Trivia

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Saturday Night Live_3

On October 11, 1975, Chevy Chase belted out the very first "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!" and kicked off one of the most iconic TV shows in American history.  Here are five things you didn't know about Saturday Night Live...

The Show Was Developed Because Johnny Carson Wanted More Vacation Time

Back in 1974, Johnny Carson hosted "The Tonight Show," and it was a huge moneymaker for NBC. At the time, the network aired reruns of the late-night talk show on the weekends, but Carson requested that NBC save his reruns for his vacation days instead. To fill that weekend slot, NBC asked Lorne Michaels, a producer, actor, and writer to come up with an idea for a new show. Debuting on October 11, 1975, his creation quickly developed a cult following, eventually becoming a mainstream hit.

Chevy Chase Was the First to Say an Iconic Phrase From the Show

Chevy Chase was the first person to say “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” at the opening of the show. The comedian said he tried to deliver the line the way Don Pardo, the radio and television announcer, would have done it. Chase’s last appearance on the show was in 2015 for its 40th-anniversary special.

Darrell Hammond Has Said The Show's Opening Line The Most

Darrell Hammond holds the record at SNL by saying the “Live from New York” catchphrase 70 times. He also held the record for the longest consecutive tenure of any SNL cast member in the show's history (14 seasons), until he was surpassed by Kenan Thompson in 2017. Hammond was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 2009, and was popular for his many impressions. His impression of President Bill Clinton is currently the most frequent SNL impression of all time, appearing in 87 sketches over 14 years in the cast and numerous cameos.

Alec Baldwin Has Hosted the Show the Most Times

Alec Baldwin has hosted the show 17 times, with his first appearance as host on April 21, 1990. Although he does a large number of impressions, he has appeared as Donald Trump in cameos on the show since October 1, 2016. Other stars who have hosted the show at least 12 times include Tom Hanks, John Goodman, and Steve Martin.

The Show Originally Had a Different Name

 Lorne Michaels originally wanted to call the show “Saturday Night Live,” but the name was already taken by the ABC show "Saturday Night Live With Howard Cosell."  So the show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title "NBC's Saturday Night". After the cancellation of the Cosell show, NBC purchased the rights to the name in 1976 and officially adopted the new title on March 26, 1977.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Robert E. Lee

On this day in 1870, General Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, died at his home in Lexington, Virginia. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about Robert E. Lee.

Lee Was Offered The Command of Both Armies

Lee was a West Point graduate, made a career out of the Army, and was respected by many. President Abraham Lincoln offered Lee the position of commander for the Union forces. He was also offered a high rank in the Confederate Army. In the end, he chose the latter. When he turned down the Union position, he stated that he could not engage in war against his homeland of Virginia. And, since Virginia had democratically decided to leave, he felt compelled to join their cause.

He Married George Washington's Great-Granddaughter

Robert E. Lee might have fought for the South, but you can't get much more American than marrying George Washington's great-granddaughter (which he did). Lee’s family left Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County and moved to Alexandria, Virginia, a short distance from Mount Vernon, which was owned by George Washington Parke Custis, the former president’s step-grandson. Parke Custis had one daughter, the vivacious Mary, who stood to inherit the estate, and Lee married her in 1831. The couple had seven children, with six surviving their father.

He Had a Perfect Record at West Point

With little money for his education, Robert E. Lee went to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for a military education.  In 1829, he graduated second in his class, and – in a true feat – he graduated with no demerits during his four years at the academy. He is only one of two cadets who never had a single demerit. Following graduation, he entered the Engineer Corps but went back to West Point to serve as its superintendent in 1852.

His Estate Became Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington was the 1,100-acre property that Lee’s wife had inherited through her father, George Washington Parke Custis, and both of her parents were buried there. After the Lees abandoned the property at the start of the Civil War, the U.S. Army seized the estate to defend Washington, D.C. The property was basically confiscated during the war, and the Lee family continued to wrangle with the government about the estate as late as 1882 when it had already been established as Arlington National Cemetery.

Lee Was Buried Without Shoes

After the war, Lee was not arrested but he lost his right to vote. He accepted an offer to become the president of Washington College in 1865 and remained so till his death. Lee suffered a stroke on September 28, 1870 and died 2 weeks later due to the effects of pneumonia. Due to heavy rains, the only undamaged coffin that could be found for him was a little short and hence he was buried without his shoes.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About The Navy_3

On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the construction of the first American naval force—the precursor to the United States Navy. Here are 5 facts you probably did not know about America’s maritime branch of the military...

George Washington Was The Father of The Navy

Despite having virtually no experience at sea, George Washington was a huge early proponent of the Navy, believing among other things that it would disrupt British supply lines.  He used his authority as commander in chief of the Army to convert a small flotilla of fishing schooners into warships. The first of these, named Hannah after the wife of its owner, departed the Massachusetts coast in September 1775—over a month before the Continental Congress, upon being apprised of Washington’s activities, officially established the Navy. The Hannah has since entered into lore as the Navy’s founding vessel.  Washington’s small flotilla managed to capture 55 British ships by the time it dissolved in 1777.

After the Revolutionary War, The Navy Was Disbanded

The Americans were down to two warships when France joined the battle against Britain’s Royal Navy. In September 1781, French ships took control of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, which led to the British surrender at the Battle of Yorktown on October 19 and the end of the war. With money tight and no clear reason to maintain them, the Continental Navy’s remaining ships were then sold or given away following the war.

The Navy Was Brought Back Largely To Fight Pirates

Since the Royal Navy was no longer present, Barbary pirates from North Africa began attacking American merchant ships. In 1785 and 1793, American sailors were seized by the pirates and imprisoned, which forced the United States to pay for their release. In 1794, the Navy was revived with the construction of six warships, which included the USS Constitution, better known as Old Ironsides.

The Navy Produced 6 Future Presidents During World War II

There were no presidents with Navy service under their belt until after World War II when John F. Kennedy, who piloted a torpedo boat, was elected. Lyndon B. Johnson was briefly stationed in New Zealand and Australia despite being a sitting member of Congress; Richard Nixon supervised air cargo operations; Gerald Ford served as an aircraft carrier’s assistant navigator and was nearly swept overboard in a typhoon; Jimmy Carter attended the Naval Academy (and became a submariner after the war); and George H.W. Bush flew 58 combat missions, including one in which he was shot down over the Pacific. In fact, from 1961 to 1993, the only non-Navy man to become president was Ronald Reagan.

Many Famous People Served In The Navy

Before being one of the most famous leading men on the Silver Screen, Humphrey Bogart joined the US Navy to serve during World War I. While on assignment as a military police officer, Humphrey was struck in the mouth which left him with his trademark scar and lisp. Other famous men that served in the Navy include Neil Armstrong, Johnny Carson, Tony Curtis, Paul Newman, Henry Fonda, and Roger Staubach just to name a few. Stanley Kirk Burell, better known as MC Hammer served in the Navy for three years as an Aviation Storekeeper before his musical career took off.  

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Sherlock Holmes

On October 14, 1892, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” by Arthur Conan Doyle, was published.  The book was a compilation of stories that Doyle had been publishing in magazines since 1887. Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes Was Originally Going To Be Called Sherrinford

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was reported to have used the name Sherrinford for his detective but changed the name with a slight alteration to Sherlock, naming the character after a cricket player named Francis Shacklock. Doyle himself was a cricket player with the Marylebone Cricket Club and played in many first-class matches between 1899 and 1907. It seems appropriate somehow because Baker Street is located in London’s Marylebone district.

