Welcome to the Future

Can you believe that the first ATM was installed on September 2, 1969!?  I can't.  I didn't realize primitive societies used ATM's.  It must have been something less than an instant hit because the people I know don't recall using an ATM until around 1983 or 1984, which, as far as I know, is still a time when primitive peoples were hunting and gathering on their way to and from work.

I think I need my own ATM card.

- Charlie

Having a Dream

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his now famous speech in which he outlined his dream for a better America.  Look at all those people!

- Charlie

Hawaii Five-O

This week marks the anniversary of Hawaii becoming the 50th state.  President Dwight Eisenhower signed the proclamation admitting Hawaii to the United States on August 21, 1959.  On July 4, 1960, the current US Flag, consisting of five rows of six stars and four rows of five stars, flew for the first time.  The US Postal Service issued this commemorative stamp in 2009.

Hawaii is well known for its friendly people, beautiful beaches, and great surfing.  I am something of a surfer myself and frequently visit local Southern California beaches for a little body surfing and sun worship.

Mahalo to Hawaii for joining the Union and, until next week ... Aloha!

- Charlie

Don't Let the Door Hit You on the Ass on the Way Out

On August 9, 1974, Richard Nixon left the White House after resigning the presidency of the United States.  All crooks eventually get their comeupance.  Good riddance!

- Charlie

Not Your Average Nautilus

In 1954, Walt Disney introduced the moviegoing world to the Jules Verne story 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  Unusually dark for a Disney movie, the story stayed true to the vengeful character Captain Nemo.  In this scene, Captain Nemo, Charlie, Ned Land, and Consiel, listen to Professor Aronnax explain something interesting over dinner aboard Nemo's submarine the Nautilus.  Little do Nemo's guests know that it was Nemo who deliberately sank the warship they were traveling on or that they would soon battle a giant squid.  Pictured from left to right are James Mason, who played Nemo, Charlie, Kirk Douglas, Peter Lorre, and Paul Lukas.

The Nautilus was a real submarine and was the first nuclear powered sub in the US Navy's fleet.  On August 3, 1958, the Nautilus became the first vessel to complete an undersea voyage to the geographic North Pole.  On that voyage, the captain was US Navy Captain Hyman Rickover.  Whether or not any squids were battled remains classified.

- Charlie