Today in 1915 Frenchman George Claude patented the neon sign. Earlier scientists such as Nikola Tesla had already discovered the luminescent properties of inert gases, but it was Claude who said: “Je l’ai! Advertising!” Claude had displayed examples of his signs at the Grand Palais in Paris in 1910, but his brilliant idea didn’t really catch on until more than a decade later. In the interim Claude realized he’d better patent the invention, which is exactly what he did ninety-six years ago today in the U.S. Pulp wouldn’t be the same without Claude’s glowing tubes, and on behalf of all the seedy diners, porno theaters, pawn shops, and strip motels managed by homicidal psychopaths, we say thank you, George.
1954—First Church of Scientology Established
The first Scientology church, based on the writings of science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, is established in Los Angeles, California. Since then, the city has become home to the largest concentration of Scientologists in the world, and its ranks include high-profile adherents such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta.