Moments in Time – July 17, 2024

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• On July 29, 1958, in response to the Soviet Union’s launch of its first satellite, Sputnik I, the U.S. Congress passed legislation establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the civilian agency responsible for coordinating America’s activities in space.
• On July 30, 1966, a three-chord tune penned by Chip Taylor (aka James Voight, brother of actor Jon Voight) called “Wild Thing” became a No. 1 hit for The Troggs. Interestingly, royalties earned from the song neither its writer or singer took seriously enabled said lead singer to research and become an expert on the phenomenon of crop circles.
• On July 31, 1999, Linda Tripp, the only person involved in the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton to face criminal charges, was indicted for illegal phone tapping after a 13-month investigation.
• On Aug. 1, 1929, inventor Thomas Edison held a competition in New Jersey to select his next 49 proteges. Among the challenging and extensive questions posed to hopeful contestants on the subjects of science, geography, history, chemistry and personal ethics was the especially pertinent “What new discovery or invention do you believe would be the greatest benefit to mankind?”
• On Aug. 2, 2007, Fisher-Price recalled more than 1.5 million Chinese-manufactured toys due to concern that the paint used on them could pose a health risk to young children if ingested. The affected toys included Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo, which were targeted at kids more likely to put the figures in their mouths.
• On Aug. 3, 1916, Sir Roger David Casement, an Irish-born diplomat who in 1911 was knighted by King George V, was hanged for his role in Ireland’s Easter Rising.
• On Aug. 4, 1753, George Washington became a Master Mason, the highest basic rank in the secret fraternity of Freemasonry, in a ceremony held at Masonic Lodge No. 4 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was 21 years old and would soon command his first military operation as a major in the Virginia Colonial Militia.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.