Datebook

Datebook: June 18 - Sally Ride, First American Woman in Space 30 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:10:57 +0000

Sally Ride was one of five crew members on the Space Shuttle Challenger, which was launched to deploy communications satellites. Ride was also the first woman to use a robotic arm in space and the first person to use the arm to retrieve a satellite. In her later years, she wrote children's books. She passed away last year.

It’s Tuesday, June 18

As part of Movies in the Park, a free showing of "Men In Black III" starts at dusk Thursday in the Noble Park amphitheater in Paducah. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and insect repellent. Learn more at paducahky.gov.

Datebook: June 17 - M.C. Escher Turns 115

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:36:22 +0000

Dutch artist M.C. Escher has been described as "the father of impossible figures." His mathematical paradoxes continue to influence the fields of science and art. Though having no formal training, Escher was considered a research mathematician, teaching himself the concepts as an aid to his artwork. And now, his work is a great teaching tool.

It's Monday, June 17

Murray State University is beginning a research project on the effects of an arthritis remedy for dogs. Dogs in the study receive free monthly bloodwork, physical exams, arthritic analysis, and a natural medication during the one month study in July. If you have a moderately arthritic dog that weighs between 35 and 70 pounds, call (502) 220-7070 to register.

Datebook: June 14 - Che Guevara Turns 85

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:35:00 +0000

Che was a major and contentious figure in the Cuban Revolution, and is considered a modern symbol of rebellion. He was active in overthrowing the Batista regime, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was assassinated by the CIA in 1967. TIME Magazine named him one of he most influential people of the 20th century.

It’s Friday, June 14

The “Love Your Neighbor” ministry at the Gospel Mission Worship Center in Paducah hosts a free food and clothing giveaway tomorrow at the church. Clothing items and food from their food pantry are given away between 11 and 2 at the church, located at 6905 Benton Road, across from Trader’s Mall. For more information, call 217-3470.

Datebook: June 13 - 1st Man-Made Object Leaves Solar System 30 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:39:12 +0000

The Pioneer 10 was initially launched to study the environment around Jupiter and eventually... beyond. On this day in 1983, it crossed the orbit of Neptune, effectively leaving our solar system. It's last check-in was 2003, at 12 billion kilometers from Earth. It's en-route to the star Aldebaran, estimated arrival: two million years from now.

It’s Thursday, June 13

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers a full schedule of events this weekend in honor of its 50th Anniversary, including video presentations at the Golden Pond Visitor Center, Eagle Encounters at the Nature Station, a Conservation Canoe Trip, and more. See a complete listing of the weekend’s events at lbl.org.

Datebook: June 12 - Medgar Evers Assassinated 50 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:32:52 +0000

Today marks 50 years since civil rights activist Medgar Evers was gunned down in his driveway in Jackson, Mississippi by white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith. His murder and the subsequent trial sparked a cultural uproar and inspired national civil rights protests. Hear commentator Dr. Brian Clardy's remembrance.

It’s Wednesday, June 12

The Glema Mahr Center for the Arts presents the Japanese Kimono Exhibit from the Claude Holeman Collection, on loan from the Dawson Springs Museum & Art Center. The exhibit is on display through July 21. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 4 and 3 hours prior to every performance at the Center. Admission is free.

Datebook: June 11 - Vince Lombardi Turns 100

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:56:38 +0000

He never had a losing season as head coach in the NFL... Vince Lombardi was best known as coach of he Green Bay Packers in the 60s, where he led the team to five league championships and two Super Bowl wins. He died in 1970 and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in '71.

It’s Tuesday, June 11

The first-ever Barking Lot Blues Jam is scheduled for Thursday evening from 6 to 9 in the parking lot of First Christian Church in Mayfield. The event features a dog contest with proceeds benefiting the Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter, plus blues music from the Pearl House Band, Reggie LaFaye, Clint Fisher, and others. For more information, call 247-2204.

Datebook: June 10 - Mars Spirit Rover Launches 10 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:00:00 +0000

The Spirit Rover's mission was to explore surface features and analyze rocks for 90 days, but it actually functioned 20 times longer than expected. In 2009, it became stuck in soil and its last communication was sent in 2010. Maybe someday we'll find it, dust it off, and power it back up.

It’s Monday, June 10

The Pennyroyal Area Museum hosts a presentation on American Woven Coverlets tomorrow afternoon from 1:30 to 3. Attendants are invited to bring their own antique coverlets and learn more about them from two textile experts. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call (270) 887-4270.

Datebook: June 7 - Gandhi's First Act of Civil Disobedience 120 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:07:27 +0000

Gandhi spent his early career as a lawyer practicing in South Africa. He was subjected to racism and limited rights while there, but on this day he was thrown off a train after refusing to move from first-class. He protested and was later beaten. It was from this incident that he decided to spend his life fighting social injustice.

It’s Friday, June 7

Author Randall Jones speaks at Wrather West Kentucky Museum Monday afternoon at 4. He talks about his book “Marking the Trail of Daniel Boone.” The event, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, is free and open to the public.

Datebook: June 6 - First Drive-In Theater Opens 80 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:45:42 +0000

Richard M. Hollingshead Jr., a New Jersey chemical company magnate, got the idea from his mother who was allegedly too large to sit comfortably in a regular movie theater. He purchased a 40x50 ft. screen and two six-foot speakers and charged 25-cents per person. His ad read, "The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are."

It’s Thursday, June 6

The Paducah Symphony Orchestra has announced the first PSO Summer Music Camp for elementary, middle, and high school students, to be held June 17th through the 21st at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The camp includes ear training, music theory, and masterclasses and concludes with a Summer Showcase. Register online at paducahsymphony.org.

Datebook: June 4 - Montgolfier Bros. Demonstrate the Hot Air Balloon 230 Years Ago

Matt Markgraf and Kala Dunn — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:05:54 +0000

Long before the Wright Brothers, two French siblings Joseph-Michel and Jaques-Etienne Montgolfier were experimenting with early flight. On this day, they demonstrated their hot air balloon for the first time, keeping it in the air for 10 minutes. A few months later, they'd record the first manned flight.

It’s Tuesday, June 4

The Humane Society of Calloway County offers $10 microchipping at two upcoming Rabies Clinics, to be held tomorrow and Thursday from 7-8PM at the Murray Health Department. For a complete schedule of other clinics offering rabies vaccinations only, visit forthepets.org.