ON THIS DAY

On this date in 1793, during the French Revolution, King Louis XVI, was executed by the guillotine. The leader of the government suddenly became just the head of government.

But his headaches were finally gone.

They had a much more economical retirement plan back then.

He quickly became King Louis the 15 and 7/8's.

That was back when heads of state didn't necessarily retire with their heads.

In 1908, New York City enacted an ordinance that made smoking in public by women punishable by a fine of $5.00 to $25.00 and 10 days in jail. You've come a long way, baby. So far, that we're technically not allowed to call you, 'baby'. HR's on the phone? Great.

Of course, now that's true of men and women if they do it within 25 feet of a restaurant.

Like that was New York City's biggest problem.

They would have snuck a cigarette in the voting booth, but they couldn't do that either.

Add in a 32-ounce soda and it became a felony.

On this date in 1915, the Kiwanis Club was formed in Detroit, Michigan. It's a service club where you perform services, but never get a tip. Not many people know that Kiwanis is actually Sinawik spelled backwards.

In 1924, Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin died of a stroke. At first, they thought he was just showing support for the cause. "You're so red Vladamir... uh, Vladamir?"

On this date in 1954, the first gas turbine automobile was demonstrated in New York City. With it's more powerful engine, this breakthrough allow New York taxi drivers to burn twice as much fuel while sitting in traffic.

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter pardoned all Viet Nam war draft dodgers. It marked the first the time the Dodgers ever won anything in January.

On this date in 1998, former White House intern Monica Lewinsky admitted on tape that she had... well, let's put it this way: she said Hillary may be the first lady, but she wasn't the last.

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