Eric Christensen
@echristensen.bsky.social
love, truth, beauty, corn, and a little democracy … an old, long-haired, noble-fared, leaping gnome
Literary Cabinet:
On this day in history, 219 years ago, November 15, 1806, the “Literary Cabinet” published its first issue at Yale College at New Haven, Connecticut. (1/4)
On this day in history, 219 years ago, November 15, 1806, the “Literary Cabinet” published its first issue at Yale College at New Haven, Connecticut. (1/4)
November 15, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Literary Cabinet:
On this day in history, 219 years ago, November 15, 1806, the “Literary Cabinet” published its first issue at Yale College at New Haven, Connecticut. (1/4)
On this day in history, 219 years ago, November 15, 1806, the “Literary Cabinet” published its first issue at Yale College at New Haven, Connecticut. (1/4)
Transfusion:
On this day in history, 359 years ago, November 14, 1666, Dr. Richard Lower of Oxford, England, performed the first recorded successful blood transfusion between two dogs, which he described later that evening to Samuel Pepys, who reported the conversation in his diary. (1/5)
On this day in history, 359 years ago, November 14, 1666, Dr. Richard Lower of Oxford, England, performed the first recorded successful blood transfusion between two dogs, which he described later that evening to Samuel Pepys, who reported the conversation in his diary. (1/5)
November 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Transfusion:
On this day in history, 359 years ago, November 14, 1666, Dr. Richard Lower of Oxford, England, performed the first recorded successful blood transfusion between two dogs, which he described later that evening to Samuel Pepys, who reported the conversation in his diary. (1/5)
On this day in history, 359 years ago, November 14, 1666, Dr. Richard Lower of Oxford, England, performed the first recorded successful blood transfusion between two dogs, which he described later that evening to Samuel Pepys, who reported the conversation in his diary. (1/5)
Karen Silkwood:
On this day in history, 51 years ago, November 13, 1974, 28-year-old Karen Silkwood died in a one-car accident while delivering documents to reporter David Burnham that implicated her employer, Kerr-McGee Corporation, for negligence in handling radioactive plutonium. (1/4)
On this day in history, 51 years ago, November 13, 1974, 28-year-old Karen Silkwood died in a one-car accident while delivering documents to reporter David Burnham that implicated her employer, Kerr-McGee Corporation, for negligence in handling radioactive plutonium. (1/4)
November 13, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Karen Silkwood:
On this day in history, 51 years ago, November 13, 1974, 28-year-old Karen Silkwood died in a one-car accident while delivering documents to reporter David Burnham that implicated her employer, Kerr-McGee Corporation, for negligence in handling radioactive plutonium. (1/4)
On this day in history, 51 years ago, November 13, 1974, 28-year-old Karen Silkwood died in a one-car accident while delivering documents to reporter David Burnham that implicated her employer, Kerr-McGee Corporation, for negligence in handling radioactive plutonium. (1/4)
Washington Naval Conference:
On this day in history, 104 years ago, November 12, 1921, the Washington Naval Conference was convened in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Secretary of State, Charles Evan Hughes, resolving, “The way to disarm is to disarm.” (1/5)
On this day in history, 104 years ago, November 12, 1921, the Washington Naval Conference was convened in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Secretary of State, Charles Evan Hughes, resolving, “The way to disarm is to disarm.” (1/5)
November 12, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Washington Naval Conference:
On this day in history, 104 years ago, November 12, 1921, the Washington Naval Conference was convened in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Secretary of State, Charles Evan Hughes, resolving, “The way to disarm is to disarm.” (1/5)
On this day in history, 104 years ago, November 12, 1921, the Washington Naval Conference was convened in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Secretary of State, Charles Evan Hughes, resolving, “The way to disarm is to disarm.” (1/5)
It’s the first time I’ve been able to see the northern lights with my naked eye.
November 12, 2025 at 3:29 AM
It’s the first time I’ve been able to see the northern lights with my naked eye.
