This day in history

[Skylace]

March 15

44 BC-Gaius Julius Caesar was assassinated

[Skylace]

1931-Gambling was legalized on this day in Nevada

[eefanincan]

[Skylace]

The Loch Ness Monster was first sighted today in 565 AD.

[luke]

i used to be fascinated by the loch ness monster

[faceless]

45 years ago today - at about this very time...

[Skylace]

Prohibition ended today in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st amendent! It's Repeal Day! How can you not have a drink?

[faceless]

[faceless]

Anniversary time hovers

AT A time when the 40th anniversary of the moon landings is in full swing, spare a thought for the terrestrial English Channel, which this month marks two historic achievements separated by half a century. The hovercraft celebrates its 50th birthday, while Lous Berliot’s historic aircraft flight from Les Barraques in France to Dover took place 100 years ago.

The first prototype hovercraft was capable of carrying two men at a speed of 28 mph and made the first successful crossing of the English Channel on July 25, 1959. Sir Christopher Cockerell, who invented the hovercraft, made the Channel crossing in two hours, four minutes, on the anniversary of the French pilot Bleriot’s flight on July 25, 1909.

Sir Christopher’s achievement will be marked with a party at Hovershow 50 at Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire. The celebrations will be led by Frances Cockerell, daughter of Sir Christopher. Sadly the first hovercraft will miss the party as it is stored at the Science Museum’s Wroughton facility. But the venue provided the perfect backdrop for Frances and four of the original retired pilots to hold a nostalgic reunion ahead of the very public birthday next weekend.