A nerdy mathematician was riding his Segway in a circle when he realized his outer wheel was traveling twice as fast as his inner wheel. If the wheels are 20″ apart, what was the diameter of the outer wheel's track?
20″ + 20″ = 40″ radius for the outer track, or 80″ diameter.
What Happened On
Timothy McVeigh Executed
June 11, 2001
Timothy McViegh had conspired with Terry Nichols in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The attack killed 168, injured more than 680 others, and caused $652 million worth of damage. It was the largest domestic terrorist attack in the United States up to that date. He was executed by lethal injection.
Sacrifice of a young boar in ancient Greece
Sacrifice of a young boar in ancient Greece
Animal Sacrifice Ruled Legal
June 11, 1993
U.S. Supreme Court rules that the religious sacrifice of animals is protected by the First Amendment. The case overturned an ordinance in Hialeah, Florida, that forbade the unnecessary killing of animals in public or private rituals or ceremonies not for the primary purpose of food consumption.
Jurassic Park
June 11, 1993
The movie blockbuster Jurassic Park opens in the U.S. It would become the highest-grossing film ever up to that time. It won Oscars for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects. It was directed by Steven Spielberg at a cost $56 million.
Alcatraz - Native American Occupation
June 11, 1971
A group of Native Americans who had claimed ownership and began occupying the island in 1969 are forcibly removed. Citing the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868), they claimed abandoned or out-of-use federal land should be returned to the Native people from whom it was acquired. The prison had been closed in 1963.
True Grit
June 11, 1969
The John Wayne movie True Grit is released. Wayne plays aging U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn in his only performance to win an Oscar.
Elvis Presley was the original choice for La Boeuf, but was turned down after his manager Col. Tom Parker demanded top billing over Wayne. The roll then went to Glen Campbell.
Vivian Malone registering for classes
Vivian Malone registering for classes
Governor Bars Blacks from University of Alabama
June 11, 1963
Alabama Governor George Wallace blocks two African American students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from entering to register for classes at the University of Alabama. He was doing so to keep his promise of "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever." U.S. President John F. Kennedy called in the National Guard who forced Wallace to move allowing the students to register.
Photo Credit: FlyAkwa
Photo Credit: FlyAkwa
Worst Crash in Motorsports History
June 11, 1955
Eighty-three spectators and a driver are killed in an accident during the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race in France. While preparing for a pit stop, driver Mike Hawthorn pulled to the right side of the track in front of driver Lance Macklin and started braking. Macklin, unable to brake fast enough, swerved left in front of Pierre Levegh who was traveling over 125 mph (200 km/h). Levegh's car launched over Mackin's and over a protective barrier hitting the spectator area. Levegh was thrown from the car and died on impact. Seatbelts were not in use at the time. His car disintegrated showering the spectators with debris. The hood decapitated several spectators and others were crushed by the engine and other parts of the vehicle.
The official inquiry ruled none of the drivers were specifically responsible and criticized the layout of the 30-year-old track. The track had been designed in 1923, when top speeds of cars were about 60 mph (100 km/h). By 1955, top speeds were over 170 mph (270 km/h). The only barrier between the track and spectators was a 4 ft (1.2 m) earthen bank.
The race continued with Hawthorn and his team easily winning, as their main competition had been taken out of the race.
Organizers claimed they continued the race, because they didn't want exiting spectators preventing emergency vehicles from getting through.
Statue of Morris Frank and Buddy
Photo Credit: Kritzolina
Statue of Morris Frank and BuddyPhoto Credit: Kritzolina
First Seeing Eye Dog in the U.S.
June 11, 1928
Blind owner Morris Frank arrives in the U.S. with Buddy, who was trained as a guide dog in Switzerland. Frank then cofounded The Seeing Eye, the first guide dog school in the U.S.
Geronimo Drives a Locomobile
June 11, 1905
Apache Indian Chief Geronimo drives a 1905 Locomobile Model C automobile as part of the "Big Round-Up" for the National Editorial Association Convention.
