ON THIS DAY

On this date in 1784, the very first U.S. daily newspaper began publication in Pennsylvania. Finally, people had something to wrap their fish guts in.
  • I think it was called "13 States Today." 
  • Finally, newspaper carriers had something to deliver! Their first ad was for "All Colonies Insurance: the goodeth hands people." 
  • By the way, for our younger listeners, a newspaper is news printed on paper. 

In 1792, the French National Convention voted to abolish the monarchy. They decided to get rid of the head of their country by getting rid of the head of the head of the country.

On this date in 1893, a horseless carriage, believed to be the first gasoline-powered automobile built in the U.S., was taken for a short test drive in Springfield, MA.
It was the only time a car salesperson said, "You won't find another one like this" that it was true.
Needless to say, traffic was light.

In 1897, the New York Sun ran its "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" editorial in response to a letter from 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon.
  • Which sparked more responses like, "It's September. Why you bringing that up now?" 
  • Hard to believe an entire state doubted he existed. 
  • The letter was in response to a little girl's letter, in which she asked, "Why do the Christmas sales start earlier every year?" 

In 1930, Johann Ostermeyer patented his invention, the flashbulb. All those years of flashing finally paid off.

On this date in 1937, "The Hobbit" was first published. After 80 years, critics still downplay the importance of the book, but as you know, old Hobbits are hard to break.

It was on this date in 1970 that "Monday Night Football" debuted. Wow, 47 years ago. Of course, we all know it was a dismal failure. Oh, wait, I was thinking of the TV show "Captain Nice." My bad.

TODAY IS

Doug Baldwin of the Seahawks turns 29 today. He's one of the NFL's best receivers, catching everything that gets near him. It's why he doesn't get a flu shot.

Lionel Richie's daughter and Paris Hilton's former bestie, Nicole Richie, turns 36 today. She earned her fortune the old-fashioned way -- by being best friends with Paris Hilton.

Liam Gallagher of Oasis turns 45 today. Oasis is one of those groups that, as you get closer to them, slowly disappears.

Luke Wilson -- I always get him confused with his brother -- turns 46.

Mrs. Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, hits the big 5-0 today. I'm reminded of the old country song, "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold it Against Me?"

Bill Murray hits birthday number 67 today. Hopefully, it won't hit back.

Don Felder turns the big 7-0 today. He's a member of The Eagles... but he does occasionally make it to a Kiwanis meeting, too.

Stephen King turns 70 today... unless those twin girls from the 1920s driving a possessed while riding with a devil dog don't get him first. Somewhere along the line, I'm imagining a killer clown entertained at one of his parties.

St. Matthew's Day -- Legend says if there's a strong wind today, it means a warm fall. If there's a loud wind, the guy next to you will blame the dog.

Miniature Golf Day --  Which came first?

Miniature Golf (invented by Garnet Carter in Tennessee in 1927) or Ping-Pong (Invented in Britain in 1890's)?
Potato Chips (1853) or Sliced Bread (1928)?
Microsoft's Bill Gates (1955) or Dial Soap (1948)?
Parcheesi (dates back to India in the 1570's) or Monopoly (created in Pennsylvania in 1933)?
Mel Gibson (1956) or Sports Illustrated (1954)?
Martin Sheen (1940) or ABC-TV (1943)?
Shampoo (developed in Germany in the 1890's) or Kleenex (1924)?
Movie critic Roger Ebert (1942) or the ballpoint pen (first appeared in 1945)?
Kelly Ripa (1970) or Rolling Stone magazine (1967)?
Vick's Vaporub (1905) or Crisco Shortening (1911)?
Kelsey Grammer (1955) or Tide (1946)?
"You're My Best Friend" by Queen (1976) or "We Will Rock You" by Queen (1977)?
Prepared baby food (1927), or the aerosol can (1926)
Children's crayons (1903), or crossword puzzles (1913)
Disposable diapers (1950), or paper towels (1931)
Play-Doh (1956), or the TV remote control (1950)
Scuba gear (1943), or sunscreen (1944)
Toothbrush (1498), or the zipper (1893)
Digital watch (1970), or Astro Turf (1965)
Blow dryer (1920), or metal beverage can (1933)
Can opener (1858), or the cash register (1879)
Corn Flakes (1894), or contact lenses (1887)
White Out (1951), or credit card (1950)
Dishwasher (1886), or the drinking fountain (1905)
Battery operated flashlight (1899), or margarine (1869)
Monopoly (1934), or the parking meter (1932)
Video games (1972), or the Walkman (1979)

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