Today in 1879, George Selden applied for the first automobile patent. His application included not only the engine, but its use in a four-wheeled car. He then filed a series of amendments to his application, which stretched out the legal process resulting in a delay of 16 years before the patent was granted on November 5, 1895.
Today in 1886, pharmacist Dr. John Stith Pemberton invented what is now known as “Coca-Cola.” Coca-Cola is the largest nonalcoholic beverage company in the world and sold in more than 200 countries. More than 1.8-billion glasses of Coke are served every day. Pemberton originally intended the drink as a medicinal syrup to alleviate headaches and fatigue and the original recipe contained nine milligrams of cocaine per glass. Unfortunately for him, the drink was not well known by the time he died. If only he knew what he created… Asa Candler bought his recipe for $2,300 and founded the Coca-Cola Company. Now May 8th is annually known as Have A Coke Day!
Today in 1945, President Harry Truman announced that World War II had ended in Europe and that “the flags of freedom fly all over Europe.” The president and Prime Minister Churchill declared victory in Europe, celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany. Many people gathered in crowds, dressing in red, white and blue outside of Buckingham Palace in London and cheered on the King, Queen and two Princesses as they walked out onto the balcony.
Today in 1978, David Berkowitz – aka Son of Sam – withdrew an insanity plea and pleaded guilty, admitting to six Son of Sam killings in court. Berkowitz was sentenced to six consecutive life prison terms.
Today in 1980, the World Health Organization announced smallpox had been eradicated.
Today in 1988, Stella Nickell was convicted on two counts of murder that resulted from her tampering with Excedrin capsules. She had poisoned her husband’s meds as well as five bottles that she placed on store shelves in the Seattle area. Nickell was given two 90-year sentences for the murders of her husband and Susan Snow. She’ll be eligible for parole in 2018.
Today in 2012, the American author of the popular children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are,” Maurice Sendak died at 83 after complications due to a stroke. He won many awards including the Caldecott Medal and the Hans Christian Andersen medal for illustration.
Today in 2018, President Trump pulled the US out of the multilateral Iran nuclear deal.
Today in 2018, the largest-ever wave recorded in the South Hemisphere – at more than 78-feet tall – was seen at Campbell Island, New Zealand.
Today in 2019, Iran announced it would stop complying with parts of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Today in 2020, 11-year old Brazilian skateboarder Gui Khury set a world record by performing first 1080 degree turn on a vertical ramp. See it HERE.