The Ponca Indian in full headdress to the left of Geronimo is Edward Le Clair Sr. Geronimo so admired Le Clair's beaded vest that it was presented to him later in the day. After his death, Geronimo was buried wearing it.
Geronimo, still a captive of the U.S. Army, was one of the star attractions of the event.
Thomas Jefferson on Fake Media
June 11, 1807
U.S. President Thomas Jefferson writes a letter describing his feelings about the amount of misinformation in the newspapers of his day.
"I will add, that the man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them; inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods & errors. He who reads nothing will still learn the great facts, and the details are all false."
Detroit Burns to the Ground
June 11, 1805
A fire that started in the morning burned Detroit to the ground by afternoon. All that remained were a few brick chimneys. The fire is believed to have started when a local baker failed to extinguish the ashes from his pipe when he knocked the tobacco out. The residents tried to save the city by engaging in a "bucket brigade," in which a line of people formed between the river and the burning buildings, passing buckets of water to throw on the fire, but it was to no avail. Amazingly, no one died in the fire.
Gays in the Military
June 11, 1993
The Israeli Army bans discrimination against gays and lesbians in the military.
Photo Credit: Niceckhart
Photo Credit: Niceckhart
Sears Auto Repair Scandal
June 11, 1992
California seeks to revoke Sears' automobile repair license after undercover investigators disclosed "systematic looting of the public." They were accused of recommending unnecessary repairs to consumers after Sears had changed the compensation plan for its technicians to a model that included commissions. Sears setteled the suit in September by agreeing to give coupons worth $50 for Sears merchandise or services to thousands of customers.
Mary Edwards Walker's Medal of Honor Reinstated
June 11, 1977
It had been revoked in 1916. Mary Edwards Walker was the first woman to receive the U.S. Medal of Honor (1865).
She received the award for her efforts to treat the wounded during the Civil War.
Six-Day War
June 11, 1967
The Six-Day War ends with the signing of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Syria.
Photo Credit: Hovercraft Museum
Photo Credit: Hovercraft Museum
First Public Demonstration of a Manned Hovercraft Flight
June 11, 1959
The seven-ton SR.N1 developed by Christopher Cockerell is demonstrated to the press. It was capable of 60 knots.
Hank Williams
June 11, 1949
The singer Hank Williams makes his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He sang Lovesick Blues.
First Major-League Pitcher to Pitch Two Consecutive No-Hit, No-Run Games
June 11, 1938
Johnny Vander Meer of the Cincinnati Reds shuts out Boston 3-0. On June 15th he shut out the Brooklyn Dodgers 6-0.
Horse Racing's First Triple Crown Winner
June 11, 1919
Sir Barton ridden by John Loftus wins the Belmont Stakes. They had already won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes making them the first American Triple Crown winner.
Benjamin Franklin (left), John Adams (center), and Thomas Jefferson (right) reviewing a draft of the Declaration of Independence
Benjamin Franklin (left), John Adams (center), and Thomas Jefferson (right) reviewing a draft of the Declaration of Independence
American Revolution
June 11, 1776
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston are appointed to prepare a declaration of independence.
First English Colony in North America
June 11, 1583
English explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert sets sail from England in search for a Northwest Passage to the Far East. Instead he landed at St. Johns, Newfoundland in August and established a colony there.
Birthdays
Lindy and Azaria shortly before her death
Lindy and Azaria shortly before her death
A Dingo Took My Baby!
Azaria Chamberlain
Born June 11, 1980 d. 1980
Azaria Chamberlain disappeared when she was 9 weeks old while she and her parents were tent camping in Australia. Her parents claimed she had been taken from their tent by a dingo. Her body was never found. Her mother, Lindy Chamberlain, was tried and convicted for murder and sentenced to life in prison. Azaria's father, Michael Chamberlain, was convicted as an accessory after the fact and given an 18-month suspended sentence.
Lindy was released after a piece of Azaria's clothing was found near a dingo lair in 1986. She had spent more than three years in prison.
In 1988, all convictions against Lindy and Michael Chamberlain were overturned. Lindy Chamberlain was paid $1.3 million for false imprisonment; however, this was less than one third of their legal expenses.
