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FIRST's and minutiae (small points) for all trivia buffs out there.
 Yes, this one went 215 m.p.h. Then, this one went 245 m.p.h. And YES, BOTH of these Streamliners are ELECTRIC! and powered by 'C-cell' flashlight batteries. I have seen these vehicles up close; they are knee high, narrow and QUIET. The batteries are in briefcases. They told me they used 6,000 batteries, EACH. The wheels were 'bolt together' type pulleys with v-belt inserts for traction. The motor was the size of a 3# coffee can. Looks like a Reeves Belt drive. In 2004, this one went 315mph; designed by Ohio State University. Electric!  They are working on a hydrogen cell powered 750hp electric powered one for 2007!
Reading in reverse:All FIRST additions to this column are added HERE, at the FIRST.BUT, when you get to what you have read before; Just Click 'Home' at the Top or Bottom of this page, to Get Back to the Tool Pages.
I wonder what the FIRST words were. Most hymns in those days, were sung to the music of saloon songs. I would think it was easier for the pastors. That way, they only had to teach the congregation different words, not a whole new tune. Unofficially, the FIRST American national anthem was, "Hail, Columbia", which was composed by Philip Phile in 1789 and used for the Inauguration of the FIRST President, George Washington. Accordingly, it was FIRST labeled, "The President's March". "Hail", over time, was eventually replaced by the "Star-Spangled Banner" and then recognized for official use, FIRST by the United States Navy in 1889, followed by the White House in 1916, and was made the official national anthem by a Congressional resolution on March 03, 1931. The "Star Spangled Banner", was written originally as a poem by Francis Scott Key in 1814, then entitled, the "Defence of Fort McHenry" and was set to the tune of , "To Anacreon in Heaven", a popular British drinking song. Smith had earlier written the song for the Anacreontic Society, a London Social Club. Prior to 1931, "Hail, Columbia" was the most popular of all the defacto anthems. Every war, produced yet another competitor for the role of national anthem, from Washington's time to when the current version was codified, March 3rd, 1931, 46 Stat. 1508, 36 USE (301) by then President Herbert Hoover.
It would be the FIRST race of its kind in the United States of America to feature gasoline-powered carriages. Kohlstaat, was offering $5,000 in prizes, including a FIRST-place prize of $2,000. Kohlstaat received telegrams from many European racing enthusiasts and from automobile tinkerers all across America. After delaying the event for several months at the request of potential builders who were still working on their racers, Kohlstaat finally settled on an official race date of November 2, 1895. The race was originally planned to run from Chicago's Jackson Park area to Milwaukee, but bad roads North of Racine forced a shorter course. So, it became a 54-mile course from Chicago to Evanston and back. (Waukegan was in the mix somewhere, I think. Facts are sketchy and contradictory). The start/finish line was near where the current Museum of Science and Industry is now. Since the idea of an Auto-Mobile was so new to Americans, there was no common term in common use for these machines. So, the Times-Herald invited their readers by contest, to coin a new term for these new fangled contraptions. Some of the terms considered at the time were; Motor Vehicle, Automobile, Auto-Carriage, Moto-Cycle and Horseless Carriage. On July 15, the Times-Herald declared “Moto Cycle” the winning term. For political reasons, the race needed a further delay to Thanksgiving, with the stipulation that the cars of the Duryea's and the Benz of the Mueller's would do an exhibition race on the already advertised Nov. 2, before the official race on Thanksgiving Day. During the exhibition race, the Duryea, which was built J. Frank Duryea, based on plans and designs of his brother, Charles, who rode with him, was wrecked. Frank and Charles had quickly pulled ahead of Mueller's Benz, but later at an intersection near Evanston, the noise of the vehicle frightened a team of horses pulling a wagon and they bolted into the path of Frank, who was driving, causing him to go in a ditch to avoid hitting the wagon and he smashed the cars differential housing. The car was pulled back to the rail station by a horse and taken back to Springfield for repairs before the BIG race. When race day came, weather was around 30 degrees, and 4 to 6 inches of snow covered the roads with drifts up to 2 feet deep. About 80 drivers and cars had been entered, but only 11 agreed to race in this wicked weather, and only six cars were at the starting line when the time came. There were two electrics, (don't know why) but they soon ran out of power anyway. This pitted the American made Duryea against 3 Benz "motocycles". One was the imported and modified Benz of Hieronymus Mueller, a machine shop operator from Decatur, Illinois and driven by his Son, Oscar. Another was entered by R.H. Macy's store in New York, who was an importer of these vehicles for resale purposes and was using this race gave them exposure. The final entry was that of, De La Vergne Refrigeration Company of New York. Outside Chicago, Duryea passed the Macy Benz, which later wrecked and did not finish. On the was back from Evanston, Duryea passed the Mueller Benz and then overtook the De La Vergne Benz. Duryea crossed the Start/Finish line with no other car in sight. An hour and a half later the Mueller showed up, the only other car to finish. The Duryea finished FIRST, in just 7 hours and 53 minutes, with a median speed of 7 m.p.h. The official distance was 54.3 miles and it took 3.5 gallons of gas. Each car also carried an "umpire", and it happened that the umpire assigned to Mueller's car was one, Charles B. King, the FIRST man to operate a car in Detroit, Michigan (King actually drove in this race, when Oscar, evidently was overcome by fatigue and/or excitement, passed out during the race, requiring King to drive the rest of the way to the finish line). The Duryea's built their car in Springfield, Mass., but were from Illinois, located in the Midwest. After returning to Massachusetts, Duryea became the largest manufacturer of automobiles in the U.S. In 1896, they built 13 of these handmade cars. Mass production was about 7 years in the future with R.E. Olds, in 1903, followed by Henry Ford, in 1909.
What was President Ulysses S. Grant's original FIRST name? It was Hiram. Grant changed his name to Ulysses Hiram Grant, but when he applied to West Point a congressman's office incorrectly listed him as Ulysses Simpson Grant, a name he accepted. In 1840, the FIRST lager in the United States was brewed by John Wagner in back of his house on St.John Street, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1921, Frederick Douglas "Fritz" Pollard, was the FIRST Black NFL Head Coach. He was also one of the FIRST two Black players in 1920. Art Shell, of the 1989-1994 and 2006 Raiders, is considered the FIRST Black coach in the "Modern Era". The famous Groucho Marx, was FIRST know as Julius Henry Marx. Who was the 19th Century political cartoonist who FIRST created the symbols of the Republican and Democratic parties; the Elephant and the Donkey? It was Thomas Nast. The "little dollars" after the Eisenhower "big dollars" were Quarter sized, Susan B. Anthony dollars which FIRST began circulation in July 1979. The new "gold" ones are small as well. California is FIRST in the number of U.S. federal representatives that serve for it in Washington, D.C. with 53 of the total 435, MORE THAN 10%! Dateline: Venice, Italy. All male since the year 1094, the famous Gondolier's of the canals of the historic city, NOW has its FIRST female member. Alexandra Hai, a German woman who doesn't sing (at least yet) and doesn't even have a driver's license, according to reports. In 2004, Boston Red Sox fans turned out by the tens of thousands near historic Fenway Park to help celebrate their World Series Championship team, that city's FIRST since 1918!
For Ford, running the Fusion car is a way of introducing it to the public as a "car of the future." It runs on liquid hydrogen, which generates electrical power, and has "zero" emissions. Ford officials hope to get the car to run between 200 and 220 mph. The students from OSU's Center for Automotive Research came to Bonneville back in 2002 to test a student-created electric streamliner, called the "Buckeye Bullet I". In 2004, as pictured above, it set a record of 315 mph. Realizing they could go no faster on battery power, they approached Ford with the idea of creating a hydrogen fuel-cell streamliner. By agreement the students now have their streamliner and Ford has its "Fusion 999". By changing power plants the consensus is the new modified, "Buckeye Bullet II", is capable of speeds of more than 350. BOTH of the cars are now powered by a 770-horsepower electric drive system and both are run by hydrogen compressed into a liquid. Roger Schroer became the 60th member of the 300 mph club upon setting the SCTA-BNI EIII record with the Buckeye Bullet I at 314mph and change. The BB2 recorded an exit speed of 224.301 mph, and an average speed on the fifth mile of 223.334 mph. This is still the highest speed EVER recorded for any vehicle fueled by hydrogen and/or powered by fuel cells. Another FIRST. Better luck in 2008, Buckeyes.
Powel Crosley, Jr., was a great American Inventor, Industrialist, and Entrepreneur. He and his brother, Lewis, were responsible for many "FIRST's" in consumer products and broadcasting. He was the builder of the Crosley automobile and played a major role in support of the U.S. military effort in World War II. He was the owner of the Cincinnati Reds major league baseball team for many years. Crosley Field, a stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, was named for him. In 1932, another product, his "Shelvador", was the "FIRST" refrigerator to have shelves in the door. Crosley also made radios and other household items. Crosley's TWO secrets of success were HIS ability to invent useful gadgets and the business sense of his brother, Lewis M. Crosley. In 1934, Crosley purchased the Cincinnati Reds professional baseball team. Crosley then secured permission from the baseball commissioner to hold seven night games at the renamed, Crosley Field. On May 24, 1935, the "FIRST" nighttime game in baseball history was held there, between the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies, under newly installed electric lighting. With attendance up more than 400% from daytime events, the team's financial position was greatly improved. The Crosley "Hot Shot", was the FIRST post-war sport car produced in the U.S. It was also the FIRST U.S. car to have disc brakes.
In 1893, Engineer, George W. Ferris, FIRST unveiled his "Ferris Wheel", at the World Columbian Exposition, in Chicago. The device still bears his name today, one is disguised as a huge Uniroyal tire, near Detroit, Michigan along I94 East (South side of the roadway). In 1963, during the Army-Navy football game, video-taped instant replay was used for the FIRST time in a live sports telecast as CBS re-showed a one-yard touchdown run by Army quarterback Rollie Stichweh. (Navy beat Army, 21-15).
Not sure of the year exactly, but, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's bulletproof 1928 Cadillac was acquired by the IRS and passed on to the Secret Service for the purpose of carrying FDR safely about his appointed rounds. Making it the FIRST bulletproof, White House Limousine. The source of this great creation? It was kind of "Donated" by one, Alphonse (Scarface) Capone. Theodore Roosevelt's, "Rough Riders" were FIRST known as, the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, during the Spanish-American War. The FIRST settlers to come to the United States were the ones in Jamestown (104 men), in what we now call Virginia (May 1607); who came to the New World to make money; NOT the Plymouth Rock colonists in Massachusetts, who DID celebrate the FIRST Thanksgiving and who came here for religious freedom, who landed 13 years later (1620). The emphasis of these events was changed after the Civil War by Northern historians to favor the Northern colonists. Remember, the winners write the history. The history was also rewritten quite simply, because, the Pilgrims had, what was thought at the time, a more benevolent story to tell. Escaping religious persecution vs. making money; let me think. Regardless, Jamestown was still the FIRST permanent English colony. The dreadful disease, Polio, or as was medically known, Poliomyelitis, was FIRST commonly known as, Infantile Paralysis. Dr. Jonas Salk, developed the first safe and effective vaccine, the Salk vaccine, to help eradicate and stop the suffering caused by the terrible disease.
Eric Clapton, the only three-time Rock Hall inductee, FIRST played guitar for the 'Yardbirds' and 'Cream', before going solo. He also played for the somewhat less-renowned 'Roosters', and 'Casey Jones and the Engineers'. James Brown, who really was, quite literally, the "Hardest Working Man in Show Business"; was FIRST was a boxer and then, later performed, "Living in America", in the movie, 'Rocky IV.' 'The Rolling Stones'; that age old, self-proclaimed, "Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band in the World", gleaned their name from what was FIRST, a Muddy Waters song. Bruce Springsteen's, "My City of Ruin", became a New York post-9/11 anthem, but, the song was FIRST really written about Asbury Park. 'The Supremes' were originally FIRST known as the 'Primettes', the sister group to the 'Primes', who later became 'the Temptations'. The 'Beatles'; John, Paul, George and Ringo are still FIRST in best-selling bands of ALL time. While they never reunited after their 1970 split, all 4 DID appear, on Ringo's 1973 FIRST solo album. Take Rock n' Roll Preacher, Little Richard, After FIRST recording hits like, 'Long Tall Sally' and 'Good Golly Miss Molly,' he quit rockin' to become an ordained minister. When he finally returned to music, BOTH the 'Beatles' and the 'Rolling Stones' served as 'his' opening acts. The well known guitar gymnacist, Jimi Hendrix, FIRST toured as a member of BOTH the 'Isley Brothers' and Little Richard's backing bands. Singer David Bowie was FIRST born, David Jones, he changed his name to avoid confusion with, the 'Monkees', singer Davy Jones. I'm a believer. Mississippi-born, Elvis Presley, was working as a delivery-truck driver when he recorded his FIRST demos for Memphis' Sun Records. The band that FIRST backed singer, Elvis Costello on his 1977 debut album, "My Aim Is True," went on to become: Huey Lewis' News. (Huey Lewis and the News) Bob Dylan, FIRST born Robert Zimmerman, lifted his moniker from the poet, Dylan Thomas. He FIRST recorded a song about boxer, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter; THEN, pitcher Jim "Catfish" Hunter. The Beach Boys had to give Chuck Berry a writing credit on "Surfin' U.S.A.", because of its great similarities to his, "Sweet Little Sixteen". Ever listen to, "My Sweet Lord" and "My Kinda Guy"? The Eagles, the superstars of the 1970s, "the California Sound," saw their FIRST, "Greatest Hits" album become; the Best-Selling Album of ALL Time. The late rocker, Frank Zappa, was FIRST to have children with names like: Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen; and has his statue in the Lithuanian capital city of Vilnius. The band Blondie's 1980 No. 1 hit, "The Tide Is High", which sold over 8 million copies, was FIRST recorded by Jamaican reggae band, 'the Paragons' in the early 60's. "The Tide Is High", by 'Blondie', was actually released as a B-side single. That original music evolved through the 60's and 70's; from those days when it was 'rock 'n' roll' and on to 'rock steady' then, 'ska' and eventually 'reggae'. The group, then consisted of Bob Andy, Tyrone Evans, Howard Barrett and John Holt. The superstar rock trio, 'the Police', will reunite this summer for their FIRST tour in more than 20 years. Since they began as a quartet, I wonder if it will include one, Henry Padovani on the guitar.
Roy Rogers had the "Double R Bar Ranch", but, FIRST the Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry, had the "Melody Ranch". In 1977, the FIRST of the "Star Wars" movies was released, entitled "Star Wars". Later it was re-released under its original full title, "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope". In 1946, the Philippine Islands were granted their independence by the United States, but, FIRST they were ceded to the US by Spain at the conclusion of the Spanish-American War in 1898. In 1936, long time big league baseball manager, Walter Alston, was a player for the FIRST time; turns out it was his last time as well, he went hitless. In 1954, Roger Bannister of Great Britain, was FIRST to break the "4 minute mile" in track, with a record 3:59.4 minutes. That same year the mark was beaten the an Australian runner, John Landy, who bested it with a time of 3:58.2 minutes. The common barber (the person who cuts your hair) was FIRST known as a Tonsorial Artist. In 1934, the island named "Alcatraz", become a Federal prison in San Francisco Bay, it was FIRST a military prison from 1886 until then. Later, it became well known, for its occupants. Since 1953, General Motors has sold more than 1.4 million Chevrolet Corvettes from the FIRST one built, June 30, 1953, in Flint, MICH. Only about 300 of these gems were assembled before moving production to St. Louis, Missouri, the next year. In the 1970's, after much growth, GM moved production facilities to a building that was a former Chrysler air conditioning unit factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In 1990, for the FIRST time in nearly six decades, German lawmakers met in the Reichstag for the FIRST meeting of reunified Germany's parliament. In 1992, in the FIRST World Series game ever to be played outside the United States, the host Toronto Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves, 3 - 2. Toronto would go on to win the series in six. In 2004, in case you missed it, the "SpaceShipOne" rocket plane broke through the Earth's atmosphere at the edge of space for the second time in five days, capturing the $10 million Ansari X prize aimed at opening the final frontier to tourists. So, they were FIRST, too.
The FIRST "Lone Ranger" Radio show was presented, January 30, 1933, Kemosabe. Tonto, Silver (as in , "Hi, Yo...") and Scout, helped. On February 1, 1964, Indiana Governor, Matt Walsh, FIRST tried to ban the "Kingsmen" hit, "Louie, Louie", claiming it made his ears 'tingle'. Allegedly, because of obscene lyrics. With words so unintelligible, how could he tell? The FIRST "KISS" concert was held in Queens, NY on January 30, 1973 The "We are the World" song with Bruce Springstein, Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson helping out, was FIRST recorded Jan. 29, 1985. The FIRST acting debut of singer, Glen Fry, of the Eagles, was on the Television show, "Miami Vice" back on February 1, 1985. The episode was called, "Smugglers Blues", as was the new song just released by him, about then. "Alice in Wonderland", the book written by Lewis Carroll, about a little girl named Alice Liddell as FIRST titled, "Alice's Adventures Underground" before being rewritten and enlarged. Dale Mitchell, was the FIRST and only big league baseball player to appear in BOTH of the final games of the World Series for the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He pinch hit for the Cleveland Indians against the Giants in 1954 and also pinch-hit for the Dodgers against the New York Yankees in 1956. As a Dodger pinch-hitter, it was Mitchell, who made the final out in Dan Larsen's Perfect Game. The FIRST native-born American saint was Elizabeth Ann Seton of Emmitsburg, MD. In 1948, Great Britain (England) granted independence to the area now known as Myanmar, which was FIRST known as Burma. American Astronaut, Neil Armstrong, was the FIRST person on the moon on July 20, 1969. In 1952, Prime Minister Winston Churchill FIRST announced that Britain had produced an atomic device or as we know them, a bomb.
