Mar 07
March 7th - This Day in History? More like, Sad Day in History. It’s my last post…but fear not, T D in H lives on, and wait until you experience the breath of fresh air that will come wafting through here on Monday.
Until then, take my hand as we once more walk down Memory Lane together.
321 - Emperor Constantine Declares Sunday the Day of Rest - Oh, bless you, Emperor Constantine, bless you! What a forward-thinking genius you were. Not to nitpick, but…you didn’t think Monday might have been nice to take off, too?
2006 - Apple Patents the iPod - I created my own music player called the ‘lpPod’, that allowed me to play my vinyl collection on the go. Aside from the bulk, the scratching, the skipping and the slipped disc, it was pretty hot. If you want to the real thing, Overstock offers $5 off iPods.
Famous Birthdays
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Mar 06
March 6 - Feeling good today because I got a haircut. I often think that modern medicine should come up with a drug to make hair stop growing. Then, when you get a really good haircut, you can be like, “Whoa, hair, let’s put the brakes on right now and cruise this ‘do for a while.”
Until that momentous event, enjoy these.
1836 - The Battle of the Alamo Ends - We remember the Alamo, always, but we celebrate a new type of warrior - those battlers of the hardcourt: your San Antonio Spurs! Sure, it’s Texas, but forget Dallas; this is a Dynasty! It’s not too late to switch allegiance and show your love for the Spurs - visit the NBA Store and get 15% off all Spurs gear now.
1927 - ‘Metropolis’ Released - This crazy silent movie was a blueprint for a whole genre of science fiction movies. Most interestingly to me, however, was the theme of lifelike female robots. At the moment, iRobot offers innovative cleaning robots, but they’re not exactly the stuff of teenage fantasy. Probably a good thing.
Famous Birthdays
- Lou Costello, 1906 - ‘Who’s on first?,’ I hear you asking. Nice try. You’re not going to melt my brain that easily!
- Ed McMahon, 1923 - With a storied career that spans decades, Ed McMahon is known for everything from ‘He-e-e-e-e-re’s Johnny!’ to…uhhh…well, there’s the, uhhh…well, anyway, Happy Birthday, Ed!
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Mar 05
March 5 - The weather’s so funny in March…one day it snows, then it rains…jacket selection demands careful consideration at this time of year. As do these events from time gone by.
Slip off your coat and stay a while, won’t you?
1936 - Spitfire Flies For the First Time - I’m a total plane junkie, and the Spitfire might just be the sexiest thing ever to take flight. There aren’t many Spits left, but you can still get your fill of dogfighting - without the danger of actual, you know, fighting, thanks to Viator. Redeem the free coupon and get 7% off the Top Dog Air Combat adventure. Just don’t call yourself Maverick…it’s so played. (Plus it’s my call-sign.)
1979 - Sensors Detect Gamma Ray Burst in Space - To astronomers, this event signaled the last-gasp of the N-49, a dying supernova. But, for the rest of us, it signaled something far more momentous - the birth of The Incredible Hulk! Whatever you do, don’t make him angry! You will not like him when he’s angry!
Famous Birthdays
- John Coke, 1536 - The English politician enjoyed minor fame in the Parlaiment of Warwick, but his name has come to mean more for it’s association with a latter-day soft drink - not unlike his contemporary in the British government, Alistair Sunny D.
- Rex Harrison, 1908 - ‘Just you wait, ‘enry ‘iggins, just you wait!’…what, you haven’t seen My Fair Lady? Have you no culture?! It’s not to late, Alibris has great deals on classic films on DVD.
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Mar 04
March 4th - The Month of March starts to chug along like only it knows how. Did it come in like a lion where you are, or a lamb?
Either way, This Day in History saw some pretty amazing events. I recommend you take a moment to reflect on the kind of thing that you could accomplish today, if you really put your mind to it.
1275 - Chinese Observe Total Eclipse of the Sun - Chinese astronomers were amazed at this incredible celestial occurrence. Can you imagine the shock felt by Bonnie Tyler, 708 years later, when she experienced a Total Eclipse of the Heart? Revisit one of the world’s great power ballads with 5% off the Bonnie Tyler back catalog at Sony Style.
1493 - Columbus Returns to Spain - After only a few months in the New World, Columbus returned to Europe with tales of his discovery. He was all, ‘Oh my god, you totally have to check this place out…it’s like, awesome!’ and they were all, ‘Yeah, right! America is so old news. The Vikings were there like, 500 years ago, Chris. Get with it, man.’
Famous Birthdays
- Knute Rockne, 1888 - The greatest football coach who ever lived led Notre Dame to the National Championship 6 out of the 13 years he was there. Even if you aren’t a member of the Fighting Irish, you can look the part with 20% off college athletic clothing at Eastbay.
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Mar 03
March 3 - February was a wild ride this year, what with the extra day and everything, but March promises to be just as incredible. Some people are gearing up for March Madness, but I have unusual tastes - for me, this month guarantees excitement in the form of the 2008 Seniors Nationals Badminton Championships. I can’t say it enough - I love Badminton. So much in fact, I’m petitioning the sport’s governing bodies to officially change the name of the game to Goodminton.
Until that great day comes along, satisfy your thirst for excellence with a look at wonders past:
1791 - US Mint Created by Congress - The very name has come to mean something really good, as in: ‘Oh, dude, the pegs on your BMX bike are mint!’ The US Mint produced over 14…uhhh…Gazillion? coins last year, but it’s only very special coins that people collect. If you’re one of those people check out the great deals on minted coins at Shopathometv.com.
