January 2 Activities

January 2 Activities

TIsaac Asimov's Birthday - (b 1920) Although Asimov was one of the world's best-known writers of science fiction, his almost 500 boks dealt with subjects as diverse as the Bible, works for preschoolers, college textbooks, mysteries, chemistry, biology, limericks, Shakespeare, Gilbert and Sullivan and modern history. During his prolific career, he helped elevate science fiction from pulp magazines to a more intellectual level. Some of his works include the Foundation Trilogy, The Robots of Dawn, Robots and Empire, Nemesis, Murder at the A.B.A. (in which he himself is a character), The Gods Themselves and I, Robot. The Clock We Live On is a children's book on the origins of calendars.
TAnniversary of the 55-mph Speed Limit - In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed a bill requiring states to limit highway speeds to a maximum of 55-mph. This measure was meant to conserve energy during the crisis precipitated by the embargo imposed by the Arab oil-producing countries. A plan, used by some states, limited the sale of gasoline on odd-numbered days for even-numbered license plates. Some states limited purchases to $2-$3 per auto and lines as long as six miles resulted in some locations.
TGeorgia Ratifies the Constitution - In 1788, by unanimous vote, Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the Constitution.
TAncestor's Day - Haiti - Commemorates ancestors. Also known as Hero's Day.
TLuna 1 -US - In 1959, this launch of the robotic moon probe missed the moon and became the first spacecraft from Earth to orbit the moon.
TAnniversary of Spain's Capture of Grenada - In 1492, Spaniards took the city of Grenada from the Moors, ending seven centuries of Muslim rule in Spain.
THelen Herron Taft's Birthday - (b 1861) Wife of William Howard Taft, 27th president of the US.
TJames Wolfe's Birthday - (b 1727) English general who commanded the British army's victory over Montcalm's French forces on the Plains of Abraham at Quebec City in 1759. As a result, France surrendered Canada to England. Wolfe died at the Plains of Abraham of battle wounds on September 13, 1759.