In Detroit, one of hockey's hard working Pistons, Chris Chelios just passed Chris Housley for FIRST with the most games played by an American-born National Hockey League player, with 1496. In the 1920's, the FIRST brand of cigarette to be advertised with a woman appearing in the add was "Chesterfield". Lovely actress/singer Raquel Welch was FIRST born Jo Raquel Tejedo, in Chicago, during 1940. In case you didn't know; XEROX was FIRST known a Haloid Company. In 1900, the USA's FIRST auto show opened, not in Detroit, but, at New York City's famous, Madison Square Garden. Cobo Hall wouldn't be built for another 50 or so years, yet. In 1992, Chicago Democratic politician, Carol Moseley Braun, became the FIRST African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Then, in 1998, Minnesota voters FIRST elected former professional wrestler, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, to be their governor. I guess that taught somebody, something. In the early 1960's, the U.S. government FIRST raised the minimum wage to $1.25 per hour.
In 1920, in America, the National Football League FIRST started as the American Professional Football Association, with 10 committed teams, adding 4 more before the FIRST actual season. Just two years later, in 1922, they became the NFL. By 1926, they had grown to 22 teams. "Skip" Walz announced the FIRST televised NFL game on Oct. 22, 1939. About 500 families with televisions actually saw the game around the New York City area. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) presented the game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and losing Philadelphia Eagles that day. The final score was 23 - 14. "Papa Bear", George Halas, was the FIRST coach to hold daily practice sessions and the FIRST to study game film. He was also the FIRST to use the "T" formation, with the 1940 Chicago Bears. Paul Brown, the acknowledged, "Father of the Modern Offense", was the FIRST to grade players based on their intelligence, keep a film library, have a playbook and he was also the FIRST to install face masks on the helmets. The NFL was NOT without competition. FIRST from the All American Football Conference, which folded in 1949. Three of the AAFC teams joined the NFL intact. They were the Cleveland Browns, the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Colts. Aren't we glad? The NFL was divided into the AFC and NFC in 1950 and the Browns beat the Rams for the FIRST "Championship", as now 50 MILLION families and saloons watched on television. Arguably, the "Greatest Game Ever Played" was the 1958 Championship Game, where the Baltimore Colts, coached by a, then ancient, 51 year old "Weeb Ewbank", beat the New York Giants 23 - 14. From that game alone, came 17 "NFL Hall of Fame" residents. You could say that the FIRST Merger in football was in 1949 as described above. Then, the second merger must have begun in 1966. The AFL (American Football League) started in 1960 with 8 teams. They played their FIRST game September 9,1960. They were the ; Boston 'Patriots' (now, New England), Buffalo 'Bills' (NY), New York 'Titans' (now the Jets), Houston 'Oilers' (now Tennessee Titans), Dallas 'Texans' (now Kansas City Chiefs) , Denver 'Broncos', Los Angeles 'Chargers' (now San Diego) and Oakland 'Raiders' (then LA, almost Ervine and then back to Oakland; a.k.a the "Al Davis Raiders", to the faithfull). They added two more teams, the Miami Dolphins in 1966 and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. The AFL's draw was: More Black players, Way more emphasis on the passing game, and was built on NFL dropouts or rejects, who were still quite good, evidentially. These "rejects" were such as: Jack Kemp, Art Powell, George Blanda, Dan Maynard and Len Dawson among many others. These players all made a lasting impression on their playing positions. Oakland's Raiders perfected picking up these dropouts, rejects and other loose cannons and showing well with them. In 1966, when the AFL signed 8 (yes, EIGHT!) NFL starting QUARTERBACKS, merger talks began which resulted with the two leagues playing each other and finally fully merging in 1970, one season after, Sonny Werblin's New York Jets, with Joseph William Namath, called "Joe Willie" by his friends, "Broadway JOE" to his peers, coached by the ever patient, Wilbur Charles "Weeb" Ewbank (Jets 1963 - 1973), from the Baltimore Colts (1954 -1962), the FIRST and ONLY coach to win world championships in BOTH the NFL and AFL (his 1958, 1959 Colts won NFL crowns and the 1968 Jets the AFL crown), Won SUPER BOWL III, January 12, 1969. In 1974/5, Larry Czonka, Paul Warfield and Jim Kiick left the Championship Miami Dolphins for the Toronto Northmen (later to become the Grizzleys), of the World Football League. Next, the United States Football League (1983 - 1986) signed three (3) straight Heisman Trophy Winners and two future NFL Pro Bowl MVP 's (Most Valuable Player award), by name, Reggie White and Jim Kelley. This league lasted about 3 years by playing in the Spring and Summer of the year and "lost it" when they started playing "head to head" (at the same time of year). The league did win its Anti-Trust suit against the NFL and was awarded $1 as damages which was then tripled by federal law to $3, as a further punishment. They then folded, being heavily in debt. I guess a dollar just doesn't go as far as it used to, or even three! Now comes 2001, and the always entertaining Vince McMahon, of wrestling's WWE with his XFL (extreme football league?) which permitted uniforms with the players "nicknames" on them. Like, the, "He Hate Me", of Rod Smart. This league also banned so-called, "Fair Catches". They lasted only one season; too bad, I liked it. Fritz Pollard, was the FIRST Black NFL coach, from 1921 - 1925. At the time, he was not allowed to stand on the sidelines and had to send in his plays in with his team captain. There would not be another Black coach in the NFL until the Great, Art Shell was picked by the equally great, Al Davis, to head up the former American League Los Angeles Raiders, in 1989. Art Shell returned this year, from retirement, at Mr. Davis request. Is this Teamwork or what? Yeah!
In 2000, Tampa Bay's Esteban Yan became the 77th MLB (major league baseball) player to "Homer" in his FIRST at-bat; but, just the fourth American League pitcher and the FIRST since California's Don Rose in 1972 (the year BEFORE the "DH rule" {designated hitter} took the bat out of the American League pitchers' hands). In 1996, Pamela Davis pitched one inning of scoreless relief and got the win in a professional minor league exhibition game. She is believed to the the FIRST woman to pitch for a minor league farm club under the current structure of the minor league system. Davis, a 21-year-old right-hander, pitched for the Jacksonville Suns, a AA affiliate of the the Detroit Tigers, against the Australian Olympic team. You have no doubt heard of, "Lamborghini", the sports car. Here is how it FIRST got started. Legend had it that company founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, owned a Ferrari 250GT, but was having some trouble with the clutch function. He complained to Ferrari's founder, Enzo Ferrari, about it and got no satisfaction. SO, he started his own company, frequently using tractor parts from HIS tractor factory in his sports cars. Seems, that would add to durability! "Lambo" never dependably made a profit and after several subsequent owners, including America's Chrysler Corp. for 7 years, has been owned by VW since 1988. There are 23 Lambo dealers in the U.S. The FIRST "Sport Blimp" showed up at the 1960 Orange Bowl, in Florida. In 1934, "Flash Gordon" FIRST apppeared, drawn by Alex Raymond. The FIRST "marathon" was run from Marathon to Athens in ancient Greece by Pheidippides, to announce news of a military victory, a distance of 26 miles AND 385 yards. Don't know what this is in Kilometers.
In 1883, John Michael Kohler, came out with the FIRST "bathtub". Movie star of the 40's,50'and 60's, Rita Hayworth was FIRST known as Margarita Casino. William Conrad, was the FIRST, 'Marshall, Matt Dillon' on "Gunsmoke", although it was on radio at the time. He later starred in, "Cannon", a rather portly or rotund detective, in one of those Lincoln Mark's with the really long hood and the porthole side window. The FIRST part goes, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." It ends, "All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy." In 1938, the FIRST federal minimum wage was $.25 per hour, are we any better off now? Raising the minimum wage is futile, as it does NOT raise production; which is the ONLY way to advance and improve one's position in life. The FIRST United States Presidential mansion was NOT in Washington, D.C. but in New York City at No. 1 Cherry Street. George Washington lived there from April 1789 to February of 1790, before the "White House" was built. Barbra Streisand's FIRST first name was, of course, BARBARA. In 1903, the FIRST "World Series" of Baseball was played. On October 19, 1987, the FIRST biggest drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (30 stocks) amounting to almost 25%, the largest percentage drop since, no NOT "the Great Depression", but, in 1914 happened. The OTHER Dow Jones averages are: the Dow Jones Transportation (20 stocks) and the Dow Jones Utility (15 stocks). They do change WHICH stocks, but rarely. In 1962, the FIRST astronaut to orbit the Earth did so in the "Friendship 7", spaceship, he was John Glenn, later an Ohio senator and a returning astronaut in 1998, at age 77, as the "oldest astronaut".
