Allison Bruning's Blog, page 45

The DayThe Music Died

Buddy Holly by Eric May
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericmay/...




February 3
The Day The Music Died




Fifty four years ago our country tragically lost three of our most talented musicians of their time. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bobber were in the middle of a three week tour covering 24 Midwestern states when the Cessna 180 plane they were traveling in crashed in a corn field outside Clear Lake, Iowa. There were no survivors. 

You can read more about the crash at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Day_the_Music_Died 
February 3rd was dubbed The Day The Music Died after the Don McLean song "American Pie".  American Pie was released in 1971 and was on a US hit for four weeks in 1972. 
  

Don McLean was born on October 2, 1945. Don was working his paper route when he read the headline announcing the plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bobber. Their deaths greatly affected the young man. Many people have speculated the American Pie lyrics have held some cryptic message about the crash. Over the years reporters have asked him about the message he was trying to deliver with his song. Don would refuse to comment only to say the first verse of the song had released the the built up grief he had over the loss of Buddy Holly.  In 1993, Don McLean stated in an open letter to his fans. 
 "I have never discussed the lyrics, but have admitted to the [Buddy] Holly reference in the opening stanzas. I dedicated the album American Pie to Buddy Holly as well in order to connect the entire statement to Holly in hopes of bringing about an interest in him, which subsequently did occur... You will find many 'interpretations' of my lyrics but none of them by me. Isn't this fun? Sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence."

Despite the controversy, American Pie has become one of those iconic songs that has been embraced by generations. The song has been used in the show Brady Bunch and was used in the 2002 Chevy commercials. Madonna recorded the song in 2000. "Weird Al" Yankovic sung a parody of American Pie in his "The Saga Begins" song recounting the plot of the Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace from the point of view of Obi-Wan Kenobi in 1999. 
AMERICAN PIE by DON MCLEAN
A long, long time ago I can still remember how that music used to make me smile And, I knew if I had my chance that I could make those people dance, and... Maybe they'd be happy for a while But, February made me shiver with every paper I'd deliver Bad news on the doorstep - I couldn't take one more step I can't remember if I cried when I read about his widowed bride Something touched me deep inside the day the music died 
So, bye bye Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singing... This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die 
Did you write the Book of Love and do you have faith in God, above? If the Bible tells you so Now, do you believe in Rock and Roll? Can music save your mortal soul? And... Can you teach me how to dance real slow? Well, I know that you're in love with him, 'cause I saw you dancing in the gym You both kicked off your shoes - man, I dig those rhythm and blues I was a lonely, teenage broncin' buck with a pink carnation and a pickup truck, but... I knew I was out of luck the day the music died 
I started singing, bye bye Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singing... This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die 
Now, for ten years we've been on our own and moss grows fat on a Rolling Stone, but... That's not how it used to be When the Jester sang for the king and queen in a coat he borrowed from James Dean In a voice that came from you and me Oh, and while the King was looking down the Jester stole his thorny crown The courtroom was adjourned - no verdict was returned And, while Lenin read a book on Marx the quartet practiced in the park, and... We sang dirges in the dark the day the music died 
We were singing, bye bye Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singing... This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die 
Healter Skealter in the summer swelter - the Birds flew off with a fallout shelter Eight Miles High and falling fast It landed foul on the grass The players tried for a forward pass with the Jester on the sidelines in a cast Now, the halftime air was sweet perfume while the Sergeants played a marching tune We all got up to dance, oh, but we never got the chance 'Cause the players tried to take the field - the marching band refused to yield Do you recall what was revealed the day the music died? 
We started singing, bye bye Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singing... This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die 
And, there we were, all in one place - a generation Lost in Space With no time left to start again So, come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick - Jack Flash sat on a Candlestick, 'cause... Fire is the Devil's only friend And, as I watched him on the stage my hands were clenched in fists of rage No angel born in Hell could break that satan's spell And, as the flames climbed high into the night to light the sacrificial rite, I saw... Satan laughing with delight the day the music died 
He was singing, bye bye Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singing... This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die 
I met a girl who sang the Blues, and I asked her for some happy news She just smiled and turned away I went down to the sacred store where I'd heard the music years before, but... The man there said the music wouldn't play And, in the streets the children screamed, the lover's cried, and the poets dreamed, but... Not a word was spoken - the church bells all were broken And, the three men I admire most: the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost, they... Caught the last train for the coast the day the music died 
And, they were singing, bye bye Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singing... This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die 
They were singing, bye bye Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singing... This'll be the day that I die

