George Lerner invented and patented Mr Potato Head in 1952. It included plastic face pieces that could be pushed into fruits or vegetables. It was originally sold to a cereal company who planned to use the pieces as a premium giveaway in cereal boxes. He eventually bought back the rights and worked with the Hassenfeld Brothers (now Hasbro, Inc) to manufacture Mr Potato Head. Mr Potato Head was originally introduced on April 30, 1952 as the Mr Potato Head Funny Face Kit. The original Mr Potato Head contained only the parts (such as eyes, ears, noses, mouths) and parents had to supply the real potatoes. It sold for under one dollar. Later a hard plastic potato "body" was included. In 1953, Mrs Potato Head was introduced -- you could say that they had eyes for each other! Soon afterwards, Brother Spud and Sister Yam completed the family. Numerous playsets were released by Hasbro. Mr Potato Head was expanded into additional toy categories. His image has been licensed for apparel, accessories, and novelty items. Today, Hasbro, Inc still manufactures Mr Potato Head.
Fun facts about Mr Potato Head:
The first toy to be advertised on TV
In 1985, he received 4 write-in votes in the mayoral election in Boise, Idaho
He surrendered his signature pipe to the US Surgeon General, C Everett Koop in 1987 and became the spokespud for the American Cancer Society's annual "Great American Smokeout" campaign (a role he carried out for several years)
On his 40th birthday, it was decided Mr Potato Head would no longer be a couch potato and he received a special award from the President's Council for Physical Fitness (right on the White House lawn)
He and Mrs Potato Head joined the League of Women's Voters in 1996 to help out with their "Get Out the Vote" campaign
His first role on TV was in Potato Head Kids
He had his own short-lived Fox Kids series in 1998-99
He has been the subject of a comic strip created by Jim Davis
He appeared in both Toy Story movies
He advertised french fries for Burger King
Versions have been released for popular movies, including Darth Tater, Spud Trooper, Artoo-Potatoo, and Spider Spud. An Indiana Jones-style Mr Potato Head was recently released, complete with a fedora and a golden idol from "Taters of the Lost Ark"
Mr Potato Head has appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parades
Today I'm celebrating ABC's Wide World of Sports series
ABC's Wide World of Sports debuted in 1961 originally as a summer replacement series, but became the first year-round weekly sports series on network television. For ninety minutes each Satursday afternoon, it provided a showcase of sports around the globe for the American fans. It proved that there is more in the sports world than the NBA, NFL, and MLB. It included traditional Olympic sports, like figure skating, skiing, gymnastics, and track and field competitions. However, it also included other competitions, such as auto racing, soccer, surfing, cliff diving, body building, bowling, boxing, hurling, rodeo, curling, jai-alai, lumberjack competitions, firefighter's competitions, demolition derby and fishing tournaments. It also included offbeat sports like barrel jumping, arm wrestling, and baton-twirling. Did you know that Muhammed Ali made over 60 appearances on the show, the most for any athlete? The show also featured the stunt motorcyclist Evel Knievel on the show. In seven episodes on the show in 1973-1976, Evel Knievel attempted to jump 50 stacked cars, 11 Mack trucks, 13 Mack trucks, a Canyon, 13 double-tiered buses, 7 Greyhound buses, and 14 Greyhound buses, successful on five of the seven attempts. You can see a video about Evel Knievel's years on Wide World of Sports on YouTube.
I'm not the biggest sports fan in the world. However, I can fondly remember watching auto racing events on ABC's World Wide of Sports with my Dad. I can recall being glued to the tv watching the daredevil Evel Knievel. I held my breath as I watched them dive off the cliffs to the water below. I was amazed that they would televise arm wrestling events on national TV. I also still enjoy the offbeat competitions, like the lumberjack sports when they're televised.
In 2007, ABC's Wide World of Sports was named by Time Magazine as one of "The 100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME." You probably recall many thrills of victory, but no one could likely forget the "agony of defeat" while watching that poor ski jumper. The opening of that show is still famous today: Spanning the globe... to bring you the constant variety of sport… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition… this is ABC's Wide World of Sports!
You can see a short video of the show's closing which highlights many of sports covered.
