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Author: Joe Hummel III

  • July 19 in Pop Culture History

    July 19 in Pop Culture History

    July 19 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 19 History Highlights

    • 1848 – Woman’s Rights Convention at Seneca Falls
    • 1863 – Suffering 1,515 casualties, the Union soldiers were defeated while trying to capture Fort Wagner in South Carolina.
    • 1909 – Baseball’s first unassisted Triple Play was achieved by shortstop Neal Ball.
    • 1982 – Geraldine Ferraro was nominated as the first female Vice-Presidential candidate.
    • July 19 **** Birthday (fictional) Tim Drake (Robin III), DC Comics
    • If you were born on July 19th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 26th (prior year)

    Tongue Trivia

    1. A tongue contains anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 taste buds, replaced every few weeks.
    2. Being able to roll (curl) the tongue is genetic, but with training and practice almost anyone can learn how.
    3. The tongue is among the strongest muscles in your body, along with the heart, the jaw bone’s masseter, and the gluteus maximus.
    4. The average tongue is about 3.3 inches long. Last we checked, the longest is Nick Stoeberl’s, reaching 3.97 inches. A Chameleon’s is about 2X its body length.
    5. Your tastebuds are not the little bumps (papillae) you see and feel, tastebuds are too small to see. (You have 2,000-10,000 tastebuds; each is comprised of 50-150 receptor cells).
    6. The tongue is among the fastest-healing tissues in the human body.
    7. Your taste buds taste flavors such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami**, equally across the tongue; there are no ‘special areas’.
    8. Tongue fat volume can lead to sleep apnea. Losing weight leads to a slimmer tongue and to better sleep.
    9. Your tongue is as unique as your fingerprint.
    10. The record for lifting the greatest weight with a human tongue is held by Thomas Blackthorne, who lifted 27 lb 8.96 oz. via a hook through his tongue**.
    *preciously savory
    * * do not try this at home.

    Stick Out Your Tongue Day

    July 19 is…

    Flight Attendant Safety Professionals’ Day
    National Daiquiri Day
    National Raspberry Cake Day
    New Friends Day
    (previously) St. Vincent De Paul Day (now celebrated September 27)
    Stick Out Your Tongue Day

    July 19 Birthday Quotes

    “Some may say that I couldn’t sing, but no one can say that I didn’t sing.”
    – Florence Foster Jenkins

    “A painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, and some fantasy. When you always make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people.”
    – Edgar Degas

    “The biggest emotion in creation is the bridge to optimism.”
    – Brian May

    “There’s always gonna be someone better looking, there’s always gonna be someone smarter, there’s always gonna be someone who works harder. What you have to offer is yourself, so don’t lose it, focus on it and try to bring it out.”
    – Jared Padalecki

    “Every new fad or fashion at once has its denouncers from the pulpit, platform, professor’s chair.”
    – Alice Dunbar Nelson

    “I really thought I was pretty good before I saw Hendrix, and then I thought: Yeah, not so good.”
    – Brian May

    July 19 Birthdays

    1814 – Samuel Colt, American businessman, founded the Colt’s Manufacturing Company (died in 1862)
    1834 – Edgar Degas, French painter, sculptor, and illustrator (died in 1917)
    1860 – Lizzie Borden, American woman, acquitted for the murder of her parents in 1892 (died in 1927)
    1868 – Florence Foster Jenkins, American bad-singing soprano and socialite (died in 1944)
    1875 – Alice Dunbar Nelson, African-American poet and activist (died in 1935)
    1883 – Max Fleischer, Austrian-American animator and producer (died in 1972)
    1924 – Arthur Rankin Jr., American director, producer and screenwriter (died in 2014)
    1925 – Sue Thompson, American singer
    1941 – Vikki Carr, American singer and actress
    1947 – Brian May, English singer-songwriter, astrophysicist and guitarist
    1961 – Lisa Lampanelli, American comedian and actress
    1962 – Anthony Edwards, American actor
    1976 – Benedict Cumberbatch, English actor
    1982 – Jared Padalecki, American actor
    1988 – Shane Dawson, American Youtuber

    July 19 History

    64
    The Great Fire of Rome occurred, destroying half of the city. Contrary to rumors, Nero did not play the fiddle while it burned, but he did blame “the Christians.”

    1553
    After only nine days on the throne, Lady Jane Grey was replaced by Mary I of England as Queen of England.

    1799
    Identified today: The Rosetta Stone, found July 19, 1799, is now the most visited object in the British museum.

    1845
    The last great fire (Great New York City Fire of 1845) to hit Manhattan began early morning and was subdued that afternoon. The fire killed four firefighters and 26 civilians and destroyed 345 buildings.

    1848
    A two-day Women’s Rights Convention opened in Seneca Falls, New York.

    1869
    Mount Harvard – 14,421 ft (4,396 m) – Colorado, USA – First ascent: July 19, 1869, by members of the Hayden Survey

    1900
    The Paris Métro opened for operation.

    1903
    Maurice Garin won the first Tour de France.

    1952
    The Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XV Olympiad, were opened in Helsinki, Finland.

    1954
    Elvis Presley’s first single was released. That’s All Right, Mama

    1969
    Senator Ted Kennedy crashed his car into a tidal pond at Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts, killing his passenger Mary Jo Kopechne.

    1975
    #1 Hit July 19, 1975 – July 25, 1975: Wings – Listen to What the Man Said

    1977
    The world’s first Global Positioning System (GPS) signal was transmitted from Navigation Technology Satellite 2 (NTS-2) and received at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

    1980
    #1 Hit July 19, 1980August 1, 1980: Billy Joel – It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me

    1986
    #1 Hit July 19, 1986 – July 25, 1986: Genesis – Invisible Touch

    1995
    Road Rules made its debut on MTV

    1996
    Tales From The Crypt TV series came to an end

    July 19 19** Birthday (fictional) Tim Drake (Robin III), DC Comics

    2013
    July 19, 2013 – Teen Beach Movie aired on The Disney Channel

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    You are such a good friend that if we were on a sinking ship together and there was only one life jacket… I’d miss you heaps and think of you often.

    Tony Curtis – Real Name: Bernard Schwartz

    “My mother thanks you. My father thanks you. My sister thanks you. And I thank you.” – George M. Cohan (James Cagney) #moviequotes

    The Capital of Mozambique is Maputo

    If reality really is an advanced computer simulation, I wonder what the difficulty level is set at.

    The ventilation system of any building is the perfect hiding place – no one will ever think of looking for you in there and you can travel to any other part of the building undetected. #thingsIlearnedatthemovies

    Bruno Mars is not the recording artist of Uptown Funk, only a featured singer on the song. Mark Ronson recorded the song.

    The Seven Deadly Sins #1- Pride is an excessive belief in one’s own abilities.

    Mario’s name was finally confirmed by Nintendo to actually be Mario Mario in 2015.

    I think from now on, I’m going to sing about my problems. Whenever I talk about them, people are like, “Shut up Joe, everyone has problems.” Nobody ever says that to Adele.

    Horoscopes: When you don’t have someone to blame for your failures, try the solar system.

    US President #3 Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), just like John Adams, died July 4, 1826, one of two original signers of the Declaration of Independence who was also President, 50 years to the day of it being written.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1958?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1958?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1958?

    58 Trivia Questions for 1958 History

    (answers)

    1. Name the first #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart.

    2. How many people lived in the United States in 1958?

    3. How many people lived in the World in 1958?

    4. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1958?

    5. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1958?

    6. Who was the President of the United States in 1958?

    7. What company used the slogan: “Look, Ma, no cavities!”?

    8. Name the Soviet leader who became the Premier of the Soviet Union in March 1958.

    9. what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1958 to the nearest quarter?

    10. This popular symbol was designed and created by Gerald Holtom and commissioned by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Name it.

    11. What was the highest-grossing film of 1958?

    12. Dan and Frank Carney opened their pizza restaurant in Wichita, Kansas. Name that pizza place.

    13. Who received the first Gold record from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)?

    14. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1958?

    15. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1958?

    16. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1958?

    17. How much did a Round Steak (one pound) cost in 1958?

    18. Although the idea had been around for centuries, Arthur K. “Spud” Melin and Richard Knerr made them out of plastic. It was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999. Name that toy.

    19. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1958? Jane Lynch, Megan Mullally, Jamie Lee Curtis, or Tanya Tucker?

    20. In 1958, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?

    21. This book, published in the US and banned in the USSR, won author Boris Pasternak the Nobel Prize.

    22. In 1958, the price of a US Postage stamp increased for the first time in 26 years. What was the cost of a First-Class Stamp effective August 1958?

    23. Which company did not start processing credit cards in 1958: American Express, Diner’s Club, or Visa?

    24. What was the name of the first dry cat food sold nationwide?

    25. Who was the American Vice-President in 1958?

    26. Harry Winston, Inc. donated what 45.52-carat famous jewel to the Smithsonian Institution?

    27. This 1958 musical-romance film, called the last of the great MGM musicals, was a critical and box office success. Name that film.

    28. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1958?

    29. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1958?

    30. What company introduced the first diet cola?

    31. In 1958, an adhesive product called “Eastman #910” went on sale. What do we call this sticky product today?

    32. Kellogg’s Cornflakes’ mascot is a rooster. What is his name?

    33. The tallest tsunami, 1720 feet high, struck on July 9, 1958. Where did it crash?

    34. Phil Spector wrote and recorded his first song in 1958, and it spent three weeks at number one. What was the name of that song?

    35. This type of advertising has been banned in the UK, America, and Australia since 1958. What type of advertising?

    36. This symbol was designed in 1958 by Robert Heft as a junior high history project; he got a B- for it. Later, it was one of the most displayed objects of all time. What did he design?

    37. What improvement made the Crayola ’64’ crayons more fun for kids?

    38. This East Coast disc jockey invented the term “Rock and Roll” but got in trouble over “payola,” taking money to play new records. Name that DJ.

    39. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1958?

    40. This peanut butter has been among the most popular since it hit store shelves in 1958. How quickly can you name that peanut butter brand?

    41. Launched in 1958, what is the oldest man-made satellite still orbiting the Earth?

    42. First produced in 1949, the modern design was patented in 1958. This toy is associated with theme parks, movies, and traveling displays. Name this very popular toy.

    43. What was the name of the first vessel to cross the North Pole underwater?

    44. This word was created in 1958 by Spacecraft and Aeroplanes to consider conquering Earth’s atmosphere and outer space as a single entity. What word?

    45. This character, introduced in 1958, was played by character actor House Peters Jr. in the earliest commercials. Today, he is animated and still sells his Procter & Gamble product. Name him.

    46. A major film company founded this major music label on March 19, 1958.

    47. Who won the 1958 World Series?

    48. This 1958 creation helps hold items together, primarily electrical cables or wires.

    49. Californians Bill and Mark Richards are credited with inventing what mode of transportation in 1958?

    50. This American anti-communist, anti-big government group was founded by Robert W. Welch Jr in Indiana.

    51. Who was the Pope in 1958?

    52. Now known as LG Electronics, this company was founded in South Korea with another name. What was LG called before renaming itself in 1995?

    53. Broadcast on NBC and winning nine Emmy awards, it was the first major television show to be recorded on color videotape. It starred one of the most famous and influential dancers on film. Who was the star of this television special?

    54. Jack Kilby invented what electronic device while working at Texas Instruments?

    55. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1957/1958 season?

    56. Before they were The Beatles, that group had another name. What was that other name?

    57. This satellite was the first successfully launched by the United States and part of the US participation in the International Geophysical Year.

    58. Created by cartoonist Johnny Hart, this daily comic strip features cavemen. Name that long-running comic.

    Trivia Team Bonus Questions:

    1. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created in 1958. What federal agency did NASA replace?

    2. Who were the 1958 NBA Champions?

    3. When US President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal Aviation Act, what governmental agency did he form?

    4. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1958?

    5. Where was the first Major League Baseball regular-season game ever played in California?

    6. What team won the FIFA World Cup in 1958?

    7. Pope Pius XII declared someone the patron saint of television. Name that saint.

    8. Mad Magazine has a drawn mascot named Alfred E. Newman. Cracked Magazine, a Mad rival, also had a mascot. Can you name him?

    9. Who were the 1958 NFL Champions?

    10. Who won the United States Chess Championship at age 14, the youngest player ever?

    The Answers:

    58 Trivia Answers for 1958 History

    1. Name the first #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart.
    Poor Little Fool by Ricky Nelson

    2. How many people lived in the United States in 1958?
    The population was an estimated 174,881,904 people.

    3. How many people lived in the World in 1958?
    The estimated world population in 1958 was 2,916,030,167 people.

    4. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1958?
    In 1958, The Montreal Canadiens won over the Boston Bruins (4 games to 2)

    5. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1958?
    At The Hop by Danny and The Juniors

    6. Who was the President of the United States in 1958?
    Dwight D. Eisenhower (January 20, 1953 – January 20, 1961)

    7. What company used the slogan: “Look, Ma, no cavities!”?
    Crest toothpaste

    8. Name the Soviet leader who became the Premier of the Soviet Union in March 1958.
    Nikita Khrushchev

    9. what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1958 to the nearest quarter?
    75 cents

    10. This popular symbol was designed and created by Gerald Holtom and commissioned by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Name it.
    The Peace Symbol

    11. What was the highest-grossing film of 1958?
    South Pacific

    12. Dan and Frank Carney opened their pizza restaurant in Wichita, Kansas. Name that pizza place.
    Pizza Hut

    13. Who received the first Gold record from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)?
    Perry Como for his hit single, Catch A Falling Star

    14. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1958?
    Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

    15. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1958?
    19 cents

    16. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1958?
    $1.01

    17. How much did a Round Steak (one pound) cost in 1958?
    $1.04

    18. Although the idea had been around for centuries, Arthur K. “Spud” Melin and Richard Knerr made them out of plastic. It was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999. Name that toy.
    Hula Hoop

    19. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1958? Jane Lynch, Megan Mullally, Jamie Lee Curtis, or Tanya Tucker?
    Jane Lynch (born July 14, 1960)

    20. In 1958, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
    Men – 66.6 years, Women – 72.9 years.

    21. This book, published in the US and banned in the USSR, won author Boris Pasternak the Nobel Prize.
    Dr. Zhivago

    22. In 1958, the price of a US Postage stamp increased for the first time in 26 years. What was the cost of a First-Class Stamp effective August 1958?
    4 cents

    23. Which company did not start processing credit cards in 1958: American Express, Diner’s Club, or Visa?
    The Diner’s Club card launched in 1950

    24. What was the name of the first dry cat food sold nationwide?
    Friskies (Little Friskies for Cats)

    25. Who was the American Vice-President in 1958?
    Richard Nixon (January 20, 1953 – January 20, 1961)

    26. Harry Winston, Inc. donated what 45.52-carat famous jewel to the Smithsonian Institution?
    The Hope Diamond

    27. This 1958 musical-romance film, called the last of the great MGM musicals, was a critical and box office success. Name that film.
    Gigi

    28. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1958?
    $0.30 per gallon

    29. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1958?
    Charles de Gaulle

    30. What company introduced the first diet cola?
    Royal Crown introduced “Diet Rite”

    31. In 1958, an adhesive product called “Eastman #910” went on sale. What do we call this sticky product today?
    Super Glue

    32. Kellogg’s Cornflakes’ mascot is a rooster. What is his name?
    Cornelius “Corny” Rooster

    33. The tallest tsunami, 1720 feet high, struck on July 9, 1958. Where did it crash?
    Alaska (Lituya Bay)

    34. Phil Spector wrote and recorded his first song in 1958, and it spent 3 weeks at number one. What was the name of that song?
    To Know Him Is to Love Him by The Teddy Bears

    35. This type of advertising has been banned in the UK, America, and Australia since 1958. What type of advertising?
    Subliminal advertising

    36. This symbol was designed in 1958 by Robert Heft as a junior high history project; he got a B- for it. Later, it was one of the most displayed objects of all time. What did he design?
    The 50-star American Flag.

    37. What improvement made the Crayola ’64’ crayons more fun for kids?
    It included a built-in sharpener on the back.

    38. This East Coast disc jockey invented the term “Rock and Roll” but got in trouble over “payola,” taking money to play new records. Name that DJ.
    Alan Freed

    39. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1958?
    60 cents

    40. This peanut butter has been among the most popular since it hit store shelves in 1958. How quickly can you name that peanut butter brand?
    Jif

    41. Launched in 1958, what is the oldest man-made satellite still orbiting the Earth?
    Vanguard 1

    42. First produced in 1949, the modern design was patented in 1958. This toy is associated with theme parks, movies, and traveling displays. Name this very popular toy.
    Lego

    43. What was the name of the first vessel to cross the North Pole underwater?
    USS Nautilus

    44. This word was created in 1958 by Spacecraft and Aeroplanes to consider conquering Earth’s atmosphere and outer space as a single entity. What word?
    Aerospace

    45. This character, introduced in 1958, was played by character actor House Peters Jr. in the earliest commercials. Today he is animated and still sells his Procter & Gamble product. Name him.
    Mr. Clean

    46. A major film company founded this major music label on March 19, 1958.
    Warner Records. Tab Hunter’s Jealous Heart, which only made #62 on the charts, was the only chart record Warner Brothers had during its first year.

    47. Who won the 1958 World Series?
    In 1958, The New York Yankees won, beating the Milwaukee Braves (4 games to 3)

    48. This 1958 creation helps hold items together, primarily electrical cables or wires.
    A cable tie (or hose tie, zip tie, or Ty-Rap)

    49. Californians Bill and Mark Richards are credited with inventing what mode of transportation in 1958?
    Skateboards

    50. This American anti-communist, anti-big government group was founded by Robert W. Welch Jr in Indiana.
    John Birch Society

    51. Who was the Pope in 1958?
    Pope Pius XII, from March 2, 1939 – October 9, 1958, and Pope John XXIII, October 28, 1958 – June 3, 1963

    52. Now known as LG Electronics, this company was founded in South Korea with another name. What was LG called before renaming itself in 1995?
    GoldStar

    53. Broadcast on NBC and winning nine Emmy awards, it was the first major television show to be recorded on color videotape. It starred one of the most famous and influential dancers on film. Who was the star of this television special?
    Fred Astaire (on An Evening with Fred Astaire)

    54. Jack Kilby invented what electronic device while working at Texas Instruments?
    The first integrated circuit

    55. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1957/1958 season?
    Gunsmoke (CBS)

    56. Before they were The Beatles, that group had another name. What was that other name?
    The Quarrymen

    57. This satellite was the first successfully launched by the United States and part of the US participation in the International Geophysical Year.
    Explorer I

    58. Created by cartoonist Johnny Hart, this daily comic strip features cavemen. Name that long-running comic.
    B.C.

    Trivia Team Bonus Questions:

    1. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created in 1958. What federal agency did NASA replace?
    National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA, formed in 1915)

    2. Who were the 1958 NBA Champions?
    For the 1957-58 Season, Champion St. Louis Hawks won 4 games to 2 over the Boston Celtics

    3. When US President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal Aviation Act, what governmental agency did he form?
    Federal Aviation Agency (FAA, aka Federal Aviation Administration).

    4. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1958?
    Tim Tam

    5. Where was the first Major League Baseball regular-season game ever played in California?
    On April 15, The San Francisco Giants beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8–0 at San Francisco’s Seals Stadium

    6. What team won the FIFA World Cup in 1958?
    Brazil

    7. Pope Pius XII declared someone the patron saint of television. Name that saint.
    Saint Clare (of Assisi)

    8. Mad Magazine has a drawn mascot named Alfred E. Newman. Cracked Magazine, a Mad rival, also had a mascot. Can you name him?
    Sylvester P. Smythe

    9. Who were the 1958 NFL Champions?
    Baltimore Colts

    10. Who won the United States Chess Championship at age 14, the youngest player ever?
    Bobby Fischer

     

  • July 18 in Pop Culture History

    July 18 in Pop Culture History

    July 18 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 18 History Highlights

    • 1870 – The First Vatican Council decreed the dogma of papal infallibility.
    • 1893 – The Chicago Golf Club, the first 18 hole golf club in the US, opened.
    • 1946 – In J. D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, July 18, 1946, was the date that Holden Caulfield’s younger brother, Allie, died of leukemia.
    • 1976 – Nadia Comaneci scored a perfect “10” at the Olympic Games. It was the first time anyone ever made an Olympic perfect score.
    • If you were born on July 18th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 25th (prior year)

    Traditional July 18 Information

    Insurance Nerd Day is a unique way of breaking the stigma that comes with what people think about when it comes to the boring reality of insurance nerds. Because there’s not enough interest in the insurance industry, Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company declared this day back in 2016.

    Insurance plans are important to anyone looking for protection. They help with medical emergencies, hospitalization, and treatment of any illnesses that may come your way in the future. Your car, your home, your health, your finances and your business can benefit from an insurance policy.

    “An insurance actuary is a professional that reveals the likelihood of financial risk. They analyze mathematical formulas, statistics and use their expertise in finance to help create policies for companies with high risks of paying out claims more often than they should due to unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters.” – If this job description sounds exciting, you could be a potential insurance nerd.

    July 18 is…

    Insurance Nerd Day
    National Caviar Day
    National Sour Candy Day
    Nelson Mandela International Day
    Perfect Family Day
    World Listening Day

    July 18 Birthday Quotes

    “If there is one thing I’ve learned in my years on this planet, it’s that the happiest and most fulfilled people I’ve known are those who devoted themselves to something beggir and more profound than merely their own self-interest.”
    – John Glenn

    “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
    – Nelson Mandela

    “I think you’re always subjective because you always have a point of view, but I’m always sort of curious about what is the point of view I don’t agree with. There is a truth in that because there always is.”
    – Margaret Brown

    “I personally believe that each of us was put here for a purpose — to build not to destroy. If I can make people smile, then I have served my purpose for God.”
    – Red Skelton

    “Even when I was 75 I never dreamed I’d be doing what I’m doing at 87. But I am doing what makes me happy. I have discovered social media and I love it. I love Instagram so much more than things like Twitter. I just find you can do more on Instagram. I love showing off my style. If you want to wear funky clothes, do it. I like to wear tie-dyed shirts and cut-off shorts in the summer and tie-dyed shirts and jeans in the winter. I wear colorful clothes. It makes me happy. Everyone needs to find what makes them happy.”
    – Baddie Winkle

    “Competing at the highest level is not about winning. It’s about preparation, courage, understanding, and nurturing your people, and heart. Winning is the result.”
    – Joe Torre

    “Believe it or not, there are interesting elements in everyone. So, if I can’t talk to everybody for at least 7 to 10 minutes, then I’m in the wrong profession.”
    – Wendy Williams

    July 18 Birthdays

    1867 – Margaret Brown, American philanthropist and activist (died in 1932)
    1895 – Machine Gun Kelly, American gangster (died in 1954)
    1909 – Harriet Nelson, American singer and actress (died in 1994)
    1913 – Red Skelton, American actor and comedian (died in 1997)
    1918 – Nelson Mandela, South African politician, 1st President of South Africa (died in 2013)
    1921 – John Glenn, American colonel, astronaut, and politician (died in 2016)
    1928 – Baddie Winkle, American internet personality
    1929 – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, American singer-songwriter (died in 2000)
    1937 – Hunter S. Thompson, American journalist and author (died in 2005)
    1940 – James Brolin, American actor
    1940 – Joe Torre, American baseball player and manager
    1941 – Lonnie Mack, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 2016)
    1941 – Martha Reeves, American singer
    1947 – Steve Forbes, American publisher
    1954 – Ricky Skaggs, American singer-songwriter
    1964 – Wendy Williams, American talk show host
    1967 – Vin Diesel, American actor
    1975 – M.I.A., English rapper
    1980 – Kristen Bell, American actress
    1982 – Ryan Cabrera, American singer-songwriter
    1982 – Priyanka Chopra, Indian actress
    1985 – Chace Crawford, American actor

    July 18 History

    1870 – The First Vatican Council decreed the dogma of papal infallibility.

    1925 – Adolf Hitler published Mein Kampf.

    1960 – #1 Hit July 18, 1960 – August 7, 1960: Brenda Lee – I’m Sorry

    1968 – Intel was founded in Mountain View, California.

    1964 – #1 Hit July 18, 1964 – July 31, 1964: The Four Seasons – Rag Doll

    1968 – Intel was founded in Mountain View, California.

    1969 – Off of Chappaquiddick Island, Senator Ted Kennedy from Massachusetts drove an Oldsmobile off a bridge and his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, died.

    1976 – Nadia Comaneci became the first person in Olympic Games history to score a perfect 10 in gymnastics at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

    1992 – A picture of Les Horribles Cernettes (a pop group parody) was taken, which became the first-ever photo posted on the World Wide Web.

    2013 – The Government of Detroit filed for the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history, with approximately $20B in debt.

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    Netflix needs an incognito mode so that I can watch terrible films without getting recommended more terrible films.

    Ernie Keebler does most of the talking for the Keebler elves.

    The first movie ever given the title ‘Blockbuster’ was ‘Jaws.’

    The biggest soldier will die first and the stupidest officer will usually survive. #moviecliches

    “Hocus Pocus” may have been coined by Protestants to mock the Catholic transubstantiation incantation used to turn bread and wine into flesh and blood, “hoc est corpus.”

    “Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird and catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early bird… but if you’re a worm, sleep late.” – Shel Silverstein

    The Capital of Myanmar (Burma) is Rangoon (Yangon); Naypyidaw or Nay Pyi Taw (administrative)

    A group of Oysters is called a Bed.

    Some people say “If you can’t beat them, join them”. I say “If you can’t beat them, beat them”, because they will be expecting you to join them, so you will have the element of surprise.

    Is it offensive to wish someone a Happy Honda Days when they celebrate Toyotathon?

    TV Quotes… “Let’s be careful out there” (Sgt. Esterhaus) on “Hill Street Blues”

    What is a liger? “It’s pretty much my favorite animal. It’s like a lion and a tiger mixed… bred for its skills in magic.” #moviequotes

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • 1999 Top Ten Music Charts

    1999 Top Ten Music Charts

    1999’s Biggest Artists and Songs

    Lauryn Hill (1998 Best New Artist Grammy Winner & Grammy for Album of the Year, presented in 1999)
    My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion (Grammy for Record of the Year)
    New Artists in the Pop Charts Included:
    Jennifer Lopez, Christina, Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony, Lou Bega, Britney Spears, Sixpence None The Richer, Vengaboys, Vitamin C, Everlast, B+Witched, Trick Daddy, Aaron Tippin, Eminem, Ja Rule, Chely, Wright, Sara Evans, Montgomery Gentry, Patty Loveless, Juvenile, Kid Rock, Robbie Williams, Limp Bizkit and Brad Paisley

    1999’s Retro Top 10 Hits

    1. (You Drive Me) Crazy – Britney Spears
    2. Bailamos – Enrique Iglesias
    3. Bills, Bills, Bills – Destiny’s Child
    4. What It’s Like – Everclear
    5. Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) – Baz Luhrmann
    6. Out Of My Head – Fastball
    7. Smile – Vitamin C with Lady Saw
    8. Millennium – Robbie Williams
    9. Cowboy – Kid Rock
    10. Steal My Sunshine – Len

    1999’s ‘One Hit Wonders’

    1. You Get What You Give – New Radicals
    2. What It’s Like – Everlast
    3. everybody’s free (to wear Sunscreen) – Baz Luhrman
    4. Praise You – Fatboy Slim
    5. She’s So High – Tal Bachman
    6. Save Tonight – Eagle-Eye Cherry
    7. Spend My Life With You – Eric Benet with Tamia
    8. How Do I Deal – Jennifer Love Hewitt
    9. Lullaby – Shawn Mullins
    10. Bling Bling – B.G.