#GroundhogDay: It's Not Just A Movie

Jour de la marmotte by Gilles Gonthier
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/gillesgo...
February 2
Groundhog Day





Happy Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day is celebrated on the second day of February every year. According to legend Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, can accurately predict whether or not winter will end soon just by coming out of his burrow. If he sees his shadow the there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, then there will be an early spring. Every year thousands of people watch at Gobbler's Knob as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Day Club ask the forecasting groundhog to emerge from his burrow. After he emerges and looks around Punxsutawney Phil speaks to the club president in the Groundhogese language, a language only the club president knows how to translate. The club president then delivers the forecast to everyone. Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow nine times out of ten. He's not the only groundhog to forecast the weather but he is the most accurate. His predictions have been accurate between 75-90% of the time. 

The Truth Behind The Legend Groundhog Day is an American holiday that has its roots in southeastern and central Pennsylvania. It was first conceived by Pennsylvania settlers during the 18th century. The earliest written record of Groundhog Day occurs a diary entry dated February 4, 1841 written by James Morris, a Burks County, Pennsylvania shopkeeper. 
Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.
The connection between Groundhog Day and Candlemas is not something to be overlooked when trying to determine the source of this American folklore. Candlemas is always celebrated on February 2. Not to be confused with Christmas, Candlemas is the day to honor the early life of Jesus Christ. According to the bible, Mary and Joseph had presented Jesus to the temple forty days after his birth. Today is forty days after Christmas. Christians throughout the time all over the world have celebrated the presentation of the baby Jesus at the temple in a variety of ways. 
Other than sharing the same date, Candlemas and Groundhog Day are alike in that they both have weather lore attached to them. According to Candlemas weather lore, a prediction of a long winter or short spring can accurately be made depending on how the weather is on that day. 
If Candlemas be fair and bright,Winter will take another flight;If chance to fall a shower of rain,Winter will not come again.
You can learn more about Groundhog Day history and the lore surrounding it at http://www.groundhog.org/groundhog-day/history/

#Reflections Makes The Top 100 List in #NativeAmerican #Poetry!

Thank YOU!
My readers rock!

Yesterday evening I learned my poetry and essay book, Reflections, had made the 100 bestsellers list on Amazon again. This time it was listed in the Native American Poetry listing. When I awoke this morning it was still sitting on that list. I want to thank all my readers from the bottom of my heart for your dedication and support. I am nothing without you. The paperback version of Reflections will be coming soon. Don't forget I can autograph your kindle version at http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/emeraldkell

I Won The Most #Inspiring Blog #Award!

I was honored today to learn author DeEtte Beckstead  chose to award my blog with theVery Inspiring Blogger Award. DeEtte is the author of Victory and The Christmas Visitors. 
You can find her Amazon author page here: http://amzn.to/W83E8i

This is the first time I have ever received this award. I try to post stories on my blog that inspire my readers to look at history with a different perspective. There are alot of misconceptions about historical figures, places and events. I want my readers to bring down the godlike status we have given our historical figures and see them as normal human beings. We can learn alot from the lessons our ancestors had to learn in their lives. I also like to inspire my readers to dream big and never let go of their dreams.

The rules of this award are pretty simple.

1.  Display the award on my Blog.
2.  Link back to the person who nominated me. (Click on DeEtte's name)
3.  State seven things about myself.
4.  Nominate 15 other bloggers for this award  and link to them.
5.  Notify these bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements.

Seven Things About Allison
1) I am 13 years younger than my husband. 
2) I love anything to with dragons. 
3) I wrote a complete index in college that had every Arthurian Legend character ever created and their bios. It took me an entire semester to complete it. I still have it. I kept adding to it over the years but stopped adding to it about fifteen years ago. I haven't added anything to it since. 
4) I am a Trekkie. I use to be a die hard Trekkie in my youth. My first attempt at fan fiction (I know you all are shocked I wrote fan fiction) was in High School. I created screenplays and stories with a pair of twins who were Commander Riker's long lost sisters. They were part of a group of woman who wielded magic using crystals and were the guardians of Riga. I still have them.
5) I dream of going on a European cruise someday with my husband. 
6) I am laid back and shy. I know you are thinking, Allison? Really? Yup, people, I like going places, meeting new people and doing new things but after a few hours I crave to be back home. 
7) My childhood nickname is Peanut. Grandpa Carr gave that name to me because I was so tiny when I was born. As a child I was short and so thin my grandma kept telling me I need to eat more. I grew to a height of 6 feet in High School. 
I Give This Award To I know it says to pick 15 people. I'll be adding more blogs to the list so you may want to keep coming back. 1) Ellie Mack
2) Shani Bush
3) Tina Brown 
4) Krystol Diggs
5) Elizabeth Delana Rosa

