1847 The first US Postage stamp was issued portraying Benjamin Franklin who started the American postal service in 1790.
1867 The British North American Act united the colonies of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into the Canadian Confederation. From this seed Canada drew. Originally, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island were hold-outs but later joined as did the western provinces in time.
1972 The first issue of Ms magazine founded by Gloria Steinem appeared with Wonder Woman on the cover. Still going. Known a few contributors.
1979 The Sony Walkman went on sale. Cheap, reliable, portable it was a commercial success despite the poor sound quality. It brought together existing technologies in a novel way. The original prototypes were for the personal use of the corporation president who frequently traveled and liked classical music. Later when he tried to market the Walkman he was nearly displaced by members of the board who thought it would be a costly loser. Wrong!
1997 Hong Kong transferred to PRC. Been there a couple of times but not lately. Got a frisson each time when I saw the PRC flag at the airport and the armed guards who looked like teenage conscripts who spoke no English with automatic rifles.
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