This Day in History on December 2 - History and Headlines

What is Advent (and Do I Have to Buy a Calendar?)

By Major Dan on December 2, 2019 December 2, Religion

A Brief History On December 2, 2019, if you have not already waited in line for an hour or more, or more likely was smart and ordered yours online long ago, you may not be enjoying your wine, beer, cheese, candy, or even Hot Wheel Car from your commercially purchased Advent Calendar! What is the deal with these “Advent Calendars” you keep seeing in ads and hearing about from your friends? (Note: There are no commercial links in this article.) Digging Deeper In the Christian religions, the term “Advent” means a coming, usually regarding the coming birth of Jesus Christ…

December 2, 2015: Radical Islamist Couple Murder 14 in San Bernardino Mass Shooting

By Major Dan on December 2, 2018 Crime, December 2, Politics, Religion

A Brief History On December 2, 2015, an American married couple of Pakistani descent (one a citizen, the other a legal resident) named Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik ruined the Christmas party being held by employees of the Inland Regional Center (a not-for-profit organization that assists 33,000 people with developmental disabilities as well as the families of those persons) in San Bernardino, California by crashing the party with guns blazing, killing 14 people and wounding another 22 victims. The couple were killed later in a shootout with police, in which 2 officers were wounded. The couple were considered by…

December 2, 2017: When Royals Marry Non-Royals (Today is National Mutt Day!)

By Major Dan on December 2, 2017 Animals/Pets, December 2, Politics

A Brief History On December 2, 2017, while we celebrate National Mutt Day, that day when we acknowledge the union of pure-bred and non-pure-bred dogs that produce the most common type of canine of all, the humble but wonderful “mutt.” We are not talking about “designer” breed mixes here, either! No “labradoodles” or “puggles” need apply. In fact, we are not even talking about dogs at all!!! We are discussing the marriage of royalty and commoners, especially in light of the recent engagement of Britain’s Prince Harry to American divorcee and actress Meghan Markle. Digging Deeper Prince Harry is the…

History: December 2, 1988: 1st Female Head of State in an Islamic Country

By Major Dan on December 2, 2016 December 2, Politics, Religion

A Brief History On December 2, 1988, Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, thus becoming the first ever female head of state of an Islamic country. Not only that, but she twice became Prime Minister, the first time from 1988-1990 and the second time around from 1993-1996. And to think, the United States still has never had a woman as President… Digging Deeper Bhutto was born into a political family in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1953. Her father served as Prime Minister in the 1970’s until he was ousted in a military coup in 1977. Benazir…

History: December 2, 1982: Medical Miracles, The 1st Artificial Heart

By Major Dan on December 2, 2015 December 2, Health/Medicine, Inventions

A Brief History On December 2, 1982, medical history was made when Barney Clark, a retired dentist, received a Jarvik 7 artificial heart at the University of Utah, the first time an artificial heart was implanted meant as a permanent solution and not just a temporary spot holder until a viable heart for transplant could be found. Digging Deeper Powered by a pump the size of a dehumidifier or larger, the 1980’s version was not exactly a walk around your house back to normal life type of proposition. Other attempts prior to this had been with devices meant only to…