Eric Christensen
@echristensen.bsky.social
love, truth, beauty, corn, and a little democracy … an old, long-haired, noble-fared, leaping gnome
ACLU:
On this day in history, 106 years ago, January 19, 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union was founded as a reorganized successor to the National Civil Liberties Bureau. Its stated goal is the protection of the freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. (1/4)
On this day in history, 106 years ago, January 19, 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union was founded as a reorganized successor to the National Civil Liberties Bureau. Its stated goal is the protection of the freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. (1/4)
January 19, 2026 at 6:49 PM
ACLU:
On this day in history, 106 years ago, January 19, 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union was founded as a reorganized successor to the National Civil Liberties Bureau. Its stated goal is the protection of the freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. (1/4)
On this day in history, 106 years ago, January 19, 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union was founded as a reorganized successor to the National Civil Liberties Bureau. Its stated goal is the protection of the freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. (1/4)
Botany Bay:
On this day in history, 238 years ago, January 18, 1788, in response to prison overcrowding, a British convoy of eleven ships known as the First Fleet arrived in Botany Bay carrying more than 1400 convicts, colonial officials, and settlers. (1/4)
On this day in history, 238 years ago, January 18, 1788, in response to prison overcrowding, a British convoy of eleven ships known as the First Fleet arrived in Botany Bay carrying more than 1400 convicts, colonial officials, and settlers. (1/4)
January 18, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Botany Bay:
On this day in history, 238 years ago, January 18, 1788, in response to prison overcrowding, a British convoy of eleven ships known as the First Fleet arrived in Botany Bay carrying more than 1400 convicts, colonial officials, and settlers. (1/4)
On this day in history, 238 years ago, January 18, 1788, in response to prison overcrowding, a British convoy of eleven ships known as the First Fleet arrived in Botany Bay carrying more than 1400 convicts, colonial officials, and settlers. (1/4)
“Strong to the Finich ’cause I Eats Me Spinach”
On this day in history, 97 years ago, January 17, 1929, the character of Popeye made his debut in the “Thimble Theatre” comic strip by Max Segar, syndicated by King Features Syndicate Inc. (1/4)
On this day in history, 97 years ago, January 17, 1929, the character of Popeye made his debut in the “Thimble Theatre” comic strip by Max Segar, syndicated by King Features Syndicate Inc. (1/4)
January 17, 2026 at 9:27 PM
“Strong to the Finich ’cause I Eats Me Spinach”
On this day in history, 97 years ago, January 17, 1929, the character of Popeye made his debut in the “Thimble Theatre” comic strip by Max Segar, syndicated by King Features Syndicate Inc. (1/4)
On this day in history, 97 years ago, January 17, 1929, the character of Popeye made his debut in the “Thimble Theatre” comic strip by Max Segar, syndicated by King Features Syndicate Inc. (1/4)
Jazz at Carnegie:
On this day in history, 88 years ago, January 16, 1938, clarinetist Benny Goodman, the “King of Swing,” became the first jazz bandleader to perform at Carnegie Hall. Among the performers playing with his band were Harry James, Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa, and Count Basie. (1/5)
On this day in history, 88 years ago, January 16, 1938, clarinetist Benny Goodman, the “King of Swing,” became the first jazz bandleader to perform at Carnegie Hall. Among the performers playing with his band were Harry James, Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa, and Count Basie. (1/5)
January 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Jazz at Carnegie:
On this day in history, 88 years ago, January 16, 1938, clarinetist Benny Goodman, the “King of Swing,” became the first jazz bandleader to perform at Carnegie Hall. Among the performers playing with his band were Harry James, Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa, and Count Basie. (1/5)
On this day in history, 88 years ago, January 16, 1938, clarinetist Benny Goodman, the “King of Swing,” became the first jazz bandleader to perform at Carnegie Hall. Among the performers playing with his band were Harry James, Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa, and Count Basie. (1/5)
Super Bowl I:
On this day in history, 59 years ago, January 15, 1967, the First AFL–NFL World Championship Game (now known as Super Bowl I) was played between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Packers won, 35–10. (1/4)
On this day in history, 59 years ago, January 15, 1967, the First AFL–NFL World Championship Game (now known as Super Bowl I) was played between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Packers won, 35–10. (1/4)
January 15, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Super Bowl I:
On this day in history, 59 years ago, January 15, 1967, the First AFL–NFL World Championship Game (now known as Super Bowl I) was played between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Packers won, 35–10. (1/4)
On this day in history, 59 years ago, January 15, 1967, the First AFL–NFL World Championship Game (now known as Super Bowl I) was played between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Packers won, 35–10. (1/4)
The Supremes Farewell:
On this day in history, 56 years ago, January 14, 1970, The Supremes performed together for the final time at the Frontier in Las Vegas, and the performance was recorded and released as a box set. (1/5)
On this day in history, 56 years ago, January 14, 1970, The Supremes performed together for the final time at the Frontier in Las Vegas, and the performance was recorded and released as a box set. (1/5)
January 14, 2026 at 7:03 PM
The Supremes Farewell:
On this day in history, 56 years ago, January 14, 1970, The Supremes performed together for the final time at the Frontier in Las Vegas, and the performance was recorded and released as a box set. (1/5)
On this day in history, 56 years ago, January 14, 1970, The Supremes performed together for the final time at the Frontier in Las Vegas, and the performance was recorded and released as a box set. (1/5)
Korean Immigrants:
On this day in history, 123 years ago, January 13, 1903, the first large wave of Korean immigrants to America arrived in the Territory of Hawaii aboard the “RMS Gaelic” to provide cheap labor for the sugar and pineapple plantations. (1/5)
On this day in history, 123 years ago, January 13, 1903, the first large wave of Korean immigrants to America arrived in the Territory of Hawaii aboard the “RMS Gaelic” to provide cheap labor for the sugar and pineapple plantations. (1/5)
January 13, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Korean Immigrants:
On this day in history, 123 years ago, January 13, 1903, the first large wave of Korean immigrants to America arrived in the Territory of Hawaii aboard the “RMS Gaelic” to provide cheap labor for the sugar and pineapple plantations. (1/5)
On this day in history, 123 years ago, January 13, 1903, the first large wave of Korean immigrants to America arrived in the Territory of Hawaii aboard the “RMS Gaelic” to provide cheap labor for the sugar and pineapple plantations. (1/5)
Motown:
On this day in history, 67 years ago, January 12, 1959, former professional boxer, Korean War veteran, and auto worker Berry Gordy Jr.—urged on by fellow songwriter Smokey Robinson—founded Tamla Records, which was incorporated the next year as Motown Records. (1/4)
On this day in history, 67 years ago, January 12, 1959, former professional boxer, Korean War veteran, and auto worker Berry Gordy Jr.—urged on by fellow songwriter Smokey Robinson—founded Tamla Records, which was incorporated the next year as Motown Records. (1/4)
January 12, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Motown:
On this day in history, 67 years ago, January 12, 1959, former professional boxer, Korean War veteran, and auto worker Berry Gordy Jr.—urged on by fellow songwriter Smokey Robinson—founded Tamla Records, which was incorporated the next year as Motown Records. (1/4)
On this day in history, 67 years ago, January 12, 1959, former professional boxer, Korean War veteran, and auto worker Berry Gordy Jr.—urged on by fellow songwriter Smokey Robinson—founded Tamla Records, which was incorporated the next year as Motown Records. (1/4)
Silicon Valley:
On this day in history, 55 years ago, January 11, 1971, the term “Silicon Valley” first appeared in a news story to describe the southern San Francisco Bay area where the flourishing computer industry utilizing silicon chips was developing. (1/4)
On this day in history, 55 years ago, January 11, 1971, the term “Silicon Valley” first appeared in a news story to describe the southern San Francisco Bay area where the flourishing computer industry utilizing silicon chips was developing. (1/4)
January 11, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Silicon Valley:
On this day in history, 55 years ago, January 11, 1971, the term “Silicon Valley” first appeared in a news story to describe the southern San Francisco Bay area where the flourishing computer industry utilizing silicon chips was developing. (1/4)
On this day in history, 55 years ago, January 11, 1971, the term “Silicon Valley” first appeared in a news story to describe the southern San Francisco Bay area where the flourishing computer industry utilizing silicon chips was developing. (1/4)
Reposted by Eric Christensen
In light of what happened to Renee Good, I thought it important to reiterate my grandmother's advice.
My grandmother’s family was murdered in the chambers of Auschwitz. She survived and told me never let it get that far. Make them shoot you in public before they murder you in hiding. Stand up for others. Never cave in fear of the Nazis or the holocaust will happen again.
January 10, 2026 at 7:16 PM
In light of what happened to Renee Good, I thought it important to reiterate my grandmother's advice.
