I have never been to this national park, but of course, I know of it.  On this date in 1890, Sequoia National Park was established.  It included the areas of the Sierra Nevada mountains and around the San Joaquin Valley.  It was America’s second national park. For more information: http://www.sequoiahistory.org/default.asp?contentid=705 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_National_Park http://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/sequoia-national-park http://famousdaily.com/history/sequoia-national-park-united-states-congress-established.html

Again, let it be said that I do occasionally feature sports history on my blog.  On this date in 1957, the famous Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain was officially opened.  This was built to replace the aging Camp de Les Corts stadium.  Interestingly enough, Handel’s Messiah was performed in honor of the opening.  It was able to fit 100,000 people […]

I absolutely had no idea about this particular sports feature (big shock since I don’t follow sports!).  Manon Rheaume became the first woman to play in the NHL.  Here’s what happened.  She is a Canadian goalie that had a dream.  She played in the minor leagues in various places, but Tampa Bay Lightning signed her as a free agent.  She […]

The first time I ever heard Andrea Bocelli sing was on a television concert with Sarah Brightman (during my big time Phantom of the Opera craze).  I was amazed, and impressed, and on this date in 1958, Andrea Bocelli was born.  I will be honest.  He’s not my favorite tenor, but he is amazing and an inspiration.  In fact, when […]

I have to admit that I don’t know a lot about recent Jewish history except for Israel’s homeland creation and the constant bad blood between the Jews and Arabs.  I was not aware of the great thing that one of the lesser-known presidents of our country did.  On this date in 1922, President Harding signed the Joint-Fish Resolution which gave […]

I did not watch this American Idol season, but I have to admit that I know his song due to its being featured on so many ads (and it is an absolutely annoying song when you hear it on the radio–it could have been much shorter!).  On this date in 1990, American Idol season eleven winner Phillip Phillips was born.  […]

Well, you might be wondering what Khrushchev and Disneyland have in common.  I didn’t know the connection, but I do now.  On this date in 1959, this Soviet leader was denied entrance to the Disneyland.  He had begun a goodwill tour, and he had already visited Broadway, a Pittsburgh steel mill, and IBM headquarters.  While in L.A., he was told […]

I’m not familiar with today’s feature, but I guess it was big news.  Patricia Hearst was kidnapped  by a guerilla group when she was 19.  In a strange twist, she announced that she joined the group that kidnapped her.  She changed her name to “Tania,” and she helped this group with bank robberies and such.  She was put on the […]

I am running late this morning, but I wanted to get this out here and update it later.  On this date in 1983, the first African-American contestant, Vanessa Williams, won Miss America.  I remember this one, and in spite of everything, I think she is beautiful and talented.  Yes, she should have been more careful in some of her choices, […]

A little while ago, I participated in a book tour where I helped promote the book Blucy: The Blue Cat by Julia Dweck, and the author was nice enough to gift me a copy for review.  I finally took a moment, and I read this book.  I am now delighted to share my review with you. Synopsis (from goodreads): Once […]