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Profile America

Best Selling Song

Fetched: May 29th, 2008, 7:18am PDT

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May 29, 2008

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Profile America Thursday, May 29th. If asked the question: What is the biggest selling single record of all time, what would you say? The answer may surprise you, since it isnt by the Beatles or Elvis. The record is Bing Crosbys White Christmas, recorded on this date in 1942. Since it first came out, more than 30 million copies of Crosbys rendition have been bought. Adding the many versions of the song recorded by other artists, estimates are that White Christmas has stacked up sales of 125 million copies. When Bing recorded White Christmas, Americans spent $634 million on records, radios and musical instruments. Now, we spend just over $11.5 billion on sound recordings alone each year. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: 440 International Calendar of Events
Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 318
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1111
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Moving

Fetched: May 28th, 2008, 9:02pm PDT

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May 28, 2008

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Profile America Wednesday, May 28th. If there were a theme song this month, it would be Willie Nelsons On The Road Again, as May kicks off the busiest moving season of the year. Its a time when moving vans and rental trucks show up in driveways all across the country. Each year, nearly 40 million of us change our address a number that has held fairly steady for some years. A majority some 25 million of these moves are within the same county. Men and women in their 20s are more apt to move, in the search for a better place to live, and in response to marriage, childbirth and changing jobs. Renters are more likely to move than homeowners and the rate of moving is lowest for those 65 and older. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 247
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 30, 31
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Scotch Tape

Fetched: May 28th, 2008, 9:02pm PDT

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May 27, 2008

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Profile America Tuesday, May 27th. One of the worlds most widely-used items was patented on this date in 1930, an offshoot of the increasing popularity of two-tone paint jobs for automobiles. Richard Drew of the 3M Company originally had developed an easy-to-peel, glue-backed masking tape to help painters keep sharp lines while applying different colors to cars. Then, he expanded its usefulness by introducing a clear backing. The result was an immediate hit, marketed under the name Scotch tape. Today, the clear tape is universally used. Its just one of a family of adhesive products made in the U.S., generating sales of nearly $7.5 billion a year and providing jobs for more than 21,000 people. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 288
U.S. Census Bureau, 2002 Economic Census, NAICS 32552
http://www.census.gov/econ/census02/data/industry/E32552.HTM
Memorial Day

Fetched: May 26th, 2008, 4:09am PDT

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May 26, 2008

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Profile America Monday, May 26th. Today is Memorial Day. For some people, its the start of the summer season and a time for family gatherings and sporting events. But the true meaning of the day is underlined by the continuing sacrifices made by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The first official observance of Memorial Day was on May 30, 1868, ordered by General John Logan, when flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. From the Civil War through Vietnam, some 566,000 U.S. service personnel died in combat, more than half of them in World War II. Currently, there are nearly 1.4 million men and women on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 285
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 501
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Coal Miner

Fetched: May 26th, 2008, 4:09am PDT

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May 25, 2008

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Profile America Sunday, May 25th. The small town of Novinger, in northern Missouri, is observing Coal Miner Days today and Monday celebrating its heritage as one of the nations coal-mining boom towns. Theres music, dancing, old-fashioned contests and displays. The dangers of the occupation will also be noted with a memorial service for miners killed on the job and their widows and families. For decades, coal heated a vast majority of American homes and provided the power for steam locomotives that moved most freight and passengers across the country. That demand created jobs at one time for some 900,000 miners. Most coal is used today to generate electricity and there are 70,000 coal miners. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 285
Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 608
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 845
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Night Baseball

Fetched: May 24th, 2008, 6:33am PDT

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May 24, 2008

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Profile America Saturday, May 24th. The call play ball is echoing across the country once again. So much attention is being paid to the controversy over performance enhancing drugs that it may be forgotten the first major league game played under the lights was on this date 73 years ago. The event then considered a novelty drew 20,000 fans to Crosley Field in Cincinnati to watch the Reds defeat the Phillies, 2 to 1. Now, most games on the schedule are played at night, so fans can watch their favorite teams in their off hours. When that first night game was played, just over 7 million fans attended major league games each year. Today, attendance is more than 10 times that figure with over 76 million people filling the seats at stadiums around the country annually. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 283
Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 399
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1218
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Lobster Days

