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

US Postal Service

The US Postal Service was created on July 26, 1775.  I hate them.

The USPS was created by the Continental Congress while the United States were still just a bunch of colonies rebelling against Great Britain.  Good old Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General.  Interestingly, Franklin had prior experience in the job as he previously served as postmaster general for the British colonies in North America.  He was fired by the British because of his revolutionary tendencies.

My postal carrier is named Rolanda.  I don't trust her and have been known to violently throw myself against the window when she comes to my house.  I can't stand the way the Postal Service has gotten away from a clean cut look and uniform.  Have you seen postal carriers lately?!  Untucked shirts, constantly on their cell phones, wearing iPods ... Sheesh!  Ben Franklin is probably rolling over in his grave.

Does anyone remember those cool little postal Jeeps that postal carriers drove in the 1960's and 70's?  They were true Jeeps, known as the "DJ-5".  They were not four-wheel drive and had right hand drive so the postal carrier could easily pop your mail into your box.

- Charlie

One Giant Leap!

That's one small step for man, one giant leap for a small dog.  I don't know why Neil Armstrong messed that up when, on July 20, 1969, he became the first human to set foot on the Moon and uttered a similar but slightly inaccurate statement over the radio to Houston.  This iconic photo was taken of Armstrong's boot print after he descended the ladder of the lunar lander.

Most people do not know that Neil Armstrong did, in fact, make a mistake in how he said those eternal words.  During the 240,000 mile trip to the Moon in Apollo 11, along with his fellow crew members Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins, Armstrong had plenty of time to rehearse his planned speech.  It was supposed to go, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."  Armstrong later made fun of himself for the mistake and said that he was so excited about stepping on to the Moon's surface that he flubbed his lines.  No matter, though, the words were still profound and everyone knew what he meant.  Subsequent generations still know what he meant.

This week is also important because it will bring the birthdays of two of the beautiful ladies in my life who surround and pamper me.

- Charlie

Dam!

Eighty years ago this week, construction began on Hoover Dam.  It was completed by 1935, less than five years after the project was started.  The dam was named after Herbert Hoover, the President of the United States when construction of the dam began but it was Franklin Roosevelt who dedicated the dam upon its completion.  Huge public works projects, like Hoover Dam, played a major role in providing employment and economic stimulation during the Great Depression.

The view from the top of the dam is spectacular!

- Charlie

Independence Day - 1776

July 4, 1776, a long time ago, the 13 British colonies in North America declared independence demanding, in part, that they have the right to enjoy bar-b-ques without interference from the crown.  Very few people know that the middle drummer in this painting, an older gent who'd lost most of his hearing firing muskets at the French during the French and Indian War, could never stay on beat with the other drummer and the fifer.  If you look closely, you can see the frustration on the younger drummer's face.

Happy 4th!

- Charlie

Thank you. Thank you very much. For kicking me in the head!

Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll, we all know that.  Most of us know that he also loved Cadillacs.  But, did you know that he dabbled in the martial arts?  That's right, Elvis 'The Pelvis' Presley studied martial arts and eventually earned a black belt.  His training started in the US Army, when he was stationed in Germany.  After returning to the US, his martial arts interests continued and he eventually started studying American Kenpo Karate under the tutelage of martial arts legend Ed Parker.  Eventually, Elvis even earned additional black belt degrees but his ultimate lasting skills are debatable.  You can see Elvis in action on YouTube so I'll let you be the judge.  Regardless of just how good, or not good, Elvis was at Kenpo, he did put his own mark on the traditional martial arts uniform, or "gi".  He wore some of the most outlandish karate uniforms ever seen in Memphis!

I know some people who do martial arts and I'm all for it as long as it's done outside.  If I catch anyone doing martial arts inside the house, like when Elvis went crazy on his entourage in his stocking feet, I bark until they stop.  Check out the guy on the far right.  He looks less than impressed.

- Charlie

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

Given the current situation in the Gulf of Mexico, where thousands of barrels of crude oil are spewing  from the ground on a daily basis, seemingly unchecked, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.  Completed in 1869, the transcontinental railroad was a monumental task that resulted in a continuous rail link across the United States from east to west.  What, you ask, does that have to do with oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico?  Well, I'm glad you brought that up.  I can't help but wonder how this country might have been different if we had continued to invest in efficient regional and national railroads instead of embracing the carfurious lifestyle.  (Carfurious.  I just made that word up.)  Can you imagine the excitement and ease of a 'US Rail Pass' a-la Europe's 'Euro Pass?'  I hate to knock cars because gosh knows I love them but if the last 70 years had not been so car-centric, we might not have gotten ourselves into so much trouble by being tempted to drill baby drill!

