The oldest state fair in the United States is the Great New York State Fair, which was first held in 1841. The fair took place in Syracuse, New York, and has been held annually, with the exception of a few interruptions due to war and other significant events.

The New York State Fair was established to promote agriculture, domestic arts, and industry, reflecting the rural and agricultural roots of the state. Over the years, it has grown into a major event featuring a wide range of activities, including livestock competitions, concerts, exhibitions, and amusement rides.

The Great New York State Fair continues to be a major event, attracting visitors from all over the country and offering a mix of traditional and modern attractions.

The Great New York State Fair is steeped in history, having been established in 1841, making it the oldest state fair in the United States. Here are some historical highlights and details about the fair:

Origins and Early Years

- Founding: The first New York State Fair was held in Syracuse, New York, on September 29 and 30, 1841. It was organized by the New York State Agricultural Society to promote agricultural practices and showcase the state's agricultural bounty.

- First Fair: The inaugural event featured speeches, livestock exhibitions, and displays of tools and agricultural equipment. Approximately 15,000 people attended, which was a significant turnout for the time.

19th Century Development

- Throughout the 19th century, the fair continued to grow in both size and popularity. It rotated among various cities in New York State until 1890, when Syracuse became its permanent home.

- Innovations: Over the years, the fair expanded to include a variety of attractions beyond agriculture, such as art exhibits, technology displays, and entertainment. By the late 1800s, it had become a major event, attracting visitors from all over the state and beyond.

20th Century Expansion

- Permanent Grounds: In 1890, the fair moved to its current location, the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. This allowed for the construction of permanent buildings and infrastructure, which facilitated the fair’s expansion.

- The fair celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1941, marking a century of continuous operation (with a few interruptions due to the Civil War and World Wars).

- Cultural Events: Throughout the 20th century, the fair became known for its cultural and entertainment offerings, including concerts, midway rides, and competitions, in addition to its traditional agricultural exhibits.

Modern Era

- Continued Tradition: Today, the Great New York State Fair is a 13-day event that attracts over one million visitors annually. It features a wide range of activities, including concerts, culinary competitions, agricultural exhibits, and much more.

The oldest police department in the United States is the Boston Police Department. It was established in 1838, making it the first organised municipal police force in the country.

Key Points About the Boston Police Department:

- Formation: The Boston Police Department was formally established on May 18, 1838. Before that, Boston had watchmen and constables, but the department's creation marked the beginning of a professional, organised police force.

- Development: The Boston Police Department was modelled after the London Metropolitan Police, established in 1829. Its creation was part of a broader movement in the United States to establish formal police forces in response to increasing urbanisation and social change.

- Evolution: Over the years, the department has grown and evolved, adopting new technologies, practices, and policies to meet the needs of the city and its residents.

The Boston Police Department's establishment marked the beginning of modern policing in the United States, and it set the precedent for forming other police departments across the country.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) has had several notable leaders who have significantly contributed to the department and policing in general. Here are some of the most famous leaders:

1. Francis Tukey (1807–1869)

- Position: Chief of Police (Boston Police Department)

- Tenure: 1846–1852

- Contributions: Francis Tukey is known for being an early leader of the Boston Police Department during its formative years. He was instrumental in professionalising the force, improving its organisation, and increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement in the city. Tukey’s leadership helped set the foundation for the modern policing practices that would follow.

2. Edmund L. Daley

- Position: Commissioner of Police

- Tenure: 1912–1930

Contributions: Edmund L. Daley was a key figure in the early 20th century and served as Police Commissioner during significant growth and modernisation within the department. His tenure saw the introduction of new technologies, including motor vehicles, which modernised the department’s operations. He also navigated the department through challenging times, including labour strikes and social unrest.

3. Michael J. Leary

- Position: Superintendent of Police

- Tenure: 1906–1912

Contributions: Michael J. Leary was the head of the department during a time of rapid urbanisation and social change in Boston. He worked to expand the department and improve the training and professionalism of the officers under his command. Leary’s leadership was critical in maintaining order during significant growth in Boston.

