December 22nd: Today in 1944 German troops surrounding Bastogne demanded its surrender, General Anthony McAuliffe when awakened with the demand gave an obscene reply and wrote ‘Nuts’ on the paper he sent back with the German representatives. They correctly translated this as ‘Go to hell’ and began concentrated attacks on the city. The American troops [...]
They just don’t make the cool kids toys they used to.
Via Lileks
December 21rst: Today in 1937 Snow White had its premier. This was the first feature length animated film and its tremendous sucess was the foundation of the Disney empire. It was a major gamble, as recent studios showed as they tried to enter the animated film market it isn’t easy to put enough character and [...]
December 20th: Today in 1917 the Cheka, the first Soviet Secret Police was formed. Convinced the west was going to destroy the revolution thru espionage the Soviets countered with their own counter intelligence agency. During the cold war the Soviets often trailed in military technology, but they were deadly effective both at home and abroad [...]
December 19th: Today in 1732 Ben Franklin published the first of his many Poor Richard’s Almanacs. Each was filled with Franklin’s advice like:
Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.
If you’d know the value of money, go and borrow [...]
December 18th: Today in 1865 the Thirteenth Amendment becomes law.
Amendment XIII (the Thirteenth Amendment) of the United States Constitution abolished slavery. The article states:
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United [...]
December 17th: Today in 1989 the first episode of the Simpsons airs on T.V., the world would never be the same again. In honor of this momentous date I give you the Which Simpson’s Character Are You Quiz. Horrifingly, I am Ned Flanders apparently. Yikes!
December 16th: Today in 1653 Oliver Cromwell becomes the dictator of England.
There’s nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
Naturally when Cromwell died his son followed [...]
Caernafon Over the Parapet
Originally uploaded by Tancread.
This is the courtyard of Caernafon Castle as seen from side of the castle closest to the water. The castle is a great example of the welsh castles that were really the high point of castle building in the [...]
December 15th: Today in 1966 Walt Disney died in California at the age of 65. He died of lung cancer most likely brought on by a life of chain smoking, he was smart enough to know better.