14 July - National Tape Measure Day

 

National Tape Measure Day is observed annually on 14 July to commemorate the invention of the modern tape measure, a tool that has become indispensable in various fields, including construction, tailoring, and home improvement. The day honors Alvin J. Fellows of New Haven, Connecticut, who received a patent for the spring-click tape measure on 14 July 1868. This innovative tool revolutionized the way measurements were taken, offering a more convenient and accurate alternative to the cumbersome folding rulers that were previously used.

Significance

• Innovation in Measurement: The spring-click mechanism allowed the tape to retract into its case, making it portable and easy to use.
• Wide Utility: Tape measures are essential tools in professions like carpentry, tailoring, and engineering, as well as for everyday tasks around the home.

Celebrating National Tape Measure Day

• DIY Projects: Engage in a home improvement or DIY project that requires precise measurements.
• Tool Maintenance: Check and clean your tape measure and other tools to ensure they are in good working condition.
• Educational Activities: Teach children or others about the history and use of the tape measure, demonstrating how it has made various tasks easier.
• Social Media: Share tips, projects, or fun facts about tape measures using the hashtag #NationalTapeMeasureDay.

Fun Facts

• Historical Tools: Before the tape measure, people used chains, rods, and folding rulers for measurements.
• Variety: Tape measures come in various lengths, typically ranging from a few feet for household use to over 100 feet for professional use.
• Materials: Modern tape measures are usually made from materials like fiberglass, steel, and sometimes cloth for sewing.

National Tape Measure Day highlights the importance of this simple yet crucial tool, celebrating its invention and the convenience it brings to numerous tasks in everyday life.

14 July - Happy Chandler birth anniversary

 

Happy Chandler (14 July 1898 – 15 June 1991) was an influential American politician and sports executive known for his contributions both in politics and Major League Baseball (MLB).

Early Life and Political Career

• Birth: 14 July 1898, in Corydon, Kentucky.
• Education: Chandler graduated from Harvard Law School.
• Political Career:
  • Governor of Kentucky: Served as the 44th Governor of Kentucky from 1935 to 1939 and later from 1955 to 1959.
  • U.S. Senate: Served as a U.S. Senator from Kentucky from 1939 to 1945. During his tenure, he was known for his advocacy on behalf of his constituents and his support for New Deal policies.

Major League Baseball Commissioner

• Tenure: Served as the 2nd Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1945 to 1951.
• Significant Contributions:
  • Integration of Baseball: Chandler is celebrated for supporting the integration of MLB. He played a pivotal role in Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947 by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, a landmark event in both sports and civil rights history.
  • Broadcasting Expansion: He was instrumental in expanding baseball broadcasts, which significantly increased the sport's popularity and reach.

Legacy

• Nickname "Happy": He earned his nickname due to his cheerful and optimistic demeanor.
• Honors:
  • Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 for his contributions to the sport.
  • The A.B. "Happy" Chandler Foundation was established in his honor to support various charitable causes.
• Death: June 15, 1991, in Versailles, Kentucky.

Key Achievements and Influence

• Civil Rights Advocate: Chandler's decision to support the integration of baseball was a significant milestone in the broader civil rights movement in the United States.
• Broadcasting Pioneer: His efforts to expand baseball's presence on radio and television helped make the sport more accessible to a wider audience, fostering its growth.

Personal Traits and Public Perception

• Charismatic Leader: Known for his charisma and ability to connect with people from various backgrounds.
• Complex Figure: While celebrated for his progressive stance on integration, Chandler also made some controversial decisions during his tenure, reflecting the complex and evolving nature of the times.

Happy Chandler's legacy is marked by his substantial contributions to both politics and baseball, with his support for integration standing out as a landmark moment in sports history.

14 July - World Orca Day

 

World Orca Day is observed on July 14 every year, coinciding with the date in 1997 when the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation successfully relocated Keiko, the orca star of the film "Free Willy," to his native waters in Iceland. The day celebrates orcas (killer whales), raises awareness about the challenges they face, and promotes conservation efforts.

Importance of Orcas

• Apex Predators: Orcas are at the top of the marine food chain, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
• Highly Intelligent: Known for their complex social structures, communication skills, and hunting techniques.
• Cultural Significance: Orcas hold significant cultural value for many indigenous communities and are often featured in folklore and traditions.

Threats to Orcas

• Pollution: Chemical pollutants, such as PCBs, accumulate in orcas' bodies, affecting their health and reproductive success.
• Habitat Degradation: Noise pollution from ships and industrial activities disrupts orcas' communication and navigation.
• Overfishing: Depletes the orcas' primary food sources, such as fish and marine mammals.
• Captivity: Orcas in captivity often suffer from stress, poor health, and reduced lifespans.

Conservation Efforts

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing and enforcing MPAs to protect critical habitats and food sources.
• Pollution Control: Reducing chemical and noise pollution in marine environments.
• Sustainable Fishing Practices: Ensuring that fish populations are managed sustainably to provide adequate food for orcas.
• Public Awareness and Education: Educating the public about the importance of orcas and the need for their protection.
• Research: Supporting scientific research to better understand orcas' behavior, ecology, and threats.

14 July - World Chimpanzee Day

 

World Chimpanzee Day aims to celebrate and raise awareness about chimpanzees, one of our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom.

Origin and Purpose

• Date: July 14
• Established: The day commemorates the arrival of Dr. Jane Goodall in Gombe Stream National Park on July 14, 1960.
• Purpose: The day is dedicated to:
  • Raising awareness about the threats facing chimpanzees in the wild.
  • Promoting efforts to protect and conserve chimpanzees and their habitats.
  • Educating the public about the importance of chimpanzees in ecosystems and the need for their preservation.
  • Celebrating the work of researchers and conservationists who dedicate their lives to studying and protecting chimpanzees.

Importance of Chimpanzees

• Genetic Similarity: Chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives.
• Behavior and Intelligence: They are known for their complex social structures, use of tools, and ability to communicate through various vocalizations and gestures.
• Ecological Role: Chimpanzees play a crucial role in their ecosystems, such as seed dispersal, which helps maintain forest health.

Threats to Chimpanzees

• Habitat Loss: Deforestation and land conversion for agriculture are major threats, leading to loss of habitat.
• Poaching and Illegal Trade: Chimpanzees are hunted for bushmeat, and young chimps are captured for the illegal pet trade.
• Diseases: Infectious diseases, often transmitted from humans, pose significant risks to wild populations.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human populations expand, conflicts between humans and chimpanzees increase, often leading to harm for the chimpanzees.

Conservation Efforts

• Protected Areas: Establishing and maintaining protected areas and national parks to preserve chimpanzee habitats.
• Research: Ongoing research by organizations like the Jane Goodall Institute provides valuable insights into chimpanzee behavior and conservation needs.
• Education and Advocacy: Raising public awareness and promoting policies that protect chimpanzees and their habitats.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts to ensure sustainable practices and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

World Chimpanzee Day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting these remarkable primates and ensuring their survival for future generations.

14 July - The Telegraph Service Ended In India in 2013

 

On July 14, 2013, India marked the end of an era with the termination of its telegraph service. This event was significant as it brought an end to a 163-year-old communication system that had played a crucial role in the country’s history.

Whether it’s a birth, death, wedding, job, unemployment, war, accident, and you name it - telegram touched every aspect of the way India lived. Though in the age of smartphones, emails and internet, telegram much like postal service had become redundant and that’s why the service was shelved for good on 14 July 2013.

History of the Telegraph in India

• Introduction: The telegraph service was introduced in India by the British in the mid-19th century. The first telegraph line was established between Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Diamond Harbour in 1851.
• Expansion: The network rapidly expanded, and by the time of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, it had become an essential tool for the British administration to maintain control and coordinate military efforts.
• Significant Role: Over the years, the telegraph service became vital for communication across the vast expanse of India, facilitating government administration, business transactions, and personal communication.

End of an Era

• Decline: With the advent of modern communication technologies such as mobile phones, the internet, and email, the use of the telegraph service sharply declined. By the early 21st century, the service had become largely obsolete.
• Final Day: On July 14, 2013, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-run telecommunications company, sent out the last telegrams, marking the official end of the service. The final messages were sent from various parts of the country, and people queued up to send telegrams to mark the historic moment.

Significance of the Telegraph

• Historical Importance: The telegraph was a revolutionary technology in its time, drastically reducing the time it took to send messages across long distances.
• Impact on Society: It played a crucial role in shaping modern communication infrastructure and had a profound impact on social, economic, and political aspects of life in India.
• Legacy: The end of the telegraph service was a nostalgic moment for many, symbolizing the transition from old to new forms of communication. It also highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement.

Commemoration

• Media Coverage: The event received significant media coverage, with many newspapers and news channels reflecting on the historical importance of the telegraph service.
• Public Sentiment: There was a sense of nostalgia and respect for the telegraph service, with many people recalling personal stories and the role it played in their lives.

The termination of the telegraph service in India on July 14, 2013, was a poignant reminder of how far communication technology has come and how quickly it continues to evolve.

14 July - Republic Day Iraq

 

Republic Day in Iraq is celebrated on July 14th each year. This day commemorates the 1958 revolution that led to the overthrow of the Hashemite monarchy and the establishment of the Republic of Iraq. The revolution, led by General Abdul Karim Qasim, marked a significant shift in Iraq's political landscape.

Key aspects of Republic Day in Iraq include:

• Historical Significance: The day honors the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a republic, a pivotal moment in Iraqi history.
• Celebrations: While the nature and extent of celebrations can vary, they often include official ceremonies, speeches, and reflections on the nation's history and progress.
• Reflection and Patriotism: The day serves as a reminder of Iraq's journey and the aspirations of its people for a better future.

Republic Day is an important national holiday in Iraq, symbolizing change, national pride, and the country's ongoing quest for stability and development.

14 July - Robert Goddard was granted the first patent for liquid-fueled rocket design

 

On 14 July 1914, Robert Goddard was granted the first patent for liquid-fueled rocket design.

