Recently, ABC made the (in my estimation) poor decision to cancel the show "Life On Mars".

 It chronicles the story of a New York cop who is hit by a car and when he wakes up, he is in 1973. He has no idea how he got there.

 It is an interesting period piece which incorporates the fashion, music and headlines of 1973.

 So as a tribute, I thought I would write a piece today looking at what was making headlines in April of 1973. I began doing some digging and here is was I found;

 On April 2nd, the LexisNexis computerized legal research service begins operation. It is one of the first advanced computerized databases ever created and helps police, attorneys (and eventually reporters) learn important background information on people.

 The next day, April 3rd, the first phone call is made utilizing a hand held cell phone. The call was placed by Martin Cooper, who also invented the device.

 On April 4th, the World Trade Center officially opened in New York City with a ribbon cutting ceremony. It's still weird to talk about it in the past tense.

 On April 6th, the space proble Pioneer 11 is launched on a mission to study the universe. It's still out there, floating somewhere, though it has now stopped sending information back to NASA.

 On April 17th, a new company. Federal Express, begins operations with 14 airplanes based out of Memphis, Tennessee. On that ngiht, the company delivers 186 packages to 25 American cities.

 On April 30th, President Nixon announces two staffers, H.R. Haldeman and John Erlichman, have resigned because of their role in the Watergate burglary and cover-up.

 It's interesting to take a quick look back in time. I had no idea cell phones went back to the early 1970's. It also allows me to get on my "study history" kick which goes something like this: those who study history are better equipped to avoid making mistakes. Those who study history have a better idea of where they truly come from and where they may be headed. Those who study history are those who take an active role in making the world a better place.

 OK. That's it. I'm off the soapbox now.

 Quote Of The Day: "A child becomes an adult when he realizes that he has a right not only to be right but also to be wrong." Thomas Szasz

 This Day In HIstory: The first Pony Express rider reached his destination of San Francisco on this date, April 14th, 1860. That rider had left St. Joseph, Missouri on April 3rd.

 Something You Should Check Out: Enjoy this TV commercial from 1973 for Hostess Fruit Pies. A little bit of history for you!

 Thanks for stopping by and taking time to make the blog a part of your day. Feel free to leave a comment below or send me an e-mail by clicking here.