ON THIS DAY

On this date in 1777, General George Washington is defeated by the British in the Battle of Germantown. Makes me wonder if Octoberfest had something to do with it... This explains why Washington wasn't a really big fan of Octoberfest.

In 1871, a patent was granted for cement, one of the more concrete ideas of its time. The inventor was later convicted of first-degree mortar. Okay, I'm done.

On this date in 1892, a patent was granted for book matches.
Although, some preferred to wait until the movie came out. That is, once movies were invented.
Back then, a Kindle was what you did to a fire which you started with book matches.
Perfect for anyone who wanted to burn their books.
The first book was a real page burner.
The critics called the book, "striking."
Ironically, the guy who invented matches was quite a hot head.

Levi Strauss died on this date in 1902. He did see the age of 73, so he had very good jeans, but you knew that.

On this date in 1919, the Democratic National Committee voted to admit women. Actually, Democrats had allowed them in before, but only through the back door.

In 1928, the U.S. announced that it would recognize the Nationalist Chinese government... unless, of course, it was at a costume party.

On this date in 1954, "Tonight!" (aka "The Tonight Show") with Steve Allen premiered on NBC-TV. Jack Paar made his debut as the show's host on July 29, 1957. Johnny Carson succeeded Jack Paar on October 1, 1962, and Jay Leno took over for Carson after his 30-year run on May 25, 1992.

In 1964, the Warren Commission pronounced that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy. We can't quote what Oliver Stone said.

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