National #Freedom Day and Abraham Lincoln

African Slaves Taken From A Dhow Captured by H.M.S. "Undine"
Print  From The Graphic. London, June 7, 1884, p. 548
US Public Domain
  February 1
National Freedom Day
"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." 
                                       Abraham Lincoln
Freedom. It's one of the founding principles our forefathers laid as a foundation for the United States. The United States was built on the back of white and black slaves.  White slaves? You don't often hear about them but they did exist in the United States. White slaves were less expensive than African slaves so some slave traders would sell both. In my next book, Bailey's Revenge, Lord Isaac Turner has a thriving slave business selling both Irish rebels and Africans to the American colonies. Keep in mind my story takes place in 1738. Lord Turner's Irish slave trade is based on fact. Irish law states any person who was declared a rebel was to be captured and sold into slavery. Most of the Irish who came to the American colonies from 17th to 18th centuries were white slaves. You can read more about white slaves in America here http://www.revisionisthistory.org/forgottenslaves.html. I had never heard of white slaves until I was doing research for my books. I find it shocking that we learn alot about the African slave trade but we never hear about the white slave trade market.

 Below is a table I found on the EH.net website showing slavery statistics throughout the years in the original 13 colonies. http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/wahl.slavery.us


FREEDOM
As you can see from the chart above the United States has a thriving slave market. Slavery was so common place that by the time of the Civil War it wasn't uncommon to see a white or black slave somewhere.

 President Abraham Lincoln began to change the American slave trade business on January 1, 1863 he signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln declared in the proclamation:

“all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” 

Contrary to popular belief, this important document did not free all the slaves. There were still nearly 500,000 slaves in the slave states of Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware that did nor qualify under the Emancipation Proclamation because their states were still part of the Union. Because these states had remained in the union, President Lincoln did not have the authority to declare marital law upon them. But he did have the power under Article II, section 2 of the United States Constitution as the "Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy" to declare martial authority over any state that were in rebellion against the United States government. The Emancipation Proclamation had an immediate impact. You can read more about it at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Proclamation The Emancipation Proclamation was the first step towards the absolution of slavery in the United States.

The 13th amendment was drafted while the Civil War was occurring. The Senate passed the amendment on April 8, 1864 then handed it over to the House of Representatives. The thirteenth amendment almost didn't make it our of congress. The House of Representatives didn't want to pass it but Abraham Lincoln was determined to see the proposed amendment added to the constitution.  Our sixteenth president had been wanting to abolish slavery since his first inauguration on March 4, 1961. The road was tough for Abraham Lincoln's ideal amendment. He faced the harshest of oppositions. Slavery had been ingrained in our American culture for years and this was the second time he had approached Congress with the idea.


Abraham Lincoln and his fellow Republicans had been able to convince the House of Representatives to pass the amendment nine months after they had received it from the senate.  It passed the House on January 31, 1865 with a vote of 119–56. President Lincoln didn't waste any time when it proposed new amendment hit his desk. He signed it on February 1, 1865. The addition of the 13th amendment to the American constitution happened at the perfect time. The amendment had been added before the rebel states had rejoined the union making it impossible for any former confederate state to oppose the absolution of slavery. They had no choice but to free all of their slaves, white and black.

National Freedom Day is a national holiday that was signed into existence by President Harry Truman on June 30, 1948. It was created to honor President Lincoln's signing of the 13th amendment. The first celebration of this holiday was on February 1, 1942 at Independence Hall in Phildelphia. Celebrations and memorials have occurred throughout the United States for years to commemorate and honor National Freedom Day. How will you honor the day ALL Americans gained their freedom?