4. Edward J. McCormack

- Position: Commissioner of Police

- Tenure: 1930–1936

- Contributions: Edward J. McCormack led the Boston Police Department during the Great Depression. He is known for maintaining the morale and effectiveness of the force during difficult economic times.McCormack also worked to improve community relations and reduce crime rates during his tenure.

5. Robert F. Cawley

- Position: Police Commissioner

- Tenure: 1962–1972

- Contributions: Robert F. Cawley served as Police Commissioner during a time of significant social change, including the civil rights movement and the anti-war protests of the 1960s. Cawley’s leadership was marked by efforts to manage civil unrest and improve community relations during heightened tension.

6. Paul F. Evans

- Position: Police Commissioner

- Tenure: 1994–2003

- Contributions: Paul F. Evans is credited with modernising the Boston Police Department and implementing community policing strategies that helped reduce crime in the city. His tenure saw a focus on crime prevention, improved police-community relations, and the adoption of data-driven policing practices. Evans also helped establish Boston’s reputation as a leader in urban policing.

7. Kathleen O’Toole

- Position: Police Commissioner

- Tenure: 2004–2006

- Contributions: Kathleen O’Toole was the first woman to serve as Commissioner of the Boston Police Department. Her tenure was marked by efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the department. O’Toole also worked to improve the department’s response to domestic violence and other community issues.

Six human beings were murdered.

Estimating the combined market value of U.S. AR-15 rifle manufacturers can be challenging due to the diversity of the companies involved. Many of them are privately held and do not publicly disclose detailed financial information. However, we can get a rough estimate based on publicly available data, market reports, and industry analysis.

Public vs. Private Companies: Some AR-15 manufacturers are publicly traded (e.g., Sturm, Ruger & Co., Smith & Wesson), while others are privately held (e.g., Daniel Defense, Aero Precision). The market value of public companies can be more easily estimated through their market capitalisation, while private companies would require estimates based on revenue, growth potential, and industry comparisons.

Firearms Industry as a Whole:

The U.S. firearms industry is significant, with total revenues in the tens of billions annually. The AR-15 is one of the most popular rifle platforms in the U.S., and many of the manufacturers listed are major players in the broader firearms market.

Market Value Estimates:

1. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWBI): The company's market capitalisation as of 2024 is estimated to be around $0.6 - $1 billion.

2. Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE: RGR): The company's market capitalisation 2024 is estimated to be around $1.2 - $1.6 billion.

3. Colt's Manufacturing Company: Acquired by CZG - Česká zbrojovka Group in 2021. CZG's total market cap is around $2 - $2.5 billion, with Colt representing a significant portion of their value.

4. Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO): This company includes brands like Bushmaster. Its market capitalisation is around $1 - $1.5 billion.

For privately held companies like Daniel Defense, Aero Precision, and others, we can estimate their value based on revenue multiples:

- Daniel Defense: Estimated annual revenue might be $200-$300 million, potentially valuing the company at $600 million to $1 billion, depending on growth projections and profitability.

- Aero Precision: Another large player with a similar potential valuation based on revenue.

- Palmetto State Armory could also be valued at hundreds of millions.

Combined Market Value Estimate:

Considering both public and private companies, the combined market value of U.S. AR-15 manufacturers can be estimated in the range of $5 billion to $10 billion. This range considers the major players, market conditions, and the portion of their business explicitly tied to AR-15 production within the broader firearms market.

So you mean that for $10 billion, someone could buy all the legal producers and shut the production line for these models. Hmm, where would we find ten billionaires?

As of 2024, one of the most modern nuclear power stations in operation is Olkiluoto 3 in Finland. This plant is an EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) and is the first to be completed. It officially began commercial operations in April 2023.

Olkiluoto 3 is notable for several reasons:

1. Advanced Design: The EPR design incorporates advanced safety features, including a double-walled containment structure and systems to withstand extreme events.

2. High Output: It has a capacity of approximately 1,600 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest nuclear reactors in the world in terms of electrical output.

3. Delayed but Pioneering: Although its construction faced significant delays and budget overruns, its completion marks a significant milestone in deploying advanced nuclear reactors in Europe.

The computing power of the Mercury spacecraft compared to a modern iPhone is starkly different, highlighting the vast technological advancements over the past decades.

Mercury Spacecraft (1959-1963):

- The Mercury spacecraft's computing capabilities were minimal. The onboard systems were primarily mechanical and analogue, with minimal digital computation. Most calculations were done on the ground, and communication with the spacecraft was handled through radio telemetry.

- The only real "computer" involved was the ground-based IBM 701 or 7090, which handled data processing and flight simulation.

- The onboard systems mainly relied on simple transistor-based electronics for control and navigation, with computation power measured in just a few thousand instructions per second (KIPS).

Modern iPhone (e.g., iPhone 14 Pro):

- A modern iPhone has a multi-core processor with billions of transistors and can perform up to trillions of operations per second (teraflops). For instance, the A16 Bionic chip can handle up to 15.8 trillion operations per second.

- The iPhone also includes advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), neural engines for AI and machine learning tasks, and substantial amounts of RAM and storage.

Comparison:

The Mercury spacecraft's computing power is dwarfed by that of a modern iPhone, which is millions of times more powerful in terms of computational capability.

- To put it in perspective, the iPhone in your pocket has more computing power than all of NASA's computers combined at the time of the Apollo moon landings, let alone the Mercury missions.

- The iPhone can perform complex computations, support high-resolution graphics, and manage extensive communication and data processing tasks that would have been unimaginable with the technology available during the Mercury program.

In essence, the Mercury spacecraft had the equivalent of almost no digital computing power compared to the highly advanced and capable iPhone of today.

Two U.S. Presidents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery:

John F. Kennedy - The 35th President of the United States, assassinated in 1963, is buried in Arlington. His gravesite is marked by an eternal flame and is one of the most visited spots in the cemetery.

William Howard Taft - The 27th President of the United States, who also served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is the other President buried at Arlington. Taft died in 1930, and his grave is less elaborate compared to Kennedy's but still a significant historical site within the cemetery.

The last ex-president to drive across the country was Harry S. Truman. After leaving the White House in January 1953, Truman and his wife, Bess, embarked on a road trip across the United States. The journey began in Independence, Missouri, and spanned 19 days, covering over 2,500 miles.

Truman's road trip was quite a significant event, as it was unusual for a former president to travel in such an unassuming manner. The Trumans traveled without Secret Service protection, which was not mandatory at the time, and drove their own car, a Chrysler New Yorker. They stayed in motels and visited friends along the way, drawing attention and admiration from the public wherever they went.

This journey is well-documented in Matthew Algeo's book Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip, which provides a detailed account of the trip and its significance in American history.

• “Four years ago, lying opponents said the country was tired of its ideals - they waged a campaign based on an appeal to prejudice based on the dragging out of bogies and hobgoblins, the subtle encouragement of false fears. America has not lost her faith in ideals - idealism is her heart’s blood. Tricked once we have been.
  
  - Millions of voters are waiting today for the opportunity next November to reveal their vengeance on those deceivers. They await the opportunity to support a man who will return America to the fold of decency and ideals from which she has strayed and who will bring the Government back to the people.”
  
  - FDR’s nominating speech at the 1924 Democratic Convention in support of Alfred E. Smith, Governor of New York.
  Roosevelt didn’t want to give the speech, having written one himself. Al Smith insisted. Roosevelt relented and delivered the speech to thunderous applause. It was the first time Roosevelt delivered a public speech after contracting polio in 1921.

The ability for individuals to directly vote for U.S. Senators was established by the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified on April 8, 1913.

Before the 17th Amendment:

- State Legislatures' Role: Prior to the 17th Amendment, U.S. Senators were elected by state legislatures, not by the general public. This process was outlined in Article I, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution.