Fetched: May 23rd, 2008, 6:51am PDT

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May 23, 2008

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Profile America Friday, May 23rd. This Memorial Day weekend will see one of the joys of a New England summer get under way in Mystic, Connecticut. The annual lobster days celebrated on the banks of the Mystic River are expected to draw some 10,000 people, anxious to crack their first lobster claw for the season. Those attending will be served lobster platters in the big boat shed, overlooking the river, and listen to live entertainment. Proceeds go to support local charities. U.S. fishermen catch more than 1.1 billion pounds of shellfish each year among them, 88 million pounds of lobsters, worth more than $414 million, second only to sea scallops in value, and just ahead of the crab catch. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 284
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 861
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Two Giants of Television

Fetched: May 23rd, 2008, 3:19am PDT

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May 22, 2008

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Profile America Thursday, May 22nd. This was a big day in the careers of two of the nations most beloved television stars who practiced their craft in two widely different settings. It was on this day in 1967 that Mister Rogers Neighborhood was first seen. Host Fred Rogers entertained and educated youngsters for 34 years. And it was on this day in 1992 that Johnny Carson last appeared on the Tonight Show, after almost 30 years of dominating late night television with sophisticated comedy and interviews. In the 60s, when both Rogers and Carson began, there were about 53 million homes with television sets. Today, that number is 110 million. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 280
Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 796
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1099
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Aviation Pioneer

Fetched: May 23rd, 2008, 3:19am PDT

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May 21, 2008

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Profile America Wednesday, May 21st. Today marks the birthday of the man who built the first airplane to fly across the Atlantic an aviation pioneer who now is largely forgotten. Glenn Curtiss was born in Hammondsport, New York. He was the first U.S. motorcycle champion and was clocked at 136 miles an hour in 1907. Turning to aviation, he set many speed and distance records in the first decade of powered flight. Curtiss delivered the Navys first aircraft and later built huge four-engined flying boats for the service. One, the NC4, made the first transatlantic crossing by an airplane in 1919. Glenn Curtiss held U.S. pilots license number one. Today, nearly 610,000 Americans are licensed pilots. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 279
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1050
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Boating

Fetched: May 20th, 2008, 6:50am PDT

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May 20, 2008

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Profile America Tuesday, May 20th. One sure sign of spring is the covers coming off of boats in backyards and marinas all over the country, as people get ready for a summer of fun on the water. With the long Memorial Day weekend coming up, this is National Safe Boating Week. The observance started as a small, grassroots effort in 1957 and has grown to a nationwide program backed by presidential proclamation, and is also observed in Canada. One of the key themes of the program is to get more people to wear life jackets. The Coast Guard notes that in nine-out-of- 10 boating deaths, those involved were not wearing them. Some 73 million people enjoy boating each year and there are nearly 18 million pleasure boats on the nations lakes, rivers, and coastlines. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 273
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1216
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Fingerprints

Fetched: May 19th, 2008, 4:51am PDT

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May 19, 2008

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Profile America Monday, May 19th. The first criminal case in the U.S. in which fingerprint evidence was admitted into court occurred on this date in New York City in 1911. Burglary suspect Caesar Cella was convicted by prints identified by Detective Sergeant Joseph Faurot. The first known crime case solved by fingerprint matching occurred in 1880 in Tokyo, but the unique pattern of each persons fingerprints had been known since ancient Rome. Today, the use of DNA samples from crime scenes is the fastest growing area of forensic evidence. Advanced crime solving methods have contributed to a big drop in reported crimes from nearly 40 million in 1995 to just over 23 million 10 years later. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: 440 International Calendar of Events
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 312
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Bay to Breakers Race

Fetched: May 19th, 2008, 4:51am PDT

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May 18, 2008

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Profile America Sunday, May 18th. One of the largest and oldest foot races in the world will be run today in San Francisco the Bay to Breakers 12K race, established in 1912. The event began as a way to provide some diversion for the people of the city as it struggled to recover from the disastrous earthquake of 1906. During World War II, the number of participants dwindled to about 50 annually. Today, some 70,000 runners will race on the course from San Francisco Bay through the streets of the city to the Pacific Ocean, many in costume. The event has come to be an entertainment spectacle, with 150,000 gathered to cheer on the runners. Some 30 million people in the U.S. enjoy running and jogging each year. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 275
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1222
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
First Kentucky Derby

