Showing posts with label Bits O' History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bits O' History. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Bits O' History: "Four Eyes"-- Avocados, Anyone?--Chicago Food Prices 1914
BITS O' HISTORY-- Tidbits, you know.
1. 'FOUR EYES"-- You can calls him Ted, or youse can call him Fed. Just don't call him "Four Eyes." Before he was president, Theodore Roosevelt got into a bar fight after being called "four eyes." Must have charged up the guy's forehead.
2. AVOCADOS, ANYONE-- On their way to the New World, European sailors used avocados in place of butter. Avocado it up. Well, I just learned how to spell avocado. I always thought it was avacado. Never too old to learn something I suppose.
3. CHICAGO FOOD PRICES IN 1914:
MILK: 9 cents a quart
EGGS: 35 cents a dozen
BACON: 28 cents per pound
POTATOES: 18 cents per pound
SIRLOIN STEAK: 26 cents per pound
Just a Touch. --Cooter
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Bits O' History: Tomb of the Unknown-- Last Trip of USS Enterprise
1. TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN-- Oct. 29, 2012, ABC News. An inspirational picture making internet rounds of the elite soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery. Picture actually taken in September. The Army's 3rd Infantry Regt., "The Old Guard" keeps watch 24-hours, 365 days a year, regardless since 1948. They were on post during Hurricane Sandy.
2. LAST TRIP FOR USS ENTERPRISE-- Nov. 21, 2012, KVOA, Tucson, Az-- The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier finished its 25th and final deployment Nov. 4th and returned to its home base at Norfolk, Va. Its reactor will be removed and it will be towed to Washington State to be scrapped. It was the Navy's second-oldest ship after the USS Constitution.
Scotty and Kirk Won't Be Happy-- Cooter
2. LAST TRIP FOR USS ENTERPRISE-- Nov. 21, 2012, KVOA, Tucson, Az-- The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier finished its 25th and final deployment Nov. 4th and returned to its home base at Norfolk, Va. Its reactor will be removed and it will be towed to Washington State to be scrapped. It was the Navy's second-oldest ship after the USS Constitution.
Scotty and Kirk Won't Be Happy-- Cooter
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Bits O' History: HMAS Choules-- Pittsburgh's Bridge of Sighs
Some New News About Old Stuff.
1. HMAS CHOULES-- One of Australia's newest Navy ships is the HMAS (Her Majesty's Australian Ship) Choules, named after their last World War I veteran, Claude Choules who died in May 2011 at the age of 110. He served in World War I in the British Navy and World War II in the Australian Navy. I have written more on Mr. Choules, just hit the label.
2. PITTSBURGH'S BRIDGE OF SIGNS-- This comes from the Jan. 30, 2013 Shorpy Bridge of Sighs: 1903. And reads Pittsburgh "Named after the famous span in Venice (and it looks like that one) it was used to transport prisoners between the Alleghenny Courthouse and jail.
It is still there. The courthouse was built between 1883 and 1888. The jail remains as well,but now houses child support, custody and family law services.
When looking at the Shorpy pictures, always read the comments which give a lot more information. Plus, I like to blow up the pictures for a closer view.
Shorpy, One Great Site. --Cooter
1. HMAS CHOULES-- One of Australia's newest Navy ships is the HMAS (Her Majesty's Australian Ship) Choules, named after their last World War I veteran, Claude Choules who died in May 2011 at the age of 110. He served in World War I in the British Navy and World War II in the Australian Navy. I have written more on Mr. Choules, just hit the label.
2. PITTSBURGH'S BRIDGE OF SIGNS-- This comes from the Jan. 30, 2013 Shorpy Bridge of Sighs: 1903. And reads Pittsburgh "Named after the famous span in Venice (and it looks like that one) it was used to transport prisoners between the Alleghenny Courthouse and jail.
It is still there. The courthouse was built between 1883 and 1888. The jail remains as well,but now houses child support, custody and family law services.
When looking at the Shorpy pictures, always read the comments which give a lot more information. Plus, I like to blow up the pictures for a closer view.
Shorpy, One Great Site. --Cooter
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Bits O' History: Japanese Graves Discovered-- Auschwitz Needs Money
Bits O' History: New News About Old Stuff.
1. JAPANESE GRAVES DISCOVERED-- Two huge graves containing the remains of 22,000 Japanese defenders killed at the Battle of Iwo Jima have been discovered. The bodies of another 12,000 are still missing.
2. AUSCHWITZ NEEDS MONEY-- Oct. 22, 2010-- An estimated 120 million pounds needed for repairs on the infamous concentration camp in southern Poland built on boggy ground.
Now, You Know.
1. JAPANESE GRAVES DISCOVERED-- Two huge graves containing the remains of 22,000 Japanese defenders killed at the Battle of Iwo Jima have been discovered. The bodies of another 12,000 are still missing.
