Today in History News Report for January 8, 2013
In our top story today there is disturbing news coming from the forbidden kingdom. (307) Jin Huidi, the Chinese Emperor (Jin Dynasty) has been found dead. Initial reports say that he has been poisoned. His regent has been named as a person of interest. His son Jin Huaidi has been reported to have been named his successor. It is unclear how this will effect the Empire, the Emperor had only been a figurehead since he only the had the IQ of a young child (sounds like a lot of our politicians), and a series of regents had performed the day to day duties of running the country. There are already several factions vying for power.
In another change of rulers, Monaco has a new King tonight (1297) as François Grimaldi, disguised as monk, lead his mercenary army to capture the fortress protecting the Rock of Monaco, establishing his family as the rulers of Monaco though his hold on the country is tentative. His cousins large family is looking to relocate to the country.
Due to a lack of communication British and American forces fought a major battle for the city of New Orleans (1815) after a treaty ending the war had already been signed. Andrew Jackson led a strange group of bedfellows, Regular Army, Militia, Pirates, Slaves and local volunteers, to victory over the British. Fortunately, for our young country victory had been achieved, it would have been quite embarrassing to lose a war we had already won.
In economic news the federal government has paid off all of its debts (1835), thus placing the national debt at 0 (for the only time). Now that we have paid off all our debts it should be no problem maintaining balanced budgets and staying out of debt.
Good news from the Montana Territory. Renegade Indian Chief Crazy Horse and his warriors have been defeated in a battle near Wolf Mountain (1877). General Crook has taken renegade prisoner and is sending his to the Nebraska Territory to be imprisoned. Do not expect Crazy Horse to take this well.
Culture has taken a step upward In Chicago (1904) where the Blackstone Library, the first branch library of the Chicago Public Library (est. 1873), is dedicated, This is expected only be the first of 79 branches. Feel sorry for their delivery' drivers.
With the turn of the tide of the war in the allies favor with the American Army joining the Allied cause, President Woodrow Wilson announces his "Fourteen Points" for the aftermath of the Great War (1918). It is hoped that this will help bring Germany to the peace table and end war for all time.
Another report of possible alien visitors (1981), this time a farmer in Trans-en-Provence, France, claimed to have visited by a strange craft. Police collecting evidence say that this is "perhaps the most completely and carefully documented sighting of all time". All I have to say is that the story did come from a French farmer.
Hard to believe that it has been two years (2011) since Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was wounded in an attempted assassination and subsequent shooting in Casas Adobes, Arizona at a Safeway grocery store, 6 other people were killed and 13 wounded. Seems to me that we need to take a closer look at our Psychiatric evaluation system.
Today's birthdays,
1821 – James Longstreet - Confederate General and diplomat; and former United States Minister to the Ottoman Empire. No, Longstreet Theater in Columbia, South Carolina was not named for him. Due to his post war reputation I doubt there is anything named for him in Columbia.
1821 - W.H.L. Wallace - Union General, considered to be one of the Union's best, but was unfortunately killed at the Battle of Shiloh. That seems to happen to a lot of the good ones.
1862 - Frank Nelson Doubleday - Publisher. Helps keep us in business.
1909 - Evelyn Wood - Reading specialist. If you can count to three while reading this you are entirely too slow.
To wrap our report today is Bubble Bath Day! People have been enjoying warm baths for thousands of years. In Ancient Rome, bathing at a public facility was part of the daily routine for most citizens. A trip to the Roman baths might include a dip in the caldarium (hot tub), a brief break in the laconicum (sauna), and a refreshing swim in the frigidarium (cold pool). Up until the late 1940s, the average American bathed once a week for personal hygiene. Today, a daily shower is standard, but it’s important to indulge in a luxurious soak every once in a while. A bubble bath can help open up your pores, cleanse your skin, and relax muscles. (Punchbowl.com)
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