Dutch Ovens:
On this day in history, 317 years ago, January 10, 1709, English Quaker ironmaster and foundryman Abraham Darby fired up the world’s first coke-fired blast furnace at his iron foundry at Coalbrookdale, England. The Coalbrook Furnace specialized in making large cooking pots. (1/4)
On this day in history, 317 years ago, January 10, 1709, English Quaker ironmaster and foundryman Abraham Darby fired up the world’s first coke-fired blast furnace at his iron foundry at Coalbrookdale, England. The Coalbrook Furnace specialized in making large cooking pots. (1/4)
January 10, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Dutch Ovens:
On this day in history, 317 years ago, January 10, 1709, English Quaker ironmaster and foundryman Abraham Darby fired up the world’s first coke-fired blast furnace at his iron foundry at Coalbrookdale, England. The Coalbrook Furnace specialized in making large cooking pots. (1/4)
On this day in history, 317 years ago, January 10, 1709, English Quaker ironmaster and foundryman Abraham Darby fired up the world’s first coke-fired blast furnace at his iron foundry at Coalbrookdale, England. The Coalbrook Furnace specialized in making large cooking pots. (1/4)
Women’s Golf:
On this day in history, 215 years ago, January 9, 1811, the Musselburgh Fishwives’ Competition, at Musselburgh, Scotland, became the first documented women’s golf tournament. 1st prize was a fishing basket, and 2nd- and 3rd-place prizes were silk Barcelonian handkerchiefs. (1/4)
On this day in history, 215 years ago, January 9, 1811, the Musselburgh Fishwives’ Competition, at Musselburgh, Scotland, became the first documented women’s golf tournament. 1st prize was a fishing basket, and 2nd- and 3rd-place prizes were silk Barcelonian handkerchiefs. (1/4)
January 9, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Women’s Golf:
On this day in history, 215 years ago, January 9, 1811, the Musselburgh Fishwives’ Competition, at Musselburgh, Scotland, became the first documented women’s golf tournament. 1st prize was a fishing basket, and 2nd- and 3rd-place prizes were silk Barcelonian handkerchiefs. (1/4)
On this day in history, 215 years ago, January 9, 1811, the Musselburgh Fishwives’ Competition, at Musselburgh, Scotland, became the first documented women’s golf tournament. 1st prize was a fishing basket, and 2nd- and 3rd-place prizes were silk Barcelonian handkerchiefs. (1/4)
The Colorado Cannibal:
On this day in history, 125 years ago, January 8, 1901, trail guide Alfred (aka Alferd) Packer, “The Colorado Cannibal,” was granted a parole as the final official act of outgoing Colorado Governor Charles B. Thomas. (1/5)
On this day in history, 125 years ago, January 8, 1901, trail guide Alfred (aka Alferd) Packer, “The Colorado Cannibal,” was granted a parole as the final official act of outgoing Colorado Governor Charles B. Thomas. (1/5)
January 8, 2026 at 7:07 PM
The Colorado Cannibal:
On this day in history, 125 years ago, January 8, 1901, trail guide Alfred (aka Alferd) Packer, “The Colorado Cannibal,” was granted a parole as the final official act of outgoing Colorado Governor Charles B. Thomas. (1/5)
On this day in history, 125 years ago, January 8, 1901, trail guide Alfred (aka Alferd) Packer, “The Colorado Cannibal,” was granted a parole as the final official act of outgoing Colorado Governor Charles B. Thomas. (1/5)
“Machine for Transcribing Letters”
On this day in history, 312 years ago, January 7, 1714, it is said that Henry Mill, a waterworks engineer for the New River Company in London, was presented Patent No. 395 by Queen Ann for his “Machine for Transcribing Letters.” (1/5)
On this day in history, 312 years ago, January 7, 1714, it is said that Henry Mill, a waterworks engineer for the New River Company in London, was presented Patent No. 395 by Queen Ann for his “Machine for Transcribing Letters.” (1/5)
January 7, 2026 at 6:33 PM
“Machine for Transcribing Letters”
On this day in history, 312 years ago, January 7, 1714, it is said that Henry Mill, a waterworks engineer for the New River Company in London, was presented Patent No. 395 by Queen Ann for his “Machine for Transcribing Letters.” (1/5)
On this day in history, 312 years ago, January 7, 1714, it is said that Henry Mill, a waterworks engineer for the New River Company in London, was presented Patent No. 395 by Queen Ann for his “Machine for Transcribing Letters.” (1/5)
Four Freedoms:
On this day in history, 85 years ago, January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt—in his State of the Union address to Congress—spelled out the dangers of isolationism and described how threats to foreign nations were also threats to the security of the United States. (1/4)
On this day in history, 85 years ago, January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt—in his State of the Union address to Congress—spelled out the dangers of isolationism and described how threats to foreign nations were also threats to the security of the United States. (1/4)
