Life This Day in History - Page 4

Amnorix · 01-01-2009, 10:36 PM

Today...

**Donger** · 01-06-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Takes one to know one.

Sigh. Yes, I feel like the mosquito being drawn toward the Bug Zapper.

Amnorix · 01-06-2009, 11:39 AM

January 6.

On January 6, 1838, Samuel Morse first successfully tested his new invention, the single wire electric telegraph.

This feat was a critical step in the “shrinking of the world”, and the first serious improvement in communications systems since someone figured out that carrier pigeons liked to go back to where they had came from.

The impact of the telegraph was immense. It was particularly noteworthy how valuable it was during the American Civil War when it permitted semi-centralized control over huge military forces over vast distances.

Morse, a brilliant man, was also full of seeming contradictions. Educated at Phillips Academy and Yale, he was primarily a painter, but his dabbling in science brought him everlasting fame. Although born in Charlestown, Massachusetts (current home of the USS Constitution), to a preacher, he was also a defender of slavery, considering it to be divinely sanctioned.

**chasedude** · 01-07-2009, 11:02 AM

Jan 7th

On this day in 1789, America's first presidential election is held. Voters cast ballots to choose state electors; only white men who owned property were allowed to vote. As expected, George Washington won the election and was sworn into office on April 30, 1789.

**TrebMaxx** · 01-07-2009, 11:15 AM

January 7, 1892
Mine explodes in Oklahoma

A massive mine explosion leaves nearly 100 dead in Krebs, Oklahoma, on this day in 1892. The disaster, the worst mining catastrophe in Oklahoma’s history, was mainly due to the mine owner’s emphasis on profits over safety.

Southeastern Oklahoma was a prime location for mining at the turn of the 19th century. Much of the land belonged to Native Americans and thus was exempt from U.S. federal government laws and regulations. Although the mining company’s indifferent attitude toward safety was well-known, there were more than enough immigrants in the area willing to work in the dangerous conditions at the Krebs mine, where most miners were of Italian and Russian descent.

The Osage Coal & Mining Company’s No. 11 mine was notorious for its poor conditions. This led to a high turnover of workers, and the company routinely hired unskilled labor, providing little in the way of training to get them up to speed. This was true for even the most dangerous jobs, like handling explosives and munitions.

In the early evening of January 7, several hundred workers were mining the No. 11 mine when an inexperienced worker accidentally set off a stash of explosives. Approximately 100 miners were burned or buried in the explosion. Another 150 workers suffered serious injuries. Nearly every household in Krebs was directly affected by the tragedy.

It wasn’t until 2002 that the victims of the Krebs mining disaster were honored by a memorial built at the site of the old mine.

Amnorix · 01-07-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasedude

Jan 7th

On this day in 1789, America's first presidential election is held. Voters cast ballots to choose state electors; only white men who owned property were allowed to vote. As expected, George Washington won the election and was sworn into office on April 30, 1789.

Well done sir. I didn't even see this one among the options. It being as good or better than any that I did see, we'll declare this to be the event of the day. Rep to you.

Amnorix · 01-07-2009, 04:20 PM

Merely for interest, the other noteworthy events that were contenders were the January 7, 1999 impeachment of President Clinton, and the January 7, 1558 recapture of Calais by the French. Calais, which had been held by the British for several hundred years (I'm thinking since 1066 but I'll let Donger let us know), was the last bit of French territory to be recovered by them.

Finally, in 1610 Galileo saw four moons of Jupiter, the first non-Moon moons to be observed by a human.

**Dartgod** · 01-07-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrebMaxx

January 6, 1936
Debut of Porky Pig

Porky Pig makes his world debut in a Warner Brothers cartoon, "Gold Diggers of '49." When Mel Blanc joined Warner Brothers the following year, he became the famous voice behind Porky as well as the Warner Brothers characters Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, and Tweety.

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-h...=entertainment

Not quite.

Quote:

The character was designed by animator Bob Clampett and introduced in the short I Haven't Got a Hat (first released on March 2, 1935), directed by Friz Freleng. Studio head Leon Schlesinger suggested that Freleng do a cartoon version of the popular Our Gang films. Porky only has a minor role in the film, but the fat little stuttering pig quickly became popular. Porky's name came from two brothers who were childhood classmates of Freleng's, nicknamed "Porky" and "Piggy".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porky_Pig

Amnorix · 01-08-2009, 07:01 AM

January 8.

Well, one thing I've already learned on this project -- not all days are created equal. On some days I struggle with which item to pick out of a relatively bland list of choices. On other days I have a wealth of truly significant historical events from which to choose.

January 8th is one such day. On this day in 1835, the US debt was zero for the first and last time in American history (I assume the zero debt began today and lasted for sme period of time, and once new debt was incurred we never got back to zero). In 1926 Ibn Saud became King of Hejaz and renames it Saudi Arabia. In 1959 Fidel Castro's revolution is completed in Cuba. And in 1964, President JOhnson announces the "War on Poverty" in America.

