January 10th

Today in her-story, Robert Browning began writing to Elizabeth Barrett in 1845; which started one of the literary world's most famous love stories. Elizabeth and Robert fought hard for their relationship. Barrett's father stood in their way,cruelly controlling his daughter, believing her to be mentally and physically weak. Ah, but true love prevailed.
In the end they did married, and so this piece of poetry was written.
"How do I love thee, Let me count the ways.
On this day in 1994, Lorena Bobbitt's trial began for cutting off her husband's penis.
Yes, after suffering another sexual attack, Lorena went to the kitchen for a glass of water...seeing the paring knife something flipped in her mind and she went into the bedroom and cut off half his penis. Fleeing the apartment, she drove away with it in her hand. Realizing this she threw it into a field. Flipping back into reality she called 911 and helped the police locate the missing part which was iced down and successfully re-attached to John Bobbitt. Lorena was found not guilty. They divorced in 1997. Today she is a hair stylist in Virgina

January 9th

Born this day in 1941, Joan Baez. A woman who became the voice of the folk coffee house peace movement of the 1960's and 1970's. If you have not heard any of Baez's music go to youtube and listen. Powerful. Two of my favorites, "Diamonds and Rust" and "Blowing In The Wind". Happy Birthday, Joan Baez and thank you.

Born this day in 1859, one of the great American Suffragist, Carrie Chapman Catt.
Susan B. Anthony selected Catt to succeed her as President of National American Women's Association. (NAWSA) Catt served two terms as president. During her presidency in 1920 the Nineteenth Amendment passed into law. Catt was also the founder of "The League of Women Voters" and "The International Alliance of Women"
Catt spent most of her life traveling throughout the United States, leading campaigns,giving countless speeches and educating women about their rights; Catt lived to see the dream that Anthony and her colleagues only hoped would be the future of Amercian women and all women. The Right to Vote and a voice in this world.

January 8th

On this day in 1925, Governor Pat Neff of Texas, appointed three women to the US c. They were appointed to hear the appeal case involving, The Woodmen of the World, "WOW"- a fraternal association whose membership included all the male lawyers and judges of Texas. This all female Supreme Court adjourned after they reached their decision in May of 1925. After this event in Texas- they elected their the first woman to the House of Representatives!

Born this day in 1867, Emily Greene Balch. An academic, writer and pacifist. Balch received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946, for her work with "Women's International League for Peace and Freedom."

January 7th

Published on this day in 1896, "The Fanny Farmer Cook Book", except the original title was, "The Boston Cooking-School Book." Fanny Farmer was the author's name. Farmer's cook book was important to the history of cookery for the fact it standardized measurements of cups and spoons. It also emphasised the science of cooking both in the chemistry and in the dietary science. The importance of cooking healthy meals for the family. Fanny Famer Cookbook is still in print today.

Born this day in 1957,Katie Couric, American journalist. "Good Morning America", "ABC World News", "Nightline", "20/20", "60 Minutes",and her last seat was anchore for the "CBS Evening News"and in the Fall of 2012 she will host a new daytime talk show. Happy Birthday Katie!

January 6th

Born this day in 1794, Rebecca Lukens. Lukens inherited her family's business, Brandywine Iron Mills and turned this business into one of the most successful steel works in US history.
Making boilerplates and track for the nation's growing railways.
Rebecca Lukens is believed to the first woman to head a industrial company in the United States. Lukens was inducted into the Fortune 500 magazine's National Industrial Business List Hall of Fame,in 1982. Coming in at #395. And yes, Ms. Lukens was married (her husband was a physician) and they had a family. Oh, her husband supported Lukens great head for business.