December 18th, 1958 was a historic day for NASA and the United States. The space race was in full swing and the Soviets had already successfully launched three satellites (Sputnik 1, 2, and 3) into space. The U.S. also had several successful launches, but they were also plagued with many catastrophic failures. The Atlas rocket launched on the 18th contained the SCORE - Signal Communication by Orbiting RElay) and was to contain a test cassette tape that they hoped would be able to transmit its message from space and also be able to receive and record messages from ground control.

Originally the message was to be a standard test message by Army secretary Wilber Brucker, but when President Eisenhower got wind of the recording going to space, he decided to record his own message. Legend has it that he recorded a message and had it couriered to the launch pad, but the payload doors were closed. Unbeknownst to Eisenhower, ground control launched the Atlas (nicknamed the "Talking Atlas") without the president's message, but successfully beamed the message up to space and recorded it with the SCORE equipment and then beamed the message back down to earth as the first voice to ever be broadcast from space.

"This is the President of the United States speaking. Through the marvels of scientific advance, my voice is coming to you from a satellite circling in outer space. My message is a simple one: Through this unique means I convey to you and to all mankind, America's wish for peace on Earth and goodwill toward men everywhere."

The event was a success, with millions of Americans hearing the (admittedly weak) broadcast on the nightly news. Even though Eisenhower's message was one of peace, the Atlas and its payload was a demonstration of might and domination of space.

You can listen to the original broadcast here.

Instead of considering Oscar & Izzy a competitor, I consider the founder, Amy Mescia, a friend. She has some great products perfect for mid-century homes, and I want to introduce you to Amy and her shop Oscar & Izzy!

I just got to meet up with Amy in October when I was in Philadelphia. It was our first time meeting each other in person, and we had a blast! You should definitely check out The Continental Mid-Town if you're in the area for a super vintage vibe and great cocktails!
 

If you'd like to visit Amy and Oscar & Izzy click on the links below.

In our last newsletter, we talked about the difference between mudcap and bullnose tiles. Let this serve as a more general introduction to tile parts and pieces so you'll know what to ask for when you're working with a tile company (whether or not it's ours!)

This graphic shows one solution for an outside corner. The top bullnose could also be a different sized bullnose as the 2" x 6" bullnose shown here. The cove base pieces are made so that a tile floor can butt up to the face of the curved bottom edge.

This graphic shows a solution for the end of a wall. Again, the top tile might be a 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" bullnose tile, or the vertical edge could be 2" x 6" bullnose tiles instead of the 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" shown here.

Remember that you can always change it up by using different tile sizes or contrasting colors. Have fun with your design!

Last year we published some wreath instructions and a DIY Menorah, this year we have directions for a DIY 1960s Japanese lantern ornament. Growing up, my parents had these ornaments and I always thought they were super cool. The fact that they "fold" for storage makes them that much cooler. Unfortunately, they did not stand the test of time, because, as you'll see, they are a bit delicate and finicky. (Honestly, my child self is probably part of the reason for their destruction!)

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite Christmas Songs is the Bing Crosby version of Mele Kalikimaka from 1950. It makes me smile every time, even when I'm in a Bah, Humbug mood. I never knew the history, though.

The song was written in 1949 by composer R. Alex Anderson. He lived much of his life in Hawaii, and the story goes that one day at closing time, a stenographer in his office posed the offhand question, "How come there's no Hawaiian Christmas songs?" Anderson, who had composed a number of Hawaiian classics, was inspired by the comment and created the song within a few days.

Bing Crosby, who had recorded another of Anderson's songs, Lovely Hula Hands, recorded the song together with the Andrews Sisters as a surprise for Anderson, and history was made.

You can watch this charming tiki-inspired video and hear the song below.

Have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve, and we'll see you in 2022. Take care, everyone!