No travel/history blog post today. If you’d tried to access Google or Wikipedia today you’ll have seen they’re blacked out in protest of the asinine bills in Congress & the Senate, SOPA and PIPA. These bills were pushed by Hollywood in an effort to stop online piracy. Now I know that is a problem. I’ve had many friends who’ve had their books pirated and put online. But these bills would give the government the ability to shut down sites WITH NO PROOF. I don’t want people I like and trust having this ability let alone officials I don’t trust as far as I could throw an elephant. So I’m joining many others in opposing these bills.
A history of crooked politics aside, Chicago, Illinois is a hotbed of museums and awesome food. It’s the 3rd largest city in the United States. Chicago is probably most famous for the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 which was started by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicking over a lantern. Or was it? Despite what we’ve been told all these years, the newspaperman who initially reported that “fact” admitted in later years that he made it up to make the story more colorful. Like a fire destroying most of the city wasn’t colorful enough! If you’re hungry you can have some of Chicago’s famous pizza or hot dogs or go for something more upscale. Be sure to visit Navy Pier which sticks out into Lake Michigan. There’s a huge Ferris wheel, plus museums, ships, and restaurants. Be sure to check out all the pictures!
Today in history:
- 1867 – German-born film executive Carl Laemmle was born. He was one of the four founders of Universal Pictures.
- 1880 – Legendary silent film director Mack Sennett was born. He brought us the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Mabel Normand, Gloria Swanson, the Keystone Kops, Bing Crosby, and W.C. Fields.
- 1882 – Actor Noah Beery Sr. was born.
- 1899 – Gangster Al Capone was born.
- 1929 – Popeye the Sailor Man, a cartoon character created by Elzie Segar, first appeared in the Thimble Theatre comic strip.
- 1949 – The Goldbergs, the first sitcom on American television, aired for the first time.
Also, happy 90th birthday to Betty White and 70th birthday to Muhammed Ali!
On TV tonight: a new episode of White Collar, though I’m probably going to watch the Barrett-Jackson classic car auction on Speed. 
Reading: Loved The Spy Who Left Me. Over the weekend I read The Wizard’s Dilemma by Diane Duane. And now I’m reading Dragonseye by Anne McCaffrey.
If we take our private yacht to the principality of Monaco, one place we can visit in Monte Carlo is The Grand Casino Complex. Built in 1863, it was designed by the architect who created the Paris Opera House (yes, the one from Phantom of the Opera). It’s a stunning building. And its surrounding gardens are also gorgeous. You’ll find all the usual gambling games plus some I’ve never heard of before. An interesting fact, citizens of Monaco are forbidden from entering the gambling rooms at the casino. It’s made appearances in several James Bond movies. Also check out the official site.
Today in history:
- 1910 – The first public radio broadcast took place. A live performance of the opera Cavalleria rusticana was broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, New York.
- 1942 – Henry Ford patented a plastic automobile, which is 30% lighter than a regular car. Way to go, Henry. We were safer before you came up with that!
On TV tonight: the final episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (they’re building 7 houses in Joplin, Missouri), new episodes of Chuck, Fringe, and Grimm.
Reading: Finished up The Fortress of Glass which had a surprise ending. Can’t wait to see how they tie the series up in the next two books. Now I’m reading The Spy Who Left Me by Gina Robinson which I’m sure will rock.
