Eric Christensen
@echristensen.bsky.social
love, truth, beauty, corn, and a little democracy … an old, long-haired, noble-fared, leaping gnome
Yellowstone Discovery:
On this day in history, 218 years ago, November 21, 1807, explorer John Colter was working with the Manuel Lisa expedition when they arrived at the mouth of the Bighorn River, where they built a trading post. (1/6)
On this day in history, 218 years ago, November 21, 1807, explorer John Colter was working with the Manuel Lisa expedition when they arrived at the mouth of the Bighorn River, where they built a trading post. (1/6)
November 21, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Yellowstone Discovery:
On this day in history, 218 years ago, November 21, 1807, explorer John Colter was working with the Manuel Lisa expedition when they arrived at the mouth of the Bighorn River, where they built a trading post. (1/6)
On this day in history, 218 years ago, November 21, 1807, explorer John Colter was working with the Manuel Lisa expedition when they arrived at the mouth of the Bighorn River, where they built a trading post. (1/6)
Lallement’s Velocipede:
On this day in history, 159 years ago, November 20, 1866, Pierre Lallement, a Frenchman who had immigrated and settled in Ansonia, Connecticut the previous year, received the first American patent for a bicycle that was powered by foot pedals. (1/4)
On this day in history, 159 years ago, November 20, 1866, Pierre Lallement, a Frenchman who had immigrated and settled in Ansonia, Connecticut the previous year, received the first American patent for a bicycle that was powered by foot pedals. (1/4)
November 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Lallement’s Velocipede:
On this day in history, 159 years ago, November 20, 1866, Pierre Lallement, a Frenchman who had immigrated and settled in Ansonia, Connecticut the previous year, received the first American patent for a bicycle that was powered by foot pedals. (1/4)
On this day in history, 159 years ago, November 20, 1866, Pierre Lallement, a Frenchman who had immigrated and settled in Ansonia, Connecticut the previous year, received the first American patent for a bicycle that was powered by foot pedals. (1/4)
Boss Tweed:
On this day in history, 152 years ago, November 19, 1873, William Magaer “Boss” Tweed was convicted by a jury on nearly 200 charges of corruption and of defrauding New York City of millions of dollars. (1/5)
On this day in history, 152 years ago, November 19, 1873, William Magaer “Boss” Tweed was convicted by a jury on nearly 200 charges of corruption and of defrauding New York City of millions of dollars. (1/5)
November 19, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Boss Tweed:
On this day in history, 152 years ago, November 19, 1873, William Magaer “Boss” Tweed was convicted by a jury on nearly 200 charges of corruption and of defrauding New York City of millions of dollars. (1/5)
On this day in history, 152 years ago, November 19, 1873, William Magaer “Boss” Tweed was convicted by a jury on nearly 200 charges of corruption and of defrauding New York City of millions of dollars. (1/5)
Time Zones:
On this day in history, 142 years ago, November 18, 1883, the railroad companies of Canada and the United States jointly established time zones across North America, following an 1869 proposal made by Canadian rail engineer Sir Sandford Fleming after he missed a train. (1/5)
On this day in history, 142 years ago, November 18, 1883, the railroad companies of Canada and the United States jointly established time zones across North America, following an 1869 proposal made by Canadian rail engineer Sir Sandford Fleming after he missed a train. (1/5)
November 18, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Time Zones:
On this day in history, 142 years ago, November 18, 1883, the railroad companies of Canada and the United States jointly established time zones across North America, following an 1869 proposal made by Canadian rail engineer Sir Sandford Fleming after he missed a train. (1/5)
On this day in history, 142 years ago, November 18, 1883, the railroad companies of Canada and the United States jointly established time zones across North America, following an 1869 proposal made by Canadian rail engineer Sir Sandford Fleming after he missed a train. (1/5)
Loyalty Oath:
On this day in history, 78 years ago, November 17, 1947, in capitulation to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), members of the Board of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) became required to sign affidavits swearing they were not members of the Communist Party. (1/6)
On this day in history, 78 years ago, November 17, 1947, in capitulation to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), members of the Board of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) became required to sign affidavits swearing they were not members of the Communist Party. (1/6)
November 17, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Loyalty Oath:
On this day in history, 78 years ago, November 17, 1947, in capitulation to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), members of the Board of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) became required to sign affidavits swearing they were not members of the Communist Party. (1/6)
On this day in history, 78 years ago, November 17, 1947, in capitulation to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), members of the Board of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) became required to sign affidavits swearing they were not members of the Communist Party. (1/6)
First Salute:
On this day in history, 249 years ago, November 16, 1776, the flag of the newly declared independent American colonies was recognized for the first time by a foreign country when the ship “Andrew Doria” approached Fort Oranje on the Dutch island of Sint Eustatius. (1/4)
On this day in history, 249 years ago, November 16, 1776, the flag of the newly declared independent American colonies was recognized for the first time by a foreign country when the ship “Andrew Doria” approached Fort Oranje on the Dutch island of Sint Eustatius. (1/4)
November 16, 2025 at 5:14 PM
First Salute:
On this day in history, 249 years ago, November 16, 1776, the flag of the newly declared independent American colonies was recognized for the first time by a foreign country when the ship “Andrew Doria” approached Fort Oranje on the Dutch island of Sint Eustatius. (1/4)
On this day in history, 249 years ago, November 16, 1776, the flag of the newly declared independent American colonies was recognized for the first time by a foreign country when the ship “Andrew Doria” approached Fort Oranje on the Dutch island of Sint Eustatius. (1/4)
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)