1845 - Florida Becomes 21st State - It’s ironic that Florida is the 21st state, considering 21 is the drinking age. Why do I always mention Florida and drinking in the same breath, you ask? It’s hard to say. It’s literally hard to say because it’s Spring Break (somewhere, I’m sure) and I’ve had a few cocktails.
1885 - AT&T Incorporated - Formerly known as American Telephone & Telegraph, the company is now the US’s largest provider of local and long distance services. But all that counts for nothing unless you use a hands-free device at all times. Why? You look cool. Especially when you walk up behind someone and suddenly start talking on the phone. People love that. Get 10% off hands-free devices at Hello Direct.
Famous Birthdays
- James Doohan, 1920 - Whatever you do, don’t ask Scotty for more power. He just cannae give it to you, Captain!
- Tone Loc, 41 - A two-hit wonder, but man, what a pair of hits. To this day, when people ask me, ‘Why you so fly?’ I say, ‘funky cold medina’.
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Feb 29
February 29 -The month of February and I have been basking in the glow of the extra day we get to spend together this year. Because of this, and the fact that there are four times fewer February 29ths, there are hardly any historical events to share. I say get out there and make a little history of your own.
1892 - St Petersburg Incorporated - At the conclusion of the meeting to incorporate the town, village elders were tired. ‘Wow, that was a long meeting…we need a break. Spring’s coming, why don’t we take our break now, in the Spring. Yes, a Spring break is what we shall take, and we shall celebrate heartily. Pass me yonder ale bong, Jebediah!’
Famous Birthdays
- Tony Robbins, 47 - I took a course with the master of motivation, and look at me now! I just made my 7th million! I’m going to use it install the mother of all home theaters in my parent’s basement, where I live happily. But since I love a deal as much as dear old Mom, I’m getting my electronics from Second Act, where everything is 6% off right now.
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Feb 28
February 28th - The last day of the month always makes me sad…so long, Febraury, it’s been a good one…we’ll see you next year…if only we could have one more day together, I know it’d be worth it……what?! Are you serious!? I promise you, February, you won’t regret this! We are going to have so much fun tomorrow, you just wait and see!
Meanwhile, back in time…
1854 - Republican Party Formed - Will they be celebrating in November? We shall see…but in the meantime, celebrate the Grand Old Party’s founding with 15% off a Republican Party Cookie Cake from David’s Cookies.
1953 - DNA Chemical Structure Discovered - Who could have predicted that 30 years later, a mighty rock band would form and take the name Helix as an homage to the unique double spiral shape of humanity’s building block. If you’re kind enough to give them an ‘R’, an ‘O’, a ‘C’ and a ‘K’, Helix will Rock You. If you want to know more about where you learned to rock, GeneTree.com offers a free at-home DNA collection kit.
Famous Birthdays
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Feb 27
February 27th - Wednesday is upon us once again, friends. Join hands with me and skip merrily around our desks as we celebrate the steady tick-tock of the workweek clock.
While we’re at it, let’s celebrate these important events in our history.
1879 Saccharin Invented - The sweetest substance known to man besides a basketful of flop-eared puppies.
1974 - People Magazine Published - The magazine once paid over $4 Million for photos of the Brangelina baby. For that price they probably could have bought Shiloh herself! (That’s a joke - we don’t condone that sort of thing around here.) But we do condone discount magazine subscriptions - get $5 off select magazine subscriptions at Magazines.com.
1996 - Pokemon Invented - Second only to Mario in popularity, Pokemon is a global animation phenomenon. I never understood the appeal personally, but I lost interest in cartoons after Rocket Robin Hood. If you spend time in the fantasy world of pocket monsters, get discount Pokemon products at KB Toys.
Famous Birthdays
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Feb 26
February 26 - An exciting day today, especially for those with a birthday. To you we heartily wish you many happy returns! For the rest of you, I offer a polite nod and some of the most fascinating events in human history!
1897 - Sigma Phi Fraternity Founded - Also invented today: the ale bong and something called a ‘bloomer raid.’
1917 - First Jazz Record Published - One listen to this classic by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band will have you aching to learn the trombone. If you think you’re ready for the king of instruments, Palantino Trombones are 10% off at Instrument Pro.
1991 - The First Web Browser Debuts - We can’t be sure how long it was before the first pop-up ad…uhh….popped-up, but I reckon it was within minutes.
Famous Birthdays
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Feb 25
February 25th - Monday, Monday, Monday. What is it about you? Tied with Tuesday for un-coolest Day of the Week, Monday is definitely not my I-don’t-have-to-run-day. The Bangles? Manic Monday? No? I’m old.
But not as old as these February 22nd historical milestones.
1836 - Colt Revolver Patented - I’m a lover, not a fighter, so I have no need for guns. But if I became an internationally-feared spy, I’d definitely need a case for my trusted sidearm. You can bet I’d buy one at Irv’s Luggage Warehouse, where pistol cases are up to $20 off.
1951 - Pan Am Games Debuts in Argentina - The less-popular cousin of the Olympics, the Pan Am Games don’t get a lot of love these days. The good news is that with a little training you could probably make the US squad. I recommend badminton because it’s the fastest - and therefore coolest - racket sport. But your nasty old backyard racket’s not going to cut it at the Pan Am Games my friend - it might actually - but lucky for you, badminton rackets are 15% off at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Famous Birthdays
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