the phrase, "I want to drink your blood"... which is why Donald Trump always uses, "You're fired," since that as already taken.
In 1911, Amundsen and his dog sled set out for the South Pole. His dogs left earlier in the day. They couldn't wait to get to the pole.
On this date in 1944, General Douglas MacArthur made his famous speech in the Philippines, where he said "I shall return." This was years before the first video store.
In 1960, the first fully mechanized post office opened in Providence, RI. Finally the post office was able to lose money through automation, which is far and away more efficient.
Monster Mash by Bobby "Boris" Pickett hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1962. It stayed there for 2 weeks. We had some tickets to Halloween events at local theme parks to give away so we played a little game we like to call "The Monster Match" (it was a grave yard smash!). We give you the clues you give us the horror film monster. Get one right and win!
  • This monster with a flat head and big shoes got a charge out of lightening but was afraid of fire. (Frankenstein)
  • He had a hypnotic stare and loved the night life, but a good stake would send him running! (Dracula)
  • He was at home in the pyramids but outside he felt a little "unraveled." (Mummy)
  • He was the King of the Jungle but and had a thing for Faye Ray. (King Kong)
  • He needed a shave every full moon and just knew there was a silver bullet with his name on it. (Wolfman)
  • She had a thing for a man with big boots and bolts on his neck! (Bride of Frankenstein)
  • He lived on Elm Street and had really creepy fingers! (Freddie Kruger)
  • She chased lost kids around the woods and made scary stick figures. (Blair Witch)

On this date in 1968, Jacqueline Kennedy married Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onasis. She married for love... he had millions and she loved it!
In 1973, the so-called "Saturday Night Massacre" took place when President Nixon fired special Watergate Prosecutor Archibald Cox. That's how he earned the nickname, "Cox sacker." Hey, it's true!

On this date in 1992, Kenny Rogers was sued by an aspiring actress who said he promised to help her career in exchange for sexual favors. C'mon, Kenny. You've got to know when to hold 'em...

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