Monday, February 16, 2009

Black History Month


www.caffection.com

Here's a question: what do blood transfusions, the Laserphaco Probe, the ironing board, a train-to-station communication system, the gas mask, peanut butter and the super-soaker water gun have in common? Give up? They were all invented by African Americans. Dr. Patricia Bath M.D invented the Laserphaco device which ablates cataracts. Everyone knows George Washington Carver invented Peanut Butter (plus 400 other plant products). A fellow named Granville Woods came up with a system for calling trains directly from the station, saving time and money. Garrett Morgan invented the gas mask. Lonnie Johnson took the common water pistol and super-sized it. During Black History month, let's avoid the blood transfusions & cataracts, but if you get a chance to take a train, go to the meal car for a P&J, then engage a fellow traveler in a rousing battle with your super-soaker.
Here's to all our African-American neighbors and friends and their contributions to society.

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