Wednesday February 24th

What we learned from 2009 that may have come as a surprise: Obesity in teenage girls may increase their risk of later developing multiple sclerosis.

 

1868

The first parade to have floats is staged at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Although one could argue that this started with the Chinese many years earlier.

 

1897

Running was one of the first sports to be formally organised in the young community of Calgary. Deerfoot, a Siksika (Blackfoot) man soon made his name as a long-distance runner at local sporting events. Unfortunately, since wagering was also a popular form of entertainment, the races were not always run "fair and square."

Because of this he found himself in a heap of trouble throughout his life.

During his incarceration he contracted tuberculosis and, on February 24, 1897, Deerfoot died in the Mounted Police infirmary in Calgary. Today, one of the fastest roads in Calgary — a multi-lane highway over which thousands of vehicles speed every day - bears the name of Deerfoot.

 

1905

Members of the Ottawa Silver Seven, winners of the Stanley Cup, celebrate their victory by booting the cup onto the frozen Rideau Canal; Captain Harry Smith retrieves it unharmed the following day.

 

1917

World War I: The U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom is given the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany pledges to ensure the return of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona to Mexico if Mexico declares war on the United States.

 

1982

Oiler Wayne Gretzky scores his 77th goal of the season to break Phil Esposito's single-season NHL scoring record; adds goals 78 and 79 before the game ends; en route to his awe-inspiring 92 goal season.

 

1989

United Airlines Flight 811, bound for New Zealand from Honolulu, Hawaii, rips open during flight, sucking 9 passengers out of the business-class section.

 

2002

Martina McBride performs at Salt Lake City's Olympics Medals Park on closing night of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Willie Nelson takes part in the closing ceremonies, singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

 

 

 

2006

NASA said 2005 was the warmest year in more than a century of record-keeping.

 

2008

Fidel Castro retires as the President of Cuba after nearly fifty years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birthdays

 

Sammy Kershaw –52- A resonance similar to George Jones brings him into prominence during the 1990s, behind such hits as "Cadillac Style," "She Don't Know She's Beautiful" and "National Working Woman's Holiday"

 

Abe Vigoda –89- Vigoda is known for his portrayal of Sal Tessio in The Godfather, but he is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Detective Sgt. Phil Fish on the sitcom television series Barney Miller.

Reports of Vigoda's death as well as questions of whether he is alive or dead have become a running joke:

AbeVigoda.com lists Abe Vigoda's current state as dead or alive.

 

 

Link of the day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_o_xn-q5Zk