But the event of the day occured January 8, 1815. On this date, the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 took place. A crushing victory for Americans over the British, it was the final major battle of the war (insignificant naval battles occurred for up to 4 months after the technical end of the war). Although this battle took place more than two weeks after the Treaty of Ghent was signed to end the war, it had quite a bit of historical significance.

First, it cemented Andrew Jackson's reputation as a national military hero and launched his political career, which would end with 2 terms in the White House (when among other things he apparently reduced the national debt to zero.

). It also helped quell dissent against President Madison, as the war overall was anything but a smashing success. Though the Treaty of Ghent gave the US none of the things it was looking for when it started the war, the victory helped paved the path of Madison's successor, James Monroe, to the White House.

The battle itself was a combination of leadership and brilliance on the part of Andrew Jackson, and true stupidity by the British. The expedition was under the command of the British ADMIRALTY, who chose an absurd route to attack New Orleans, leaving the army in a very bad position. A newly arrived senior British General, who had arrived after service with Wellington in the peninsula campaign and knew his business much better than his predecessor, was absolutely incensed at the British Admiral in charge. Nevertheless, he followed the plan as he thought it too late to change at this point, to his army's undoing and his own death.

The British, with absurd logistical problems and assaulting a well defended position, had over 2,000 casualties (~300 dead) including 3 senior generals. The Americans suffered a mere 71 casualties, with 13 dead.

patteeu · 01-08-2009, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

(when among other things he apparently reduced the national debt to zero.

).

Nice touch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

The British, with absurd logistical problems and assaulting a well defended position, had over 2,000 casualties (~300 dead) including 3 senior generals. The Americans suffered a mere 71 casualties, with 13 dead.

23:1 kill ratio. That's a disproportionate response. America should be ashamed.

**TrebMaxx** · 01-08-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

Not quite.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porky_Pig

Yes, because as we all know wikipedia is the last word!

I don't know, take it to the history channel.

patteeu · 01-08-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrebMaxx

Yes, because as we all know wikipedia is the last word!

I don't know, take it to the history channel.

Wikipedia seems to be right a lot more often than it's wrong. On many issues, it's probably at least as accurate as a standard encyclopedia. It's hard for me to imagine that there are many people out there gung ho about spreading misinformation about Porky Pig, but I guess it's possible.

Amnorix · 01-08-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

Wikipedia seems to be right a lot more often than it's wrong. On many issues, it's probably at least as accurate as a standard encyclopedia. It's hard for me to imagine that there are many people out there gung ho about spreading misinformation about Porky Pig, but I guess it's possible.

I'd agree with this. I refer to Wiki alot to refresh my memory, and it's rare that they're just flat wrong. Sometimes they have a spin that I disagree with, but usually it's pretty reliable for facts and figures.

**Rain Man** · 01-08-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

Wikipedia seems to be right a lot more often than it's wrong. On many issues, it's probably at least as accurate as a standard encyclopedia. It's hard for me to imagine that there are many people out there gung ho about spreading misinformation about Porky Pig, but I guess it's possible.

I bet it's some Islamic group.

StcChief · 01-08-2009, 09:47 AM

Elvis Presley born on this date. Jan 8th,1935.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley

ah thank you very much /Elvis

Mark M · 01-08-2009, 11:59 AM

On this day in 1835, the United States' national debt was zero (0) for the first, and only, time.

MM
~~

01-01-2009, 10:36 PM
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $10029808	This Day in History Today...
Posts: 43,125

01-06-2009, 11:39 AM	#47
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $10029808	January 6. On January 6, 1838, Samuel Morse first successfully tested his new invention, the single wire electric telegraph. This feat was a critical step in the “shrinking of the world”, and the first serious improvement in communications systems since someone figured out that carrier pigeons liked to go back to where they had came from. The impact of the telegraph was immense. It was particularly noteworthy how valuable it was during the American Civil War when it permitted semi-centralized control over huge military forces over vast distances. Morse, a brilliant man, was also full of seeming contradictions. Educated at Phillips Academy and Yale, he was primarily a painter, but his dabbling in science brought him everlasting fame. Although born in Charlestown, Massachusetts (current home of the USS Constitution), to a preacher, he was also a defender of slavery, considering it to be divinely sanctioned. __________________ "I love signature blocks on the Internet. I get to put whatever the hell I want in quotes, pick a pretend author, and bang, it's like he really said it." George Washington
Posts: 43,125

01-07-2009, 11:02 AM	#48
chasedude Supporter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: St. Joe Casino cash: $9994900	Jan 7th On this day in 1789, America's first presidential election is held. Voters cast ballots to choose state electors; only white men who owned property were allowed to vote. As expected, George Washington won the election and was sworn into office on April 30, 1789.
Posts: 36,287