    1999’s Pop Dance Top 10 Hit List

    1. All-Star – Smash Mouth
    2. We Like To Party – Vengaboys
    3. Mambo #5 – Lou Bega
    4. Miami – Will Smith
    5. My Name Is… Eminem
    6. I Need To Know – Marc Anthony
    7. Man! I Feel Like A Woman – Shania Twain
    8. Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom! – Vengaboys
    9. Livin La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
    10. U Know What’s Up – Donell Jones featuring Left-Eye

    1999’s Hip Hop/Rap Music Top Ten

    1. Satisfy You – Puff Daddy with R Kelly
    2. Changes – 2Pac
    3. Back That Azz Up – Juvenile
    4. Got Your Money – Ol Dirty Bastard and Kelis
    5. Can I Get A… Jay-Z
    6. Take Me There – Blackstreet with Mya
    7. Vivrant Thing – Q-Tip
    8. Rosa Parks – Outkast
    9. Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) – Jay-Z
    10. Jamboree – Naughty By Nature
    11. What’s It Gonna Be – Busta Rhymes with Janet

    1999’s Bubblegum Pop Music Top Twenty

    1. …Baby, One More Time – Britney Spears
    2. Summergirls – LFO
    3. Genie in a Bottle – Christina Aguilera
    4. I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys
    5. Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer
    6. Mambo Number 5 – Lou Bega
    7. All-Star – Smash Mouth
    8. C’est La Vie – B*Witched
    9. Smile – Vitamin C
    10. Steal My Sunshine – Len
    11. Man! I Feel Like A Woman! – Shania Twain
    12. Larger Than Life – Backstreet Boys
    13. Candy – Mandy Moore
    14. Every Morning – Sugar Ray
    15. I’ll Be Your Everything – Youngstown
    16. Waiting for Tonight-Jennifer Lopez
    17. She’s So High – Tal Bachman
    18. We Like To Party! – Vengaboys
    19. Livin La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
    20. Jump Jive N Wail – Brian Setzer Orchestra

    1999’s Pop Rock Top 10 Hit List

    1. All-Star – Smash Mouth
    2. Better Days (And The Bottom Drops Out) – Citizen King
    3. You Get What You Give – New Radicals
    4. American Woman – Lenny Kravitz
    5. My Own Worst Enemy – Lit
    6. Pretty Fly ( For A White Guy) – The Offspring
    7. Smooth – Santana Feat. Rob Thomas
    8. What’s My Age Again? – Blink 182
    9. Jumper – Third Eye Blind
    10. Someday – Sugar Ray

    1999’s Alternative Top 10 Hit List

    1. Blue Monday – Orgy
    2. Last Kiss – Pearl Jam
    3. Slide- The Goo Goo Dolls
    4. Praise You – Fatboy Slim
    5. Unsent – Alanis Morissette
    6. Guerrilla Radio – Rage Against The Machine
    7. Why Don’t You Get A Job – The Offspring
    8. The Dolphin’s Cry – Live
    9. Never There – Cake
    10. At The Stars – Better Than Ezra

    1999’s Album Rock Top 10 Hit List

    1. Scar Tissue – Red Hot Chili Peppers
    2. Malibu – Hole
    3. Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz
    4. Black Balloon – The Goo Goo Dolls
    5. The Day The World Went Away – Nine Inch Nails
    6. The Chemicals Between Us – Bush
    7. One – Creed
    8. Heavy – Collective Soul
    9. Nookie – Limp Bizkit
    10. Higher – Creed

    PCM’s 1999 Top 10 Hit List

    1. All-Star – Smash Mouth
    2. Man! I Feel Like A Woman – Shania Twain
    3. Mambo #5 – Lou Bega
    4. I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys
    5. Smooth – Santana with Rob Thomas
    6. Livin La Vita Loca – Ricky Martin
    7. … Baby One More – Britney Spears
    8. Believe – Cher
    9. Summergirls – LFO
    10. We Like To Party – Venga Boys
  • July 17 in Pop Culture History

    July 17 in Pop Culture History

    July 17 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 17 History Highlights

    • 1918 – Czar Nicholas II and his family were executed at the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
    • Disneyland was dedicated at an “International Press Preview” event held on Sunday, July 17, 1955, and opened to the public on July 18.
    • 1975 – The US Appolo 18 linked with the Soviet Soyez spacecraft
    • 1981 – The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, MO, had a partial collapse, killing 114 people.
    • 1984 – The minimum legal drinking age was raised from 18 to 21 nationally in the United States.
    • 1989 – B-2 Stealth Bombers were successfully tested over Palmdale, CA.
    • If you were born on July 17th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 24th (prior year)

    World Emoji Day

    Although there were similar things referenced in the late 1960s/early 1970s, until some definitive evidence comes down, Scott’s statement pretty much stands. “I’ve never seen any hard evidence that the 🙂 “The sequence was in use before my original post, and I’ve never run into anyone who actually claims to have invented it before I did,” He added “That it’s always possible that someone else had the same idea — it’s a simple and obvious idea”

    Typewriters were around for over 100 years, why didn’t they come up before?

    Most typing was for professional reasons, the emoticons were computer guys were having fun with each other. There are references going back to the 1600s, but I don’t think emoticons really count unless they are used with a typewriter, or at least not hand-written. A handwritten emoticon is just a doodle.

    The basic Smiley Face was created in 1963 by an artist named Harvey Ball. The Pop Culture Madness Logo is a play on that, the smiley face with a bite taken out of it.

    Now there are dozens of “Western Emoticons” and we have “Eastern Emoticons” – Japan’s version.
    Generally, the Western Emoticons are read sideways (turn your head) like 🙂 and Eastern Emoticons are read straight up like (-_-).

    We’re in the Age of the Emoji.

    The Emoticons and Internet abbreviations are really important because quick text messages can come across as cold or even terse. That little smiley emoji or LOL can tell somebody that you are not really mad. But if you are angry, you can make that clear with the Angry Face Emoji. Once texting became a thing, emoticons and internet slang like LOL or BTW became a quicker way of expressing a thought.

    There are hundreds of emojis (emojii?) at this point, but one of the most popular, and universal is the POOP Emoji. It was meant to be soft-serve chocolate ice cream, but people didn’t read it that way.

    July 17 is…

    National Peach Ice Cream Day
    National Tattoo Day
    World Day for International Justice
    World Emoji Day
    Observed annually on July 17th
    Wrong-Way Corrigan Day
    Yellow Pigs Day

    July 17 Birthday Quotes

    “When you realize that life isn’t fair, you don’t act out, you don’t get overly wasted, you don’t get self-indulgent. You just move forward.”
    – David Hasselhoff

    “Acquaint yourself with your own ignorance.”
    – Isaac Watts

    “Do a little more than you’re paid to. Give a little more than you have to. Try a little harder than you want to. Aim a little higher than you think possible, and give a lot of thanks to God for health, family, and friends.”
    – Art Linkletter

    “Find your mark, look the other fellow in the eye, and tell the truth.”
    – James Cagney

    “I come from Nova Scotia, and I’d never seen a theater or been inside of a theater. When I was 17, my dad asked me what I wanted to do, and I said I thought I would like to be an actor. I didn’t have any idea what it was to be an actor. None. I’d wanted to be either an actor or a sculptor, which are both essentially the same thing. That’s how it all started for me.”
    – Donald Sutherland

    “If you’re not invited to the party, throw your own.”
    – Diahann Carroll

    “The problem with me is that nothing embarrasses me.”
    – David Hasselhoff

    July 17 Birthdays

    1674 – Isaac Watts, English hymn writer and theologian (died in 1748)
    1763 – John Jacob Astor, German-American businessman and philanthropist (died in 1848)
    1899 – James Cagney, American actor (died in 1986)
    1912 – Art Linkletter, Canadian-American radio and television host (died in 2010)
    1917 – Phyllis Diller, American actress and comedian (died in 2012)
    1918 – Red Sovine, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 1980)
    1923 – John Cooper, English car designer, co-founded the Cooper Car Company (died in 2000)
    1928 – Vince Guaraldi, American songwriter and pianist (died in 1976)
    1932 – Quino, Spanish-Argentinian cartoonist
    1935 – Diahann Carroll, American actress and singer (died in 2019)
    1935 – Donald Sutherland, Canadian actor
    1939 – Spencer Davis, Welsh singer-songwriter
    1944 – Catherine Schell, Hungarian-English actress
    1947 – Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
    1949 – Geezer Butler, English bass player and songwriter
    1950 – Phoebe Snow, American singer-songwriter (died in 2011)
    1951 – Lucie Arnaz, American actress
    1952 – David Hasselhoff, American actor, singer, and producer
    1952 – Nicolette Larson, American singer-songwriter (died in 1997)
    1954 – Angela Merkel, German chemist politician, 8th Chancellor of Germany
    1963 – Regina Belle, American singer-songwriter
    1965 – Alex Winter, English-American actor
    1975 – Darude, Finnish DJ and producer (Sandstorm)
    1976 – Luke Bryan, American singer-songwriter

    July 17 History

    1429 – Charles VII of France was crowned the King of France in the Reims Cathedral after a successful campaign by Joan of Arc.

    1856 – The Great Train Wreck of 1856 in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, injured over 100, and killed over 60 people.

    1867 – Harvard School of Dental Medicine was established in Boston, Massachusetts

    1899 – NEC Corporation is organized as the first Japanese joint venture with foreign capital. Today, NEC has structured its organization around three principal segments: IT solutions, network solutions, and electronic devices.

    1918 – Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his immediate family were murdered by Bolshevik Chekists at the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

    1938 – Douglas Corrigan took off from Brooklyn to fly the “wrong way” to Ireland and becomes known as “Wrong Way” Corrigan.

    1955 – Disneyland was dedicated and opened by Walt Disney in Anaheim, California.

    1981 – A structural failure caused the collapse of a walkway at the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City, Missouri killing 114 people and injuring more than 200.

    1984 – The national drinking age in the United States was changed from 18 to 21.

    1989 – First flight of the Northrop B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber.

    1999 – #1 Hit July 17, 1999 – July 23, 1999: Destiny’s Child – Bills, Bills, Bills

    July 17, 2002 – The Apple iPod (2nd generation) was released.

    2014 – Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, a Boeing 777, was shot down near the border of Ukraine and Russia. All 298 people on board were killed.

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    The word “idea” has an unusually high syllable-to-letter ratio.

    The Caspian Sea is actually the world’s largest lake.

    Notice the big letter on the face of the dollar bill? Each letter represents which Federal Reserve Bank printed it! “I” is for Minneapolis

    Cleopatra lived closer in time to the founding of the internet than to the building of the pyramids.

    What was Captain Hook’s name before he got the hook?

    Violet Jessop was an early 20th-century stewardess/nurse who survived being on the Olympic, the Titanic, and the Britannic.

    William Henry Harrison was the only US President to never issue an executive order

    Roger Vadim – Real Name: Roger Vadim Plemiannikov

    “If you build it, he will come.”- Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta)

    I want a doorbell that says *King* **Kong** #soundhumor

    “Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.” #moviequotes

    The Lion King was actually about how irresponsible Hakuna Matata really was.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • July 16 in Pop Culture History

    July 16 in Pop Culture History

    July 16 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 16 History Highlights

    • 622 – The beginning of the Islamic (354 day) calendar.
    • 1790 – The District of Columbia was established as the capital of the United States.
    • 1945 – The ‘Fat Boy’ atomic bomb was tested near Alamogordo, New Mexico.
    • 1969 – Apollo 11 was launched to the Moon.
    • 1994 – Comet Shoemaker-Levy crashed into Jupiter.
    • On July 16, 2186, astronomers predict to be the longest solar eclipse in 10,000 years.
    • If you were born on July 16th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 23rd (prior year)

    Guinea Pig Appreciation Day

    Guinea pigs have been a popular household pet since their introduction to Europe and North America by European traders in the 16th century. Guinea pigs are among the most popular pets, and for good reason. They’re very friendly animals that enjoy human interaction; they’ll follow you around, squeak when they want attention or food, and will even play with toys on their own.

    Scientists have been using guinea pigs for experiments since the 17th century. They were so frequently used as model organisms in both 19th and 20th centuries that people started calling humans test subjects “guinea pigs.” Since then, they’ve replaced them with other rodents like mice or rats.

    July 16 is…

    Guinea Pig Appreciation Day
    National Corn Fritter Day
    National Fresh Spinach Day
    National Personal Chef Day
    World Snake Day

    July 16 Birthday Quotes

    “Not money, or success, or position or travel or love makes happiness… service is the secret.”
    – Kathleen Norris

    “I ain’t afraid to tell the world that it don’t take school stuff to help a fella play ball.”
    – Shoeless Joe Jackson

    “I never like other people to clean for me. I don’t want them to invade my own privacy.”
    – Bess Myerson

    “Things will get better if you just hold out long enough.”
    – Desmond Dekker

    “I do everything the man does, only backwards and in high heels!”
    – Ginger Rogers

    “No matter how much you screw up your life, you can fix it.”
    – Will Ferrell

    “Every once in a while, someone will mail me a single popcorn kernel that didn’t pop. I’ll get out a fresh kernel, tape it to a piece of paper and mail it back to them.”
    – Orville Redenbacher

    “I try to feed my hunger rather than my appetite.”
    – Ginger Rogers

    “I’m more than an actor. I’m an icon, an industry.”
    – Corey Feldman

    July 16 Birthdays

    1880 – Kathleen Norris, American journalist and author (died in 1966)
    1887 – Shoeless Joe Jackson, American baseball player (died in 1951)
    1902 – Mary Philbin, American actress (died in 1993)
    1907 – Orville Redenbacher, American farmer and businessman, founded Orville Redenbacher’s (died in 1995)
    1907 – Barbara Stanwyck, American actress (died in 1990)
    1911 – Ginger Rogers, American actress, singer, and dancer (died in 1995)
    1911 – Sonny Tufts, American actor (died in 1970)
    1924 – Bess Myerson, American model, actress, game show panelist, Miss America 1945 (died in 2014)
    1941 – Desmond Dekker, Jamaican singer-songwriter (died in 2006)
    1952 – Stewart Copeland, American drummer and songwriter
    1957 – Faye Grant, American actress
    1963 – Phoebe Cates, American actress
    1965 – Sherri Stoner, American actress
    1967 – Will Ferrell, American comedic actor
    1968 – Barry Sanders, American football player
    1968 – Larry Sanger, American philosopher and businessman, co-founded Wikipedia
    1971 – Corey Feldman, American actor
    1987 – AnnaLynne McCord, American actress

    July 16 History

    1661
    The European banknotes were issued by the Swedish bank Stockholms Banco.

    1769
    Father Junípero Serra founded California’s first mission, Mission San Diego de Alcalá, later known as San Diego, California.

    1790
    The District of Columbia was established as the capital of the United States with the Residence Act.

    1862
    David Farragut was promoted to rear admiral, becoming the first officer in United States Navy to hold the rank.

    1915
    The Boy Scout’s First Order of the Arrow ceremony took place, and the Order of the Arrow was founded.

    1935
    The world’s first parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Roger W. Babson filed the first US patent for the device on August 30, 1928.

    1941
    Joe DiMaggio hit safely for the 56th consecutive game, an MLB record that still stands.

    1945
    (Manhattan Project) The United States successfully detonated a plutonium-based test nuclear weapon near Alamogordo, New Mexico.

    1951
    Little, Brown, and Company published The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger for the first time.

    1956
    Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus closed its last “Big Tent” show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    1965
    The Mont Blanc Tunnel linking France and Italy opened.

    1966
    #1 Hit July 16, 1966 – July 29, 1966: Tommy James and the Shondells – Hanky Panky

    1969
    Apollo 11 (July 16-24, 1969) Crew: Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin

    1974
    July 16, 1974 – In TV’s first live suicide, news presenter Christine Chubbuck, during her TV broadcast, suddenly stopped reading the teleprompter and said, “In keeping with Channel 40’s policy of bringing you the latest in blood and guts, and in living color, you are going to see another first: an attempted suicide.” She died about 14 hours later.

    1977
    #1 Hit July 16, 1977 – July 22, 1977: Shaun Cassidy – Da Doo Ron Ron

    1994
    Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with Jupiter on July 16-22.

    1999
    John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife, Carolyn, and her sister, Lauren Bessette, died when the Piper Saratoga PA-32R aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.

    2004
    Millennium Park was opened to the public by Mayor Richard M. Daley.

    July 16, 2004Stuck in the Suburbs aired on The Disney Channel

    2011
    #1 Hit July 16, 2011August 26, 2011: LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock – Party Rock Anthem

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    A group of Heirs is an Expectation.

    “Mr. McCallister, here’s your very own cheese pizza.” – Cedric the Bellman in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York #moviequotes

    The newspaper serving Frostbite Falls, Minnesota, the home of Rocky and Bullwinkle, is the Picayune Intelligence.

    Do You Realize?? by The Flaming Lips is the official state rock song of Oklahoma.

    Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film in history to be nominated for a Best Picture at the Academy Awards

    The area of the base of the Great Pyramid in Egypt is 13 Acres.

    Why are sci-fi movie laser blasts slower than bullets?

    Joseph Conrad – Real Name: Jozef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski

    “Nobody comes here anymore, it’s too crowded” – Yogi Berra

    The S.O.S in the S.O.S brand soap pads stands for ‘save our saucepans’.

    I have a step ladder, I never knew my real ladder.

    There are approximately 1.4 trillion dollars in circulation.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • The Hollywood Sign

    The Hollywood Sign

    The Hollywood Sign: One of the Seven Wonders of Pop Culture

    In the summer of 1923, long before Hollywood meant movie magic, celebrity culture, or global fame, a curious new landmark appeared on the hillsides of Los Angeles. It wasn’t a monument to cinema or a tribute to the arts—it was a glowing billboard, 50 feet tall and blinking across the skyline: HOLLYWOODLAND. Built to advertise a real estate development, the sign wasn’t meant to last more than 18 months.

    Yet, this temporary promotion would outlive its original purpose by a full century, weathering car crashes, windstorms, vandals, and urban sprawl to become one of the most enduring icons in the world. It has symbolized everything from stardom to superficiality—and everything in between.

    (Take Hollywood Sign Quiz!)

    ???? The Original Plan: Real Estate Advertising

    When the sign went up, it didn’t say HOLLYWOOD—it said HOLLYWOODLANDReal estate developer Harry Chandler placed the 50-foot-high letters to advertise a housing development in the Hollywood Hills.

    And this wasn’t a static billboard. It was lit by 4,000 bulbs that blinked in sequence:

    • First: HOLLY

    • Then: WOOD

    • Then: LAND

    • Finally, the full HOLLYWOODLAND lit up at once.

    It was only supposed to stay up for about 18 months. Instead, it lasted over a century.


    ????️ Neglect, Decay, and a Missing “H”

    By the 1940s, the sign was falling apart. The massive wooden letters weren’t maintained, and the original construction was never meant to endure. Over the years:

    • The letter H was damaged when a car crashed into it.

    • Vandals and fire took their toll on other sections.

    • Neighborhood pressure mounted to either restore or remove it.

    Then came a turning point.


    ✂️ From “Hollywoodland” to “Hollywood”

    In 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce took over maintenance and made a major change: they dropped the “LAND.” The remaining nine letters were repaired and repainted, and HOLLYWOOD became the permanent version.

    From real estate slogan to symbolic cityscape.


    ???? Reinvention and Restoration

    The sign’s most dramatic transformation came in the late 1970s, when it had deteriorated again badly. It was rebuilt entirely in 1978, with sturdier steel letters, each 44 feet tall and over 30 feet wide.

    The project cost $250,000, with each letter sponsored by a different celebrity or donor. Among them:

    • Hugh Hefner, who helped organize the campaign

    • Alice Cooper, who sponsored an “O” in honor of Groucho Marx

    • Gene Autry, Andy Williams, and others pitched in, too

    They didn’t just rebuild it—they future-proofed it.


    ????️ Who Owns the Hollywood Sign?

    Today, the Hollywood Sign is owned by the City of Los Angeles, but it’s managed and licensed by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which also runs the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    • The image of the sign is trademarked.

    • Commercial use of the sign’s likeness requires a license.

    • Exceptions are made for major events, such as when it briefly read “HOLYWOOD” during Pope John Paul II’s 1987 visit.

    In 1983, with permission, it was changed to “GO NAVY” for the Army-Navy game, played that year in Pasadena, the first and only time it was held on the West Coast.


    ???? A Post-1978 Icon

    The Hollywood Sign wasn’t always iconic—it became one after its 1978 relaunch. With national TV coverage, media buzz, and improved visibility, it started appearing more in movies, video games, and pop culture references:

    • The Rocketeer (1991)

    • Mighty Joe Young (1998)

    • San Andreas, Sharknado, and Independence Day all blow it up

    • It even collapses in Roland Emmerich’s The Day After Tomorrow

    It’s now used as visual shorthand for the entertainment industry—and sometimes, for America itself.


    ???? The Original “Hollywoodland” Plan Failed

    The neighborhood never took off the way developers hoped. In a later twist of romantic ambition, Howard Hughes bought land near the sign and reportedly planned to build a mansion there to impress Ginger Rogers. That relationship ended, and the house was never built.

    In time, the Hollywood Sign Trust purchased the land beneath the sign and turned into Griffith Park, preserving the view and preventing commercial development.


    ???? Fresh Paint and High-Tech Surveillance

    In 2013, for the sign’s 90th birthday, it got a fresh coat of paint:

    • 255 gallons of high-reflective white acrylic latex paint

    • 150 gallons of primer

    • Each letter was sandblasted and refinished individually

    Despite its public visibility, the sign is off-limits to the public. You can hike near it, but:

    • Security cameras, infrared sensors, and motion mics monitor activity

    • There’s a barbed-wire fence

    • Unauthorized access can result in heavy fines or arrest

    So those scenes in movies with characters climbing it? Not happening in real life.


    ✨ From Temporary Billboard to Pop Culture Monument

    The Hollywood Sign was never meant to last—but it outlived the development it advertised, the city that grew around it, and the century that gave birth to its fame. It’s more than letters—it symbolizes dreams, illusions, resilience, and a towering tribute to pure, 100% recreational pop culture.

  • July 15 in Pop Culture History

    July 15 in Pop Culture History

    July 15 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 15 History Highlights

    • 70 – Siege of Jerusalem: Titus and his armies breached the walls of Jerusalem.
    • 1799 – The Rosetta Stone was found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Captain Pierre-François Bouchard.
    • July 15, 1825 – Birthday (fictional) Rooster Cogburn, True Grit
    • 1870 – Georgia became the final former Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union.
    • 1979 – American President Jimmy Carter gave his “malaise speech”.
    • July 15, 19** The Murder of John & Mary Grayson, Dick’s Parents, Batman, DC Comics
    • If you were born on July 15th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 22nd (prior year)

    Gummi (Gummy) Worm Day

    Hans Riegel Sr., a candy maker from Bonn, Germany, who was the founder of Haribo, another German confectionery company created Gummi Bears in 1922. Today, in the United States, Haribo’s Gummy Bears are sold in five flavors: raspberry (red), orange (orange), strawberry (green), pineapple (colorless), and lemon (yellow). The standard ingredients are sugar, glucose syrup, starch, flavoring, food coloring, citric acid, and gelatin.

    Trolli, a German confectionery company that is famously known for their Gummi Worms, created them in 1981. Most sources claim that the worms slithered onto the scene on July 15th – which we now mark as Gummi Worm Day! Trolli had been looking to create candy with only two colors and flavors (which meet at one point) when they discovered this design during an effort to have something disgusting enough to put parents off of it. The 5cm long treats were made up of 2 different flavors: strawberry and grapefruit.

    July 15 is…

    Bon Festival (Japan’s Feast of Lanterns)
    Gummi Worm Day
    I Love Horses Day
    National Be a Dork Day
    National Give Something Away Day
    National Pet Fire Safety Day
    National Respect Canada Day
    National Tapioca Pudding Day
    Orange Chicken Day
    Saint Swithin’s Day (died on July 15, 862)

    July 15 Birthday Quotes

    “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again.”
    – Dorothy Fields

    “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success.”
    – Arianna Huffington

    “I like to play complex characters and the duality, and trying to reach for the light, it’s more interesting really. I’ve gotten to play so many types of guys and I just try to find the humanity in each one of them the best I can.”
    – Forest Whitaker

    “In the spirit of science, there really is no such thing as a ‘failed experiment.’ Any test that yields valid data is a valid test.”
    – Adam Savage

    “Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles.”
    – Alex Karras

    “Don’t just climb the ladder of success – a ladder that leads, after all, to higher and higher levels of stress and burnout – but chart a new path to success, remaking it in a way that includes not just the conventional metrics of money and power, but a third metric that includes well-being, wisdom, wonder and giving, so that the goal is not just to succeed but to thrive.”
    – Arianna Huffington

    “I hate having to read the manual.”
    – Trevor Horn

    July 15 Birthdays

    1864 – Marie Tempest, English actress and singer (died in 1942)
    1905 – Dorothy Fields, American songwriter (died in 1974)
    1917 – Joan Roberts, American actress and singer (died in 2012)
    1935 – Alex Karras, American football player, wrestler, and actor (died in 2012)
    1938 – Ernie Barnes, American football player, actor, and painter (died in 2009)
    1944 – Millie Jackson, American singer-songwriter
    1945 – Jan-Michael Vincent, American actor (died in 2019)
    1949 – Trevor Horn, English singer-songwriter, keyboard player (The Buggles)
    1950 – Arianna Huffington, Greek-American journalist and publisher
    1951 – Jesse Ventura, American wrestler, actor, and politician, 38th Governor of Minnesota
    1953 – Alicia Bridges, American singer-songwriter
    1956 – Joe Satriani, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
    1960 – Kim Alexis, American fashion model
    1961 – Lolita Davidovich, Canadian actress
    1961 – Forest Whitaker, American actor
    1963 – Brigitte Nielsen, Danish-Italian actress
    1966 – Jason Bonham, English singer-songwriter and drummer
    1967 – Adam Savage, American special effects designer
    1968 – Eddie Griffin, American comedian and actor
    1972 – Scott Foley, American actor
    1973 – Brian Austin Green, American actor
    1976 – Diane Kruger, German actress
    1976 – Gabriel Iglesias, Mexican-American comedian

    July 15 History

    850 (Earthquake) Iran

    1149 – The reconstructed Church of the Holy Sepulchre was consecrated in Jerusalem.

    1799 – The Rosetta Stone was found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Captain Pierre-François Bouchard during Napoleon’s Egyptian Campaign.

    1823 – A fire destroyed the ancient Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Italy.

    July 15, 1825 – Birthday (fictional) Rooster Cogburn, True Grit, Film

    1834 – The Spanish Inquisition was officially disbanded after nearly 356 years. Several thousand people were actually executed over this time, averaging about a dozen per year.

    1838 – Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered the Divinity School Address at Harvard Divinity School, discounting Biblical miracles and declaring Jesus a great man, but not God. The Christian Community was not pleased.

    1916 – In Seattle, Washington, William Boeing, and George Conrad Westervelt incorporated Pacific Aero Products (later renamed Boeing).

    1950 – #1 Hit July 15, 1950 – August 18, 1950: Nat King Cole – Mona Lisa

    1954 – First flight of the Boeing 367-80, the prototype for both the Boeing 707 and C-135 series.

    1955 – Eighteen Nobel laureates signed the Mainau Declaration against nuclear weapons, later co-signed by thirty-four others.

    1968 – One Life To Live (OLTL) premiered on ABC.

    1979 – US President Jimmy Carter gives his Malaise Speech, where he characterizes the greatest threat to the country as “this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation.”

    1989 – #1 Hit July 15, 1989 – July 21, 1989: Simply Red – If You Don’t Know Me By Now

    2000 – #1 Hit July 15, 2000 – July 21, 2000: Vertical Horizon – Everything You Want

    2003 – The Mozilla Foundation was established.