As the month of April closes, I can't forget to celebrate Math Education Month. However, based on recent reports of US math skills, there is not a lot to celebrate about math education in the US. The story is not that new either, based on my first job experience as a secondary mathematics teacher in south Texas. I was shocked to learn that so many ninth graders in my school could not perform the basic arithmetic operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Many had been promoted from elementary and junior high schools without the math skills. The class had many from Mexico too -- whose math skills are lower than US students. Plus, many of the students were in migrant farming families and did not attend all the school year. There was a lot of pressure to teach the basic objectives for the annual test scheduled in the spring and to raise the school's scores in math. However, I recall barely making it through the first half of the objectives before the months of review sessions were scheduled in preparation for the exam. I had hoped that progress could be demonstrated. There was pressure to also lower failure rates by the school administration. I guess there was an expectation that in seven short months I could raise their math proficiencies from the third grade level to the ninth grade level. However, both I and my department head knew that many in my introductory math classes would again be assigned to the class the next year. It was a very frustrating experience.
It was frustrating to me also while working on my math degree in college. I grew up in a rural community and attended a small school where you could attend all twelve grades at the same site. Only the basic mathematics courses were taught in high school there, including algebra I, algebra II, and geometry. That's it. I recall being told that we had to find 8 students who would take trigonometry and then petition the county school board to get that class scheduled at my school. When I attended college on a special summer program for high school juniors, I took college trigonometry. I later completed two semesters of calculus, with students who had completed calculus courses in high school. I was learning things for the first time -- no basic foundation due to the limitations of my school district -- unlike the other students. I worked hard and competed with the students from the city schools and successfully finished the degree in mathematics. I had a great professor who had a unique method of teaching -- a rather old fashioned approach that ensured you learned in each session and demonstrated you could apply what you learned.
I was hoping that the hit CBS show NUMB3RS would instill some interest in mathematics across the public. I was excited to learn about the math education initiative, We All Use Math Every Day, led by Texas Instruments in partnership with CBS and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). However, I don't yet see updates for the most recent post-writer's-strike 2008 episodes. Check out this program and encourage your children's school to participate.
I don't know what the solution is to our math crisis in America. However, I have some opinions:
Develop national standards on learning objectives for mathematics in each of the grade levels
Evaluate the approaches included in the curricula and textbooks used today. The video of M J McDermott demonstrates some of the approaches used across text books. It is quite scarey to me. The newest approaches may not be the best approaches. I would not be the first to suggest throwing away the new math.
Devote more time to the study of mathematics and science
Develop specialized training for mathematics teachers
Provide to them the tools they need, including computers, software, and online education modules
Create crash courses in educational methods for mathematicians and engineers from industry and let them work under the guidance of an educational professional due to the shortage of math teachers.
Set up math and science labs in the schools to utilize the math and science skills of specialized teachers across multiple classes, similar to the computer labs in many schools
Encourage philanthropists to throw some money into the educational system to improve math teaching methodologies, to provide the resources needed, and to create programs to help raise math proficiency (Just think of what Bill Gates' and Oprah Winfrey's money could do to help the education system!)
Schedule after school programs and summer programs for math educators and math education for students
Make math education fun -- use creative teaching approaches with emphasis on realworld applications so that students see the value
Review and test one of the "fast math skill" approaches with a set of students to see if we can really quickly bridge the gap and instill some confidence in our students
Pay off college student loans for mathematicians and scientists who will choose to work in the public education system for five years following graduation and are successful in raising mathematics skills
Raise the pay for teachers of mathematics and science who are successful -- to make it competitive with industry
Establish a partnership between schools and industry -- where professionals from industry can participate in mentoring, in tutoring, in math and engineering camps, and in special class sessions
Create programs where math and science teachers work for industry in the summer to learn realworld applications and to establish partnerships between industry and education
Study what the other countries are doing that make them successful and test changes in the US educational system
Establish partnerships with other countries and host math educators from those countries in conferences to learn about their approaches
There's a link between music and mathematics -- bring music back into the school system and watch math proficiency improve
Establish incentives for US companies which help educational systems improve math education
Establish incentives for US companies which hire US mathematicians and engineers -- rather than offshoring that work. Or, penalize them for sending that work overseas -- many are not choosing those careers because they do not feel there will be US jobs available
Make math sexy -- not all people who use mathematics are geeky people. Generally mathematicians have great career options -- which generally means that they have funds for the fun in their lives.