That Ould Deluder Satan:
On this day in history, 378 years ago, November 11, 1647, the Colony of Massachusetts passed “The Old Deluder Satan Act,” requiring all towns with a population of more than 50 householders to hire teachers to educate their children. (1/4)
On this day in history, 378 years ago, November 11, 1647, the Colony of Massachusetts passed “The Old Deluder Satan Act,” requiring all towns with a population of more than 50 householders to hire teachers to educate their children. (1/4)
November 11, 2025 at 5:29 PM
That Ould Deluder Satan:
On this day in history, 378 years ago, November 11, 1647, the Colony of Massachusetts passed “The Old Deluder Satan Act,” requiring all towns with a population of more than 50 householders to hire teachers to educate their children. (1/4)
On this day in history, 378 years ago, November 11, 1647, the Colony of Massachusetts passed “The Old Deluder Satan Act,” requiring all towns with a population of more than 50 householders to hire teachers to educate their children. (1/4)
The First Motorcycle:
On this day in history, 140 years ago, November 10, 1885, engineers Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach revealed their newest invention, the Damiler Reitwagen, a two-wheeled cycle powered by an internal combustion engine. (1/6)
On this day in history, 140 years ago, November 10, 1885, engineers Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach revealed their newest invention, the Damiler Reitwagen, a two-wheeled cycle powered by an internal combustion engine. (1/6)
November 10, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The First Motorcycle:
On this day in history, 140 years ago, November 10, 1885, engineers Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach revealed their newest invention, the Damiler Reitwagen, a two-wheeled cycle powered by an internal combustion engine. (1/6)
On this day in history, 140 years ago, November 10, 1885, engineers Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach revealed their newest invention, the Damiler Reitwagen, a two-wheeled cycle powered by an internal combustion engine. (1/6)
Design Patent:
On this day in history, 183 years ago, November 9. 1842, the first patent for a design—designated as Patent No. Des. 1—was awarded to printer and type-founder George Bruce for typefaces, typographical ornaments, and decorative borders. (1/4)
On this day in history, 183 years ago, November 9. 1842, the first patent for a design—designated as Patent No. Des. 1—was awarded to printer and type-founder George Bruce for typefaces, typographical ornaments, and decorative borders. (1/4)
November 9, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Design Patent:
On this day in history, 183 years ago, November 9. 1842, the first patent for a design—designated as Patent No. Des. 1—was awarded to printer and type-founder George Bruce for typefaces, typographical ornaments, and decorative borders. (1/4)
On this day in history, 183 years ago, November 9. 1842, the first patent for a design—designated as Patent No. Des. 1—was awarded to printer and type-founder George Bruce for typefaces, typographical ornaments, and decorative borders. (1/4)
The Politics of Immigration:
On this day in history, 31 years ago, November 8, 1994, the voters of the State of California overwhelmingly passed Proposition 187, denying undocumented immigrants access to the state’s public services, including public education and healthcare. (1/6)
On this day in history, 31 years ago, November 8, 1994, the voters of the State of California overwhelmingly passed Proposition 187, denying undocumented immigrants access to the state’s public services, including public education and healthcare. (1/6)
November 8, 2025 at 4:42 PM
The Politics of Immigration:
On this day in history, 31 years ago, November 8, 1994, the voters of the State of California overwhelmingly passed Proposition 187, denying undocumented immigrants access to the state’s public services, including public education and healthcare. (1/6)
On this day in history, 31 years ago, November 8, 1994, the voters of the State of California overwhelmingly passed Proposition 187, denying undocumented immigrants access to the state’s public services, including public education and healthcare. (1/6)
Last Press Conference:
On this day in history, 63 years ago, November 7, 1962, after losing the California Gubernatorial election, Richard Nixon gave a concession speech saying, “You don't have Nixon to kick around any more, because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference.” (1/4)
On this day in history, 63 years ago, November 7, 1962, after losing the California Gubernatorial election, Richard Nixon gave a concession speech saying, “You don't have Nixon to kick around any more, because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference.” (1/4)
November 7, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Last Press Conference:
On this day in history, 63 years ago, November 7, 1962, after losing the California Gubernatorial election, Richard Nixon gave a concession speech saying, “You don't have Nixon to kick around any more, because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference.” (1/4)
On this day in history, 63 years ago, November 7, 1962, after losing the California Gubernatorial election, Richard Nixon gave a concession speech saying, “You don't have Nixon to kick around any more, because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference.” (1/4)
DiMaggio Brothers:
On this day in history, 87 years ago, November 6, 1938, the three DiMaggio brothers—Vince, Joe, and Dom—played together for the only time during their pro careers at an Alameda Elks Major–Minor Charity All-Star baseball game at Emeryville Park in Emeryville, California. (1/4)
On this day in history, 87 years ago, November 6, 1938, the three DiMaggio brothers—Vince, Joe, and Dom—played together for the only time during their pro careers at an Alameda Elks Major–Minor Charity All-Star baseball game at Emeryville Park in Emeryville, California. (1/4)
November 6, 2025 at 5:33 PM
DiMaggio Brothers:
On this day in history, 87 years ago, November 6, 1938, the three DiMaggio brothers—Vince, Joe, and Dom—played together for the only time during their pro careers at an Alameda Elks Major–Minor Charity All-Star baseball game at Emeryville Park in Emeryville, California. (1/4)
On this day in history, 87 years ago, November 6, 1938, the three DiMaggio brothers—Vince, Joe, and Dom—played together for the only time during their pro careers at an Alameda Elks Major–Minor Charity All-Star baseball game at Emeryville Park in Emeryville, California. (1/4)
Freedom of the Press:
On this day in history, 292 years ago, November 5, 1733, John Peter Zenger published the first issue of “The New York Weekly Journal,” which contained an editorial criticizing the Royal Governor of the New York Colony, William Cosby. (1/6)
On this day in history, 292 years ago, November 5, 1733, John Peter Zenger published the first issue of “The New York Weekly Journal,” which contained an editorial criticizing the Royal Governor of the New York Colony, William Cosby. (1/6)
November 5, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Freedom of the Press:
On this day in history, 292 years ago, November 5, 1733, John Peter Zenger published the first issue of “The New York Weekly Journal,” which contained an editorial criticizing the Royal Governor of the New York Colony, William Cosby. (1/6)
On this day in history, 292 years ago, November 5, 1733, John Peter Zenger published the first issue of “The New York Weekly Journal,” which contained an editorial criticizing the Royal Governor of the New York Colony, William Cosby. (1/6)
Hostage Crisis:
On this day in history, 46 years ago, November 4, 1979, members of the “Muslim Student Followers of the Imam’s Line” stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran, Iran, in retaliation for the United States granting asylum to the deposed Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. (1/5)
On this day in history, 46 years ago, November 4, 1979, members of the “Muslim Student Followers of the Imam’s Line” stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran, Iran, in retaliation for the United States granting asylum to the deposed Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. (1/5)
November 4, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Hostage Crisis:
On this day in history, 46 years ago, November 4, 1979, members of the “Muslim Student Followers of the Imam’s Line” stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran, Iran, in retaliation for the United States granting asylum to the deposed Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. (1/5)
On this day in history, 46 years ago, November 4, 1979, members of the “Muslim Student Followers of the Imam’s Line” stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran, Iran, in retaliation for the United States granting asylum to the deposed Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. (1/5)
Black Bart:
On this day in history, 142 years ago, November 3, 1883, the gentleman bandit known as Black Bart committed his final stagecoach robbery on Funk Hill near Copperopolis, California, where he accidentally dropped a handkerchief with a laundry mark that was used to identify him. (1/5)
On this day in history, 142 years ago, November 3, 1883, the gentleman bandit known as Black Bart committed his final stagecoach robbery on Funk Hill near Copperopolis, California, where he accidentally dropped a handkerchief with a laundry mark that was used to identify him. (1/5)
November 3, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Black Bart:
On this day in history, 142 years ago, November 3, 1883, the gentleman bandit known as Black Bart committed his final stagecoach robbery on Funk Hill near Copperopolis, California, where he accidentally dropped a handkerchief with a laundry mark that was used to identify him. (1/5)
On this day in history, 142 years ago, November 3, 1883, the gentleman bandit known as Black Bart committed his final stagecoach robbery on Funk Hill near Copperopolis, California, where he accidentally dropped a handkerchief with a laundry mark that was used to identify him. (1/5)
