The best way to prepare for the future is to learn from the past failures of not just oneself but also other’s mistakes and get inspired by the achievements of others. The innovation, inventions, and major events of the past imply as to how we got to where we are today. The past defines our present and our present is what decides our future. It is not easy to let go of the past so it is best to embrace and accept it and continue to learn from it. Let us now read the historical milestones of August 24.
source:swarthoutfamily.org
1869 – Cornelius Swarthout patents the waffle iron
Waffle Irons existed since the 14th century, consisting of two iron plates hinged together with a wooden handle and had various designs. These plates often had imprinted patterns and symbols. These irons were held over a hearth fire for baking. It was until 1869, Swartwout was awarded a US patent for an “Improvement in Waffle-Irons”, consisting of a novel handle for opening, closing, and turning a stovetop waffle iron. Wood or gas stoves were used for baking waffles.
1891 – Thomas Edison files a patent for the motion picture camera – Kinetograph
The Kinetoscope is an early motion picture exhibition device designed for films that were viewed through a peephole viewer window. It was not a movie projector but when multiple still photographs put on a strip moved at a very fast speed, it appeared as if they were moving which is how they got the name of Motion Pictures. This concept led to the invention of Kinetograph and it was on this day in 1891 when Thomas Edison filed a patent for it. Because Edison’s company made most of the movies made on kinetograph he is also called “Father of Motion Pictures.”
source:medium.com
1932 – Amelia Earhart becomes the first female pilot to fly transcontinental
Amelia Mary Earhart was a renowned American aviation pioneer and author. She was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and has many other records in flying under her name. She wrote books about her flying experiences, which turned out to be the best sellers. She also founded Ninety-Nines which was a female pilot’s organization. In 1928, Earhart became the first female passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane, accompanied by pilot Wilmer Stultz which gained her celebrity status. In 1932, Earhart made a nonstop solo transatlantic flight, becoming the first woman to achieve such a feat. She received the United States Distinguished Flying Cross for this accomplishment.
1991 – Ukraine declares its independence from USSR
The parliament called for a referendum in support of the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine from the USSR. The referendum was the result of the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, which was passed with 321 votes in favor out of 360 votes on the same day. The Parliament also voted for the creation of a national guard of Ukraine and turned jurisdiction over all the armed forces located on Ukrainian territory over to itself. Following this, Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as head of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.This Act was adopted in the aftermath of the coup attempt on 19 August when the Soviet Union tried to restore central Communist party control over the USSR.
2006 – Pluto becomes a dwarf planet
source:earthsky.org
It was this day in 2006 when the International Astronomical Union (IAU) downgraded Pluto to a dwarf planet as they redefined the definition of “planet.” The solar system went from having nine major planets to eight major planets. The IAU formulated a new definition of the word planet, which stated that a planet is the one that has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit. Besides, it was this point, which Pluto did not suffice to be called a planet downgrading to be called a Dwarf planet since then.
2008 – The US wins gold in basketball in Beijing Olympics
The 2008 Summer Olympics were held at Wukesong Indoor Stadium, Beijing from August 10 to August 24. The basketball team of the US won in both men and women categories. The American men’s basketball team led by legends like LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Kobe Bryant won against Spain with a score of 118 -107 is recalled as a great achievement.
Today is also celebrated as Kobe Bryant’s Day to commemorate his achievements in basketball.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