To lighten things up a bit, here are some favorite videos from YouTube that you may enjoy: Mathmaticious, a mathematical parody of Fergie's Fergalicious As posted on YouTube by SumersetInc
Today I'm celebrating the first victory by a woman in open-wheel racing
She finally crossed the line and crossed it first. I've been an open wheel racing fan most of my life. I'm sure you've all heard by now that Danica Patrick finally got her first win at Twin Ring Motegi in the Indy Japan 300 on Sunday, April 20. It was a historical event: the first victory by a woman in open-wheel racing. It occurred during her fourth full season and in her 50th career start in the IRL IndyCar Series. Many are attributing the win to fuel conservation over smart driving, but that's an important challenge. I've seen many slow to a crawl in the final lap due to lack of fuel. The Andretti Green Racing team strategy paid off for Patrick. She is now third in the standings and some say she has thoughts of a championship swirling in her head. It's a nice thought, but its her first win in 50 races and I'm not betting the farm on this one.
Even before her win this weekend, there has been a lot of press about Danica Patrick. Danica Patrick raced for Rahal Lettermanin 2005-2006, but left to Andretti Green Racing in 2007. I've often wondered about that move and why she chose to leave the team that had the confidence in her to launch her career. Within the racing community there's been a lot of talk about why she had not won before Japan 2008 and when she might win. Of course, then there's the controversy that her low body weight of 100 pounds at 5 ft. 2 in. gave her an advantage where engine size and car weight are stictly regulated. That's no longer an issue with the rule change in 2008 where the minimun weight of the car now includes the driver. There's also been some reported sexist remarks from fellow drivers across the motor sports. When tempers flair among drivers, hers is likely to get some attention, along with some sexist remarks. However, I've often thought myself that she was kind of whiney, has shown a temper trantrum or two, and generally cites the other guy's fault when there's a problem. She's not really demonstrated the emotional control that I would expect from someone who can control an automobile among traffic at that high rate of speed. However, I've seen some of the guys shove each other and nearly come to blows during many races. I'm sure they may be in a quandry of what to do when confronted by her. I was particularly amused by her confrontation with Dan Wheldon and you can see a video of it below.
I personally think that those sexist remarks might be somewhat a result of her unique marketing strategy. I'm not the first to notice her "apparent willingness to be marketed on her looks rather than her achievements" especially with her posing for FHM and recently in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Danica's not the first to compete with the boys in open-wheel racing. Janet Guthrie, Lyn St. James and Sarah Fisher paved the way before Danica. Although I know there was some criticism of these ladies, I recall it being quite different than it has been with Danica: I don't think it's so much her skill in driving as her poses for FHM and the overall marketing glitz. Judging from those FHM photos, I wonder why she would expect to be treated as a professional equal by the other racers. Don't worry, I don't think we'll see Danica on the next season of Dancing with the Stars (as Helio Castroneves did). However, as most drivers love that pole position, judging from her photos we're more likely to hear of her dancing --- but instead at club, one with a pole. I know that seems kind of harsh -- especially for my blog.
Like the title of the song used in the fan video posted below, my thoughts mostly of Danica have been "just shut up and drive"
Today, I am really glad to celebrate this historical event in open-wheel racing. I just wish that the historic event had been accomplished by Janet, Lyn or Sarah. I still think Danica Patrick has crossed the line one too many times -- and I'm not talking about that finish line. I also wish that it had been done with a little more class. Tonight I'm wondering if Dave Letterman will invite Danica to his show to talk about her win --- we'll see.
WooHoo..WooHoo..WooHoo. Today I'm celebrating the creation of Daffy Duck!
Often called by some as the maladjusted mallard or the crazy little quacker, Daffy Duck first appeared on this date in 1937 in Porky's Duck Hunt and has been working for more than 70 years in a variety of roles. In the 1930s and 1940s Daffy was cast in a number of cartoons, often paired with Porky Pig. Daffy was placed in several parodies of popular movies and radio serials, with many leading roles including Drip-along Daffy, Robin Hood Daffy, Duck Dodgers, and Stupor Duck (Superman). Daffy Duck became a villain in several Speedy Gonzales cartoons in the 1960s. Daffy's been popular in print as well; numerous comic books have been published. In 1983 Daffy appeared in several feature film compilations with two centering on him. In 1988, Daffy made a cameo appearance with Donald Duck in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, performing a duel on the piano to Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody Number 2 . Daffy had major roles in Space Jam in 1996 and Looney Tunes: Back in Action in 2003. In 2006, Daffy played the lead in Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas.
