1973: The cease fire started in Vietnam

On this day in 1973, the Vietnam War cease fire went into effect.    

The fighting did not stop because both sides accused the other of violations.   The "cease fire" did allow the US to finish its mission and get the POW's out of North Vietnam.

The "cease fire" quickly fell apart in late 1974 when the North invaded much of the South without consequences.    In other words, the US did not use its air power to support the South.

South Vietnam collapsed in May 1975.   Wonder who would have believed that on this day in 1973?

Years later, President Nixon wrote a great book about the war and how it ended:

 

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).

1973: Another awful anniversary of "Roe v Wade" and abortion in the US

We recall today another anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the U.S.  Before the Roe v Wade opinion, abortion was a state matter or an issue settled by voters, not un-elected judges.

My opposition to abortion, or Roe v Wade, is based on two factors;

1) Abortion is the taking of a human life.  What else is it?  Why does any woman have an abortion anyway?  (Of course, I'm not talking about those isolated and rare cases where the mother's life is in jeopardy)

2) Abortion is a state issue.  I think that voters, and legislatures, should decide whether or not abortion is legal in their jurisdictions.

Last, but not least, Roe v Wade has "poisoned" our judicial appointments.  We've turned every Supreme Court nomination into a battle over Roe v Wade. 

We pray that Roe v Wade is overturned.  We will be a better country without legal abortions.

P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

1973: Another anniversary of Roe v Wade

We recall today another anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the U.S.  Before the Roe v Wade opinion, abortion was a state matter or an issue settled by voters, not un-elected judges.

My opposition to abortion, or Roe v Wade, is based on two factors;

1) Abortion is the taking of a human life.  What else is it?  Why does any woman have an abortion anyway?  (Of course, I'm not talking about those isolated and rare cases where the mother's life is in jeopardy)

2) Abortion is a state issue.  I think that voters, and legislatures, should decide whether or not abortion is legal in their jurisdictions.

Last, but not least, Roe v Wade has "poisoned" our judicial appointments.  We've turned every Supreme Court nomination into a battle over Roe v Wade. 

We pray that Roe v Wade is overturned.  We will be a better country without legal abortions.

P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

January 14, 1973: We remember the 17-0 Miami Dolphins

Back in the 1970's, Cubans arrived daily in Miami on those historic "freedom flights." 

They found freedom and a city madly in love with the Dolphins. It did not take long for those Cubans to start cheering for the team.

Our family was up in Wisconsin but we detected a little "Dolphin-mania" whenever we spoke to a friend down in Florida.

As my mother said one time: "Esa gente en Miami esta loca con los Dolphins"!

We remember today the story of the 1972-73 Dolphins:

"On January 14, 1973, the Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Redskins 14-7 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Super Bowl VII, becoming the first team in National Football League (NFL) history to finish with an undefeated season."

d 14-game schedule whereas teams today play 16 games.

Nevertheless, perfection is perfection and those Dolphins were perfect for that season.

And I'm sure some Cuban "abuelo" probably said: "Que cosa mas grande. No perdieron un juego."

That's right! The 1972-73 Dolphins did not lose a game!

 P.S.  Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

1973: ‘Que cosa mas grande,’ said a Cuban abuelo about the perfect Dolphins!

Back in the 1970’s, Cubans arrived daily in Miami on those historic “freedom flights.” They found freedom and a city madly in love with the Dolphins. It did not take long for those Cubans to start cheering for the team.

Our family was up in Wisconsin but we detected a little “Dolphin-mania” whenever we spoke to a friend down in Florida.

As my mother said one time: “Esa gente en Miami esta loca con los Dolphins”!

We remember today the story of the 1972-73 Dolphins:

“On January 14, 1973, the Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Redskins 14-7 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Super Bowl VII, becoming the first team in National Football League (NFL) history to finish with an undefeated season.”

It was a great achievement. We do remind you that the Dolphins played in the old 14-game schedule whereas teams today play 16 games.

Nevertheless, perfection is perfection and those Dolphins were perfect for that season.

And I’m sure some Cuban “abuelo” probably said: “Que cosa mas grande. No perdieron un juego.”

That’s right! The 1972-73 Dolphins did not lose a game!

 P.S.  Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

Tony Oliva, Mike Cuellar, Luis Tiant and the first year of the DH in the American League

On this day in 1973 or 2 months before players reported to spring training, the American League adopted the “Designated Hitter” effective for the upcoming season.   

3-time batting champion Tony Oliva, who could no longer play the outfield every day, swung the bat with authority:    .291 with 16 HR & 92 RBI as a full time DH in 1973.   Tony-O followed that with a .285 average in 1974.   The DH rule allowed Tony-O to pass 2,000 hits.

The rule initially benefited starting pitchers because they were not removed from the game by a pinch-hitter.   It gave pitchers more decisions and complete games!

For example, Mike Cuellar won 40 and completed 37 in the first two years of the DH. 

His fellow Cuban Luis Tiant won 81 games and completed 85 in the first four years of the DH.

By the way, the aforementioned Luis Tiant of Boston was the first AL pitcher to face a DH or Ron Bloomberg of the Yankees on opening day 1973.  

P.S.  You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column.

1973: George Steinbrenner Purchased New York Yankees

On this day in 1973, George Steinbrenner Purchased the New York Yankees.   

He got to work quickly and the Yankees started winning.   They competed for division titles in 1974 & 1975.     In 1976, the Yankees won their first AL pennant since 1964 but lost to the Reds in the World Series.   

The Yankees beat the LA Dodgers in the 1977 & 1978 World Series.   

In 1980, KC beat NY in the ALCS.    In 1981, LA beat NY in the World Series.

Steinbrenner spent most of the 1980's spending money but not winning.

In 1995, NY was a wild card team but lost a tough series to Seattle.   

From 1996 to 2003, the Yankees won 4 World Series and lost 2.  

They won another WS in 2009 but Steinbrenner died in 2010.

By the way, he was born on July 4, 1930 and died in 2010.  

Very controversial but very successful team owner: