history forest

Thomas Edison, today, on January 6, 1931 submitted his last patent application. Edison, if you aren’t aware is a truly fascinating character. Prolific inventor (1,093 patents!) and businessman. Believe it or not your life has been greatly influenced by Edison. He had a hand in things such as the long-lasting electric light bulb, the phonograph (forerunner of CDs and mp3 players), telephones, lighting, x-rays, movies, and electric railroads. I’m missing some, I’m sure! Fascinating story on this guy, take a little time and read about him!

His last patent, was for a holder for electroplating things.

Click here for one of Edison’s early phonograph recordings, “Mary Had a Little Lamb”.
Here’s a recording on Electricity and Progress.
Some early cylinders preserved by the University of California
Thomas Edison patent application for the light bulb
Thomas Edison birthplace museum
University of New Jersey Rutgers: Edison Patents and Edison Papers

Totally unrelated program called “Thomas Edison hates Cats”

Edward the Confessor, died today, January 5, 1066. He was the king of England and had been on the throne about 24 years. 100 years later Edward would find himself cannonized by the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the patron saint for kings, difficult marriages, and separated spouses (ironic lot these 3!).

He reign was primarily a peaceful and prosperous one. He was deeply connected with Normandy and he and his brother, Alfred, attempted unsuccessfully to depose Harold Harefoot years before he finally was able to ascend the throne. Because he had not children, Edward’s death in 1066 lead to 3 people trying to claim the throne, the successful one, Harold II, was the last Anglo-Saxon to be crowned king, as he was killed in the Battle of Hastings by Williams the Conqueror.

This of course, lead to the great history book, 1066 And All That, as well as the events of Robin Hood and Ivanhoe.

Today, January 4, 1936, Mickey Mouse took to the Polo fields along with Donald Duck, Goofy, and the Big Bad Wolf. They were competing against Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Harpo Marx. The short animated cartoon also had spectators, including Shirley Temple, Charles Laughton, W.C. Fields, Clark Gable, and Greta Garbo.

This cartoon was originally supposed to have Will Rogers, but was rescripted to include Harpo Marx after Will’s death in a plane crash in 1935.

Today, in 1973, George Steinbrenner bought the New York Yankees baseball team from CBS for a measly $3.2 million! The history of the team would forever be changed as Steinbrenner took charge.

At the end of his second year, he basically started the modern “free agency” era. In 1976 the Yankees reached the World Series for the first time since the early 1960s.

In all, since Steinbreener took control, the Yankees have won 6 World Series titles and 10 AL Pennants.

Jack Hanna, turns 60-years old today (January 2nd)!

Happy Birthday. You’ve been a great inspiration over the years. I (and I’m sure the rest of us) have truly enjoyed your entertaining and educating on animals and zoology over the years. I always enjoy it when learning can be made fun and go down easily!

In 1978 he became the director of the Columbus Zoo and brought its conditions up to standards. In the early 1980s Hanna had his own tv show about animals. He took animals onto Good Morning America and David Letterman’s show. He brought up the attendance to the Columbus Zoo by over 400%. Celebrities Charles Gibson and Newt Gingrich both can claim to be injured by animals Jack Hanna brought around!

Never been personally to the Columbus Zoo, but would like to go someday. Good Morning America appearances, though, have been seen on many times and it is always great to have a knowledgeable fun-loving celebrity to look up to!

New Years! Happy New Year! Hope you have a great year!

Ever wonder why, though, that New Year’s is celebrated when it is and all? Well, it is partly because of the “new” Gregorian calendar which was adopted by various countries beginning in 1582. The United States Colonies adopted that calendar in 1752. It would seem more natural to start the year at the end of a season or at the beginning of spring time, when in fact, January 1st is just a little more than a week after the beginning of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

In 153 BC, the Roman senate declared that January 1st was the beginning of the New Year. And later was cemented by Julius Caesar when his Julian calendar came out.

Your memories of January 1st and New Year probably hinge around New York City’s Times Square and the dropping of the ball as the countdown goes. It’s been going on since 1907!

Here’s a cute little page with a quick introduction to New Years!