First Posting - an Inauspicious Beginning

This is the first off-line posting of Today in History -

Here's your abbreviated Today in History -

Tonight's the second night of Kwanzaa. Tonight celebrates Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) - To define oneself, name oneself, create for oneself and speak for oneself.

December 27, 1831 -For some unknown reason, naturalist Charles Darwin begins his famous voyage onboard a beagle, on the date. He immediately swims back to shore and boards the HMS Beagle once the dog drowns.

The 12 acre complex in midtown Manhattan known as Rockefeller Center developed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., on land leased from Columbia University opened to the public on December 27, 1932. Radio City Music Hall (named for one of the complex's first tenants, the Radio Corporation of America) opened with a spectacular stage show, featuring Ray Bolger and Martha Graham. The opening was meant to be a return to high class variety entertainment.

Unfortunately, the show bombed and on January 11, 1933, the Music Hall rushed to show the first film on the giant screen, installed in the theatre: Frank Capra's The Bitter Tea of General Yen starring Barbara Stanwyck. Again, the film was not critically well received

December 27, 1937 -Middle aged, stout and possible transvestite performer, Mae West performs an "Adam & Eve" skit that gets her banned from NBC radio.

December 27, 1947 -Hey kids, what time is it? A bleary eyed world, fresh from the horrors of a second World War awaken to the sight of a freaky marrionette on NBC - Howdy Doody premieres.

December 27, 1992 -Harry Connick, Jr., was arrested at Kennedy Airport in New York City after telling authorities he had an unloaded 9mm pistol in his luggage, which he said he had forgotten that his sister had given to him. Oh, that old one, Officer, I forgot I had a loaded gun in my suitcase.

Thought of the Day: Statistics are often used as a drunk uses a light pole: For support rather than illumination.

And so it goes.