Browsing: June 16

A Brief History On June 16, 2019, over 2 million people in Hong Kong protested the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, an extradition law enacted by the Chinese communist government of Hong Kong as well as alleged police brutality.  The protests had started over a variety of reasons months earlier and continued until disrupted by the pandemic of 2020. Digging Deeper Ever since Hong Kong reverted to Chinese control in 1997, protests have been a frequent event on that fabled island and its associated territory.  Some other massive protests vying for the “largest” in history include: The Baltic Way human chain across…

A Brief History On June 16, 2023, Warner Brothers and DC Studios released yet another big budget superhero movie, in this case, The Flash.  Obviously, part of the DC Extended Universe that includes notable superheroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, the $220 million budget film was expected to a blockbuster. Digging Deeper Alas, so far the box office has reaped a disappointing $268.5 million, not enough, at least yet, to make a profit let alone approach lofty expectations that Marvel and DC movies generate.  Losses are expected to approach $200 million.  So what went wrong? Starting with the…

A Brief History This article presents a chronological list of notable events that happened on June 16th.  For each date below, please click on the date to be taken to an article covering that date’s event. Digging Deeper On June 16, 1586, Mary, Queen of Scots, named her heir and successor, Phillip II of Spain. On June 16, 1811, the remaining crew of an American armed fur trading ship purposely blew the ship up after it had been overrun by Native Americans near Vancouver Island. On June 16, 1944, 14 year old George Stinney was executed in the electric chair…

A Brief History On June 16, 1811, the remaining crew of an American armed fur trading ship purposely blew the ship up after it had been overrun by Native Americans near Vancouver Island. Digging Deeper The wilds of Western North America were dangerous in 1811, and the Tonquin, a 3 masted ship about 94 feet long was armed with 22 guns.  Owned by fur tycoon, John Jacob Astor, Tonquin had been in the Pacific seeking to trade with Native Americans for furs. After establishing Fort Astoria in Oregon, Tonquin sailed for Vancouver Island where a dispute with Tla-o-qui-aht people resulted…

A Brief History On June 16, 2019, Americans celebrate the annual day devoted to giving dad across the country neckties and coffee cups, maybe even T-shirts, usually with some sort of “World’s Greatest Dad” themed logo emblazoned on the gift.  Today we take the opportunity to recognize 10 Great Fathers, both real and fictional.  In this case, we are not defining “Great” as particularly good or wonderful, but more along the lines of “famous.” Digging Deeper 1. Adam. The original Dad! (Unless you count “God the Father” if you are so inclined.)  Even this venerable first father could not keep…