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On this day in 1871, a cow kicks over a lantern in Mrs. O'Leary's barn, sparking a wind-fed conflagration destined to be remembered for all man's days as the Great Chicago Fire... or not, depending on who you ask. According to representatives from PETA, for instance, it was Mrs. O'Leary, herself, who started the fire. Then, to cover her tracks, she cruelly used a gentle, defenseless cow as a convenient scapegoat... or, scapecow. Whatever. But whoever started it, over the next two days, fire ripped through the Midwestern metropolis, burning it to the ground virtually in its entirety. Four square miles were left a smoking ruin, 100,000 people were left homeless, and at least 300 people lost their lives.
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On this day in 1918, in the Argonne Forest in France, United States Corporal Alvin C. York kills 28 German soldiers and captures 132.
On this day in 1956, the New York Yankees's Don Larsen pitches the only perfect game in a World Series; one of only 21 perfect games in MLB history.
On this day in 1962, the nightmarish hermit nation of North Korea reports a voter turnout of 100% for their national election, with 100% of the votes going to the Workers Party. Holy shit, man... what do you figure the odds were on that happening?!
On this day in 1967, guerrilla leader Che Guevara and his men are captured in Bolivia.
On this day in 1969, the opening rally of the Days of Rage occurs, organized by the Weather Underground in Chicago, Illinois.
On this day in 1982, a newly “freed” Poland ironically bans Solidarity and all trade unions.
On this day in 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush announces the establishment of the Office of Father- I mean HOMELAND Security.
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