    2006 – Twitter was launched. 140 characters could say a lot.

    2007Rock of Love with Bret Michaels premiered on VH1

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    Michael Keaton – Real Name: Michael Douglas

    Julianne Moore – Real Name: Julie Smith

    “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.” – Lou Gehrig (Gary Cooper)

    American voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft was both the singer behind You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch as well as the original voice for Tony the Tiger.

    Jurassic Park was filmed on the Hawaiian island Kauai.

    I want to say something clever here, but I’m pretty sure someone has already said it.

    A group of Giraffes is called a Tower.

    The beautiful part of America is that we get to choose the liars we blindly follow, no matter our political orientation.

    “Book ’em Danno” – Steve McGarrett (Hawaii Five-O)

    People that don’t use straws at restaurants are weird. People that use straws at home are weird.

    Green Smarties are Strawberry Flavored.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • Painter’s Folly Public Meeting on July 16, 2025

    Painter’s Folly Public Meeting on July 16, 2025

    Painter’s Folly Public Meeting:

    Chadds Ford Invites Public Input on Future of Historic Landmark


    Community members are urged to attend in person or via Zoom to help shape the fate of this Brandywine Valley treasure

    Chadds Ford Township will host a special Painter’s Folly Public Meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, inviting residents, historians, and preservation advocates to weigh in on the future of one of Pennsylvania’s most historically and artistically significant properties.

    The meeting—hosted by the Chadds Ford Township Board of Supervisors and the Open Space Committee—will begin at 6:00 PM at the Chadds Ford Township Building, 10 Ring Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, with a Zoom option for virtual attendance:

    ???? https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85605970215

    An Open Space Committee Meeting will immediately follow.


    The Legacy of Painter’s Folly

    Constructed in 1856 by wealthy farmer Samuel Painter, Painter’s Folly was a bold and ornate Italianate structure inspired by his travels in Europe. Neighbors mocked its grandeur, giving it the nickname that stuck. The three-story, 6,970-square-foot home sits on four acres, bordering the historic Brandywine Battlefield, which adds further significance to its location.

    The home’s cultural legacy deepened when Howard Pyle, one of America’s most celebrated illustrators, rented it as a summer retreat. Pyle hosted fellow members of the Brandywine School, mentoring artists such as N.C. Wyeth, whose son, Andrew Wyeth, later immortalized the property in paintings such as Painter’s Folly (1989) and Widow’s Walk (1990).

    Today, Painter’s Folly is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its connection to the Regional American art movement is considered a cultural cornerstone in the Brandywine Valley.

    Preservation at a Crossroads

    Originally purchased by Chadds Ford Township in 1999, the property was acquired again in 2019, when it was formally purchased from longtime owners Helen and George Sipala. The Sipalas lived at Painter’s Folly for 45 years and had been stewards of the home’s artistic and architectural legacy. Helen Sipala currently resides in a cottage adjacent to the main house, rented from the township, and served as the property’s official caretaker until asked by the township to return the keys in October 2024.

    The stated goal of the township purchase was preservation. However, in the years since, concerns have grown among residents and preservationists about the building’s future. The upcoming July 16 meeting follows a previous public discussion held on August 24, 2024, where calls for a transparent path forward were raised.

    What’s at Stake

    The upcoming meeting invites the public to provide input on current options for Painter’s Folly, including restoration, stewardship models, potential partnerships, and long-term sustainability planning. With its rich blend of architectural charm, proximity to the Revolutionary War, and artistic heritage, the property stands as one of the few remaining links to a bygone era.

    Several local organizations, including historic preservation groups, artists, and community leaders, are expected to speak or submit proposals. Township officials are also expected to present updates and listen to suggestions regarding preservation and public access.

    Join the Conversation

    The July 16 meeting is a pivotal moment for the future of Painter’s Folly. Anyone passionate about art history, heritage preservation, or the unique character of Chadds Ford is encouraged to participate, whether to ask questions, offer support, or share ideas for the building’s next chapter.

    ???? In-Person:

    Chadds Ford Township Building

    10 Ring Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

    Date/Time: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – 6:00 PM ET

    ???? Zoom Link:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85605970215

    ???? Background Materials:

  • Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1943?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1943?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1943?

    43 Trivia Questions for 1943 History

    (answers)

    1. This was the first major crossover release starring two monster characters from established films. Name the characters or film.
    Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman

    2. During World War II, the National Football League merged the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers into a single franchise. What was the name of that football team?
    The Steagles (also Phil-Pitt)

    3. This Broadway show opened on March 31, 1943, and ran through 1948—it became the longest-running musical play at that time. Name that show.
    Oklahoma!

    4. In 1943, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
    Men – 62.4 years, Women – 64.4 years.

    5. Who was the President of the United States in 1943?
    Franklin D. Roosevelt (March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945)

    6. This company was founded in 1943 by a 17-year-old Swedish carpenter named Ingvar Kamprad. Name his company.
    IKEA

    7. She was a song in 1942 and became a poster in 1943. Who was she?
    Rosie the Riveter.

    8. what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1943 to the nearest dime?
    30 cents

    9. NBC had two radio networks: the Blue Network and the Red Network. The Red Network was sold and became what radio, and later television, network?
    ABC (American Broadcasting Company)

    10. Born in 1943, this author wrote the second-best-selling book series, After Harry Potter. Name the author and his book series.
    Goosebumps by R.L. Stine

    11. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1943?
    The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

    12. Lassie’s first movie was released in October of 1943. What was it called?
    Lassie Come Home

    13. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1943?
    I’ve Heard That Song Before by Harry James

    14. What was the highest-grossing film of 1943?
    This is the Army

    15. How many people lived in the United States in 1943?
    The population was an estimated 136,739,353 people.

    16. Name the Italian leader arrested on July 25, 1943…
    Benito Mussolini

    17. The third Dracula film was released through Universal Pictures and starred Lon Chaney Jr as Count Alucard. Name that horror sequel
    Son of Dracula

    18. Mexican-American youths and some members of the American military have a bit of a tussle in early June in East Los Angeles. What was that fight called?
    The Zoot Suit Riots

    19. Introduced in 1943, Kryptonite can injure Superman. Was it first introduced in his comic books, cartoons, or radio show?
    The Adventures of Superman radio show. It gave a reason for him not to appear while his actor took a vacation.

    20. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1943?
    In 1943, The Detroit Red Wings won over the Boston Bruins (4 games to 0)

    21. Who won the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1943?
    Count Fleet

    22. Ignacio Anaya created this snack in Mexico, near the Texas border.
    Nachos

    23. This metal toy was introduced at a Gimbels department store and inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2000. Later, it had its own commercial jingle.
    The Slinky

    24. This US Navy mystery involved the USS Eldridge, the Philadelphia Navy Shipyard, invisibility, and teleportation. Although probably a hoax, what is the name of the incident?
    The Philadelphia Experiment

    25. What is the all-time best-selling book originally written in French?
    The Little Prince (by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)

    26. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1943?
    $0.21 per gallon

    27. This caped comic book hero appeared in both newspaper comic strips and a 15-part movie serial in 1943. Name that crimefighter.
    Batman (and Robin)

    28. It’s one of America’s most collectible coins and less than a few dozen were produced in 1943. Name that coin.
    1943 Copper Penny (Most were made of steel)

    29. Featuring Howard Roark, his 1943 novel by Ayn Rand was her first bestseller.
    The Fountainhead

    30. This building was built in Washington, DC, between 1939 and 1943 in honor of an American president. Name that building.
    Jefferson Memorial

    31. Along with Emile Gagnan, who invented the Aqua-lung?
    Jacques Cousteau

    32. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1943?
    57 cents

    33. Named after a trombone-like instrument, this was designed as an anti-tank weapon. Name that weapon.
    Bazooka

    34. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1943: John Denver, Keith Richards, Jim Morrison, Marvin Gaye Toni Basil?
    Marvin Gaye (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984)

    35. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1943?
    George Marshall

    36. In the Warner Brothers cartoon Falling Hare, it didn’t happen very often, but who gets the best of Bugs Bunny?
    A Gremlin.

    37. Who was NOT at the WWII: Casablanca Conference: Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Charles de Gaulle, or Franklin D. Roosevelt?
    Joseph Stalin (he was focused on the Battle of Stalingrad)

    38. What is the world’s largest office building?
    The Pentagon (completed in 1943)

    39. After this scientist died on January 7, 1943, the Federal Bureau of Investigation took all of his notes. Name that scientist.
    Nikola Tesla (July 10, 1856 – January 7, 1943)

    40. The city of Spearfish had a temperature fluctuation one morning of 49 degrees, from minus 4 to 45 degrees on January 22, 1943, within 2 minutes! In what state is Spearfish located? Hint: Rapid City had a similar rise that same day.
    South Dakota

    41. Who won the 1943 World Series?
    In 1943, The New York Yankees won, beating the St. Louis Cardinals (4 games to 1)

    42. What was the boat’s name under the command of future President John F. Kennedy’s boat?
    PT-109

    43. Born in 1943, this man co-founded Atari and Chuck-E-Cheese. Name him.
    Nolan Bushnell

    Trivia Team Bonus Questions:

    1. Minister George Fox and Clark Poling, Roman Catholic priest John Washington, and Rabbi Alexander Goode all gave up their life jackets for servicemen and died at sea. What is the nickname for these men?
    The Four Chaplains

    2. What was the codename for World War II’s Battle of Normandy?
    Operation Overlord.

    3. Who were the 1943 NFL Champions?
    Chicago Bears

    4. In 1943, Mexican farmer Dionisio Pulido noticed a bump in his yard, which grew to 400 feet tall within a week. What was that bump in his yard?
    A Volcano.

    5. Who was the American Vice-President in 1943?
    Henry A. Wallace (January 20, 1941 – January 20, 1945)

    6. What government agency worked with Hollywood in censoring and propaganda during World War II?
    (United States) Office of War Information

    7. Name the star, an actor and singer, whose 20-room Hollywood mansion was destroyed by a fire while his family was taking down the Christmas tree.Bing Crosby

    8. Who was the Pope in 1943?
    Pope Pius XII, March 2, 1939 – October 9, 1958

    9. Born this year, this actress was killed by the “Manson family” in 1969. Name that actress.
    Sharon Tate

    10. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1943?
    Count Fleet

    The Answers:

    43 Trivia Answers for 1943 History

    1. This was the first major crossover release starring two monster characters from established films. Name the characters or film.
    Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman

    2. During World War II, the National Football League merged the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers into a single franchise. What was the name of that football team?
    The Steagles (also Phil-Pitt)

    3. This Broadway show opened on March 31, 1943, and ran through 1948—it became the longest-running musical play at that time. Name that show.
    Oklahoma!

    4. In 1943, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
    Men – 62.4 years, Women – 64.4 years.

    5. Who was the President of the United States in 1943?
    Franklin D. Roosevelt (March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945)

    6. This company was founded in 1943 by a 17-year-old Swedish carpenter named Ingvar Kamprad. Name his company.
    IKEA

    7. She was a song in 1942 and became a poster in 1943. Who was she?
    Rosie the Riveter.

    8. what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1943 to the nearest dime?
    30 cents

    9. NBC had two radio networks: the Blue Network and the Red Network. The Red Network was sold and became what radio, and later television, network?
    ABC (American Broadcasting Company)

    10. Born in 1943, this author wrote the second-best-selling book series, After Harry Potter. Name the author and his book series.
    Goosebumps by R.L. Stine

    11. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1943?
    The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

    12. Lassie’s first movie was released in October of 1943. What was it called?
    Lassie Come Home

    13. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1943?
    I’ve Heard That Song Before by Harry James

    14. What was the highest-grossing film of 1943?
    This is the Army

    15. How many people lived in the United States in 1943?
    The population was an estimated 136,739,353 people.

    16. Name the Italian leader arrested on July 25, 1943…
    Benito Mussolini

    17. The third Dracula film was released through Universal Pictures and starred Lon Chaney Jr as Count Alucard. Name that horror sequel
    Son of Dracula

    18. Mexican-American youths and some members of the American military have a bit of a tussle in early June in East Los Angeles. What was that fight called?
    The Zoot Suit Riots

    19. Introduced in 1943, Kryptonite can injure Superman. Was it first introduced in his comic books, cartoons, or radio show?
    The Adventures of Superman radio show. It gave a reason for him not to appear while his actor took a vacation.

    20. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1943?
    In 1943, The Detroit Red Wings won over the Boston Bruins (4 games to 0)

    21. Who won the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1943?
    Count Fleet

    22. Ignacio Anaya created this snack in Mexico, near the Texas border.
    Nachos

    23. This metal toy was introduced at a Gimbels department store and inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2000. Later, it had its own commercial jingle.
    The Slinky

    24. This US Navy mystery involved the USS Eldridge, the Philadelphia Navy Shipyard, invisibility, and teleportation. Although probably a hoax, what is the name of the incident?
    The Philadelphia Experiment

    25. What is the all-time best-selling book originally written in French?
    The Little Prince (by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)

    26. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1943?
    $0.21 per gallon

    27. This caped comic book hero appeared in both newspaper comic strips and a 15-part movie serial in 1943. Name that crimefighter.
    Batman (and Robin)

    28. It’s one of America’s most collectible coins and less than a few dozen were produced in 1943. Name that coin.
    1943 Copper Penny (Most were made of steel)

    29. Featuring Howard Roark, his 1943 novel by Ayn Rand was her first bestseller.
    The Fountainhead

    30. This building was built in Washington, DC, between 1939 and 1943 in honor of an American president. Name that building.
    Jefferson Memorial

    31. Along with Emile Gagnan, who invented the Aqua-lung?
    Jacques Cousteau

    32. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1943?
    57 cents

    33. Named after a trombone-like instrument, this was designed as an anti-tank weapon. Name that weapon.
    Bazooka

    34. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1943: John Denver, Keith Richards, Jim Morrison, Marvin Gaye Toni Basil?
    Marvin Gaye (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984)

    35. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1943?
    George Marshall

    36. In the Warner Brothers cartoon Falling Hare, it didn’t happen very often, but who gets the best of Bugs Bunny?
    A Gremlin.

    37. Who was NOT at the WWII: Casablanca Conference: Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Charles de Gaulle, or Franklin D. Roosevelt?
    Joseph Stalin (he was focused on the Battle of Stalingrad)

    38. What is the world’s largest office building?
    The Pentagon (completed in 1943)

    39. After this scientist died on January 7, 1943, the Federal Bureau of Investigation took all of his notes. Name that scientist.
    Nikola Tesla (July 10, 1856 – January 7, 1943)

    40. The city of Spearfish had a temperature fluctuation one morning of 49 degrees, from minus 4 to 45 degrees on January 22, 1943, within 2 minutes! In what state is Spearfish located? Hint: Rapid City had a similar rise that same day.
    South Dakota

    41. Who won the 1943 World Series?
    In 1943, The New York Yankees won, beating the St. Louis Cardinals (4 games to 1)

    42. What was the boat’s name under the command of future President John F. Kennedy’s boat?
    PT-109

    43. Born in 1943, this man co-founded Atari and Chuck-E-Cheese. Name him.
    Nolan Bushnell

    Trivia Team Bonus Questions:

    1. Minister George Fox and Clark Poling, Roman Catholic priest John Washington, and Rabbi Alexander Goode all gave up their life jackets for servicemen and died at sea. What is the nickname for these men?
    The Four Chaplains

    2. What was the codename for World War II’s Battle of Normandy?
    Operation Overlord.

    3. Who were the 1943 NFL Champions?
    Chicago Bears

    4. In 1943, Mexican farmer Dionisio Pulido noticed a bump in his yard, which grew to 400 feet tall within a week. What was that bump in his yard?
    A Volcano.

    5. Who was the American Vice-President in 1943?
    Henry A. Wallace (January 20, 1941 – January 20, 1945)

    6. What government agency worked with Hollywood in censoring and propaganda during World War II?
    (United States) Office of War Information

    7. Name the star, an actor and singer, whose 20-room Hollywood mansion was destroyed by a fire while his family was taking down the Christmas tree.Bing Crosby

    8. Who was the Pope in 1943?
    Pope Pius XII, March 2, 1939 – October 9, 1958

    9. Born this year, this actress was killed by the “Manson family” in 1969. Name that actress.
    Sharon Tate

    10. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1943?
    Count Fleet

     
  • July 14 in Pop Culture History

    July 14 in Pop Culture History

    July 14 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 14 History Highlights

    • 1789 – The start of the French Revolution (celebrated as Bastille Day today)
    • 1853 – America’s first major World’s Fair, The Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations, opened in New York City.
    • The ‘Little’ Chicago Fire of 1874 burned down 47 acres of the city, destroying 812 buildings, killing 20
    • 1881 – Billy the Kid was shot and killed by Pat Garrett outside Fort Sumner.
    • 1960 – Jane Goodall arrived at the Gombe Stream Reserve (Tanzania) to begin her study of chimpanzees in the wild.
    • If you were born on July 14th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 21st (prior year)

    Shark Awareness Day

    Sharks are one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. They’re able to sense their prey from miles away and they have an impressive arsenal, including rows upon rows of teeth that can deliver a lethal bite with just millimeters in between! Sadly enough, it’s people who pose more danger for sharks than vice versa – you’ve probably heard about or seen dramatic pictures depicting how close we come to them when snorkeling as opposed to what those situations look like in reality. Sharks as “aggressive” creatures of the sea don’t help either.

    The global demand for these delicacies like shark-fin soup, combined with the false perception that beaches couldn’t be dangerous if there is no lifeguard nearby, means millions of innocent animals die each year. About 8 people a year are killed by shark attacks worldwide every year, and six times that number (50) are killed by lightning strikes.

    July 14 is…

    Bastille Day (France)
    National Grand Marnier Day
    National Mac and Cheese Day
    National Tape Measure Day
    Pandemonium Day
    Shark Awareness Day

    July 14 Birthday Quotes

    “It’s a folk singer’s job to comfort disturbed people and to disturb comfortable people.”
    – Woody Guthrie

    “I have never painted a self-portrait. I am less interested in myself as a subject for a painting than I am in other people, above all women… There is nothing special about me. I am a painter who paints day after day from morning to night… Whoever wants to know something about me… ought to look carefully at my pictures.”
    – Gustav Klimt

    “I am living permanently in my dream, from which I make brief forays into reality.”
    – Ingmar Bergman

    “I am a child of America. If ever I’m sent to Death Row for my revolutionary ‘crimes,’ I’ll order as my last meal: a hamburger, french fries, and a coke.”
    – Jerry Rubin

    “At the end of the day, you gotta feel some way. So why not feel unbeatable? Why not feel untouchable.”
    – Conor McGregor

    “I promise my fellow citizens only this: To uphold the Constitution, to do what is right as God gives me to see the right, and…to do the very best that I can for America.”
    – Gerald Ford

    July 14 Birthdays

    1861 – Kate M. Gordon, American suffragette (died in 1931)
    1862 – Gustav Klimt, Austrian painter and illustrator (died in 1918)
    1894 – Dave Fleischer, American animator, director and producer (died in 1979)
    1906 – Tom Carvel, Greek-American businessman, founded Carvel (died in 1990)
    1912 – Woody Guthrie, American singer-songwriter (died in 1967)
    1912 – Buddy Moreno, American musician and entertainer (died in 2015)
    1913 – Gerald Ford, American politician, 38th President of the United States (died in 2006)
    1918 – Ingmar Bergman, Swedish director, producer, and screenwriter (died in 2007)
    1926 – Harry Dean Stanton, American actor (died in 2017)
    1927 – John Chancellor, American journalist (died in 1996)
    1927 – Mike Esposito, American comic book author and illustrator (died in 2010)
    1930 – Polly Bergen, American actress (died in 2014)
    1932 – Rosey Grier, American football player and actor
    1938 – Jerry Rubin, American activist and businessman (died in 1994)
    1949 – Tommy Mottola, American businessman and music publisher
    1952 – Franklin Graham, American evangelist and missionary
    1952 – Joel Silver, American actor and producer, co-founded Dark Castle Entertainment
    1961 – Jackie Earle Haley, American actor
    1966 – Matthew Fox, American actor
    1986 – Dan Smith, English singer-songwriter
    1988 – Conor McGregor, Irish mixed martial artist

    July 14 History

    1789 – Bastille Day. Tens of thousands of the citizens of Paris stormed the Bastille, the Paris fortress used as a prison to hold political prisoners, and released the seven prisoners inside at the onset of the French Revolution.

    1791 – The Priestley Riots drove Joseph Priestley, a supporter of the French Revolution and religious dissenter, out of Birmingham, England.

    1798 – The Sedition Act became law in the United States, making it a federal crime to write, publish, or utter false or malicious statements about the United States government.

    1853 – Opening of the first major US World’s Fair – the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in New York City.

    1874 – The ‘Little Chicago Fire’ of 1874 burns down 47 acres of the city, destroying 812 buildings, killing 20. The October 10, 1871 ‘Great Chicago Fire’ was beggir.

    1881 – Billy the Kid was shot and killed by frenemy Pat Garrett outside Fort Sumner.

    1911 – Harry Atwood, an exhibition pilot for the Wright Brothers, landed his airplane at the South Lawn of the White House.

    1933 – Gleichschaltung: In Germany, all political parties were outlawed except the Nazi Party.

    1933 – The Nazi eugenics plan began with the proclamation of the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring, which called for the compulsory sterilization of any citizen who suffered from alleged genetic disorders.

    1938 – Howard Hughes sets a new record by completing a 91-hour airplane flight around the world.

    1960 – Jane Goodall arrived at the Gombe Stream Reserve in present-day Tanzania to begin her famous study of chimpanzees in the wild.

    1962 – #1 Hit July 14, 1962 – August 10, 1962: Bobby Vinton – Roses Are Red (My Love)

    1969 – The United States’ $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 bills were officially withdrawn from circulation.

    1979 – #1 Hit July 14, 1979 – August 17, 1979: Donna Summer – Bad Girls

    1992 – 386BSD was released by Lynne and William Jolitz beginning the Open Source Operating System Revolution. Linus Torvalds released his Linux soon afterward.

    July 14, 19** Birthday (fictional) SpongeBob SquarePants, Cartoon, TV

    2000 – A powerful solar flare, later named the Bastille Day event, caused a geomagnetic storm on Earth.

    2008 – The Wendy Williams Show premiered, in syndication.

    2015 – NASA’s New Horizons probe performs the first flyby of Pluto, completing the initial survey of the Solar System.

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues #5 – Frugality.
    Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

    When the Clue movie was released, they gave movie theaters 3 different endings.

    The Tower of London is wider than it is high.

    In Dirty Dancing, what was Baby’s real name? Frances!

    When I was in elementary school, we would bring pop songs to class to translate the lyrics together with our teacher. With today’s pop lyrics, that would be very awkward.

    The Capital of Namibia is Windhoek

    There is only one country between North Korea and Norway. #russia

    “Friendships born on the field of athletic strife are the real gold of competition. Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust.” – Jesse Owens

    I bet the first person who said “I’m a poet and I didn’t even know it” felt really clever.

    “Plastics.” – Mr. Maguire (Walter Brooke) in Graduate, The Graduate, 1967

    The sleeve on the outside of a coffee cup is called a “zarf.”

    Isn’t it odd the way everyone just assumes that the goo in soap dispensers is always soap? I should fill mine with mustard, just to teach people a lesson in trust.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • 1956 Top Ten Music Charts

    1956 Top Ten Music Charts

    1956’s Biggest Artists, Albums and Songs

    Elvis Presley managed to do what no one had done before – crossing over Pop, R&B, and Country, all while making Rock and Roll almost respectable. His single Don’t Be Cruel, with the reverse side Hound Dog, spent most of the summer of ’56 in the top Billboard chart position across all popular genres.
     
    New Artists in the Pop Charts Included:
    Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Frankie Lymon, Johnny Cash, Little Richard, Big Joe Turner, The Coasters and a congenial fellow named
    Andy Williams.

    1956’s Retro Top 10 Hits

    1. Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley
    2. I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash
    3. Memories Are Made of This – Dean Martin
    4. Corrine Corrina – Big Joe Turner
    5. Band of Gold – Don Cherry
    6. Stranded In The Jungle – The Jayhawks (or The Cadets)
    7. Standing on the Corner – The Four Lads
    8. Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom) – Perry Como
    9. Rock and Roll Waltz – Kay Starr
    10. Get Me To The Church On Time – Julius LaRosa

    1956’s ‘One Hit Wonders’

    1. Be-Bop-A-Lula – Gene Vincent
    2. I Put A Spell On You – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
    3. Eddie My Love – Teen Queens
    4. Churchbells May Ring – The Willows
    5. April In Paris – Count Basie
    6. Priscilla – Eddie Cooley
    7. The Happy Whistler – Don Robertson
    8. Lovely Lies – Manhattan Brothers and Miriam Makeba
    9. Moonglow (& Theme From Picnic) – Morris Stoloff
    10. Ivory Tower – Cathy Carr

    1956’s Dance Top 10 Hit List

    1. Don’t Be Cruel – Elvis Presley
    2. Let The Good Times Roll – Shirley and Lee
    3. My Blue Heaven – Fats Domino
    4. Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins
    5. Tutti-Frutti – Little Richard
    6. Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
    7. Singin The Blues – Guy Mitchell
    8. See You Later Alligator – Bill Haley and His Comets
    9. Deep Purple – Nino Tempo & April Stevens
    10. Mack The Knife – Louis Armstrong

    1956’s Doo-Wop Song Top 10 Hit List

    1. In The Still Of The Nite – Five Satins
    2. The ABC’s Of Love – Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers
    3. Little Girl Of Mine – Cleftones
    4. Why Do Fools Fall In Love – Frankie Lymon &
    the Teenagers
    5. Oh What A Night – The Dells
    6. My Prayer – The Platters
    7. Ruby Baby – Drifters
    8. I Want You To Be My Girl – Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers
    9. Church Bells May Ring – The Willows OR The Diamonds
    10. (You’ve Got The Magic Touch) – The Drifters

    PCM’s 1956 Top 10 Hit List

    1. Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley
    2. Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
    3. My Prayer – The Platters
    4. Long Tall Sally – Little Richard
    5. Why Do Fools Fall In Love – Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
    6. Mack The Knife – Louis Armstrong
    7. Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins
    8. My Blue Heaven – Fats Domino
    9. Singing The Blues – Guy Mitchell
    10. In The Still of the Night – The Five Satins
  • July 13 in Pop Culture Histroy

    July 13 in Pop Culture Histroy

    July 13 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 13 History Highlights

    • 587 BC – Nebuchadnezzar II siege of Jerusalem ended following the destruction of Solomon’s Temple.
    • 1787 – The Continental Congress enacted the Northwest Ordinance establishing governing rules for the Northwest Territory.
    • 1930 – The First World Cup was inaugerated at Montevideo, Uruguay.
    • 1985 – Live Aid was broadcast from both London and Philadelphia, on MTV and in syndication.
    • If you were born on July 13th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 20th (prior year)

    Barbershop Music Appreciation Day

    “Barbershop music” has been described by Samuel Pepys as amateur instrumental tunes in the 17th century. The style may have its origins from barber’s mandolin or guitar playing, which were used to help people relax during their haircuts and shave. Some even believe that the Barbershop Quartet started back when Barbershops served as community centers where men would gather for social activities with a barber while working on their hair cuts.

    Tradition says that post-Civil War, black men were known for singing in groups, called quartets, and informally “cracking up a chord”. This can be traced back to 1882 when the New York Age wrote about this as entertainment that arises from African Americans not being able to attend theater or concert halls because they were excluded from it alltogether.