In 1947, President Truman gave the FIRST presidential address from the White House. Richmond, Virginia, was the second capital of the Confederate States of America; Montgomery, Alabama was the FIRST. The mercury thermometer, was FIRST invented by Gabriel Fahrenheit. Duh? The Caspian Sea, is not actually a sea at all, but, the world's FIRST biggest lake, covering more than 143,000 square miles. The FIRST animated animal in movies was "Felix, the Cat", later a popular comic strip. A couple more movie names; Cowboy Randolph Scott was FIRST known as George Randolph Crane, and Fred Astaire's dancing partner, Ginger Rogers, was FIRST known as Virginia McMath. In 1921, the FIRST Miss America, Margaret Corman, of Washington, D.C. was crowned. William Carney, a former slave and member of the 54th Massachusetts Colored infantry was the FIRST African American to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions in the Civil War at Fort Wagner, S.C. In 1865, the FIRST woman to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor was Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War nurse AND SURGEON, who was later captured as a prisoner of war. Her medal was revoked in 1917, but, restored posthumously in 1977. Who was the FIRST Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court? See bottom, below. On Sept. 5, 1774, the FIRST Continental Congress assembled in Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia. In 1870, Chicago's Loyola University was FIRST founded. In 1882, 10,000 union members in New York City marched in the FIRST Labor Day parade. In 1939, the U.S.A. proclaimed its neutrality in the FIRST part of World War II. In 1957, "On the Road", the popular book by "Beat" generation author Jack Kerouac, was FIRST published. In 1981, Poland's "Solidarity" labor movement opened its FIRST national convention; as a reported 100,000 communist-bloc soldiers took part in maneuvers just outside the Polish border. No, it was NOT John Marshall. It was John Jay who was the FIRST Chief Justice.
This, "found research", from Peter Greene; The reason most of the Virginia cessation was returned to Virginia in 1846 was that Virginia, a slave state, feared that runaways could too easily slip across the District's Virginia border south of the Potomac. The Potomac presented a greater challenge for runaways. By returning the land south of the Potomac to Virginia, it became a part of that state once again - a slave state. Thereby, maintaining the 'balance of power' at the time. I remember the Model 1015, do you? It was called "The Bubbler". I believe it was the FIRST This most famous of jukeboxes models, with a gas bubble effect. Made by Wurlitzer, it played mostly music from phonograph records for money in restaurants, bus stations, saloons, bars and beer gardens (biergartens), all across the country when records were king and life more simple. In 1953, Richard Nixon was just 40 years and 11 days old when he was inaugurated vice president for the FIRST time. No, he was not the youngest, that honor goes to the only vice president EVER to take up arms against the United States. He was one, "John Cabell Breckinridge", who at just 36 and former Kentucky Congressman and Senator, became the vice president under James Buchanan (1857-1861). He then ran for President in 1860 as the Southern Democratic candidate. Failing that, he returned to the Senate to help the remains of the Democratic party in the first congressional session during the "Civil War". Even though his cousin, Mary Todd Lincoln was the "First Lady" and he claimed Kentucky (a Northern State) as his home, he volunteered for the Confederate Army. (Where he served at FIRST, as Brigadier General and then was promoted to Major General.) The Senate then expelled him as a traitor. When the South surrendered, Breckinridge went into exile abroad, due to his "personal secession", ending his political career here. On Christmas Day in 1868, President Andrew Jackson issued a blanket pardon for all former Confederates. Breckinridge returned to the U.S. in February 1869.
Japan declared War on Germany!! Yes, August 23, 1914. Part of the FIRST World War (WWI). In 1920, the FIRST "Eskimo Pie" was invented in a candy store in Ottawa, Iowa. Seems a boy came into the store and couldn't decide whether to spend his nickel for ice cream OR a chocolate bar; leading one of the stores owners to come up with it. It was FIRST called the "I Scream Bar". You remember? "I scream, you scream, we all scream for I Scream (Ice Cream)." Now you know, the rest of the story. With apologies to Paul Harvey Arendt. In the late 20's, the FIRST singing radio commercial was heard. It was for "Wheaties", the "Breakfast of Champions!" In 1936, Dorothy Lamour wore a "Sarong", a kind of a wrapped dress, which she became famously associated with for many years, for the FIRST time, in a movie called , "The Jungle Princess". She appeared in many of the Bob Hope/Bing Crosby "Road" movies. In the late 30's or early 40's, Glenn Miller's great arranger, Jerry Gray, FIRST worked for Artie Shaw, until that band broke up. In 1950, that popular children's distraction (novelty item) FIRST known as "Silly Putty", had to contend with knockoffs known as, "Goofy Goo" and "Daffy Taffy". My favorite Detroit Lion, Alex Karras, thought the FIRST most profitable type of writing was, of course, "Ransom Notes"! He was one of the "Fearsome Foursome!" E-Look him up! In 1977, the state of Oklahoma was the FIRST state to legalize "Lethal Injection" as the preferred way of execution. The city of Pecos, Texas lays claim to the FIRST Rodeo, claiming the origination. In 1999, Pedro Martinez became the FIRST major league pitcher to strike our 300 batters while walking less than 50. In 1999 also, Jack Nicklaus missed his FIRST Masters Championship in 40 years due to a hip replacement. November 14, 1968 was declared, the FIRST "National Turn in Your Draft Card Day". Huh?
In the late 1800's, Washington D.C. created, Constitution Avenue. It was FIRST known as Tiber Creek, and they filled in Tiber Creek in to make Constitution Avenue! Do you think they could do that today? NAAAAAH! In 1939, in her FIRST movie role, as Esmeralda, in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", was Maureen O'Hara, who went on to do quite well in the movie business. Actor/Comedian Lou Costello, was FIRST known as Louis Cristillo. "Hey, Abbooottt!!" (Bud). Actor, Producer, Comedian, Mel Brooks, was FIRST known as Melvin Kaminsky. The United States Air Force's FIRST Black General was Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., a combat hero with the "Tuskegee Airmen". Davis commanded the 99th Fighter Squadron at Tuskegee Army Air Base in Alabama. The unit was moved to North Africa in 1943 and later to Scicily. In October, 1943, Davis assumed command of the 332nd Fighter Group, which escorted bombers on 200 missions over Europe, NEVER LOSING a plane they had been assigned to escort. Davis later organized the FIRST federal Sky Marshal program to combat airline hijackings. He later served as Assistant Secretary of Transportation. A native of Washington state, Davis was a son of Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., who rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the US Army. In the early 1960's, Trumpet player, Herb Alpert's FIRST hit recording was, "The Lonely Bull." He went on to record several more "well selling" tunes with an uplifting and bright, Hispanic flavor.
In 1939, 6 of the 9 starters in the Major League All Star Game, which ironically was held in New York's Yankee Stadium, were, in fact, the American League's, New York Yankees. WHO? Red Puffing, pitcher; Bill Dickey, catcher; Red Rolfe, 3rd base; Joe DiMaggio, center field; George Selkirk, left field; and Joe Gordon, 2nd base. All played the entire game except, Puffing, the pitcher. The American League won the contest, 3-1. In that same vain, several years ago, the Seattle Mariners lost a baseball game to the Cleveland Indians, 15 to 14. The significance? The Mariners had FIRST led the game 12 - 0. The Indians made the "Greatest Comeback in the Major Leagues" in 76 years. For all who are dyslectic prone and/or have trouble spelling this may make you feel better: Check this out! It is really quite unique.... Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by itslef but the wrod as a wlohe. Dno't you feel betetr now? So, how ipmontrat is snellpig? On February 8, 1587, Mary Queen of Scots, was beheaded at Fothe-ringhay Castle in England, was she the FIRST? In 1904, at the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, they FIRST introduced, "Fairy Floss", a big hit. It is now known as, "Cotton Candy". In 1922, President Warren G. Harding, had the FIRST radio installed, in the White House. In 1924, America's FIRST execution by gas, took place at, Nevada State Prison. Ever wonder why they call the NFL Green Bay Football team, the "Packers"? Because, in the early days when they FIRST started out, they were sponsored by the ACME Packing Co. In December, 1958, the FIRST airline passenger jet service was started by National Airlines from New York to Miami, Florida. The FIRST "Earth Day", was April 22, 1970. In 1993, General Motors sued NBC, alleging that, "Dateline NBC", had rigged two crashes to show that GM built pickup trucks were prone to fires. NBC settled the lawsuit the FIRST day!
