This Is Me Breathing

2001: What Else?

On this day in 2001 nineteen terrorists affiliated with al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airliners and proceeded to fly two into the World Trade Centre towers in New York, and one into the Pentagon. A fourth which was believed to be headed for the White House was overtaken by the passengers onboard and crashed somewhere in Pennsylvania.

It was a day none of us who was old enough to understand what was happening will soon forget.

I wanted to share with you this clip from the Daily Show immediately following the tragic event. I hadn't seen this clip before, but I think Jon's emotional commentary really captured how most of us were feeling after witnessing the horrible attack.

Warning: This is a difficult one to watch.

glumbert.com - Jon Stewart's 9/11 commentary

1664: A Big Apple By Any Other Name...

On this day in 1664, the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam surrendered to the British who go on to rename it New York.

That's right, before it was the Big Apple, it was the Big Clog. Which may be more apropos these days considering the state of traffic in the city.

1882, 1894: Labour Day

On this day in 1882, The Carpenters and Joiners Union in New York City observe the first Labor Day.

On this day in 1894, both the U.S. Congress and the Canadian government declares Labour (Labor) Day a national holiday.

The concept of Labour Day seems to have originated in 1856 in Melbourne, Australia when stonemasons and building workers stopped work and marched in solidarity for the 8-hour work day. It was a success as they became recognized as the first organized workers in the world to achieve an 8-hour day without loss of pay.

While the U.S. and Canada celebrate on this day (September 1), in Australia, the day is celebrated either in October, March or May (depending on the province or territory), In New Zealand, the holiday is celebrated in October and in the rest of the world, the holiday is generally celebrated in May (May Day).

And how do workers celebrate a day dedicated to the worker?

Why, by taking the day off, of course...Oh...and by ceasing to wear white.

1958: A King Is Born

On this day in 1958, the King of Pop Michael Jackson was born.

It's hard to believe that Jacko is almost 50!

Can yo imagine what that that birthday party will be like? Corey, Webster, Bubbles, Liz, Plastic Surgeons 1 through 57 and all of those kids! It could very well be the party of this young new millennium!

1891: The Kinetograph Is Patented

On this day in 1891, American inventor Thomas Edison filed a patent for the motion picture camera or the Kinetograph.

Thereby ensuring that stupid talentless alcoholic junky bimbo whores could still be able to get high-paying, high-profile jobs and public attention.

Are you reading this Paris? Britney? Lindsay?

1541: Cartier Crashes Quebec

On this day in 1541, Jacques Cartier lands in Quebec on his third voyage to North America.

After creating a settlement that boasted some of the best strip clubs in the New World, and under constant attack from the Iroquoians—who became notorious for running up bar tabs and probably didn't appreciate their women being used in such a manner—Cartier returned to France in 1542 and retired from exploitation exploration.

1911: Mona Is Artnapped

On this day in 1911, The famous Leonardo da Vinci painting titled The Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in Paris, the place she called home for over 100 years. The painting was subsequently recovered in 1913.

A lucky thing for Dan Brown since his alternate idea, the Picasso Code just didn't have the same ring to it.

1907: Tupper. B. Ware

On this day in 1907, Earl Silas Tupper, founder of Tupperware was born.

His invention, would go on to spawn a new kind of party celebrated by millions of housewives worldwide.

1921: Insulin Isolated

On this day in 1921, Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best isolate insulin at the University of Toronto.

1978: First Test Tube Baby

On this day in 1978, the first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, was born in Oldham England.

She is now expecting a baby of her own.