Wednesday, November 08, 2017 – On This Day in History

Good Morning, Class. Dr. Dimwit substituting in today’s history class. Today we will examine random, yet important events that occurred during world history. And of course – Here’s What I’m Thinking – about each event.

In 1519 1st meeting of Moctezuma II & Hernán Cortés in Tenochtitlan, Mexico/ Hmm. Well, that did not go well for the Aztecs.

1701 – William Penn presented a Charter of Privileges. I think this was to create a colony across The Pond called Pennsylvania. But it could have had something to do with oatmeal.

1731 – Ben Franklin opened the first library in North America. Here that, Librarians?

1789 Bourbon Whiskey 1st distilled from corn by Elijah Craig in Bourbon, Kentucky. Why is this not a National Holiday? Everyone should get a free pint of Kentucky bourbon today. Thank you Mr. Craig.

1837 Mount Holyoke Seminary in Mass-1st US College founded for women. Brave women. Thank you!

1917 People’s Commissars gives authority to Lenin, Trotsky & Stalin during October Revolution Well, this did not end well. Two’s company; three’s a crowd. Just ax Trotsky.

1923 Hitler stages unsuccessful “Beer Hall Putsch” in Munich. The world thought: No big deal. Crazy man with funny mustache.

1938 1st African American woman legislator, Crystal Bird Fauset of Philadelphia. I did not know this. Thank you.

1951 – Yogi Berra wins his first of three MVP Awards. Deja vu all over again. Catcher rule!

1965 “Days of Our Lives” premieres on TV. Likes sands through the hourglass…

1979 ABC broadcasts “Iran Crisis: American Held Hostage” with Frank Reynolds (forerunner to “Nightline”). The first terror attack involving Americans. The world thought – an isolated incident.

1991 Carol Burnett Show premieres on CBS-TV. Let’s give a big Tarzan yell and remember our favorite skits of this funny ensemble of comedians.

2014 Mikhail Gorbachev warns that tensions between America and Russia over Ukraine have put the world on the brink of a new Cold War. And what does Ukraine have that Russia, the Soviet Union and Russia again have wanted since the early czars?

2016 Republican Donald Trump is elected President of The United States of America, defeating democrat Hillary Clinton despite Clinton receiving 2.9 million more votes. It has only been a year? I’m exhausted.

Today’s thought questions. 1. What does the Ukraine have that Russia, the Soviet Union and Russia again have wanted since the early czars? 2. How does Russia plan to obtain this historically desired portion of geography?

I’m not answering question one nor am I speculating on question two. But you can Crimea a river or warm water seaport if you know the answers. I’m going to watch Carol Burnette reruns.

8645 and Out! Class dismissed.