"Congress shall make no law respecting
an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of
grievances."
NELLIE TAYLOE ROSS (1876-1977), was the FIRST woman governor in the United States. She was elected to succeed her husband, William B. Ross, as governor of Wyoming after his death in 1924. She served as governor from 1925 to 1927. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt named her Director of the United States Mint, a position she held until 1953. She was the also the FIRST woman to hold that post. Additionally, she served for several years as a vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee, in charge of the activities for women of the Party. Ross was born Nov. 29, 1876, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She died at age 101, Dec. 19, 1977. On the other hand: MIRIAM AMANDA WALLACE FERGUSON (1875-1961), "Ma" Ferguson, FIRST woman governor of Texas attended Salado College and Baylor Female College. At the age of twenty-four, she married James Edward Ferguson. Mrs. Ferguson served as the FIRST LADY of Texas during the gubernatorial terms of her husband (1915-17), who was impeached during his second administration. When James Ferguson failed to get his name on the ballot in 1924, Miriam entered the race for the Texas governorship. Before announcing for office, she had devoted her energies almost exclusively to her husband and two daughters. This fact, and the combination of her first and middle initials, led her supporters to call her, "Ma" Ferguson. She assured Texans that if she was elected she would follow the advice of her husband and that Texas would get "two governors for the price of one." Her campaign sought vindication for the Ferguson name. After trailing the Klan-supported prohibitionist candidate in the July primary, she easily defeated him in the August run-off to become the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. In November 1924, she handily defeated the Republican, a former dean of the University of Texas. Inaugurated just fifteen days AFTER Wyoming's Nellie Tayloe Ross, Ma Ferguson pardoned an average of 100 convicts a month, and she and "Pa" were accused by critics of accepting bribes of land and cash payments. Critics also charged that the Ferguson-appointed state highway commission granted road contracts to Ferguson friends and political supporters in return for lucrative kickbacks. Though a threat to impeach Ma Ferguson failed, these controversies helped then Attorney General Daniel James Moody defeat Mrs. Ferguson for re-nomination in 1926. She elected not to try again in 1928. However, after the Texas Supreme Court again rejected her husband's petition to place his name on the ballot in 1930, she once again, entered the gubernatorial race. Her defeat proved fortuitous politically because, then Gov. Sterling, rather than she, was blamed by the voters when Texas began to feel the full impact of the Great Depression. In February 1932, she once again declared for the governorship. As before, she promised to lower taxes and cut state expenditures, and condemned alleged waste, graft, and political favoritism. This time by the then Sterling-controlled highway commission. Ferguson narrowly won the Democratic nomination and went on to defeat the Republican to secure her second term as governor. The fiscally conservative governor held the line on state expenditures and even advocated a state sales tax and corporate income tax. These taxes were not acted upon by the legislature. Ferguson continued her liberal pardoning and parole policies, but even those actions did not stir up as much controversy as in her first term, since every convict paroled or pardoned represented that much less monetary strain on the Texas treasury during the depression. In 1934, the Ferguson's temporarily retired from direct involvement in politics and also refused to seek office in 1936 and 1938. However, Ma Ferguson did declare for governor once again, in 1940. Although now sixty-five years old, she claimed she could not resist a "popular draft" of the people and joined a field of prominent Democrats. Ma's platform advocated a 25% cut in state appropriations, a gross-receipts tax of 1/2% to raise social security funds for the elderly, support for organized labor, and liberal funding for secondary and higher education. She lost the election. After her husband's death in 1944, she retired to private life in Austin. She was born June 13, 1875 and died of heart failure at age 86, June 25, 1961, and was buried alongside her husband in the State Cemetery in Austin.
In 1882, over the veto of President Chester A. Arthur, Congress FIRST passed legislation barring Chinese immigrants from the U.S. for the next 10 years. Also in 1882, the Knights of Columbus was FIRST chartered. In 1889, the Paris Exposition FIRST formally opened, featuring the newly completed Eiffel Tower. In 1915, George Herman "Babe" Ruth, then with the Boston Red Sox, hit his FIRST major-league home run. Ironically, it was against the New York Yankees in the old 'Polo Grounds'. In 1937, one of the FIRST hydrogen filled dirigibles, the German, "Hindenburg" exploded, burned and crashed at Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 35 or the 97 people on board and a navy crewman on the ground. Hydrogen, being highly flammable was later replaced by Helium; not quite as light, but safer to use. Does the "Goodyear Blimp", ring a bell? In 1941, Josef Stalin FIRST assumed the Soviet premiership, replacing Vyacheslav Molotov. In 1943, World War II meat, butter and cheese rationing In 1954, medical student, Roger Bannister of England, broke the 4-minute mile during a track meet in Oxford, England, timing; 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds. In 1957, the popular western show, "Have Gun, Will Travel" reversed an apparent trend when it started out on CBS. This unique television show, starring Richard Boone as hired gun, Paladin, of San Francisco, was on TV for a year, BEFORE it started its radio broadcasts. Normal procedure at the time, was to move a popular show from radio TO television. (The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, etc.) It ran on CBS-TV and CBS Radio, simultaneously. If you've seen the show or the prominent business card, then you know Paladin's first name, was "Wire". (HA, Ha, ha.)
The year 1962 was the FIRST season for the New York Mets and the team was managed by famous legendary former long time successful Yankee manager Charles "Casey" Stengel. Also, in 1962, Jack Paar, my personal favorite, hosted NBC's "Tonight Show" for the LAST time. He was the best! He went on to write several interesting books based on his experiences. In 1973, the LAST U.S. combat troops left South Vietnam, ending America's direct military involvement in Vietnam. In 1994, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and French President Francois Mitterrand, FIRST opened the Channel Tunnel, now referred to as, the "Chunnel", which links England and France by highway and rail, under the English Channel. In 1995, the U.S. House FIRST rejected, 227-204, a constitutional amendment placing term limits on lawmakers. In 1999, the Dow Jones industrial average closed above 10,000 for the FIRST time, ending the day at 10,006.78. In 2001, while visiting Syria, the late Pope John Paul II, became the FIRST pontiff to ever recorded, to enter a mosque. In 2004, an estimated 51.1 million people tuned in for the final FIRST-run episode of the American television show "Friends", on NBC. A harmless view of life in New York City.
Can you imagine anything like that happening today? (See 1887 below.) On March 11, 1810, Emperor Napoleon of France was FIRST married by proxy to Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria. Their church wedding was April 2. On March 2, 1836, what is now the State of Texas FIRST declared its independence from Mexico; Sam Houston, was its FIRST president. In 1861, several Southern states convening a "Confederate Convention" in Montgomery, Alabama, adopted their FIRST constitution, thereby, legally forming the Confederate States of America. In 1877, Republican Rutherford B Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote. That could never happen today! (Yes, I know, Our Constitution at work. Was this the FIRST time?) On March 22, 1882, the U.S. Congress FIRST outlawed Polygamy. In 1899, Mr. Rainier National Park in Washington state was FIRST established. In 1933, amid Prohibition, President Franklin Roosevelt FIRST signed a measure to make wine and beer containing up to 3.2% alcohol, legal. In 1941, the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state was FIRST opened. Also, in 1941, President Roosevelt FIRST signed into law the "Lend-Lease Act", providing war supplies to countries fighting the Axis powers. In 1942, during WWII, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines for Australia, FIRST vowing, "I SHALL RETURN!" And, he did! In 1963, the Beatles' FIRST album, "Please, Please Me", was released in Britain. In 1959, the Lorraine Hansberry drama, "A Raisin in the Sun" FIRST opened at New York's Ethel Barrymore Theater. In 1972, the U.S. Congress sent the FIRST proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution to the states for ratification. (It fell three states short.) In 1990, the Lithuanian parliament FIRST voted to break away from the Soviet Union. In 1997, Rock star Paul McCartney was FIRST knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of Britain.
