On this "Day in History" 17 Nov 1853 Which Way To Turn? I've lived in the same town just about all of my life. Generally speaking I know my way around. Even the true shortcuts that always emaze the folks driving with me who would have never thought of such a route. I like to get places hitting the least number of stoplights. If I do say so myself -- and I am -- I'm pretty good at it. That said, there are times when you just don't know where to go, and a map helps. Helps a lot. Something else that really helps are those which we probably take for granted -- street signs. You know, those things on the corner that tell the names of the streets and are real helpful unless they've been hit by a city bus and turned in the wrong direction. All of which is to celebrate the fact that street signs haven't always been a given. It was on this date in 1853 that San Francisco's city fathers (and mothers) authorized the use of street signs. Sally Sun City, AZ pavia@futureone.com "People that hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life." 17 Nov 1558 - Elizabeth I ascends English throne upon death of Queen Mary 17 Nov 1913 - Panama Canal opens