Gilbert M. Stack's Blog, page 146
February 26, 2018
Today in History: Napoleon's Hundred Days
On this day (February 26) in 1815 Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from his enforced exile on the island of Elba to initiate the Hundred Days where he seized the crown of France and attempted to force the other nations of Europe to accept his return to power.
February 25, 2018
Today in History: Ferdinand Marcos Flees the Philippines
On this day (February 25) in 1986 Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown and fled the Philippines. He was a dictator who had ruled since 1965. He held onto power through terror, stole a considerable fortune (between 5 and 10 billion dollars) and lived a decidedly decadent lifestyle enjoyed by his whole family. After his death, the Philippines let his wife return where she became a player in politics again.
February 24, 2018
Today in History: The Supreme Court
On this day (February 24) in 1803, the U.S. Supreme Court established the doctrine of judicial review when it declared a law passed by Congress and signed by the president to be unconstitutional. The case was Marbury v. Madison.
Today in History: The Revolution of 1848 in France
On this day (February 24) in 1848, King Louis-Philippe abdicated the throne of France in favor of his grandson, a nine year old child. Louis might have been able to hold on to power but decided he did not want to massacre his own subjects to do so. The Revolutionaries who had forced Louis’ abdication did not agree to put his son on the throne, ending the Orléans dynasty.
February 23, 2018
Today in History: Guatanamo Bay
On this day (February 23) in 1903, Cuba leased Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. in perpetuity. Five months later the lease was modified to include a $2000 annual payment by the U.S. to Cuba. The lease payments are still made today, but since Fidel Castro took over, Cuba has only accepted one of these lease payments which Castro said was deposited by mistake.
February 22, 2018
Today in History: Galileo
On this day (February 22) in 1632, Galileo published his book, Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems in which he creates a discussion of science between two philosophers and a layman. The discussion purports to be neutral, merely laying out the theories that support the Aristotelian/ Ptolemaic world view that places the earth at the center of the universe and the Copernican worldview that places the sun at the center of the universe. In reality the Copernican model wins the debate.
Even though the Inquisition had granted a license for the book to be published, the book was used as evidence against Galileo when he was put on trial for heresy in 1633. The book was then put on the Index of Forbidden Books where it remained until 1835.
Today in History: The White Rose
On this day (February 22) in 1943, Hans and Sophie Scholl, and Christopher Probst, key members of the White Rose were executed by the Nazis. The White Rose was a non-violent resistance movement within Nazi Germany that tried to expose Nazi crimes and raise opposition through a leaflet campaign. They condemned the persecution and mass murder of Jews. They were caught as a result of a moment of careless on the part of Sophie Scholl. Four days before their execution, she and her husband had been leaving anonymous piles of their sixth leaflet at Munich University when Sophie spontaneously threw the last few from the top of a building. They were spotted, arrested, interrogated, given a show trial and executed by guillotine all in four days.
February 21, 2018
The Battle for Amatista
I finished the first draft of Legionnaire Book 4 The Battle for Amatista today. It's the longest of the books so far and packed with action and magic. I have tentatively planned to release in June 2018.
Today in History: The Legend of Zelda
I dedicate this post to my son, Michael, who loves video games.
On this day (February 21) in 1986, The Legend of Zelda video game was released in Japan. The Legend of Zelda is an action/adventure video game that spawned a plethora of sequels to become one of the best known video game franchises in existence. While not quite a role-playing game, it is considered to be a forerunner of that genre and is often included on lists of games that most influenced the video game industry. The game contains many of the elements that are mainstays of the series including the triforce, title character, Princess Zelda, and the hero, Link.
On This Day: Nixon Visits China
On this day (February 21) in 1972 Richard Nixon visited communist China opening a new era in Sino-American relations and simultaneously pressuring the Soviet Union to engage in détente with the U.S.