    Reviving the tradition, Edna Mae Anderson of Tulsa, Oklahoma invited some women to her home on July 13th, 1945. Their husbands were members of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA). The ladies wanted to participate in all that fun and enjoyment. On this night, they created a group called Sweet Adelines International

    July 13 is…

    Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
    Bean ‘n’ Franks Day
    Embrace Your Geekness Day
    Fool’s Paradise Day
    Go West Day
    Gruntled Workers Day
    National Beef Tallow Day
    National French Fry Day

    July 13 Birthday Quotes

    “You can have all the tools in the world but if you don’t genuinely believe in yourself, it’s useless.”
    – Ken Jeong

    “If you wish a thing done, get someone to do it for you; but if you wish it done well, do it yourself.”
    – John Jacob Astor

    “People are always saying that I must have been the class clown, with all these voices. No, I was way too shy to be the class clown; I was a class clown’s writer.”
    – Tom Kenny

    “If there’s anyone in space, what they’ll learn about the human race will be listening to us talking on the car phone.”
    – Roger McGuinn

    “If someone says ‘Give me one word of advice,’ I say ‘be fearless.’ And knowing without any shadow of a doubt that what they have to give – who they are – is totally unique and not shared by anybody else. And to believe in that uniqueness. It took me decades before I developed courage as an actor.”
    – Patrick Stewart

    “When people lack jobs, opportunity, and ownership of property they have little or no stake in their communities.”
    – Jack Kemp

    July 13 Birthdays

    1864 – John Jacob Astor IV, American businessman (died in 1912)
    1911 – Bob Steele, American radio personality (died in 2002)
    1913 – Dave Garroway, American journalist and television personality (died in 1982)
    1922 – Leslie Brooks, American actress (died in 2011)
    1928 – Bob Crane, American actor (died in 1978)
    1935 – Jack Kemp, American politician (died in 2009)
    1940 – Patrick Stewart, English actor
    1942 – Harrison Ford, American actor
    1942 – Roger McGuinn, American singer-songwriter
    1946 – Cheech Marin, American actor and comedian
    1951 – Didi Conn, American actress
    1956 – Michael Spinks, American boxer
    1957 – Cameron Crowe, American director, producer, and screenwriter
    1962 – Tom ‘SpongeBob” Kenny, American voice actor and screenwriter
    1966 – Gerald Levert, American R&B singer-songwriter (died in 2006)
    1969 – Ken Jeong, American actor, comedian and physician
    1974 – Deborah Cox, Canadian singer-songwriter
    1988 – Colton Haynes, American actor
    1988 – Steven R. McQueen, American actor
    2003 – Wyatt Oleff, American actor
    2005 – Kyle Harrison Breitkopf, Canadian actor

    July 13 History

    1787 – The Continental Congress enacted the Northwest Ordinance establishing governing rules for the Northwest Territory. It also established procedures for the admission of new states and limits the expansion of slavery.

    1923 – The Hollywood Sign is officially dedicated in the hills above Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. It originally read “Hollywoodland ” but the four last letters are dropped after a renovation in 1949.

    1951 – Arnold Schoenberg, a famous 20th-century composer, had triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13), he died on July 13th, 1951.

    1957 – #1 Hit July 13, 1957 – August 30, 1957: Elvis Presley – (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear

    1959 – #1 Hit July 13, 1959 – August 9, 1959: Paul Anka – Lonely Boy

    1974 – #1 Hit July 13, 1974 – July 26, 1974: George McCrae – Rock Your Baby

    1977 – New York City Blackout of 1977

    1985 – #1 Hit July 13, 1985 – July 26, 1985: Duran Duran – A View to a Kill

    2002 – Fox News Channel became the #1 cable TV news service of the US, beating long-time champ CNN

    2013 – George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

    July 13, 2305 Birthday (fictional) Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: The Next Generation, TV

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    Harry’s father, James Potter is the villain from every teen comedy.

    Clarke’s First Law: When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.

    Every activity will lead to weight loss if you add “instead of eating” at the end of the sentence.

    Legally Blonde was originally a novel based on author Amanda Brown’s experiences at Stanford Law School.

    The Capital of Nauru is no official capital; government offices in Yaren District

    Vincent Van Gogh sold only one work of art during his lifetime.

    There are a total of 3,863,484 unique Lego bricks in The Lego Movie.

    A group of Guinea Fowl is called a Confusion.

    Roulette Odds: numbers 1 to 12: Payoff: 2:1 True Odds: 31.58%

    Never offend people with style when you can offend them with substance.

    Quotes from Spongebob are like inside jokes; you’ll get weird stares if you say them around people who don’t know them. “I never thought those Pirates would beat all those Robots!”

    I bought the world’s worst thesaurus earlier. Not only was it terrible, but it was also terrible.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • 100+ Longest Songs in Rock  Pop Music

    100+ Longest Songs in Rock Pop Music

    Longest Songs in Rock & Pop Music

    • We have made every effort to find the original release versions.
    • Live versions are counted when they have been bonafide hits.
    • Dance mixes are only included if they genuinely add to the song.
    • There are variations for some of these numbers by any song listed can be 5-10 seconds longer or shorter on a different recording.
    2 Legit 2 Quit by Hammer (7:55)
    2112 by Rush (20:33)
    #41 by Dave Matthews Band (6:39)
    A Modern Myth by 30 Seconds To Mars (14:09)
    A Night on Bald Mountain (Fantasia Soundtrack) (8:45)
    Abacab by Genesis (7:02)
    Adventures of Greggery Peccary by Frank Zappa (20:33)
    Ain’t No Use by The Meters (11:51)
    Albuquerque by Weird Al Yankovic (11:25)
    Alice’s Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie (18:36)
    All Too Well by Taylor Swift (10:00)
    Always and Forever by Heatwave (6:14)
    American City Suite by Cashman and West (7:42)
    American Pie by Don McLean (8:34)
    An American In Paris by George Gershwin (16:34)
    Angola Anthem by Dr. John (17:35)
    Autobahn by Kraftwerk (22:43)
    Babe, I’m on Fire by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds (14:45)
    Bad Luck by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (8:01)
    Beginnings by Chicago (7:50)
    Biko by Peter Gabriel (6:54)
    Blinded By The Light by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (7:07)
    Blue Monday by New Order (7:25)
    Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (5:55)
    Butt Naked by Charm (7:53)
    Captain Jack by Billy Joel (7:14)
    Celebration of the Lizard King by The Doors (14:25)
    Champagne Supernova by Oasis (7:28)
    Child In Time by Deep Purple (10:22)
    Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd (6:24)
    Desolation Row by Bob Dylan (11:21)
    Dirty Ol’ Man by The Three Degrees (8:24)
    Disco Inferno by The Trammps (10:51)
    D.O.A. by Bloodrock (8:30)
    Do You Feel Like We Do by Peter Frampton (13:46)
    Dodo/Lurker by Genesis (7:31)
    Echoes by Pink Floyd (23:28)
    Embraceable You by Billie Holiday (6:48)
    Everybody Move by Cathy Dennis (8:09)
    everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrman (7:09)
    Everything I Do I Do It For You by Bryan Adams (6:33)
    Exodus by Bob Marley (7:35)
    Fade To Black by Metallica (6:53)
    Finally by Fergie and John Legend (8:26)
    Fool’s Gold by The Stone Roses (9:53)
    Frankenstein by Edgar Winter Group (6:44)
    Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd (10:07)
    Freebird Live by Lynyrd Skynyrd (14:09)
    Fun House (Take 3) by The Stooges (11:29)
    Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John (11:08)
    Funkytown by Lipps Inc (7:51)
    Gates of Delerium by Yes (21:55)
    Get Ready by Rare Earth (21:30)
    Glad by Traffic (6:59)
    Goodnight Saigon by Billy Joel (7:21)
    Green-Eyed Lady by Sugarloaf (7:00)
    Green Grass and High Tides by Outlaws (9:49)
    Hey Jude by The Beatles (7:11)
    Hocus Pocus by Focus (6:40)
    Hold Your Head Up by Argent (6:20)
    Hotel California by Eagles (7:12)
    I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Creedence Clearwater Revival (11:06)
    In Held ‘Twas in I by Prcul Harum (17:31)
    I Love Music by O’Jays (9:49)
    I Want You (She’s So Heavy) by The Beatles (7:47)
    I Want Your Sex by George Michael (9:17)
    I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) by Meat Loaf (11:59)
    I’ll Always Love My Mama by The Intruders (9:49)
    I’m A Man by Chicago (7:43)
    I’m Your Captain by Grand Funk Railroad (9:58)
    In The Midnight Hour by Samantha Sang (7:17)
    In-A-Godda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly (17:02)
    Incident On 57th Street by Bruce Springsteen (7:45)
    Isn’t It a Pity? by George Harrison (7:08)
    It’s a Mugs Game by Soft Cell (8:11)
    It’s All Coming Back to Me Now by Céline Dion (7:37)
    Jessica by The Allam Brothers Band (7:30)
    Just the Two of Us by George Benson (7:26)
    Karn Evil 9 by Emerson, Lake and Palmer (29:36)
    Kashmir by Led Zeppelin (8:28)
    Kitty’s Back by Bruce Springsteen (7:09)
    L.A. Woman by the Doors (7:49)
    Last Christmas by Wham! (6:44)
    Layla by Derek and the Dominos (7:00)
    The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer by Johnny Cash (8:26)
    Life’s Been Good To Me So Far by Joe Walsh (8:56)
    Light My Fire by the Doors (7:08)
    Living For The City by Stevie Wonder (7:25)
    Love Is the Message by MSFB (11:33)
    Love Machine by The Miracles (6:57)
    Lovestoned (I Think She Knows) by Justin Timberlake (7:24)
    Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys by Traffic (12:10)
    MacArthur Park by Richard Harris (7:20)
    Maggot Brain by Funkadelic (10:19)
    Maria by Blondie (9:27)
    Memphis Underground by Herbie Mann (7:06)
    Miracles by Jefferson Starship (6:55)
    Moments In Love by Art of Noise (14:15)
    Money For Nothing by Dire Straits (8:27)
    Monkey by George Michael (7:30)
    Mountain Jam by Allman Brothers Band (33:41)
    My Time of Dying by Led Zeppelin (11:06)
    Nights in White Satin by Moody Blues (7:40)
    No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) by Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer (11:49)
    No Ordinary Love by Sade (7:23)
    November Rain by by Guns N’ Roses (8:57)
    Oh Well by Fleetwood Mac (9:02)
    One by Metallica (7:27)
    Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone by The Temptations (6:53)
    The Payback by James Brown (7:34)
    Paradise By The Dashboard Light by Meatloaf (8:28)
    Paradise City by Guns N Roses (6:44)
    Planet Rock by Afrika Bambaataa (9:12)
    Purple Rain by Prince (8:45)
    Radar Love by Golden Earring (6:27)
    Rapper’s Delight by Sugarhill Gang (14:33 )
    Revolution 9 by The Beatles (8:13)
    Rhapsody In Blue by George Gershwin (14:24)
    Riders on the Storm by the Doors (7:11)
    Rock Lobster by B-52s (6:51)
    Rosalita by Bruce Springsteen (7:04)
    Roundabout by Yes (8:30)
    Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands by Bob Dylan (11:23)
    Salisbury by Uriah Heap (16:12)
    Scenes from an Italian Restaurant by Billy Joel (7:33)
    Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd (26:01)
    Sister Ray by Velvet Underground (17:31)
    Sky Pilot by Eric Burdon and the Animals (7:29)
    The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Fantasia Soundtrack) (9:21)
    Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin (8:01)
    Starless by King Crimson (12:16)
    Starship Trooper by Yes (9:26)
    State of Grace (acoustic version) by Taylor Swift (5:23)
    Station To Station by David Bowie (10:14)
    Stranglehold by Ted Nugent (8:23)
    Suite: Judy Blue Eyes by Crosby, Stills, Nash (7:30)
    Supper’s Ready by Genesis (22:54)
    Suzie Q by Creedence Clearwater Revival (8:37)
    Sweet Jane (w Intro by Live) by Lou Reed (8:03)
    Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go by Soft Cell (8:58)
    Tales From Topographic Oceans by Yes (1:20:52) by spread out over several albums, apparently
    Taxi by Harry Chapin (6:44)
    Telegraph Road by Dire Straits (14:22)
    The Camera Eye by Rush (10:58)
    The End by The Doors (11:43)
    The Friends of Mr. Cairo by John And Vangelis (11:49)
    The Minotaur by Dick Hyman Trio (7:24)
    The Perfect Drug by Nine Inch Nails (7:23)
    Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull (43:50)
    This Is The Way We Roll by Hammer (7:46)
    Thriller by Michael Jackson (5:57)
    Time by Pink Floyd (7:05)
    Toad by Cream (16:16)
    Tonight, Tonight, Tonight by Genesis (8:50)
    Trapped In The Closet (Chapters 1-5) by R. Kelly (16:32)
    Tubular Bells (Pt. 1) by Mike Oldfield (25:36)
    Tubular Bells (Pt. 2) by Mike Oldfield (23:20)
    Us and Them by Pink Floyd (7:51)
    Voodoo Chile by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (15:05)
    Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes (7:33)
    We Are Family (Album version) by Sister Sledge (6:43)
    We Are The World by USA For Africa (7:07)
    Welcome To The Machine by Pink Floyd (7:38)
    What You Give by Tesla (7:08)
    When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin (7:07)
    White Lines by Grandmaster Flash (7:34)
    Whoot, There It Is by 95 South (7:00)
    Won’t Get Fooled Again by The Who (8:33)
    The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot (7:02)
    Year of the Cat by Al Stewart (6:45)
    You Can’t Always Get What You Want by Rolling Stones (7:30)
  • The Ship of Theseus

    The Ship of Theseus

    The Ship of Theseus: Exploring the Paradox of Identity

    If every piece of a ship is replaced, one plank at a time, is it still the same ship? And if someone collects all the original parts and reassembles them elsewhere—do we now have two versions of the same ship?

    This is the classic thought experiment known as The Ship of Theseus, and it’s been making philosophers scratch their heads for more than 2,000 years.

    But it’s not just about boats. It’s about you, me, companies, countries, and how we understand continuity and change in a world where everything is always moving.

    The Original Story

    The thought experiment traces back to Plutarch, a Greek historian and philosopher who lived in the 1st century AD. In Life of Theseus, he tells the story of the mythical Athenian hero whose ship was preserved as a national monument.

    Over time, the ship’s wooden parts decayed, so the Athenians replaced them piece by piece. Eventually, none of the original parts remained.

    So Plutarch asked: Is it still the same ship of Theseus?

    Later philosophers, including Thomas Hobbes, added a twist: What if someone saved all the original parts and rebuilt the ship separately? Now you have:

    • One ship was made of entirely new parts but was in the same shape.

    • Another ship was made of the original materials but rebuilt later.

    Which one is the real Ship of Theseus?

    What’s at Stake?

    This puzzle might sound theoretical, but it raises real questions we deal with all the time:

    • If a person’s body and memories change over time, are they still the same person?

    • If a company rebrands, replaces staff, and moves locations, is it still the same company?

    • When a country’s government changes, does its national identity persist?

    At its core, the Ship of Theseus is about identity, continuity, and the criteria for sameness.

    The Core Concepts

    To dig deeper, we need to define a few terms.

    Numerical identity refers to being the exact same entity over time.

    Qualitative identity refers to being similar in qualities or appearance, like two identical phones that came off the assembly line.

    The Ship of Theseus tests numerical identity: Is this still the same ship, or is it just a replica with the same design?

    Philosophers generally consider three main ways to interpret the problem.

    1. Mereological (Part-Based) Identity

    This view says that the sum of its parts defines something. If you replace the parts, it becomes something new.

    So by this logic, when the last original plank of Theseus’s ship is replaced, it becomes a different ship—regardless of its shape or function.

    2. Form or Continuity-Based Identity

    What matters here is the continuity of function, shape, or purpose. If the ship continues serving the same role in the same form, it’s still “the same” ship, even if every part has changed.

    This matches how we often treat identity in everyday life. Your childhood self and your current self have different cells, thoughts, and habits—but we still consider you to be you.

    3. Psychological or Narrative Identity

    Applied to people, this view says identity is rooted in memory, consciousness, and self-perception. If your memories and personal narrative remain intact—even through physical changes—you remain the same person.

    This makes sense for humans but becomes trickier for objects like ships… or software.

    Modern-Day Examples

    The paradox pops up all over modern life—once you know where to look.

    Personal Identity

    Biologically, your body replaces most of its cells every 7–10 years. Your beliefs, habits, and relationships change too. Yet, we maintain a continuous sense of “self.”

    So what makes you still you? Is it memory? Consciousness? Legal documents?

    Corporate Identity

    Is Apple today the same Apple Steve Jobs started in a garage? Its leadership, products, mission, and even its customers have changed.

    Legally, it’s the same entity. But culturally or spiritually? Debatable.

    Software and Codebases

    Developers often rewrite code over time. A 10-year-old app may have none of its original code. Is it still the “same” app?

    Open-source projects, in particular, evolve like Theseus’s ship—piece by piece, through contributions from many people.

    National Identity

    Countries go through revolutions, regime changes, and cultural shifts. Yet, we often speak of them as continuous. Is modern-day France the same as Napoleonic France? What about post-Soviet Russia?

    Digital Identity and Clones

    With deepfakes, AI avatars, and mind-uploading theories, the Ship of Theseus has become a sci-fi staple. If you clone your mind onto a computer and your biological body dies, are you still you?

    Black Mirror fans, you’ve been here before.

    Pop Culture Echoes

    The Ship of Theseus isn’t just for textbooks.

    • Marvel’s WandaVision made it a central theme in a conversation between two versions of Vision—each asking whether they were still the same being.

    • Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell, and The Matrix all explore what it means to remain “human” through transformation.

    • In Westworld, hosts are rebuilt repeatedly—yet some maintain memories across versions. Identity? Or illusion?

    Philosophical Implications

    This thought experiment isn’t just about ships—it’s about what we value as the core of something:

    • Is identity physical? Or functional?

    • Do memories define us more than matter?

    • Can something retain its essence through change—or does it become something new?

    Philosophers like David Hume and Derek Parfit have suggested that identity is a useful illusion—a practical tool, not a metaphysical fact.

    Maybe the question isn’t “Is it the same?” but “Why do we care whether it is?”

    Connections to Other Thought Experiments

    The Ship of Theseus pairs well with:

    • The Teleporter Problem: If you’re disassembled and rebuilt elsewhere, are you still you?

    • The Experience Machine: Does simulated continuity count as real?

    • The Chinese Room: Is simulating understanding the same as actual understanding?

    Each one explores a different facet of identity, authenticity, and the gap between appearance and essence.

    Glossary of Terms

    • Numerical Identity – Being the same entity across time.

    • Qualitative Identity – Having the same properties as something else.

    • Continuity – Ongoing existence without abrupt changes.

    • Mereology – The philosophical study of parts and wholes.

    • Narrative Identity – The sense of self-formed through personal story and memory.

    Discussion Questions

    1. Would you still be the same person if you gradually replaced every part of your body?

    2. Which matters more: the physical components of something, or its form and function?

    3. Can two things be the “same” if they share origin, purpose, or name—but not materials?

    References and Further Reading

  • July 12 in Pop Culture History

    July 12 in Pop Culture History

    July 12 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 12 History Highlights

    • 1862 – The United States Congress authorizes the US Medal of Honor, the highest and most prestigious personal military decoration
    • 1930 – Bobby Jones won the first “Grand Slam of Golf” – US Open, British Open, British Amateur, US Amateur.
    • 1962 – The Rolling Stones performed together live for the first time, at London’s Marquee Club.
    • If you were born on July 12th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 19th (prior year)

    Etch A Sketch

    The Etch A Sketch was introduced near the peak of the Baby Boom on July 12, 1960 for $2.99. It went on to sell 600,000 units that year and is one of the best-known toys of that era, and over 100,000,000 have been sold to date.

    In 1998, it was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong, in Rochester, New York. In 2003, the Toy Industry Association named Etch A Sketch to its Century of Toys List, commemorating the 100 most memorable and most creative toys of the 20th century.

    Etch A Sketch is a mechanical drawing toy invented by André Cassagnes of France and subsequently manufactured by the Ohio Art Company and now owned by Spin Master of Toronto, Canada. Originally featuring a glass visual; frame, it was changed to plastic for children’s safety.

    An Etch A Sketch has a thick, flat gray screen in a red plastic frame. There are two knobs on the front of the frame in the lower corners. Twisting the knobs moves a stylus that displaces aluminum powder on the back of the screen, leaving a solid, dark line, then the knobs create lineographic images. To erase the picture, the user turns the toy upside down and shakes it. The left control moves the stylus horizontally, and the right one moves it vertically.

    The toy was featured in 1995’s Pixar film, Toy Story.

    July 12 is…

    Different Colored Eyes Day
    Etch A Sketch Day
    National Eat Your Jell-O Day
    National Pecan Pie Day
    New Conversations Day
    Orangemen’s Day
    Paper Bag Day
    Simplicity Day

    July 12 Birthday Quotes

    “Without training, they lacked knowledge. Without knowledge, they lacked confidence. Without confidence, they lacked victory.”
    – Julius Caesar

    “Simplify your life. Don’t waste the years struggling for things that are unimportant. Don’t burden yourself with possessions. Keep your needs and wants simple and enjoy what you have. Don’t destroy your peace of mind by looking back, worrying about the past. Live in the present. Simplify!”
    – Henry David Thoreau

    “Most artists look for something fresh to paint; frankly I find that quite boring. For me it is much more exciting to find fresh meaning in something familiar.”
    – Andrew Wyeth

    “It is what we know already that often prevents us from learning.”
    – Claude Bernard

    “Number one, like yourself.
    Number two, you have to eat healthy.
    And number three, you’ve got to squeeze your buns.
    That’s my formula.”
    – Richard Simmons

    “Well, do anything, if you do something right, we’ll use it, and if you do something wrong, we’ll fix it, but do something and do it now.”
    – Louis B. Mayer

    July 12 Birthdays

    100 BC – Julius Caesar, Roman politician and general (died in 44 BC)
    1813 – Claude Bernard, French physiologist and academic (died in 1878)
    1817 – Henry David Thoreau, American essayist, poet, and philosopher (died in 1862)
    1854 – George Eastman, American businessman, founded Eastman Kodak (died in 1933)
    1884 – Louis B. Mayer, Russian-American film producer, co-founded Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (died in 1957)
    1895 – Oscar Hammerstein II, American director, producer, and songwriter (died in 1960)
    1899 – E.D. ‘Edgar Daniel’ Nixon, American civil rights leader (died in 1987)
    1908 – Milton Berle, American comedian and actor (died in 2002)
    1909 – Joe ‘Curly Joe’ DeRita, American actor, #6 of the 3 Stooges (died in 1993)
    1909 – Herbert Zim, American naturalist, author, and educator (died in 1994)
    1917 – Andrew Wyeth, American artist (died in 2009)
    1923 – James E. Gunn, American science fiction author
    1937 – Bill Cosby, American actor, comedian and felon
    1943 – Christine McVie, English singer-songwriter and keyboard player
    1948 – Walter Egan, American singer-songwriter
    1948 – Richard Simmons, American fitness trainer
    1951 – Cheryl Ladd, American actress
    1956 – Mel Harris, American actress
    1956 – Sandi Patty, American singer
    1958 – J. D. Hayworth, American politician and radio host
    1958 – Tonya Lee Williams, English-Canadian actress
    1969 – Lisa Nicole Carson, American actress
    1971 – Loni Love, American comedian and actress
    1977 – Brock Lesnar, American mixed martial artist and wrestler
    1978 – Topher Grace, American actor
    1978 – Michelle Rodriguez, American actress
    1980 – Kristen Connolly, American actress
    1990 – Rachel Brosnahan, American actress

    July 12 History

    927 – Æthelstan, King of England, secured a pledge from Constantine II of Scotland that the latter would not ally with Viking kings, beginning the process of unifying Great Britain. This is considered by most historians to the closest thing that England has to a foundation date.

    1543 – King Henry VIII of England married his sixth (and last) wife, Catherine Parr, at Hampton Court Palace.

    1862 – The Medal of Honor was authorized by the United States Congress. In 1990, Congress designated March 25 annually as “National Medal of Honor Day.”

    1894 – Eight units for the measurement of electrical magnitudes were adopted in US law when President Grover Cleveland signed an Act of Congress “to define and establish the units of electrical measure” for the ohm, ampere, volt, coulomb, farad, joule, watt, and the henry. #standards

    1952 – #1 Hit July 12, 1952 – September 12, 1952: Vera Lynn – Auf Wiederseh’n Sweetheart

    1970 – The US patent (#105,338) for an improved process to produce celluloid, the first synthetic plastic, was awarded to John Wesley Hyatt, Jr.

    1920 – The Panama Canal was formally dedicated, although it had the first ship passed through several years earlier.

    1962 – The Rolling Stones performed their first concert, at the Marquee Club in London, England, United Kingdom.

    1969 – #1 Hit July 12, 1969 – August 22, 1969: Zager and Evans – In the Year 2525

    1976 – Family Feud debuted on ABC (later on CBS & in syndication)

    1986 – #1 Hit July 12, 1986 – July 18, 1986: Simply Red – Holding Back the Years

    1990 – Norther Exposure debuted on CBS

    1997Oz premiered on HBO

    2002 – Monk premiered on the USA Network

    2003 – #1 Hit July 12, 2003 – September 5, 2003: Beyonce featuring Jay-Z – Crazy in Love

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    “I love firm hugs. Statues are so affectionate. Well, at least compared to my ex-wife.” – Jarod Kintz

    The program Weapon X, which created Wolverine, is actually meant to be read as “Weapon 10.” Captain America is “Weapon 1.”

    Peter Finch – Real Name: Ian Mitchell

    The longest one-syllable word we could find in the English language is “screeched.”

    People who say “no pun intended” usually intended it.

    We don’t see any technological predictions of the future like in the ’80s, because we are the future.

    James Earl Jones was originally paid $7,000 for voicing Darth Vader

    “If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing.” – Benjamin Franklin

    The sounds made by the Brachiosaurs in Jurassic Park were a mix of whale and donkey sounds.

    The word ‘skunk’ comes from an Algonquian phrase for “peeing fox.”

    The Breakfast Club, Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles, and Weird Science were all filmed in Highland Park, Illinois.

    The Seven Virtues #3- Charity is a concern for, and active helping of, others.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • July 11 in Pop Culture History

    July 11 in Pop Culture History

    July 11 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 11 History Highlights

    • 1804 – Arron Burr (US Vice-President) and Alexander Hamilton had a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton was killed and Burr’s political plans ended.
    • 1914 – Babe Ruth made his debut in Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox.
    • 1979 – Skylab (82 tons) fell to Earth, mainly over the Indian Ocean and Australia. There were no casualties.
    • 1987 – Matej Gaspar was born inYugoslavia. He was the official 5 Billionth person on Earth at that time.
    • If you were born on July 11th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 18th (prior year) 

    Worl Population Day

    The number of people on earth has grown from one billion to over eight and a half billion in the last 200 years! The global population reached 7.9 million in 2021 and is expected to continue to grow.

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
    1804 – 1 billion people
    1927 – 2 billion people
    1960 – 3 billion people
    1974 – 4 billion people
    1987 – 5 billion people
    1999 – 6 billion people
    2012 – 7 billion people

    This dramatic growth has been driven largely by increasing numbers of people surviving to reproductive age and has been accompanied by major changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanization, and accelerating migration. The recent past has seen enormous changes in fertility rates and life expectancy. In the early 1970s, women had on average 4.5 children each; by 2015, total fertility for the world had fallen to below 2.5 children per woman. Meanwhile, average global lifespans have risen, from 64.6 years in the early 1990s to 72.6 years in 2019. (UN)

    World Population Growth

    July 11 is…

    All American Pet Photo Day
    Bowdler’s Day
    Free Slurpee Day
    International Essential Oils Day
    Make Your Own Sundae Day
    National Blueberry Muffin Day
    National Cheer up the Lonely Day
    National Mojito Day
    National Rainier Cherries Day
    National Swimming Pool Day
    World Population Day

    July 11 Birthday Quotes

    “Every morning I awake torn between a desire to save the world and an inclination to savor it. This makes it hard to plan the day. But if we forget to savor the world, what possible reason do we have for saving it? In a way, the savoring must come first.”
    – E.B. White

    “The difference between style and fashion is quality.”
    – Giorgio Armani

    “Reading well is one of the greatest pleasures that solitude can afford you.”
    – Harold Bloom

    “Now that I’m gone, I tell you, don’t smoke.”
    – Yul Brynner

    “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
    – John Quincy Adams

    “Life is like writing with a pen. You can cross out your past but you can’t erase it.”
    – E.B. White

    “Elegance is not catching somebody’s eyes, it’s staying in somebody’s memory.”
    – Giorgio Armani

    July 11 Birthdays

    154 – Bardaisan, Syrian astrologer, scholar, and philosopher (died in 222)
    1274 – Robert the Bruce, Scottish king (died in 1329)
    1767 – John Quincy Adams, American politician, 6th President of the United States (died in 1848)
    1899 – E.B. White, American essayist and journalist (died in 1985)
    1920 – Yul Brynner, Russian-American actor and dancer (died in 1985)
    1930 – Harold Bloom, American literary critic (died in 2019)
    1931 – Thurston Harris, American doo-wop singer (died in 1990)
    1931 – Tab Hunter, American actor and singer (died in 2018)
    1934 – Giorgio Armani, Italian fashion designer, founded the Armani Company
    1950 – Bonnie Pointer, American singer (died in 2020)
    1953 – Leon Spinks, American boxer
    1953 – Mindy Sterling, American actress
    1956 – Sela Ward, American actress
    1959 – Richie Sambora, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
    1959 – Suzanne Vega, American singer-songwriter
    1963 – Lisa Rinna, American actress
    1975 – Lil’ Kim, American rapper
    1990 – Connor Paolo, American actor
    1993 – Rebecca Bross, American gymnast
    1996 – Alessia Cara, Canadian singer-songwriter

    July 11 History

    1796
    The United States took possession of Detroit from Great Britain under the terms of the Jay Treaty.

    1798
    The United States Marine Corps was re-established (they had been disbanded after the American Revolutionary War).

    1889
    Tijuana, Mexico, was founded.

    1893
    The first cultured pearl was created under the direction of Kokichi Mikimoto in Japan.

    1921
    Former President William Howard Taft is sworn in as the 10th Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court – the only person ever to hold both offices.

    1922
    The Daisy Dell reopened as The Hollywood Bowl.

    1937
    Mount Lucania – 17,257 ft (5,260 m) – Yukon, Canada – First ascent: July 11, 1937 by Bradford Washburn and Robert Bates

    1960
    To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was published in the United States.

    1960
    #1 Hit July 11, 1960 – July 17, 1960: Hollywood Argyles – Alley-Oop

    1966
    The Newlywed Game
    premiered on ABC.

    1970
    #1 Hit July 11, 1970 – July 24, 1970: Three Dog Night – Mama Told Me (Not To Come)

    1972
    The first World Chess Championship 1972 game between challenger Bobby Fischer and defending champion Boris Spassky began.

    1973
    Varig Flight 820 crashed near Paris, France on approach to Orly Airport, killing 123 of the 134 onboard. In response, the FAA (The Federal Aviation Authority) banned smoking on flights.

    1975
    Chinese archeologists announced uncovering of a 3-acre burial mound concealing 6000 clay statues of warriors. The “Terracotta Army” and their regalia date from 221 to 206 BC, near the ancient capital of Xian.

    1977
    Martin Luther King, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

    1979
    America’s first space station, Skylab, was destroyed as it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere over the Indian Ocean.

    1987
    #1 Hit July 11, 1987 – July 31, 1987: Heart – Alone

    1991
    The ‘eclipse of the century ‘ solar eclipse cast a shadow stretching 9,000 miles from Hawaii to South America, lasting nearly seven minutes in some areas.

    2001
    Game Boy Advance released, Video Game Console

    2008
    The Apple iPhone 3G was released.

    2009
    #1 Hit July 11, 2009 – October 16, 2009: The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling

    2011
    Neptune, the eighth planet from the sun, completed its first full rotation of the sun since its discovery in 1846.

    2012
    Astronomers announced the discovery of Styx, the fifth moon of Pluto.

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    The license plate number on the Ghostbusters’ car was ECTO-1

    When you see a couple kissing at the end of a Christmas movie, they are covered in potato flakes (fake snow).

    Nigeria would be much richer if foreigners didn’t keep winning the lottery.

    “What is this? A freakout?” – Violet Beauregarde #moviequotes

    Every single one of your favorite things started out with you trying something new. #takearisk

    If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle.

    Useless Pronunciation: T as in tea

    “It usually takes me two or three days to prepare an impromptu speech.” – Mark Twain

    The “Bernard Dehydrated Water” cans floating around the Internet are not real products. Bernard Food Industries created the product as a gag that store owners could display to make customers laugh.

    The word “unfriend” appeared in print in 1659.

    “..and I would have gotten away with it too if it wasn’t for those meddling kids.” – Lord Voldemort

    “Cops and women don’t mix. It’s like eating a spoonful of Drano; sure, it’ll clean you out, but it’ll leave you hollow inside.” – Frank Drebin #moviequotes

    When I was a child I always hoped that the alien that found my balloon was happy.

    A prime number (or a prime) is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.
    Prime Days include:
    July: 7/2 ,7/3 ,7/5 ,7/7 ,7/11 ,7/13 ,7/17 ,7/19 ,7/23 ,7/29 ,7/31

    November: 11/2 ,11/3 ,11/5 ,11/7 ,11/11 ,11/13 ,11/17 ,11/19 ,11/23

    February: 2/2 ,2/3 ,2/5 ,2/7 ,2/11 ,2/13 ,2/17 ,2/19 ,2/23 ,2/29/17, 2/29/19, 2/29/23, 2/29/29

    March: 3/2 ,3/3 ,3/5 ,3/7 ,3/11 ,3/13 ,3/17 ,3/19 ,3/23 ,3/29 ,3/31

    May: 5/2 ,5/3 ,5/5 ,5/7 ,5/11 ,5/13 ,5/17 ,5/19 ,5/23 ,5/29 ,5/31

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • July 10 in Pop Culture History

    July 10 in Pop Culture History

    July 10 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 10 History Highlights

    • What what was the 44th US state? That would be Wyoming, joining July 10, 1890.
    • 1962 – Telstar was launched
    • 1991 – Boris Yeltsin took the oath as President of Russia.
    • If you were born on July 10th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 17th (prior year)

    Nikola Tesla

    Nikola Tesla was brought into the world on July 10, 1856, in the town of Smiljan, Serbia (present-day Croatia). Tesla contemplated math and physical science at the Technical University of Graz and theory at the University of Prague.

    In 1882, while on a walk, he thought of the thought for a brushless AC engine, making the main portrayals of its pivoting electromagnets in the sand of the way. Soon thereafter he moved to Paris and found a new line of work fixing direct current (DC) power plants with the Continental Edison Company.

    Nikola Tesla and Edison

    Tesla showed up in New York in 1884 and was recruited as a designer at Thomas Edison’s Manhattan base camp. He worked there for a year, intriguing Edison with his tirelessness and resourcefulness. At a certain point, Edison disclosed to Tesla he would pay $50,000 for an improved plan for his DC dynamos. Following quite a while of experimentation, Tesla introduced an answer and requested the cash. Edison disputed, saying, “Tesla, you don’t comprehend our American humor.” Tesla quit before long.

    Nikola Tesla and Westinghouse

    After an ineffective endeavor to begin his own Tesla Electric Light Company and a stretch burrowing ditches for $2 per day, Tesla devoted his time to the study of rotating electric flow. In 1887 and 1888 he was conceded in excess of 30 licenses for his developments and welcome to address the American Institute of Electrical Engineers on his work. His talk grabbed the eye of George Westinghouse, the designer who had dispatched the main alternating current (AC) power framework close to Boston and was Edison’s significant rival in the “Skirmish of the Currents.”

    Westinghouse recruited Tesla, authorized the licenses for his AC engine, and gave him his own lab. Meanwhile, Edison had the state of New York execute an elephant who killed a man via AC to show how dangerous it was, in a very public spectacle.

    During the 1890s Tesla imagined electric oscillators, meters, improved lights, and the high-voltage transformer known as the Tesla loop. He additionally tried different things with X-beams, gave short-range exhibits of radio correspondence two years before Guglielmo Marconi, and guided a radio-controlled boat around a pool in Madison Square Garden. Together, Tesla and Westinghouse lit the 1891 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and collaborated with General Electric to introduce AC generators at Niagara Falls, making that the principal current force station.

    He is best known for designing the modern alternating current electricity supply system, although he died almost penniless in New York City in 1943.

    July 10 is…

    Don’t Step on a Bee Day
    National Kitten Day
    National Piña Colada Day
    Nikola Tesla Day
    Pick Blueberries Day
    Teddy Bear Picnic Day

    July 10 Birthday Quotes

    “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”
    – Nikola Tesla

    “Do the best you can, and then to hell with it!”
    – Eunice Kennedy Shriver

    “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”
    – David Brinkley

    “I was so good at boxing because I worked hard. I worked harder than anybody. When other boxers used to box in the gym, three or four rounds, I used to box 10-20 rounds.”
    – Jake LaMotta

    “Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born.”
    – Nikola Tesla

    “I have a lot of friends who get up most mornings and go to jobs they absolutely hate. I don’t think that’s what life is about and I’m so fortunate that I actually love what I do.”
    – Jerry Herman

    “Washington, D.C. is a city filled with people who believe they are important.”
    – David Brinkley

    July 10 Birthdays

    1839 – Adolphus Busch, German brewer, co-founded Anheuser-Busch (died in 1913)
    1856 – Nikola Tesla, Serbian-American physicist and engineer (died in 1943)
    1871 – Marcel Proust, French novelist, critic, and essayist (died in 1922)
    1882 – Ima Hogg, American society leader, philanthropist, patron of the arts (died in 1975)
    1905 – Mildred Benson, American journalist and author (died in 2002)
    1905 – Thomas Gomez, American actor (died in 1971)
    1920 – David Brinkley, American journalist (died in 2003)
    1921 – Eunice Kennedy Shriver, American activist, co-founded the Special Olympics (died in 2009)
    1922 – Jean Kerr, American author and playwright (died in 2003)
    1922 – Jake LaMotta, American boxer and actor (died in 2017)
    1926 – Fred Gwynne, American actor (died in 1993)
    1927 – David Dinkins, American politician, 106th Mayor of New York City
    1931 – Jerry Herman, American composer and songwriter (died in 2019)
    1933 – Jumpin’ Gene Simmons, American rockabilly singer-songwriter (died in 2006)
    1939 – Mavis Staples, American singer
    1943 – Arthur Ashe, American tennis player and journalist (died in 1993)
    1945 – Ron Glass, American actor (died in 2016)
    1947 – Arlo Guthrie, American singer-songwriter
    1954 – Neil Tennant, English singer-songwriter
    1958 – Béla Fleck, American banjo player and songwriter
    1972 – Sofía Vergara, Colombian-American actress and model
    1980 – Adam Petty, American race car driver (died in 2000)
    1980 – James Rolfe, American actor, director, and producer
    1980 – Jessica Simpson, American singer-songwriter and actress
    1988 – Heather Hemmens, American actress
    2001 – Isabela Moner, American actress

    July 10 History

    1553 – Lady Jane Grey began her 9-day reign on the throne of England.

    1892 – The first concrete-paved street was built, on Court Avenue, around the Logan County Court House, in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

    1913 – Death Valley, California, hits 134 °F (57 °C), the highest temperature recorded in the United States.

    1921 – (Sunday) Bloody Sunday: Sixteen people were killed and 161 houses destroyed during rioting and gun battles in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

    1925 – In Dayton, Tennessee, the Monkey Trial began with John T. Scopes, a high school science teacher accused of teaching the theory of evolution in violation of the Butler Act. The law was repealed on May 17, 1967.

    1938 – Howard Hughes set a record by completing a 91-hour airplane flight around the world.

    1950 – Your Hit Parade debuted on NBC.

    1961 – #1 Hit July 10, 1961 – August 27, 1961: Bobby Lewis – Tossin’ and Turnin’

    1962 – The patent (#3,043,625) was issued to Nils Bohlen, for the three-point car seat-belt.

    1962 – Telstar, the world’s first communications satellite, was launched into orbit. An instrumental pop tune by The Tornadoes titled after the event reached #1 on the Billboard Pop Music Chart.

    1965 – #1 Hit July 10, 1965 – August 6, 1965: The Rolling Stones – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

    1966 – Ultraman debuted in Japan

    1976 – #1 Hit July 10, 1976 – July 23, 1976: Starland Vocal Band – Afternoon Delight

    1978 – World News Tonight premiered on ABC.

    1991 – Boris Yeltsin took office as the first elected President of Russia.

    1993 – #1 Hit July 10, 1993 – July 23, 1993: SWV – Weak

    2004 – #1 Hit July 10, 2004 – July 23, 2004: Fantasia – I Believe

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    I’m looking at my ceiling – not saying it’s the greatest ceiling in the world… but it’s up there.

    Sitting Bull – Real Name: Tatanka Iyotanka

    A character can spot a loved one in a crowd of 20,000 people instantly. #moviecliches

    We can’t find Happiness . . . But, we can make it.

    The sentence “I can’t breath.” is probably one of the least spoken lines in history.

    The original ‘Most Interesting Man in the World’ was actor Jonathan Goldsmith.

    Many animals probably need glasses, but nobody knows it.

    Congratulate a single male performer with “Bravo!”

    “You guys on MySpace, or…?” – Francis the Driver in Superbad #moviequotes

    “Zip”in “Zip Code” stands for Zone Improvement Plan.

    A group of Trout is called a Hover.

    I’ve always hated calling our galaxy “The Milky Way”. Maybe after the Andromeda merger, we’ll come up with a better one.

    What does this button do? #famouslastwords

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1982?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1982?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1982?

    1982 Trivia: Test Your Knowledge of This Game-Changing Year in Pop Culture!

    1982 was a year that left a lasting impact on movies, music, TV, and global events. From groundbreaking cinematic masterpieces to chart-topping hits and cultural milestones, this year helped define the decade and laid the foundation for the pop culture we know today. If you think you know 1982, this trivia page is here to challenge your knowledge and take you on a nostalgic journey!

    Think you’ve got what it takes? Answer questions like: What iconic sci-fi movie introduced the world to a lovable alien? Which tech giant released its first personal computer? What hit TV show about a bar “where everybody knows your name” debuted in 1982? And what was the highest-grossing film of the year?

    Here’s some bonus trivia to get you warmed up:

    • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, directed by Steven Spielberg, became the highest-grossing film of 1982 and one of the most beloved family movies of all time.
    • The tech world was forever changed when Commodore 64 hit the market, offering affordable home computing to the masses.
    • The hit sitcom Cheers debuted in September 1982, introducing us to Sam, Diane, and the unforgettable gang at Cheers bar.
    • Michael Jackson released Thriller, which became the best-selling album in history, with hits like Billie Jean and Beat It.
    • The video game industry boomed with the arcade release of Q*bert, which became an instant classic.

    1982 was also a pivotal year for innovation and pop culture. Disney released Tron, a visually groundbreaking film that paved the way for CGI in movies. The iconic phrase “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few” entered pop culture when Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan hit theaters. And let’s not forget, Time Magazine named “The Computer” its Person(?) of the Year, recognizing the growing influence of technology.

    Whether you’re reliving the nostalgia of the ’80s or gearing up for a trivia challenge, this page is your ultimate guide to the unforgettable moments of 1982. From timeless blockbusters to cultural phenomena, there’s plenty to explore.

    So, how well do you remember 1982? Take the quiz now and see if you can conquer this pop culture time capsule!

    82 Trivia Questions For 1982 History

    (answers)

    1. Name the place where “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.”

    2. Sam Malone, a retired baseball player, owned Cheers. On what team did Sam play?

    3. Name the computer listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest-selling single-computer model of all time.

    4. Why was it called the Commodore “64”?

    5. Founded in 1981, the American newspaper is distributed in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and an international edition is distributed in Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. Name that newspaper.

    6. Opened on October 1, 1982, this 305-acre theme park is called EPCOT. What do those initials stand for?

    7. Time Magazine did not have a “Man of the Year” in 1982. What did they do instead?

    8. Where was the 1982 World’s Fair held?

    9. This game might be Microsoft’s longest-running software product. Name the game.

    10. Name the show that ran for 74 episodes in syndication, featuring actor and puppeteer Wayland Flowers.

    11. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1982?

    12. On this CBS sitcom, Dick Loudon, an author of do-it-yourself and travel books. He and his wife Joanna move from New York City to a small town in rural Vermont to operate the 200-year-old Stratford Inn. Name that show
    HINT: It was Bob Newhart’s second television show.

    13. Name the comedian who played the role of Gumby on Saturday Night Live.

    14. This somewhat spooky award-winning truck could be the most well-known monster truck ever. Name that truck.

    15. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Storybook by William Kotzwinkle was the most popular fiction book in 1982. What was the second-best selling?

    16. What was the best-selling non-fiction book of 1982?

    17. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young, this neo-noir film is considered a classic of the genre. Name it.

    18. This television comedy was not well-received and only had 6 episodes. It later became the successful Naked Gun film franchise. Name that show!

    19. Who was NOT born in 1982?
    Kelly Clarkson, Olivia Wilde, Tara Lipinski, Jared Padalecki or Anne Hathaway

    20. ABC ran a police drama television program starring William Shatner. What was it called?

    21. These multi-colored cartoon and plush creatures were initially painted in 1981 by artist Elena Kucharik to be used on greeting cards from American Greetings. What are they?

    22. This term describes a middle-class, suburban woman who spends significant time transporting her school-age children to youth sporting events or other activities.

    23. Who is considered the first female lead character in a video game?

    24. Name the horror film from 1982 that had an all-male cast onscreen and took place in a research team in Antarctica.

    25. Based on the 1938 John W. Campbell Jr. novella Who Goes There?, who directed The Thing?

    26. What was the biggest film of 1982?

    27. By 1982, the Space Invaders arcade game had grossed $2 billion. How many quarters is that?

    28. Name the sword-and-sorcery film that introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Earl Jones to much of the world.

    29. At the Movies ran from 1982-1990. Who starred in the show?

    30. What was the name of the car in Night Rider?

    31. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1982?

    32. Name the medical drama that took place at set at the fictional St. Eligius Hospital in Boston.

    33. This Pop Duo had 3 number one hits on the Billboard charts in 1981. Name the pair.

    34. You get one point for each #1 hit Hall and Oates had in 1982.

    35. What was the name of the character Mr. T played in Rocky III?

    36. Name the series of eight novels, one novella, and a children’s book by American author Stephen King.

    37. What was the sequel to Arthur C. Clarke’s 1968 novel 2001: A Space Odyssey?

    38. This phrase in English means to blame or abandon a person for selfish reasons.
    HINT: A motor vehicle is involved

    39. Who the head off a live bat thrown at him during a performance in Des Moines, Iowa?

    40. Who was Scooby-doo’s nephew?

    41. This sitcom, a spin-off from Happy Days, featured a well-known couple but only lasted 17 episodes. Name it.

    42. Who was the President in 1982?

    43. Based on a well-known film, this NBC program occurred at NYC’s High School of Music & Art. Name that show.

    44. Name the musical comedy-drama film that was based on a 1977 Broadway musical, which was based on a 1924 comic strip, which was based on an 1885 poem. Name that film.

    45. What was the original name of the poem and comic strip?

    46. Name the popular police procedural drama television series that aired on the CBS television network for seven seasons from March 25, 1982, to May 16, 1988.

    47. Released on Sire Records, what was Madonna’s debut single?

    48. What was the US minimum wage in 1982?

    49. Michael Jackson’s Thriller album produced seven top-10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, with two reaching number one. Name them.

    50. Named after a caveman in a Far Side comic strip, the spikes at the end of Stegosaurus’s tail are called what?

    51. This popular home recording camera, developed by Sony, was in production for the US from 1981 to 2016. Name that product.

    52. This film starred Maxwell Caulfield and Michelle Pfeiffer in her feature film debut. Name that sequel.

    53. Who won the World Series in 1982?

    54. This soft drink was the first new product using the Coca-Cola trademark since 1886. Name that drink.

    55. In 1982, Pepsi also offered a new, popular drink that was a slightly different kind of cola. What was it called?

    56. Name the red-headed girl who joined Betty and Veronica as a love interest for Archie Andrews.

    57. What are Betty and Veronica’s last names?

    58. Pink Floyd had a film that premiered at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival. What was it called?

    59. This television show included Steven, Elyse, Alex, Mallory, and Jennifer Keaton. Name it.

    60. What was the most popular portable music device in the 1980s?

    61. What was the name of the detective TV show starring Stephanie Zimbalist and Pierce Brosnan, and was produced by MTM Enterprises?

    62. Last time we checked, the live show, which premiered on May 11, 1943, remains the fifth-longest-running Broadway and seventh-longest-running West End.
    HINT: Felines

    63. This 1981 album went on to sell 70 million copies. Name it.

    64. Who used the phrase “I pity the fool.”

    65. In this film, an unsuccessful actor, Michael Dorsey, disguises himself as a woman to get a role on a trashy hospital soap. Name that film.

    66. On what TV show would you often hear the phrase “Hi, I’m Larry. This is my brother Darryl, and this is my other brother Darryl?”

    67. Who was the Vice-President in 1982?

    68. Name the portable pocket televisions trademarked and produced by Sony.

    69. This Playskool toy had a plush, pajamaed worm body and needed batteries. Name that toy.

    70. This 2D action game with puzzle elements uses isometric graphics to create a pseudo-3D effect.
    HINT: The protagonist is a cute little orange creature.

    71. You get one point for each Rambo film in the franchise you can name.

    72. What team won the Super Bowl in 1982?

    73. Who were the NBA Champions in 1982?

    74. What is the common metaphor for any controversial issue that it is “untouchable” to the extent that any politician or public official who dares to broach the subject will invariably suffer politically?

    75. Hasbro developed this animal-themed toy line and media franchise.
    HINT: Small Horse

    76. This show focused on the wealthy playboy Edward Stratton III and his relationship with his young son, Ricky Stratton. Name it.

    77. Who was the Pope in 1982?

    78. What country won the World Cup in 1982?

    79. Nancy Reagan offered this phrase for the US War On Drugs.
    “Just Say No”

    80. Who was the first guest on Late Night with David Letterman?
    Bill Murray

    81. Name the show that Late Night with David Letterman replaced on weeknights.
    Tomorrow with Tom Snyder

    82. Who led Late Night with David Letterman’s house band?

    Trivia Team Bonus Questions:

    1. Late Night with David Letterman band had a name. What was it?

    2. Federal Express had a fast-talking executive in 1982 played by John Moschitta, Jr. Name that spokesperson.

    3. Pat Benatar married her guitarist on the Hawaiian island of Maui. What is his name?
    NINT: He was also her partner hit-writer.

    4. What was the video game based on a 1982 Disney sci-fi film?

    5. What type of car was KITT from Knight Rider?

    6. Name the fan favorite mute G.I. Joe character, an infantry and hand-hand combat expert, introduced in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1 comic book in June 1982.

    7. The first ASCII emoticons, pictorial representations of facial expressions using characters, were introduced in 181. Which was first?

    8. Who in the long-running BBC historical comedy television series Blackadder said, “I have a cunning plan”?

    9. This sitcom featured Patty Greene (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Lauren Hutchinson (Amy Linker), two awkward teenage girls desperate to fit in at Weemawee High School. Name that show.

    10. This Italian type of bread was created in 1982 in response to the popularity of French baguettes.
    NINT: It is somewhat elongated, broad, and flat, and it is baked in many variations. It is unique for its holes.

    The Answers:

    82 Trivia Answers For 1982 History

    1. Name the place where “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.”
    Cheers

    2. Sam Malone, a retired baseball player, owned Cheers. On what team did Sam play?
    The Boston Red Sox

    3. Name the computer listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest-selling single-computer model of all time.
    Commodore 64

    4. Why was it called the Commodore “64”?
    It had 64 kilobytes of RAM.

    5. Founded in 1981, the American newspaper is distributed in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and an international edition is distributed in Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. Name that newspaper.
    USA Today

    6. Opened on October 1, 1982, this 305-acre theme park is called EPCOT. What do those initials stand for?
    Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

    7. Time Magazine did not have a “Man of the Year” in 1982. What did they do instead?
    Machine of the Year – The Computer

    8. Where was the 1982 World’s Fair held?
    Knoxville, Tennessee. Over 11 million people attend during its 6-month run.

    9. This game might be Microsoft’s longest-running software product. Name the game.
    Microsoft Flight Simulator

    10. Name the show that ran for 74 episodes in syndication, featuring actor and puppeteer Wayland Flowers.
    Madame’s Place

    11. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1982?
    New York Islanders

    12. On this CBS sitcom, Dick Loudon, an author of do-it-yourself and travel books. He and his wife Joanna move from New York City to a small town in rural Vermont to operate the 200-year-old Stratford Inn. Name that show
    HINT: It was Bob Newhart’s second television show.
    Newhart.

