ON THIS DAY

On this date in 1638, Swedish colonists settle in what is now Wilmington, Delaware, the home of the first massage parlor and Swedish pancakes, I think. Their influence is very obvious at the corner of Ya and You Betcha.

John Tyler, our country's 10th U.S. president, was born on this date in 1790. One of his more remarkable achievements: after office, he became a father again at age 70. If you're keeping track at home, between his first wife and his second wife, Tyler fathered 15 kids.

On this date in 1792, Sweden's King Gustav III died, nearly two days after he was mortally wounded during a masquerade party. That was the last year they played lawn darts with the masks on.

In 1812, the very first White House wedding took place as Lucy Payne Washington, sister-in-law of President James Madison, married U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thomas Todd. That's one way to work the court. They lost the bride several times when she and her white gown stood up against the White House. Where'd she go?

On this date in 1848, broken ice actually created a dam that stopped Niagra Falls. Suddenly, honeymooners found themselves with nothing to do.

Coca-Cola was created in 1886 -- mixed up over a fire in a backyard in Atlanta by a man named John Pemberton. John made Coca-Cola as a medicine to cure stomach aches, headaches and hangovers. Yes, it's true that cocaine was a very small ingredient of the beverage until Congress banned it in 1904.

On this date in 1943, because of World War II, rationing began for meat, butter and cheese begins.
  • It was the only time in our country's history that happened outside of the times you-know-who read an article about a new diet in a magazine. 
  • It was like an entire country going on a diet. 
  • Apparently at our house, the war rolls on... 
  • With so much obesity in the U.S., maybe we should do that again. 
In 1968, over 3,000 hippies took over New York City's Grand Central Station. With that large of an un-washed crowd, it wasn't long until the place smelled like... well, Grand Central Station.

On this date in 1989, the movie "Rain Man" won the best picture Oscar. Wow, the Oscars were late back then. But, for the record, the show actually started in February.



TODAY IS

Today is Opening Day for the baseball season. As of right now, there's a 30-way tie for first place.

By the way, the Worm Moon -- also a Blue Moon, as its our second full moon this this month -- happens early tomorrow.

Former tennis star Jennifer Capriati turns 42 today. So, if you see her, you might say "Happy 42, love."

Lucy Lawless hits the big 5-0 today. She's now Xena, Princess of AARP.
  • Tell me have you Xena... Xena? 
  • How could you ever be accused of something and defend yourself with a last name of "Lawless?" 
  • We always thought it would be smart for her to market a skin cream for older warrior princesses... and call it "Not Xena." 

Jill Goodacre, Mrs. Harry Connick Jr. turns 54 today. Something to like in that couple for everybody.

Elle McPherson turns 54 today too. Talk about a couple of model birthdays. It's a beautiful day! Boy, that was a good year. It's a tie for who's really doing it right.

Terry Jacks celebrates his 74rd birthday today and as a special salute, we won't be playing "Seasons in the Sun." That will at least make it special to me.

Eric Idle of Monty Python turns 75 today... and half a bee. He's a lumberjack and he's okay.

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