Ben Franklin's back, baby! You probably knew I was a scientist, diplomat, politician, philosopher, author, satirist, discoverer of electricity and inventor of bifocals. But what you didn't know is that I also discovered time travel.
In the spirit of the 4th, over in my invention blog, I have a post up detailing the many fantastical inventions I created for a guy I like to call "the Original George W" back during that business with the other more kingly George from England.
Step aside Dad, I finally found the time to write my own blog. Modern times keep me busier than when I worked for the Ladies Association of Philadelphia.
At least adding a page to my father's blog was easy. It definitely took less time than when I helped sew 2,200 shirts for the Continental Army. It's amazing I still have fingers!
I'm sure you've heard of my father, but do you know me? There is a little more to me than my lineage. When I wasn't taking care of my seven children, I was taking part in politics and raising money for the American Revolution.
I must admit, I'm slightly disappointed the only mention of me in history books is as Ben Franklin's daughter. If I could just get in touch with Hillary Clinton, I'm sure together we could rule the world. Only kidding. But seriously, does she have a Sampa Site too?
It is funny to see all these modern-day celebrities going green. In my day, I was scoffed at for suggesting that France cut down on candle usage and trying to stop waste dumping in Philadelphia. Seems like I was on to something then, doesn't it?
In those days, environmentalism was far from a trend. Maybe if I got the word out earlier, people would have been driving electric cars when I discovered electricity. Imagine that! At least my new website will cut down on letter writing and paper use.
Well, it's nice to get back to the cause. Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do. What's all this about global warming? And what the heck is a Prius? Just some more things I have yet to Google.
Here are some sites that I enjoy, including a few blogs.Wonderful things, blogs.You know, I had something of one myself with Poor Richard’s Almanack.In fact some have even called me the first blogger.Just another of my many inventions I’m not getting the proper credit for.
Gizmodo – The easiest way to keep up with who’s ripping me off now.
VegBlog– This blog aggregator is a great way to keep up on delicious recipes and food ideas for the vegan and vegetarian.
Indecision 2008 – It’s important to keep a good sense of humor about politics. Some have said that I wasn’t chosen to write the Declaration of Independence because they were afraid I’d try to put in jokes.And I would have.
MeetUp.com – A great place to meet people for lively discussions of vital issues.For example: what you think might happen this season on Lost.
Wall Street Journal Law Blog – Back in my day it was all “Stamp Act” this and “Establishing a More Perfect Union” that.You people honestly have lawsuits about whether or not fried food made you fat?My word.
New York Times Crossword – I do so love a good word puzzle.(I must admit, even I have trouble with Sunday’s puzzle.)
TED Conference – Scientists, artists, and thinkers coming together to discuss solutions to the important issues of the day.I wish I’d thought of that.Oh wait...I DID.
PowellsBooks.Blog – I was a bit of a publisher myself back in the day, so I like to keep my eye on what’s what in the bookselling world.
Let me first preface that I am truly enjoying my time as a blogger. Reminds me of my days in the Leather Apron Club. Boy did we get rowdy! But I must confess, I've been feeling a little restless, so I've been thinking of getting a job. I've typed up my resume (the abridged version). It isn't much, but hopefully someone will take pity on an old-white haired man. After all, there's no law against trying something new (well, at least there's nothing in the Declaration of Independence.)
Ben Franklin's Post-Revolution Resume
Publisher
Newspaperman
Royal Postmaster
Bifocal Inventor
Gulf Stream Expert
Philanthropist
Founder of a Big City fire department
Diplomat
Head of the American Revolutionary fleet in Europe
I have 16 brothers and sisters. 8 grandkids. Who knows how many great grandkids, nieces, nephews, and cousins. It's a lot to keep track of, even for a genius renaissance man like me.
Well, I was going to invent an ingenious system for keeping tabs on everyone, using a system of color-coded reflective helmets in concert with trained ferrets, but I suppose using a website like this is more convenient.
Of course, we didn't have the internet back in my day. The best we had at the time was the postal service, of which I was the first Postmaster General. Actually, the internet is a little like a cross between the postal service and a library. Did you know I created the first lending library in the US? But I don't like to brag.
Some people still use my invention -- bifocals -- but science has invented an amazing way to use focused beams of light to alter the shape of the eyeball, rendering spectacles obsolete! It doesn't surprise me. It reminds me of something I read in Newton's Opticks, but nevermind, I won't bore you.
My discovery of electricity is being used in amazing new ways all the time, it seems. I had a feeling that one would be big! However, I wish people would give up this nonsense about me standing around in a thunderstorm with a kite. I used a lightning rod (another of my inventions), of course.
My favorite thing about the future, however, is seeing my face on the $100 dollarbill. It's all about the Benjamins.
Born January 6, 1706, Benjamin Franklin is best known as one of America's Founding Fathers. He also happened to be a multi-talented genius: A leading author, printer, satirist, politician, scientist, inventor and diplomat. He invented, among other things, the lightning rod, bifocals and a stove now known by his name.
Ben Franklin also wrote Poor Richard's Almanack. In his spare time (joking) Franklin was America's minister to Paris and Postmaster General. Towards the end of his life he became one of America's most prominent abolitionists.
Franklin also coined many expressions we use today: If you ever say "a penny saved is a penny earned," you're quoting Ben Franklin.
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. It's amazing I still have fingers!
