Boy this thread just took a turn for the worse.....

 

in 1954 I was 30 years away from being born..... my mom wasn't born yet either (born in 55...).

my dad was 6.



note: he later joined the navy, most of his brothers joined the army or the navy, my sister will commission as an officer into the air force in 3 years (ROTC now) and we also have family representation in the coast guard.

military background kudos to you.

 

Time used to be critical to navigation at sea. (Still is, but our little GPS boxes take care of it for us.) Ships set their chronometers while in harbor before setting out to sea. Rather than move a complex instrument ashore, they set the clock while it was on the ship.

So, they had to have a means of knowing the time out there. Major harbors had a tower with a ball on top that would be dropped exactly at noon every day. The ship masters could then set their chronometers when the ball touched bottom.

Yours in fun useless facts.

 

I just deleted my post...I realize it came across as disrespectful. Sorry...44, how bout deleting yours also? Thanks.

 

Oh, never mind... It seems my post was interpreted in a different way than I expected. Hi, Ron!

 

I _knew_ you couldn't have meant it _that_ way!

 

Oh .... you don't understand MsPerky...... Mybad normally takes EVERY thread in that direction.... we are used to it....

 

Yes, well he didn't manage to do that in his post. Must have been an off moment.

 

Nice Pic...

Go Army!!! hahaha

 

I gotta say I don't see it as disrespectful at all. You were curious and you asked, no big deal. I was just saying it was information I have no interest in knowing....lol

Ron, once again I have no idea if what you are saying is true or you are completely BSing us again. That's your gift my friend.

Back on topic, high five to bat poop for his service to our country. Thanks Lee!