Ghosts of Good News Past: Feb. 15-26

 

Boo! Tonic's Ghosts are back with historical nuggets of humor and wisdom, innovation and inspiration.

Galileo was born 445 years ago. Communication has multiple birthdays — although it takes 86 years for the phone book to be born after the United States Postal Service takes form. We've got rescues, we've got YouTubes. We've got you covered. Spooooky.

 

Feb. 15, 1564: Galileo Galilei is born! We are no longer the center of the universe.Feb. 20, 1792: George Washington welcomes the first post office. Hi-ho, Pony Express. Away!Feb. 19, 1847: The Donner Party is rescued, eats home-cooked meals.Feb. 19, 1878: First phone book issued.Feb. 20, 1927: Actor, trailblazer, barrier-breaker, class act — Sidney Poitier is born. Feb. 15, 1954 & 1964, respectively: Men who make us laugh. The Simpsons creator Matt Groening is born. Eat my shorts. Down-By-The-River Saturday Night Live star Chris Farley is also born. Feb. 18, 1979: Snow falls in the Sahara. Apocalyptic or fairy tale? We'll vote fairy tale.Feb. 16, 1968: Rescue me. 911 is unveiled.Feb. 15, 2005: YouTube is launched. What? It's only been four years!??!Feb. 16, 2005: Kyoto protocol goes into effect. Al Gore gets some backing.Feb. 18, 2005: Anti-hunting law loves little foxes.