    13. Name the comedian who played the role of Gumby on Saturday Night Live.
    Eddie Murphy

    14. This somewhat spooky award-winning truck could be the most well-known monster truck ever. Name that truck.
    Grave Digger

    15. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Storybook by William Kotzwinkle was the most popular fiction book in 1982. What was the second-best selling?
    Space by James A. Michener

    16. What was the best-selling non-fiction book of 1982?
    Jane Fonda’s Workout Book by Jane Fonda

    17. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young, this neo-noir film is considered a classic of the genre. Name it.
    Blade Runner

    18. This television comedy was not well-received and only had 6 episodes. It later became the successful Naked Gun film franchise. Name that show!
    Police Squad (in color)

    19. Who was NOT born in 1982?
    Kelly Clarkson, Olivia Wilde, Tara Lipinski, Jared Padalecki or Anne Hathaway
    Olivia Wilde (born March 10, 1984) )

    20. ABC ran a police drama television program starring William Shatner. What was it called?
    T.J. Hooker

    21. These multi-colored cartoon and plush creatures were initially painted in 1981 by artist Elena Kucharik to be used on greeting cards from American Greetings. What are they?
    Care Bears

    22. This term describes a middle-class, suburban woman who spends significant time transporting her school-age children to youth sporting events or other activities.
    Soccer Mon

    23. Who is considered the first female lead character in a video game?
    Ms. Pacman

    24. Name the horror film from 1982 that had an all-male cast onscreen and took place in a research team in Antarctica.
    The Thing

    25. Based on the 1938 John W. Campbell Jr. novella Who Goes There?, who directed The Thing?
    John Carpenter

    26. What was the biggest film of 1982?
    E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

    27. By 1982, the Space Invaders arcade game had grossed $2 billion. How many quarters is that?
    8 billion

    28. Name the sword-and-sorcery film that introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Earl Jones to much of the world.
    Conan the Barbarian

    29. At the Movies ran from 1982-1990. Who starred in the show?
    Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert

    30. What was the name of the car in Night Rider?
    KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand)

    31. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1982?
    Stevie Wonder

    32. Name the medical drama that took place at set at the fictional St. Eligius Hospital in Boston.
    St. Elsewhere

    33. This Pop Duo had 3 number one hits on the Billboard charts in 1981. Name the pair.
    Hall and Oates

    34. You get one point for each #1 hit Hall and Oates had in 1982.
    Kiss on my List, Private Eyes, I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)

    35. What was the name of the character Mr. T played in Rocky III?
    Clubber Lang

    36. Name the series of eight novels, one novella, and a children’s book by American author Stephen King.
    The Dark Tower

    37. What was the sequel to Arthur C. Clarke’s 1968 novel 2001: A Space Odyssey?
    2010: Odyssey Two

    38. This phrase in English means to blame or abandon a person for selfish reasons.
    HINT: A motor vehicle is involved
    Throw under the bus

    39. Who the head off a live bat thrown at him during a performance in Des Moines, Iowa?
    Ozzy Osbourne (he thought it was rubber)

    40. Who was Scooby-doo’s nephew?
    Scrappy-doo

    41. This sitcom, a spin-off from Happy Days, featured a well-known couple but only lasted 17 episodes. Name it.
    Joanie Loves Chachi

    42. Who was the President in 1982?
    Ronald Reagan (January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989)

    43. Based on a well-known film, this NBC program occurred at NYC’s High School of Music & Art. Name that show.
    Fame

    44. Name the musical comedy-drama film that was based on a 1977 Broadway musical, which was based on a 1924 comic strip, which was based on an 1885 poem. Name that film.
    Annie

    45. What was the original name of the poem and comic strip?
    Little Orphan Annie

    46. Name the popular police procedural drama television series that aired on the CBS television network for seven seasons from March 25, 1982, to May 16, 1988.
    Cagney & Lacey

    47. Released on Sire Records, what was Madonna’s debut single?
    Everybody

    48. What was the US minimum wage in 1982?
    $3.35

    49. Michael Jackson’s Thriller album produced seven top-10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, with two reaching number one. Name them.
    Billie Jean and Beat It

    50. Named after a caveman in a Far Side comic strip, the spikes at the end of Stegosaurus’s tail are called what?
    thagomizers

    51. This popular home recording camera, developed by Sony, was in production for the US from 1981 to 2016. Name that product.
    Betacam

    52. This film starred Maxwell Caulfield and Michelle Pfeiffer in her feature film debut. Name that sequel.
    Grease 2

    53. Who won the World Series in 1982?
    St. Louis Cardinals

    54. This soft drink was the first new product using the Coca-Cola trademark since 1886. Name that drink.
    Diet Coke

    55. In 1982, Pepsi also offered a new, popular drink that was a slightly different kind of cola. What was it called?
    Caffeine-Free Pepsi

    56. Name the red-headed girl who joined Betty and Veronica as a love interest for Archie Andrews.
    Cheryl Blossom

    57. What are Betty and Veronica’s last names?
    Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge

    58. Pink Floyd had a film that premiered at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival. What was it called?
    The Wall

    59. This television show included Steven, Elyse, Alex, Mallory, and Jennifer Keaton. Name it.
    Family Ties

    60. What was the most popular portable music device in the 1980s?
    The Sony Walkman

    61. What was the name of the detective TV show starring Stephanie Zimbalist and Pierce Brosnan, and was produced by MTM Enterprises?
    Remington Steele

    62. Last time we checked, the live show, which premiered on May 11, 1943, remains the fifth-longest-running Broadway and seventh-longest-running West End.
    HINT: Felines
    Cats

    63. This 1981 album went on to sell 70 million copies. Name it.
    Thriller by Michael Jackson

    64. Who used the phrase “I pity the fool.”
    Mr. T

    65. In this film, an unsuccessful actor, Michael Dorsey, disguises himself as a woman to get a role on a trashy hospital soap. Name that film.
    Tootsie

    66. On what TV show would you often hear the phrase “Hi, I’m Larry. This is my brother Darryl, and this is my other brother Darryl?”
    Newhart

    67. Who was the Vice-President in 1982?
    George H. W. Bush (January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989)

    68. Name the portable pocket televisions trademarked and produced by Sony.
    Sony Watchman

    69. This Playskool toy had a plush, pajamaed worm body and needed batteries. Name that toy.
    Glo Worm

    70. This 2D action game with puzzle elements uses isometric graphics to create a pseudo-3D effect.
    HINT: The protagonist is a cute little orange creature.
    Q*bert

    71. You get one point for each Rambo film in the franchise you can name.
    First Blood (1982), Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), Rambo III (1988), Rambo (2008), and Rambo: Last Blood (2019).

    72. What team won the Super Bowl in 1982?
    San Francisco 49ers

    73. Who were the NBA Champions in 1982?
    Los Angeles Lakers

    74. What is the common metaphor for any controversial issue that it is “untouchable” to the extent that any politician or public official who dares to broach the subject will invariably suffer politically?
    Third Rail

    75. Hasbro developed this animal-themed toy line and media franchise.
    HINT: Small Horse
    My Little Pony

    76. This show focused on the wealthy playboy Edward Stratton III and his relationship with his young son, Ricky Stratton. Name it.
    Silver Spoons

    77. Who was the Pope in 1982?
    John Paul II (October 16, 1978 – April 2, 2005)

    78. What country won the World Cup in 1982?
    Italy

    79. Nancy Reagan offered this phrase for the US War On Drugs.
    “Just Say No”

    80. Who was the first guest on Late Night with David Letterman?
    Bill Murray

    81. Name the show that Late Night with David Letterman replaced on weeknights.
    Tomorrow with Tom Snyder

    82. Who led Late Night with David Letterman’s house band?
    Paul Schaffer

    Trivia Team Bonus Answers:

    1. Late Night with David Letterman band had a name. What was it?
    The World’s Most Dangerous Band

    2. Federal Express had a fast-talking executive in 1982 played by John Moschitta, Jr. Name that spokesperson.
    Mr. Spleen

    3. Pat Benatar married her guitarist on the Hawaiian island of Maui. What is his name?
    NINT: He was also her partner hit-writer.
    Neil Giraldo

    4. What was the video game based on a 1982 Disney sci-fi film?
    Adventures of Tron

    5. What type of car was KITT from Knight Rider?
    A customized 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

    6. Name the fan favorite mute G.I. Joe character, an infantry and hand-hand combat expert, introduced in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1 comic book in June 1982.
    Snake Eyes

    7. The first ASCII emoticons, pictorial representations of facial expressions using characters, were introduced in 181. Which was first?
    Smileys 🙂 and 🙁 by Scott Fahlman)

    8. Who in the long-running BBC historical comedy television series Blackadder said, “I have a cunning plan”?
    Baldrick (played by Tony Robinson)

    9. This sitcom featured Patty Greene (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Lauren Hutchinson (Amy Linker), two awkward teenage girls desperate to fit in at Weemawee High School. Name that show.
    Square Pegs

    10. This Italian type of bread was created in 1982 in response to the popularity of French baguettes.
    NINT: It is somewhat elongated, broad, and flat, and it is baked in many variations. It is unique for its holes.
    Ciabatta Bread

  • July 9 in Pop Culture History

    July 9 in Pop Culture History

    July 9 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 9 History Highlights

    • 1762 – Catherine the Great became Empress of Russia
    • 1868 – Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution (regarding voting rights) was passed.
    • 1893 – The first open-heart surgery was performed by Dr. Daniel Hale, in Chicago.
    • July 9, 19** Birthday (fictional) Ray Palmer (The Atom), DC Comics
    • 1958 – A 1,700-foot tsunami struck Lituya Bay, Alaska.
    • If you were born on July 9th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 16th (prior year)

    Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution

    Section 1
    All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

    Section 2
    Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.

    Section 3
    No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

    Section 4
    The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void.

    July 9 is…

    Fashion Day
    International Town Criers Day
    Martyrdom of the Bab
    National Don’t Put all your Eggs in One Omelet Day
    National No Bra Day
    National Sugar Cookie Day
    Nude Recreation Week is typically held the second week of July

    July 9 Birthday Quotes

    “The safe and cultural method of eating crackers in bed is to wear a diver’s suit instead of pajamas.”
    – Basil Wolverton

    “There’s no such thing as ‘I can’t do it’.”
    – Marc Almond

    “Writing isn’t a source of pain. It’s psychic chemotherapy. It reduces your psychological tumors and relieves your pain.”
    – Dean Koontz

    “I don’t know how often I can discuss one incident in my entire life, but I’ll continue to do that.”
    – O.J. Simpson

    “I’ve discreetly dated a lot of people – I once dated a billionaire, mostly because it was fun to say, “I’m dating a billionaire,” but we did not have the same taste in music, and it was doomed.”
    – Courtney Love

    “There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns – the ones we don’t know we don’t know.”
    – Donald Rumsfeld

    “We are still in the position of waking up and having a choice. Do I make the world better today somehow, or do I not bother?”
    – Tom Hanks

    “If you were born by the sea, there’s always a magnet that draws you back there.”
    – Marc Almond

    July 9 Birthdays

    1764 – Ann Ward, English author and poet (died in 1823)
    1819 – Elias Howe, American inventor, invented the sewing machine (died in 1867)
    1909 – Basil Wolverton, American author and illustrator (died in 1978)
    1926 – Murphy Anderson, American comic book illustrator (died in 2015)
    1927 – Ed Ames, American singer and actor
    1928 – Vince Edwards, American actor, singer, and director (died in 1996)
    1929 – Lee Hazlewood, American singer-songwriter and producer (died in 2007)
    1932 – Donald Rumsfeld, American politician
    1938 – Brian Dennehy, American actor (died in 2020)
    1942 – Richard Roundtree, American actor
    1945 – Dean Koontz, American author and screenwriter
    1947 – O.J. Simpson, American football player, felon, actor
    1952 – John Tesh, American pianist, composer and television host
    1955 – Lindsey Graham, American politician
    1955 – Jimmy Smits, American actor
    1956 – Tom Hanks, American actor
    1957 – Marc Almond, English singer-songwriter
    1957 – Tim Kring, American screenwriter and producer
    1957 – Kelly McGillis, American actress
    1959 – Kevin Nash, American wrestler
    1964 – Courtney Love, American singer-songwriter and actress
    1975 – Jack White, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
    1976 – Fred Savage, American actor, director, and producer
    1991 – Mitchel Musso, American actor and singer
    1999 – Claire Corlett, American voice actress

    July 9 History

    1540 – King Henry VIII of England annulled the marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.

    1595 – Johannes Kepler published Mysterium cosmographicum (Mystery of the Cosmos)

    1776 – George Washington ordered the Declaration of Independence to be read out loud to members of the Continental Army in New York, New York, for the first time.

    1815 – The first developed natural gas well in the U.S. was discovered, at Burning Springs well near Charleston, West Virginia.

    1868 – The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, insuring African Americans (ex-slaves born in the United States) full citizenship and all persons in the United States due process of law.

    1877 – The inaugural Wimbledon Tennis Championships began at the All England Club.

    1922 – Future film Tarzan star Johnny Weissmuller swam the 100 meters freestyle in 58.6 seconds, breaking the world swimming record and the ‘minute barrier’.

    1933 – Construction began on the Oakland Bay Bridge, California. It was opened on May 29, 1937.

    1937 – The silent film archives of Fox Film Corporation were destroyed by the 1937 Fox vault fire.

    1955 – #1 Hit July 9, 1955 – September 2, 1955: Bill Haley & His Comets – (We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock

    1962 – Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans exhibition opened at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles.

    1966 – #1 Hit July 9, 1966 – July 15, 1966: Frank Sinatra – Strangers In The Night

    1977 – #1 Hit July 9, 1977 – July 15, 1977: Alan O’Day – Undercover Angel

    1979 – Launched in 1977, Voyager 2, passed by Jupiter.

    July 9, 19** Birthday (fictional) Ray Palmer (The Atom), DC Comics

    1981 – Donkey Kong, a video game created by Nintendo, was released, featuring the debut of Mario.

    1983 – #1 Hit May 28, 1983 – July 8, 1983: Irene Cara – Flashdance… What a Feeling

    1988 – #1 Hit July 9, 1988 – July 22, 1988: Cheap Trick – The Flame

    2011 – #1 Hit July 9, 2011 – July 15, 2011: Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer – Give Me Everything

    #1 Hit July 9, 2022 – July 29, 2022: As It WasHarry Styles

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    If you Google your name followed by “the hedgehog” there’s probably something out there for you.

    The military of San Marino still has an active crossbow corps that has existed uninterrupted since 1295.

    Frasier and Darth Vader’s accents are ‘Mid-Atlantic’ – a dialect of American English created by aristocrats in the early 20th century.

    The star with the most screen credits is John Carradine (1906-1988), who has been in over 230 movies.

    “I don’t care if it hurts, I wanna have control. I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul.” #songlyrics

    The word “checkmate” derives from the Persian phrase “Shah Met” which means “the King is Dead.”

    The airplane Buddy Holly died in was named the “American Pie.”

    The North Country Trail starts in upstate New York and ends in North Dakota and is 4,600 miles long.

    Between 1900 and 1920, Tug of War was an Olympic event.

    There are 403,291,461,126,605,635,584,000,000 different ways to arrange the letters of the alphabet.

    Topher Grace is the only person I’ve ever heard of who used Topher as a nickname for Christopher.

    “Use of unnecessary violence in the apprehension of the Blues Brothers has been approved.” – Police Dispatcher

    I care more about my grammar online than I ever did in school.

    Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham uses exactly 50 words.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • Telstar 1: The Satellite That Shrunk the World

    Telstar 1: The Satellite That Shrunk the World

    Telstar 1: The Satellite That Shrunk the World

    On July 10, 1962, a shiny little orb named Telstar 1 launched into space aboard a NASA Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral. It didn’t carry humans or weapons — just possibility. And within days, it would beam television signals across the Atlantic, making it the first satellite to relay live television, telephone, and telegraph transmissions between continents.

    Before smartphones. Before GPS. Before “global village” became a buzzword. There was Telstar.

    (How “Space Age” Are You? – Take Our Quiz)

    The First Transatlantic Television Broadcast

    That moment came on July 23, 1962, just 13 days after launch. The broadcast was coordinated across CBS, NBC, and ABC in the U.S., along with BBC in the UK and ORTF (Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française) in France. For the first time ever, live images were sent from one continent to another via space, not through undersea cables or recorded film reels flown across the ocean.

    Walter Cronkite (CBS) and Chet Huntley (NBC) co-anchored from the U.S., while BBC presenters joined in from across the pond. The broadcast began with live shots of the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty — symbolic icons of the old and new world, now united by a signal traveling at the speed of light.

    They planned for President Kennedy to deliver a speech — but he wasn’t quite ready. So instead, viewers got a slice of real life: a live baseball game between the Phillies and the Cubs. From there, cameras bounced between Cape Canaveral, Quebec, the Seattle World’s Fair, and various European feeds.


    “The White House and the Kremlin… No Farther Apart Than the Speed of Light”

    That line, spoken by Cronkite during the broadcast, captured the gravity of the moment. With one orbiting machine, the world had gotten smaller. And not in a science fiction way — in an “I can see you live” kind of way.

    People often say something is “the best thing since sliced bread.”

    But this was the best thing before the moon landing.


    Telstar Was More Than a One-Time Event

    Telstar wasn’t just a blip on the screen. It was the first satellite of its kind, designed and built by Bell Telephone Laboratories and funded in part by AT&T, NASA, and several European partners. It used microwave signals, solar panels (a novelty at the time), and was relatively tiny — about 34 inches in diameter and weighing just 170 pounds.

    Its technology laid the groundwork for:

    • Global live television

    • International phone service

    • Satellite communication that powers modern GPS

    • The very idea of live-streaming and real-time news sharing

    We take FaceTime and WhatsApp calls for granted today, but the very first step toward this instant connectivity happened in 1962, with a blinking ball of science beaming the Eiffel Tower into living rooms in Detroit.


    Why Doesn’t Telstar Get the Credit It Deserves?

    In a word: 1962.

    It was a jam-packed year:

    • John Glenn orbited the Earth in February

    • Marilyn Monroe died in August

    • The Cuban Missile Crisis unfolded in October

    • And we were still just months away from the Beatles invading America

    Most of all, people were living under the shadow of Cold War anxiety. Nuclear threats felt real. The idea of watching a Frenchman talk live from Paris felt like a novelty — not a revolution.

    But hindsight shows us that Telstar wasn’t just a cool science project — it was a hinge point in communication history.


    You Had to Be There — And Telstar Let Us Be There

    Every generation has “you had to be there” moments:

    • The Moon Landing in 1969

    • Live Aid in 1985

    • The OJ Car Chase in 1994

    • Tiananmen Square in 1989

    But Telstar was the first technology that let the whole world share in something live. It was the beginning of the “we all saw that together” era — and it happened on a random Monday afternoon in July.

    Before Telstar, the world was connected by wires and waiting. After Telstar, we were connected by signal and seconds.


    The Future, Launched in 1962

    Today, we bounce messages off satellites without even thinking. GPS pinpoints your location to within inches. You can watch someone cooking in Singapore or dancing in São Paulo, all from your phone. But that chain of tech miracles started with a tiny ball floating above us.

    Telstar didn’t land on the moon. It didn’t orbit a person.

    But it did something just as meaningful — it brought us together.

    And that, my friends, was the first step in living in the future.

    Are You Part of the Space Age?

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  • July 8 in Pop Culture History

    July 8 in Pop Culture History

    July 8 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 8 History Highlights

    • 1775 – Representatives from the colonies sent an “Olive Branch Petition” to avoid a complete break with England.
    • July 8, 1865 Birthday (fictional) Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes
    • 1889 – The first issue of The Wall Street Journal was published.
    • 1932 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached the lowest level of the Great Depression, closing at 41.22.
    • 1947 – First reports of a UFO reportedly crash-landed in Roswell, New Mexico in what became known as the Roswell UFO incident.
    • If you were born on July 8th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 15th (prior year)

    Be A Kid Again Day

    Be a Kid Again Day is an opportunity to let your guard down and be silly. As adults, we worry so much about how others perceive us that it’s sometimes difficult for us not to go with the flow of society. It can get exhausting trying too hard all the time! Be a kid again on this day by letting loose and enjoying some simple pleasures in life like playing outside or making funny faces at mirrors just because you feel like doing so.

    Your childhood was probably more magical than you give yourself credit for anyway- why don’t you have some fun now?

    July 8 is…

    Be a Kid Again Day
    Math 2.0 Day
    National Milk Chocolate with Almonds Day
    SCUD Day aka Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama Day

    July 8 Birthday Quotes

    “With my little band, I did everything they did with a big band. I made the blues jump.”
    – Louis Jordan

    “I like it when you read a script and there’s the part that you show to the other characters and then there’s the part that only the audience knows.”
    – Anjelica Huston

    “A man should make all he can, and give all he can.”
    – Nelson Rockefeller

    “I won’t eat anything that has intelligent life, but I’d gladly eat a network executive or a politician.”
    – Marty Feldman

    “They want you to believe the Sun is hot. I urge you to ask yourself ‘Have they ever touched it? Think about it.”
    – Jaden Smith

    “What I like to think, and perhaps it is an adolescent thought, is that anything can happen. As long as you think that anything can happen, it will. We’re all allowed to have our dreams.”
    – Anjelica Huston

    “Wherever we look upon this earth, the opportunities take shape within the problems.”
    – Nelson Rockefeller

    July 8 Birthdays

    1621 – Jean de La Fontaine, French author and poet (died in 1695)
    1831 – John Pemberton, American chemist and pharmacist, invented Coca-Cola (died in 1888)
    1838 – Eli Lilly, American soldier, chemist, and businessman, founded Eli Lilly and Company (died in 1898)
    1838 – Ferdinand von Zeppelin, German general and businessman, founded the Zeppelin Airship Company (died in 1917)
    1839 – John D. Rockefeller, American businessman and philanthropist, founded the Standard Oil Company (died in 1937)
    1885 – Hugo Boss, German fashion designer, founded Hugo Boss (died in 1948)
    1908 – Louis Jordan, American singer-songwriter and saxophonist (died in 1975)
    1908 – Nelson Rockefeller, American businessman and politician, 41st Vice President of the United States (died in 1979)
    1914 – Billy Eckstine, American singer and trumpet player (died in 1993)
    1918 – Craig Stevens, American actor (died in 2000)
    1930 – Jerry Vale, American singer (died in 2014)
    1934 – Marty Feldman, English actor (died in 1982)
    1935 – Steve Lawrence, American actor and singer
    1944 – Jeffrey Tambor, American actor
    1947 – Kim Darby, American actress
    1948 – Raffi, Egyptian-Canadian singer-songwriter
    1948 – Ruby Sales, American civil-rights activist
    1949 – Wolfgang Puck, Austrian-American chef and restaurateur
    1951 – Anjelica Huston, American actress
    1961 – Toby Keith, American singer-songwriter
    1962 – Joan Osborne, American singer-songwriter
    1968 – Billy Crudup, American actor
    1970 – Beck, American singer-songwriter
    1977 – Milo Ventimiglia, American actor
    1998 – Jaden Smith, American actor and rapper

    July 8 History

    1776
    The Liberty Bell rang at Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, inviting citizens to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

    1800
    Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gave the smallpox vaccination to his son, Daniel. It was performed in the US, using cowpox serum to prevent smallpox.

    1865
    July 8, 1865, Birthday (fictional) Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes

    1876
    White supremacists killed five Black Republicans in Hamburg, South Carolina.

    1889
    The first issue of The Wall Street Journal was published.

    1932
    The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached its lowest level of the Great Depression, closing at 41.22.

    1936
    Mount Steele – 16,470 ft (5,020 m) – Yukon, Canada – First ascent: July 8, 1936, by Walter Wood, Hans Fuhrer, and Joseph W. Fobes

    1947
    Newspapers begin reporting on a UFO crash in Roswell, NM, that had happened one day earlier.

    July 6, 1947 Birthday (fictional) John Rambo, Rambo: First Blood, Film

    1948
    The United States Air Force accepted its first female recruits into the Women in the Air Force (WAF) program.

    1951
    Mount Hubbard – 14,950 ft (4,557 m) – Yukon, Canada – First ascent: July 8, 1951, by Walter Wood, Bob Bates, and Ed Bernd

    1964
    July 8, 1964, Birthday (fictional) Phil Coulson, S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel Cinematic Universe

    1972
    #1 Hit July 8, 1972 – July 28, 1972: Bill Withers – Lean On Me

    1989
    #1 Hit July 8, 1989 – July 14, 1989: Fine Young Cannibals – Good Thing

    1991
    Shop Til’ You Drop premiered on Lifetime

    1992
    Melrose Place made its debut on FOX as a follow-up to 90210

    1994
    Kim Jong-il assumed supreme leadership of North Korea upon his father’s death, Kim Il-sung.

    1995
    #1 Hit July 8, 1995 – August 25, 1995: TLC – Waterfalls

    2006
    #1 Hit July 8, 2006 – August 18, 2006: Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland – Promiscuous

    >Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    There’s very little difference between perspective and opinion.

    John Denver – Real Name: Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.

    Shakespeare’s wife’s name was Anne Hathaway. (not OUR Anne Hathaway)

    The coach in Air Bud would have looked really stupid if putting the dog in the game didn’t work.

    “There are many ways to roll with the punches. Still, it’s probably best to avoid people who punch you.” – Alex Bosworth

    The world premiere of Blazing Saddles took place at the Pickwick Drive-In theater in Burbank, CA where 200 guests watched the film on horseback.

    A group of wild Horses is called a Herd.

    It is illegal to be in possession of a US $100,000 bill, a Gold Certificate, due to Executive Order 6102.

    Natural disasters only occur where they can cause the most damage and casualties. #moviecliches

    “Never purchase beauty products in a hardware store.” – Miss Piggy

    The monster that attacked Luke in the trash compactor in Star Wars was a ‘dianoga.’

    The person who invented the tire reinvented the wheel.

    “If you’re bored, you’re boring.” – Barbara “Cutie” Cooper

    Rudolph Valentino – Real Name: Rudolpho D’Antonguolia

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • 2002 Top Ten Music Charts

    2002 Top Ten Music Charts

    2002’s Biggest Artists and Songs

    Alicia Keys (Best New Artist Grammy Winner)
    Walk On – U2 (Grammy for Record of the Year)
    New Artists in the Pop Charts Included:
    Ashanti, Avril Lavigne, Vanessa Carlton, Jimmy Eat World, Kelly
    Clarkson, Kelly Rowland, DJ Sammy, John Mayer, Paulina Rubinoiio,
    Jack Johnson, Cee-Lo

    2002’s Retro Top 10 Hits

    1. a Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
    2. Can’t Get You Out Of My Head – Kylie Minogue
    3. Foolish – Ashanti
    4. Cleaning Out My Closet – Eminem
    5. Hero – Chad Kroeger with Josey Scott
    6. Jenny From The Block – Jennifer Lopez
    7. The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
    8. Where Are You Going – Dave Matthews Band
    9. The Rising – Bruce Springsteen
    10. Black Suits Comin’ (Nod Ya Head) – Will Smith

    2002’s ‘One Hit Wonders’

    1. Still Fly – Big Tymers
    2. Wherever You Will Go – The Calling
    3. Starry Eyed Surprise – Oakenfold
    4. Rapture (Tastes So Sweet) – iio
    5. Insatiable – Darren Hayes
    6. Days Go By – Dirty Vegas
    7. My Neck, My Back – Khia
    8. A Little Less Conversation – Elvis vs JXL
    9. I Don’t Have To Be Me – Steve Azar
    10. The Ketchup Song (Hey Hah) – Las Ketchup

    2002’s Dance Top 10 Hit List

    1. Hot In Herre – Nelly
    2. Heaven – DJ Sammy & Yanou
    3. Gimme The Light – Sean Paul
    4. Young’n (Holla Back) – Fabolous
    5. Dirrty – Christina Aguilera
    6. Without Me – Eminem
    7. Still Fly – Big Tymers
    8. Rapture – iio
    9. Say I Yi Yi – Ying Yang Twins
    10. Feel It Boy – Beenie Man

    2002’s Bubblegum Top Twenty List

    1. Sk8er Boi – Avril Lavigne
    2. A Thousand Miles-Vanessa Carlton
    3. A Moment Like This-Kelly Clarkson
    4. Hey Baby – No Doubt (w/ Bounty Killer)
    5. Soak Up the Sun – Sheryl Crow
    6. Ain’t It Funny – Jennifer Lopez with Ja Rule
    7. Complicated – Avril Lavigne
    8. Can’t Fight The Moonlight – LeeAnn Rimes
    9. Heaven – DJ Sammy & Yanou
    10. Girlfriend – NSYNC with Nelly
    11. Hot In Herre – Nelly
    12. Escape – Enrique Iglesias
    13. Jenny From The Block – Jennifer Lopez (w/Jadakiss & Styles)
    14. Just a Friend 2002 – Mario
    15. Standing Still – Jewel
    16. Take Ya Home – Lil Bow Wow
    17. All You Wanted-Michelle Branch
    18. Gotta Get Through This – Daniel Bedingfield
    19. Thank You – Lil Bow Wow
    20. Stole – Kelly Rowland

    2002’s Pop Rock Top 10 Hit List

    1. Hero – Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott
    2. Complicated – Avril Lavigne
    3. Swing Swing – The All-American Rejects
    4. Never Again – Nickleback
    5. Clocks – Coldplay
    6. When I’m Gone – 3 Doors Down
    7. Take It Off- The Donnas
    8. Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous – Good Charlotte
    9. Sweetness – Jimmy Eat World
    10. Bother – Stone Sour

    2002’s Alternative Top 10 Hit List

    1. Seein’ Red – Unwritten Law
    2. Diamonds and Guns – The Transplants
    3. Somewhere Out There – Our Lady Peace
    4. Fell In Love With A Girl – The White Stripes
    5. Get Free – The Vines
    6. United States Of Whatever – Liam Lynch
    7. Screaming Infidelities – Dashboard Confessional
    8. It’s Going Down – X-ecutioners
    9. No One Knows – Queens Of The Stone Age
    10. You Know You’re Right – Nirvana

    2002’s Album Rock Top 10 Hit List

    1. Never Gonna Stop – Rob Zombie
    2. Aerials – System Of A Down
    3. She Loves Me Not – Papa Roach
    4. Downfall- Trust Company
    5. I Stand Alone – Godsmack
    6. Cochise – Audioslave
    7. Fine Again – Seether
    8. Headstrong – Trapt
    9. She Hates Me – Puddle Of Mudd
    10. The Red – Chevelle

    PCM’s 2002 Top 10 Hit List

    1. A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
    2. Hot In Herre – Nelly
    3. Complicated – Avril Lavigne
    4. Girlfriend – N Sync and Nelly
    5. Sk8er Boi – Avril Lavigne
    6. Can’t Fight The Moonlight – LeAnn Rimes
    7. Dirrty – Christina Aguilera
    8. A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
    9. Heaven – DJ Sammy
    10. Gimme The Light – Sean Paul
  • July 7 in Pop Culture History

    July 7 in Pop Culture History

    July 7 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 7 History Highlights

    • 1863 – The US had its first military draft. You could be exempted for $300.
    • 1907 – Florenz Ziegfeld held his first ‘Follies” on an NYC rooftop.
    • 1928 – The Chillicothe Baking Company began selling sliced bread.
    • 1930 – Construction of the Boulder (now Hoover) Dam began.
    • 1954 – WHBQ in Memphis, TN debuted Elvis Presley’s first single, That’s All Right.
    • 1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor became the first female member of the Supreme Court of the United States.
    • If you were born on July 7th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 14th (prior year)

    World Chocolate Day

    The celebration of World Chocolate Day is all about the consumption of chocolate. Chocolate was introduced to Europe on July 7, 1550.