Doyle’s First Novel Featuring Sherlock Holmes Was a Failure

The first Sherlock Holmes novel was something of a flop. The detective made his debut in the novel “A Study in Scarlet” written by a 27-year-old Doyle in just three weeks. Doyle’s was inspired by Dr. Joseph Bell, a real-life lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, who could diagnose his patients just by seeing them, which is reminiscent of the much later television serious about the brilliant physician in “House.” Although many publishers rejected Doyle’s first novel, it was eventually published in a paperback magazine called Beeton’s Christmas Annual.

Sherlock Holmes is The Most-Filmed Fictional Character.

Sherlock Holmes is the most-filmed human fictional character. Holmes has been portrayed in about 254 films over the years. The first film released, called Sherlock Holmes Baffled, was in 1900 and had a runtime of one minute.  Since his creation in 1887, Sherlock Holmes has been played by over 75 actors including Sir Christopher Lee, Charlton Heston, Peter O'Toole, Christopher Plummer, Peter Cook, Roger Moore, John Cleese, Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr.

He Never Said "Elementary, My Dear Watson"

If anyone were asked what phrase Sherlock Holmes was famous for, their answer would probably be “Elementary, my dear Watson,” but he never said that in any of Doyle’s books. The quote can be attributed to a novel by P.G. Wodehouse called "Psmith, Journalist,"  which came out in 1915 and appears in several films. Although Holmes says ‘Elementary!’ and ‘my dear Watson’ at various points, he never put them together.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum Is And Isn’t At 221B Baker Street

Although the museum in London bears the official address ‘221B’ in line with the celebrated address from the stories, the museum’s building lies between 237 and 241 Baker Street, making it physically — if not officially — at number 239.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About I Love Lucy_6

On October 15, 1951, I Love Lucy premiered on television, and after its run, it remained one of the most popular reruns in television history. To mark this landmark event in TV history, here are 5 lesser-know facts you surely didn't know about one of the greatest sitcoms of all time...  

There Is a National I Love Lucy Day

October 15 is I Love Lucy Day. The unofficial holiday commemorates the day in 1951, when the show, starring real-life couple at that time, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, debuted on CBS. The holiday is held just for fun and to commemorate the show. I Love Lucy is the only show in television history that has never stopped broadcasting since airing its first episode in 1951. Reruns of the show have been popular around the world ever since the show ended on May 6, 1957.

A Ghost Told Lucille Ball to Take The Job

Prior to I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball was working in the movies. When she was offered the job, she was initially reluctant because she was concerned about the transition to television.  She needed some encouragement, which came in the form of a dream in which she saw her old friend Carole Lombard, who had died in a plane crash in 1942. In the dream, Lombard told her to go for it -- why not?? Ball said that was the moment when she knew she was making the right decision.

Smoking on Camera was a Necessity

I Love Lucy almost didn’t make it onto television because CBS had problems finding a sponsor for the series. At the last minute, the tobacco giant Philip Morris was secured as a sponsor for the show. The conditions of this were that the characters were seen smoking the Philip Morris brand of cigarettes and the name Philip Morris would be worked into the script as often as possible. Therefore, smoking was a necessity for the show to retain its sponsor.  Lucille Ball was a smoker, but she preferred Chesterfield cigarettes. In an effort to overcome this hurdle, Ball would have a stagehand that would empty packs of Philip Morris cigarettes and fill the package with Chesterfield cigarettes.

Vivian Vance Was Told to Keep Her Weight Up

There is a well-known tale about Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance that says Ball did not want to be upstaged by a co-star and that she purposefully had Vance's character of Ethel decked out in drab garb. Vivian Vance even claimed that she had a contract which stated that she must always weigh more than Lucille Ball. If Lucille ever put on weight, then Vivian would have to do the same. Although it was never confirmed that this was true, both Vivian and Lucille would often bring this up on talk shows and laugh about the situation.

The Show Was the First to Use the Three-Camera Format

The one-camera format, which had been common in most shows, forced directors to reshoot scenes from different angles and forced audiences to come up with almost-identical reactions to the same scenes over and over again. The three-camera format saved time by allowing the show to be shot from different angles, with the film stitched together. Legend has it that I Love Lucy pioneered the format which has become standard for so many sitcoms (in fact, it was the first to film in front of a live audience). The use of three cameras allowed them to shoot the scenes in sequence three different shots of each scene.

[phkrause]

5 Amazing Facts About The New York Mets

On October 16 1969, The New York Mets, previously one of the worst teams in the league, won the World Series beating the Baltimore Orioles 4 games to 1. Here are five facts you probably didn't know about the Amazing Mets...

The Mets Hold The Record For Losing The Most Games in One Season

Well, you can't say the Mets didn't make an impression when they debuted; they just made the wrong impression. Their debut season in 1962 saw them lose a record-breaking 120 games. A few teams have come close to that number but haven't quite reached it. The good news for the Mets is that, while they hold the numerical record for the worst season, they don't hold the worst in terms of percentage. That goes to the Cleveland Spiders for their 1899 season.

They Hired Jesse Owens As A Running Coach

The Mets had such a rough start, management was determined to make players improve in any way they could. One tactic involved hiring track and field legend Jesse Owens as their running coach. He spent the 1965 season trying to help the team improve, but even his advice and regimen didn't help. The team still finished in last place.

Garth Brooks Tried Out For The Team

You have to hand it to country music star  Garth Brooks; he's definitely adventurous. He not only created another persona, Chris Gaines, to try to break into rock music, but he also tried out for the New York Mets. He joined the Mets for their 2000-season spring training. Unfortunately, he batted rather badly at 0-17. Understandably, the Mets declined to add him.  Though his participation was dismissed by some as a PR stunt, Brooks also tried out for the San Diego Padres in 1999 and the Kansas City Royals in 2004.

They Could Have Been Called The Bees

The Mets' full name is the New York Metropolitan Baseball Club, Inc., which is a rather nice name when you think about it. They almost didn't end up with that name, however. When the team was first formed, the owner, Joan Whitney Payson, tried to think of other names and came up with The Bees. Luckily, Payson and the team resorted to a write-in contest that landed on the Mets' current name.  Other suggestions from fans included the New York Addicts, the New York Slumlords, and the New York Muggers.

Their Mascot Has Been Threatened By The Secret Service

Mr. Met gets no respect. Not only does he have to deal with kids trying to hit him and with jealous boyfriends getting angry when he poses with their girlfriends for a picture, but the Secret Service got angry in 1997 when his costume kept setting off metal detectors. President Clinton was visiting, and while New York Police took the detector issues in stride, the Secret Service told the mascot that snipers would take him out if he tried anything. Back in 1979, the team's owners tried using a live mule instead of a costumed mascot, having the mule trot around the field. They ended up in last place, lost fans, and brought back Mr. Met.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Al Capone_2

On October 17, 1931, Al Capone was found guilty and sentenced to eleven years in federal prison for tax evasion. In honor of this, what would you call it? An anniversary?  Here are five things you probably didn't know about Chicago's famous mobster...