Although Daffy never quite made it to the "top of the heap" at Warner Bros, often outshone by Bugs Bunny, Daffy's popularity has not waned over time. His old cartoons have been recycled on TV and he has also appeared in new animation. As many characters do, Daffy has endorsed products, including one for WB Studio. Daffy was never nominated for an Oscar, which would likely cause him frustration if a real person since he has outlasted many of cultural icons who did win the award. However, Daffy appeared on a US postage stamp in 1999. Here are some links to memorable videos of Daffy Duck:
Daffy's still kicking today! You can see lots of videos on YouTube that people have made of Daffy Duck performing at adventure parks. As you can see in one of the videos, Daffy is quite a talented dancer also. Pretty good for a 70-year-old!
Don't discount Daffy. He's still got what it takes, as featured in an episode of The Drew Carey Show:
As I often do, I've found some quotes by Daffy and some might amuse you:
Ha ha, it's me again. WOO HOO WOO HOO
Hocus pocus. Flippety flam. A razzamatazz and ALACAZAM!!
I can't stand pain, it hurts me!
I've worked with a lot of wise-quackers, but you are dethpsicable!
There's going to be a sneak preview--and the sneaks aren't going to like it!
Daffy often seemed at war with the world, fuming and clenching his fists and tense with fury. Daffy often seemed frustrated. However, I think Daffy was often misunderstood -- after all, he was simply playing the role written for him. Today, I hope that you've had a great day, that although it may have been wild, zany, and wacky, I hope that it has been without frustration and full of peace. Image credits: Rubinville.com and US Postal Service
Today I celebrate the independence, bravery, adventure, and accomplishments of an aviation pioneer
This blogpost topic might surprise you today. You may know that April 16 is the birth date of Wilbur Wright. Wilbur, along with his brother Orville, launched into history books with the first ever manned powered flight. However, this date is also another important anniversary. Although Blanche Scott became the first woman pilot in 1910 when the plane that she was allowed to taxi mysteriously became airborne, America's first licensed female pilot was Harriet Quimby. On this date in 1912, Harriet Quimby, also a successful journalist, was the first woman to fly solo across the English channel. Bear with me as I tell her amazing story.
In October of 1910, Harriet Quimby met Matilde and John Moisant at an aviation exhibition. John and his brother, Alfred, ran an aviation school. Because the Wright Brothers did not teach women, Quimby convinced Alfred to teach her and his sister, Matilde, how to fly. It's been said that she originally intended to keep her flight lessons a secret, but eventually the press discovered that women were learning to fly and it became a big story. On August 1, 1911, Quimby took her pilot's test and became the first US woman to earn a pilot's license. She frequently flew in exhibitions. Quimby was also very beautiful and stylish. She designed her own trademark flight suit, a purple satin outfit with a hood, which she wore whenever she flew.
Less than a year after earning her license, she set out on an adventure to fly across the English channel. Most felt that she would fail. Even her friend Gustav Hamel tried to stop her and offered to disguise himself in her purple outfit, make the flight for her, and then trade places with her so that she could take credit for the journey. However, she refused the offer. On April 16, 1912, she successfully flew a 50-horsepower monoplane loaned to her by Louis Bleriot across the English channel. Quimby took off from Dover, England en route to Calais, France. She flew at altitudes between 1,000-2,000 feet fighting her way through the fog. Fifty-nine minutes later, having drifted somewhat off target, she landed on a beach in Hardelot, France. However, very few people learned of her accomplishment, because of the poor press coverage it received. Tragically, the Titanic had sunk only two days before and was still the major news of the day. Quimby's story, if covered at all, could only be seen on the last page.
After crossing the Channel, she returned to New York, resuming exhibition flying. Her notoriety drew large crowds at public flying exhibitions. On July 16, 1912, she flew in the Third Annual Boston Aviation Meet near Quincy, Massachusetts for a reportedly hefty sum of $100,000 (which is a lot now, but a huge amount in 1912). However, her career ended prematurely in tragedy though during that event. With the event organizer, William Willard, aboard she flew out over the bay. As they were returning, the plane violently pitched forward, Quimby lost control and Williard was ejected from his seat. Seconds later, Quimby was also thrown out. Both plunged to their deaths in the shallow waters in front of about 5,000 horrified spectators. Ironically, the plane glided down and lodged itself in the mud. There was considerable debate about the cause of the accident. Some reported that the tragedy could have been avoided had they been wearing seat belts. Sadly, Quimby, one of aviation's early pioneers, had lost her life only 11 months after she learned to fly.