2. AUSCHWITZ NEEDS MONEY-- Oct. 22, 2010-- An estimated 120 million pounds needed for repairs on the infamous concentration camp in southern Poland built on boggy ground.
Now, You Know.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Bits 'O History: Il Duce's Clothes-- Hitler's Ghost
A couple of recent articles of World War II interest involving two of the Axis leaders.
1. IL DUCE'S CLOTHES-- Benito Mussolini's clothes are up for sale at an auction. They were in his suitcase when he was captured by partisans and executed in April 1945. Paul Moriconi, a Rochester doctor, died last year at age 87, and acquired it while he was a soldier back then.
They were auctioned this past Sunday and between $10,000 and $15,000 was expected.
3. HITLER'S GHOST-- Well, not actually his ghost, but memory of him. A British travel company is offering tours of places associated with the German World War II leader, including the "Berghof" and "Eagle's Nest" near Berchtesgaden, Germany. The tour is called a "Hitler Holiday."
Even today, flowers and candles mysteriously turn up on Hitler's birthday at the "Berghof." This complex was bombed during the war and destroyed after its capture. Very little remains and it is not marked.
"Eagle's Nest" or "Hitler's Tea House" on the top of a nearby mountain attracts thousands of visitors each year.
A Vacation I'm Not Sure I'd Take. --Cooter
Germany still has a problem in how to remember the former leader.
1. IL DUCE'S CLOTHES-- Benito Mussolini's clothes are up for sale at an auction. They were in his suitcase when he was captured by partisans and executed in April 1945. Paul Moriconi, a Rochester doctor, died last year at age 87, and acquired it while he was a soldier back then.
They were auctioned this past Sunday and between $10,000 and $15,000 was expected.
3. HITLER'S GHOST-- Well, not actually his ghost, but memory of him. A British travel company is offering tours of places associated with the German World War II leader, including the "Berghof" and "Eagle's Nest" near Berchtesgaden, Germany. The tour is called a "Hitler Holiday."
Even today, flowers and candles mysteriously turn up on Hitler's birthday at the "Berghof." This complex was bombed during the war and destroyed after its capture. Very little remains and it is not marked.
"Eagle's Nest" or "Hitler's Tea House" on the top of a nearby mountain attracts thousands of visitors each year.
A Vacation I'm Not Sure I'd Take. --Cooter
Germany still has a problem in how to remember the former leader.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Bits O' History: New Use-- Oktoberfest
Bits O' History-- New News About Old Stuff
1. NEW USE-- June 29th Chicago Tribune-- When the Dave Matthews concert ad caravan came to Chicago this past summer, it was held on the now vacated 589-acres that was the US Steel South Works site on Chicago's south lakefront.
It has been closed since 1992 and of the 160 buildings that once stood there, just one remains.
Good to see use made of it and hopefully it will be turned into some sort of park.
2. OKTOBERFEST-- In September actually. From September 3rd Chicago Tribune. OK, retailers keep pushing up the seasons. Halloween stuff started going up in August. But beer drinking and celebrating has been moved up as well, as in where it started to celebrate a royal wedding, Munich, Germany.
This because of weather concerns. It now starts September 17th. The first one was from October 12-17, 1810, in case you're wondering.
A group of us are hoping to go to the one in Munich in 2013. I want to drink one of those giant mugs (or several) and enjoy that oom-pah music and good German food.
Ein Prosit!! --Cooter
1. NEW USE-- June 29th Chicago Tribune-- When the Dave Matthews concert ad caravan came to Chicago this past summer, it was held on the now vacated 589-acres that was the US Steel South Works site on Chicago's south lakefront.
It has been closed since 1992 and of the 160 buildings that once stood there, just one remains.
Good to see use made of it and hopefully it will be turned into some sort of park.
2. OKTOBERFEST-- In September actually. From September 3rd Chicago Tribune. OK, retailers keep pushing up the seasons. Halloween stuff started going up in August. But beer drinking and celebrating has been moved up as well, as in where it started to celebrate a royal wedding, Munich, Germany.
This because of weather concerns. It now starts September 17th. The first one was from October 12-17, 1810, in case you're wondering.
A group of us are hoping to go to the one in Munich in 2013. I want to drink one of those giant mugs (or several) and enjoy that oom-pah music and good German food.
Ein Prosit!! --Cooter
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Bits O' History: Oak Knoll Imploded-- Hitler-Mocking Dog
Bits O' History-- New History about old stuff.
1. OAK KNOLL IMPLODED-- The April 8th Napa Valley (Ca) Register reports that 800 pounds of dynamite was used to implode Oak Knoll Military Hospital. It was the last of a hundred barracks, stores and other structures on the 167-acre medical complex.
