On this date in 1962, the Soviets exchanged pilot Francis Powers, a  captured U-2 pilot, for Soviet master spy Rudolph Abel.  Both men were brought to separate sides of Glienicker Bridge which connected East and West Berlin.  They crossed to freedom at exactly the same time–8:52 A.M. Berlin time.  The Soviets had shot down his plane some time before, and […]

On this date in 1895, the sport that would become known as volleyball was created by YMCA athletic director William G. Morgan.  Back then, it was called Mintonette, and he combined elements of badminton and basketball.  As he saw it, basketball was too strenuous a sport for him and his middle-aged gym class members.  This was the perfect alternative.  Initially, […]

This may be a first on my blog to feature someone from wrestling.  On this date in 1972, wrestler The Big Show was born.  Paul Randall Wright, Jr. is his real name, and he is a 7-time world champion in his  sport.   Interestingly enough, he has been in some movies and TV, and he is the only person in history […]

On this date in 1788, Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to Alexander Donald that featured what would become a famous quote by him. “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.” Personally, […]

Today features a very troubled composer.  On this date in 1854, composer Robert Schumann was saved from a suicide attempt.  He tried to drown himself in the Rhine River, but he was unsuccessful.   According to another report, it was on February 27, 1854.  So I’m sorry if my information is skewed.  For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Schumann http://www.musicorb.com/classical/composers http://www.historyorb.com/events/february/6

It was this date in 1917, that the Immigration Bill of 1917 was passed by Congress.  They overrode President Woodrow Wilson’s veto by more than a two-thirds majority.  Immigration was  not forbidden, but the “undesirables” were forbidden from entry.  In other words, no homosexuals, Asians, nor physically or mentally deficient persons.  I’m so glad that is no longer something that […]

Not sure when this observance began, but on this date in 2014 (that’s today) we are celebrating World Cancer Day.  So  be sure to check out all the events that might be happening online and near you.  We can work together for a cure to this horrible disease! For more info: http://www.worldcancerday.org/ http://www.examiner.com/article/world-cancer-day-global-event-shines-spotlight-on-cancer-awareness http://cooks.ndtv.com/article/show/world-cancer-day-2014-foods-that-prevent-cancer-478762

On this date in 1690, the first paper currency was issued in the U. S. —specifically, it was the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  This promissory note stated that when the war ended, the bearer of the note would be able to trade it for two shillings from the British treasury.  They were called bills of credit. For more info: http://www.numismatics.org/Exhibits/FunnyMoney7a http://legacy.stacks.com/Lot/ItemDetail/56824 […]

It was on this date in 1964, that Hasboro debuted the very popular G.I. Joe.  The Barbie doll had been so successful for girls, and this became the #1 toy for boys. For more info: http://vintageoldtoys.com/gi-joe-military-action-figure/ http://thepeoplehistorytoday.blogspot.com/2014/02/gi-joe-launched-1964-following-success.html

I have a personal story tied to today’s feature.  On this date in 2003, the Columbia space shuttle disintegrated upon reëntry, killing all seven astronauts on board.  Let me tell you my personal story.  I had won a special evening out at an auction, and we had to use it before it expired.  My husband and I didn’t always enjoy […]