When Bartholomeu Diaz FIRST rounded the 'Cape of Good Hope' in 1488, the Indian Ocean was finally proved NOT to be a landlocked sea. The 1489 map by Henricus Marcellus FIRST incorporated that new data, but left open the question of how great the span of ocean was between Europe and the East Asian shoreline. A 20" globe constructed at Nuremberg by Martin Behaim, represents the last, best attempt at understanding the distribution of land and water on the earth BEFORE Christopher Columbus set out on his little trip. Behaim's globe, in fact, FIRST showed the world as Columbus believed it to be. Christopher Columbus changed the world. He took the world of the late middle ages and set it on its way to becoming the planet we are today. Though his acts were forceful and deliberate, their results were entirely unintended; in fact, he went to his grave without realizing that he had FIRST discovered two NEW continents. And yet, the forces he set in motion started a profound transformation of the civilization in which he had been born, the Americas and Africa and the Asians, whose riches he had FIRST been seeking by sailing West. Before Columbus' voyages, the worlds greatest races and the societies that they had created remained mostly within their stated continental boundaries. After Columbus, there began a tremendous transoceanic migration of people and a cultural interplay that remains today. Just a note: Christopher did all his oceanic adventures WITHOUT any helpful tools like we think of old time mariners using, today. Devices like the "astrolab" and the seaman's "quadrant" which was made in Florence in 1574, by Hieponimus Valparia were FIRST used to help make latitude finding a reasonably exact science; determining longitude, however, lay in the province of 'dead reckoning' until the "maritime chronometer" was perfected MUCH later; in the 18th century.
In 1817, a street in Baltimore, Maryland became the FIRST in the United States of America to be lighted (lit?) with gas from America's FIRST gas company. In 1860, at a football game between Rutgers and Princeton the FIRST "Tailgating" event was recorded, most likely beginning with buckboards and/or prairie schooners and then later with automobiles, station wagons and pickup trucks. Go Team! Rah, Rah, Rah! In 1897, before the FIRST National PTA (Parent/Teacher Association) the National Congress of Mothers, was founded in Washington. In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted United States Citizenship. In 1922, Rebecca L. Felton of Georgia was sworn in as the FIRST woman to serve in the United States Senate. In 1923, TIME magazine made its FIRST debut.
In 1933, the movie, "King Kong", with Fay Wray, had its FIRST world premiere in New York City. I recently watched a movie she made as an older matronly woman. An actress! In 1943, the Battle of the Bismarck Sea FIRST began. In 1947, the Voice of America FIRST began broadcasting to the Soviet Union. Who?? In 1949, an American B-50 Superfortress, the Lucky Lady II, landed at Ft. Worth, Texas, finishing the "FIRST non-stop, 'Round-the-World' flight". In 1956, the island where the 'Statue of Liberty' resides had its name changed to "Liberty Island." It was FIRST called Bedloe's Island. In 1965, the U.S. spacecraft, "Ranger Eight" was FIRST launched from Cape Kennedy, Florida and made a crash-landing on the moon three days later after sending back more than 7,000 pictures. Also in 1965, the movie version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, "The Sound of Music", made its FIRST debut in New York City. In 1972, then President Richard M. Nixon, departed on his FIRST historic trip to isolated, mystical and secretive China, the real one, not Taiwan (a.k.a. Formosa, or the Republic of China; R.O.C.). Both names are supposed to mean "beautiful island". I think Formosa was the Dutch word for beautiful island. (At least, that's what they told me when I was there.) As of 2005, Taiwan is still part of China, lest we forget!
On Feb. 3, 1809, the 'territory of Illinois', was FIRST created. In 1897, the Indiana House of Representatives FIRST unanimously passed a measure redefining, the area of a circle and the value of pi; the bill died in the state Senate. How do you change the values of the results of mathematical processes by a law? Duh! In 1909, the FIRST company organized to make airplanes; the American Wright Co. was established by the brothers and aviation pioneers, Wilbur and Orville Wright. In 1913, the 16th Amendment to the Constitution, providing for the federal income tax was FIRST ratified. In 1917, Mexico adopted its FIRST Constitution. The FIRST comic strip to use word balloons was, "The Katzenjammer Kids", I remember them but, I didn't like them. You? In 1937, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt FIRST proposed increasing the number of justices on the United States Supreme Court; critics accused Roosevelt of attempting to "PACK" this country's highest court. NOOooo! In 1939, Francis Albert Sinatra (1915-1998) recorded his FIRST Hit Song, "All or Nothing at All", with the Harry James Orchestra. He then went to work for Tommy Dorsey for the astronomical salary of $125 a week. When he got "Bobbysoxered", he wanted to leave Dorsey to go solo and was 'bought' by his friend Willie Moore (Moretti) for $1. It is said that Mr. Moore was a very, very 'persuasive' negotiator. In 1959, a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, killed Rock 'n' Roll starts Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "the Big Bopper" Richardson. The FIRST major tragedy in pop music (Rock 'n' Roll) history. In 1962, French President Charles De Gaulle FIRST called for the independence of the African country of Algeria. In 1973, services were held at Arlington National Cemetery for Army Lt. Col. William Nolde, the LAST American soldier killed before the Vietnam cease-fire. In 1995, the space shuttle Discovery lasted off with a woman, Air Force Lt. Col. Eileen Collins, in the pilot's seat for the FIRST time in NASA history. In 4 of the last 5 years, since 2000, on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour, the LPGA, Annika Sorenstam has won at least $2 Million, annually. She was the FIRST to reach $10 million of the top 5. They ranked as follows: Annika Sorenstam - $10.96M, Se Ri Pak - $6.19M, Karrie Webb - $5.95M, Grace Park - $4.68M and filling out the top five was Meg Mallon - $4.23 Million.
In 1915, the U.S. House of Representatives FIRST rejected a proposal to give women the right to vote. Many will live to regret this decision. In 1932, Hattie Caraway of Arkansas became the FIRST woman elected to the United States Senate. Man, 17 years sure changes things, doesn't it? In January, 2005, Violet Trede Endee passed on. Violet had a very multi faceted life. From performing with the 'marimba orchestra' at the World's Fair, to her very successful academic career, to becoming a master gardener and porcelain artist during her retirement. She and her twin sister, June, both proficient musicians (she on the flute and her sister on piano), auditioned for the marimba virtuoso, Clair Omar Musser for the Chicago World's Fair of 1933-1934. One hundred musicians were selected to play and the Ravenswood marimba factory owner especially designed each member a marimba based on their size and ability. A few years earlier, Ms. Endee and her sister became the FIRST models for the Doublemint chewing gum company's advertising campaign that was used starting in 1939. She also attended classes at the American Conservatory of Music and the Art Institute of Chicago. She had several careers, any one of which would make anyone proud to have had. Quite a woman!
In 1915, America’s FIRST Artificial Hill was built outside Wichita Falls, Texas, to give drivers tired of driving across the flat barren plains the opportunity to drive their vehicles over a different terrain; to help prevent boredom. Elsewhere; the various road commissions created sharp S's in an otherwise very straight road for the same purpose (Read that, SAFETY). "Rickety Hill" stood until bypassed by the New, "U.S. Route 66"; it later collapsed, probably due to a lack of maintenance. In 1926, the City of Chicago FIRST decided to build a municipal airport at Cicero Avenue and 63rd Street, and leased the land from the city's Board of Education. The airport, now called "Midway", was dedicated on Dec. 12, 1927. In 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court FIRST ruled that states could not discriminate against law school applicants because of race. In 1970, "Diana Ross and the Supremes", staged their LAST concert together at a Las Vegas hotel. I guess you could say, it was the FIRST of their ending. In 1973, the NFL's Miami Dolphins completed the FIRST perfect National Football League season with a 13-7 win over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. I remember when the Raider's spanked the Redskins in a later Super Bowl. (It will happen, again!) In 1991, a deeply divided U.S. Congress FIRST gave then President George Herbert Walker Bush the authority to use force to expel Iraq from the country of Kuwait. The U.S. Senate vote was 62-47; and the U.S. House then voted 250-183. (That doesn't look "deeply divided" to me!)
(Nothing about Turkeys? No, nothing about Turkeys!) In 1825, the FIRST college social fraternity, Kappa Alpha, was formed at Union College in Schenectady, New York. In 1832, public streetcar service FIRST began in New York City. The fare? An outrageous 12 1/2 cents. What would that be in today's money? In 1874, the FIRST public zoo in the United States of America was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1906, the SOS signal for ships in distress was FIRST adopted at the International Radio Telegraphic Convention in Berlin, Germany. In 1928, in Paris, France, Maurice Ravel's "Bolero", later made famous by Bo Derek in the movie "10", was performed for the FIRST time. In 1935, a flying boat, the "China Clipper", took off from Alameda, California, carrying more than 100,000 pieces of mail on the FIRST trans-Pacific airmail flight. Also, in 1935, The New York Central railroad FIRST introduced streamlined trains and announced speedy new service from Detroit to Cleveland via a souped-up steam locomotive which would pull lightweight cars 60 m.p.h., cutting the trip from four hours to just three. In 1949, India FIRST adopted a constitution as a republic, within the British Commonwealth. In 1990, Margaret Thatcher resigned as Britain's prime minister after failing to win re-election as Conservative Party leader on the FIRST ballot. In 1992, the British government announced that Queen Elisabeth II had volunteered to start paying taxes on her personal income for the FIRST time. She was crowned in 1950-what? In 2002, a United Nations report said, that for the FIRST time in the 20 year history of the world wide AIDS epidemic, about as many women as men were infected with the HIV virus. 'Suppose that disrupts a lot of theories.
