1. 1994: Pulp Fiction opens in theaters
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It was on this date in 1994 that the cult classic film, Pulp Fiction, directed and written by Quentin Tarantino was released in theaters. It was a combination of multiple storylines with a star-studded cast including the likes of Samuel Jackson, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis. Many people credit Pulp Fiction for reviving the career of John Travolta and brought him back into the spotlight. In true Tarantino style, the film was full of graphic violence, but as with most of his films, it was the clever dialogue and cinematography that made Pulp Fiction so good. It launched Tarantino’s career as a filmmaker into the stratosphere, especially after it won Best Screenplay at the Oscars, as well as receiving 6 other nominations.
2. 1947: Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier
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As of this writing, there is a very good chance that within the next 2-4 years man will set a land speed record that will break the sound barrier, which on land is around 767mph. But it was on this date in 1947 that Chuck Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier. He made this monumental achievement using the experiment X-1 rocket plane while traveling at an altitude of 40,000 feet, where the sound barrier is roughly 662mph. It was believed by many aviators at the time that it was impossible for man to fly at these speeds due to the transonic drag that could potentially rip the aircraft to shreds. But that didn’t stop the fearless Yeager, he lived in the X-1 as it sat in the bomb bay of a B-29 aircraft. The larger plane would take the X-1 up to around 25,000 feet where it would then drop out of the bomb-bay door and ignite its rocket power and shoot up to 40,000 feet where it would set the record. The X-1 used an extremely streamlined design that was modeled after a .50 caliber bullet. Yeager would continue to have a record-breaking career as an Air Force test pilot, in 1953 he piloted the newly designed X-1A to a mind blowing 1,650mph.
3. 1987: Baby Jessica falls into a well
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It was on this date in 1987 that 18-month-old Jessica McLure fell into a 22 foot deep well in Midland, Texas. Apparently, the little girl was playing in her Aunt’s backyard when she fell down the 8 inches wide, 22 feet deep well. Rescue efforts started immediately and soon a plan was developed where they would drill another hole parrallel to the well, down to the depth where baby Jessica lay trapped and terrified. However, it turned out to be significantly more difficult than they first thought due to the hard rock surrounding the well. Initially, they felt they would be able to rescue the poor girl in a matter of a couple hours, but it was 58 hours before they managed to free her.