1962
1962 was an eventful year - Marilyn Monroe attempted to sing Happy Birthday to President Kennedy. I guess when you are wearing the world's first 'spray-on' dress no one cares a whit if you can't carry a tune. She later died in August, perhaps the dress cut off all circulation to her brain.
The audio cassette was invented. Hmmm - does anyone who isn't a senior citizen remember an audio cassette?
The pull-top tab can made its first appearance on the world scene. Interesting enough it was not on a can of pop but a beer. Apparently drunken American males (no woman would drink a beer in 1962, don't you know) couldn't manage a bottle opener.
The first LED light was invented. Las Vegas rejoiced.
Western Samoa becomes independent from New Zealand. Nothing has been heard from this island nation since.
Pope John XXIII excommunicates Fidel Castro. The Organization of American States suspends Cuba's membership. The U.S. announces its trade embargo against Cuba. The United States Government bans all U.S.-related Cuban imports and exports. A Cuban military tribunal convicts 1,179 Bay of Pigs attackers. A group of armed Cuban exile terrorists fire at a hotel in Havana from a speedboat. The Soviet Union agrees to send arms to Cuba. Cuban Missile Crisis begins: A U-2 flight over Cuba takes photos of Soviet nuclear weapons being installed. A stand-off then ensues the next day between the United States and the Soviet Union, threatening the world with nuclear war. In a televised address, U.S. President John F. Kennedy announces to the nation the existence of Soviet missiles in Cuba. Cuban Missile Crisis: Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev announces that he has ordered the removal of Soviet missile bases in Cuba. The Soviets begin dismantling their missiles in Cuba. The Cuban Missile Crisis ends: In response to the Soviet Union agreeing to remove its missiles from Cuba, U.S. President John F. Kennedy ends the quarantine of the Caribbean nation. Cuba releases last 1,113 participants in the Bay of Pigs Invasion to the U.S., in exchange for food worth $53 million. My word, Fidel had quite a year!
The first Target store opens in Roseville, Minnesota.
The first Wal-Mart store opens for business in Rogers, Arkansas. The standard of living for millions of Americans starts to decline instantly.
The term 'personal computer' is mentioned in the media for the first time on November 3rd. Awkward boys everywhere rejoice. Al Gore contemplates the internet.
First medicare plan is launched in Saskatchewan to great protest by doctors. Bus loads of American seniors start crossing the border in search of inexpensive heart pills.
Phil Knight develops the first Nike running shoe. Sports figures everywhere begin clamouring for an endorsement.
Songs of the year?
Blowin' in the Wind, Go Away Little Girl, Days of Wine and Roses, The Loco-Motion, Sherry, Monster Mash, Big Girls Don't Cry, The Twist - Chubby Checker, Good luck Charm - Elvis Presley, Soldier Boy - Shirelles, Duke of Earl - Gene Chandler, Roses are Red - Bobby Vinton, Johnny Angel - Shelley Fabares
Movies of the Year?
Lawrence of Arabia - How the West Was Won - To Kill a Mockingbird - The Manchurian Candidate - Ride the High Country
The average salary was $ 5556
The average car cost $ 2275
The average house cost $ 30000
In the midst of all of this turmoil a little girl name Rosemary was born. There is no truth to the rumour that she vomited on the doctor the next day. No truth at all.
This wee thing was born on January 11th. Goodness, that was a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooog time ago. I think she now qualifies for a senior discount at Zellers. Happy Birthday you old goat! Your walker and a case of Metamucil is en route.
V good info. And yeah wishing you a very happy birthday :-) and many more to come
Posted by:Dhivya | January 11, 2008 at 11:10 PM
....and I graduated from high school. I remember watching JFK's speech on TV about the Cuban missile crisis. And I vaguely remember those pull-tops on my BEER CANS!!!
Happy Birthday, Rose!
Posted by:gail hecko | January 11, 2008 at 11:28 PM
The birthday gal will check in and read at some point Dhivya. I suspect that she is hung over right now.
Gail - that is why we love you! LOL
Posted by:Jerry | January 12, 2008 at 06:59 AM
You can be relentless! Which is why we keep you close my friend.
I happen to know one of those U2 pilots, who was away from his family while history was being made.
Posted by:sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | January 12, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Relentless - moi? LOL I believe the phrase dog with a bone has been used in the past, once or 5 million times.
I seem to recall hearing about this pilot. We shall have to fill you with vino to hear more Sandi!
Posted by:Jerry | January 12, 2008 at 05:19 PM
OMG.......can't wait for my parcel...i'm picking it up tomorrow morning....need that walker and metamucil!
Posted by:Rose | January 13, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I am not sure either will cure your birthday hangover Rose!
Posted by:Jerry | January 13, 2008 at 02:54 PM