He Kidnapped Fats Waller

Whn jazz legend Fats Waller was just 21-years-old he was held at gun point and bundled into a limo after finishing a set at a Chicago club. Fearing for his life he was pleasantly surprised to discover that instead of being led to his death, he was in fact being forced to perform at Chicago mafia henchman Al Capone’s 27th birthday party. And what a party it was. It lasted for three days, with Fats sleeping at his piano between sets, and eventually going home with thousands of dollars in tips.

He Played In The Prison Band

Al took his love for jazz to the next level in jail. With years' worth of time and little to do in Alcatraz, Capone took up music, and played the banjo in the prison band ‘The Rock Islanders.’ Legend has it that current Alcatraz employees (the prison is now a museum open to the public) have reported hearing eerie banjo tunes coming from the cells.

His Custom Made Car Was Used to Protect FDR

Being one of the biggest mobsters of all time, Capone took some precautions to protect himself. One of the most notable was the construction of a custom made bulletproof car. It was a 1928 Cadillac Town Sedan fitted with 3,000 pounds of armor plating and 1-inch thick glass. One interesting modification made to the car is that the window glass contains a circular cutout to accommodate a machine gun muzzle. Once all his assets were seized, the car was recommissioned to become the official car of president Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its bulletproof build made it the perfect car for the president to use during WW2. The car was used to  drive FDR to his address in front of congress after the events of Pearl Harbor.

His Brother Was a Prohibition Agent

In one of the most shocking shows of sibling difference, Al Capone's brother worked as a prohibition officer. His older brother, James Vincenzo Capone worked against the very industry that made Capone so wealthy. He was the eldest in a family of nine children and a fan of actor William S. Hart. Eventually James moved, changing his name to Richard Hart, to disassociate himself with his brother.

He Hated The Nickname “Scarface”

Capone was known to lie about how he got the scars on the side of his face by saying he was wounded in the war, even though he was never in the military. It was the press that nicknamed him Scarface as he rose to prominence among area gangsters.  Capone got the scars on his face in 1917 while he was working at the Harvard Inn as a bouncer. Another criminal named Frank Galluccio became angry when Capone insulted his sister, Lena. Galluccio then slashed Capone with a knife three times across the face. As a result, Capone needed 80 stitches and ended up with his famous nickname. 

[Theophilus]

wow.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Alaska

On this day in 1867, the U.S. formally took possession of Alaska after purchasing the territory from Russia.  Here are things you probably don’t know about the largest state in North America...

It reached 100 degrees in Alaska – Once

Over a hundred years ago, in 1914, Fort Yukon recorded an official temperature of 100 degrees, according to USA Today. Believe it or not, that mark of 100 degrees ties the all-time high temperature in the state of Hawaii. Not surprisingly, Alaska also holds the record for the lowest temperature ever observed in the United States. That bone-chilling figure of -79.8 degrees was recorded in the mountains of northern Alaska in 1971.

Japan Attacked Alaska During World War II

You thought Pearl Harbor was the only major attack on U.S. soil during World War II? Nope! The Japanese attacked Alaska during World War II. On June 6, 1942, the Japanese attacked Attu and Kiska, two of the Aleutian Islands, and held them for months, enslaving the small number of residents. American troops arrived to take back the islands, but they were woefully unprepared for the Alaskan climate. The ensuing battle lasted 15 days and resulted in the deaths of 2,650 Japanese and 549 Americans, a total higher than the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Most of Alaska is Inaccessible by Car

At least 75% of the state is unreachable by car. Instead, snowmobiles and bush planes are typically used for travel. Because many of the highways are only two lanes, there’s a law requiring drivers to pull over if at least five vehicles are behind them, to allow the faster traffic to pass. 

North America’s Strongest Earthquake Was in Alaska

A 9.2 earthquake struck Prince William Sound off the Alaska coast on March 27, 1964, and was the largest ever recorded in North America. It lasted more than four minutes and produced more than 10,000 aftershocks in the ensuing days. Approximately 130 people died from the resulting tsunamis in Alaska, Oregon and California. Anchorage was severely damaged, and some communities southeast of the city saw the land drop by up to eight feet.

The Purchase of Alaska Was a Real Bargain

Alaska is home to the country’s best real estate bargain In 1867, the United States bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, which is a lot less than some celebrity homes these days. Some mocked the purchase because the land was considered worthless, so they called it “Seward’s Folly” after William Seward, the Secretary of State who brokered the deal. Those people who mocked it might have changed their minds if they had known gold and oil would be discovered years later, which produces billions in tax revenues each year.

[phkrause]

6 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Blockbuster

On October 19, 1985, the first Blockbuster video-rental store opened in Dallas, Texas. Blockbuster expanded rapidly, eventually becoming one of the world’s largest providers of in-home movies before eventually filing for bankruptcy in 2010. Here are 5 things you didn't know about Blockbuster...

The Collapse of the Oil Market Led to Blockbuster

David Cook, a Dallas entrepreneur, was approached by his wife about opening a video store when the oil market collapsed in 1985. Cook had been writing computer programs to manage inventory for big oil businesses, but a market collapse led to a stack of unpaid invoices. At the same time, the VHS rental market were becoming popular, and Cook thought a megastore with a large inventory might be profitable, so the first Blockbuster was born.

Blockbuster Made a Fortune on Late Fees

People are busy and don’t always do things on time, including returning their rented videos. In 2000, 16 percent, or $800 million, of the company’s revenue came from late fees. Although late fees were canceled in 2004, a customer bringing in a video over eight days late might end up paying the full purchase price.

Blockbuster Built an Amusement Park For Adults

The company’s real name was Blockbuster Entertainment with the thought of expanding its market outside of the video rental market.  "Blockbuster Block Party" opened in 1994 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which offered 60,000 square feet of motion simulator rides, movies, laser tag, and mazes which was for adults only. Although it was called a "miniature Disneyland on steroids” by the press, the entertainment center failed to capture the public’s attention.

Blockbuster Could Have Bought Netflix

In 2000, the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, met with Blockbuster to see if they wanted to purchase the company for $50 million. Although it isn’t surprising since Netflix was losing a lot of money then, Blockbuster turned them down. At the time, Blockbuster was making huge profits and couldn’t conceive how Netflix could add any value to their enormously successful business.  According to Forbes, Hastings was “laughed out of the room” for making the offer. 

The Name of the Last Video Rented Was Ironic

Blockbuster’s last video rental store closed its doors for the last time in November 2013. The last video rented was Seth Rogen's 2013 apocalyptic comedy "This Is the End". The company posted a photo of the moment on its Twitter page. And yes, the customer still had to return it.

There’s Only One Blockbuster Left On The Planet

At its prime in the early 2000s, Blockbuster boasted more than 9,000 stores across the nation. But the company’s business model soon became stale when Netflix started providing on-demand digital services. In 2010, Blockbuster declared bankruptcy and was bought by Dish Network. Soon after, Blockbuster began closing its doors, though some franchise locations tried to stick it out. The last remaining store on the planet can be found in Bend, Oregon. The store is miraculously surviving the streaming era by tapping into the nostalgia of the iconic video store chain, while also offering sleepovers through Airbnb and selling merchandise sourced through local vendors. 

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About General Douglas MacArthur_3

On October 20, 1944, Douglas MacArthur returned with troops to the Philippines to wrest the country from its Japanese occupation, keeping his promise of “I shall return.” Here are 5 things you might not know about General MacArthur...