It opened during World War II for Pacific casualties and also served the wounded in the Korean and Vietnam wars. It was decommissioned in 2005 and will become a residential development.
Before it was a hospital, it was a golf course and country club.
2. HITLER-MOCKING DOG-- The Jan. 8th Boston.com reported on a dog that really got the Nazis goat during World War II. They even started a campaign against Jackie's owner Tor Borg of Finland. It seems that, on command, Jackie would raise his foot in a German salute to Der Fuhrer. Some recently-found Nazi documents pertained to the case.
Now, You Know. --Cooter
1. OAK KNOLL IMPLODED-- The April 8th Napa Valley (Ca) Register reports that 800 pounds of dynamite was used to implode Oak Knoll Military Hospital. It was the last of a hundred barracks, stores and other structures on the 167-acre medical complex.
It opened during World War II for Pacific casualties and also served the wounded in the Korean and Vietnam wars. It was decommissioned in 2005 and will become a residential development.
Before it was a hospital, it was a golf course and country club.
2. HITLER-MOCKING DOG-- The Jan. 8th Boston.com reported on a dog that really got the Nazis goat during World War II. They even started a campaign against Jackie's owner Tor Borg of Finland. It seems that, on command, Jackie would raise his foot in a German salute to Der Fuhrer. Some recently-found Nazi documents pertained to the case.
Now, You Know. --Cooter
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Bits O' History: Doolittle's Raiders-- HMAS Sydney
Some current history.
1. DOOLITTLE'S RAIDERS-- Three of the five remaining members of Doolittle's Raid will be on hand for the March 26-27 Punta Gorda (Florida) Air Show. They are Richard Cole (Doolittle's copilot), Thomas C. griffin and David J. Thatcher.
2. HMAS SYDNEY-- The shipwrecks of the HMAS Sydney and German raider Kormoran were added to Australia's National Heritage List. Both ships were sunk in a violent sea battle on November 19, 1941. All 645 Australians aboard the Sydney died as did 60 Germans.
The wrecks of these two ships were discovered in 2008 off the coast of Western Australia.
It Won't Be Long Before There are No Doolittle's Raiders Left. --Cooter
1. DOOLITTLE'S RAIDERS-- Three of the five remaining members of Doolittle's Raid will be on hand for the March 26-27 Punta Gorda (Florida) Air Show. They are Richard Cole (Doolittle's copilot), Thomas C. griffin and David J. Thatcher.
2. HMAS SYDNEY-- The shipwrecks of the HMAS Sydney and German raider Kormoran were added to Australia's National Heritage List. Both ships were sunk in a violent sea battle on November 19, 1941. All 645 Australians aboard the Sydney died as did 60 Germans.
The wrecks of these two ships were discovered in 2008 off the coast of Western Australia.
It Won't Be Long Before There are No Doolittle's Raiders Left. --Cooter
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Bits O' Real Old History: HMAS Sydney-- Cape Fear Light-- USS South Dakota
Some Old News About Old Stuff.
1. HMAS SYDNEY-- Alaistair Templeton was on the HMAS Sydney for three months and shipped off Oct. 17, 1941, a few weeks before it sank. He said that one of the four turrets was damaged and jammed and probably not in service in the battle.
2. CAPE FEAR LIGHT-- Stood on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Built 1903 and demolished in 1958 to prevent confusion with the new one at Oak Island.
3. USS SOUTH DAKOTA-- I met a woman who said her grandfather served aboard the USS South Dakota. The former crew members recently had a reunion in St. Louis, but only eight showed up.
The Japanese surrender was originally supposed to be aboard the South Dakota, but Truman moved it to the Missouri because he was from that state. The South Dakota was there, though, one of eight US battleships at the ceremony. The British battleships Duke of York and King George V were also in the bay.
Just Some History. --Cooter
1. HMAS SYDNEY-- Alaistair Templeton was on the HMAS Sydney for three months and shipped off Oct. 17, 1941, a few weeks before it sank. He said that one of the four turrets was damaged and jammed and probably not in service in the battle.
2. CAPE FEAR LIGHT-- Stood on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Built 1903 and demolished in 1958 to prevent confusion with the new one at Oak Island.
3. USS SOUTH DAKOTA-- I met a woman who said her grandfather served aboard the USS South Dakota. The former crew members recently had a reunion in St. Louis, but only eight showed up.
The Japanese surrender was originally supposed to be aboard the South Dakota, but Truman moved it to the Missouri because he was from that state. The South Dakota was there, though, one of eight US battleships at the ceremony. The British battleships Duke of York and King George V were also in the bay.
Just Some History. --Cooter
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Bits O' History: Germany Finally pays Up-- Centaur-- USS Emmons Vandalized Under Sea--
Bits O' History-- New news about old stuff.
