This day in history - December 1

[seamusTX]

1824 - The presidential election was turned over to the House of Representatives after the Electoral College could not decide among four candidates.

Supporters of third-party candidates, which I sometimes am, have to remember that voting for a third party can allow the selection to be made by the majority of the House of Representatives in a lame-duck Congress.

That is part of the reason that the U.S. now has two "major" parties and distant thirds.

1887 - Sherlock Holmes first appeared in publication.

People around the world continue to believe that he is real and write to him for help. His address of 221b Baker Street in London is currently an ugly, faceless bank building.

1913 - The first gas station as we know it opened in Pittsburgh.

They used to have attendants to pump your gas, clean your windshield, check the air pressure in your tires, and whatever else you wanted. Sic transit. Now you have to get your hands dirty on a pump handle that hundreds of other people with cooties and worse have touched.

1955 - Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, thus firing a quiet version of the shot heard 'round the world.

1963 - The Beatles' first single, "I Want to Hold Your Hand," was released in the United States.

Anyone remember the Ed Sullivan show?

1969 - The first draft lottery of the Vietnam War era was held.

In earlier years, young men who played the game right avoided the draft or got safe berths if they wanted. To be sure, many volunteered for service in 'Nam. Many re-upped.

Those who did not have connections had little choice.

This situation led to the anti-war movement being linked to the civil rights movement in those years. All of this is in the history books.

- Jim