Both MacArthur And His Father Received Medals of Honor

They hold the honor of being the first father and son duo to receive this award.  Douglas MacArthur was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1942 for his outstanding leadership during the invasion of the Philippines during World War II. The general’s father, Arthur MacArthur Jr., had received the Medal of Honor at age 18 for his participation at the Battle of Missionary Ridge in 1863 during the Civil War. When Theodore Roosevelt posthumously received the Medal of Honor in 2001 for his service during the Spanish-American War, he and son Theodore Roosevelt Jr. became the second father-son pair to receive the award.

Only Two Other Cadets Surpassed His Performance at West Point

MacArthur’s mother was so intent on his doing well when he attended West Point that she moved there and lived in a hotel on the campus grounds while he attended school there. In 1903, he ended up graduating first out of a group of 94 cadets with 2,424 academic merits out of the maximum of 2,470. This score still stands as the third highest in the history of the academy. The highest scores are held by Charles Mason, a supreme court judge who lived in Iowa, and General Robert E. Lee, who led the Confederate troops during the Civil War. 

He Vomited on The Front Steps of The White House

In 1934, MacArthur and President Franklin Roosevelt got into a heated discussion in the White House Oval Office over Roosevelt’s proposed military cuts. The general later recounted that he “spoke recklessly and said something to the general effect that when we lost the next war, and an American boy, lying in the mud with an enemy bayonet through his belly and an enemy foot on his dying throat, spat out his last curse, I wanted the name not to be MacArthur, but Roosevelt.” Realizing he might have gone too far, MacArthur offered to resign his post, but Roosevelt refused.  Still nauseous from the confrontation, MacArthur got sick on the White House steps after leaving the meeting.

MacArthur Received a Ticker Tape Parade After His Firing.

On April 11, 1951, President Harry Truman relieved General MacArthur from his Korean War command for insubordination after the general publicly criticized the president’s conduct of the war. MacArthur, more popular than the president at the time, received a hero’s welcome upon his arrival back in the United States. On April 20, 1951, he was greeted in New York by a ticker-tape parade complete with cheering crowds and confetti. A day before, he had addressed Congress in a joint session and closed his speech with “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.”

A Football Trophy Is Awarded in His Name

MacArthur loved football even though he played shortstop for his school’s baseball team when he was in high school. He was the student manager for the military academy’s football team and one of the founders of the National Football Foundation, which since 1959 has awarded the MacArthur Bowl to the top college football team in the United States. The 25-pound silver trophy is shaped like a football stadium and features this quote from the general: “There is no substitute for victory."

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Old Ironsides_3

On October 21, 1797, the USS Constitution, better known as Old Ironsides, was launched into Boston Harbor, and would go on to become famous during the War of 1812. Here are five surprising facts you may not know about Old Ironsides...

It’s The US Navy’s Oldest Warship

The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned naval vessel that is still afloat. She was one of six original frigates that were constructed as a result of the Naval Act of 1794. President George Washington chose the name Constitution among a group of 10 names, which were submitted by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering for the six frigates. The Constitution was built in a shipyard in the north end of Boston, Massachusetts. Her initial mission was to protect American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to combat the Barbary pirates during the First Barbary War.

Copper In The Hull Was Forged By Paul Revere

Boston shipbuilder Edmund Hartt was responsible for the ship’s construction under the supervision of U.S. Navy Captain Samuel Nicholson. Paul Revere, whom you may remember from the American Revolution, forged the copper that was used on the hull of the ship. When the ship was first launched in 1797, she was so heavy it was difficult to get her into the water and took multiple attempts. The shipyard warned those near the harbor that launching could create a huge wave. Overall, the ship displaced 2,200 tons of water once it was out of dry dock. 

She Earned The Name “Old Ironsides” During The War Of 1812

The Constitution was made of wood, as was standard in the 1700s, but its construction was unusually thick, with three oak layers and copper sheathing among the ship's features. This tough-for-its-times hull was so strong that the cannonballs lobbed by the British frigate HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812 bounced off the sides of the oak-clad Constitution. Crew members allegedly shouted that the sides were made of iron. Many historians believe the press dubbed the ship “Old Ironsides” when reporting the account of the battle.

The Secretary Of The Navy Suggested Using The Ship For Target Practice

In 1905, Secretary of the Navy Charles Joseph Bonaparte came up with the idea of using the Constitution for target practice. He suggested towing her out to sea and shooting her until she sank. A businessman in Massachusetts offered to buy the ship for $10,000 instead. This spurred a public campaign that eventually forced Congress the following year to authorize $100,000 to restore the ship. She was turned into a museum ship and was opened to the public.

There’s A Lottery To Participate In The Ship’s Annual “Turnaround Cruise”

The USS Constitution is open to the public all year long. Every year it usually makes one “turnaround cruise.” The public is allowed to get on board the turnaround cruise, but they have to enter a lottery to earn a coveted ticket. The ship is towed into the harbor where it performs a drill and other demonstrations. While she has been heavily restored over the years, it’s estimated that 10-15 percent of the ship’s timber is original.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About The Vietnam War

On October 22, 1957, American forces suffered their first casualties in Vietnam when 13 Advisory Americans were wounded in three terrorist bombings. Here are 5 things you probably didn't know about the Vietnam War...

American Troops Used People Sniffers

One of the weirder tools used by the Americans during the Vietnam War was the "people sniffer", also know as Operation Snoopy. Northern troops on the Ho Chi Minh Trail were notoriously difficult to find, so the Americans used sensors to detect human sweat and urine. These sensors were deployed when troops wanted to find anyone who might be hiding. While they frequently turned up false results, leading to attacks on civilians and cattle, they did prove to be somewhat effective. The North Vietnamese Army eventually learned to hang buckets of mud mixed with urine from trees to throw off the sensors.

Americans Played Ghost Noises In The Jungle

One of the ways American troops would try to weaken North Vietnamese troops was to scare them into thinking they were surrounded by ghosts. American troops would play recordings that sounded like ghosts were haunting the area. This was called Operation Wandering Soul and was based on the Vietnamese belief that dead people needed to have a proper burial ritual or they would become wandering ghosts. Since many bodies didn’t get proper burials during the war, there would’ve been plenty of upset ghosts. The Americans preyed on this fear by playing ghost noises on hidden speakers in the jungles at night.

It Wasn't Technically A "War"

It looked like a war and affected people like a war would, so the battles that took place in Vietnam are referred to and treated as a war. At least, unofficially speaking. In official terms, the years of fighting and death are technically a conflict and not a war because the U.S. never officially declared war on Vietnam or any of the forces fighting there. This meant the war was technically a conflict, though neither side actually thought of it this way.

The Death Toll Was Almost Entirely Vietnamese

In the Vietnam War, 58,220 Americans died. By comparison, including both north and south, approximately 2 million Vietnamese civilians died. That doesn’t even include soldiers, which would add another approximately 1.35 million Vietnamese deaths. That puts Americans at less than 2% of the total deaths.

It’s Called The American War in Vietnam

Wars generally have names that distinguish them from other conflicts in the same country. The Americans refer to the war in Vietnam as the Vietnam War. For the Vietnamese, however, the war is called the American War (or, in full, the “War Against the Americans to Save the Nation”).