January 6, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Four Freedoms:
On this day in history, 85 years ago, January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt—in his State of the Union address to Congress—spelled out the dangers of isolationism and described how threats to foreign nations were also threats to the security of the United States. (1/4)
On this day in history, 85 years ago, January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt—in his State of the Union address to Congress—spelled out the dangers of isolationism and described how threats to foreign nations were also threats to the security of the United States. (1/4)
The Landlord’s Game:
On this day in history, 122 years ago, January 5, 1904, Elizabeth J. Magie (later Phillips) was granted a patent for her invention of a board game called The Landlord’s Game, which was the inspiration for the game of Monopoly. (1/7)
On this day in history, 122 years ago, January 5, 1904, Elizabeth J. Magie (later Phillips) was granted a patent for her invention of a board game called The Landlord’s Game, which was the inspiration for the game of Monopoly. (1/7)
January 5, 2026 at 6:42 PM
The Landlord’s Game:
On this day in history, 122 years ago, January 5, 1904, Elizabeth J. Magie (later Phillips) was granted a patent for her invention of a board game called The Landlord’s Game, which was the inspiration for the game of Monopoly. (1/7)
On this day in history, 122 years ago, January 5, 1904, Elizabeth J. Magie (later Phillips) was granted a patent for her invention of a board game called The Landlord’s Game, which was the inspiration for the game of Monopoly. (1/7)
Colt Revolvers:
On this day in history, 179 years ago, January 4, 1847, Samuel Colt received an order from Captain Samuel Walker for 1,000 Colt six-shot revolver pistols to be used by the Texas Rangers. (1/5)
On this day in history, 179 years ago, January 4, 1847, Samuel Colt received an order from Captain Samuel Walker for 1,000 Colt six-shot revolver pistols to be used by the Texas Rangers. (1/5)
January 4, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Colt Revolvers:
On this day in history, 179 years ago, January 4, 1847, Samuel Colt received an order from Captain Samuel Walker for 1,000 Colt six-shot revolver pistols to be used by the Texas Rangers. (1/5)
On this day in history, 179 years ago, January 4, 1847, Samuel Colt received an order from Captain Samuel Walker for 1,000 Colt six-shot revolver pistols to be used by the Texas Rangers. (1/5)
Smile:
On this day in history, 62 years ago, January 3, 1964, The Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Co. and Guarantee Mutual Assurance Co. of America introduced the “Smiley Face” button in the February 1964 issue of their “Mutualite” newsletter. (1/5)
On this day in history, 62 years ago, January 3, 1964, The Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Co. and Guarantee Mutual Assurance Co. of America introduced the “Smiley Face” button in the February 1964 issue of their “Mutualite” newsletter. (1/5)
January 3, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Smile:
On this day in history, 62 years ago, January 3, 1964, The Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Co. and Guarantee Mutual Assurance Co. of America introduced the “Smiley Face” button in the February 1964 issue of their “Mutualite” newsletter. (1/5)
On this day in history, 62 years ago, January 3, 1964, The Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Co. and Guarantee Mutual Assurance Co. of America introduced the “Smiley Face” button in the February 1964 issue of their “Mutualite” newsletter. (1/5)
Isabella and Columbus:
On this day in history, 133 years ago, January 2, 1893, the United States Postal Office issued its first commemorative stamp collection, which contained the first three U.S. stamps to portray images of a woman, Queen Isabella of Spain. (1/5)
On this day in history, 133 years ago, January 2, 1893, the United States Postal Office issued its first commemorative stamp collection, which contained the first three U.S. stamps to portray images of a woman, Queen Isabella of Spain. (1/5)
January 2, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Isabella and Columbus:
On this day in history, 133 years ago, January 2, 1893, the United States Postal Office issued its first commemorative stamp collection, which contained the first three U.S. stamps to portray images of a woman, Queen Isabella of Spain. (1/5)
On this day in history, 133 years ago, January 2, 1893, the United States Postal Office issued its first commemorative stamp collection, which contained the first three U.S. stamps to portray images of a woman, Queen Isabella of Spain. (1/5)
Merle Meets Johnny:
On this day in history, 67 years ago, January 1, 1959, Johnny Cash played a prison concert at San Quentin Prison, and among the inmates in the audience was 21-year-old Merle Haggard, sentenced for robbing a roadhouse, and transferred to San Quentin after an escape attempt. (1/4)
On this day in history, 67 years ago, January 1, 1959, Johnny Cash played a prison concert at San Quentin Prison, and among the inmates in the audience was 21-year-old Merle Haggard, sentenced for robbing a roadhouse, and transferred to San Quentin after an escape attempt. (1/4)
January 1, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Merle Meets Johnny:
On this day in history, 67 years ago, January 1, 1959, Johnny Cash played a prison concert at San Quentin Prison, and among the inmates in the audience was 21-year-old Merle Haggard, sentenced for robbing a roadhouse, and transferred to San Quentin after an escape attempt. (1/4)
On this day in history, 67 years ago, January 1, 1959, Johnny Cash played a prison concert at San Quentin Prison, and among the inmates in the audience was 21-year-old Merle Haggard, sentenced for robbing a roadhouse, and transferred to San Quentin after an escape attempt. (1/4)
Wage and Price Controls:
On this day in history, 249 years ago, December 31, 1776, in an attempt to control the inflation that was caused by the Revolutionary War, Rhode Island instituted wage and price controls. (1/4)
On this day in history, 249 years ago, December 31, 1776, in an attempt to control the inflation that was caused by the Revolutionary War, Rhode Island instituted wage and price controls. (1/4)
December 31, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Wage and Price Controls:
On this day in history, 249 years ago, December 31, 1776, in an attempt to control the inflation that was caused by the Revolutionary War, Rhode Island instituted wage and price controls. (1/4)
On this day in history, 249 years ago, December 31, 1776, in an attempt to control the inflation that was caused by the Revolutionary War, Rhode Island instituted wage and price controls. (1/4)
Banned in Boston:
On this day in history, 216 years ago, December 30, 1809, the city of Boston, clinging to its Colonial Puritan influences, declared masquerade balls to be illegal. (1/5)
On this day in history, 216 years ago, December 30, 1809, the city of Boston, clinging to its Colonial Puritan influences, declared masquerade balls to be illegal. (1/5)
December 30, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Banned in Boston:
On this day in history, 216 years ago, December 30, 1809, the city of Boston, clinging to its Colonial Puritan influences, declared masquerade balls to be illegal. (1/5)
On this day in history, 216 years ago, December 30, 1809, the city of Boston, clinging to its Colonial Puritan influences, declared masquerade balls to be illegal. (1/5)
Sex Discrimination Act of 1975:
On this day in history, 50 years ago, December 29, 1975, the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sex or marital status in employment, education, finances, and related fields. (1/4)
On this day in history, 50 years ago, December 29, 1975, the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sex or marital status in employment, education, finances, and related fields. (1/4)
December 29, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Sex Discrimination Act of 1975:
On this day in history, 50 years ago, December 29, 1975, the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sex or marital status in employment, education, finances, and related fields. (1/4)
On this day in history, 50 years ago, December 29, 1975, the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sex or marital status in employment, education, finances, and related fields. (1/4)
Chewing Gum:
On this day in history, 156 years ago, December 28, 1869, dentist William Finley Semple of Mount Vernon, Ohio, was granted a patent for his “Improved Chewing-Gum,” which utilized a method of dissolving rubber in naphtha and alcohol before adding other ingredients. (1/5)
On this day in history, 156 years ago, December 28, 1869, dentist William Finley Semple of Mount Vernon, Ohio, was granted a patent for his “Improved Chewing-Gum,” which utilized a method of dissolving rubber in naphtha and alcohol before adding other ingredients. (1/5)
December 28, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Chewing Gum:
On this day in history, 156 years ago, December 28, 1869, dentist William Finley Semple of Mount Vernon, Ohio, was granted a patent for his “Improved Chewing-Gum,” which utilized a method of dissolving rubber in naphtha and alcohol before adding other ingredients. (1/5)
On this day in history, 156 years ago, December 28, 1869, dentist William Finley Semple of Mount Vernon, Ohio, was granted a patent for his “Improved Chewing-Gum,” which utilized a method of dissolving rubber in naphtha and alcohol before adding other ingredients. (1/5)