Today in history 2-15 - Democratic Underground

johnnie

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Thu Feb-15-07 12:26 PM
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Today in history 2-15

1799 - Printed ballots were authorized for use in elections in the State of Pennsylvania. Originally these ballots, which are still used in many smaller municipalities across the county, were called ‘vest-pocket tickets’. Why? Because the ballot ticket slid into a heavy-paper pocket which fit nicely in a vest pocket.

Needless to say, the following week, conservative politician and inventor "Carl Roveford II" patented the very first rubber erasure.

1944 - Happy birthday to Mick Avory, drummer for the Kinks.

The Kinks were one of the most influential bands coming out of the British Invasion of the mid-60's. Some consider them to be the forefathers of punk music, particularly the song "You Really Got Me" in which Dave Davies is said to have poked holes in his speakers to get more of a raunchy sound on his guitar.

Ray and Dave Davies are most known for being two drunken brothers who have a habit of beating each other up, thus influencing another band from England named Oasis. That's about where the similarities stop.

Score one for drunkard brothers:

1988 - After singer Jo Elliot had referred to El Paso as 'the place with all those greasy Mexicans' Def Leppard were forced to cancel a concert in El Paso, after they received threats that the gig would be disrupted.

Elliot apologized saying, "I'm sorry I said 'greasy Mexicans'. You see, in England "greasy" means "oily" and that is what I really meant to say."

Below, Joe Elliot with his greasy mullet:

1969 - A Florida woman is arrested for impersonating Aretha Franklin during a concert. Vickie Jones' impersonation is so convincing that nobody in the club asks for a refund

Below, Vickie Jones moments after her arrest:

1981 - Mike Bloomfield, guitarist, died of a drug overdose.

Apparently Bloomfield forgot his reading glasses that day and was unable to read the little read warning label on his bag of smack.

2001 - Beatles George Harrison participates in his first-ever online chats via Yahoo! Chat and MSN Live.

Here is a segment of that online chat:

*Btlfan - Hi George, are you in the process of recording a new album?

*GHarrison - LOL

*Har-rawks - Mr Harrison, do you still meditate as much as you used to?

*GHarrison - LOL

*JoeT003 - Hiya George! Do you still listen to Beatles music?

*GHarrison - LOL

*Btlchick - I wanted to ask you, do you still race cars?

*GHarrison - LOL

*#1Georgefan - George, I am your biggest fan. Do you talk to Paul and Ringo?

*GHarrison - LOL

*NotYokoOno - Hi George, I didn't break you guys up!!

*GHarrison - LOL

2002 - The movie "Cross Roads," starring Britney Spears, opened in theaters

:shrug:

1879 - President Rutherford B. Hayes signs a bill allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Hayes commented: "This is an historical day in the pursuit of equality and respect for woman across this great country. Plus it will be nice to check out their hot asses as they walk around in the courtroom".

Below, assman Hayes:

399 BC - The philosopher Socrates sentenced to death.

When hearing of his fate, Socrates, one of the greatest minds of all time, exclaims "This sucks!".

Below, Socrates on his deathbed ready to drink the hemlock that will eventually kill him while telling his one of his loyalists; "Hey dude....Pull my finger".

1967 - Observed as a National Holiday by the members of Metallica, The first laws concerning anti-bootlegging were enacted.

1979 - Billy Joel's ``Just the Way You Are'' wins two Grammys: Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

This day also officially replaces Feb 3rd 1959 (Buddy Holly plane crash) as "The Day The Music Died".