Saturday, March 7, 2026
Remembring the 60's-
(Linda Cicoira is a contributing journalist with the news web page "Shore Daily News," a service of WESR radio on the Virginia shore.)
By Linda Cicoira
When the 1960s are mentioned to me, my mind automatically thinks about the great music of that time. Tunes from The Beatles, The Temptations, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Jackson 5, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Doors, and so many others.
I also reflect on all the soldiers who were lost in Vietnam, the Civil Rights Movement, leaders who were assassinated, and the hairstyles that set women free.
So, the other day, while surfing the World Wide Web, I realized I was forgetting a whole bunch of other stuff that happened back then.
In 1960, the soft drink Sprite was created. The following year, the Barbie doll got a boyfriend. It was Ken! Wow! That was 65 years ago.
In 1962, the pull tab was created, and that triangular can opener was put aside. It was revolutionary. Later, those tabs were improved to stay attached. Before that, many people just dropped them into their sodas or beers to keep from adding to litter concerns.
I guess some of you thought zip codes have always been around. Wrong! Introduced in 1963, that system brought structure to the postal service. It simplified sorting and delivery.
There were lots of inventions that year. Lava Lamps in Great Britain, the smiley face, instant coffee, and the hang-glider, to mention a few. Most important to me was Kellogg’s vision for the treat that could go anywhere. Initially called the “fruit scone,” Pop-Tarts made their first appearance in 1963. Yippee!
The biggie in 1964 was Ford’s introduction of the Mustang. What a car! It was also the beginning of Diet Pepsi, wine boxes in Australia, Sharpie markers, the breathalyzer, 8-track tape players, the cereal Lucky Charms, and action figures with the launch of G.I. Joe.
While pickleball seems to have really taken off in the last couple of years, it was actually invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, as a backyard game for a man named Joel Pritchard and his friends.
Also in 1965, the personal computer was unveiled at the World’s Fair in New York. The first portable defibrillator was installed in a Belfast ambulance that year. Researchers at the University of Florida developed the electrolyte-replenishing drink Gatorade to help their football team, the Gators, perform in the heat. The Campbell Soup Company introduced SpaghettiOs under the Franco-American brand. And the patent for Pampers was granted in 1965, creating the mass-market alternative to cloth diapers.
A home security system was invented in 1966 by a New York couple. In 1967, the first handheld electronic calculator came forth along with the Big Mac burger, the first home microwave called the Amana Radarange, and the first human heart transplant.
The little model cars, Hot Wheels, were introduced by Mattel in 1968. The first official 911 call placed in the United States was made in Haleyville, Alabama, that year. Although it was not marketed until years later, post-it-note adhesive was invented in 1968. The barcode scanner was invented for railway car identification in 1969. The Glue Stick and Nutter Butter cookies were also introduced that year. The laser printer was invented at Xerox. ATMs began appearing that year. And the technology to land humans on the moon and broadcast it live was said to be perfected in 1969.
Life without the 60s would be impossible.
Friday, March 6, 2026
A view on home schooling-
Nationally, more than 3 million children are homeschooled. In Maryland, it’s around 43,000, about a 50% increase since the pandemic. Yet, the homeschooling phenomenon has largely escaped policy analysis and discussion.
(View commentary:)
The dramatic rise of homeschooling: Should we be for or against it? - Maryland Matters
Time←←Machine Preview-
This Sunday here at the Pocomoke Public Eye:
PLUS
1997 ..
($$ for new Pocomoke YMCA)
Thursday, March 5, 2026
More Somerset firemen needed-
(WMDT)
SOMERSET COUNTY, Md. — Recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters is a challenge departments are facing nationwide, and in Somerset County, fire companies say they’re feeling that strain firsthand. With just eight departments serving all of the county, including two on Smith Island, officials say crews are spread thin.
(View news story:)
Somerset County Addresses Volunteer Firefighter Shortage - 47abc
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
A name change for Atlantic General Hospital-
(WMDT)
BERLIN, Md. – After Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) joined the TidalHealth system last year, the health organization has decided to rename the hospital TidalHealth Atlantic.
(View news story:)
Atlantic General Hospital Renamed to TidalHealth Atlantic - 47abc
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
At last.. a forecast we've been waiting for!
Arriving early this year?
We can't say, but the Eastern Shore
is at least getting a preview later this
week into next week with temperatures
into the 60's and 70's predicted some days, but
keep your umbrella close by.
Monday, March 2, 2026
Crash involving tractor-trailer and train near Princess Anne-
(WBOC)
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Maryland State Police were on the scene of a crash involving a train and a tractor-trailer on Monday in Somerset County.
According to investigators, the crash occurred around 2:15 p.m. on March 2 on Peggy Neck Road near Princess Anne. Authorities say the tractor-trailer was hauling dirt and crossing the tracks when the train struck the trailer.
Luckily, no injuries were reported.
Sunday, March 1, 2026
←← Time Machine←← 100 years ago this week in Pocomoke's newspaper; plus 1997.
(Editorial)
A Pocomoke landmark building, originally the U.S. 13 Restaurant, was heavily damaged by fire in August 1997. At that time it was known as The Eastern Shoreman Restaurant Crab House Lounge. The newspaper picture below shows the interior of the restaurant in the early 1950's. Photo courtesy Frances Twyford.
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.%20Fire%20at%20former%20U.S.%2013%20Restaurant.%204%20(Feb.,%202019).PNG)
.%20Fire%20at%20former%20U.S.%2013%20Restaurant.%205%20(Feb.,%202019).PNG)
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Salisbury Daily Times
Saturday, February 28, 2026
NASA Wallops represented in Annapolis-
(From State Senator Mary Beth Carozza's weekly press release)
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