1. GERMANY FINALLY PAYS UP-- This Sunday, Germany will make its final payment for World War I, 92 years later. I doubt that any payments were made during Hitler's reign. The payment will be 59.5 million British pounds, I'm not sure how many Euros that would be.
About time!!
2. CENTAUR-- Bill Munro attended the September 24th memorial above the wreck of the AHS Centaur. His uncle Driver Bill Lawson died May 14, 1943, when the ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. Munro scattered the ashes of Driver Lawson's sister, Jean Mooney, over the site.
3. USS EMMONS VANDALIZED UNDER SEA-- The World War II destroyer USS Emmons (DD-457) was vandalized by unknown divers at its final resting place beneath the sea near Okinawa. It is 145 feet down and the final resting place of 60 of its crew members.
despite being hit by five kamikaze planes, it wouldn't sink and the Navy later had to sink it.
Thieves have gone aboard and removed the name plate that gives the proud history of the ship. It is not likely that the thieves will be caught.
Now You Know. --DaCoot
1. GERMANY FINALLY PAYS UP-- This Sunday, Germany will make its final payment for World War I, 92 years later. I doubt that any payments were made during Hitler's reign. The payment will be 59.5 million British pounds, I'm not sure how many Euros that would be.
About time!!
2. CENTAUR-- Bill Munro attended the September 24th memorial above the wreck of the AHS Centaur. His uncle Driver Bill Lawson died May 14, 1943, when the ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. Munro scattered the ashes of Driver Lawson's sister, Jean Mooney, over the site.
3. USS EMMONS VANDALIZED UNDER SEA-- The World War II destroyer USS Emmons (DD-457) was vandalized by unknown divers at its final resting place beneath the sea near Okinawa. It is 145 feet down and the final resting place of 60 of its crew members.
despite being hit by five kamikaze planes, it wouldn't sink and the Navy later had to sink it.
Thieves have gone aboard and removed the name plate that gives the proud history of the ship. It is not likely that the thieves will be caught.
Now You Know. --DaCoot
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Bits O' History: Real Cold Case-- Mitchell B-25s
Some New (Well Newer) News About Old Stuff. Both are from January of this year as I am catching up.
1. REAL COLD CASE-- Jan. 12th Chicago Tribune-- The Chicago police are looking again into the unsolved 1939 gangland-style murder of Edward J. O'Hare. It is believed hat Al Capone had a part in it.
O'Hare owned race tracks and part of the Chicago Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) football team and became an informant against Capone. His information helped get Capone arrested for income tax evasion.
His son, Edward "Butch O'Hare attended the US Naval Academy and was a Navy pilot who won the Medal of Honor for shooting down five Japanese bombers and damaging a sixth in an attack on his aircraft carrier at the Battle of Midway.
He was later killed and Chicago's O'Hare Airport is named after him.
2. MITCHELL B-25s-- From the Jan. 13th Aero-News Net. The Doolittle's Raiders 68th Reunion Celebration is April 15-19th at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. Mitchell B-25s were used for the raid.
Mitchell bombers from all over the US are expected to attend. During the war, nearly 10,000 were produced and 200 are located in museums around the world with 40 still considered air worthy. Thirty-eight of these were contacted to attend the celebration.
A Squadron of B-25s Would Be Something to See. --DaCoot
1. REAL COLD CASE-- Jan. 12th Chicago Tribune-- The Chicago police are looking again into the unsolved 1939 gangland-style murder of Edward J. O'Hare. It is believed hat Al Capone had a part in it.
O'Hare owned race tracks and part of the Chicago Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) football team and became an informant against Capone. His information helped get Capone arrested for income tax evasion.
His son, Edward "Butch O'Hare attended the US Naval Academy and was a Navy pilot who won the Medal of Honor for shooting down five Japanese bombers and damaging a sixth in an attack on his aircraft carrier at the Battle of Midway.
He was later killed and Chicago's O'Hare Airport is named after him.
2. MITCHELL B-25s-- From the Jan. 13th Aero-News Net. The Doolittle's Raiders 68th Reunion Celebration is April 15-19th at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. Mitchell B-25s were used for the raid.
Mitchell bombers from all over the US are expected to attend. During the war, nearly 10,000 were produced and 200 are located in museums around the world with 40 still considered air worthy. Thirty-eight of these were contacted to attend the celebration.
A Squadron of B-25s Would Be Something to See. --DaCoot
Friday, May 7, 2010
Bits O' History: Met Patton-- Canada's Battle of the Atlantic-- Polish President Dies
Some new news about old stuff.
1. MET PATTON-- May 6th WAFF TV News, Alabama. World War II veteran Robert Boykin was on the Honor Flight to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC and talked about his experience. He was at Normandy Beach on D-Day and delivered food and supplies to the front. He served as chauffeur for Eisenhower and General George Patton in Germany.
He is a big fan of Patton and said "Patton was a tough man, good, happy, laughing and partying, and shooting and drinking."