A #Cover #Artist #Angel - Elizabeth Delana Rose

January 31
Inspire Your Heart
 With ArtDay

Art has been inspiring mankind since prehistory. The creative muse sings to literary, performing and visual artists all over the world. Most artists would tell you their muse likes to sing when they are least to expect it. You can't force the creativity but you can stop it. When that happens it becomes the worst period of time for any artist. Art speaks volumes to those who are to listen. We can learn math through music, life lessons through stories and an appreciation for the world around through visual arts. Art allows us to leave behind our mundane life and explore a new world. Often times the experience transforms us into a better person. 
Visual, performing and literary artists have often been the most misunderstood of all people throughout the world. Let's face it, all artists challenge the norms of society. We just don't like to think in the box. As an author I depend upon a graphic artists to grab my readers attention. When readers are shopping for a book they don't care what publishing company you used. Humans are visual creatures. We are attracted to a book by what appeals to our eyes. Once the reader picks the book up they will flip to the back and read the synopsis. If the book sounds and looks interesting enough they'll buy it. If not, then the author has just lost a sale. That is why it is so important for an author to have a great graphic artist. 

The cover for my new book, Passions Awakening, was designed by very talented graphic artist, Elizabeth Delana Rosa. Some of her other work can be seen in the banner at the beginning of this post. Elizabeth and I met last summer while we were participating on the Tasha Turner Virtual Blog Tour. We quickly became friends. She even designed the cruise ship logo for my Crusin' With Allison tour. When Elizabeth learned I was going to expand into the erotica fantasy genre she was very delighted and offered to create the covers. I was very honored. I have always admired Elizabeth's work. Her work of the highest quality. I accepted and she presented the cover to me the following day. When I asked her why she had decided to help me she replied,  
I liked having a chance to create and help a friend at the same time. Every book is a dream fulfilled and it's nice to be a part of that vision.
Elizabeth understand the struggles all writers go through because she not only a graphic artist but an author as well. Her first book, Child of the Loch, was released November 27, 2012 and can be found on Amazon at  http://amzn.to/XVaLzn
 I have always been a writer. When I first learned to write in Kindergarten, I wrote about pigs who "groo" wings and became "butterfys." I knew way back then that I would have a love affair with writing. It over took my life and has been a constant companion. Now over 20 years later, that love flows over into writing blogs, reviews, poetry and fantasy novels. Lastly I am a big nerd. I love Fantasy, YA, Paranormal Romance, and Sci-Fi books. My dream is to is to promote Authors and help them reach the highest level of Success, while writing my own Fantasy Novels.


You can contact her at http://elizabethdrosa.com or email her at Elizabeth@elizabethdrosa.com

#Escape From Your Reality

Park Guell Gaudí Barcelona Mosaic Dragons Green
@http://pixabay.com/en/park-guell-gaud...

January 30

Escape Day

Happy Escape Day! Can you believe we've almost made it through the first month of the year? Life has  begun to get back to normal and you may be feeling the wintertime blues. Escape day is the perfect day to start a vacation, read a book or find something else to do that will take your mind off your daily grind. 
Escape Into A Wild Land  So what's with the dragon's paw, Allison?

I'm so glad you asked that.
I am happy to announce that this year I will be releasing a different type of book for my readers. I have long been fascinated with dragons and magic. This year I will be releasing a new series known as Draconian Corazon. Draconian Corazon is an erotica fantasy with dragons, magic, and nobility. The first book Passions Awakening will be released sometime this spring or summer. I'll be posting more information about the book as I draw closer to its release date. 
But wait, what about Bailey's Revenge? 
Don't fret, my historical fiction readers. Bailey's Revenge will still be released this Spring as well. I am working on both novels at the same time. 
Aren't you excited? Two new books that will let you escape into unknown worlds. OH, it's getting good!

It's A-Mazing - Hedge #Mazes.

[image error]

January 29
Puzzle Day
Happy Puzzle Day! I just love a good puzzle. My favorite ones are the hedge mazes. I am just fascinated by them. I even included a scene in my next book that takes place in a hedge maze. I would love to spend a day in a hedge maze, solving it's mysteries.
So what is a hedge maze? Remember this scene in Harry Potter? 



