A car racing tradition began on this date in 1911.  You might recognize the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and there were 40 cars that lined up for that first Indianapolis 500.  It was Ray Harroun who won the $14,250 prize, clocking an average speed of 74.59 mph and a total time of 6 hours and 42 minutes. My, how times have […]

I cannot help but think of Michael Crawford in the live show Barnum.  He played the part so well, and today’s feature figures into the musical show.  On this date in 1852, the “Swedish Nightingale,” Jenny Lind, left the U. S. On her wildly successful 2-year-long American tour.  It was organized by P.T. Barnum, and she decided it was time […]

It was on this date in 1644, that the infamous Bolton massacre occurred.  I was a particulsrly brutal part of the English civil war.  Although casualties are uncertain, 1600 may have been killed.  From what I can tell, religious differences fueled much of this war. For more info: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolton_Massacre http://www.information-britain.co.uk/famdates.php?id=1364

It was on this date in 1703, that Tsar Peter the Great founded the great and historical city of St. Petersburg in Russia.  This became the new Russian capital.  If things were not so crazy over there right now, I would say that I would love to visit.  I used to teach with a couple who taught in Russia for […]

I salute all veterans of the U.S. on today–Memorial Day–but today’s feature does not relate to this day of remembrance.  On this date in 1969, Apollo 10 returned to earth.  It was the dress rehearsal for Apollo 11’s landmark moon landing, and it certainly accomplished its goal of testing all equipment for that upcoming significant mission.  I was surprised to […]

My mom does not remember today’s feaure, and I was not quite four years old when this happened.  On this date in 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 crashed during take-off at Chicago O’Hare airport.  As the plane was taking off, engine one failed and seperated from the plane, and the plane crashed into a nearby storage hangar.  All 271 passengers […]

I am one who adores church history, and John Wesley was one of the pillars of Christian history.  It was on this date in 1738, that John Wesley was converted to Christianity.  Before this time, he was extremely religious–he was even a misdionary to the Native Americans.  John Wesley is considered the father of Methodism.  For more info: http://www.the310course.com/John%20Wesley.html http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley

I knew the anniversary of this was coming up, and I certainly remember hearing about it since I live in Washington state.  On this date in 2013, the Skagit River bridge that connected the cities of Mount Vernon and Burleson collapsed at approximately 7:00 P.M.  It was caused by a truck transporting an oversized load that hit several overhead support […]

I have only recently become a Tonight Show fan, but, of course, Johnny Carson was the one who is closely connected to ghs cultural phenomenon.  I honestly nrver watched him on the show, but I remember the news when today’s feature occurred.  On this date in 1992, Johnny Carson made his last Tonight Show.  He had hosted 30 years and […]

I have actually visited the city where today’s feature occurred.  On this date in 2012, a suicide bomber killed 120 in Sana’a, Yemen.  It was one of the deadliest attacks in Yemen in years, and it happened during a practice for a military parade for Unity Day.  Al Queda assumed responsibility for the deadly attack.  Over 300 were injured as […]