ON THIS DAY

ON THIS DAY

Wire was invented way, way back in 1410. Up until that time, the circus had high-string walkers; usually for only one show.

On this date in 1496, Christopher Columbus wrapped up his second voyage to the New World.

• Of course, this time, it wasn't as new.
• This time, it was a much-more enjoyable trip... mostly because on the second voyage, he went with the freestyle cruising option.
• He had hoped to find out what happened to his luggage on his first trip.

It was on this date in 1785 that Benjamin Franklin was replaced as the U.S. Minister to England. Yep, the government told him to fly a kite and, well, the rest is history.

On this date in 1849, Abraham Lincoln became the only American president to ever apply for a patent.

• I believe it was for a bullet-proof theater hat, but it got tied up in paperwork. So close...
• Unfortunately, his idea of the steel theater hat was rejected. If only they had listened.

On this date in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first phone call to a man in the next room.

• Watson yelled out, "Hey, can you keep it down? I'm on the phone here."
• His exact words were, "Watson, come here. I want to play Jeopardy."
• "Watson... come here... I need you to... to put $10 down on the New York Knickerbockers."
• "Mr. Watson, come here. I'd like to sell you some aluminum siding. Oh, you're eating dinner? Well, this won't take a moment."
• Watson, and said to him, "Please come here." Watson, of course, said "Sorry, we don't want any" and hung up.

Here are the top five ways the world would be different if the telephone had not been invented:

1. Air pollution would be much worse from all the smoke signals
2. You'd never get your teenager off the telegraph
3. Being the office receptionist would be a lot easier job
4. Less frustrating getting through to (calls) using the U.S. mail
5. Greater status for hollarin' contest winners!

Mr. Bell's invention is definitely a creation we can't live without. But did you know that the way you handle the telephone is a direct line to your personality? "The posture of your body when you're chatting on the phone provides a telling glimpse into your dominating traits," says sociologist Dean Montgomery. Check out the descriptions below and choose the one that most resembles your demeanor when you're gabbing on the phone.

• Relaxed -- You give the impression that you don't have a care in the world and that's not far from the truth. When others are overwhelmed, you have a knack of landing on your feet in the midst of chaos. No problem is too tough for you to find a solution, and you are the rock that your loved ones and pals depend upon.
• Cradler -- You're a sweet natured nurturer who loves nothing better than showering the ones you love with affection. Since childhood, your fondest dream was to have a home and family -- a desire that you have achieved in splendid style. Your little tribe is the center of your world, and your home is the hub for your larger circle of friends.
• Energized -- You have an endless supply of vitality, and your near and dear know you are always up for an adventure. You're endlessly curious about others, and your charming interest has led to a collection of friends from all walks of life. Your bubbly insistence on grabbing all the gusto life has to offer makes you the leader of the pack.
• Focused -- You're a reserved person who prides yourself on being on top of things, and your brilliant organizational skills usually assure that you're in total command. But you do have the charming ability to reverse yourself when it comes to personal relationships -- you're a hopeless romantic who lets your emotional hair down with the ones you love.

On this date in 1880, the Salvation Army arrived in the United States from England. At first, it was hard for people to remember the names of the volunteers, but their hands always rang a bell.