Posts Tagged ‘history’
What am I remembering?
November 5, 2019
Remember, remember, the fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
We see no reason
Why Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot….
When we experienced it in London – it was more like this:
However,
What is tattoo Tuesday about?
October 29, 2019Although it was first patented in 1888, and again in 1938 and 1943, the first ballpoint pens were sold in the U.S. on this date in 1945.
There was some jostling to get the first ballpoint pen to market, and the winner was the Reynolds International Pen Company. When the pen was introduced in Gimbel Bros. in New York, TIME magazine wrote,
In Manhattan’s Gimbel Bros., Inc., thousands of people all but trampled one another last week to spend $12.50 each for a new fountain pen. The pen was made by Chicago’s Reynolds International Pen Co. In full-page ads, Gimbel’s modestly hailed it as the “fantastic, atomic era, miraculous pen.” It had a tiny ball bearing instead of a point, was guaranteed to need refilling only once every two years, would write under water (handy for mermaids), on paper, cloth, plastic or blotters.
I looked for a ballpoint pen tattoo, but only found these cousins . . .
What am I celebrating on tattoo Tuesday?
October 22, 2019
I am celebrating the launching of the USS Constitution on October 21, 1979. (So yesterday was the launch 222 years ago, but I am posting it today.)
The ship was built in Edmund Hartt’s shipyard in Boston for a cost of $302,718.
On October 17, the ship was underway for her last trip around Boston Harbor until 2108. U.S.S. Constitution will be open for limited viewing until entering dry dock in March, 2015 for a three-year long restoration project that is estimated to cost between $12 and $15 million.
During the restoration, workers are expected to re-copper the ship’s hull, replace worn riggings, change out old planks on the gun and berth decks and make general repairs to the stern, bow and captain’s cabin. The ship is expected to be back in the water by 2017. By spring or summer 2018 it should return to its familiar spot on Pier 1 at the Navy Yard. Ref. Fox News.
U.S.S. Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned naval ship afloat.
Constitution ’s stated mission today is to promote understanding of the Navy’s role in war and peace through educational outreach, historic demonstration, and active participation in public events. As a fully commissioned US Navy ship, her crew of 60 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year round and providing free tours. The officers and crew are all active-duty US Navy personnel and the assignment is considered special duty in the Navy. Traditionally, command of the vessel is assigned to a Navy Commander. Constitution is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard, at one end of Boston’s Freedom Trail. Ref. Wikipedia
And some tattoos:
Kudos for the full Boston –
What am I noting on tattoo Tuesday?
September 17, 2019
Today is Constitution Day
This is the day that in 1787, the Constitution of the United States of America was approved. Representatives from 12 state delegations approved the document and it was signed by 39 of the 42 delegates present. The Constitution then went on to be ratified by the various states. In 1788 ratification by New Hampshire (the 9th state to ratify) made the Constitution the law of the land.
What am I noting today?
August 1, 2019Today marks the opening of Glasgow’s Central Railway Station in 1879. At 140 years of age, it is an iron and stone beauty – filled with trains, passengers, shops, restaurants, and so forth. There is also a hotel where I stayed on my first trip to Scotland. My room overlooked the great glass expanse covering the arrivals and departures gates. There were also no shades on the bathroom windows . . . hmmm.
Read more about it in this story in the Scotsman.
