Moments in Time: Cryogenically Frozen
The History Channel
On Jan. 12, 1967, James Bedford became the first American to have his remains cryogenically frozen, in the hope of future reanimation. Later, as cryogenic companies closed their doors, his family was forced at one point to keep his liquid nitrogen chamber in self-storage. Today he is preserved at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona.
On Jan. 13, 1999, basketball superstar Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls announced his retirement from the sport, for the second time, in front of a crowd at Chicago's United Center, citing a loss of drive necessary to continue playing at such a high level and the desire to spend more time with his family.
On Jan. 14, 1969, an explosion aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, caused by an accidentally detonated rocket, destroyed 15 planes, killed 27 people, and injured more than 300 others in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Enterprise was the first-ever nuclear-powered aircraft carrier when it launched in 1960.
On Jan. 15, 1777, a convention of future Vermonters got together in Westminster and announced their independence from the crown of Great Britain and the colony of New York. Their delegates included future Vermont governor Thomas Chittenden and Ira Allen, who would later become known as the "father" of the University of Vermont.
On Jan. 16, 1997, actor-comedian Bill Cosby's 27-year-old son Ennis was murdered by Mikhail Markhasev after Ennis had stopped nearby to fix a flat tire along California's Interstate 405 in Los Angeles. Markhasev was reportedly high on drugs at the time and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
On Jan. 17, 1916, a group of golf professionals and several leading amateur golfers gathered at the Taplow Club in New York City, in a meeting that resulted in the founding of the Professional Golfer's Association (PGA).
On Jan. 18, 1968, Eartha Kitt, the actress and singer known for playing Catwoman on the 1960s Batman TV series, caused a stir during a White House luncheon when she confronted Lady Bird Johnson about the Vietnam War. Her remarks led to her being blacklisted as a performer in the U.S.
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