July 2 - Hat Act

Hat Act

Overheard

At dinner:

E: What do you use to make art?

M: Crayons, paper, markers, paint...

D: Jet engines, alcohol...

E [looking sad]: I don't have those.

This Day In History

1679

Europeans first visit Minnesota and see headwaters of Mississippi in an expedition led by Daniel Greysolon de Du Luth.

1698

Thomas Savery patents the first steam engine.

1776

The Continental Congress adopts a resolution severing ties with the Kingdom of Great Britain although the wording of the formal Declaration of Independence is not approved until July 4.

1897

Italian scientist Guglielmo Marconi obtains a patent for radio in London.

1900

The first Zeppelin flight takes place on Lake Constance near Friedrichshafen, Germany.

1937

Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan are last heard from over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to make the first equatorial round-the-world flight.

1962

The first Wal-Mart store opens for business in Rogers, Arkansas.

2001

The AbioCor self contained artificial heart is first implanted.

2002

Steve Fossett becomes the first person to fly solo around the world nonstop in a balloon.

Famous Birthdays

1489

Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury (d. 1556)

1665

Samuel Penhallow, English-born American colonist and historian (d. 1726)

1714

Christoph Willibald Gluck, German composer (d. 1787)

1877

Hermann Hesse, German-born writer, Nobel laureate (d. 1962)

1908

Thurgood Marshall, American Supreme Court Justice (d. 1993)

1932

Dave Thomas, American fast food entrepreneur (Wendy's) (d. 2002)

1948

Saul Rubinek, Canadian actor