Today in History - January 10

Sports History - On this day in 1982, the Bengals beat Chargers in -59° F (-51° C) to win AFC championship.  The actually temperature was -9°, but wind chills brought that number way down.  Cincinnati won the game 27-7 to advance to their first Super Bowl, Super Bowl XVI.  (They eventually lost to the 49ers 26-21; Joe Montana was named the games MVP)

 

Birthdays - "Big Dog" Glenn Robinson is 38 years-old today.  Best known for his short but stellar college career at Purdue, he also played for 11 seasons in the NBA (the majority with the Bucks), albeit with much less success.  He left Purdue after two seasons, but certainly left his mark.  He was the only player with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 steals, 100 assists, and 50 blocked shots in Purdue's illustrious history.  A big dog indeed.  Happy birthday Glenn,  whatever it is you're doing now.

Deaths - The pioneer of rockabilly Zeb Turner passed away on this day back in 1978.  In 1951, he released Chew Tobacco Rag, which I've never heard until today.  Kind of a funny song with a lot of truth to it.  Take a listen first and take a moment of silence after it, remembering the life of a trailblazer.  Rest in peace Zeb.

Events in History - On this day 110 years ago (1901 for you math majors out there), oil was first discovered in the great state of Texas.  A well at Spindletop (in Beaumont TX) struck oil and soon enough was producing over 100,000 barrels a day.  This led to the formation of Gulf Oil and Texaco and established the Texas Oil Boom, making the United States the leading oil producer in the world.  Anthony Lucas led the drilling and the geyser was then called the Lucas Gusher.  Thanks Texas; and thank you Mr. Lucas.

I know, that's a lot of information to process in one sitting, so keep checking it throughout the day, try to soak in little bits at a time.  I try to divulge information from time to time that might make interesting dialogue in case you experience an awkward silence at some point. 

To recap:  Bengals over Chargers in coldest game in NFL history.  Glenn Robinson is 38.  Zeb Turner, of Chew Tobacco Rag fame, passed away.  Lucas Gusher established the US as leading oil producer 110 years ago.

Enjoy your day.