ON THIS DAY

Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale was born on this date in 1755. He's best known for his words, "I only regret I have but one life to give for my country!" Those weren't his last words, however. Those were spoken when he turned to his attorney and said, "You're fired!"

In 1816, a 10-inch snowstorm hits New England. 1816 became known as "the year of no summer" and the baseball team threatened to change their name to the Boston Wool Sox.

On this date in 1833, President Andrew Johnson became the first American president to ride on a train, making him one of the few presidents to stay on track. It was out in front of a grocery store and he actually went for two quarters' worth of rides.

In 1844, the YMCA was founded... once they could all agree on the arm gestures for the dance. Their slogan: "It takes a village, people!"

On this date in 1850, Levi Strauss made his first pair of blue jeans. The pants became so popular, they inspired "The Denim Song." You've heard "The Denim Song" before, right? (to the tune of the Pink Panther) Denim, Denim, Denim-Denim-Denim-Denim-Denim-Denimmmmmm... etc.

In 1882, the electric iron was invented. Why they'd want to invent a golf club you had to plug in is beyond me.

The very first drive-in movie theater opened up on this date, back in 1933.

• Remember, if it wasn't for the drive-in, the rear window defogger would never have been invented.
• It wasn't long before they realized that matinees didn't work.
• No one came. They decided to try it again the following day, but this time, at night. Much more successful.

During World War II, in 1944, D-Day began on the coast of France. The movie "Saving Private Ryan" takes you as close as you'll ever want to be in that situation.

On this date in 1946, Henry Morgan became the first man to take off his shirt on national television. Naturally, he was also the first person to lose at strip poker on national television.