things I learned today:
Each year on August 16th, you will find people at amusement parks and theme parks across the country participating in National Roller Coaster Day. J.G. Taylor received one of the earliest patents for an inclined railway in 1872. In 1878, Richard Knudsen received a patent for an inclined-plane railway. For years, history has believed the first roller coaster in America opened at Coney Island on June 16, 1884. Thanks to the digital age and many archived news papers being digitized, and article was discovered reporting the anticipated excitement of J.G. Taylor’s elevated railway in 1872 at Rocky Point, Rhode Island. According to the Providence Evening Press from June 18, 1872, the reporter describes a ride of 400 feet where nine passengers are given a shove and gravity does the rest. The oldest roller coasters are believed to have originated from the so-called “Russian Mountains.” Built in the 17th century, these were specially constructed hills of ice that were located near Saint Petersburg, Russia. The slides were made to a height of 70 to 80 feet consisting of a 50-degree drop and were reinforced by wooden supports. A roller coaster consists of one or multiple cars on a track, similar to a specialized railroad system that rises in designed patterns, sometimes with one or more vertical loops.
National Rum Day is observed annually on August 16. Rum is a distilled clear alcoholic beverage which is a byproduct of molasses production or made directly from sugar cane juice. After the fermentation and distillation process, most rum is aged in wooden oak barrels. Followed by the vodka and all the whiskeys combined, rum is the third most popular spirit in the United States. It stirs up images of sandy beaches and brightly colored umbrellas in fruity drinks. And it should. It is a sweet spirit and originated in sunny Papua New Guinea. It made its way to the Caribbean by way of the West Indies.
What would be better than a day filled with laughter? National Tell a Joke Day is observed annually on August 16th, and that’s no joke! This day will be filled with smiles and much laughter from morning till night as everyone shares their favorite jokes. The more jokes you tell, the more fun you will have and so will those around you. A joke is described as something that is spoken, written or done with humorous intention. They can come in many forms. On National Tell a Joke Day, try a one-liner or a knock-knock joke if you aren’t comfortable with the whole comedic act that can be involved in the short story versions. Some simply rely on gestures to express humor. With humor, timing and delivery can be an essential element. Without it, the joke will fall flat. Be sure to know the audience. Clown jokes may not go over well at a phobia convention. In moderation, laughter is healthy, uses the abdominal muscles and releases endorphins (natural “feel good” chemicals) into the brain.
National Airborne Day is observed each year on August 16. Designated by the United States Congress, National Airborne Day honors the nation’s airborne divisions of the Armed Forces. National Airborne Day was created in 2001 by 43rd United States President, George W. Bush. August 16, 1940, marks the date of the first official Army parachute jump at Ft. Benning, Georgia. The successful jump validated the innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat forces behind a battle line by parachute. These sky soldiers represent some of the most prestigious and effectively trained forces in the United States Army.
In 1829, The original Siamese twins, Eng and Chang, arrived in Boston.
In 1948, Baseball legend Babe Ruth died in New York City at age 53.
In 1968, The Jackson Five made their formal debut with Diana Ross and The Supremes at the Great Western Forum, California.
In 1969, Hippie leader Abbie Hoffman was knocked offstage by Pete Townshend while attempting to make a political statement during The Who's set at Woodstock. Later, Townshend said he didn't know it was Hoffman at the time.
In 1970, This week's UK Top 5 singles: No.5, Free, 'All Right Now', No.4, Shirley Bassey, 'Something', No.3, Hotlegs, 'Neanderthal Man', No.2, The Kinks, 'Lola' and No.1, Elvis Presley, 'The Wonder Of You', (his 16th UK No.1).
In 1977, Elvis Presley died at Graceland, his Memphis,Tenn., home, from heart failure at age 42.
In 1979, The biggest single of the summer in the US, The Knack's 'My Sharona' was awarded a Gold record for selling one million copies.
In 1986, Madonna started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Papa Don't Preach.'
In 1997, Will Smith started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Men In Black' taken from the film of the same name.
Happy Birthday to Madonna (60), Steve Carell (56), Cameron Monaghan (25), Evanna Lynch (27), James Cameron (64), Kathie Lee Gifford (65), and Julie Newmar (84).
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Topic: A DAY WHEN YOU'D LIKE TO EAT THE HEAD OF A CHICKEN (Read 5509 times)