    For centuries, people have been using the seed (or bean) of a plant called Theobroma cacao. This tree is grown in Mexico and Central America as well as Northern South America just to name a few places. Historians think that for at least three millennia ago, this “chocolate” was being used by civilizations like those who lived around 1100 BC.

    The cacao nibs have a very intense, bitter taste that is often fermented to develop the flavor. Once this has occurred, processors dry and clean them before roasting which removes their shell. After they are roasted, cocoa mass can be made by grinding up these beans into chunks of pure chocolate in rough form – without any other ingredients added yet! This greenish-brown mixture is then liquefied or melted down with different flavors such as vanilla extract for use in molding various shapes like bars or squares.

    July 7 is…

    Father-Daughter Take a Walk Together Day
    Global Forgiveness Day
    National Dive Bar Day
    National Macaroni Day
    National Strawberry Sundae Day
    Tell the Truth Day
    World Chocolate Day

    July 7 Birthday Quotes

    “Let’s make my birthday, July the 7th at noon, Peace and Love Day. Everybody go, ‘Peace and love.’ In the office, on the bus, wherever. It’s still peace and love for me, I’m a product of the 60s and it was a very influential period in my life, and you know, my head was turned around a bit, my eyes were opened as it were. In fact, I even have it on my arm, ‘Peace and love’. I see nothing wrong with peace and love.”
    – Ringo Starr

    “The Pearly Gates. Am I the only one who finds it odd that Heaven has gates? What kind of neighborhood is Heaven in?”
    – Jim Gaffigan

    “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?”
    – Satchel Paige

    “If you fight back and get hit, it hurts a little while; if you don’t fight back it hurts forever.”
    – Joel Siegel

    “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
    – Robert A. Heinlein

    “Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.”
    – Satchel Paige

    “Whenever you correct someone’s grammar just remember that nobody likes you.”
    – Jim Gaffigan

    July 7 Birthdays

    1616 – John Leverett, Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony (died in 1679)
    1880 – Otto Frederick Rohwedder, American engineer, invented sliced bread (died in 1960)
    1891 – Virginia Rappe, American model and actress (died in 1921)
    1904 – Simone Beck, French chef and author (died in 1991)
    1906 – Satchel Paige, American baseball player and coach (died in 1982)
    1907 – Robert A. Heinlein, American science fiction writer (died in 1988)
    1919 – Jon Pertwee, English actor (died in 1996)
    1924 – Mary Ford, American singer and guitarist (died in 1977)
    1927 – Doc Severinsen, American trumpet player and conductor
    1940 – Ringo Starr, English singer-songwriter, Beatles’ drummer, and actor
    1943 – Joel Siegel, American journalist and critic (died in 2007)
    1949 – Shelley Duvall, American actress
    1963 – Vonda Shepard, American singer-songwriter and actress
    1965 – Mo Collins, American comedic actress
    1966 – Jim Gaffigan, American comedian
    1988 – Kaci Brown, American singer-songwriter
    1991 – Alesso, Swedish DJ

    July 7 History

    1456 – A retrial verdict acquitted Joan of Arc of heresy, authorized by Pope Callixtus III, 25 years after her death.

    1520 – Spanish conquistadores defeated a larger Aztec army at the Battle of Otumba.

    1898 – US President William McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution annexing Hawaii as a territory of the United States.

    1907 – Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr. staged his first Ziegfeld Follies on the roof of the New York Theater in New York City.

    1928 – Sliced bread was sold for the first time, by the Chillicothe Baking Company of Chillicothe, Missouri.

    1930 – The construction of the Hoover Dam began. It was completed/dedicated on September 30, 1935

    1946 – Mother Francesca S. Cabrini became the first American canonized by the Catholic Church.

    1946 – Howard Hughes crashed his XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft prototype in a Beverly Hills neighborhood.

    1947 – The Roswell Incident was reported in newspapers about a reported crash of an alien spaceship near Roswell in New Mexico.

    1954 – Elvis Presley made his radio debut when WHBQ Memphis played his recording for Sun Records, That’s All Right.

    1962 – #1 Hit July 7, 1962 – July 13, 1962: David RoseThe Stripper

    1973 – #1 Hit July 7, 1973 – July 20, 1973: Billy PrestonWill It Go Round in Circles

    1981 – US President Ronald Reagan (R) appointed Sandra Day O’Connor as the first female member of the United States Supreme Court.

    1984 – #1 Hit July 7, 1984 – August 10, 1984: PrinceWhen Doves Cry

    2001 – #1 Hit July 7, 2001 – August 3, 2001: UsherU Remind Me

    2005 – A series of four explosions occurred on London’s transportation system, killing 56 people including four suicide bombers and injuring over 700 others.

    2007 – The first Live Earth benefit concert was held in 11 locations worldwide.

    2006 – Psych premiered on the USA Network

    2009 – Warehouse 13 premiered on Syfy

    #1 Hit July 7, 2018 – July 20, 2018: Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin – I Like It

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    “The best way to predict your future is to create it” – Abraham Lincoln

    The tallest building in Wyoming is White Hall, a college freshman dormitory that stands 12 stories tall.

    The Capital of Nepal is Kathmandu.

    William Durant, the founder of General Motors, went bankrupt during the great depression and spent his last years managing a bowling alley.

    Nutella was invented during WWII when an Italian pastry maker mixed hazelnuts into chocolate to extend his chocolate ration.

    When paying for a taxi, don’t look at your wallet as you take out a bill – just grab one at random and hand it over. It will always be the exact fare. #thingsIlearnedatthemovies

    Dragons don’t breathe fire, they blow it. #science

    As of 1982, a nickel (5 grams) weighs exactly twice as much as a penny (2.5 grams).

    “I am big! It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) in Sunset Boulevard, 1950

    A group of Hornets is called a Nest or Bike.

    The ‘@’ sign is called ‘crazy A’ in Bosnian, ‘snail’ in Italian, ‘worm’ in Hungarian, ‘monkey tail’ in Dutch, and ‘cinnamon roll’ in Swedish.

    No word in the English language rhymes with toilet.

    Chhhk-chka-chkaaaa!

    A group of biological Cells working together is a Tissue.

    I bet selfies wouldn’t have taken off if we had just named them lonelies right off the bat.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • Pop Culture Trivia Quiz:  What Happened In 1929?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1929?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1929?

    1929 Pop Culture, History, and Defining Moments

    1929 was a pivotal chapter in history, marking the close of the Roaring Twenties and the start of dramatic global changes. Known for its stark contrasts, 1929 saw remarkable achievements in culture and technology as well as the beginnings of economic turmoil that would shape the decade to come. From iconic films and music to landmark historical events, the year offered a mix of optimism, innovation, and challenges.

    In entertainment, 1929 was a groundbreaking year for cinema as Hollywood fully embraced the era of “talkies,” with sound revolutionizing the film industry. Audiences flocked to theaters to see stars of the silver screen in new, immersive experiences. Meanwhile, music continued to thrive with the rise of jazz and big band sounds, as legendary artists captivated listeners with timeless melodies.

    Beyond the arts, 1929 saw significant advancements in aviation, science, and technology. These innovations brought the world closer together and reflected the bold spirit of the times. Yet, it was also a year that witnessed the stock market crash, which signaled the end of the economic boom in the 1920s and the onset of the Great Depression. Globally, cultural shifts and political events hinted at the changes shaping the coming decades.

    Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Take our 1929 trivia quiz and explore the moments that defined this extraordinary year. From pop culture highlights to historical milestones, see how well you know the events that shaped this fascinating period!

    29 Trivia Questions for 1929 History

    (answers)

    1. What happened on October 28, 1929?

    2. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1929?

    3. What famous New York museum opened on November 7, 1929?

    4. In 1929, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?

    5. What was the highest-grossing movie of 1929?

    6. What was the average household income in 1929?

    7. What was the name of the Marx Brothers’ first movie?

    8. How many people lived in the United States in 1929?

    9. What mass-produced products made from celluloid were first produced by Sam Foster and sold in Atlantic City, New Jersey?

    10. What famous ‘Sailor Man’ comic strip and cartoon character debuted on January 17, 1929?

    11. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1929?

    12. In 1929, Clarence Birdseye introduced “flash freezing” to the American public. What did he make by flash-freezing?

    13. What well-known Mexican artists were married on August 29, 1929?

    14. Animators of Koko the Clown, Betty Boop, Popeye the Sailor, and Superman, what studio was Disney’s biggest rival from the 1920s through the 1930s?

    15. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1929?

    16. Author J.M. Barrie donated the copyrights of what character to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London in perpetuity?

    17. Who was the President of the United States in 1929?

    18. What is the Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, signed on July 27, 1929, known as?

    19. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1929?

    20. What major league baseball player was the first to hit 500 home runs in his career?

    21. Name the film that won the “Best Picture” of 1927/28 at the first Academy Awards?

    22. According to former British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, what organization was in danger of failure because it was run by’ flapdoodlers’?

    23. One of the world’s most important and prestigious automobile races began in 1929. What is it?

    24. How much did an average Ford Model A cost in 1929?

    25. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1929?

    26. What famous event occurred on February 14, 1929, in Chicago’s north side?

    27. What company used the slogan: “The pause that refreshes”?

    28. Who won the 1929 World Series?

    29. A newspaper comic strip adaptation of what Edgar Rice Burroughs character was first published on January 7, 1929?

    Trivia Team Bonus Questions:

    1. What property was established via the Lateran Treaty, answering “The Roman Question”?

    2. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1929?

    3. Unaccustomed As We Are was the first sound comedy short film starring what comedy duo, released on May 4, 1929?

    4. What leading Marxist Soviet politician was exiled from the U.S.S.R. by Joseph Stalin?

    5. Who was the Pope in 1929?
    Pope Pius XI, February 6, 1922 – February 10, 1939

    6. What fictional character is a reporter and adventurer who travels around the world with his dog Snowy?
    Tintin, by Belgian cartoonist Hergé

    7. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1929?
    Owen D. Young

    8. Who was the American Vice-President in 1929?
    Charles G. Dawes (March 4, 1925 – March 4, 1929) and Charles Curtis (March 4, 1929 – March 4, 1933)

    9. Before the Wall Street Crash, what number did the Dow Jones Industrial Average peak at?

    10. What famous office got its own telephone in 1929?

    The Answers:

    29 Trivia Answers for 1929 History

    1. What happened on October 28, 1929?
    The Wall Street Crash (Black Monday) The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 13 percent.

    2. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1929?
    Tip Toe Through The Tulips – Nick Lucas

    3. What famous New York museum opened on November 7, 1929?
    MOMA – Museum of Modern Art

    4. In 1929, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
    Men -55.8 years, Women – 58.7 years.

    5. What was the highest-grossing movie of 1929?
    The Broadway Melody

    6. What was the average household income in 1929?
    $6,132.22

    7. What was the name of the Marx Brothers’ first movie?
    The Cocoanuts

    8. How many people lived in the United States in 1929?
    The population was an estimated 121,767,000 people.

    9. What mass-produced products made from celluloid were first produced by Sam Foster and sold in Atlantic City, New Jersey?
    Sunglasses

    10. What famous ‘Sailor Man’ comic strip and cartoon character debuted on January 17, 1929?
    Popeye the Sailor

    11. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1929?
    The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder

    12. In 1929, Clarence Birdseye introduced “flash freezing” to the American public. What did he make by flash-freezing?
    Frozen Foods

    13. What well-known Mexican artists were married on August 29, 1929?
    Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

    14. Animators of Koko the Clown, Betty Boop, Popeye the Sailor, and Superman, what studio was Disney’s biggest rival from the 1920s through the 1930s?
    Fleischer Studios

    15. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1929?
    9 cents

    16. Author J.M. Barrie donated the copyrights of what character to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London in perpetuity?
    Peter Pan

    17. Who was the President of the United States in 1929?
    Calvin Coolidge (August 2, 1923 – March 4, 1929) and Herbert Hoover (March 4, 1929 – March 4, 1933)

    18. What is the Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, signed on July 27, 1929, known as?
    The Geneva Convention

    19. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1929?
    In 1929, The Boston Bruins won over the New York Rangers (2 games to none)

    20. What major league baseball player was the first to hit 500 home runs in his career?
    Babe Ruth

    21. Name the film that won the “Best Picture” of 1927/28 at the first Academy Awards?
    Wings

    22. According to former British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, what organization was in danger of failure because it was run by’ flapdoodlers’?
    The League of Nations. The league formally dissolved on April 20, 1946.

    23. One of the world’s most important and prestigious automobile races began in 1929. What is it?
    Monaco Grand Prix

    24. How much did an average Ford Model A cost in 1929?
    $495 (Town Car $1400)

    25. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1929?
    $0.21 per gallon

    26. What famous event occurred on February 14, 1929, in Chicago’s north side?
    The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. Seven reputed gangsters were killed.

    27. What company used the slogan: “The pause that refreshes”?
    Coca Cola

    28. Who won the 1929 World Series?
    In 1929, The Philadelphia Athletics won, beating the Chicago Cubs (4 games to 1)

    29. A newspaper comic strip adaptation of what Edgar Rice Burroughs character was first published on January 7, 1929?
    Tarzan

    Trivia Team Bonus Questions:

    1. What property was established via the Lateran Treaty, answering “The Roman Question”?
    Vatican City

    2. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1929?
    Clyde Van Dusen

    3. Unaccustomed As We Are was the first sound comedy short film starring what comedy duo, released on May 4, 1929?
    Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy

    4. What leading Marxist Soviet politician was exiled from the U.S.S.R. by Joseph Stalin?
    Leon Trotsky

    5. Who was the Pope in 1929?
    Pope Pius XI, February 6, 1922 – February 10, 1939

    6. What fictional character is a reporter and adventurer who travels around the world with his dog Snowy?
    Tintin, by Belgian cartoonist Hergé

    7. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1929?
    Owen D. Young

    8. Who was the American Vice-President in 1929?
    Charles G. Dawes (March 4, 1925 – March 4, 1929) and Charles Curtis (March 4, 1929 – March 4, 1933)

    9. Before the Wall Street Crash, what number did the Dow Jones Industrial Average peak at?
    381.17, a number not reached again until November 1954.

    10. What famous office got its own telephone in 1929?
    The Oval Office, in the Whitehouse.

  • July 6 in Pop Culture History

    July 6 in Pop Culture History

    July 6 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 6 History Highlights

    • 1919 – The British dirigible R34 landed in New York, completing the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by an airship.
    • 1933 – The first Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played in Chicago’s Comiskey Park.
    • 1942 – Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in the “Secret Annexe” near central Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
    • July 6, 1947 Birthday (fictional) John Rambo, Film
    • 1953 – Name That Tune debuted on CBS.
    • If you were born on July 6th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 13th (prior year)

    Fried Chicken Day

    Fried chicken is a staple of the American South, but its origins are Scottish. The Scots introduced deep-fried poultry to America and many Americans agree that fried chicken tastes best when spiced up with salt or pepper!

    Fried chicken is a dish consisting of delicious pieces of floured and/or battered and fried, deep-fried, pressure-cooked breaded coated with the best crispy coating. Knowing how to get that perfect crisp may seem like an impossible task but it’s actually not too hard if you know what you’re doing! One pointer: the oil should be 300 degrees.

    By seasoning well early on will help prevent any dryness from occurring when frying. Some people also recommend using milk instead of oil for flavoring purposes which can add some sweetness while cooking. Be sure to season liberally before popping into the fryer.

    July 6 is…

    International Kissing Day
    National Air Traffic Control Day
    National Fried Chicken Day
    Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day
    Umbrella Cover Day
    Virtually Hug a Virtual Assistant Day

    July 6 Birthday Quotes

    “I have not yet begun to fight!”
    – John Paul Jones

    “Life is too short to worry about what others say about you. Have fun and give them something to talk about.”
    – Kevin Hart

    “If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.”
    – Marc Chagall

    “My mother was a personal friend of God’s. They had ongoing conversations.”
    Della Reese

    “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.”
    – Frida Kahlo

    “I sat down one night and wrote the line rock, rock, rock everybody.”
    – Bill Haley

    “You see, I was born in the slums, that was before the ghetto. The ghetto was kind of refined; the slums was right there on the ground.”
    – Della Reese

    July 6 Birthdays

    1747 – John Paul Jones, Scottish-American captain (died in 1792)
    1887 – Marc Chagall, Belarusian-French painter and poet (died in 1985)
    1892 – Will James, American author and illustrator (died in 1942)
    1907 – Frida Kahlo, Mexican painter (died in 1954)
    1914 – Vince McMahon Sr., American wrestling promoter, founded W/WWE (died in 1984)
    1918 – Sebastian Cabot, English-Canadian actor (died in 1977)
    1921 – Nancy Reagan, American actress, 42nd First Lady of the United States (died in 2016)
    1925 – Merv Griffin, American actor, talk show host, and producer, created Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! (died in 2007)
    1925 – Bill Haley, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (Bill Haley & His Comets) (died in 1981)
    1926 – Armando Silvestre, Mexican-American actor
    1931 – Della Reese, American actress and singer (died in 2017)
    1935 – Candy Barr, American model, dancer, and actress (died in 2005)
    1937 – Ned Beatty, American actor
    1937 – Gene Chandler, American singer-songwriter
    1945 – Burt Ward, American actor
    1946 – George W. Bush, American businessman and politician, 43rd President of the United States
    1946 – Fred Dryer, American football player and actor
    1946 – Sylvester Stallone, American actor, director, and screenwriter
    1949 – Phyllis Hyman, American singer-songwriter and actress (died in 1995)
    1950 – John Byrne, English-American comic book author and illustrator
    1951 – Geoffrey Rush, Australian actor
    1954 – Allyce Beasley, American actress
    1958 – Jennifer Saunders, English comedic actress
    1975 – 50 Cent, American rapper,
    1978 – Adam Busch, American actor
    1979 – Kevin Hart, American comedian, actor
    1980 – Eva Green, French actress and model
    1986 – David Karp, American businessman, founded Tumblr
    1987 – Kate Nash, English singer-songwriter and actress
    1987 – Caroline Trentini, Brazilian model

    July 6 History

    1189 – Richard I “the Lionheart” acceded to the English throne.

    1348 – Pope Clement VI issued a papal bull (rule) protecting the Jews accused of having caused the Black Death.

    1415 – Jan Hus, an early church reformer, was condemned as a heretic and then burned at the stake.

    1483 – Richard III was crowned King of England. Although he died in 1485, his body was lost until 2013. Because of that, many people consider him the greatest ‘hide and seek’ champion of all time.

    1535 – Sir (& Catholic Saint) Thomas More was executed for treason against King Henry VIII.

    1854 – The first convention of the United States Republican Party was held in Jackson, Michigan.

    1865 – The first issue of The Nation magazine was published.

    1885 – Louis Pasteur successfully tested his vaccine against rabies on Joseph Meister, a boy who was bitten by a rabid dog.

    1919 – The British dirigible R34 landed in New York, completing the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by an airship.

    1933 – The first Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played in Chicago’s Comiskey Park. The American League defeated the National League 4 – 2.

    1942 – Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in the “Secret Annexe” above her father’s office in an Amsterdam warehouse.

    1944 – The Hartford Circus Fire killed approximately 168 people and injured over 700 in Hartford, Connecticut.

    1947 – The AK-47 assault rifle went into production in the Soviet Union.

    1957 – John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time, as teenagers at Woolton Fete, three years before forming the Beatles.

    1963 – #1 Hit July 6, 1963 – July 19, 1963: The Essex – Easier Said Than Done

    1974 – #1 Hit July 6, 1974 – July 12, 1974: The Hues Corporation – Rock the Boat

    1985 – #1 Hit July 6, 1985 – July 12, 1985: Phil Collins – Sussudio

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    France, Britain, and Ireland are home to a combined 15 of the 20 oldest known buildings in the world. The oldest, Barnenez in France, dates to 4800 BC. Over 2,000 years older than the oldest pyramid in Egypt.

    You Wants people to read you post title twice? Just the terrible grammar.

    A group of Parrots is called a Company or Pandemonium.

    You are very likely to survive any battle in any war unless you make the mistake of showing someone a picture of your sweetheart back home. #thingsIlearnedatthemovies

    The Monopoly guy has an actual name: Milburn Pennybags

    The average American woman of today weighs the same as the average American man of the 1960s

    In 1665. the residents of Eyam, England decided to quarantine themselves to avoid spreading the plague.

    “Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son.” – Dean Wormer (John Vernon) #moviequotes

    TV’s Mythbusters once tested a combination of common materials that made an extremely powerful explosive. They deleted the tapes and swore to never release the information, then contacted DARPA and warned them about the possibility of misuse from the combination.

    “I feel the need… the need for speed!” – Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and Lt. Nick “Goose” Bradshaw (Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards) #moviequotes

    In films and tv shows, whenever someone steals a car you never see them adjust the seat. #movietropes #tvtropes

    TV Quotes… “Good night, John Boy” (the whole family) on “The Waltons”

    “His name is Robert Paulson.” – Members of Fight Club (chanting) in Fight Club #moviequotes

    The only time someone ever says “There’s a time and a place for everything…” is when they’re saying NOW isn’t the time and place for something.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • July 5 in Pop Culture History

    July 5 in Pop Culture History

    July 5 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 5 History Highlights

    • 1937 – Spam, the luncheon meat, was introduced.
    • 1946 – The Bikini debuted in Paris, France.
    • 1975 – Arthur Ashe becomes the first black man to win the Wimbledon singles title.
    • 1996 – Dolly the sheep was born; she was the first mammal cloned from an adult cell.
    • 179 days remain in the year.
    • If you were born on July 5th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 12th (prior year)

    Mechanical Pencil Day

    A pencil is a writing instrument typically made from graphite, wood, or synthetic material. Pencils were created around the time that graphite deposits were being discovered in Europe during the early 16th century by Conrad Gesner who lived and worked as an author, naturalist, bibliographer among other things throughout Switzerland. His first primitive design of what we now know to be called “a pencil,” was invented in 1565 which consisted of wrapping its lead with string and later designing them out of wood so they could be sharpened.

    The first mechanical pencil that had tools to move the lead instead of manually sharpening it was patented in 1822 by Sampson Mordan and John Isaac Hawkins. Starting from there, multiple companies began mass producing these so-called “mechanical” pencils.

    A mechanical pencil is also called a clutch pencil, microtip pencil, automatic pencil, drafting pencil, technical pencil, click pencil, pump pen, pump pencil, leadholder, pacer, propelling pencil, pen pencil, and lead pencil.

    July 5 is…

    Bikini Day
    Mechanical Pencil Day
    National Apple Turnover Day
    National Graham Cracker Day

    July 5 Birthday Quotes

    “Beware how you trifle with your marvelous inheritance, this great land of ordered liberty, for if we stumble and fall, freedom and civilization everywhere will go down in ruin.”
    – Henry Cabot Lodge

    “I love the idea of having a kid who says, ‘Yeah, of course I knew about Billie Holiday and Johnny Cash when I was nine years old.’”
    – Robbie Robertson

    “One must not mistake majority for truth.”
    – Jean Cocteau

    “The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive.”
    – Bill Watterson

    “Fortune always favors the brave, and never helps a man who does not help himself.”
    – P.T. Barnum

    “The noblest art is that of making others happy.”
    – P.T. Barnum

    “We need to have a taste factor in our life. It isn’t about what’s popular; it’s about what’s really good.”
    – Robbie Robertson

    July 5 Birthdays

    1586 – Thomas Hooker, English-born founder of the Colony of Connecticut (died in 1647)
    1675 – Mary Walcott, American accuser and witness at the Salem witch trials (died in 1719)
    1810 – P.T. ‘Phineas Taylor’ Barnum, American businessman, co-founded Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (died in 1891)
    1867 – A. E. Douglass, American astronomer (died in 1962)
    1889 – Jean Cocteau, French novelist, poet, and playwright (died in 1963)
    1902 – Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., American colonel and politician
    1913 – Smiley Lewis, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 1966)
    1928 – Warren Oates, American actor (died in 1982)
    1936 – Shirley Knight, American actress (died in 2020)
    1943 – Robbie Robertson, Canadian singer-songwriter and actor
    1945 – Michael Blake, American author and screenwriter (died in 2015)
    1958 – Bill Watterson, American author and illustrator (Calvin and Hobbs)
    1959 – Marc Cohn, American singer-songwriter
    1960 – Pruitt Taylor Vince, American actor
    1963 – Edie Falco, American actress
    1965 – Kathryn Erbe, American actress
    1968 – Nardwuar the Human Serviette, Canadian singer-songwriter
    1969 – RZA, American rapper
    1970 – Mac Dre, American rapper and producer
    1984 – Danay Garcia, Cuban actress
    1986 – Adam ‘Owl City’ Young, American singer- songwriter and composer

    July 5 History

    1687 – Isaac Newton published Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. (Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica)

    1841 – Thomas Cook organized the first package excursion (planned vacation tour), from Leicester to Loughborough.

    1865 – William Booth and his wife Catherine establish the Christian Mission, later known as the Salvation Army (1878).

    1921 – Chicago White Sox players were accused of “throwing” (lose intentionally) the World Series.

    1935 – The National Labor Relations Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

    1937 – Spam (the luncheon meat, not the internet junk) was introduced into the market by the Hormel Foods Corporation.

    1946 – French designer Louis Reard introduced the Bikini in Paris. He could not find a “respectable” Model to wear his creation so he had to hire a local Nude Dancer.

    1950 – The Knesset passed the Law of Return which grants all Jews the right to immigrate to Israel.

    1952 – #1 Hit July 5, 1952 – July 11, 1952: Percy Faith – Delicado

    1954 – The BBC broadcasted its first television news bulletin.

    1971 – The Twenty-sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, lowering the American voting age from 21 to 18 years, was formally certified by President Richard Nixon.

