Author: Major Dan

Major Dan

Major Daniel Zar is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Cold War and has traveled to many countries around the world. Prior to his military service, he graduated from Cleveland State University, having majored in sociology. Following his military service, he worked as a police officer eventually earning the rank of captain prior to his retirement.

A Brief History On January 1, 2024, we have some highly recommended resolutions that people really need to adopt to make the world a better place.  What suggestions do you have? Digging Deeper Average Americans: Learn something new every day, maybe a new word or new historical fact. Baby Boomers: Stop worrying and love computers!  Learn how to use new technology to your advantage. Everybody: Remind yourself to treat others as you wish to be treated. Hoarders: Get rid of any clothes or shoes you have not worn in the past couple years.  Give these items to charity. Older people:…

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A Brief History On December 31, 2023, we take a look back on those notable people that died this year.  Due to the limited nature of a “short” video or article, we have to omit many fine folks and only list the losses we feel the most.  Feel free to mention anyone you believe needs mention. (This list is as of December 29th and will be updated after January 1st.) Digging Deeper Burt Bacharach, composer, age 94. Bob Barker, Price is Right TV host, age 99. Maryanne Trump Barry, Federal judge and sister of Donald Trump, age 86. Jeff Beck,…

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A Brief History On December 30, 2009, the Lanzhou–Zhengzhou–Changsha diesel oil pipeline in Shaanxi, China, suffered a rupture and spilled about 40,000 gallons of fuel into the Wei River and on to the Yellow River.  An environmental disaster, but at least nobody was killed. Digging Deeper Transporting oil, other liquids, and gasses that might be toxic or flammable is dangerous, regardless of the manner of transport.  Trains, trucks, ships, and pipelines are susceptible to accidents, natural disasters, and sabotage, and have all suffered disasters. Some notable pipeline disasters include the LaSalle Heights, Quebec natural gas explosion in 1965 that left…

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A Brief History On December 29, 2013, 44 year old champion auto racer Michael Schumacher suffered a major head injury from a skiing accident in the French Alps.  A seven-time Formula One champion, Schumacher would not take the wheel again, although he did survive. Digging Deeper Other celebrities have suffered death on the ski slopes which might serve as a warning to us not so famous folks.  Amateur skiers killed while skiing include: Hugh Lindsay, 1988, Equerry to Queen Elizabeth II. Alfonso, Duke of Anjou and Cádiz, 1989, grandson of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. Michael Kennedy, 1997, son of…

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A Brief History On December 28, 1972, the last day for inductees to be sworn in to the US armed forces due to the draft, most induction centers were closed due to President Nixon declaring the day a National Day of Mourning due to the death of former President Truman.  Finding their induction centers closed, 300 draftees were not able to be inducted, and since the next workday was in 1973, they were never inducted since the US had suspended the draft effective in 1973. Digging Deeper Military conscription, commonly known as “The Draft” has been controversial in the US…

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