Fetched: May 17th, 2008, 5:03pm PDT

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May 17, 2008

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Profile America Saturday, May 17th. Each spring, one of the key sporting events is the Kentucky Derby held on the first Saturday in May. This years running was the 134th in the races storied history. The first race was held on this date in 1875, won by a horse named Aristides, ridden by African-American jockey Oliver Lewis. The race was patterned after the English Derby, at a mile and a half in length. It was shortened to a mile and a quarter in 1896, where it remains. Some of the famous horses to win the derby include War Admiral, Whirlaway and Secretariat. At tracks across the U.S., less famous thoroughbred racing draws more than 6 million people each year, while harness racing attracts nearly 5 million others. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 273
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1219
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Biking to Work

Fetched: May 16th, 2008, 9:46pm PDT

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May 16, 2008

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Profile America Friday, May 16th. With the warmer weather in hand, its time to dust off your bicycle and get some exercise. In fact, this is National Bike Month, noting that across the U.S., more than 43 million people enjoy riding their bikes. Some 5 million people are expected to take part in a wide range of activities this month, sponsored by environmental and civic groups, health organizations and police departments. And today is National Bike to Work Day a time to consider using bike pedals instead of a gas pedal. Even in the face of rising gas prices, the vast majority of us more than three-quarters drive to work alone. Only 5 percent use public transportation and just over 1½ percent use bikes and other means to get to their jobs. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 272, 247
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1222, 1068
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Police Week

Fetched: May 16th, 2008, 9:46pm PDT

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May 15, 2008

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Profile America Thursday, May 15th. This week, we honor those civil servants we too often take for granted but to whom we owe much, including the peace and safety of our neighborhoods. Its National Police Week, signed into law in 1962 by President John Kennedy. Nationwide, some 21,000 police departments will hold special events. In Titusville, Florida, ceremonies will take place at the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum. Each year in the U.S., there are nearly 1.4 million violent crimes committed and more than 10 million property crimes. At the same time, 122 police officers are killed in the line of duty, while more than 57,000 are assaulted annually. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 270, 266, 265
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 299, 325
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Root Canals

Fetched: May 16th, 2008, 9:46pm PDT

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May 14, 2008

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Profile America Wednesday, May 14th. There are a number of special observances in May, ranging from National Vinegar Month to National Smile Month. But the most intriguing may be the one held today which is Root Canal Appreciation Day. The idea is that while no one voluntarily chooses to have a root canal across the country, 42 million teeth are saved each year by the procedure, which has become common and much less painful than those performed in the past. Of course, many root canals could be avoided if we each took better care of our teeth on a daily basis. As a nation, our cost for dental services totals nearly $93 billion each year. Americans spend an average of $292 annually on dental care. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 269
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 124, 125
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Joe Louis

Fetched: May 13th, 2008, 6:53am PDT

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May 13, 2008

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Profile America Tuesday, May 13th. Joseph Louis Barrow was born on this date in 1914 in Lafayette, Alabama he grew up to be known as Joe Louis, one of Americas greatest heavyweight boxing champions. Louis became champ in 1937, and for nearly 12 years, defended his crown a record 25 times. Recently, Louis has been honored by boxing experts as the greatest puncher, and the greatest heavyweight, of all time. An African-American, his nickname was the Brown Bomber. His lifetime record is 68 wins and three losses 54 of his victories were by knockouts. Now in the U.S., nearly 5.6 million people attend boxing matches each year, while millions more watch on television. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 267
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1219
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Linotype Inventor