After the 17th Amendment:

- Direct Election: The 17th Amendment changed the process so that Senators would be directly elected by the people of each state. This shift was made to make the Senate more responsive to the public and to reduce corruption and political manipulation that had occurred under the legislative election system.

Since 1913, U.S. citizens in each state have had the right to vote directly for their Senators.

The Bull Moose Party, officially known as the Progressive Party, was a political party in the United States formed by former President Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 after a split within the Republican Party. Here's what happened to the Bull Moose Party:

Formation and 1912 Election

- Origins: The Bull Moose Party was born from a rift between Theodore Roosevelt and the sitting President, William Howard Taft. Roosevelt, who had served as president from 1901 to 1909, was dissatisfied with Taft's conservative policies and decided to challenge him for the Republican nomination in 1912. When Taft won the nomination, Roosevelt and his supporters broke away to form the Progressive Party.

- The Bull Moose Party, affectionately nicknamed after Roosevelt's assertion that he felt 'as strong as a bull moose,' was a beacon of progressive reforms. It championed causes such as women's suffrage, social welfare programs, workers' rights, and the regulation of big businesses, demonstrating a strong commitment to change and reform.

- In the 1912 presidential election, Roosevelt ran as the Bull Moose candidate. His exceptional performance, securing 27% of the popular vote and finishing second behind Democrat Woodrow Wilson, was one of the best by a third-party candidate in U.S. history. However, it split the Republican vote, ultimately allowing Wilson to win the presidency, a testament to the Bull Moose Party's significant impact on U.S. history.

Decline and Dissolution

- Post-1912: After the 1912 election, the Bull Moose Party quickly lost momentum. Many of its supporters, who were originally Republicans, started to drift back to the Republican Party. The party needed the unifying figure of Roosevelt to maintain its relevance, who was the central force behind its creation.

1916 Election: In 1916, the Bull Moose Party attempted to mount another presidential campaign. However, Roosevelt declined to run and instead endorsed the Republican candidate, Charles Evans Hughes. Without Roosevelt's leadership, the party failed to gain significant support and effectively dissolved.

- Legacy: By the end of 1916, the Bull Moose Party had largely ceased to exist as an organised political force. However, its legacy lived on in the progressive policies it championed, many of which would later be adopted by the Democratic Party during the New Deal era under Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The most lopsided outcome in a U.S. presidential election occurred in 1936, when incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt won re-election against Republican candidate Alf Landon.

Electoral Vote: Franklin D. Roosevelt won 523 electoral votes, while Alf Landon won only 8. This gave Roosevelt 98.49% of the electoral vote, the highest percentage ever won by a candidate.

- Popular Vote: Roosevelt's victory in the popular vote was nothing short of a landslide, with him securing a staggering 60.8% compared to Landon's 36.5%. This overwhelming margin of victory is a testament to the public's endorsement of Roosevelt's New Deal policies.

- States Won: Roosevelt carried 46 48 states, losing only Maine and Vermont.

This overwhelming victory strongly endorsed Roosevelt's New Deal policies during the Great Depression, and it remains the most lopsided presidential election in U.S. history regarding electoral vote percentage.

Harry S. Truman's victory over Thomas E. Dewey in the 1948 presidential election is one of the most famous upsets in American political history. Several factors contributed to Truman's surprising win, despite widespread expectations that Dewey, the Republican candidate, would easily defeat the incumbent president. Here's how Truman managed to secure victory:

Truman's Whistle-Stop Campaign

Truman embarked on a relentless and energetic whistle-stop tour across the country, travelling by train and speaking to large crowds in towns and cities. He delivered over 300 speeches, often several daily, covering nearly 22,000 miles.

Truman directly appealed to everyday Americans, positioning himself as a champion of the ordinary people against a "do-nothing" Republican-controlled Congress. His plain-spoken, folksy style resonated with voters, particularly in rural areas and small towns.

Truman successfully ran against the 80th Congress, which Republicans controlled. He labelled it the "Do-N and blamed it for failing to address key issues like housing, healthcare, and labour rights.

This strategy helped shift the focus away from Truman's vulnerabilities (such as economic challenges and unpopularity within his own party) and onto the Republican Party, making Dewey and the Republicans appear complacent and out of touch.

Dewey's campaign was famously cautious and overconfident. He believed he was so far ahead that he could afford to run a non-controversial, vague campaign, avoiding strong positions on significant issues. This lack of specificity made Dewey seem detached and uninspiring to many voters.

- Polls and Media Predictions:

Many public opinion polls and newspapers, including the famous incorrect headline "Dewey Defeats Truman" in the Chicago Daily Tribune, assumed Dewey's victory was inevitable. This may have led some of Dewey's potential supporters to stay home, believing the election was already decided.

Truman secured strong support from labour unions, African Americans, and other traditional Democratic constituencies. His support for civil rights, including the desegregation of the military and his stance on civil rights legislation, helped him secure the African American vote in key Northern states.

Truman's policies and portrayal of Dewey as an ally of big business helped him maintain support among farmers and worker. These groupst might have been expected to drift toward the Republicans.

- Splitting the Opposition: The presence of third-party candidates, such as Strom Thurmond of the States' Rights Democratic Party (Dixiecrats) and Henry Wallace of the Progressive Party, split the opposition vote. Thurmond took away Southern votes from the Democrats, but not enough to cost Truman the election, while Wallace siphoned off some liberal votes that might otherwise have gone to Truman.

- Truman's Persistence:

Despite the overwhelming belief that he would lose, Truman never gave up. His determination and relentless campaigning helped build momentum that many political observers should have noticed or taken seriously.

- Last-Minute Surge:

Truman's vigorous final campaign push, coupled with growing dissatisfaction with Dewey's lacklustre campaign, led to a late surge in support that confounded the polls and pundits.

Outcome:

On election night, November 2, 1948, Truman won with 49.6% of the popular vote and 303 electoral votes to Dewey's 45.1% and 189 electoral votes.

The longest political convention in U.S. history was the 1924 Democratic National Convention, which is often referred to as the "Klanbake" due to the influence of the Ku Klux Klan on the proceedings.

The convention lasted for an unprecedented 16 days, from June 24 to July 9, 1924.

It was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The convention required a record 103 ballots to finally select a presidential nominee, making it the longest and one of the most contentious conventions in U.S. history.

The 1924 Democratic Convention was marked by deep divisions within the party, particularly between the urban, progressive wing (which supported candidates like Al Smith) and the rural, conservative wing (which supported William Gibbs McAdoo). Issues like Prohibition, immigration, and the influence of the Ku Klux Klan further exacerbated the divide.

The Ku Klux Klan, which was at the height of its power during this period, played a significant role in the convention. Its influence, particularly in the debates over whether to condemn the organization by name in the party platform, was a major factor ins length and contentiousness.

After 103 ballots, the convention finally nominated John W. Davis, a compromise candidate who was a former Congressman and U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Davis was seen as a conservative choice who could unite the party but ultimately lost the general election to Republican incumbent Calvin Coolidge.

The first political convention held in Chicago was the Republican National Convention of 1860. This convention was significant for several reasons:

- Date: The convention lasted from May 16 to May 18, 1860.

- Location: It was held in a temporary structure known as the "Wigwam," built specifically for the convention. The Wigwam was located at the corner of Lake Street and Wacker Drive in Chicago.

- Significance: This convention is most famous for nominating Abraham Lincoln as the Republican candidate for President of the United States. Lincoln, a relatively lesser-known figure compared to other candidates like William Seward, emerged as a compromise candidate who could unify the party.

- Nomination: Abraham Lincoln won the nomination on the third ballot, defeating other prominent contenders like William H. Seward of New York.

- Election: Lincoln went on to win the 1860 presidential election, leading to his presidency during the Civil War and his eventual role in ending slavery in the United States.

