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Three Fast Facts About Benjamin Franklin

February 18, 2016 by

Upon mention of Benjamin Franklin, you probably think of that famous kite-flying incident and Franklin's ties with Philadelphia. However, there's more to the life of this renowned inventor. Here are three facts to help you learn more about Ben Franklin:

1) Franklin's name is synonymous with the City of Brotherly Love, but Franklin was actually born in Boston in 1706. (At the time, Boston was a British colony.) Franklin was one of ten children.

2) Despite having little formal education, Franklin was an avid reader and captivating writer. He penned newspaper articles under pseudonym, Silence Dogood, and eventually established his own print shop in Philadelphia, which also housed a general store operated by his wife, Deborah. In 1729, Franklin took ownership of Pennsylvania Gazette, a popular newspaper for which he also provided content.

3) Franklin possessed a lifelong interest in science. His inventions include the library chair, bifocals, Franklin Stove, lightning rod, swim fins, and many more.

The Electric Ben Franklin [US History]
Benjamin Franklin [History]
Benjamin Franklin FAQ [The Franklin Institute]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

5 Facts About Professional Golfer Jack Nicklaus

December 4, 2014 by

Professional golfer Jack Nicklaus made his entire life about golfing, from his championship career to his later years working behind the scenes. Here are a few key facts about Nicklaus’ life and golf career.

  1. Nicklaus grew up in Columbus, Ohio, in the early 1940s. He was introduced to golf when he was a small child because his father used the game to rehabilitate a broken ankle, but the younger Nicklaus soon showed a true talent for the sport.
  2. Nicklaus won the Ohio Open at the early age of just 16, led by his Scotio club pro Jack Grout. He then won the International Jaycee Junior Golf Tournament at age 17.
  3. While in school at Ohio State University, Nicklaus managed to win the U.S. Amateur title in both 1959 and 1961, and he also won the NCAA Championship in 1961.
  4. Nicklaus got his nickname “The Golden Bear” because of his dominance and his light, skillful touch.
  5. Now retired, Nicklaus develops golf courses in more than 35 countries.

Jack Nicklaus [Biography]
Jack Nicklaus Biography [Golf.About]
Jack Nicklaus [The Famous People]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Two of Television’s First Game Shows

February 20, 2014 by

If you love to watch Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? or Family Feud, you have television’s original game shows to thank for the popular host and contestant format. Here are two of the very first game shows to appear TV screens:

Truth or Consequences
Truth or Consequences began as a radio program, and it first aired on television in 1950. Its contestants had to answer trivia questions in no more than two seconds (the show’s "Truth" portion), but the questions were almost always ridiculous or incredibly difficult. Once the contestant inevitably could not answer, they were faced with a "Consequence," typically an embarrassing stunt or physical activity. Truth or Consequences was particularly beloved for its sentimental surprise appearances, often a long-lost family member or a son returning from Vietnam. 

What’s My Line?
This 1950 panel-style game show featured a panel of celebrities who had to question contestants about their professions. The contestants could only respond with “yes” or “no” answers, and the panelists aimed to guess the contestant’s occupation based on the obtained answers. Occasionally a celebrity mystery guest appeared on the show, in which case the panel attempted to guess the person’s identity instead. What’s My Line? eventually spawned international versions and, later on, U.S. revivals, a radio version, and even a live stage version. 

 

Public Domain/Openclipart.org
Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

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