Today in History: Setting Sail by Declaring the Macarena!

Christopher Columbus in
his younger years

Two days ago, I mentioned that Christopher Columbus arrived in South America and claimed the land for Spain in 1498, but today in history in 1492, Columbus set sail, along with three ships, to find a western sea route to Asia. Nine days of sailing later, Columbus and his crew of 88 men arrived in present-day Cuba on October 12th, 1492. In this new location, Columbus started a colony including 39 of his men. Six months later in March 1493, Columbus set back to Spain ,bringing along gold, spices, and captives that he believed were Indians. Columbus died in 1506 still believing that he had accomplished his goal of finding a westerly route to Asia.

The 1950-1951 Season NBA logo

Yesterday, I mentioned that Germany and Russia declared war on each other in 1914, which was one of the official declarations of war to begin World War II. Today, on August 3rd, 1914, Germany and France had declared war on each other. This was simply more oil added into the fire that had sparked to create World War II.

National Basketball Association (NBA) fans should be grateful for this day in 1949, as the two major basketball associations of the time, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and National Basketball League (NBL), merge to create the NBA. Representatives met on this day in the BAA's office in New York's Empire State Building. Though the he BAA was newer, it had a wider audience, as it was located more in the larger cities. Initially, the NBA was made up of 17 teams in large and small cities throughout the United States, but now has expanded to thirty teams, including the Toronto Raptors in Canada.

Know the "Macarena" dance and song? If you do not know, check out the audio clip here:

On this day in 1996, the "Macarena" shot up the Billboard Hot 100 to become the #1 hit, claiming its top spot for 14 straight weeks. Though a top hit of late 1996, the song was actually released on August 15th, 1995. The artist for "Macarena," Los del Rio, recorded the track in 1993. VH1 ranked "Macarena" as the #1 Greatest One-Hit Wonder of All Time in 2002. Though it was a One-Hit Wonder, the clave rhythm of the "Macarena" is still a "classic" 90s dance song that still marks its presence at dances and parties.