In 2012, 32 years after Azaria's death, the Chamberlains' version of events was officially supported by a coroner.
Gene Wilder (Jerome Silberman)
Born June 11, 1933 d. 2016
American actor. Film: The Producers (1968), Blazing Saddles (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, Wonka), and Stir Crazy (1980).
He was married to comedian Gilda Radner from 1984 till her death in 1989 from ovarian cancer.
Vince Lombardi (Vincent Thomas Lombardi)
Born June 11, 1913 d. 1970
American Hall of Fame football coach. He won the first two Super Bowls and led Greenbay to five NFL championships. The Super Bowl trophy is named in his honor. He is considered by many to be the greatest coach in football history.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Born June 11, 1910 d. 1997
French marine explorer. His 1953 book The Silent World predicted the echolocation abilities of porpoises and contained the first printed use of the word "aqualung," which he helped develop.
Left to right: Jacinta Marto, Lúcia dos Santos, and Francisco Marto
Left to right: Jacinta Marto, Lúcia dos Santos, and Francisco Marto
Francisco Marto
Born June 11, 1908 d. 1919
Fátima viewer. He was one of the three children who claimed to have seen the Our Lady of Fatima visions of the Virgin Mary near Fátima, Portugal (1917).
He and his sister Jacinta Marto, who also claimed to have seen the visions, would both die in the Great Influenza Epidemic several years later. Also witness to the visions was Lúcia dos Santos.
Joe Montana
Born June 11, 1956
American football quarterback, two-time NFL MVP and the first three-time Super Bowl MVP (1982, 85, 90).
I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV
Peter Bergman
Born June 11, 1953
American Emmy-winning actor. Known for the advertising slogan, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV", in the 1986 Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup commercial. Part of the reason for the line was because actors weren't allowed to portray doctors in commercials without a disclaimer.
TV: All My Children (1979-89, Dr. Cliff Warner) and The Young and the Restless (1989-, Jack Abbott).
Barbeau in Swamp Thing
Barbeau in Swamp Thing
Adrienne Barbeau
Born June 11, 1945
American actress. Stage: Fiddler on the Roof (1964, chorus and took over role of Hodel) and Grease (1971, Rizzo). Film: Escape From New York (1981) and Swamp Thing (1982). TV: Maude (1972-78, Maude's daughter Carol) and Batman: The Animated Series (1992-95, voice of Catwoman).
Jackie Stewart
Born June 11, 1939
Scottish auto racer, Indy 500 Rookie of the Year (1966) and 3-time Formula 1 champion (1969, 71, 73).
Johnny Brown
Born June 11, 1937 d. 2022
American actor, singer. TV: Good Times (1975-79, Nathan Bookman the building superintendent) and Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1970-72).
Chad Everett (Raymond Lee Cramton)
Born June 11, 1937 d. 2012
American actor. TV: Medical Center (1969-76, Dr. Joe Gannon).
Amalya Lyle Kearse
Born June 11, 1937
American judge, first black woman judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals (1979, New York City). She is also a five-time U.S. national bridge champion.
First U.S. Congresswoman
Jeannette Rankin
Born June 11, 1880 d. 1973
American politician, first U.S. Congresswoman (1917-19, 1941-43, Montana, Republican). She was the only member of Congress to oppose the declaration of war against Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rankin believed that U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt deliberately provoked the Japanese to attack because he wanted to bring the U.S. into the war. She also voted against the U.S. entering World War I.
Richard Strauss
Born June 11, 1864 d. 1949
German composer. Music: Also sprach Zarathustra (1896), the theme of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).
Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett
Born June 11, 1847 d. 1929
English feminist, leader of English women's movement.
Deaths
Timothy McVeigh
Died June 11, 2001 b. 1968
American terrorist. He conspired with Terry Nichols in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The attack killed 168, injured more than 680 others, and caused $652 million worth of damage. It was the largest domestic terrorist attack in the United States up to that date. He was executed by lethal injection.
DeForest Kelley
Died June 11, 1999 b. 1920
American actor. Kelley was originally offered the role of Spock in the original Star Trek, but turned it down to play Dr. McCoy. TV: Star Trek (1966-69, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy). Film: Fear in the Night (1947) and Night of the Lepus (1972).
