An invention that has had a profound impact on our use of fabrics and on the nation’s economy was patented on this date in 1851 — the home sewing machine, developed by Isaac Singer. The idea of the sewing machine — and some working models — went back to nearly a century before 1851. But Singer’s simple, sturdy machine was the first to be a commercial success. While far fewer people sew at home as avidly as was done in the 19th century, the modern and industrial versions of Singer’s machines are the thread that runs through the nation’s nearly $103 billion a year apparel industry. Some 230 other establishments stitch rugs, carpeting, linens, curtains and draperies for another $1.3 billion in sales. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.
Sunday, August 11th. The era of the personal computer made one of its biggest advances this week 32 years ago, when IBM introduced its model 5150 — which soon became known simply as the “PC.” There had been consumer models of computers for some years before, such as the Commodore, but the IBM machine marked a turning point. Previously, the company was famous for its pioneering, large mainframe computers, and even by 1984, barely over 8 percent of American households had personal computers. Now, more than three-quarters of American households have computers, with the Asian population’s figure reaching nearly 83 percent. Over 93 percent of college graduates live in homes with at least one computer. You can find more facts about America’s people, places and economy from the American Community Survey at <www.census.gov>.
Saturday, August 10th. The Smithsonian Institution was founded on this date in 1846. It is named for British scientist James Smithson, who willed his fortune to the U.S. to establish the institution, even though he had never visited America. Today, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, made up of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoo, and nine research centers. It currently has some 137 million items in its collections. It is one of the main attractions for both American and foreign visitors, and last year over 30 million people toured the Smithsonian’s many exhibit halls. Each year, more than 1.7 million visitors from overseas come to Washington, D.C. You can find current data on the country’s economy by downloading the new America’s Economy mobile application at <www.census.gov/mobile>.
Bond University, Australia, hosts an annual contest for the most appropriate definition of a contemporary term. This year’s chosen term was “political correctness.” The winning student wrote:
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical progressive minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of s##t by the clean end.”