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August 13, ‘Public Authorities Hot After B.R.T.; Specials Stripped of Their Shields’

Brooklyn Today

August 13, 2014 Brooklyn Daily Eagle
An image of Fidel Castro painted by Cuban children in honor of the former dictator's 88th birthday, which is today
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Good morning, Brooklyn.  Today is the 225th day of the year.  

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ON THIS DAY in 1906, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle published an article titled “Public Authorities Hot After B.R.T.; Specials Stripped of Their Shields.”  The article focused on an all-night blockade and riots that took place at the time due to citizens being assaulted by the company’s employees and other incidents involving the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company (BRT).  
“As a result of yesterday’s rioting on the Coney Island lines of the [BRT], three branches of the local government to-day took official action against the company, which to-day still stands firm in its determination to collect a double fare,” the article reported.  

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NOTABLE PEOPLE born on this day include opera singer Kathleen Battle, who was born in 1948; radio personality actor Danny Bonaduce, who was born in 1959; former President of Cuba Fidel Castro, who was born in 1927; “The Goodbye Girl” actress Quinn Cummings, who was born in 1967; Olympic speed skater Shani Davis, who was born in 1982; New York City-born actor and comedian Pat Harrington Jr., who was born in 1929; high-wire artist and juggler Philippe Petit, who was born in 1949; and “Emergency” actor Kevin Tighe, who was born in 1944.  

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THE BERLIN WALL was erected on this day in 1961.  The Eastern German government closed the border between the east and west sectors of Berlin with barbed wire to discourage population movement to the west side.  The wall interrupted telephone and postal services.  The dismantling of the wall began in 1989.  

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ANNIE OAKLEY was born on this day in 1860.  Oakley was a markswoman.  She allegedly was able to help support her family from the game she killed.  She toured with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in 1885 and was one of the star attractions for 17 years.  She died in 1926.  

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NATIONAL LEFT-HANDERS DAY is today.  Annually since 1992, left-handers everywhere can celebrate their sinistrality and increase public awareness of the advantages.  Right-handers are encouraged to try left-handed objects to see how awkward it can be to use the wrong equipment.  

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“SEVEN FOR A SECRET” by Lyndsay Faye will be presented at BookCourt tonight at 7 p.m.  The conversation will also feature “Mastermind” by Maria Konnikova.  Also included is a release party, reading, audience Q&A and book signing.

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Special thanks to Brooklyn Public Library and “Chase’s Calendar of Events.”

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