ON THIS DAY

ON THIS DAY

Magellan discovered Shark Island in 1521... and got a loan at 25% interest, compounded hourly.

In 1690, the first paper money was printed up in the colony of Massachusetts.

• Instead of "In God We Trust," it said "Go Patriots!"
• The pilgrims realized that when they ran out, they could just print up more... and the United States was born!
• The first bill had Mike Wallace's picture on it.
• And it was great having money to buy paper with, but how would you pay for other stuff?
• Of course, back then, it was really worth very much. Shows how little we've come in 300 years.
• In less than two hours, the Governor realized, "Hey -- now we have something to tax!"

On this date in 1783, Spain recognized U.S. independence. Up until that time, we were wearing a fake beard.

In 1809, the territory of Illinois was organized. Cleaned out the garage, straightened out the attic, the whole thing. One of the early pioneers, Ezekiel Blagojevich, tried to sell the territorial governor's seat, but there were no takers.

Hudson Maxim was born way back in 1853. Hudson invented smokeless gunpowder... which didn't taste very good, but it did make spitting a felony.

In 1881, P.T. Barnum introduced "Jumbo," an African elephant, to America. He only paid him peanuts.

On this date in 1913, the 16th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, creating a federal income tax. That's the one that gave us the federal income tax. It seemed like such a good idea at the time, but now it seems like this should be a national day of mourning.

The Day The Music Died -- On this day in 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash outside of Mason City, Iowa. Time to break out "American Pie" again by Don McLean.

Maura Tierney from "Newsradio," "E.R." and the Jim Carrey movie, "Liar, Liar" turns 51. Not lying about that one. Surprisingly, going from Newsradio to an E.R. is not that uncommon.

Nathan Lane turns the big 6-0.

• He can be rather flamboyant. In fact, on his birthday, his cake always tries to blow him out.
• He's long been a supporter of the policy, "Why bother asking, go ahead and tell!"
• We always thought he had a good name for a street.

Morgan Fairchild turns 66... yeah, that's it.

60s singer Melanie is in her last year of the 60s -- she's turning 69. She didn't have a last name back before not having a last name was cool.

Blythe Danner turns 73 today. That is Gwyneth Paltrow's mom.

Halfway Through Winter -- Tonight, it will be roughly 44 1/2 days left to go until spring hits on March 

TOP FIVE HINTS THAT YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR COULD BE A SPACE ALIEN

1. Says he loves that new comedy, "The X-Files"
2. Just asked you, "Want to be abducted this weekend?"
3. He parks above his garage
4. Friendly guy, but do I have to shake all 12 hands every time we see each other?
5. First person you've ever met named Zelbsmor Gronkwackle

Punxsutawney Phil The Groundhog did NOT see his shadow, which indicates an early spring... or that he was just on his phone and never noticed it.

When scientists warn us about global warming, there are those who call it a crock. Yet, have a rodent not see his shadow and we believe it'll be an early spring like it's the gospel!

Oh, by the way, our national debt has hit $19-trillion for those of you keeping score... that doesn't include service fees or tips.

Time to get out there and hit those "After Ground Hog's Day Sales."

For Desert Radio AZ, I’m Crusty Windbreaker