Tagged: Datebook

The cultural influence of a simple electronic version of table tennis announced on this day in 1972 is virtually "mind-blowing." Allan Alcorn and Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell put a Pong prototype in a tavern and it became an instant hit, earning an unprecedented $35-40 a day. Sears produced a home version in 1975, selling 150,000 units that holiday season. I'll take Pong over Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 any day!

It’s Thursday, November 29

The Woman’s Club of Madisonville hosts a Holiday Tour of Homes Sunday afternoon from 1 to 5.  Visit five homes decorated for the season and enjoy cookies and cider.  $10 tickets are available in advance at the Madisonville-Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce or at Armstrong Coal Company on the day of the tour.

The Grand Ole Opry, one of the longest-running broadcasts in history, began on this day in 1925 has a one-hour radio show called "WSM Barn Dance." An American icon, the Opry brought country music to the forefront for decades: from Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, to Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood.

It’s Wednesday, November 28

Land Between the Lakes offers free cedar Christmas trees beginning Saturday.  Pick up permits, maps, and cutting guidelines from the Administrative Office during the week or from the Golden Pond Visitor Center on the weekends.  For details, visit lbl.org and click on “Newsroom.” 

Martial artist and pop culture icon Bruce Lee would be 72 today had it not been for his sudden death in 1973, while doing voice over work for Enter the Dragon. He famously bested Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon, one of the greatest martial arts battles in cinema. Though some argue the random kitten won.

It’s Tuesday, November 27

The Murray State University Department of History offers a research forum Thursday afternoon at 4 in Faculty Hall Room 505.  Dr. Brian Clardy’s presentation is titled “Trial by Fire: Race Relations, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Development of American Jazz.”  The event is free and open to the public.

On this day in 1922, Howard Carter's team made a breech in the doorway to Tutankhamun's tomb. Peering in with the light of a candle, he saw glinting gold and treasure untouched for 3,000 years. When asked if he could see anything, he famously replied, "Yes, wonderful things." 

It’s Monday, November 26

Next Monday is the last day to enter the Fifth Annual Land Between the Lakes Photo Contest, sponsored by the Friends of LBL.  Cash prizes are awarded in six categories.  See complete contest rules and register online at lblphotocontest.org.