Monday, February 3. Day 34 of 2025
It’s Carrot Cake Day
1690: The first paper money in America was issued by the Massachusetts colony
No to the Spork
1913: The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. It authorized the power to impose and collect income tax. So much for that one being repealed
1959: Rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson are killed in a plane crash along with the pilot near Clear Lake, Iowa. Today is “The day the Music died” as referred in Don Mclean’s classic tune “American Pie”
1961: The Air Force begins Operation Looking Glass. Over the next 30 years, a “Doomsday Plane” is always in the air, with the capability of taking direct control of the United States’ bombers and missiles
1995: Astronaut Eileen Collins becomes the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle
2002: The New England Patriots win their first Super Bowl beating the St Louis Rams 20-17
2023: Coldest wind chill likely ever recorded in the US of minus 108 degrees, taken at Mount Washington Observatory, New Hampshire
In the News: Alexander County Commissioners meet this evening…Fatal crash in Burke County…Death investigation underway in Catawba County…Conover couple charged with intentional child abuse…Daycare employee arrested in Catawba County…Taylorsville woman makes court appearance today…Registered sex-offender from Statesville taken into custody
Weather: Scattered fog to begin but Sunny and 65 this afternoon
Sports: Cougar Basketball sweeps four games at Ashe County Friday night…State Realignment Committee meets today and Tuesday…Duke destroys the Heels…Elliott wins clash in Winston-Salem…Chiefs and Eagles arrive in the Big Easy…Rory wins at Pebble Beach
Happy Birthday: Fran Tarkenton, Blythe Danner, Bob Griese, Morgan Fairchild, Fred Lynn, Maura Tierney, Vlade Divac, Retief Goosen, Amal Clooney
Word of the Day: exert [ ig-zurt ] Verb meaning to put forth or into use, as power; exercise, as ability or influence; put into vigorous action. To bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect. “He exerts a lot of influence on the other members of the committee.”
Quote of the Day: “I am the product of the American education system. It’s a system that has always been on the lookout for bright boys and girls. It spotted me when I was 14, and I owe a tremendous debt to my alma mater”… James A. Michener (Born this day in 1907)