Birth of the Famous (And Infamous)
Jan 17, 2018 08:35:08 #
It's January 17th! Some real history-makers were born on this day:
Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
Benjamin Franklin FRS, FRSE was a renowned polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He founded many civic organizations, including Philadelphia's fire department and the University of Pennsylvania.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. When you're down to nothing, God is up to something. The faithful see the invisible, believe the incredible and then receive the impossible. Where liberty dwells there is my country".
Muhammad Ali (1942 - 2016)
Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. From early in his career, Ali was known as an inspiring, controversial, and polarizing figure both inside and outside the ring.
"I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round".
Al Capone (1899 - 1947)
Alphonse Gabriel Capone, sometimes known by the nickname "Scarface", was an American mobster, crime boss, and businessman who attained notoriety during the Prohibition era as the co-founder and boss of the Chicago Outfit. His seven-year reign as crime boss ended when he was 33.
"You can go a long way with a smile. You can go a lot farther with a smile and a gun".
On a sadder note, RIP Rutherford B. Hayes (1822 - 1893)
As president for a single term, he oversaw the end of Reconstruction, began the efforts that led to civil service reform, and attempted to reconcile the divisions left over from the Civil War and Reconstruction. His administration reflected his beliefs in meritocratic government, equal treatment without regard to race, and improvement through education.
Rutherford had pledged not to run for a second term, and retired to his native Ohio.
“Unjust attacks on public men do them more good than unmerited praise. They are hurt less by undeserved censure than by undeserved commendation. Abuse helps; often praise hurts.” How 'prescient'.
Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
Benjamin Franklin FRS, FRSE was a renowned polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He founded many civic organizations, including Philadelphia's fire department and the University of Pennsylvania.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. When you're down to nothing, God is up to something. The faithful see the invisible, believe the incredible and then receive the impossible. Where liberty dwells there is my country".
Muhammad Ali (1942 - 2016)
Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. From early in his career, Ali was known as an inspiring, controversial, and polarizing figure both inside and outside the ring.
"I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round".
Al Capone (1899 - 1947)
Alphonse Gabriel Capone, sometimes known by the nickname "Scarface", was an American mobster, crime boss, and businessman who attained notoriety during the Prohibition era as the co-founder and boss of the Chicago Outfit. His seven-year reign as crime boss ended when he was 33.
"You can go a long way with a smile. You can go a lot farther with a smile and a gun".
On a sadder note, RIP Rutherford B. Hayes (1822 - 1893)
As president for a single term, he oversaw the end of Reconstruction, began the efforts that led to civil service reform, and attempted to reconcile the divisions left over from the Civil War and Reconstruction. His administration reflected his beliefs in meritocratic government, equal treatment without regard to race, and improvement through education.
Rutherford had pledged not to run for a second term, and retired to his native Ohio.
“Unjust attacks on public men do them more good than unmerited praise. They are hurt less by undeserved censure than by undeserved commendation. Abuse helps; often praise hurts.” How 'prescient'.
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