Today in History:
War and the military always play a big part in the development of almost every technology. The airplane was no exception. Since the first planes flew over enemy lines for reconnaissance, airmen were coming up with ways to engage the enemy on the ground. The end of WW1 saw the decline of the wood and cloth based airplanes and the rise of faster, more powerful aircraft incorporating stronger materials. In 1936, a plane with a date with destiny would first take to the air over Eastleigh Aerodrome in Southampton. During the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire was outnumbered in the RAF by the Hurricane, but the better performance of the Spitfire meant it had a higher victory to loss ratio. Originally fitted with a Rolls Royce Merlin engine rated at 1030 HP, as more engine development occurred, newer versions were fitted, eventually providing 2340 HP. The plane was much loved by pilots and enjoyed active service well into the 1950s.
If more details are what you seek check here: Supermarine Spitfire - Wikipedia
And check out Luftwaffe Ace Hugo Broch getting a flight in a Spitfire.
Today in Space:
1616 Astronomical work ‘de Revolutionibus’ by Nicolaus Copernicus placed on Catholic Forbidden index
1948 - US rocket flies record 4800 kph to 126km height
1958 - Explorer 2 fails to reach Earth orbit
Today in Technology:
1868 Stapler patented in England by C H Gould, freeing the paperclip for a greater destiny.
1872 George Westinghouse Jr patents triple air brake for trains.
1907 1st radio broadcast of a musical composition aired.
1981 – The ZX81 home computer is launched. I never knew this, this was manufactured by Timex. Or I knew and my memory of it was wiped.
One more fact:
This is apparently a bad day to be The Hague or visiting, bombed by the Allies in 1945 and in 1528 Utrecht governor Maarten van Rossum plundered it.
On the menu:
Ok, it is not Pumpkin Season, but I stumbled across this recipe and now I am having a craving.
Unexpected Cultural Exposure:
Everyone has had a day where a good blues rock song just says it all.
Arriving at Gate 1:
1908 Rex Harrison, English actor (My Fair Lady, Dr Doolittle), born in Huyton, England.
1910 Momofuku Ando, Taiwanese-Japanese inventor of instant noodles and cup noodles, born in Wu Baifu, Chiayi County, Taiwan. I think everyone can thank this inventive gentlemen for saving them during a hunger attack.
1927 John “Jack” Cassidy, American singer and actor (Oscar-He & She, The Eiger Sanction), born in Richmond Hill, Virginia. I don’t know Jack but if he was in the “Eiger Sanction” that is enough for me, watch it if you never have, oh and watch “Where Eagles Dare” while you are at it
Departures at Gate 99:
1770 Crispus Attucks, possible slave, is 1st of 5 killed during Boston Massacre at beginning of the American Revolution.
1827 Alessandro Volta, Italian physicist and inventor of the 1st battery, dies at 82. I was shocked to read this.
1953 Joseph Stalin, dictator and leader of the Soviet Union (1922-53), dies of a stroke at 73.
Quote of the Day:
“I then realized my appearance was a bit odd. My right leg was no longer with me. It had caught somewhere in the top of the cockpit as I tried to leave my Spitfire.”
Douglas Bader, RAF fighter pilot, double amputee.
Cartoon:
Inspirobot:
If your immune system is up to it check out @jimender2 s Thursday Spark
