GMT 7-31-2018

Today in History July 31


1790 The U.S. Patent Office opens.

1891 Great Britain declares territories in Southern Africa up to the Congo to be within its sphere of influence.

1932 Adolf Hitler's Nationalist Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazis) doubles its strength in legislative elections.

1971 Apollo 15 astronauts take a drive on the moon in their land rover.

1987 An F4 tornado in Edmonton, Alberta kills 27 and causes $330 million in damages; the day is remembered as "Black Friday."

1990 Bosnia-Herzegovina declares independence from Yugoslavia.

1991 The US and the USSR sign a long-range
Fidel Castro temporarily hands over power to his brother Raul Castro.

2007 The British Army's longest continual operation, Operation Banner (1969-2007), ends as British troops withdraw from Northern Ireland.


Born on July 31

1965 J.K. Rowling, author (Harry Potter series).


Joke of the Day

The following text messages were exchanged on a cold winters day in December.
Wife: “Windows frozen.”
Husband: “Pour some warm water over them.”
Wife: “Computer completely screwed up now.”