2. CANADA'S BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC-- The May 3rd CBC News reported that Canadian World War II veterans and serving Navy personnel met at St. John's waterfront to commemorate World War II's Battle of the Atlantic. More than 1600 Canadian merchant sailors met the death doing convoy duty.
3. POLISH PRESIDENT DIES-- Lech Kaczynski and another high ranking generals and officials died when their plane crashed while on their way to commemorate the 20,000 Polish officers and potential leaders who were "methodically and deliberately" massacred in 1940 at Katyn Forest under orders of Soviet leader Stalin. Most had bullets fired from behind.
At first, the Soviets put the blame on the Germans.
Now You Know. --DaCoot
1. MET PATTON-- May 6th WAFF TV News, Alabama. World War II veteran Robert Boykin was on the Honor Flight to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC and talked about his experience. He was at Normandy Beach on D-Day and delivered food and supplies to the front. He served as chauffeur for Eisenhower and General George Patton in Germany.
He is a big fan of Patton and said "Patton was a tough man, good, happy, laughing and partying, and shooting and drinking."
2. CANADA'S BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC-- The May 3rd CBC News reported that Canadian World War II veterans and serving Navy personnel met at St. John's waterfront to commemorate World War II's Battle of the Atlantic. More than 1600 Canadian merchant sailors met the death doing convoy duty.
3. POLISH PRESIDENT DIES-- Lech Kaczynski and another high ranking generals and officials died when their plane crashed while on their way to commemorate the 20,000 Polish officers and potential leaders who were "methodically and deliberately" massacred in 1940 at Katyn Forest under orders of Soviet leader Stalin. Most had bullets fired from behind.
At first, the Soviets put the blame on the Germans.
Now You Know. --DaCoot
Monday, April 19, 2010
Bits O' History: Bomber Found-- Pearl Harbor Remains Identified
1. BOMBER FOUND-- April 15th Kent (UK) online. The body of British pilot Bernard Frederick Taft and his Lancaster bomber has been found east of the small German village of Brandau which is east of Frankfort. His brother, John Taft, had spent decades tracking down his remains.
Archaeology buff Felix Klingenbeck, 20, had heard stories about a bomber that crashed near the village and went looking for it. He found sections of it and posted numbers online. It was an Avro Lancaster III JB221.
Hard to believe that it would take so long to find something like this in a non-jungle or water site.
2. PEARL HARBOR REMAINS IDENTIFIED-- Gerald Lehman was an 18-year-old Fireman 3rd class on board the USS Oklahoma that momentous day in Pearl Harbor. His body was never identified and he was buried with four other unknowns at the Punch Bowl National Cemetery in Hawaii.
Thanks to saliva from the glue on 64 letters he wrote home, his body has now been identified.
At Least, His Family Now Knows. --Dacoot
Archaeology buff Felix Klingenbeck, 20, had heard stories about a bomber that crashed near the village and went looking for it. He found sections of it and posted numbers online. It was an Avro Lancaster III JB221.
Hard to believe that it would take so long to find something like this in a non-jungle or water site.
2. PEARL HARBOR REMAINS IDENTIFIED-- Gerald Lehman was an 18-year-old Fireman 3rd class on board the USS Oklahoma that momentous day in Pearl Harbor. His body was never identified and he was buried with four other unknowns at the Punch Bowl National Cemetery in Hawaii.
Thanks to saliva from the glue on 64 letters he wrote home, his body has now been identified.
At Least, His Family Now Knows. --Dacoot
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Bits O' History: NC WWII Wrecks-- Attendance Records-- WW II Motor Boats Saved
Bits O' History: Some New News About Old Stuff.
1. NC WWII WRECKS-- A diving website had good, up-close pictures of the U-352 off the North Carolina coast. Lots of sand sharks as well. Also had pictures of World War II ships Shurz, Spar and Bedfordshire, a British ship sunk by a U-boat when a torpedo hit the ammunition and blew the ship to splinters. There is obviously not much left, but you can see the boilers and depth charge rack.
2. ATTENDANCE RECORDS-- The National World War II Museum in New Orleans reports that attendance records have been broken. Since January 1st, 100,000 people have visited the six acre campus. This past march, they broke the monthly attendance record when 43,301 came across the turn styles.
3. WW II MOTOR BOATS SAVED-- Two small motor boats that participated in World War II have been saved. The MCB 81 took part at D-Day and the HSL 102 rescued downed airmen. They will go on display in Portsmouth as a result of a grant from the National heritage Memorial Fund and purchased by the Portsmouth Naval Base Property for 580,000 pounds.
Always Something Going On. --Cooter
1. NC WWII WRECKS-- A diving website had good, up-close pictures of the U-352 off the North Carolina coast. Lots of sand sharks as well. Also had pictures of World War II ships Shurz, Spar and Bedfordshire, a British ship sunk by a U-boat when a torpedo hit the ammunition and blew the ship to splinters. There is obviously not much left, but you can see the boilers and depth charge rack.
