America 'leads' the way in Air Conditioning?

In thinking about the things that America 'leads' in, I wouldn't think that Air Conditioning would be at the top of the list. On the contrary, most air conditioning producers are multi-national corporations with parts produced across the world. So, in coming across this article, I was a big confused, and intrigued enough to read on. Source: Evans, Stephen. (BBC North America business correspondent) "How air-conditioning keeps changing the US" Last Updated: Tuesday, 19 July, 2005, 22:15 GMT 23:15 UK http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4697519.stm Mr. Evans attributes the shift of the US population to the South as a function of air conditioning, which also attracted businesses and makes the south more politically powerful. Interesting argument, I don't know that many political scientists would sign off on that one, but interesting. More interesting (to me - a history major) was his inclusion of when congress added air conditioning and some other historical numbers.

"In the end, the air-conditioners won the day. In 1925, the Rivoli cinema in New York installed a new system at an astronomical cost of $100,000 - it paid for itself in three months. Congress debated the matter in 1928 and decided for coolness rather than fortitude. In 1942, Washington became the fist city where electricity consumption was higher in summer than winter."

So, in summary? Make sure your air conditioner is running at the best it possibly can be, with check-ups and fill-ups, because it's important to have cool air.

History of Halloween?

http://link.history.com/services/link/bcpid1811456971/bclid1842765416/bctid1842866701 This is a video put on by the history channel, it's only like 3 minutes long but well worth it. Check it out!

Today in History

August 18, 1952 the news ran a story covering Time magazine's previous article (run on August 11). They interviewed the current president of Carrier Air Conditioning and Heating Products. Cloud Wampler said that he thought Air Conditioning sales would more than double 1952-1962. Hmmm...interesting piece of history. Source: "Glancing Back: The Fourth Estate" Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News Preville, Cherie R. August. 20, 2001. Last access 8/18/08.