Category Ten Things Not to Do
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Hormel Party in 1937 Where Canned Meat Spam Got its Name
On January 1st, 1937, at a party at the Hormel Mansion in Minnesota, a guest wins $100 for naming the new canned meat “Spam.” If you were at that party, you could have won a hundred bucks too. It is still not too late. We can go there but need to have a list to […]
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Lighting of the First National Christmas Tree at the White House by Calvin Coolidge in 1923
This week marks the anniversary of the lighting of the first national Christmas tree on the White House grounds by Calvin Coolidge on Christmas Eve in 1923. The tree was a balsam fir from Vermont and stood 48 feet high. It was also the first time electricity was used to light the green and […]
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Heavier Than Air Aircraft Flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903
December 16th marks the 116th anniversary of the first flight of a self-propelled heavier than air aircraft by the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. We do want to go and witness this major event. I have a list of things to avoid so that we don’t get into any trouble while we […]
Top Ten Things Not to Do Wrapping Presents – Redo
This post was published in December of 2017. Since history does not lend itself to humor this week, I thought you might enjoy a revisit or a visit for those who missed it. I always enjoy wrapping presents. I pretty much avoid the “store gift wrap” in favor of the messes I create. I think […]
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Text Message Sent in 1992
This week on December 3rd marks the 28th anniversary of the first text message sent in 1992. A test engineer for Sema Group sent the world’s first text message, using a personal computer and the Vodafone network. Engineer Neil Papworth sent the first SMS on December 3rd, 1992, when he wrote “Merry Christmas” on […]
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the George Washington Proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1789
George Washington proclaimed November 25th as a day of Thanksgiving in honor of the new constitution. This day has been used to eventually set Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November. Although the first Thanksgiving might have been held with the pilgrims and native Americans much earlier, it was George who really established the date. […]
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Launch of Microsoft Windows 1.0 in 1981
This week marks the 38th anniversary of the launch of Microsoft Windows 1.0 in 1981. Most of us were around for this event but probably didn’t pay attention to it when it happened. So let’s go back now that we have the knowledge of what Windows became and view the historic occasion. I have […]
Ten Things Not to Do If You Have a Disruptive Neighbor
I have listened to folks complain about their neighbors. Most of them would like a violent end to the misery. So I developed this list, which might be helpful in avoiding any unpleasantness when it comes to dealing with the situation. Also, this week in history is all about who won elections, so maybe […]
Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Text
Since the historical picture looks a little light on humor, I decided I would make a top ten list that I have wanted to do for a while. I hope you like it. Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Text by John W. Howell ©2019 10 If you are texting, do not […]
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Parachute Jump in 1797
This week marks the anniversary of the first successful parachute descent is made by Andre-Jacqes Garnerin, who jumps from a balloon at some 2,200 feet over Paris in 1797. There are two reasons we have to go there. 1. Tiny already caught a time capsule there. 2. Andrew Joyce, the very talented writer, and history buff […]
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