- Charlie

Va-Va-Va-Voom!

Reading in a cozy bed.  It doesn't get much better than that!

- Charlie

Just 'Twain You and Me

Mark once wrote, "A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way." Truer words were never put to paper. Sometimes I run into cats on my nightly walks and when they stand their ground in front of me, I bark like a girl and run away.

Mark Twain had a great moustache!

- Charlie

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  A nice three-day weekend to honor US veterans like these valiant Marines raising the Stars and Stripes over Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945.

National Bike Month

Ha-ha!  If only Albert could have multiplied the mass of his bicycle by the speed of light squared, he might have had the energy to escape me!!

- Charlie

Together and Equal

On May 17, 1954, the US Supreme Court unanimously rejected its previous ruling that public school education could be separate and equal.  In deciding Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka the highest court in the land mandated that schools throughout the nation be desegregated.  After initial turmoil in the reluctant southern states (surprise, surprise) the public school systems throughout the US began massive efforts to integrate public education.  I, for one, think that mandatory busing was one of the greatest endeavors this nation ever undertook.  Only by sharing daily experiences and visiting different neighborhoods will our children learn not to fear or hate other people simply because of the color of their skin.

Thurgood Marshall was the lead attorney who argued the case on behalf of a group of children who had been denied enrollment in certain public schools based on their skin color.  Oliver Brown, of Topeka, Kansas, was one of the appellants.  Interestingly, Thurgood Marshall would go on to become one of the most influential and celebrated justices on the US Supreme Court.  To boot, he was the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court.

-- Charlie

Happy Mother's Day!

I know, it's technically a Hallmark Holiday but this is one that is well deserved.  After all, without our moms, where would we be?  This is a photo of my favorite mom at Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver during the summer of 1964.  What a fun mom!

-- Charlie

VE Day!

That's right, this week will mark the 65th anniversary of "VE Day!" Victory in Europe, on May 8, 1945, brought an end to the fighting against Nazi Germany during World War II. At the time, Dwight Eisenhower was the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and he is seen here examining artwork plundered by the Nazi's during their invasion and occupation of their neighbors on the European continent. Also with "Ike" are General Omar Bradley (left) and General George Patton (center, just behind Ike and me.)

-- Charlie

Washington Becomes President!

On April 30, 1789, George Washington took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. He captured his thoughts on becoming the first president when he wrote, "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."

President Washington retired from politics after his second term in office. As with many departing presidents, I often wish we had followed their advice. In his farewell address, Washington urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions.

Although they were fashionable in his day, Washington never liked powdered wigs and rarely, if ever, wore one. I don't like wigs on men either.

Thanks to Molly for another great suggestion!

-- Charlie

Buffalo Bill

Buffalo Bill Cody (center), what a character! He got his name as just one of many who participated in the mass slaughter of our nation's wild bison herds. These herds once numbered over 100 million animals and they roamed the west in great north-south migrations. The herds and their activities supported a complex chain of life that included prairie roaming wolves and grizzly bears. Unfortunately, by the late 1800's, people like Buffalo Bill had nearly wiped them out.

Bill was also a famous scout for the US Army and received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in 1872. While a scout, Bill cautioned the government to never make a promise to Native Americans that it did not intend to keep. (Too bad the government didn't listen.) In his later years, Buffalo Bill formed a traveling "Wild West" show. Understanding the folly of his ways with the buffalo, he purchased some of the last remaining bison, included them in his show, and, thus, protected them from slaughter. (But, don't be fooled, it was really the formation of Yellowstone National Park that saved the wild American bison.) Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show gave starts to notable performers of the day such as Annie Oakley. The show also provided odd jobs for some washed up western heroes including "Wild Bill" Hickock. Hickock was so bad at delivering lines on stage that he was quickly dropped from the show but parted with his friend Buffalo Bill on good terms.

Buffalo Bill died in 1917 and is buried near Golden, Colorado.

-- Charlie

Thank Goodness for FDR!

On April 12, 1945, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States, died. "FDR" served as President of the United States beginning in 1933 and won four consecutive reelections. He's best known, of course, for guiding the United States through both the Great Depression and World War II but he did other great things for this nation. FDR was also a champion of Social Security and survived accusations that he was a socialist simply because he wanted all Americans to have a secure and happy life all the way through and beyond retirement.

