In 1614 American Indian princess Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe in Virginia. In 1621 The Mayflower sailed from Plymouth, MA, on a return trip to England. In 1792 George Washington cast the first presidential veto, rejecting a congressional measure for apportioning representatives among states. In 1887 In Tuscumbia, Alabama, teacher Anne Sullivan achieved a significant breakthrough with her blind and deaf pupil, Helen Keller, by conveying to her the meaning of the word "water." In 1887 In a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton, British historian Lord Acton writes, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." In 1894 11 strikers are killed in a riot at Connellsville, Pennsylvania. In 1895 Oscar Wilde lost his criminal libel case against the Marquess of Queensberry, who'd accused the writer of homosexual practices; Wilde ended up being convicted on a morals charge and was sent to prison. In 1915 Jess Willard defeats Jack Johnson fo...

In 1588 Philosopher, Thomas Hobbes In 1649 Philanthropist, Elihu Yale (Yale University named in his honor) In 1726 Benjamin Harrison signed the Declaration of Independence In 1827 Physician, Joseph Lister (founder of aseptic surgery) In 1856 Black educator/social reformer, Booker T. Washington In 1858 Botanist, Washington Atlee Burpee (founded mail-order seed company) In 1871 College football coach Glenn "Scobey Pop" Warner (Jim Thorpe) In 1894 Aircraft designer Lawrence Dale Bell (founded Bell Aircraft) In 1900 Actor, Spencer Tracy (Father of the Bride, Boys Town) [d: 6-10-67] In 1901 Presidential Aid/Ambassador Chester Bowles [d: 5-25-86] In 1901 Actor/game show host Melvyn Douglas [d: 8-4-81] In 1905 Actor, Bill Raisch (one armed man-The Fugitive) [d: 7-31-84] In 1908 Actress, Bette Davis (Of Human Bondage, Jezebel) [d: 10-6-89] In 1908 Writer, Mary Hemingway (Ernest Hemmingway Biography) [d: 11-26-86] In 1908 Actor, Grady Sutton (Sturgis-Pruitts of Southhampton) [d: 9-17-...

Goldfish are a popular choice of pet amongst Americans and Canadians, ranking third in popularity. These intelligent creatures are highly regarded as ideal pets for small ponds, fish bowls, and aquariums. Despite their reputation for being fun and entertaining pets, Canadian goldfish owners are beginning to have second thoughts, as these adaptable pet fish have become problematic species in Canadian waters. Goldfish owners have been known to keep these monstrous creatures until they outgrow their tanks, with some opting to release them into local waterways or even to flush them down the toilet. However, such actions only make these species tougher and equally problematic when introduced into the wild. Once released into the wild, these goldfish can transform from household pets to invasive species capable of self-cloning and dominating local lakes. Female goldfish are capable of breeding copiously without the need for male counterparts. They can utilize the sperm of other minnows to fe...

A controversy has arisen at an Australian surf lifesaving club over a new policy banning nudity in showers and changing rooms. Members are now required to shower in swimwear and change with a towel around them, as indicated by a sign at the club. A regular ocean swimmer who frequents the changing rooms received a warning letter after allegedly breaching the new policy. The club's Child Safe Policy requires that members avoid showering or changing at the same time as groups of children and also recommends that one-to-one situations with young people in changing areas be avoided. Despite her disagreement with the new policy, the woman ultimately resigned from the club due to concerns over child welfare.

In 1492 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain issued an edict expelling Jews from Spanish soil, except those willing to convert to Christianity. In 1774 The British close the Boston port to commerce. In 1814 Forces allied against Napoleon to capture Paris. In 1831 Quebec and Montreal were incorporated as cities. In 1870 Thomas P. Mundy became the first black man to vote in the U.S. when he cast his ballot at a municipal election in Perth Amboy, NJ. In 1880 Wabash, Indiana, was the first town to be illuminated entirely with electric light. In 1889 French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel officially opened the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the public. In 1917 The U.S. took possession of the Virgin Islands purchased from Denmark. In 1918 The first U.S. daylight savings time went into effect. In 1922 During the Great Depression, Congress authorized the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1923 The first dance marathon was held in New York City, with Alma Cummings setting a world record of 27 ho...

In 1499 Religious leader Pope Pius IV (1559-65) In 1519 King Henry II Of France (1547-59) In 1596 French philosopher Rene Descartes (father of modern philosophy) In 1621 English poet, Andrew Marvell In 1675 Religious leader Pope Benedict XIV (1740-1758) In 1732 Composer, Franz "Josef" Haydn (father of the symphony) In 1809 English author, Edward FitzGerald In 1809 Russian playwright/author Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol (Dead Souls) In 1811 German chemist, Robert Wilhelm Eberhard von Bunsen In 1854 Inventor, Sir Dugald Clerk (2-stroke motorcycle engine) In 1878 Boxer, Jack Johnson (the first black heavyweight champ, 1908) In 1893 Russian engineer Sergei Ilyushin (designed over 50 aircraft) In 1895 Attorney/diplomat John J. McCloy (headed World Bank) In 1907 Actor, Eddie Quillan (Julia, Poco-Hell Town) [d: 7-19-90] In 1908 Bandleader/jazz performer, "Red" Norvo [d: 4-6-99] In 1914 Poet/writer/diplomat Octavio Paz [d: 4-19-98] In 1915 Radio/TV personality Henry Morgan (I...

  KDAZ-db News The Department of Energy has proposed a new regulation for cooking appliances encompassing gas and electric cooking tops. This proposal has generated an outpouring of feedback, with the comment period ending on April 3. According to a revised analysis by the DOE, approximately half of currently marketed gas stove models in the US would disregard these regulations. Despite this, a measure from Gary Palmer, which prevents the Secretary of Energy from enforcing this proposal on gas stoves or any other rule that would restrict access to them, has been endorsed. This amendment passed with a vote of 251-181, with 29 Democrats joining the Republicans in approving it. Meanwhile, Richard Trumka Jr., Chief of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, also recommended that gas stoves be banned due to health concerns. Although the CPSC has not proposed any rules outlawing gas stoves, it has officially requested information on possible health hazards associated with their use. Othe...