Hedge mazes are outdoor gardens or labyrinths in which the walls are made out of vertical hedges. Hedge mazes are found throughout the world. Longleat Maze, located between Bath and Salisbury, England, is the world's longest hedge maze. Comprised of more than 16,000 English Yews, the maze has nearly 1 3/4 miles of twisting an turning paths. It sits on 1.48 acres. Other than it's enormous size, Longleat distinguishes itself from all over maze in it's three dimensional design. The maze contains six bridges in which puzzle solvers can stand upon to gain a better perspective of their location and their target, the tower. Longleat Maze was first laid out in 1975 by designer, Greg Bright. It is still being used as a source of entertainment at the Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. http://www.longleat.co.uk/explore/adventure-park/hedge-maze.
Like J.K. Rowling, who wrote that the hedge maze was alive in her Harry Potter book, writers can create struggles for the characters and suspense for their readers by using a hedge maze as the setting in one of their scenes. 
Here's a link to some other amazing hedge mazes. http://www.oddee.com/item_96667.aspx
Ireland has two hedge mazes. Dunbrody Abbey http://www.dunbrodyabbey.com/maze.htm and the Peace Maze at Castlewellan Forest Park http://asearchersdiary.blogspot.com/2012/01/irish-must-sees-castlewellan-peace-maze.html
Hedge Maze History Mazes and puzzles have fascinated mankind for thousands of years. Known as Labyrinths, walking mazes have been constructed using a wide variety of materials since ancient times. The puzzles have stirred the imagination of more than one artist, storyteller or author. Who can forget the infamous Greek legend about Theseus and the Minotaur in the Knossos Labyrinth?
You can learn more about the history of mazes at http://medievalcastles.stormthecastle.com/essays/medieval-castles-mazes-and-labyrinths.htmandhttps://www.davisfarmland.com/megamaze_2011/files/history.pdf
The move towards utilizing walking mazes for a purely entertainment standpoint came in the Middle Ages. European kings and princes often had hedge mazes constructed in their formal gardens so they could peacefully engage their critical thinking skills without the threat of war. The most famous of these is the Hampton Court Maze. The Hampton Court Maze was planted sometime between 1689 and 1695 AD by George London and Henry Wise. King William III dedicated the maze in 1700, two years before he died of pneumonia. http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/maze [image error] Bob takes a wrong turn by Lisa Harbin
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/68893306...
In France, The Labyrinth of Versailles was a hedge maze with groups of sculptures and fountains depicting Aesop's Fables throughout the maze. The first design for the maze was conceived by André Le Nôtre in 1665 AD. Author, Charles Perrault, had advised King  Louis XIV that the gardens should be redesigned to fit the needs of the dauphin's (the crowned prince) educations. The king agreed. André Le Nôtre would continue to redesign his plans from 1672  to 1677 AD.  Construction of the maze was completed in 1677. It was an unusual maze for its time in that there was no central goal, thus making it easy to get lost in. The hedges were only five meters high, allowing anyone who was inside to be able to see over the maze. Thirty-nine fountains and 333 painted metal sculptures were scattered throughout the maze. Each fountain contained a plague in which one of the fables was written upon by the French poet, Isaac de Benserade. The Labyrinth of Versailles was very popular with all the nobles and it was here in which the dauphin learned how to read by using the fables inscribed on the fountains. The Labyrinth of Versailles was demolished in 1778 by King XVI.  

The Kazoo - An #African #American Invention

[image error] Kazoo too by squacco
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/squeakyw...
January 28
Kazoo Day





Happy Kazoo Day! The kazoo is a quasi-musical instrument that is considered to be a membranophone. A membranophone is any instrument that produces sound by way of vibrating the stretched membrane. The kazoo makes a buzzing sound that has been likened to the sound of bees. Many children and adults often play with plastic kazoos.
The kazoo is also sometimes called a mirliton. A mirliton is an instrument that was used throughout history all around the world. The most infamous of militons was the tube like militon found throughout Africa. It had a hole in the middle where the African shamans could blow and was used by the shamans at tribal gathering to cause an intimidating psychological effect upon the uninitiated. The tube was made of bone, horns,  gourds and skulls. It had a membrane made from animal or human skins. You learn more about the African mirliton at http://patachu.com/voice-disguisers/ and early mirlitons at http://www.captainkazoo.com/gal1.html 
The mirliton made its way out of Africa into the hands of the Europeans during the Early Modern Period and was known as the Eunuch flute. The Eunuch flute was a long tube slightly expanding at one end to create an onion like bulb. A fine membrane was attached inside hte upper end of the tube with a mouthpiece punched into the wood a few inches below the membrane. 
The kazoo we have all grown to love and cherish was not invented until the early 19th century in the United States. A black man from Macon, Georgia by the name of Alabama Vest came up with the idea for the kazoo in 1840. Vest was a performer and needed some help with his conception so he turned to his German clockmaker friend, Thaddeus Von Clegg, for help. Thaddeus completed their metal like instrument invention in 1842. The kazoo was introduced to the pubic ten years later at the Georgia State Fair as the Down South Submarine. In 1859, Emil Sorg, a businessman encountered the kazoo on one of his business trips. He enticed Alabama and Thaddeus to allow him to take their invention to New York in hopes of mass producing it. Alabama and Thaddeus agreed. Unfortunately, Emil Sorg forgot all about his Georgia friends and stole their rights when he got to New York. He partnered with Michael McIntyre, a ironsmith. Emil and Michael created the first mass produced kazoo in 1912. The kazoo has been popular ever since. 

#Crap about Thomas Crapper

[image error] The Venerable by Mark Hillary
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/markhill...

January 27
Thomas CrapperDay






You may be wondering why there is a picture of a toilet on my blog posting today. Don't be disgusted. We're not going to be talking about crap just the legend that is associated with a plumber named Thomas Crapper. You might not be able to see it on the inside of the toilet but the seal claims this is a Thomas Crapper and Co. made toilet. The Thomas Crapper and Co. was started in the 19th century and still operates in Britain today. http://www.thomas-crapper.com/default.htm
 Alright, I can hear you giggle. A man by the last name of Crapper made a toilet? Go ahead, laugh. 
 Today, we honor the man whose claim to fame is the invention of the toilet. Sad part is, Thomas Crapper didn't invent the toilet. On the contrary, humans have been trying to deal with the elimination of their crap since pre-history. You see the many developments we have made concerning the toilet here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flush_toilet#History  The world's first flushing toilet was invented by John Harrington in 1536. The first practical water closet (precursor to the bathroom) was patented by Joseph Braman of Yorkshire in 1778. Both of which were long before Thomas Crapper was ever born. While Thomas didn't invent the toilet he did heavily promote the use of sanitary plumbing and bathroom fixtures. 
As for the belief that he is also responsible for our slang use of the word crap to mean human waste. That's another myth I have to bust here. Humans have been associating that word with human waste since the Middle Ages. Can you imagine what this man must have gone through as a schoolboy?
Thomas Crapper [image error] Thomas Crapper
US Public DomainThomas Crapper was born in Waterside, a small hamlet close to Thorne, Yorkshire in 1836. His exact birth date is still a mystery but we do know he was baptised on September 28, 1836. His father, Charles Crapper, was a steamboat captain and made a modest living for his family. In 1853, Thomas entered into an apprenticeship under his brother, George Crapper. George was a master plumber in Chelsea, England. Thomas spent three years working as a journeyman plumber under his brother instruction. After learning everything he could from George, Thomas set up his own sanitation engineering company in 1861 on Robert Street in Chelsea with it's own brass foundry and workshops. The brass foundries and workshops allowed Thomas to create special items he needed for the products he was manufacturing. Thomas was an inquisitive man who loved to invent things. He also used his workshops and foundry to feed his desire to create new inventions. 
Thomas filed nine patents in his lifetime and was granted each one. He is the inventor of the manhole cover. One of his manhole covers is still located in Westminster Abbey. Thomas also invented the ballcock. The ballcock is the floating mechanism used in the flushing toilet. It enables the toilet to refill after it is flushed without overflowing.  
[image error] Later, Thomas entered into a business partnership with Robert Marr Wharam. Robert brought the financial and accounting skills that Thomas needed in order to expand his business. In 1866, the two men expanded Thomas Crapper and Company to the Marlboro Works near Malborough Road. What set Thomas' company apart from the rest was his showroom. Never before had any sanitation engineer create a space where their customers could see the products firsthand before they decided to buy it. 
In 1880, Queen Victoria purchased the Sandringham house in Norfolk County and gave it to her son, the Prince of Wales. Prince Edward decided to demolish the house and build a new one. He hired Thomas Crapper to supply all the plumbing, install the cloakroom and thirty bathrooms with cedarwood seats. This was the first royal warrant Thomas was given. Prince Edward was so impressed with Thomas work that after he inspected his new home he asked Thomas for a light of his cigar. Thomas didn't smoke cigars and couldn't supply his prince's demands. Nevertheless, after that encounter, Thomas started to carry a golden matchbox in his pocket everyday. The royals kept coming back for more of Thomas' works. Prince Edward would grant him another royal warrant after he was crowned King Edward VII. His son, George V would grant Thomas two more warrants, once while he was Prince of Wales and another after his coronation. As you can imagine, Thomas' business grew in popularity from the all the royal attention. 
You can read more about Thomas Crapper from his company's website at http://www.thomas-crapper.com/history02.asp and in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography at http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/55389 
Thomas died on January 27, 1910 in Anerley, Bromley, England. He is buried in Elmers End Cemetery.