Roosevelt was also a polio survivor but went to great lengths to conceal his disabilities from the American public. He was almost always photographed sitting down, either in a chair or in a vehicle. This was because he normally used leg braces and crutches, or a wheelchair, to get around. Yes, he was related to Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Teddy was FDR's fifth cousin.

Many people do not know that FDR loved riding in cars, just like me! He actually owned one of the first cars modified to operate with hand controls specifically for the disabled.

-- Charlie

Surrender! I Bring You Indoor Plumbing.

On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee (center right) surrendered his Confederate Army to General Ulysses S. Grant (center left) at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia. The actual surrender took place inside the McClean House. Thus would end the US Civil War -- with over 630,000 casualties, one of America's most deadly conflicts. The casualty rates from some Civil War battles have never been exceeded, even in the United States' modern history.

The McClean House did not have indoor plumbing so one had to make do. All that talking, chivalry, pomp and circumstance! My bladder just wouldn't hold out any longer.

Special thanks to Molly for suggesting this week's blog entry!

-- Charlie

Women in History

This week will bring March, and Women's History Month, to a close. I chose my photo with Rosa Parks on a city bus as this week's photo to showcase a famous woman from history. What I like about Rosa is that she was an ordinary woman who did an extraordinary thing without really thinking about it. She reminds me of the women in my life, all of whom are ordinary women living their day-to-day lives but who do extraordinary things and serve as examples of what it means to be brave and strong. These women, who regularly give me pats on the head or who buy me cookies and toys, have braved the Seventies as single moms, blazed trails into professional careers traditionally held by men, and continually seek out new opportunities to improve themselves and the lives around them.

Thank goodness for strong women!

-- Charlie

Life is a Mystery

I apologize for posting this week's blog a day late. Yesterday marked the passing of my good buddy and neighbor Russell Black. Russ and I enjoyed going on slow evening walks together and visiting each other at our homes. Russ was the elder statesman of our neighborhood and I will miss him.

I'll return next week with my history posts.

-- Charlie

Daylight Saving Time

Don't forget to set your clocks forward! A popular misconception is that Daylight Saving Time has something to do with farming and the benefit of farmers -- like these happy folk. Actually, it's intended to provide more daylight during times when people are more likely to be up, out, and about. The concept of daylight saving time was suggested by Benjamin Franklin in 1784. Several European countries put daylight saving time into practice during WW I. The United States adopted it and rejected it at different times. After WWI, it proved unpopular and was dropped. During WWII, it was adopted all year long between 1942 and 1945 and was referred to as "War Time."

So, join me in enjoying more daylight in your day and get out there and go and be and do!

- Charlie

Hope

This is the original concept for the Hope campaign. Personally, I like it better than the one he finally used in his campaign.

-- Charlie

Celebrating Black History Month!

February is Black History Month.

Just before this photo was taken Malcolm said to me, "Charlie, you crack us up!"

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X -- Two progressive thinkers who approached civil rights from different directions but who reached the same conclusions. Ahead of their times and their assassinations represent irreplaceable losses to our country.

-- Charlie X

In Space, No One Can Hear You Bark!

Well, February 20 marks the 48th anniversary of astronaut John Glenn's historic spaceflight where he became the first person to orbit the earth. He actually orbited the earth three times during the flight. After the first orbit, the spacecraft experienced "technical problems" and John flew the remaining three orbits using manual controls. What can I say, I really wanted to know what that red button did.

Some additional interesting facts you might not know include the fact that John was 40 years old when he made this flight in 1962. He was one of the oldest astronauts in NASA's Mercury space flight program. John made old guy history again when he became the oldest astronaut, and the first sitting US Senator, to fly in space. He was a member of the Space Shuttle Discovery crew that flew on mission STS-95 in October 1998.

See you next week!

-- Charlie

Happy Presidents' Day

On September 17, 1862, President Lincoln visited the battlefield of Antietam shortly after the Union Army narrowly defeated Confederate forces. Interestingly, northerners referred to this as the "Battle of Antietam" while southerners referred to it as the "Battle of Sharpesburg." Antietam Creek runs through the area and the town of Sharpesburg, Maryland is very close to the battlefield. Another interesting fact, that I'm pretty sure is true, is that Abe frequently kept a handful of dog cookies in the right pocket of his topcoat but you could never tell by his face whether he was going to give any out.

Enjoy your three day holiday! See you next week.

-- Charlie

Welcome!

Welcome to my Blog! Once a week, for the next 52 weeks, I'll be posting some of my favorite photos from history. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed putting them together.

Charlie