Today in 1943, Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman unintentionally discovered the hallucinogenic qualities of LSD. He created the compound in his laboratory, and a small quantity accidentally seeped through the skin on his finger...he then took the first acid trip.
Today in 1947, the zoom lens was first demonstrated.
Today in 1972, Apollo 16 blasted off on a voyage to the moon.
Today in 1972, two giant pandas – Ling-Ling (1969–92) and Hsing-Hsing (1970–99) – arrived in the U.S. from China. They were gifts to the country following President Richard Nixon’s recent visit.
Today in 1979, Jane Byrne became the first female mayor in Chicago.
Today in 1983, EMI Records began producing CDs. Back then, CDs debuted on the shelves at an average price of $12. I wish they were still that price!
Today in 1987, Abbie Hoffman, former first daughter Amy Carter, and 13 others were acquitted on civil disobedience charges related to a CIA protest in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Today in 2002, the Supreme Court overturned major parts of a 1996 child pornography law on free-speech grounds, saying two provisions of the law were overly broad and unconstitutional.
Today in 2007, the event that became known as the Virginia Tech massacre took place. The deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, the gunman killed 32 people and injured 23 others before committing suicide.
Today in 2013, an envelope addressed to Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), tested positive for ricin [[RY-sin]], a potentially fatal poison. Others were send to President Barack Obama and a judge. A Mississippi man later pleaded guilty to sending them all – and was sentenced to 24 years in prison.
Today in 2018, Kendrick Lamar became the first rapper and non classical or jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for music with his album, "Damn."