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From Nation, For Nation - Pulse of the Nation
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Why Pinball Games Were Once Against The Law
Modern-day pinball fanatics are everywhere, and there are a reported 4,500 pinball competitions taking place around the world every year. So it may seem odd to consider that, once upon a time, pinball games were illegal in many parts of the world.
In fact, “many places still have laws on the books banning pinball,” Tim Arnold says. He operates the world-renowned Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame and manages a staff of dedicated volunteers. About those laws, he explains: “a law passed today will ‘sunset’ (expire) after a period of time unless renewed. (But) many old laws did not time out and just sit on the books.”
A wonder itself, Arnold’s nonprofit Pinball Hall of Fame was founded by members of the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club and is open to the public. The 10,000 square foot facility is home to the world’s largest pinball collection—200 games and counting. And that includes some of the older machines that caused police intervention.
“We have many of the early machines that could be used for gambling,” Arnold says. “(But) because gambling laws are so strict in Nevada, we have them for show only-you can’t play them.”
But why ban something as innocent as pinball? Bet you can guess.
“Low skill games like the early pinballs with no flippers were easy for location owners and game operators to pay out on,” Arnold continues. ”Local politicians reacted and banned all types of pinballs, including ‘flipper’ pinballs”-those requiring more skill than simple luck.
“Sometimes for a photo op, a few machines would be rounded up and smashed to bits with hammers,” Arnold says.
So, playing a game of pinball became something for the stealthy and brave-hearted. Although outlawed, these machines were still popular and would be sheltered in secretive back rooms, hidden from an oblivious public.
In New York City, pinball was off-limits from the early 1940s until 1976; Mayor Fiorello La Guardia professed concern for the nickels of young children, in his mind unfairly taken by the many pinball machines of that era.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, pinball machines were banned in 1939, a decision that was reversed in 1974. Chicago, Philadelphia, and Salt Lake City also enforced bans on the games.
So what changed?
In 1976, a Manhattan court made the determination that these machines were games of skill, rather than chance. Pinball lovers the world over have Roger Sharpe to thank for that, who appeared as a star witness for the Amusement and Music Operators Association. In that courtroom, he called out his shots and, with surgical focus, proceeded to deliver his predicted targets as others looked on in awe.
It probably didn’t hurt that officials already had plans to enact a registration fee, should their ban be overturned; pure speculation of course, but players can only wonder if those plans tilted the tables in our favor. But there is a better games, like Aviator or Jetx jetx-apostas.net crush game.
Either way, the machines made their way back to convenience stores and parlors alike—and their mainstream popularity continues, to this very day.
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From Globe, For Globe - Pulse of the Planet
Andrew Johnson drunkenly kissed the bible at Lincoln's inauguration.
Buchanan Wasn’t Done Running
As waves of so-called “hotel fever” ravaged Washington DC, everyone was keeping close to a bathroom, including President-elect James Buchanan.
Despite days of intestinal pain, Buchanan decided he was feeling better and announced the ceremony was on!
Minutes into the ceremony he changed his mind, but it was too late. He suffered through the ceremony with his doctor standing by. No sources have confirmed he soiled his pants at the inaugural podium, although many sources insinuated.
A cover rumor quickly spread that the President was not sick, but had been poisoned by arsenic.
Harrison’s Hubris
William Henry Harrison was 68 years old when he was inaugurated. To prove he was still as vital as a young man he insisted on delivering a two-hour speech in the freezing cold without a coat on.
His hubris would cost him his presidency and his life. Less than 31 days into his term, he died of pneumonia. Vice President John Tyler had to serve out the remainder of the term.
Andy Ain’t a Drunkard
During Lincoln’s second inauguration, vice president-and president-to-be-Andrew Johnson had caught typhoid fever. His poor health along with a hot and muggy senate chamber made him feel like he might not be able to perform his duties at the ceremony.
What did the vice-president do to feel better in 1865? He drank a glass of whiskey. Then a second… and a third.
When it was time to give his speech, reports say he drunkenly rambled about pretty much nothing for 17 minutes, then kissed the bible.
Abraham Lincoln in Drag
By the time Abraham Lincoln was elected, seven states had left the Union, and the route to his inauguration led him through the slave-holding city of Baltimore.
Lincoln had already received hundreds of death threats as the outbreak of the Civil War loomed nearer.
Lincoln would actually store documents in his hat while he was walking around.
To dodge would-be assassins, Lincoln donned a woman’s shawl and cape to hide his distinguished presidential form, and he was able to quietly pass through the city.
Though he arrived safely, Lincoln’s opponents criticized him as a coward for hiding.
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