Five Things to Know Today, May 8

Happy V-E Day, commemorating the day WWII allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. Here are some other things to know today.

The weather: Rain is more likely than not, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation today, mainly between 2-8 p.m. the National Weather Service says. The high will be about 81 degrees, and the low tonight around 63.

Gas prices are unchanged in Lilburn from yesterday, judging by reports to www.georgiagasprices.com. Two stations were selling regular for $3.49 (at Shell, 4032 US-78 at Bethany Church Rd, and at QuikTrip, 4900 Stone Mountain Hwy near Stone Drive). And seven stations offered it at the highest price reported, $3.59.

Coke: It’s the anniversary of the first serving of Coca-Cola, sold on this day in 1886 at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta. It was an invention of Civil War veteran and pharmacist John Pemberton, who had earlier developed an alcoholic version to compete with a brand of wine-and-cocaine drink that was popular at the time. But Atlanta passed a prohibition law in 1886, and so Pemberton worked up a new recipe minus the alcohol. Pemberton sold it as a health tonic at soda fountains. Future soda pop magnate Asa Candler bought the business two years later and the rest, as they say, is history.  

Teachers: It’s time to appreciate them, for all the hard work and the excellent work and the daily work, for us once upon a time and now for our kids and grandkids. We love the teachers we know and wish them all a great Teacher Appreciation Day, the focal point today of a whole Teacher Appreciation Week that comes around this time every year. Go ahead, send in a nice Apple. Or maybe an iTunes gift card. And give ‘em a hand!  

Bond. James Bond: The movie that launched the undying spy hero James Bond was released on this day in 1963. “Dr. No” put the little known Scottish actor Sean Connery on the world’s screens and co-starred Ursula Andress rising out of the waves as the first “Bond girl.” It is the only one of the series that does not start with a vignette followed by the theme song. In all, there have been 22 official Bond movies so far, and no. 23, “Skyfall,” is due out later this year. Five other men have gone on to play Bond after Connery gave up the mantel. Who is your favorite Bond actor? Tell us in the comment field below.

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