Oregonian Olympic Gold
Bill Johnson, a native Oregonian, became the first American male Olympic gold medalist in Alpine downhill skiing on Feb. 16, 1984. He predicted gold in his next race and won it. He won four World Cup races that season, but he was eventually not invited back to the U.S. ski team for the 1988 season because of his cocky personality and hard-partying lifestyle. He never won another medal, so perhaps his attitude was unwarranted, but can you blame the guy? Four first place finishes in one season would go to anyone’s head. Though there’s something to be said for showing a little humility when it comes to being a team player.
Just the facts, please
The sealed burial chamber of the ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamen was opened on Feb. 16, 1923. Despite the rumors that anyone who disturbed the tomb would be the victims of a terrible curse, the undefiled ancient treasures of the tomb were catalogued and included in a famous traveling exhibition. The idea of the curse stems back to a distant journalistic time when reporters would sensationalize stories to sell issues. A journalist published a warning that there would be dire consequences for anyone who entered the tomb. The man who financed the expedition that opened the tomb died shortly after it was opened, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Holmes fame announced that the death had been the result of the mummy’s curse. Thankfully in today’s world of quick-traveling media from multiple sources, live coverage and investigative reporting, superstition has not blended itself into current ancient Egyptian research coverage.
Beloved Beetles
The 15,007,034th Volkswagen Beetle came off the factory line in Wolfsburg, Germany, on Feb. 17, 1972. This effectively surpassed the Ford Model T’s record as the most heavily produced car in history. The Beetle was initially designed by Ferdinand Porsche under orders from the German government pre-WWII, and models were produced for German military use throughout the war.  It would be after the war that the “people’s” car would become an American countercultural icon for those who did not like bulky American cars, especially during the 1960s. While the “New Beetle” rolled out in 1998, the indomitable original “Bug” was still produced in Mexico until 2003. Unique Cars and Parts reports total figures for Beetle production around the world are approximately 21 million.
Destroyer of Worlds
J. Robert Oppenheimer, father of the atomic bomb and famous for his quote, “Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds” died on Feb. 18, 1967. Thankfully, the world hasn’t ended in nuclear apocalypse yet and his fears remain in the realm of science-fiction. Oppenheimer was famous for starting the “Manhattan Project” and building the world’s first atomic bomb. His legacy would be the Cold War. After losing popularity for opposing the development of the hydrogen bomb in addition to his leftist leanings, he lost his security clearance and lived out the remainder of his life teaching: A humble end for a man who changed the world, its warfare and its fears in a way no other has.
Maple leaves
The nation famous for its maple syrup (and currently, hosting the Winter Olympics) decided on its flag on Feb. 15, 1965. As Canada approached its centennial of self-rule, Queen Elizabeth II decided Canada’s easily recognizable bright red maple leaf would be flown. One wonders what exactly “self-rule” means if a country’s national icon is decided from across the Atlantic.
Eggs Benedict, Arnold style
Benedict Arnold was passed over for a promotion on Feb. 19, 1777. Arnold’s feelings of being unjustly overlooked, despite support and encouragement from George Washington, would lead him to the most famous betrayal in American history. Arnold, the hero of Ticonderoga and Saratoga, eventually offered to hand over control of the fort located at West Point, N.Y., to the British. His plot never succeeded — he fought on the side of the British for the duration of the war and returned to Britain afterwards. It turns out it had nothing to do with his ability, but that the promotions were intended to balance the number of generals from each state. This betrayal was more the product of misunderstanding than anything.
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