Revolutions
Thomas Paine first published his pamphlet “Common Sense,” which argued for American independence from Britain, on Jan. 10. 1776. While effectively arguing against monarchy and tyranny, Paine also suggested creating a 390-member Congress that would hold lotteries for which colony got to choose the president.
Milk
Milk was first delivered in bottles on Jan. 11, 1878.
Cryonic preservation
University of California psychology professor James Bedford became the first person to be frozen after death on Jan. 12, 1967 with the hope of one day being resuscitated. Bedford is the only person to remain frozen, though we understand others have included Han Solo, Eric Cartman, Phillip J. Fry and Captain America.
Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash performed his song “Folsom Prison Blues” live at Folsom State Prison in Folsom, Calif. on Jan. 13, 1968. Cash had performed at Huntsville State Prison in 1957 and later performed at San Quentin. Both the Folsom and San Quentin shows were recorded and released as albums that revitalized Cash’s career.
Today
NBC’s morning news show debuted Jan. 14, 1952.
Jackasses
A political cartoon, “A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion,” showed the Democratic party represented by a donkey for the first time Jan. 15, 1870.
Temperance
The Eighteenth Amendment, establishing the prohibition of alcohol in the Unites States, was ratified Jan. 16, 1919. Prohibition was overturned by the Twenty-first Amendment in 1933.
Fictional boxers
Actor Carl Weathers, best known for his role as Rocky Balboa nemesis-turned-trainer Apollo Creed, was born Jan. 14, 1948.
Holidays we don’t celebrate
It may be Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here, but Jan. 15 is Korean Alphabet Day in North Korea.
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