ON THIS DAY

James Watt was born on this date in 1736. He invented the steam engine... which led to the development of the 4-wheel drive sauna.

On this date in 1825, Ezra Daggett and his nephew, Thomas Kensett, received a patent for their process of storing food in tin cans.

• They were excited until they realized that no one had invented the can opener yet.
• They worked together for a few years until they got into a disagreement and Thomas himself was canned.
• Ironically, the next day, Ezra canned his nephew.
• Of course, you needed a key to get into the can. Unless, of course, it had a combination lock.

In 1903, the very first regular transatlantic radio broadcast took place between the U.S. and England. The first few minutes of the broadcast went like this: "Good morning!" "No, good afternoon!" "No, good morning!" etc.

On this date back in 1915, Georges Claude patented neon.

• When Jumpin' Jack Flash asked what neon was, Claude replied, "It's a gas, gas, gas..."
• I don't know if I would want history remembering me for my gas.
• Yes, Neon was patented, long before Chrysler turned it into a car.

In 1966, Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister of India. It was a close election but in the end, it was "Gandhi with the win." (Theme from 'Gone With the Wind'). I said "Gandhi with the... " Oh, never mind.

On this date back in 1978, Volkswagen makes its last "Bug," ending production of some 19 million since 1938. There are those who are hoping Volkswagen will bring them back someday, but several people have said there will never be a Beetles reunion.