Robert H. Goddard was an American physicist and engineer who is often referred to as the "father of modern rocketry." He was born on October 5, 1882, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and passed away on August 10, 1945, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Goddard's interest in rocketry began at an early age, and he conducted extensive research and experimentation in the field throughout his life. In 1914, he received a patent for a solid-fuel rocket design, making him the first person to secure a patent for a rocket apparatus. Goddard's work was initially met with skepticism and ridicule, but he persisted in his efforts to advance the field of rocketry.

Goddard made significant contributions to the understanding of rocket propulsion and developed several important technologies and concepts. He conducted experiments with various types of rocket engines, including liquid-fueled rockets, which he considered more efficient and powerful than solid-fueled ones. His research laid the foundation for future developments in rocketry and space exploration.

Today, the Goddard Space Flight Center, operated by NASA, is named in his honor. The center conducts research and development in various fields of space science and exploration.

Robert H. Goddard's vision and innovations paved the way for the remarkable achievements in space exploration that followed, including the Moon landing and the ongoing exploration of our solar system. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and engineers in their quest for further advancements in rocketry and space travel.

 

14 July - Gerald Ford birth anniversary

 

Gerald Ford, born Leslie Lynch King Jr. on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska, was an American politician who served as the 38th President of the United States from 1974 to 1977. He is the only U.S. president to have assumed office without being elected as either president or vice president.

Ford's early life was marked by personal challenges. His parents divorced when he was an infant, and he later took on the name Gerald Ford after his mother married Gerald Rudolff Ford. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and went on to attend the University of Michigan, where he excelled in football and received his bachelor's degree in economics.

After graduating from Yale Law School, Ford worked as a lawyer and became involved in Republican politics in Michigan. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1948, where he would go on to serve for 25 years.

In 1973, during his tenure as House Minority Leader, Ford was appointed as Vice President of the United States following the resignation of Spiro Agnew. The following year, after President Richard Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal, Ford assumed the presidency.

As president, Ford faced significant challenges, including a struggling economy, inflation, and the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. One of the most controversial decisions of his presidency was the pardon of Nixon, which generated widespread criticism but was intended to help heal the nation and move past the scandal.

Ford's presidency was also marked by efforts to address the energy crisis, promote human rights, and improve relations with the Soviet Union. However, his administration faced a challenging political climate and was limited in its ability to implement significant policy changes.

After leaving office in 1977, Ford retired from politics but remained involved in public life, serving on various boards and undertaking charitable work. He passed away on December 26, 2006, in Rancho Mirage, California, at the age of 93.

14 July - William Hanna birth anniversary

 

William Hanna was an American animator, director, producer, and co-founder of the animation studio Hanna-Barbera. He was born on July 14, 1910, in Melrose, New Mexico, and passed away on March 22, 2001, in North Hollywood, California.

Hanna began his career in animation in the 1930s, working at various studios before joining forces with Joseph Barbera. The duo collaborated on creating numerous beloved animated characters and shows. Hanna focused on directing and producing, while Barbera handled the writing and animation.

Hanna and Barbera's most famous creations include the iconic cartoon characters Tom and Jerry, which debuted in 1940 and won several Academy Awards for Animated Short Film. They also developed other popular animated television shows such as The Flintstones, Yogi Bear, The Jetsons, Scooby-Doo, and The Smurfs. These shows became a significant part of American pop culture, entertaining generations of viewers with their humor, charm, and memorable characters.

In 1957, Hanna and Barbera co-founded Hanna-Barbera Productions, which became one of the most successful animation studios in the industry. The studio pioneered the use of limited animation techniques, which allowed for more cost-effective production while maintaining quality storytelling. Hanna-Barbera Productions produced a vast array of animated TV shows and specials, creating a lasting impact on the animation industry.

During his career, William Hanna received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of animation. He won several Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame and the Animation Hall of Fame.

William Hanna's creative legacy continues to inspire animators and entertain audiences worldwide. His work has had a profound influence on the animation industry, shaping the way we enjoy animated content to this day.

 

14 July - Richard McDonald death anniversary

 

Richard McDonald was an American businessman and one of the co-founders of the fast-food chain McDonald's. He was born on February 16, 1909, in Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. Richard McDonald and his brother Maurice McDonald opened the first McDonald's restaurant in San Bernardino, California, in 1940.

Originally, the restaurant was a drive-in barbecue joint, but in 1948, they revamped the business and introduced the "Speedee Service System," a fast-food concept with a limited menu, efficient assembly line production, and self-service. This system became the foundation of the modern fast-food industry.

Ray Kroc, a Multimixer milkshake machine salesman, entered into a partnership with the McDonald brothers in 1954 and subsequently bought them out in 1961. Richard McDonald retired from the business after the sale but continued to receive royalties.

Richard McDonald passed away on July 14, 1998, at the age of 89 in Manchester, New Hampshire. He left a lasting legacy through the McDonald's corporation, which grew into one of the world's largest and most recognizable fast-food chains, serving millions of customers daily.