2. ATTENDANCE RECORDS-- The National World War II Museum in New Orleans reports that attendance records have been broken. Since January 1st, 100,000 people have visited the six acre campus. This past march, they broke the monthly attendance record when 43,301 came across the turn styles.
3. WW II MOTOR BOATS SAVED-- Two small motor boats that participated in World War II have been saved. The MCB 81 took part at D-Day and the HSL 102 rescued downed airmen. They will go on display in Portsmouth as a result of a grant from the National heritage Memorial Fund and purchased by the Portsmouth Naval Base Property for 580,000 pounds.
Always Something Going On. --Cooter
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Bits O' History: Bomb at Berlin Airport-- Hemingway's "Hooligan Navy"-- Bomb in Rome
Some New News About Old Stuff.
1. BOMB AT BERLIN AIRPORT-- Berlin's main international airport, Tegel, was shut down for an hour April 7th after a 550-pound World War II bomb was found at a building site. Bomb disposal experts were called in to disarm it.
2. HEMINGWAY'S "HOOLIGAN NAVY"-- The Jan. 24th Wilmington Star-News in its Bookmarks column, reported that during World War II, Ernest Hemingway participated in what is called the "Hooligan Navy" from June 1942 to 1943 in his 38-foot boat Pilar. This group was recruited to spot German U-boats which were sinking lots of Allied shipping off the American coasts.
Some still think it was just an excuse to sail off, drink, fish, pal around with his buddies and be a big shot. He might have once actually spotted a German sub.
3. BOMB IN ROME-- Construction on a high speed train station was stopped and 4,000 evacuated when a 550-pound World War II bomb was discovered. It was removed and destroyed in a controlled explosion.
You Definitely Have to Be Careful Digging in Europe. You Never Know What You Might Find. --DaCoot
1. BOMB AT BERLIN AIRPORT-- Berlin's main international airport, Tegel, was shut down for an hour April 7th after a 550-pound World War II bomb was found at a building site. Bomb disposal experts were called in to disarm it.
2. HEMINGWAY'S "HOOLIGAN NAVY"-- The Jan. 24th Wilmington Star-News in its Bookmarks column, reported that during World War II, Ernest Hemingway participated in what is called the "Hooligan Navy" from June 1942 to 1943 in his 38-foot boat Pilar. This group was recruited to spot German U-boats which were sinking lots of Allied shipping off the American coasts.
Some still think it was just an excuse to sail off, drink, fish, pal around with his buddies and be a big shot. He might have once actually spotted a German sub.
3. BOMB IN ROME-- Construction on a high speed train station was stopped and 4,000 evacuated when a 550-pound World War II bomb was discovered. It was removed and destroyed in a controlled explosion.
You Definitely Have to Be Careful Digging in Europe. You Never Know What You Might Find. --DaCoot
Monday, April 5, 2010
Bits O' History: Liberty Ship-- Steve Goodman's Post Office-- Stupid Business Move
Some New News About Old Stuff.
1. LIBERTY SHIP: Feb. 19th Wilmington Star-News. Dane Fulton's senior project was to make a scale model of a World War II Liberty Ship which he presented to the Hannah Block Historic USO Homefront Museum and will be displayed in the building's lobby.
It represents the SS Virginia Dare, a Liberty Ship built in Wilmington during the war. It is quite an impressive model.
2. STEVE GOODMAN'S POST OFFICE-- The March 17th Chicago Tribune reports that there is an effort underway to name the Lakeview post office at 1343 W. Irving Park Road near Wrigley Field after the singer and songwriter so associated with Chicago.
Mr. Goodman died in 1984 at the age of 34.
He wrote the Cubs fight song "Go Cubs Go," "Lincoln Park Pirates," "A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request," and "The City of New Orleans."
This would be a very fitting memorial.
3. STUPID BUSINESS MOVE-- The March 23rd List Universe had a list of top ten stupidest ever business decisions. I'm just going to write about one, Quaker Oats' acquisition of Snapple. Mt dad worked most his life for Quaker Oats and really loved that company, but he went ballistic when he found out the company had bought Snapple, saying it would break the company.
It did just that. CEO Smithberg bought Snapple for an overpriced $1.7 billion and then found out the product had to be refrigerated, and Quaker had no refrigerated trucks. After selling off much of the company, Quaker finally unloaded Snapple for $300 million.
Dumb Move, Mr. Smithberg. --Cooter
1. LIBERTY SHIP: Feb. 19th Wilmington Star-News. Dane Fulton's senior project was to make a scale model of a World War II Liberty Ship which he presented to the Hannah Block Historic USO Homefront Museum and will be displayed in the building's lobby.