Fetched: May 12th, 2008, 1:17pm PDT

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May 12, 2008

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Profile America Monday, May 12th. This week marks the birthday of a German-American whose name may not be familiar, but who created something that had a profound impact on the reading habits of all Americans, and indeed, the world. His name was Otto Mergenthaler. His invention, called the linotype machine, allowed one person to set type for printing by simply pressing keys on a keyboard bypassing four different operations at higher speed. Historians credit his machine as the greatest advance in printing since the development of moveable type 400 years earlier. The linotype machine was first used in 1886 by the New York Tribune. That year, about 6.5 million Americans read a daily newspaper. Todays papers have a circulation of more than 52 million each day. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation
Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 810
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1102
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Mother's Day

Fetched: May 11th, 2008, 3:22am PDT

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May 11, 2008

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Profile America Sunday, May 11th. Today is Mothers Day one of the countrys most honored national observances. The idea started in 1908 with Anna Jarvis of West Virginia, honoring her recently departed mother who had hoped that sometime there would be a day to commemorate all mothers. By 1911, every state observed Mothers Day and three years later, Congress made it a national event. There are nearly 83 million mothers across the U.S. Each year, about 4 million women have babies. Of those, teen mothers have 435,000 children, and women 40 and older, 112,000. The odds of a woman delivering twins are one-in-31. More births occur in August than any other month, and Tuesday is the most common birthday. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 265
U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB08-FF.08
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/011633.html
Asian American Month

Fetched: May 11th, 2008, 1:27am PDT

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May 10, 2008

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Profile America Saturday, May 10th. May is designated by presidential proclamation to recognize one of the nations fastest-growing population groups those of Asian and Pacific American heritage. The observance dates from a congressional joint resolution in 1978, honoring the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the 1840s. It also notes the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, with the help of Chinese immigrants. Nearly 15 million people in the nation are of Asian heritage, about 5 percent of the total population. California has the largest number of this group at 5 million. Hawaii is the state where Asians make up the highest proportion of the total population at 56 percent. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 244
U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB08-FF.05
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/011602.html
Grilling Time

Fetched: May 9th, 2008, 11:47am PDT

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May 9, 2008

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Profile America Friday, May 9th. Winter is a rapidly fading memory, and many of us will be spending more time on our decks, balconies and backyards. Some have already set up their charcoal or gas grills. In fact, food is very much in the spotlight in May. This is not only National Barbecue Month, but hamburgers, salsa and salads also have their own celebration months. Outdoor grilling became popular in the 1920s. The first charcoal briquets were sold by Henry Ford, made from scrap wood left over from the body framing of his Model Ts. About one-in-three adults across the U.S. enjoys grilling food outside contributing to the 62 pounds of beef we each consume every year, along with 74 pounds of poultry and 47 pounds of pork. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 247, 248
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1213, 205
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Tennis

Fetched: May 8th, 2008, 3:37am PDT

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May 8, 2008

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Profile America Thursday, May 8th. One sure sign that summer is on its way is that tennis courts are busy again all over the country. In fact, this is Tennis Month, promoting the fun and health benefits of the game. The observance is sponsored by the United States Tennis Association, founded in 1881 to promote the growth of tennis and the largest such organization in the world. The USTA has over 700,000 individual members, as well as 7,000 member organizations. Tennis is played by more than 11 million Americans, and professional matches are attended by over 6 million fans each year with millions more watching on television. Each year tennis players spend more than $400 million on their equipment. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 249
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1222, 1219, 1223
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Motorcycle Safety

Fetched: May 7th, 2008, 5:46am PDT

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May 7, 2008

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Profile America Wednesday, May 7th. Few things are said to be as exhilarating as riding a motorcycle with its sense of unencumbered freedom and the feeling that the vehicle is an extension of the rider. With the summer season starting, more and more bikers will take to the road. There are 6.2 million motorcycles in the U.S. compared to 235 million cars and trucks. That lopsided ratio is one reason this is Motorcycle Safety Month, with programs to teach riders that many accidents are caused when car drivers dont see them or see them too late. There are about 150,000 accidents involving motorcycles each year. While this number is down almost three- quarters since 1980, these accidents still result in 4,600 deaths of motorcycle riders annually. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 246
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1071
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Nurses

Fetched: May 6th, 2008, 10:11am PDT

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May 6, 2008

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Profile America Tuesday, May 6th. Today is National Nurses Day kicking off a week honoring the outstanding efforts of nurses in helping to keep Americans among the healthiest people in the world. The observance ends next Monday, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who established the worlds first nursing school in England in the 19th century. In the U.S., there were some 12,000 registered nurses by 1900. Today, that figure is nearly 2.5 million. As their numbers have grown, so have nurses responsibilities, keeping up with increasingly complex medical technology. They not only work in the nations 5,700 hospitals, but are on duty in more than 16,000 nursing homes across the country. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 257
Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 140
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 154, 163, 183
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Pet Week

Fetched: May 5th, 2008, 6:33pm PDT

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May 5, 2008

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Profile America Monday, May 5th. This is the time to recognize those nonhuman friends who add a special dimension to our lives its both Be Kind to Animals Week and National Pet Week. While most pets are a source of companionship, many dogs provide protection and act as eyes for the blind, as well as helping other disabled owners. And its said that while dogs have owners, cats have staff. Dogs are found in just over one-third of U.S. homes, while slightly less than one-third have cats. However, those favoring cats usually have more of them. The average dog is seen by a veterinarian close to three times a year, while cats average two visits annually. Making food for our pets is an almost $11 billion a year business. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 253, 255
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1214
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
U.S. Census Bureau, 2002 Economic Census, NAICS 311111
http://www.census.gov/econ/census02/data/industry/E311111.HTM
Cinco de Mayo

Fetched: May 5th, 2008, 6:33pm PDT

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May 4, 2008

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Profile America Sunday, May 4th. While Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow, May 5th, many events celebrating this important date on the Hispanic cultural calendar have been held this weekend. One of the biggest festivals is on the waterfront in Portland, Oregon. By the time the four-day event winds up today, some 300,000 people are expected to have enjoyed entertainment, dancing and ethnic foods. The origin of the observance goes back to 1862, when outnumbered Mexican troops defeated the invading French forces of Napoleon III at the battle of Puebla. There are more than 28 million people of Mexican descent in the U.S., some 9 percent of the total population. Nearly 11 million of these live in California. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 244
U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB08-FF.08
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/011613.html
National Public Radio

Fetched: May 4th, 2008, 2:53am PDT

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May 3, 2008

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Profile America Saturday, May 3rd. National Public Radio went on the air 37 years ago today, with funding from the corporation for public broadcasting. In spite of alternatives such as satellite television and radio and streaming audio on the Internet, broadcast radio remains a daily companion to a large segment of the U.S. population, especially during their daily commuting. Studies show that the NPR programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered are among the most popular on radio, helping NPR to achieve a substantial increase in listeners in recent years. Across the country, there are some 780 NPR stations compared with nearly 11,000 commercial stations. Americans listen to an average of just over two hours of radio every day. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 253
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1099, 1098
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Amtrak

Fetched: May 2nd, 2008, 5:19pm PDT

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May 2, 2008

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Profile America Friday, May 2nd. Usually, traveling around the country on business or for a vacation brings to mind either cars or jet airliners. But many people continue to use a mode of transportation that once dominated the nation the railroad. Amtrak, the national rail service, was founded 37 years ago this week, combining the operations of 18 ailing passenger rail lines. Recently, more than 25 million people hop aboard one of its trains each year to escape traffic congestion and airline delays and cancellations. To put that number into perspective, in the years between 1910 and 1923, the nations railroads served 1 billion or more customers annually at a time when the population was roughly one-third what it is today. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 244
Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 729, 730
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1088
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html
Empire State Building

Fetched: May 2nd, 2008, 5:19pm PDT

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May 1, 2008

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Profile America Thursday, May 1st. One of the most famous buildings in the U.S. had its official opening on this date in 1931 the Empire State Building in New York City. In an epic of coordination and efficiency, the building was constructed in just 14 months. Not long after its opening, it became a movie star, with the famous scene in King Kong, when the giant gorilla climbs the building clutching actress Fay Wray while fighting off attacking fighter planes. At 102 stories, the Empire State Building was the tallest in the world for four decades, until surpassed by the first tower of the World Trade Center in 1972. Across the U.S., $90 billion worth of commercial buildings are constructed annually. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.
Sources: American Speaker Calendar of Events
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 931
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html

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US Government Podcasts » Profile America » May 2008

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