The capture of German Tiger 131 in Tunisia

The capture of German Tiger tank 131 in North Africa is a fascinating story. In April 1943, during the Tunisian campaign of World War II, the tank was part of the Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 504, a German heavy tank battalion.

The fascinating history of Taxi Cabs

The first taxi was launched in 1907 by businessman Harry N. Allen through his company, New York Taxicab Company. These were the first fleet of gasoline-powered cabs. The taxis were imported from France and equipped with “taximeters” to charge fees based on mileage. Drivers dressed like West Point cadets manned the taxis, which were originally painted red and green.

The First Yellow Taxi Company

A Chicago entrepreneur John Hertz, in 1915, opened the first Yellow Cab Company in his city. While choosing the best colour for the cabs, Hertz commissioned a local university study by the students of the University of Chicago to “scientifically ascertain which colour would stand out strongest at a distance,” per his biographer—and yellow won. To date, colour researchers agree that yellow is the most visible colour, though some have suggested that it’s chartreuse that the eye most easily detects. Thus, the first-ever yellow taxi emerged, and the idea stuck from then on.

1925 Yellow Cab

This story ignores the fact that yellow taxis had already appeared in various American cities before 1915. Businessman Albert Rockwell was operating a fleet of yellow cabs since 1909, as Yellow Taxicab Co. in NYC. Legend has it that Rockwell was merely appeasing his wife, Nettie, who preferred the colour.

Now, according to the law, all medallion cabs must be yellow, and any other vehicles for hire can be any colour besides yellow.

Cabs Around the World

In some cities, like London for example, cabs have always been historically black, and that has not changed since the 17th century when they used a horse and carriage. The iconic history of these cabs makes them stand out without having to be bright yellow!

So now the next time you see a taxi, you will know where its color came from!

1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test [video]

 

The 1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test, codenamed Operation Crossroads, was a pivotal event in history. It was a series of two nuclear tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The tests aimed to assess the effects of nuclear explosions on naval ships and to demonstrate the power of atomic bombs. The Two Tests: - Able: The first test took place on July 1, 1946. A nuclear bomb was dropped from an aircraft, detonating 520 feet above the target fleet. Although it sank only five ships, the test provided valuable insights into the effects of nuclear explosions on naval vessels. - Baker: The second test occurred on July 25, 1946. This time, a nuclear bomb was detonated underwater, sinking eight ships. The Baker test created a massive condensation cloud and contaminated the surrounding ships with radioactive water, making them unusable for further testing The Operation Crossroads tests marked the beginning of a series of nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll, which continued until 1958. These tests had a profound impact on the environment, the local population, and the world's understanding of nuclear power.