It represents the SS Virginia Dare, a Liberty Ship built in Wilmington during the war. It is quite an impressive model.
2. STEVE GOODMAN'S POST OFFICE-- The March 17th Chicago Tribune reports that there is an effort underway to name the Lakeview post office at 1343 W. Irving Park Road near Wrigley Field after the singer and songwriter so associated with Chicago.
Mr. Goodman died in 1984 at the age of 34.
He wrote the Cubs fight song "Go Cubs Go," "Lincoln Park Pirates," "A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request," and "The City of New Orleans."
This would be a very fitting memorial.
3. STUPID BUSINESS MOVE-- The March 23rd List Universe had a list of top ten stupidest ever business decisions. I'm just going to write about one, Quaker Oats' acquisition of Snapple. Mt dad worked most his life for Quaker Oats and really loved that company, but he went ballistic when he found out the company had bought Snapple, saying it would break the company.
It did just that. CEO Smithberg bought Snapple for an overpriced $1.7 billion and then found out the product had to be refrigerated, and Quaker had no refrigerated trucks. After selling off much of the company, Quaker finally unloaded Snapple for $300 million.
Dumb Move, Mr. Smithberg. --Cooter
Friday, April 2, 2010
Bits O' History: Tidying Up-- Kure Beach-- UNC-W
Some New News Abould Old Stuff.
1. TIDYING UP-- The Feb. 24th Advertiser reports that the minesweeper HMS Walney has been working to clear and destroy old bombs in the seabed off Lowestoft. It is being assisted by the HNLMS Middelburg and the Belgian minesweeper BNS Aster. They have already destroyed four old bombs. Old World War II ordnance is discovered on a weekly basis.
According to Wikipedia, Lowestoft is the easternmost British city and was used as a navigational mark for German bombers during the war. As such, it was the most heavily bombed British city per head. Old mines and bombs are still found and pose a threat to shipping.
2. KURE BEACH, NC-- Development of this ocean side town began in the 1870s when Hans Anderson Kure (pronounced Cure-ee) moved there from Denmark and bought large tracts of land. It was incorporated in 1947.
3. UNC-W-- On February 17, 1960, ground breaking took place during the 13th annual Azalea Festival for Wilmington Junior College on Highway 132. It has since become University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a place that I would have liked to have taught at as I was growing up.
So, That's It. --DaCoot
1. TIDYING UP-- The Feb. 24th Advertiser reports that the minesweeper HMS Walney has been working to clear and destroy old bombs in the seabed off Lowestoft. It is being assisted by the HNLMS Middelburg and the Belgian minesweeper BNS Aster. They have already destroyed four old bombs. Old World War II ordnance is discovered on a weekly basis.
According to Wikipedia, Lowestoft is the easternmost British city and was used as a navigational mark for German bombers during the war. As such, it was the most heavily bombed British city per head. Old mines and bombs are still found and pose a threat to shipping.
2. KURE BEACH, NC-- Development of this ocean side town began in the 1870s when Hans Anderson Kure (pronounced Cure-ee) moved there from Denmark and bought large tracts of land. It was incorporated in 1947.
3. UNC-W-- On February 17, 1960, ground breaking took place during the 13th annual Azalea Festival for Wilmington Junior College on Highway 132. It has since become University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a place that I would have liked to have taught at as I was growing up.
So, That's It. --DaCoot
Friday, March 19, 2010
Bits ' History: World War II Aircraft Crashes-- 3.1 Million
Some New News About Old Stuff.
1. WORLD WAR II AIRCRAFT CRASHES-- In the last two weeks, three vintage World War II aircraft have been involved in crashes. The most recent was in Bakersfield, California.
I'm not sure exactly why there seem to be so many right now. Of course, these aircraft are all over 60 years old.
2. 3.1 MILLION-- I read that HBO recorded an increase of 3.1 million subscribers as a result of the miniseries "The Pacific."
Let's Be More Careful Out There. --Cooter
1. WORLD WAR II AIRCRAFT CRASHES-- In the last two weeks, three vintage World War II aircraft have been involved in crashes. The most recent was in Bakersfield, California.
I'm not sure exactly why there seem to be so many right now. Of course, these aircraft are all over 60 years old.
2. 3.1 MILLION-- I read that HBO recorded an increase of 3.1 million subscribers as a result of the miniseries "The Pacific."
Let's Be More Careful Out There. --Cooter
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Bits O' History: Oldest MoH-- Respect of the Highest Order-- Drive-Ins
Bits O' History-- Some New News About Old Stuff.
1. OLDEST MoH-- The March 8th San Diego Uptown News reports that the oldest living Medal of Honor winner, John Finn, will be the Grand Marshal of the 30th Annual St. Patrick's Day parade March 13th. He will turn 101 in July and the picture of him looks like he is still of vigor.
