#ThrowbackThursday – 8 August
It’s 8 August, and that means it’s time for another edition of Throwback Thursday! Today, we’re taking a look back at three prominent events that went down on this day in history:
1786 – Happy Dollar Day!
On this day 238 years ago, the United States of America adopted one of the world’s most valuable currencies: the dollar.
On 8 August 1786, the United States Congress unanimously decided to adopt the US dollar as the nation’s official currency. Created using a base-10 system – 10 cents equals one dime, 10 dimes one dollar, etc – it would replace the British pound and the Spanish dollar, although these would still be in use by local colonists for some time.
Indeed, although the US dollar was minted six years later in 1792, it took approximately 10 years before American citizens finally took to the new currency.
Over the years, the value of the US dollar has increased and decreased in equal measure. Many denominations existed, including coins such as half cents and silver dollars, and notes that ranged from $500 to $10 000! These days, the dollar is considered one of the most powerful currencies, favoured by economists, traders and workers alike.
1966 – SABC Bans Beatles’ Music
Before the likes of Spice Girls, One Direction, Little Mix and BTS existed, fans were hopelessly devoted to The Beatles. The British band was selling millions of albums and performing sold-out concerts worldwide – indeed, they were incredibly popular in their day (and arguably to this day as well!).
Of course, co-lead vocalist John Lennon invited controversy when, during an interview with an English newspaper in March 1966, he claimed that The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus now.”
Five months later, on 8 August 1966, the government-owned South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) – appalled by Lennon’s remarks, which they deemed as disrespectful and anti-religious – banned the playing of The Beatles’ music.
For four years, songs by the Fab Four were not allowed to be played on any of SABC’s radio stations. It wasn’t until 1970, which saw the band breaking up, that the SABC lifted the ban and permitted their music back into rotation. They also played songs by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison, but Lennon’s music was strictly prohibited.
1996 – Crowning The New Miss Crustacean
Believe it or not, there has been a pageant dedicated to showcasing the beauty and poise of hermit crabs since 1973!
Held in Ocean City, New Jersey, hermit crabs dress in their best finery to compete for the prestigious title of “Miss Crustacean”. Additionally, the lucky winner (or rather, the winner’s owner) receives the Cucumber Rind Cup, which contains a cucumber – a favourite food among hermit crabs.
On 8 August 1996, the winner of the 23rd annual beauty pageant was Copa Crabana, whose winning outfit consisted of yellow and blue feathers à la showgirl Lola from Barry Manilow’s hit song, “Copacabana”. Ms Crabana reportedly beat 79 other contestants to crabwalk away with the crown and Rind Cup.
To this day, the pageant has become a grand event, with owners from all walks of life entering their pet crabs into the competition. In addition to Ms Crabana, previous Miss Crustaceans have included Santa Crab, Crabopatra and Kim Crabdashian, among others.
While it’s regarded as a fun occasion, the pageant is a great way to encourage responsible hermit crab ownership and raise awareness about the importance of crab-care.
