Some More of Chicago's Innovations-- Part 3

9. MODERN OPTIONS TRADING. The Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus is said to have bet on future olive harvests around 300 BC. and there have been various forms of options investment ever after. //// Its modern form began with the 1973 launch of the Chicago Board Options Exchange. //// Chicago through the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicao Board of Trade (CBOT) have long played a big role in the trading of commodities and futures trading. The CBOT even rauised and equipped a battery of cannons that saw service during the Civil War. (Everytime I drive through Central illinois, I listen to the Whip in Farmer City and get to hear those hog and etc. futures. Of course, in these days of prices going up and down so fast, I'm not sure futures trading is a good thing for us. //// --DaCoot