[phkrause]

5 Secrets You Probably Didn't Know About Johnny Carson

On October 23, 1925, Johnny Carson was born in Corning, Iowa and grew up to become one of television's most-loved TV personalities of the 20th century. Here are five secrets you probably didn't know about Johnny Carson...

Early in His Career, He Hosted a Game Show

Carson was picked to host the game show Who Do You Trust in the late 1950s, which is where he met Ed McMahon, who worked on the show as the announcer. It was a program where couples competed, and the man would be asked if he wanted to answer the question of whether his wife should. Carson spent a large part of the show interacting with the contestants, which helped land him the job on The Tonight Show after the retirement of Jack Paar.

Groucho Marx Introduced Carson as the New Host of the Show

On Carson’s first night as host of the show, replacing Jack Paar, he was introduced by legendary comedian Groucho Marx, age 72. Six years later, Marx honored Carson at a roast held at the Friars’ Club in New York. Guests appearing on Carson’s opening show were Tony Bennett, Joan Crawford, Rudy Vallee and a new comedy writer, Mel Brooks.

The Tonight Show Theme Has Lyrics

A lot of those instrumental TV themes that you grew up humming actually had lyrics. Among these were lyrics to the theme to Star Trek and the theme to the Tonight Show. Carson actually wrote the lyrics to that theme, and the music was by Paul Anka (who took one of his prior hits and reworked it for the show). While the lyrics were never used, Carson still got a good deal and received 50 percent of the royalties.

He Assisted Orson Welles In A Magic Act During World War II

In 1943, Carson, 18, went into the U.S. Navy where he was assigned work in communications decoding encrypted messages. He performed magic as a hobby, usually for shipmates, but was invited to perform as an assistant to Orson Welles during a performance to entertain the troops aboard the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. Welles was also assisted by his beautiful wife, Rita Hayworth, whom he cut in half during his magic act.

He Wrote Jokes For David Letterman's Show

Carson was known for criticizing other talk show hosts, except for David Letterman. Carson was a big fan of Letterman and started sending jokes to Dave after he (Carson) retired. He'd send them daily, and some would make it on air without crediting Carson. A former Tonight Show producer said that he thought Carson missed the monologue segment of his show and needed an outlet for the jokes he was still thinking up.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About The United Nations

On October 24, the world celebrates United Nations Day. The day marks the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the United Nations charter took effect. In honor of the United Nation's 75th birthday, here are five things you didn't know about the international organization..

Winston Churchill and FDR Came Up With The Name While Taking a Bath

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and had already developed the Atlantic Charter, but were struggling over what to name their new alliance. Churchill, who was known for thinking and writing in the tub, was taking a dip when FDR was wheeled in to propose that the organization be called the "United Nations."

Shirley Temple Held a Diplomatic Post at the U.N.

Following a successful career as a child actress adored by millions, Shirley Temple Black went to work for her country in 1969, when President Richard Nixon appointed her to the UN General Assembly. She later served as ambassador to Ghana by Gerald Ford and Czechoslovakia by George H.W. Bush. During World War II, FDR was quoted as saying, “As long as our country has Shirley Temple, we will be all right.”

There Are Only Six Official Languages Recognized By The U.N.

The U.N. is made up of 193 member nations. This includes every independent nation in the world except for Vatican City. These nations represent populations around the world that speak hundreds of different languages. However, the U.N. has only six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. When a representative of a country speaks at the U.N., he or she must either speak in one of the six official languages or provide interpretation from the language used into one of the six official languages. 

Diplomats Owe NYC Over $16 Million In Unpaid Parking Tickets

One of the perks to being part of the UN is its diplomatic immunity. Some diplomats take so much advantage of it that they refuse to pay their parking tickets. The Wall Street Journal reported that 180 countries have racked up debt due to unpaid parking tickets. Egypt is the largest offender -- accruing over $2 million in violations. Only 15 countries were found to not have these violations.

The United Nations Won an Oscar

In 1948, the United Nations won an Oscar at the Academy Awards for a short documentary titled “First Steps.” The film was ten minutes in duration and was about the treatment of children with disabilities and was produced for the Department of Social Affairs in the United Nations. 

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Picasso_3

On October 25, 1881, the legendary artist Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain. Contact your inner muse, and check out these shocking fact you might not know about one of the most important artists of the 20th century...

His Full Name is 23 Words Long

The artist was named after various saints and relatives. His full name was Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso. He adopted his mother's surname, because he thought it suited him better.  Considering Picasso’s real name consisted of 23 words and 103 characters, it was probably a good decision.

His First Word Was "Pencil"

In true artist fashion, Picasso’s first word was “piz,” short of “lápiz” the Spanish word for “pencil.” Picasso’s father Ruiz, who was an artist and art professor, gave his child a formal art education from the age of 7. At age nine, Picasso completed his first work, which was named “Le Picador” and featured a man on horseback at a bullfight with audience members in the background.  By the time Picasso was 13, his father gave up painting because he felt Picasso had surpassed him in skill. That year, Picasso began studying at the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona, where his father was a teacher.

It Was Rumored That Picasso Stole Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”

The famed “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo Da Vinci was stolen from the Louvre in 1911, and Picasso was implicated when the police brought in his friend, poet Guillaume Apollinaire for questioning.  Apollinaire fingered Picasso as the culprit, which caused the police to detain the artist. He was never charged with the theft of the “Mona Lisa,” and the real thief, Vincenzo Peruggia, was caught in 1913 when he tried to sell the pilfered Mona Lisa to an art dealer.

His Iconic Striped Shirt Was No Ordinary Striped Shirt

Picasso's iconic shirt is a Breton-striped shirt. In 1858, the navy blue and white striped shirt became the official uniform for French seamen in Brittany.  The 21 horizontal stripes represent each of Napoleon's victories, and the pattern made it easier to spot the sailors from a distance. Coco Chanel brought these shirts to the fashion world in 1917, and they are still very much en vogue.

He Bought Cezanne’s Mountain

Picasso was a big admirer of French artist Paul Cezanne. When he found an estate for sale that was located on the side of Mont Sainte-Victoire, which Cezanne had painted at least 30 times, Picasso bought it. He informed his agent that he had just bought the mountains belonging to Cezanne.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About "Wheel of Fortune"_2

On October 26, 1946, Wheel of Fortune’s Pat Sajak was born. Sajak has hosted the popular, syndicated game show known as Wheel since 1983. Game show aficionados will be surprised at the following things they might not know about Wheel of Fortune...

White Holds a World Record for Clapping

White is famous for her quick and seamless revealing of letters on the game board, an infectious smile, and constant clapping in support of each episode's contestants. On the May 24, 2013 episode of Wheel of Fortune, White was presented with a Guinness World Record certificate for most frequent clapper. As of January 31, 2013, it was estimated she clapped at least 3,480,864 times across the show's 30 seasons. She had appeared in all but 10 of Wheel's 5,754 episodes to that point, during the show's modern syndicated run. That works out to an average number of 606 claps per show.

The Original Name of The Show Was Not "Wheel of Fortune"

Originally, the game show was called “Shoppers Bazaar,” but media mogul Merv Griffin didn’t like it, and neither did the test audience. The game used a carnival-type wheel, puzzle board, and a somewhat confusing accounting board. In addition, the players didn't win cash.  Instead, they won fake money to buy prizes on the set.

