A Brief History On February 16, 1968, the first emergency 9-1-1 (we prefer 911) system was put into service in Haleyville, Alabama, a town of about 4100 people. Part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) of telephone numbering systems, 911 is a rapid way for people to dial the police or emergency rescue services such as fire fighting or ambulance service. Covering the United States and Canada, 911 service is available in about 98% of all locations in these 2 countries. Digging Deeper In addition to connecting the caller with an emergency dispatcher, about 96% of the United States…
Browsing: Animals/Pets
A Brief History On January 9, 2018, we once again celebrate National Play God Day, celebrated each January 9th as a day in which those that recognize the “holiday” make it a point to perform one or more good deeds for a person or the general welfare of mankind. Unfortunately, we were unable to determine the origins of this day, so instead of boring you with mere facts, we will discuss some of the things we might do if we were God! Please do us the favor of telling us what things you would do. First of all, you do…
A Brief History January 6, 2017, the infamous Killer Whale (also known as Orca), named Tilikum, the subject of the expose Blackfish that first aired in 2013 on CNN detailing the keeping and displaying of Killer Whales (Orcas) by Sea World, died of natural causes at the age of 35. Due mostly to pressure created by the CNN documentary, SeaWorld had announced an end to their showing of Orcas and their Orca breeding program in 2016. Digging Deeper The whipping boy of the Blackfish documentary, SeaWorld, was first opened in San Diego in 1964. Its success created a push to…
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…
A Brief History On July 31, 2017, when you visit your local animal shelter, you will find that 80% of the dogs there are mixed breeds, or “Mutts,” and around 53% of all American dogs are mutts. As the single most prevalent “breed” of dog, there must be something these mongrels that make them so popular. Digging Deeper Dogs are all of the same species, Canis familiaris, and all are descendants of the Wolf, Canis lupus. Dogs came about when humans began raising wolf cubs and selectively breeding only those that were most compatible with people. Even before humans got…