Ed and Pearl:
On this day in history, 56 years ago, November 2, 1969, Ed Sullivan surprised Sunday prime-time television audiences when he kissed Pearl Bailey at the end of her performance on his show. (1/6)
On this day in history, 56 years ago, November 2, 1969, Ed Sullivan surprised Sunday prime-time television audiences when he kissed Pearl Bailey at the end of her performance on his show. (1/6)
November 2, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Ed and Pearl:
On this day in history, 56 years ago, November 2, 1969, Ed Sullivan surprised Sunday prime-time television audiences when he kissed Pearl Bailey at the end of her performance on his show. (1/6)
On this day in history, 56 years ago, November 2, 1969, Ed Sullivan surprised Sunday prime-time television audiences when he kissed Pearl Bailey at the end of her performance on his show. (1/6)
Presidential Sanity:
On this day in history, 50 years ago, November 1, 1975, Air Force Major Harold Hering’s military career was terminated by a Board of Inquiry because he asked if there could be assurances that any orders to launch nuclear missiles had been made by a sane President. (1/5)
On this day in history, 50 years ago, November 1, 1975, Air Force Major Harold Hering’s military career was terminated by a Board of Inquiry because he asked if there could be assurances that any orders to launch nuclear missiles had been made by a sane President. (1/5)
November 1, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Presidential Sanity:
On this day in history, 50 years ago, November 1, 1975, Air Force Major Harold Hering’s military career was terminated by a Board of Inquiry because he asked if there could be assurances that any orders to launch nuclear missiles had been made by a sane President. (1/5)
On this day in history, 50 years ago, November 1, 1975, Air Force Major Harold Hering’s military career was terminated by a Board of Inquiry because he asked if there could be assurances that any orders to launch nuclear missiles had been made by a sane President. (1/5)
Royal Response:
On this day in history, 249 years ago, October 31, 1776, King George III gave his first official response to the Declaration of Independence in an address to Parliament. (1/6)
On this day in history, 249 years ago, October 31, 1776, King George III gave his first official response to the Declaration of Independence in an address to Parliament. (1/6)
October 31, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Royal Response:
On this day in history, 249 years ago, October 31, 1776, King George III gave his first official response to the Declaration of Independence in an address to Parliament. (1/6)
On this day in history, 249 years ago, October 31, 1776, King George III gave his first official response to the Declaration of Independence in an address to Parliament. (1/6)
Donora Death Fog:
On this day in history, 77 years ago, October 30, 1948, the first of twenty deaths was confirmed during the “Death Fog” that had enveloped Donora, Pennsylvania, for four days. (1/5)
On this day in history, 77 years ago, October 30, 1948, the first of twenty deaths was confirmed during the “Death Fog” that had enveloped Donora, Pennsylvania, for four days. (1/5)
October 30, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Donora Death Fog:
On this day in history, 77 years ago, October 30, 1948, the first of twenty deaths was confirmed during the “Death Fog” that had enveloped Donora, Pennsylvania, for four days. (1/5)
On this day in history, 77 years ago, October 30, 1948, the first of twenty deaths was confirmed during the “Death Fog” that had enveloped Donora, Pennsylvania, for four days. (1/5)
Kiel Mutiny:
On this day in history, 107 years ago, October 29, 1918, a large number of sailors of the Imperial German Navy refused to embark on what they saw as a final futile suicide mission against the British Grand Fleet. (1/4)
On this day in history, 107 years ago, October 29, 1918, a large number of sailors of the Imperial German Navy refused to embark on what they saw as a final futile suicide mission against the British Grand Fleet. (1/4)
October 29, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Kiel Mutiny:
On this day in history, 107 years ago, October 29, 1918, a large number of sailors of the Imperial German Navy refused to embark on what they saw as a final futile suicide mission against the British Grand Fleet. (1/4)
On this day in history, 107 years ago, October 29, 1918, a large number of sailors of the Imperial German Navy refused to embark on what they saw as a final futile suicide mission against the British Grand Fleet. (1/4)
Electromagnetism:
On this day in history, 194 years ago, October 28, 1831, Michael Faraday created the first small electrical transformer in his laboratory by winding copper wires around an iron ring and connecting a battery to one wire and a galvanometer to another. (1/4)