The New “Wheel of Fortune” Proved to Be a Winner

When the game was renamed “Wheel of Fortune” with a jazzed up wheel and puzzle board and cash prizes instead of products, it became a winner. There's only one famous wheel and it weighs 2,400 pounds and must be broken down and put back together whenever the show goes on the road. The show travels with more than 1 million pounds of equipment to tape in locations all across the country.

Host Pat Sajak Was Off The Show Tor Two Years

Pat Sajak hosted the show for eight years before trying his luck hosting his own TV show from 1989-1990. While he was away, his spot at the wheel was filled by Bob Goen, who would later go on to co-host Entertainment Tonight. When Sajak’s show was canceled, he returned to host “Wheel” and has been there ever since.

Vanna White Has Never Worn The Same Dress Twice

Since Vanna White has hosted the “Wheel of Fortune” for 38 seasons, she’s never worn the same thing twice. That means she’s worn more than 7,000 dresses over the years. Unfortunately, White says she does not get to keep any of the dresses.

[phkrause]

5 Shocking Facts You Didn't Know About Chick-Fil-A

On October 27, 2006, the last Ford Taurus rolled off the assembly line in Georgia and was purchased by Truett Cathy, the founder of the Chick-fil-A. Cathy credited the workers in that Atlanta plant for the success of his first restaurant which was located across the street from the factory in 1946. Here are 5 more facts you didn't know about Chick-fil-A.

Chick-Fil-A Is The Largest Buyer Of Peanut Oil

Ever wondered what gives Chick-Fil-A chicken its unique flavor? The fast-food chain only uses peanut oil for frying, making the company the single largest buyer of peanut oil in the United States. Aside from the special flavor, peanut oil is actually a healthier option too, naturally free of trans fats and full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. There's one reason you can feel good about chowing down on your next chicken sandwich.

First Customers Get a Year of Free Chicken

People have been known to camp out to be among the first in line whenever the company opens a new fast-food restaurant. That is because Chick-Fil-A has a tradition of offering free meals once a week for a year to the first 100 customers at the opening of a new location. One customer, Robert Corey, traveled around the country to wait in line for those first-year freebies 110 times.

They Buy the Most Sunkist Lemons

The restaurant's lemonade is so popular that the chain squeezed more than 200 million lemons in 2013 alone. It is said that Chick-Fil-A purchases more lemons than the entire country of Japan. The fast-food giant also uses filtered water, so the lemonade is high quality and does not vary in taste from location to location.

You Get a Free Meal On Cow Appreciation Day

You may have seen people walking around the mall in cow costumes and wondered what was going on. Every year in mid-July, the the chain picks a day and names it Cow Appreciation Day with the idea that people should eat more chicken than beef. On those days, anyone who comes in wearing a cow suit gets a free meal. A t-shirt picturing a cow will also work too.

They Have a Secret Menu

You've probably heard about the infamous Starbucks secret drink menu, but did you know that Chick-Fil-A also offers some unknown options on their secret menu? All the options available at the restaurant aren’t on the normal menu, but customers can ask for them by name such as the Spicy Char, which is a Spicy Chicken Sandwich, only it’s grilled. A Double Decker is a grilled club sandwich with twice the meat, and chicken quesadillas aren’t on the menu but can be ordered. In addition, customers can order special milkshakes that aren't on the menu such as a strawberry peach or blueberry cheesecake.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About The Statue of Liberty

On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty, France's gift of friendship to the American people, in New York Harbor. To mark the anniversary of one of America's most recognizable landmarks, here are 5 fun facts you didn't know about the Statue of Liberty...

The Statue Was Modeled After an Actual Person

It comes as a surprise to most people that Lady Liberty was modeled on a real person. She was actually modeled on the mother of Frederic Bartholdi, the designer of the statue.The designer told French Senator Jules Bozerian that the statue was based on his mother, Charlotte, back in 1876. He invited the Senator into his box at the opera, where there was a pocket-sized version of the statue waiting for him. It was here that he revealed the inspiration behind the statue.

She Wasn’t Always Green

The green hue of the Statue of Liberty is what makes her so instantly recognizable around the world. Interestingly, the statue wasn’t always green. Originally, she was actually a reddish color, similar to the color of a penny . So how did she get so green?  Over the years, the copper coating has formed a green veneer from its exposure to the air. The torch flame is the one exception because it is coated with gold leaf.

The Statue Almost Didn’t Make It To America

It really is hard to imagine New York without Lady Liberty, which is one of its most iconic landmarks. That may have been the reality if the statue never made it to America, which was once a very real possibility. The statue was shipped in 214 crates and shipped to the United States as a precious gift from France in 1885. The voyage took a full week longer than expected because of a storm that nearly caused the ship to sink.

Poetry Helped Finance the Pedestal for the Statue of Liberty

France had gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States on the condition that the U.S. would fund the construction of the statue’s foundation and pedestal.  Poetry by Emma Lazarus, Mark Twain, and Walt Whitman was sold at auction to help with the financing.  The inscribed plaque on the monument was a from poem donated by Emma Lazarus, a 38-year-old Jewish woman who was dying of cancer and had dedicated her life to helping refugees. The poem, which brought $1,500 at the fundraiser, was titled “The New Colossus” and contained the stirring words "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

Liberty Island Was Once Called Bedloe’s Island

Although most people know the name Liberty Island as the statue’s home, it used to be called Bedloe’s Island and sometimes Love Island. It belonged to a man named Isaac Bedlow, who purchased the island in 1667. At the time, the island sported a home and lighthouse and was said to “abound” with rabbits .By 1800, the island became a defensive fortification in New York Harbor. The 11-point star-shaped structure that is now part of the base of the Statue of Liberty was actually built as a fort.  Even when Bedloe’s Island became home to the Statue of Liberty in 1886, the name didn’t change. It wasn’t until 1956 that the site of the statue officially became “Liberty Island.”

[phkrause]

5 Facts About The Stock Market Crash of 1929

On October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed on what became known as Black Tuesday. The crash ended the period known as the Roaring Twenties and ushered in the Great Depression. Here are five things you didn't know about the Stock Market Crash of 1929...

Over Exuberance Was A Major Reason Behind The Crash

A major reason behind the crash was that share prices were not driven by economic fundamentals but by over exuberance and false expectation of the investors. The stock market was seen as an opportunity to earn big akin to the gold rush. By 1929, 2 out of every 5 dollars a bank loaned were used to purchase stocks. Share prices became much higher than their real value. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (a stock market index) increased 400% in the period between 1924 and 1929.

Economist Roger Babson Had Predicted The Crash A Month Earlier

On September 5, 1929 economist Roger Babson gave a warning "Sooner or later, a crash is coming, and it may be terrific". Over the next few weeks the prices began to move downward. In the last hour of trading on October 23, the stock prices began to fall sharply. The next day, known as Black Thursday, saw prices drop drastically. The following day President Herbert Hoover reassured Americans that business was sound.

The 1929 Crash Was Not a Single-Day Event

October 29 is considered the day of the crash, but it was really the worst day of a series of crashes that took place between October 24 thru October 29. The crash began on Thursday, October 24, so-called Black Thursday. Selling increased on Black Monday (October 28) and Black Tuesday (October 29). So this was not just one day, but several days of sharply falling prices with three especially bad days.

Tales Of Bankers Leaping To Their Death Are Now Regarded As A Myth

It is true that two people committed suicide after the crash by jumping from the upper floors of buildings. One was a clerk who had been overworked from dealing with all the trades, and the other was a produce company boss who had lost a great deal in the crash. However, the stories of mass suicides or of many people jumping were both an exaggeration and possibly a misunderstanding (or two). Humorist Will Rogers had made a morbid joke about standing in line to jump out a window, and comedian Eddie Cantor had also joked about being asked if the hotel room he was reserving was for "sleeping or jumping." But the biggest misunderstanding may have come from Winston Churchill, who at the time of the crash was working as a journalist. He reported that he witnessed someone jump from the upper floors of the hotel he was staying at. However, it is likely that he was referring to a suicide of a tourist who fell before the crash even started. 

The Stock Market Did Not Recover For Many Years

$25 billion (more than $300 billion in today’s money) was lost in the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Despite efforts from America’s financial elite, the market kept sliding barring minor reliefs. There was another longer steady slide from April 1931 to July 8, 1932, when it reached its lowest point at 41.22, down 89% from its peak. The stock market was not able to reach its pre-crash numbers until 1954, 25 years after the crash of 1929.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About John Adams

On October 30, 1735, John Adams, the second president of the United States, was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. Here are five interesting facts you probably didn't know about John Adams.

He Was The First President To Live In The White House

When the nation's capital moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., workers had to start building a house for the president. When Adams arrived in Washington, D. C., in the middle of 1800, the house was far from ready, so he was forced to temporarily reside at Tunnicliffe’s City Hotel.  Adams finally moved in on November 1, 1800, becoming the first president to live in what would later be called the White House. Defeated in the 1800 election, Adams only lived in the White House for barely more than four months.

Adams Defended British Soldiers After The Boston Massacre

In March 1770, a band of British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists, killing five. Historical articles often call this the Boston Massacre, and the popular story has the British firing relentlessly into a crowd of colonists that were throwing snowballs at them. Adams volunteered to represent the nine British soldiers charged with manslaughter to ensure they received a fair trial.  In the end, Adams got seven of the soldiers acquitted. The two soldiers convicted of manslaughter were branded on their thumbs but avoided prison sentences.

Adams Died On The Same Day As Thomas Jefferson

Once fellow patriots and then bitter rivals, Adams and Jefferson revived their friendship after their White House days. Shockingly, the two signatories of the Declaration of Independence both died 50 years to the day after the document’s adoption on July 4, 1826. On his deathbed, the 90-year-old Adams whispered, “Thomas Jefferson survives.” That actually wasn’t the case, because five hours earlier, the 83-year-old Jefferson had died at Monticello.

He Wanted The President To Be Addressed As “His Highness"

When George Washington became the first president of the United States, he really didn't have much of a title. There was still debate around whether he should be addressed as "President" or something else, and Adams was clearly in the "something else" camp. He wanted the president to be addressed with a distinctly royal-sounding title, such as "His Highness" or "His Majesty."  To many Americans who had just rid themselves of a monarch, the titles were too royal, so Adams' suggestion was ignored. Congress agreed that Washington’s title should simply be “The President of the United States.” 

He Was The Author Of The Oldest Written Constitution Still In Use Today

John Adams drafted the Massachusetts Constitution, which was approved by voters in 1780 and is still in effect today. The document’s structure of chapters, sections and articles served as a model for the United States Constitution, and its Declaration of Rights itemized individual liberties such as freedom of the press and freedom of worship that were later enshrined in the federal Bill of Rights.  The Massachusetts Constitution is the oldest written constitution still in use in the world.

[phkrause]

5 Things You May Not Know About Halloween_2

October 31 is Halloween. This fun holiday has ancient origins and is one of the oldest holidays on the planet. You know it’s spooky, creepy, and full of candy, but here are 5 things you might not have known about Halloween.

The White House Is Said To Have At Least Five Ghosts

Some say spirits roam the White House. There have been several reports of ghostly appearances and eerie sounds inside the White House. The most common ghost sighting is of Abraham Lincoln who has been spotted by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and Sir Winston Churchill. Other paranormal guests include Andrew Jackson, David Burns and Abigail Adams.

The Name "Halloween" is A Condensed Version Of "All Hallows' Eve"

According to Merriam-Webster, the name "Halloween" originally comes from All Hallows' Eve — the second night of a festival called Samhain, dating back to the pagans in Ireland. "Hallow" comes from an Old English adjective that means "holy," and "eve" refers to the nighttime setting. All Hallows' Eve was also referred to as All Hallows' Even — which was shortened to "Hallow-e'en" by the 16th century. We eventually dropped the apostrophe and dash in the 18th century, and the rest is history.

Halloween Originated From An Ancient Celtic Festival

According to History.com, the Halloween we know today can trace its roots back to the ancient Celtic end-of-harvest festival of Samhain. During Samhain, people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off evil spirits. In the eighth century, in an effort to spread Christianity, Pope Gregory III, divided Samhain into two holidays, All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2. The evening of October 31 became All Hallows Eve or Halloween. Samhain is still celebrated in modern pagan and Wiccan communities as the equivalent of a New Year's holiday that also honors those who have passed on.

Trick or Treating Was Put On Hold During WWII

Trick or treating has been part of North American Halloween festivities since the early 20th century but like so many aspects of this holiday, it evolved from an ancient European custom. On All Souls Day, poor people would visit the houses of their wealthier neighbors for a 'soul cake' — a form of shortbread — in return for which the beggars promised to pray for the dead of the household. Known as “souling,” the practice was later taken up by children, who would go from door to door asking for gifts such as food and money. Irish and Scottish communities in the United States revived the tradition, although it was put on hold for several years during WW II due to sugar rationing.

Jack O' Lanterns Scare Off Evil Wandering Spirits

Carved pumpkins are an old school tradition, originating in Ireland, Scotland and England, where people carved menacing faces into vegetables and placed a candle inside to scare away the evil wandering spirits. Using pumpkins is an American spin on the ritual – the first lanterns were made from hollowed out turnips.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Michelangelo

On this day in 1512, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, one of Italian artist Michelangelo’s finest works, was exhibited to the public for the first time.  In honor of this anniversary, here are five things you probably didn't know about Michelangelo...

He Carved The “David” From A Discarded Block Of Marble

Michelangelo was notoriously picky about the marble he used for his sculptures, yet for his famous “David” statue, he made use of a block that other artists had deemed unworkable. Known as “the Giant,” the massive slab had been quarried nearly 40 years earlier for a series of sculptures, abd eventually abandoned. By the time Michelangelo began working with it in 1501, it already bore the chisel marks of more than one frustrated sculptor. Michelangelo eventually crafted the block into one of his most famous works, but recent analyses of the “David” have revealed that the poor quality of its stone may be degrading because of the marble’s poor quality.

He Completed Artworks For Nine Different Catholic Popes

Michelangelo was a popular artist among the Popes and did work for nine consecutive Catholic pontiffs in a row. His breadth of work for the Vatican was vast, and included everything from crafting ornamental knobs for the papal bed to spending four grueling years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo  found a champion in Pope Paul III, who defended his work “The Last Judgment” after church officials deemed its many nude figures obscene.