    1986 – #1 Hit July 5, 1986 – July 11, 1986: Billy Ocean – There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)

    1996 – Dolly the sheep was born – the first mammal cloned from an adult cell (she actually had three monthers)

    2008 – #1 Hit July 5, 2008 – August 22, 2008: Katy Perry – I Kissed a Girl

    2012 – The Shard in London was inaugurated as the tallest building in Europe, with a height of 1,020 ft.

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    George Burns – Real Name: Nathan Birnbaum

    Good writers ruminate, bad ones regurgitate. (found online)

    “A guy who one-shots his coffee before it even cools down.” #songlyrics

    An ancient megalake existed beneath what is now the Sahara Desert at one point covering over 42,000 square miles.

    George Bernard Shaw is the only person to ever win a Nobel Prize and an Academy Award.

    A group of Buzzards is called a Wake.

    “You can’t fool me. There ain’t no Sanity Clause!” – Fiorello (Chico Marx) #moviequotes

    The ancient sanction of Zaleucus: If someone proposes a change to the law that is rejected, that person gets strangled.

    The citrus soda 7-UP was created in 1929.

    Canada has more Costco locations per capita than any country in the world except Iceland, which has one Costco.

    Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, Ray Stantz, and Winston Zedmore were the original Ghostbusters.

    Though I’ve seen the commercials my entire life, I’ve never actually met anyone with a Chia Pet.

    Since I’m the only person who rated my local Mcdonald’s it is now a 5-star restaurant.

    The only truly unrealistic thing about sci-fi movie technology is the lack of pop-ups and advertisements obscuring 60% of the holoscreen.

    A ‘ton’ of people is really only about 15 of them.

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • Fourth of July in Pop Culture History

    Fourth of July in Pop Culture History

    July 4 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 4 History Highlights

    • When Americans talk about the day they declared independence from Great Britain, they don’t say the actual date the American way (July 4th), they say it the British way (4th of July)
    • July 4, 1918 Birthday (fictional) Steve Rogers,  Captain America, Marvel Comics, MCU
    • July 4, 2032 (fiction) John Connor was killed by a T-850 in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Film
    • If you were born on July 4th,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 11th (prior year)

    Traditional July 4 Information

    • 1826 – John Adams and Thomas Jefferson passed away
    • America The Beautiful by Katherine Lee Bates was published
    • July 4, 1918 Birthday (fictional) Captain America, Marvel Cinematic Universe
    • 1939 – Lou Gehrig, gave his famous “The luckiest man on the face of the earth” speech and announced his retirement from major league baseball.
    • July 4, 2032 (fiction) John Connor was killed by a T-850 in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Film
    • Take our Fourth of July Quiz!

    U.S.A. Facts:
    Capital: Washington, D.C.
    Motto: “In God we trust”
    Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner
    Bird: Bald eagle
    Flower: Rose

    This holiday is marked by fireworks, barbecues and parades. Previously called “rockets,” the term “fireworks” was not established until 1777. Later fireworks that made noise were invented and dubbed “firecrackers” and in 1880 sparklers were created.

    Calvin Coolidge was born July 4, 1872
    John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died July 4, 1826
    Last Words: John Adams; ‘Thomas Jefferson still survives.’
    Last Word: Thomas Jefferson; ‘This is the fourth?’
    James Monroe died July 4, 1836 in Richmond, Virginia

    On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, solidifying the U.S.’s independence from Britain. Although it had been celebrated in one way or another since 1777, July 4 was declared a federal legal holiday in 1941. Around 1791, we started calling July 4th “Independence Day”.

    Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776: John Hancock and Charles Thomson. The rest were mostly added on August 2nd of that year. The last person to sign it, Thomas McKean, got around to it in 1781.

    When Americans talk about the day they declared independence from Great Britain, the don’t say the actual date the American way (July 4th), they say it the British way (4th of July)

    It says a lot for American Spirit & Optimism that we celebrate the day we “declared” independence and not the day, more than 7 years later, when we actually won it. Happy Independence Day!

    July 4 is…

    Alice in Wonderland Day
    Independence Day
    Indivisible Day
    Jackfruit Day
    National Barbecue Day/ National Barbecued Spareribs Day
    National Caesar Salad Day
    National Country Music Day
    Sidewalk Egg Frying Day

    July 4th Quotes

    You’re a grand old flag! You’re a high-flying flag, And forever in peace may you wave. You’re the emblem of the land I love, The home of the free and the brave. Ev’ry heart beats true ‘Neath the Red, White and Blue,’ Where there’s never a boast or brag. But should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
    – George M. Cohan

    “I haven’t always done a good job, and I haven’t always been successful – but I know that I have tried.”
    – George Steinbrenner

    “Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”
    – Nathaniel Hawthorne

    “Yeah, yeah. I, I don’t think I’m always right. But I don’t think young people are always right, either.”
    – Rube Goldberg

    “Never underestimate the stimulation of eccentricity.”
    – Neil Simon

    “Surround yourself with amazingly intelligent men and women. The people I work with not only are smarter than I am, possessing both intellectual and emotional intelligence, but also share my determination to succeed. I will not make an important decision without them.”
    – George Steinbrenner

    “Maturity is the ability to do a job whether you’re supervised or not; finish a job once it’s started; carry money without spending it; and the ability to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.”
    – Abigail Van Buren

    Sometimes in our lives we all have pain.
    We all have sorrow.
    But if we are wise we know that there’s always tomorrow.
    – Bill Withers

    “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.”
    – Benjamin Franklin

    “When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and rising plains, the great mountains, and the sea. He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can draw the breath of self-respect.”
    – Adlai Stevenson

    “My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!”
    – Thomas Jefferson

    “Many public-school children seem to know only two dates: 1492 and 4th of July; and as a rule, they don’t know what happened on either occasion.”
    – Mark Twain

    And I’m proud to be an American,
    where at least I know I’m free.
    And I won’t forget the men who died,
    who gave that right to me.
    – Lee Greenwood

    “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.”
    – William J. Clinton

    “Ours is the only country deliberately founded on a good idea.”
    – John Gunther

    “I believe in America because we have great dreams – and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.”
    – Wendell L. Wilkie

    “If you take advantage of everything America has to offer, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.”
    – Geraldine Ferraro

    “We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution.”
    John F. Kennedy

    “Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.”
    – James Bryce

    “Anyway, it’s not a right/left issue. It’s a right/wrong issue and America has constantly been on the side of what’s right. When it comes down to it, this is about keeping faith with the idea of America, because America is an idea, isn’t it? I mean, Ireland is a great country, but it is not an idea. Great Britain is a great country, it is not an idea. That’s how we see you around the world, as one of the greatest ideas in human history, right up there with the Renaissance, crop rotations, and the Beatles’ White album.

    “The idea, the American idea, it is an idea. The idea is that you and me are created equal, and will ensure that an economic recession need not become an equality rescission. Life is meant to the enjoyed. If we have justice, dignity, leave it to us, we?ll do the rest. This country was the first to claw its way out of darkness and put that on paper, and God love you for it, because these aren’t just American ideas anymore. There’s no copyright on them. You brought them into the world. It is a wide world now. I know Americans say they have a bit of the world in them, and you do, but the thing is, the world has a bit of America in it too. These truths, your truths, they are self-evident in us?”
    -Bono

    July 4 Birthdays

    1790 – George Everest, Welsh geographer, Mt Everest namesake (died in 1866)
    1804 – Nathaniel Hawthorne, American novelist and short-story writer (died in 1864)
    1826 – Stephen Foster, American songwriter (died in 1864)
    1872 – Calvin Coolidge, American politician, 30th President of the United States (died in 1933)
    1883 – Rube Goldberg, American sculptor, cartoonist, and engineer (died in 1970)
    1898 – Gertrude Lawrence, British actress, singer, and dancer (died in 1952)
    1910 – Gloria Stuart, American actress (died in 2010)
    1911 – Mitch Miller, American singer and producer (died in 2010)
    1918 – Pauline Phillips, American journalist, created Dear Abby (died in 2013)
    1920 – Leona Helmsley, American businesswoman (died in 2007)
    1924 – Eva Marie Saint, American actress
    1927 – Gina Lollobrigida, Italian actress
    1927 – Neil Simon, American playwright and screenwriter (died in 2018)
    1930 – George Steinbrenner, American businessman (died in 2010)
    1931 – Stephen Boyd, Northern Ireland-born American actor (died in 1977)
    1938 – Bill Withers, American singer-songwriter (died in 2020)
    1943 – Geraldo Rivera, American lawyer, journalist, and author
    1946 – Michael Milken, American businessman, felon and philanthropist
    1954 – Morganna, American model and actress
    1962 – Pam Shriver, American tennis player and sportscaster
    1995 – Post Malone, American singer, rapper

    July 4 History

    1054 – A supernova was seen for several months by Chinese, and Arabs near the star Zeta Tauri – its remnants form the Crab Nebula.

    1776 – The United States Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress.

    1803 – The Louisiana Purchase was announced.

    1826 – John Adams, second president of the United States, died the same day as Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States, on the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. The two founding fathers did not get along during their careers.

    1827 – Slavery was abolished in New York State.

    1855 – The first edition of Walt Whitman’s book of poems, Leaves of Grass, was published.

    1862 – Lewis Carroll told 10-year-old Alice Liddell a story that was the basis for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1865.

    1910 – African-American boxer Jack Johnson knocked out white boxer Jim Jeffries in a heavyweight boxing match.

    1911 – A heatwave occurred in the northeastern United States, killing 380 people in eleven days.

    July 4, 1918 Birthday (fictional) Steve Rogers, Captain America, Marvel Cinematic Universe

    1946 – The Philippines gained full independence from the United States.

    1950 – Radio Free Europe was first broadcast.

    1951 – William Shockley announces the invention of the junction transistor.

    1961 – Soviet Submarine k-19 Nuclear Underwater Disaster

    1964 – #1 Hit July 4, 1964 – July 17, 1964: The Beach Boys I Get Around

    1966 – US President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act into United States law, effective in 1967.

    1971 – Koko the Gorilla was born in the San Francisco Zoo

    1976 – The Clash performed publicly for the first time at The Black Swan, in Sheffield, England.

    1987 – Former Gestapo chief Klaus “Butcher of Lyon” Barbie was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life imprisonment.

    1992 – #1 Hit July 4, 1992 – August 7, 1992: Sir Mix-A-Lot – Baby Got Back

    1997 – NASA’s Pathfinder space probe landed on the surface of Mars.

    2004 – The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower was laid on the World Trade Center site in New York City.

    2005 – The Deep Impact collider struck the comet Tempel 1.

    2009 – The Statue of Liberty’s crown reopened to the public after eight years of closure due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks.

    2012 – The discovery of particles consistent with the “God particle” – Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider were announced at CERN.

    2016 – The Juno probe arrived at Jupiter.

    July 4, 2032 (fiction) John Connor was killed by a T-850 in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Film

    July 4, next year (fiction) Mankind will fight off alien invaders, Independence Day, Film

    #1 Hit July 4, 2020 – August 7, 2020: RockstarDaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    Canada and the US should just combine their independence days into one four-day binge drinking, fireworks, and bbq bonanza.

    In Call of Duty Advanced Warfare during the single-player campaign the player is prompted to press F to pay respects at a funeral.

    STURGEON’S REVELATION: 90 percent of everything is crud. (not crap as is often misquoted)

    The original M-80 was used by the U. S. military to simulate explosions and used 3,000 mg of powder but is illegal without a federal license. The legal ones sold as fireworks only have 50 mg of powder, or 1/60th as much as the military version.

    The Great Wall of China is 13,170.7 miles long, over five times the distance from LA to NYC.

    For most of his reign, England’s King George III had the official title of “George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and so forth”

    “Here it is, your moment of Zen” – Jon Stewart (The Daily Show)

    Michael Meyers wore a painted Halloween mask of William Shatner (Captain Kirk) in “Halloween.”

    It is illegal to use the US flag on a trademark

    Squirrels will pretend to bury nuts if they’re being watched to deceive potential thieves.

    They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, so how did this one get all the way here in my lunch box!? This crazy apple, I swear haha!

    Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari, also founded Chuck E. Cheese.

    Useless Pronunciation: G as in gnostic

    “O’clock” traces its roots back to “of the clokke” in Middle English.

    “Why so serious?” – The Joker (Heath Ledger) #moviequotes

    Literacy rates for men in colonial New England was 85% on the eve of the American Revolution.

    “If life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car. And objects in the rearview mirror may appear closer than they are.” #songlyrics

    More Pop Culture History Resources

  • The Fourth Of July

    The Fourth Of July

    ???? Fourth of July: The Fireworks, the Founding, and the Facts

    The Fourth of July, officially known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It’s a day marked by fireworks, parades, barbecues, and flags—but behind the red, white, and blue is a story filled with politics, philosophy, and yes, even a bit of scheduling drama.

    (Take Fourth of July  Quiz)

    ???? What Happened on July 4, 1776?

    Contrary to popular belief, the Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed on July 4. Here’s how it unfolded:

    • July 2, 1776 – The Continental Congress voted in favor of independence.

    • July 4, 1776 – The final text of the Declaration (drafted by Thomas Jefferson) was approved.

    • August 2, 1776 – Most delegates signed the document.

    So why July 4? That’s the date on the printed copies (the Dunlap broadsides) distributed to the public.


    ????️ Who Wrote the Declaration?

    While Thomas Jefferson was the principal author, the draft was a team effort. The Committee of Five included:

    • Thomas Jefferson (VA)

    • John Adams (MA)

    • Benjamin Franklin (PA)

    • Roger Sherman (CT)

    • Robert R. Livingston (NY)

    Jefferson was only 33 at the time.


    ???????? Who Declared Independence First?

    Delaware played a unique role. Its delegation was deeply divided:

    • George Read initially voted against independence.

    • Caesar Rodney famously rode 80 miles overnight through a thunderstorm to break the tie and vote in favor of independence on July 2.

    Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution, but also one of the most dramatic in declaring separation from Britain.


    ???? When Did Fireworks Become A Tradition?

    • The first Independence Day fireworks display occurred on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia.

    • John Adams even predicted this tradition a year earlier in a letter to his wife Abigail:

      “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other…”

    Boom. Nailed it.


    ????️ Did All 13 Colonies Celebrate?

    Not at first. New York didn’t officially support the vote until July 9. And independence wasn’t fully secure until after the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Still, the symbolism of July 4 spread quickly and became law in 1870, when Congress made it a federal holiday.


    ???? Modern Traditions: Beyond the Founders

    • Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest started on July 4, 1916.

    • Americans eat about 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day each year.

    • “Born on the Fourth of July” isn’t just a film—it’s true for several presidents, including Calvin Coolidge (b. 1872).


    ???? What’s on the Declaration?

    The Declaration isn’t just about breaking up with King George—it outlines key principles:

    • All men are created equal.

    • Governments derive their power from the consent of the governed.

    • If a government becomes destructive, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.

    These ideas were revolutionary then, and are still debated today.


    ???? How Delaware Celebrates

    Delaware communities like Dover, Wilmington, and Rehoboth Beach hold parades, concerts, and some of the East Coast’s best fireworks displays. First State Heritage Park often hosts readings of the Declaration, colonial reenactments, and family-friendly activities to honor Delaware’s foundational role.


    ???? 76 Fourth of July Facts

    1. Three presidents died on July 4: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams (both in 1826), and James Monroe (1831).

    2. One president was born on July 4: Calvin Coolidge.

    3. The Liberty Bell was not rung on July 4, 1776—it was likely rung on July 8 to announce the Declaration.

    4. The national anthem wasn’t adopted until 1931.

    5. Congress didn’t make July 4 a paid federal holiday until 1941.

    6. Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776—but the independence vote actually took place on July 2.

    7. John Adams believed July 2 would be celebrated as Independence Day and was disappointed it wasn’t.

    8. Only two men signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4: John Hancock and Charles Thomson.

    9. Most other 54 signers signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776.

    10. The youngest signer of the Declaration was Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, age 26.

    11. The oldest signer was Benjamin Franklin, who was 70 years old in 1776.

    12. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in 17 days.

    13. There are 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence representing the 13 colonies.

    14. The Dunlap Broadsides were the first printed versions of the Declaration, distributed on July 4.

    15.  Only 26 copies of the Dunlap Broadside are known to exist.

    16. Congress first made the Fourth of July a federal holiday in 1870, but it wasn’t a paid federal holiday until 1941.

    17. The first Fourth of July fireworks were set off in Philadelphia in 1777, just one year after the Declaration was adopted.

    18. In 1778, George Washington celebrated the Fourth by giving his soldiers a double ration of rum.

    19. Massachusetts was the first to recognize July 4 as a state holiday in 1781.

    20. The first Fourth of July celebration at the White House was hosted by President Thomas Jefferson in 1801.

    21. The Declaration of Independence has 1,337 words and takes about 10 minutes to read aloud.

    22. The only signer of the Declaration who later became president was Thomas Jefferson.

    23. Benjamin Franklin famously said, “We must all hang together, or… we shall all hang separately.”

    24. The original draft of the Declaration included a condemnation of slavery, which was later removed.

    25. In 1791, the District of Columbia celebrated its first Fourth of July with music, speeches, and fireworks.

    26. The phrase “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” replaced “property” from earlier drafts.

    27. John Hancock’s signature is so large it inspired the phrase “Put your John Hancock here.”

    28. The Liberty Bell was cracked long before 1776 and likely wasn’t rung on July 4.

    29. The bell was rung on July 8, 1776, to mark the public reading of the Declaration.

    30. On July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary—Jefferson and Adams died just hours apart.

    31. James Monroe also died on July 4, five years later in 1831.

    32. President Zachary Taylor fell ill after attending the July 4 events in 1850 and died five days later.

    33. The “Star-Spangled Banner” was written during the War of 1812, not the Revolution.

    34. It was originally a poem called “The Defence of Fort McHenry” by Francis Scott Key.

    35. “The Star-Spangled Banner” wasn’t adopted as the national anthem until 1931.

    36. Congress officially declared independence on July 2, 1776, but approved the text of the Declaration on July 4.

    37. The fireworks tradition was influenced by earlier British “Gunpowder Day” celebrations.

    38. Paul Revere did not ride on July 4—his famous midnight ride happened on April 18, 1775.

    39. The U.S. population in 1776 was approximately 2.5 million.

    40. As of 2024, the U.S. population is over 330 million, more than 130 times larger than when it began.

    41. The original American flag had 13 stars arranged in a circle, representing unity among the colonies.

    42. The flag design was updated 27 times as new states were added.

    43. The current 50-star flag was designed by a 17-year-old student, Robert Heft, in 1958.

    44. July 4 is the most popular day for flying the U.S. flag at homes and public buildings.

    45. The Smithsonian Institution houses one of the few surviving Dunlap broadsides.

    46. Philadelphia’s Independence Hall was originally called the Pennsylvania State House.

    47. The Continental Congress met in secrecy during the summer of 1776 to avoid British spies.

    48. Some colonists celebrated independence early by toppling statues of King George III.

    49. John Dunlap, a Philadelphia printer, typeset the first printed copies of the Declaration.

    50. Abigail Adams asked her husband to “remember the ladies” in a famous letter from March 1776.

    51. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were once political rivals but later became close pen pals.

    52. The Declaration of Independence was signed in the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall.

    53. The ink on the Declaration has faded, but the parchment remains preserved at the National Archives.

    54. The National Archives building in Washington, D.C., has displayed the Declaration since 1952.

    55. July 4 is one of the top beer-selling holidays in the United States.

    56. Americans spend over $1 billion on fireworks yearly for Independence Day celebrations.

    57. The first Independence Day parade occurred in Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1785.

    58. The Fourth of July wasn’t consistently celebrated nationwide until after the War of 1812.

    59. Fireworks were originally set off during the day using cannons and gunpowder.

    60. The first known use of “Fourth of July” in print was in a 1777 Virginia Gazette article.

    61. The bald eagle became the national bird in 1782, six years after the Declaration.

    62. July 4 became a national holiday when President Ulysses S. Grant signed it into law in 1870.

    63. The Liberty Bell became a national symbol of independence during the 1830s abolitionist movement.

    64. On July 4, 1803, President Jefferson announced the Louisiana Purchase to the public.

    65. The U.S. has territories celebrating Independence Day, including Puerto Rico and Guam.

    66. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both lived to see the 50th anniversary of the Declaration before dying that same day—July 4, 1826.

    67. Though instrumental in the Constitution, James Madison was not a signer of the Declaration.

    68. The last surviving signer of the Declaration was Charles Carroll of Maryland, who died in 1832.

    69. The Liberty Bell weighs about 2,080 pounds and is made mostly of copper.

    70. The bell’s famous crack likely expanded during an 1846 ringing for George Washington’s birthday.

    71. Independence Day events are held at over 15,000 community locations across the U.S. each year.

    72. In 2006, NASA launched the space shuttle Discovery on July 4—the first-ever shuttle launch on Independence Day.

    73. The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show in New York is the largest in the U.S.

    74. Many Revolutionary War soldiers received handwritten copies of the Declaration read aloud in camps.

    75. Delaware’s Caesar Rodney is featured on the state quarter for his historic July 2 ride.

    76. In 2026, the U.S. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, known as the Semiquincentennial.

  • July 3 in Pop Culture History

    July 3 in Pop Culture History

    July 3 History, Facts and Trivia

    July 3 History Highlights

    • 1608 – Quebec, Canada was founded by Samuel de Champlain. The name came from the Native American word “kebec” meaning ‘where the river narrows’
    • 1775 – George Washington took command of the Continental Army
    • 1819 – The Bank for Savings in the City of New-York, the first(?) savings bank in the United States, opened.
    • 1852 – Congress established the United States’ 2nd mint in San Francisco.
    • 1863 – The final day of the Battle of Gettysburg culminates with Pickett’s Charge (US Civil War)
    • 1952 – The Constitution of Puerto Rico was approved by the United States Congress.
    • If you were born on July 3rd,
      You were likely conceived the week of… October 10th (prior year)

    Fried Clam Day

    Lawrence Henry “Chubby” Woodman and his wife Bessie had a small concession stand on Main Street in Essex, Massachusetts. On a slow July 3, 1916, a fisherman named Tarr saw a bucket of clams nearby and suggested, “Why don’t you fry up some of your clams? If they’re as tasty as those potato chips of yours, you’ll never have to worry about having enough customers.” Fried clams were unheard of, but the couple considered the idea and tested frying them like potato chips.

    The following day was July 4, and the “Fried Clams” were offered successfully at the town’s Independence Day Parade and festivities.

    July 3 through August 11 are the “Dog Days of Summer”
    July 3 through August 15th are “Air Conditioning Appreciation Days”

    July 3 is…

    American Redneck Day
    Compliment Your Mirror Day
    Disobedience Day
    National Chocolate Wafer Day
    National Compliment Your Mirror Day
    National Eat Your Beans Day
    National Fried Clam Day
    National Independent Beer Run Day
    Plastic Bag Free Day
    Stay Out of the Sun Day

    July 3 Birthday Quotes

    “Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”
    – Franz Kafka

    “Don’t tell ’em – SHOW ’em!”
    – George M. Cohan

    “You can only be young once but you can be immature forever.”
    – Dave Barry

    “I don’t care what you say about me, as long as you say something about me, and as long as you spell my name right”
    – George M. Cohan

    “What are the differences between Mark Zuckerberg and me? I give private information on corporations to you for free, and I’m a villain. Zuckerberg gives your private information to corporations for money and he’s Man of the Year.”
    – Julian Assange

    July 3 Birthdays

    1871 – William Henry Davies, Welsh poet and writer (d.1940)
    1878 – George M. Cohan, American songwriter, actor, singer, and dancer (died in 1942)
    1883 – Franz Kafka, Czech-Austrian author (died in 1924)
    1889 – Richard Cramer, American actor (died in 1960)
    1906 – George Sanders, Russian-born British actor (died in 1972)
    1918 – Johnny Palmer, American golfer (died in 2006)
    1927 – Ken Russell, English actor, director, and producer (died in 2011)
    1940 – Lamar Alexander, American lawyer and politician
    1941 – Gloria Allred, American lawyer and activist
    1943 – Judith Durham, Australian folk-pop singer-songwriter and musician
    1943 – Kurtwood Smith, American actor
    1944 – Annette Beard, American soul/R&B singer, Vandella
    1947 – Dave Barry, American comedic journalist and author
    1952 – Laura Branigan, American singer-songwriter (died in 2004)
    1957 – Poly Styrene, British musician (died in 2011)
    1958 – Aaron Tippin, American singer-songwriter
    1962 – Tom Cruise, American actor
    1964 – Yeardley Smith, American actress, voice actress
    1965 – Connie Nielsen, Danish-American actress
    1966 – Moisés Alou, American baseball player
    1971 – Julian Assange, Australian journalist, publisher, and activist, founded WikiLeaks
    1994 – Ben Winchell, American actor

    July 3 History

    1035
    William the Conqueror became the Duke of Normandy.

    1819
    The Bank of Savings in New York City, an early savings bank in the United States, opened. Many think it was the oldest, but the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) was founded on December 4, 1816, and is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.

    1852
    Congress established the United States 2nd Mint in San Francisco.

    1884
    Dow Jones and Company published its first stock average. Three reporters founded the company: Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser.

    1886
    The New York Tribune became the first newspaper to use a linotype machine, eliminating typesetting by hand.

    1890
    Idaho was admitted as the 43rd U.S. state.

    1952
    The Congress of the United States approved the Constitution of Puerto Rico.

    1952
    Mr. Peepers, starring Wally Cox, debuted on NBC

    1953
    Nanga Parbat – 26,660 ft (8,126 m) – Pakistan – First ascent: July 3, 1953, by Hermann Buhl

    1969
    Rolling Stone member Brian Jones died in an accidental drowning (aged 27)

    Lulu the elephant went off-script on live BBC television’s Blue Peter, making the first on-air animal “blooper” we could find.

    1971
    Doors frontman Jim Morrison died of an accidental drug overdose (aged 27)

    1973
    July 3, 1973 Birthday (fictional) Will Smith, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, TV

    1979
    President Jimmy Carter signed the first directive for secret aid to the opponents of the pro-Soviet regime in Kabul, Afghanistan.

    1982
    #1 Hit July 3, 1982 – July 23, 1982: The Human League – Don’t You Want Me

    1985
    Back to the Future was released, featuring the now-famous 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 time machine/automobile.

    1988
    The USS Vincennes shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 people aboard.

    2013
    The Egyptian military overthrew the President of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi.

    Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts

    The average number of fingers on July 3rd is probably almost always higher than on July 4th.

    July and Julie each look like how the other should sound.

    If you take the first letter of the month from July to November you spell out “Jason”

    Smile, because life is too short to be unhappy. #happy

    Anyone trying to win the argument isn’t really interested in having a discussion.

    Milli and Vanilli weren’t the ones actually singing on their album. This is one of the things we cared about in July of 1989.

    Oprah’s parents named her after Harpo Marx. “Oprah” is “Harpo” backward.

    “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” – Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore – (Robert Duvall) #moviequotes

    Some alien might have the Milky Way as their desktop wallpaper.

    There is a giant mushroom in Oregon that is over 2,400 years old, covers 3.4 square miles of land, and is still growing.

    “I’ll be back” – The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) #moviequotes

    All of humanity, put together, has over 168 billion hours a day to accomplish things.

    The singular of Spaghetti is a “Spaghetto”.

    The original artwork for the iconic “Jaws” poster has been missing for decades.

    Charlie Brown’s father was a barber.

    Gruntled is a word, and it is the opposite of the word disgruntled.

    I wonder how many typos I see ever day without noticing.

    Movie theater Popcorn costs more per ounce than Fillet Mignon, the price of Popcorn is more than 1200% higher than its production costs.

    More Pop Culture History Resources