On this day in history, 194 years ago, October 28, 1831, Michael Faraday created the first small electrical transformer in his laboratory by winding copper wires around an iron ring and connecting a battery to one wire and a galvanometer to another. (1/4)
October 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Electromagnetism:
On this day in history, 194 years ago, October 28, 1831, Michael Faraday created the first small electrical transformer in his laboratory by winding copper wires around an iron ring and connecting a battery to one wire and a galvanometer to another. (1/4)
On this day in history, 194 years ago, October 28, 1831, Michael Faraday created the first small electrical transformer in his laboratory by winding copper wires around an iron ring and connecting a battery to one wire and a galvanometer to another. (1/4)
Barbed Wire:
On this day in history, 152 years ago, October 27, 1873, Joseph Farwell Glidden of DeKalb, Illinois, applied for a patent on his “Improvement in Wire-Fences,” also known as barbed wire. (1/6)
On this day in history, 152 years ago, October 27, 1873, Joseph Farwell Glidden of DeKalb, Illinois, applied for a patent on his “Improvement in Wire-Fences,” also known as barbed wire. (1/6)
October 27, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Barbed Wire:
On this day in history, 152 years ago, October 27, 1873, Joseph Farwell Glidden of DeKalb, Illinois, applied for a patent on his “Improvement in Wire-Fences,” also known as barbed wire. (1/6)
On this day in history, 152 years ago, October 27, 1873, Joseph Farwell Glidden of DeKalb, Illinois, applied for a patent on his “Improvement in Wire-Fences,” also known as barbed wire. (1/6)
The Gift of a Prehistoric Monument:
On this day in history, 107 years ago, October 26, 1918, Cecil Herbert Edward Chubb—the last private owner of the Stonehenge Monument—donated Stonehenge to the British government. (1/5)
On this day in history, 107 years ago, October 26, 1918, Cecil Herbert Edward Chubb—the last private owner of the Stonehenge Monument—donated Stonehenge to the British government. (1/5)
October 26, 2025 at 4:59 PM
The Gift of a Prehistoric Monument:
On this day in history, 107 years ago, October 26, 1918, Cecil Herbert Edward Chubb—the last private owner of the Stonehenge Monument—donated Stonehenge to the British government. (1/5)
On this day in history, 107 years ago, October 26, 1918, Cecil Herbert Edward Chubb—the last private owner of the Stonehenge Monument—donated Stonehenge to the British government. (1/5)
Donald Duck Weekblad:
On this day in history, 73 years ago, October 25, 1952, the first issue of “Donald Duck een Vrokil Weekblad” [a cheerful weekly magazine] was published in the Netherlands. (1/4)
On this day in history, 73 years ago, October 25, 1952, the first issue of “Donald Duck een Vrokil Weekblad” [a cheerful weekly magazine] was published in the Netherlands. (1/4)
October 25, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Donald Duck Weekblad:
On this day in history, 73 years ago, October 25, 1952, the first issue of “Donald Duck een Vrokil Weekblad” [a cheerful weekly magazine] was published in the Netherlands. (1/4)
On this day in history, 73 years ago, October 25, 1952, the first issue of “Donald Duck een Vrokil Weekblad” [a cheerful weekly magazine] was published in the Netherlands. (1/4)
The First Unknown:
On this day in history, 104 years ago, October 24, 1921, Sergeant Edward F. Younger was chosen to select which of four unidentified U.S. World I casualties would be buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. (1/5)
On this day in history, 104 years ago, October 24, 1921, Sergeant Edward F. Younger was chosen to select which of four unidentified U.S. World I casualties would be buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. (1/5)
October 24, 2025 at 7:07 PM
The First Unknown:
On this day in history, 104 years ago, October 24, 1921, Sergeant Edward F. Younger was chosen to select which of four unidentified U.S. World I casualties would be buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. (1/5)
On this day in history, 104 years ago, October 24, 1921, Sergeant Edward F. Younger was chosen to select which of four unidentified U.S. World I casualties would be buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. (1/5)
State-Sponsored Censorship:
On this day in history, 67 years ago, October 23, 1958, Boris Leonidovich Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, but the Soviet government would not allow him to accept his award. (1/5)
On this day in history, 67 years ago, October 23, 1958, Boris Leonidovich Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, but the Soviet government would not allow him to accept his award. (1/5)
October 23, 2025 at 4:04 PM
State-Sponsored Censorship:
On this day in history, 67 years ago, October 23, 1958, Boris Leonidovich Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, but the Soviet government would not allow him to accept his award. (1/5)
On this day in history, 67 years ago, October 23, 1958, Boris Leonidovich Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, but the Soviet government would not allow him to accept his award. (1/5)