In 1806, U.S. Army officer Zebulon Pike, FIRST found the 14,110 foot tall mountain, in the State of Colorado, that would be named "Pikes Peak", in his honor. In 1926, the National Broadcasting Company, later known as "NBC", made its FIRST debut with a radio network consisting of only 24 stations. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt FIRST laid the cornerstone for the Jefferson Memorial. In 1940, the FIRST 75,000 men were called to armed forces duty under peacetime conscription. In 1985, Britain and Ireland signed an accord FIRST giving Dublin an official consultative role in governing Northern Ireland. In September of 2004, the Al Davis Raider's, Jerry Rice, had his fantastic catching streak of 274 games ended by a silent 'fiat' His dazzling record streak ended in a game with the Buffalo Bills, which the Raiders won 13-10. I am sure that he never thought his unselfish " Team FIRST " attitude would lead to the demise of his "NFL Record Receptions Streak". Rice later said, "Life goes on." He had only ONE pass even thrown to him in the whole game. The last time Jerry Rice didn't catch a pass, was on December 1, 1985, at Washington. I will come right out an say it, "Jerry Rice is the greatest player to ever play pro football." There is not even a come back for a competition to that statement. I've been an "Al Davis Raiders" fan, since 10th grade, from the very FIRST day back in the old American Football League; the move to L.A., the attempt to move to Irvine, and then back to Oakland. I loved it when Al Davis built the team from throwaways. Well, I'm all for progress but, this ain't it. Best wishes in Seattle as a Seahawk. Maybe, I'll start watching them. Nahhh! G
There are 18.2 million people in the United States with diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed, about 5.2 million men, women and children remain UNAWARE that they have this disease, DIABETES. I was one of them, until last month. "We have it in our power to begin the world over again." That was stated by Thomas Paine in "Common Sense" back in 1776 How many times did you hear THAT this past election season? "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than the ones you did do. So .... Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover." - Samuel Clemons (a/k/a Mark Twain) In 1841, The United States Congress appropriated $50,000 to begin construction of Ft. Wayne, in the Detroit, Michigan area. Officials designed the 82 acre fort, on the Detroit River at the foot of Livernois Road, to protect the city from Canadian aggression. THE PLAN WORKED! Since the fort was finished, Canada has not attacked! The FIRST pants originally made by Levi Strauss were of Canvas Duck material; NOT Denim! On Oct. 21, 2004, South African adventurer Mike Horn became the FIRST man to circumnavigate the Arctic Circle without motorized transport. The Swiss based Horn set out in August 2002, traveling on foot and skis, as well as by kayak. He has just arrived back at the North Cape in Norway, from his expedition, named "Arktos" which means bear, in Greek. But, it took far longer than the 18 months he had expected. "After two years and three months on the road, it is a great moment," the weary 38-year-old told Reuters by telephone. His 12,000 mile journey took him through Greenland, Canada, Alaska, the Bering Strait and Russia's Siberia. Often dragging a Kevlar sled carrying 200 kilos of equipment and food, he faced many dangers, the least of which was polar bears.
On October 30, 1946, RCA introduced the FIRST color television by all electronic means, but warned that it would probably take 5 years to perfect the technique before being ready for the public. RCA and CBS used different methods to achieve color transmissions. THE RCA one also worked with Black and White by using its green line. Mass production started in December, with several thousand being delivered before Christmas. RCA announced it would build 160,000 sets in 1947. The FIRST industrial application of television was, the "Utiliscope", jointly developed by Farnsworth Television and Radio Corporation of Ft. Wayne, IN and Diamond Power Specialty Corporation of Detroit, MI, which showed continuous pictures of action at remote or inaccessible points on a screen. The Utiliscope, which was expected to play an important part in increasing safety and efficiency in industry, was introduced at Consolidated Edison's Hell Gate power plant in New York City. Here it was used to show the fluctuating water level in a boiler located 325 feet from the main control room. Gauges on such boilers most be watched at all times and direct view was often difficult. The "Utiliscope" solved this problem. Farnsworth expected this television development to be valuable in conducting dangerous research experiments visually from a safe distance, possibly including the observation of processes involving radioactive substances in atomic power plants. It could also be used in observing, remotely, such operations as the coal feed to pulverizers or stokers; the presence of smoke in stacks; conditions within blast furnaces; the inside of oil wells; the conditions of pipe lines and their pressure pumps; temperature gauges in large warehouses; and reading electric meters at remote points. Probably more information than you needed. The price of a television in 1946 was $350 plus $50 for installation and a 1 year service contract. Here shows the growth of the popularity of television use by number of sets: In 1945 - 10,000; in 1950 - 6 Million, that's 6,000,000 and then in 1960 - 60 million. And you know the rest of the story!
On November 22, 1718, English pirate Edward Teach, better known as "Blackbeard", was killed for the FIRST time during a battle off the Virginia coast. He is rumored to still be active in the area. He is said to be trying to get ahead. In 1904, the FIRST rapid transit subway, the "IRT", which stood for "Interborough Rapid Transit", was inaugurated in New York City by Mayor George B. McClellan. The fare?..........5 cents! Also in 1904, the United States FIRST began building the Panama Canal. In 1938, DuPont Chemical FIRST gave a name to its synthetic yarn: "Nylon". In 1940, Artie Shaw and his orchestra FIRST made their famous recording of Howard Hoagland "Hoagy" Carmichael's "Stardust" for RCA Victor. In 1947, Yogi Berra of "Malopropism" fame and formerly of the New York Yankees, hit the FIRST pinch-hit home run EVER in World Series play. Also, in 1947, Groucho Marx FIRST premiered, "You Bet Your Life" on ABC Radio, later, on NBC, a TV show. "Say the secret word and win $100." In 1954, New York's Metropolitan Opera hired its FIRST black singer, the incomparable and now, world renowned, Marian Anderson. Also in 1954, Walt Disney's FIRST TV program, named "Disneyland", after his yet to be completed California theme park, premiered on ABC TV. In 1957, "American Bandstand", with Dick Clark, made its FIRST network TV debut. Time flys! In 1968, the Motion Picture Association of America adopted the FIRST film-rating system. In 1982, "CATS", the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, FIRST opened on Broadway. It ran for a record 7,485 performances before closing on September 10, 2000. In 1990, Minnesota became the FIRST team in major league history to pull off two triple plays in one game. But, the Boston Red Sox still won, 1-0. In 2000, St. Louis rookie outfielder Chris Richard hit the FIRST major league pitch he ever saw for a home run in an 8 - 3 win over Minnesota. What luck? I mean Minnesota.
On September 9th, 1776, the duly assembled Second Continental Congress FIRST replaced the term "United Colonies" with "United States". "Uncle Sam" was named later; in a cartoon. In 1787, the FIRST of the "Federalist Papers", a series of essays calling for the ratification of the new United States Constitution, was published in a New York newspaper. In 1795, Spain and the U.S. FIRST signed the 'Treaty of San Lorenzo', which provided for free navigation of the Mississippi River. In 1871, William Marcy "Boss" Tweed, political leader of 'Tammany Hall' in New York City, was FIRST arrested after stealing millions of dollars from the city. In 1893, Frances Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland, gave birth to a girl, Esther, the FIRST child born to a FIRST lady in the White House. In 1945, on July 16, the first atomic bomb ever exploded, was set off in the desert south of Los Alamos, NM. In 1957, President Dwight David Eisenhower signed into law the FIRST Civil Rights Bill since "Reconstruction". In 1985, parents in the New York borough of Queens kept 18,000 children home from school after the FIRST known child with AIDS was allowed to attend classes In 1995, AMTRAK's "Broadway Limited", passenger train that ran between Chicago and New York City made its FINAL run. Final is the FIRST last, because there are no more to follow. In 1998, Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripken, Jr. sat out his FIRST game, after playing in a record 2,632 consecutive games, ending a 16-year run.
In 1914, German forces occupied Brussels during the FIRST weeks of WWI. In 1915, The Chicago White Sox FIRST purchased the contract of outfielder, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, from Cleveland for the sum of $31,500. (about 10 or 12 million in today's money?) In 1921, Pork based Insulin was FIRST used at a time when some diabetics died within six weeks of being diagnosed with the disease. Today, Insulin is synthetically produced. Both Pork and the synthetic versions have been credited with saving millions of lives. There are 18.2 million people in the United States with diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed, about 5.2 million men, women and children remain unaware that they have the disease. In 1940, the United States Congress passed the FIRST Peacetime draft. Also, in 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill FIRST paid tribute to his nations air force with a wartime speech in which he said, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." It gets misquoted a lot. In 1963, The Soviet Union FIRST acknowledged publicly that it had developed and tested a hydrogen bomb. Actually, I am sure they had done this years earlier than we did, in a project headed by their famous inventor, designer and engineer, Regisus Patoff. (Regis.U.S. Pat.Off.)