In that short timeframe, Harriet Quimby had a major impact on women's roles in aviation. She left behind a legacy, not just as a pilot, but as a woman ahead of her time. Her independence and sense of adventure inspired many women. Amelia Earhart once noted that she was inspired by Quimby and considered her a personal hero. In 1991, a US postage stamp featured Quimby.
Here are some interesting words from Harriet Quimby:
The men flyers have given out the impression that aeroplaning is very perilous work, something that an ordinary mortal should not dream of attempting. But when I saw how easily the man flyers manipulated their machines I said I could fly.
There is no reason why the aeroplane should not open up a fruitful occupation for women. I see no reason they cannot realize handsome incomes by carrying passengers between adjacent towns, from parcel delivery, taking photographs or conducting schools of flying. Any of these things it is now possible to do.
If a woman wants to fly, first of all she must, of course, abandon skirts and don a knickerbocker uniform.
Everyone asks me 'how it feels to fly.' It feels like riding in a high powered automobile, minus bumping over the rough roads, continually signaling to clear the way and keeping a watchful on the speedometer to see that you do not exceed the speed limit and provoke the wrath of the bicycle policeman or the covetous constable.
Although current estimates are approximate, it's been reported that approximately 5% of the pilots today are women, with the majority in the US. Today, women pilots fly for the airlines and in the military. They haul freight, command mercy flights, seed clouds, teach flying to students, transport corporate officers, and patrol pipelines. They compete in air races. Hey, they even fly in space! And, it all started with an adventures of a woman named Harriet Quimby, whose legacy has been mostly overlooked in history due to other tragedies of the day.
I'm reminded of the great song by R Kelly, "I Believe I Can Fly" --- which is something that you could probably hear Harriet Quimby say in 1910. You can see his video here:
On this date in 1755, Samuel Johnson published his Dictionaryof the English Language. Johnson signed a contract to produce an authoritative dictionary of the English language. He was paid in installments based on manuscript page delivery but had to assume all expenses related to the project, including ink, paper, and assistants. Aside from various assistants, he wrote the dictionary entirely himself. Although it was originally estimated that the project would take three years, it took nearly ten years. He supplemented his income by writing a series of semi-weekly essays. He also made appeals for financial help in the form of subscriptions, offering patrons a copy of the first edition when printed as compensation for their support during its compilation. His wasn't the first dictionary of the English language published, but it rose above the others due to his meticulous research, the depth and breadth of definitions, and the careful use of the e.g., description. The published dictionary was huge, with pages nearly 1.5 feet tall and 20 inches wide. His dictionary contained 42,773 words.
I often search for the right words to say ... and often consult a dictionary. Here are a few of the words chosen by Samuel Johnson that I particularly think may be right:
We are inclined to believe those who we do not know because they have never deceived us
Wine makes a man more pleased with himself; I do not say that it makes him more pleasing to others
Hope is necessary in every condition
If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair.
In order that all men may be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it
It is better to live rich than to die rich
It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust
People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed
What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure
Of all noises, I think music is the least disagreeable
I am often at a loss for words. I've been known to say the wrong thing. There have been times when I've said something that I'd like to take back. However, there are also times that I wish I had spoken. Words...so important. They can hurt, but they can also heal. Today, I hope that you are not at a loss for words and will choose them wisely to tell people how special they are in your life. I hope that it does not take a decade for you to express your gratitude and love. I also hope if, like me, you've found yourself wishing you could take back some words that have been said, you will find that someone and choose the words to make it right.
Here's a music video by Ronan Keating singing "Lost for Words"
If you find yourself at a loss for words, then I can suggest that the following five words from Bon Jovi's song "Thank You for Loving Me" will generally work:
My goal is to remember at least one reason to celebrate each day. Regardless of the stress of the day and hectic schedules, I plan to take a moment each day to celebrate life. Hopefully you will find something here to bring a smile to your face. I'm looking forward to the challenge. Join me on this adventure! Brighten someone's day and share a smile.
Welcome to my blog.
Everyday is a gift and worthy of celebration. I enjoy blogging and hope that you visit my blogs on celebrating life, cake decorating with cut-up cake patterns (that I created), opinion research, making wikis, and wiki'd places to visit on the web. Hopefully you'll find something that interests, amuses, or informs you. Brighten my day: post a comment and share this blog!