John Wayne (Marion Michael Morrison)
Died June 11, 1979 b. 1907
American Oscar-winning actor. Film: True Grit (1969, Oscar win), The Shootist (1976). Some attribute his death to radiation exposure received from an A-bomb test near the filming of a movie in 1953.
Weird Tales (May 1934), depicting Conan in Queen of the Black Coast, by Robert E. Howard
Weird Tales (May 1934), depicting Conan in Queen of the Black Coast, by Robert E. Howard
Creator of Conan the Barbarian
Robert E. Howard
Died June 11, 1936 b. 1906
American author. Creator of Conan the Barbarian. He is considered the father of the "sword and sorcery" genre. Most of his Conan stories appeared in the magazine Weird Tales, where he also published many other stories.
His story Red Shadows, featuring the vengeful Puritan swashbuckler Solomon Kane, appeared in the August 1928 issue of Weird Tales, and is considered the first published example of sword and sorcery. He introduced his Conan character in the December 1932 issue of Weird Tales.
Howard himself was a bodybuilder and amateur boxer in his late teens and many of his stories featured boxers.
He committed suicide at age 30. Having learned that his mother, who had been ill with tuberculosis his entire life, had entered a coma from which she was not expected to recover, he went out to his car and shot himself in the head. His mother died the following day.
Quote: "Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split."
Writings: Conan the Cimmerian (1932).
William D. Boyce
Died June 11, 1929 b. 1858
American publisher. He founded the Boy Scouts of America (1910).
Boyce had been lost in the fog while visiting London and encountered a boy who guided him to his destination. The boy refused Boyce's tip, explaining that he was a Boy Scout and was merely doing his daily good deed. Intrigued, Boyce met with the Boy Scouts headquarters and upon his return to the U.S. he incorporated the Boy Scouts of America. Former U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt, who had long complained of the decline in American manhood, became an ardent supporter.
Ron Moody (Ronald Moodnick)
Died June 11, 2015 b. 1924
English actor. Film: Oliver! (1968, Fagin).
Ruby Dee (Ruby Ann Wallace)
Died June 11, 2014 b. 1922
American Grammy, Emmy, and Obie winning actress, civil rights activist. TV: The Guiding Light (Martha Frazier, 1967) and Peyton Place (Alma Miles, 1968-69).
David Brinkley
Died June 11, 2003 b. 1920
American Emmy-winning TV news correspondent. "Good night, Chet; Good night, David."
Brigitte Helm (Gisele Eva Schittenhelm)
Died June 11, 1996 b. 1906
German actress. Film: Fritz Lang's Metropolis (1926, the female robot Robotrix).
Ray Sharkey (Red Hook)
Died June 11, 1993 b. 1952
American actor. TV: Wiseguy (Sonny Steelgrave). He died of AIDS.
Jack McMahon
Died June 11, 1989 b. 1928
American basketball player and coach with the NBA.
Daniel Carter Beard
Died June 11, 1941 b. 1850
American artist, author. He created and taught the first animal-drawing class (1893, Woman's School of Applied Design), organized the first Boy Scout group in America (1910), and is for whom Mt. Beard is named.
Alexander I
Died June 11, 1903 b. 1876
King of Serbia (1889-1903). An unpopular king, he and Queen Draga were assassinated by a military conspiracy.
First African-American Admitted to the Bar
Macon Bolling Allen (Allen Macon Bolling)
Died June 11, 1894 b. 1816
American lawyer. First African-American admitted to the bar (1844), opened the first African-American law office, and was the first African American Justice of the Peace.
Daniel D. Tompkins
Died June 11, 1825 b. 1774
American politician. 6th U.S. Vice-President (1817-25), and governor of New York (1807-17).
During the War of 1812, Tompkins personally financed New York's war effort with borrowed money, but both the New York legislature and the federal government refused him full reimbursement.
Nathaniel Gorham
Died June 11, 1796 b. 1738
14th president of the Continental Congress (1786-87).