This convention was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the rise of Chicago as a significant political hub and setting the stage for Lincoln's leadership during one of the nation's most critical periods.

The Tucker 48, also known as the Tucker Torpedo, was an innovative automobile developed by Preston Tucker in 1948. The car was intended to be a revolutionary vehicle that would challenge the dominance of the "Big Three" automakers—Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Despite its potential, only 50 Tucker 48s were produced before the company was forced to shut down.

The Tucker 48 featured a central headlight that swiveled with the steering wheel, providing better illumination when turning. This "Cyclops Eye" was an innovative safety feature aimed at improving nighttime driving visibility.The windshield was designed to pop out in the event of a collision, reducing the likelihood of injury from shattered glass.

The dashboard was padded to reduce injuries during accidents, a feature ahead of its time.

The Tucker 48 was powered by a rear-mounted, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine originally developed for aircraft. This engine produced around 166 horsepower, which was impressive for its time.

The car featured a torque converter transmission that eliminated the need for a traditional clutch, making driving smoother and more comfortable.

The largest man-made hole on Earth is the Bingham Canyon Mine, also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine, located southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. This open-pit mine is the deepest and one of the largest excavated pits in the world.

- Dimensions: The mine is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) wide and 0.6 miles (0.97 km) deep.

- Operation Start: Mining operations began in 1906, and the site has been in continuous operation since then, making it one of the oldest open-pit mines still in use.

Materials Mined: Copper is the primary material extracted from Bingham Canyon, but the mine also produces gold, silver, and molybdenum as byproducts.

Ownership: Rio Tinto Group, one of the world's largest metals and mining corporations, owns and operates the mine.

The Rose Bowl, an iconic stadium in Pasadena, California, was built in the early 1920s. The Tournament of Roses Association spearheaded its construction, seeking to create a permanent venue for the annual Rose Bowl Game, a college football tradition that started in 1902.

Key Figures and Construction Details:

- Design and Architecture: The Rose Bowl was designed by architect Myron Hunt, who was inspired by the Yale Bowl, a stadium in New Haven, Connecticut. Hunt was a prominent architect in Southern California and also designed other significant buildings in the region.

- Construction: The stadium's construction began in 1921 and was completed in 1922, just in time for the 1923 Rose Bowl Game. The original design accommodated about 57,000 spectators, but over the years, the stadium has undergone multiple renovations and expansions, increasing its capacity to over 90,000 at its peak.

- Builder: The stadium was constructed by the A.P. Johnson Construction Company, a local firm responsible for the physical building of the Rose Bowl.

- The Rose Bowl is often called the "Granddaddy of Them All" because it is the oldest and most prestigious college football bowl game. The stadium was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987 due to its historical and cultural significance.

Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century by Michael Hiltzik.

- The Hoover Dam, completed during the Great Depression, is portrayed as a symbol of American resilience and ingenuity. The project not only provided jobs for thousands during a time of economic hardship but also showcased the nation's ability to undertake and complete monumental engineering feats.

- Hiltzik provides a detailed account of the technical challenges and innovations in constructing the dam. This includes the design and execution of the massive concrete structure, the diversion of the Colorado River, and the implementation of safety measures for workers.

- The book highlights the experiences of workers who faced gruelling and often dangerous conditions. It discusses the establishment of Boulder City to house the workforce and the social dynamics within the community. The narrative also touches on labour issues and the efforts to unionise.

- Key political figures played significant roles in the project. Theodore Roosevelt initially conceived the idea, while Herbert Hoover, after whom the dam was named, and Franklin D. Roosevelt influenced its progression and completion. The book delves into the political battles and administrative decisions that shaped the dam's construction.

- The completion of the Hoover Dam facilitated the development of major western cities by providing essential water and power resources. Hiltzik also explores the environmental impacts, such as changes to the Colorado River ecosystem and the long-term sustainability of water resources in the region.

- The book does not shy away from the darker aspects of the project, including the exploitation of the workforce, the health hazards they faced, and the broader social and environmental costs.