Monthly Archives: January 2020

January 31, 1929

On January 31, 1929, Joseph Stalin had Leon Trotsky exiled from the USSR. Apparently, Leon, one of the original band members of Lenin’s group was too popular with the common Russian people and Iron Joe did not like to share power. It was early in Stalin’s reign, so he told Trotsky “You don’t have to … Continue reading

Posted in 20th Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

January 30, 1835

On January 30, 1835, the very first assassination attempt against an American President occurred. Professional house painter, Richard Lawrence, was waiting in ambush for Andrew Jackson to leave the funeral of South Carolina Representative Warren R. Davis. When Jackson walked by him, Lawrence pulled his pistol from his cloak and tried to shoot Jackson. It … Continue reading

Posted in 19th Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

January 29, 1785

On January 29, 1785, John Hancock, the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence, resigned as the governor of Massachusetts. The reason given was allegedly due to his failing health. What is strange was that his resignation happened at the same time as Shay’s Rebellion, which was an up-rising of the citizens of Massachusetts … Continue reading

Posted in 18th Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

January 28, 1957

On January 28, 1957, it was announced that the Brooklyn Dodgers had hired Emmett Kelly. When owner Walter O’Malley was asked if Mr. Kelly was going to replaced Manager Walt Alston, he got mad and said, “NO. That clown is there to entertain the children between innings. And, if the reffing gets too bad, maybe … Continue reading

Posted in 20th Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

January 27, 1926

On January 27, 1926, Scottish inventor, John Baird, demonstrated his pictorial transmission machine, which he also called a television. He said the picture only came in black, white, and grey and he wanted to know “why ye needed any more than that, you extravagant bastards!”

Posted in 20th Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

January 26, 1947

On January 26, 1947, “The Greatest Story Ever Told” was first heard on ABC radio. No, it wasn’t “Lord of the Rings”. Tolkien’s masterpiece wouldn’t be published until 1954 and 1955.

Posted in 20th Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

January 25, 1840

On January 25, 1840, Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, commander of the United States Exploring Expedition became the first person to identify Antarctica as a new continent. Subsequent explorers confirmed his finding. Wilkes did not see any giant mutated penguins, nor was he attacked by alien spaceships. He did see some sea lions and regular penguins, though. … Continue reading

Posted in 19th Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

January 24, 1965

On January 24, 1965, former Prime Minister of England, Winston Churchill died at the age of 90 after living a life of eating too much, drinking too much, smoking too much and poking others, both friend and enemy, with his sarcastic wit. It should be noted that Churchill’s enjoyment of his vices did not sit … Continue reading

Posted in 20th Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

January 23, 2018

On January 23, 2018, twelve camels were disqualified from the King Abdulaziz Camel Beauty Contest in Saudi Arabia. Why? It was discovered that their owners had used botox on the camel’s lips to make them bigger and poutier.

Posted in 21st Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

January 22, 1908

On January 22, 1908, Katie Mulcahey was arrested for smoking in public in New York City, becoming the first victim of the 1-day old “Sullivan Ordinance” which banned women from smoking in public. She was fined $5 dollars. When she refused to pay the fine, she was brought before a judge. She told him, “I’ve … Continue reading

Posted in 20th Century, Historical Facts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment