The word Ethyl was short for tetraethyl, an compound added to gasoline to boost its octane rating. It was marketed as a way to avoid engine knock in automobile engines as far back as the 1920s. It was also referred to as premium gasoline.
On this day in 1973, OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries began an oil-embargoagainst several countries including the U.S. and Great Britain. The incident stemmed from Western support of Israel whenEgypt and Syria attacked the nation on October 6, 1973. The embargo lasted until March of 1974.
An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter Scale hit the San Francisco Bay area in California. The quake caused about 67 deaths, 3,000 injuries, and damages up to $7 billion.
Photo of woman with seismograph drums showing the earthquake.
Loma Prieta Earthquake, Game 3, 1989 World Series.
On this day in 1777, American troops defeated British forces in Saratoga, NewYork. It was the turning point in the American Revolutionary War.
Surrender of General Burgoyne and the British Army to General Gates at the Battle of Saratoga.