ON THIS DAY

On this date in 1732, Benjamin Franklin began publishing his "Little Richard's Almanac."

It has since moved to an online-only publication.

I'm not history expert, but I'm pretty sure Poor Richard grew up to be Little Richard.

It far outsold all the other publications of the time because there weren't any.

Everyone enjoyed it, except of course, for Poor Richard, who couldn't afford a copy.

On this date in 1776, Thomas Paine published his first "American Crisis" essay, in which he wrote those famous words, "These are the times that try men's souls." It was during the very, very first Republican Presidential Candidate debate.

In 1777, George Washington and his 11,000 man Continental Army begin their grim winter encampment at Valley Forge, PA.

They gave the accommodations one star and a lot of bad reviews on Trip Advisor.

It was officially crossed out as a future vacation spot after that winter.

It was a camp for underprivileged patriots.

The next year, they all voted to go to Florida.

It was like a reality TV show game, without the cameras and freedom was the top prize.

Sir William Parry was born on this date, in 1790. Parry spent 7 years of his life looking for the Northwest Passage. Just like a man, he refused to pull over and ask for directions.


On this date in 1843, "A Christmas Carol" was published for the very first time.

The author had a Dickens of a time getting the book published and didn't even realize it at the time.

Some say it didn't have a ghost of a chance.

Of course, those who chose to wait for the movie to come out didn't make it.

In 1980, the Prime Interest Rate hit a record 21.5%. Which is why I don't want to hear any whining about 4% being high. (I personally remember buying a home with a 14% mortgage rate)

On this date in 1996 The television industry unveils a plan to rate programs using "TV-G," "TV-Y" and "TV-M." As you know, the whole idea went "TV-nowhere."

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

City Page Survey

Fall Book Discussion and Movie Series

Book discussion group to meet