Tag Archives: Benjamin Franklin

NYFCC: Best Non-Fiction Film: My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow

Posted on January 7, 2026 by sheila

This year, the NYFCC awarded Julia Loktev’s five-and-a-half-hour documentary My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow Best Documentary. There were many good docs this year, it was a very strong year, but this one was undeniable. For … Continue reading →

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“Would not these pointed Rods probably draw the Electrical Fire silently out of a Cloud before it came nigh enough to strike, and thereby secure us from that most sudden and terrible Mischief!” — Benjamin Franklin

Posted on January 17, 2023 by sheila

A re-post for Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, born in Massachusetts on this day in 1706. My grandmother had a big illustrated copy of Poor Richard’s Almanac, which I had practically memorized by the time I was 6 years old. The illustrations … Continue reading →

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Recommended Books: Memoirs

Posted on May 24, 2020 by sheila

More recommendations: Recommended Fiction Recommended Non-Fiction MEMOIRS The Fervent Years: The Group Theatre And The Thirties, by Harold Clurman Probably the most famous of all the Group Theatre-related books. Harold Clurman writes his memories of that time and what those … Continue reading →

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Recommended: Biographies

Posted on May 1, 2020 by sheila

For starters: My recommended Fiction books My recommended Non-Fiction books BIOGRAPHIES: American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson, by Joseph Ellis I’ve written a lot about Joseph Ellis’ work here. While I love David McCullough’s work so much, Ellis is … Continue reading →

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Today In History: October 19, 1781: The Surrender at Yorktown

Posted on October 19, 2016 by sheila

The surrender at Yorktown, which ended the American Revolutionary War. The day before: General Lord Charles Cornwallis to General George Washington, October 18, 1781 I agree to open a treaty of capitulation upon the basis of the garrisons of York … Continue reading →

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On This Day: January 17, 1706

Posted on January 17, 2012 by sheila

Ben Franklin was born on this day in 1706. I have only a few years to live and I am resolved to devote them to the work that my fellow citizens deem proper for me; or speaking as old-clothes dealers … Continue reading →

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On This Day: December 19, 1732: Happy Birthday, Poor Richard’s Almanack

Posted on December 19, 2011 by sheila

On this day in history, December 19, 1732, Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac was born. Franklin included all the information that almanacs normally provide (sun rise, sun set, eclipses, weather predictions), but he did so in a tone and a … Continue reading →

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Today in History: November 14, 1732

Posted on November 14, 2008 by sheila

On this day in history, the Library Company of Philadelphia (founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731 – and still open today) hired its first librarian, and opened for “business”. Here is a painting of Benjamin Franklin opening the first subscription … Continue reading →

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Happy birthday to Ben Franklin

Posted on January 17, 2008 by sheila

I have only a few years to live and I am resolved to devote them to the work that my fellow citizens deem proper for me; or speaking as old-clothes dealers do of a remnant of goods, ‘You shall have … Continue reading →

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Happy birthday, Poor Richard

Posted on December 19, 2007 by sheila

On this day in history, December 19, 1732, Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack was born – and the first issue published. Franklin included all the information that almanacs normally provide – sun rise, sun set, eclipses, weather predictions, yadda yadda. … Continue reading →

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