01-07-2009, 11:15 AM	#49
TrebMaxx Supporter Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Peoples Republic of CoMo Casino cash: $-2372748	January 7, 1892 Mine explodes in Oklahoma A massive mine explosion leaves nearly 100 dead in Krebs, Oklahoma, on this day in 1892. The disaster, the worst mining catastrophe in Oklahoma’s history, was mainly due to the mine owner’s emphasis on profits over safety. Southeastern Oklahoma was a prime location for mining at the turn of the 19th century. Much of the land belonged to Native Americans and thus was exempt from U.S. federal government laws and regulations. Although the mining company’s indifferent attitude toward safety was well-known, there were more than enough immigrants in the area willing to work in the dangerous conditions at the Krebs mine, where most miners were of Italian and Russian descent. The Osage Coal & Mining Company’s No. 11 mine was notorious for its poor conditions. This led to a high turnover of workers, and the company routinely hired unskilled labor, providing little in the way of training to get them up to speed. This was true for even the most dangerous jobs, like handling explosives and munitions. In the early evening of January 7, several hundred workers were mining the No. 11 mine when an inexperienced worker accidentally set off a stash of explosives. Approximately 100 miners were burned or buried in the explosion. Another 150 workers suffered serious injuries. Nearly every household in Krebs was directly affected by the tragedy. It wasn’t until 2002 that the victims of the Krebs mining disaster were honored by a memorial built at the site of the old mine.
Posts: 4,453

01-07-2009, 04:20 PM	#51
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $10029808	Merely for interest, the other noteworthy events that were contenders were the January 7, 1999 impeachment of President Clinton, and the January 7, 1558 recapture of Calais by the French. Calais, which had been held by the British for several hundred years (I'm thinking since 1066 but I'll let Donger let us know), was the last bit of French territory to be recovered by them. Finally, in 1610 Galileo saw four moons of Jupiter, the first non-Moon moons to be observed by a human. __________________ "I love signature blocks on the Internet. I get to put whatever the hell I want in quotes, pick a pretend author, and bang, it's like he really said it." George Washington Last edited by Amnorix; 01-07-2009 at 04:40 PM..
Posts: 43,125

01-08-2009, 07:01 AM	#53
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $10029808	January 8. Well, one thing I've already learned on this project -- not all days are created equal. On some days I struggle with which item to pick out of a relatively bland list of choices. On other days I have a wealth of truly significant historical events from which to choose. January 8th is one such day. On this day in 1835, the US debt was zero for the first and last time in American history (I assume the zero debt began today and lasted for sme period of time, and once new debt was incurred we never got back to zero). In 1926 Ibn Saud became King of Hejaz and renames it Saudi Arabia. In 1959 Fidel Castro's revolution is completed in Cuba. And in 1964, President JOhnson announces the "War on Poverty" in America. But the event of the day occured January 8, 1815. On this date, the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 took place. A crushing victory for Americans over the British, it was the final major battle of the war (insignificant naval battles occurred for up to 4 months after the technical end of the war). Although this battle took place more than two weeks after the Treaty of Ghent was signed to end the war, it had quite a bit of historical significance. First, it cemented Andrew Jackson's reputation as a national military hero and launched his political career, which would end with 2 terms in the White House (when among other things he apparently reduced the national debt to zero. ). It also helped quell dissent against President Madison, as the war overall was anything but a smashing success. Though the Treaty of Ghent gave the US none of the things it was looking for when it started the war, the victory helped paved the path of Madison's successor, James Monroe, to the White House. The battle itself was a combination of leadership and brilliance on the part of Andrew Jackson, and true stupidity by the British. The expedition was under the command of the British ADMIRALTY, who chose an absurd route to attack New Orleans, leaving the army in a very bad position. A newly arrived senior British General, who had arrived after service with Wellington in the peninsula campaign and knew his business much better than his predecessor, was absolutely incensed at the British Admiral in charge. Nevertheless, he followed the plan as he thought it too late to change at this point, to his army's undoing and his own death. The British, with absurd logistical problems and assaulting a well defended position, had over 2,000 casualties (~300 dead) including 3 senior generals. The Americans suffered a mere 71 casualties, with 13 dead. __________________ "I love signature blocks on the Internet. I get to put whatever the hell I want in quotes, pick a pretend author, and bang, it's like he really said it." George Washington
Posts: 43,125

01-08-2009, 09:47 AM	#59
StcChief Playing for #1 Draft Pick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Just West of Lambs land Casino cash: $10004900	Elvis Presley born on this date. Jan 8th,1935. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley ah thank you very much /Elvis __________________ sig test for this screwy schema
Posts: 25,901

01-08-2009, 11:59 AM	#60
Mark M What time is it? Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: You tell me ... Casino cash: $9884900	On this day in 1835, the United States' national debt was zero (0) for the first, and only, time. MM ~~ __________________ ChiefsPlanet -- n. The place where brilliant minds assemble to willfully pool ignorance with questionable logic in order to reach absurd conclusions.
Posts: 4,687