December 31st

On this day in 1911, Marie Curie was awarded her second Nobel Prize in chemistry for her discovery of the two elements, polpnium and radium. Curie received her first Nobel Prize in Phsyics for her work in radiation in 1903. Only two people have been awarded two Nobels. And she was the first woman to receive the Prize. Even so, The French Academy of Science still refused to allow her entrance because Marie Curie was a woman. Irene Joliat Curie, her oldest daughter also was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1935 for the discovery of artificial radioactivity. The Curie family opened world to the science of radiation.

December 30th

Tracey Ullman was born this day in 1959. A great comedic actor of our time. Known for her character studies that transcends and leaves the audience wondering where the character ends and Tracey begins. And we all need a good laugh. Thank you, Ms. Ullman.

On this day 1994, a gunman killed two women and injured many others outside an abortion clinic in the Boston area.

December 29th

Born this day in 1827, Margaret McDonald Bottome. A Methodist minster's wife, Mrs. Bottome would hold prayer meetings, informal talks about the Bible, and Bible studies in her drawing room. And then Janunary 13th, 1886, she founded the Interantional Order of The King's Daughters. Sisterhood of service. The membership grew quickly and spread throughout the world with membership growing to 50,000. A year later, boys and men inquired about joining and the name was changed to The International Order of The King's Daughter and Sons! The Order is still active today.

Emma Snodgrass was arrested again this in 1852, for wearing pants in public again!

Today is Mary Tyler Moore's birthday! "Who can turn the world on with a smile..."

December 28th

On this day in 1956, the television network NBC decided to cancel, "Miss Frances Ding Dong School" an educational program for young children. In its place NBC put "The Price is Right". Miss Frances aka Doctor Frances Horwich never allowed commercialism, product placement in the programs. And it is believed that 95% of all pre-schoolers tuned daily to watch, "Miss Frances Ding Dong School." She set the tone for many who followed in her footsteps. Oh to bring back to days of education over commercialism. There are many segments from the program on youtube.

Speaking of tubes, on this day in 1981, the first American test tube baby was born! And its a girl! Elizabeth Jordan Carr. Happy Birthday!

On this day in 1967, Muriel Siebert was the first woman to won a seat on the New York Stock Exchange.

December 27th

On this day in 1845, Fanny Longfellow, wife of American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, was the first American woman to use ether during childbirth. As Mrs. Longfellow wrote:"I am very sorry you all thought me so rash and naughty in trying the ether. Herny's faith gave me courage and I had heard such a thing had successded aboard(Queen Victoria)where the surgeons extend this great blessing more boldly and univerally than our timid doctors....This is certainly the GREATEST blessing of this age." Yeah, male doctors thought women should suffer during childbirth because of original sin.

Also on this day in 1937, Mae West was banned from NBC radio for sharing her version the Bible story of "Adam and Eve". Something about the Original Kiss.