He Wasn’t Originally Chosen To Complete The Sistine Chapel

Raphael was known as a talented artist, and it was Raphael who Pope Julius II originally chose to work on the Sistine Chapel. Here’s where a bit of rivalry comes in. Michelangelo’s fame was growing and the young artist was stealing some of Raphael’s business. Out of jealousy, Raphael convinced the Pope to hire Michelangelo instead, hoping to prove that Michelangelo was not a good painter and could not paint as well as himself. Raphael was probably stunned by the masterpiece on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, so his plan to discredit Michelangelo backfired. It seems that Michelangelo got the last laugh.

He Painted Himself In The Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo is known to have only signed one of his works throughout the years. Instead, he would often paint himself into them. The most famous of these self-portraits is in The Last Judgment fresco that covers an entire wall of the Sistine Chapel. There, St. Bartholomew is holding the skin of a face that appears to be Michelangelo’s.

He Was Called To “Save” St. Peter’s Basilica

The Catholic Church called on the retired painter when he was 74 years old, asking him to help them complete the work on St. Peter’s Basilica. Ultimately the building wasn’t finished until after his death, but Michelangelo did work for 14 years on the building until he died at age 88. He continued to supervise the work from home when he was no longer physically able to visit the work site by sending drawings, designs to the project’s foremen. With Michelangelo’s oversight, St. Peter’s gained its majestic dome and created a skyline that pilgrims from all over the world still come to see.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Howard Hughes_2

On November 2, 1947, Howard Hughes piloted his huge wooden airplane, the Spruce Goose, over Long Beach Harbor in California. Here are 5 strange and surprising facts about eccentric business tycoon Howard Hughes. 

He Purchased A Hotel In Las Vegas For An Odd Reason

In 1968, the eccentric billionaire purchased the Silver Slipper casino in Las Vegas for $5.4 million. At the time, Hughes was a recluse living at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. He had invested heavily in Las Vegas over the years, but his purchase of the Silver Slipper had nothing to do with business. After buying the casino, he had its sign – a giant, brightly-lit high-heeled shoe – turned off, and sealed up the entire casino so no one could gain entrance. At the time of the purchase, the reason offered was that the Silver Slipper’s sign was shining in his penthouse at the Desert Inn and he wanted it shut off so it wouldn’t irritate him. Years later, those who knew Hughes said the real reason was that he was convinced that a photographer was hiding inside of it, taking pictures of him. 

Howard Hughes Had an Obsession With Ice Cream

At one point in his life, Hughes became obsessed with a specific kind of ice cream: Baskin-Robbins's banana nut flavor. When the company discontinued the flavor, Hughes convinced them to send him 350 gallons of it. He ordered an entire refrigeration system in Vegas's Desert Inn to be cleared out and reconfigured to store the ice cream, but by the time it arrived, Hughes had grown tired of banana nut ice cream. He switched to French vanilla, and Desert Inn announced a new promotion: free banana nut ice cream for every customer.

Howard Hughes Inspired Stan Lee

If you're a fan of the Marvel cinematic universe, you may notice some similarities between Tony Stark/Iron Man and Howard Hughes. That's because Stan Lee based Stark's character on the real-life eccentric billionaire. Both are genius inventors and businessmen who inherited a vast fortune from their equally brilliant fathers, then built on that fortune with their own brand of innovative inventions. Just in case Hughes missed the reference by the popular cartoonist, Iron Man’s father was named Howard.

Howard Hughes Survived Four Plane Crashes

They didn't call him The Aviator for nothing.  Hughes was not only a pilot that designed his own planes, but he also made a fortune as the owner of several aviation-related businesses. He also survived four plane crashes that left him in constant pain throughout the rest of his life. Doctors prescribed him codeine with aspirin, caffeine, and phenacetin, and Hughes quickly became hooked on the pills. He remained addicted to them for the rest of his life. 

The Spruce Goose Only Flew Once

Hughes was contracted by the U.S. government in 1942 to build a plane that could transport 700 troops or 60 tons of equipment over the Atlantic. Because there were restrictions on steel and aluminum during World War II, Howard Hughes designed and built the Spruce Goose, which was made completely out of wood. Unfortunately, Hughes did not make the deadline for the plane, and it wasn’t completed until about two years after the war ended. The plane was flown only one time, with Hughes as the pilot. The flight lasted for about one minute, and the Spruce Goose’s only flight covered about one mile. Even such a short flight showed that the mammoth plane could fly. Hughes preserved and maintained the Spruce Goose in a hanger until he died in 1976.

[phkrause]

10 Animals That Paved The Way For Mankind In Space

On November 3, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first animal into space—a dog name Laika—aboard the Sputnik 2 spacecraft. To mark the anniversary of that event, here are a list of 7 animal-astronauts who made space history...

Laika - The First Canine Cosmonaut

On November 3, 1957, Laika was a small stray dog that was sent up in space by the Soviets onboard Sputnik 2 as the first animal to go into space. It wasn’t reported until 1999 that she had died from the stress and overheating within several hours. One of the scientists involved in the project later said he regretted it because their lack of knowledge at the time didn’t justify the little dog’s death.

Gordo The Squirrel Monkey

About a year after Laika's demise, the U.S. sent up Gordo the squirrel monkey because his genetic makeup was so similar to that of humans so he could withstand similar temperatures and pressures. Gordo made a 15-minute flight, traveling 1500 miles laterally and 310 miles into the air. Unfortunately, it was the crash landing that did Gordo in. His parachute failed and he didn't survive.

Able And Miss Baker

Able, a rhesus monkey, and Miss Baker, a squirrel monkey, were launched by the United States aboard a Jupiter rocket on May 28, 1959. Both survived the trip, which included traveling at more than 16,000 km/h. However, Abel developed an infection from an electrode that monitored his vital signs and died during surgery. Miss Baker lived to be 27 and died in 1984.

Belka and Strelka

The dogs, Belka “Whitey” and Strelka “Little Arrow,” had plenty of company when they went into space on August 19, 1960, with 40 mice, a rabbit, two rats, and a batch of fruit flies on the Soviet’s Sputnik 5. Their survival was encouraging enough that the Soviets launched a human into space a short time later. Strelka, after she arrived back on Earth, had a litter of puppies, and Nikita Khrushchev gave one to JFK’s daughter, Caroline, as a gift.

Félicette The Cat

On October 18, 1963, a cat named Félicette was a rider on a rocket by France and remains the only feline to be able to claim space travel as an astronaut. She reportedly spent five minutes weightless during her travels, and came back from its mission alive and well. Although it was not reported, the cat probably ignored everyone upon her safe return to Earth, as cats tend to do when they are feeling resentful.

Ham The Chimp

On January 31, 1961, Ham the Chimp made a suborbital flight aboard a Mercury-Redstone rocket and safely made it back to Earth. Wearing a snappy NASA helmet, the Cameroon-born chimp performed tasks while onboard such as pushing levers when a blue light went on. Ham spent the rest of his life in a zoo in North Carolina where he delighted visitors and lived to be 25 or 26.

Anita And Arabella

Arabella and Anita, both garden spiders, were taken into space in 1973 on SkyLab to see if they would spin their webs the way they normally would or if the change in gravity would affect them. Although they did spin their webs onboard SkyLab, the silk was finer and thickness somewhat erratic in the small cage that was their home away from home. Unfortunately, both spiders appear to have died of dehydration during the mission.