Browsing: Science & Technology

A Brief History On December 3, 1775, the Alfred, a merchant ship purchased by the Continental Congress was commissioned under Captain Dudley Saltonstall and became the first to fly what would become the American Flag.  The US Navy marks October 13, 1775, as its birthday, the day when the Continental Congress passed the resolution that created the Continental Navy, the precursor to the United States Navy. Digging Deeper The Alfred was not the first ship purchased specifically for the Continental Navy, as that honor goes to the Cabot and the Andrew Doria (not to be confused with the doomed 20th…

A Brief History On December 1, 1768, the Danish ship Fredensborg sank in a storm off the coast of Norway on her return trip from a death filled delivery of slaves to St. Croix in the Caribbean.  Previously we reported on “10 Infamous Ships”  and today we list “10 More Infamous Ships” that either served an evil purpose or were particularly unlucky, and are remembered today with less than fond memories.  As always, we invite our readers to add those nominees they think belong on such a list.  (Note: the RMS Titanic and SS Edmund Fitzgerald are TOO obvious!) Digging…

A Brief History On November 30 1016, Edmund Ironside, also known as Edmund II or even Ēadmund Isernside (in Old English), was murdered on his “throne,” stabbed to death as he attended to “business.” Digging Deeper Why the quotation marks around “throne” and “business?” Because the poor guy was trying to go to the bathroom at the time of his assassination!  What a “crappy” way to die!  In fact, Edmund had only been king since April 23, 1016, so he barely got to enjoy the benefits of his time as king.  Other chroniclers have claimed the doomed king was done…

A Brief History On November 25, 1120, a ship sailing from Normandy, France to England, hit a rock and capsized, quickly sinking and taking everyone aboard, save one, to their deaths.  Aboard the White Ship was the heir to the English throne, William Adelin, the only legitimate son of King Henry I.  The loss of William (also called William Ætheling) created chaos over the succession to the English throne, initiating a period known as “The Anarchy.”  While non-British people today may not be familiar with the sad tale of the White Ship, this particular wreck was a Big Deal back…

A Brief History On November 20, 1518, Sir Marmaduke Constable, a Tudor Era English courtier and soldier, died in a most unusual way.  One may even say, in an idiotic way.  This gentleman died when he drank a glass of water and swallowed the frog that was in the water!  We previously told you about “10 More Idiotic Ways to Die,” which itself was a sequel to our other articles, “10 Horrible Ways to Die,” “10 People Who Were the First to Die 10 Different Ways,” and “9 Innovative Ways to Die,” and today we continue to explore the many…