Later, in 1937, another talented Black cowpoke came along named, Herbert Jeffrey, actually he was Herb Jeffries. (b.9/24/11) and his horse, Stardusk. Jeffries became the FIRST Black Singing Cowboy and starred in several movies. The tall, handsome and athletic Jeffries not only starred (as Bob Blake) in his movies, he cast the parts, wrote most of the songs and did all his own riding and stunts. He later said, "I was a fearless character. Besides, we couldn't afford a (stunt) double." He made only four movies; 1937's "Harlem on the Prairie", playing Jeff Kincaid, which was actually the FIRST Black singing cowboy movie; followed by 1938's Two Gun Man from Harlem", playing 'Bill Blake' and introducing his theme song, "I'm a Happy Cowboy", then also in 1938, "The Bronze Buckaroo", again playing Blake and finally, 1939's "Harlem Rides the Range", also as Bill Blake. These Herb Jeffries movies were the FIRST to play in 'all white' movie houses as well as 'all Black' ones; quite unusual in their day. Jeffries sang with Earl 'Fatha' Hines, from 1934, before getting into the cowboy business and then gave up his film career to tour with Duke Ellington's band near the end of WWII, as a singer. With the 'Duke', in 1941 (actually recorded in late Dec.1940), he had a Great Hit record called "Flamingo", which eventually sold over a million. It sold over 14 million with all the 'covers', including his own. With the desegregation of theatres in the 1950's, the "Era of the Black Cowboy" waned and the character was not brought back. In 1994, a Turner Home Video featured Jeffries as part of a documentary called, "the Black West". He also did a cameo on "the Virginian" in an episode named, "Showdown" (1965). He was paired in the movies with the same actors most of the time, more especially a fellow by the name of Spencer Williams, Jr., who usually played a bad guy and went on to play 'Andy Brown' of "Amos n' Andy" fame on television. Spencer Williams, Jr. was in EVERY Herbert Jeffries movie, and he also produced, directed and wrote several other movies on his own. Jeffries' sidekick, 'Dusty', was played by Lucius Brooks. One movie included an appearance by Mathew Beard, who went on to become 'Stymie' in "the Little Rascals/ Our Gang" film series. The music was usually provided by the Four Tones, a kind of a Black version of the "Sons of the Pioneers". The blue eyed Jeffries, who became known as the 'Bronze Buckaroo' himself, was born and raised in an integrated neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan. After singing with the Duke, he ran 2 Jazz Clubs, one in France and the other in the U.S., both named "Flamingo". He married exotic dancer, Tempest Storm in the late 50's (div. 1969) and now continues to be happily married to his wife Savannah in California. In early 2004, he continues to perform, record and grant interviews. Visit his website, www.herbjeffries.com, an amazing man. He paved the way for Sidney Poitier, Jim Brown, Richard Roundtree and others in the genre.
Okay, What is the FIRST MOST COMMON STREET NAME in the U.S.? Well, it is NOT Main Street. Actually, it IS Second Street! The second most popular street name is Park Street; followed by 3rd, 4th, and 5th Streets. First Street doesn't even make the top five; it's number six. The second most popular non-numerical street name is Washington Street, which is #9 overall. In year 2000, according to 51 different studies conducted by the Federal CDC Task Force, 28,663 deaths were caused by guns in the U.S. Of these, FIRST, 58% were suicide and 775 were deemed accidental. There are currently eight (8) types of laws regarding firearms, from various bans on both Arms and Ammo to Mandatory waits. In EVERY CASE, there was NO PROOF that such benevolent measures reduce firearm violence. Which was the FIRST state to join the United States after the FIRST thirteen? It was Vermont in 1791, four years after this country's Constitution was FIRST signed by the FIRST state, Delaware and eight years after the Treaty of Paris in 1783 where Great Britain FIRST recognized the United States of America as a free and sovereign nation. (Although, they tried to defeat us again in the War of 1812, or the Second Revolutionary War, where we finally won our independence in 1815.) The FIRST "Big Political Loser"? Had to be William Jennings Bryan. When running for President, he LOST 3 times. His FIRST loss was to William McKinley in 1896, then he lost to William McKinley again, in 1900. Several have done that. But, what makes this guy so special is that he came back and LOST to William Howard Taft, in 1908. William was a popular name, wasn't it? And then, there was that little matter with John Scopes and Clarence Darrow down in Dayton, Tennessee.
In July, 1956, now President Eisenhower, signed the FIRST historic legislation that created the 'National System of Interstate and Defense Highways' and the 'Federal Highway Trust Fund', the "pay-as-you-go" mechanism through which U.S. motorists have funded the construction and upkeep (?) of the U.S. highway system. Today, the system stands as a monument to Eisenhower's vision as a young Army officer; a legacy of safety and mobility that has brought all Americans closer together. So, why all these toll roads around the big cities. The roads are Federal. There was Happy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Grumpy, Dopey and Doc. Who's missing? Must be....
Bashful. Well then, who was the FIRST movie Tarzan? No, NOT Johnny Weissmuller or Buster Crabbe, it was Elmo Lincoln; the 55 minute long movie was, "Tarzan of the Apes" shown in 1918.Who was the FIRST AND ONLY Professional Baseball pitcher to toss and record consecutive "No-Hit" games? Someone, you most likely never heard of; Johnny Vander Meer of the 1938 Cincinnati Reds on June 11 and 15. What early baseball team was FIRST known as the "Highlanders"? The New York Yankees! Based on 2001 data, which country is FIRST in Wheat production in the world? No surprise, China, followed by India and then the U.S.
but everyone knows the "Monkey Wrench". The "old-timers" say that this handy-dandy wrench was FIRST named a "Moncke wrench", after the London blacksmith; Charley Moncke (pronounced mun'-ke), the man who FIRST invented it. Upon arriving in America, its name was modified to Monkey Wrench. And it stuck. I know most of you won't remember this, but in 1939, Ethyl Waters became the FIRST African American to star in her own TV show. And I thought it was "Julia", with Dianne Carroll. Yes, there was TV in 1939. However, we didn't get one 'till the 1950's. How about you? The FIRST heart 'by-passes' and 'shunts' were not done by South African Dr. Christian Barnard, famous for performing the FIRST heart transplant in 1967. They were done by a pair of courageous men over 20 years earlier; Dr. Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas, his blue-collar ( a carpenter, actually) accompanist. For centuries and decades preceding their time, the medical mantra was, "Don't touch the heart!". That all changed in 1944, when the unlikely duo carved out a new path in heart surgery and scientific history. Vivien, a natural mechanic, created the FIRST shunt to be used in heart surgery and Dr. Blalock had the credentials to allow the FIRST job to be done; saving a life. Eventually, Blalock could not operate without Thomas' coaching him from behind. An HBO movie, named, "Something the Lord made", shows their unusual partnership in advancing our lives. Don't miss it. Doctors now do over 1,750,000 such operations, per year. When John Hancock was FIRST to sign the Declaration of Independence, he noted, "We must be unanimous.. we must all hang together." To which Benjamin Franklin wryly commented, "We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly, we will all hang separately!"
Upon first meeting Mr. Kroc, while working for Grant/Jacoby advertising in Chicago, he sketched a simple design of golden arches. Kroc offered to pay the firm with a franchise. It took cash instead. Mr. Scott also updated other people's creations. He recast Aunt Jemima to reflect American's changing perception of the African-American woman. He also slimmed down Mr. Quaker to promote oatmeal's healthy attributes. About that McDonald's franchise? Some Note-able Musical FIRST's for fun! C.G. Conn FIRST introduced drawn and rolled tone holes on its musical instruments in 1919, after a 1914 Patent, FIRST by William S. Haynes. Low Pitch FIRST became the industry standard in 1920. Even so, Conn produced BOTH low pitch AND high pitch instruments through the 1930's. Additionally: the Conn "Voca-Bell" (1932), the "StroboConn" (1936), the "Short-Action" valve and the "Coprion" bell (1938). All FIRST's. Back to normal. More popularly: Lincoln Logs, a favorite childrens toy, was FIRST invented by John Lloyd Wright; The son of the FIRST genius architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. March 22 is the FIRST date that Easter can possibly fall upon. Mark your calendars! In Sherlock Holmes stories, what is Dr. Watson's FIRST name? Why it's John; Elementary! April 6th is a special day for Scottish-Americans, they celebrate it to bring attention to their contributions to the founding and development of the United States of America and because on that day in 1320, the "Declaration of Scottish Independence" was FIRST s |