They will also be honoring Medal of Honor winners Frank Sexton of the Army Air Corps and POW from WW II and Jay R. Vargas who won his MoH in Vietnam.
2. RESPECT OF THE HIGHEST ORDER-- The March 2nd Wilmington (NC) Star News My Reporter told the story of a marker by the Wilmington Sam's Club honoring Jocelyn "Joce" Carrasquilla, a Sam's employee who was killed by a roadside bomb while serving with the 120th Infantry Division of the North Carolina National Guard in Iraq.
He is buried in his hometown Goldsboro, North Carolina. Hats off to Sam's Club.
3. DRIVE-INS-- The Wilmington Star News My reporter also answered a reader's question regarding how many drive-in theaters were in the area. The answer, there were at least seven operating between the 1940s to the early 1980s.
The first one was likely the Carolina Drive-In at Monkey Junction which opened in 1947. The Starway operated from 1952 to 1984 where the current Starway Flea Market is located.
Although not technically a drive-in, but the Lumina at Wrightsville Beach used to have a screen in the ocean that showed movies at night over the surf back in the 1920s.
Here's to Mr. Finn!! Keep the Honor Going. --DaCoot
1. OLDEST MoH-- The March 8th San Diego Uptown News reports that the oldest living Medal of Honor winner, John Finn, will be the Grand Marshal of the 30th Annual St. Patrick's Day parade March 13th. He will turn 101 in July and the picture of him looks like he is still of vigor.
They will also be honoring Medal of Honor winners Frank Sexton of the Army Air Corps and POW from WW II and Jay R. Vargas who won his MoH in Vietnam.
2. RESPECT OF THE HIGHEST ORDER-- The March 2nd Wilmington (NC) Star News My Reporter told the story of a marker by the Wilmington Sam's Club honoring Jocelyn "Joce" Carrasquilla, a Sam's employee who was killed by a roadside bomb while serving with the 120th Infantry Division of the North Carolina National Guard in Iraq.
He is buried in his hometown Goldsboro, North Carolina. Hats off to Sam's Club.
3. DRIVE-INS-- The Wilmington Star News My reporter also answered a reader's question regarding how many drive-in theaters were in the area. The answer, there were at least seven operating between the 1940s to the early 1980s.
The first one was likely the Carolina Drive-In at Monkey Junction which opened in 1947. The Starway operated from 1952 to 1984 where the current Starway Flea Market is located.
Although not technically a drive-in, but the Lumina at Wrightsville Beach used to have a screen in the ocean that showed movies at night over the surf back in the 1920s.
Here's to Mr. Finn!! Keep the Honor Going. --DaCoot
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Bits O' History: USS Gravely-- Tashmoo--
Bits O' History-- Some New News About Old Stuff.
1. USS GRAVELY-- The Jan. 5th Wilmington (NC) Star News reports that the 509 foot guided missile destroyer USS Gravely will be commissioned this fall in Wilmington. It is named for Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely, the Navy's first black officer. Admiral Gravely fought in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The ship is DDG--107 and the 57th of the Arleigh Burke class.
2. TASHMOO-- The Jan. 2nd and 6th Shorpy.com had pictures of the beautiful steamer Tashmoo which used to give rides to as many as 1,400 people in the Detroit, Michigan area until it ran into a rock in the Detroit River June 18, 1936. It was able to reach shore and there were no deaths.
It was launched New Years Eve 1899 and was at one time considered the fastest on the Great Lakes.
3. EXPENSIVE NICKEL-- The Jan. 8th Yahoo News reported that a rare 1913 Liberty Head nickel sold for $3.7 million. It is very rare and only one of five with that date and design known to exist. It is regarded as the most famous US rare coin. It was bought by a private east coast coin collector.
Save Your Nickels. --DaCoot
1. USS GRAVELY-- The Jan. 5th Wilmington (NC) Star News reports that the 509 foot guided missile destroyer USS Gravely will be commissioned this fall in Wilmington. It is named for Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely, the Navy's first black officer. Admiral Gravely fought in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The ship is DDG--107 and the 57th of the Arleigh Burke class.
2. TASHMOO-- The Jan. 2nd and 6th Shorpy.com had pictures of the beautiful steamer Tashmoo which used to give rides to as many as 1,400 people in the Detroit, Michigan area until it ran into a rock in the Detroit River June 18, 1936. It was able to reach shore and there were no deaths.
It was launched New Years Eve 1899 and was at one time considered the fastest on the Great Lakes.
3. EXPENSIVE NICKEL-- The Jan. 8th Yahoo News reported that a rare 1913 Liberty Head nickel sold for $3.7 million. It is very rare and only one of five with that date and design known to exist. It is regarded as the most famous US rare coin. It was bought by a private east coast coin collector.
Save Your Nickels. --DaCoot
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