THE study of history has become somewhat popular in the 21st century, as historians inform us of everything we know today.

However, modern technology and social events have taken a toll on our lives and so we fail to appreciate the people before us, who have helped us to reach thus far. Moreover, historians and history provide us with various explanations to questions of our past.

Therefore, what we have done is a brief recap of interesting occurrences in history that transpired this week.

January 19

THE INVENTION OF ELECTRICITY

We all know how important electricity is, even though we sometimes seem to not appreciate it. But, truth to be told, it has made our lives a lot easier and power many of our luxuries today. In 1883, the first electric lighting system was installed by Thomas Edison and was first seen in Roselle, New York.

THE MANUFACTURE OF BRIEFS

Briefs are tight, short-fitting underpants worn by males. Coopers Incorporation was and is one of the biggest manufacturing companies in the United States. They are well-known for quality goods/products; but the manufacturing of the underwear was a surprise in 1935 after a blizzard in Chicago. The company is now called Jockey International, Inc.

SNOW IN MIAMI

In 1977, Miami, Florida in the United States, experienced snow for the first time.

January 20

FIRST PUBLISHED AMERICAN NOVEL

Jamaicans on a whole are not very big fans of reading and moreover most of us teenagers do not show much interest in ancient novels. However, in 1789, the first American novel was published, titled The Power of Sympathy: or, The Triumph of Nature Founded in Truth. This novel was printed and first published in Bosto, Massachusetts, United States.

January 23

CHINA’S DEVASTATION

In Jamaica’s history there have been a few devastating earthquakes (even if not in recent history). But we still can relate to the damage they can cause, especially after seeing what happened in Haiti in 2010. Long ago though, in 1556, Shaanxi, China experienced the deadliest earthquake in history, killing an estimated 830,000 people.

January 24

BOY SCOUTS DEVELOPED

In 1933, the first Boy Scout was organised in England by Robert Baden-Powell. The Boy Scouts Organisation is one of the biggest youth-empowering, life-skills organisation worldwide. With as many as 2.7 million members the youth organisation is still going strong. This organisation is not as strong in Jamaica as it is elsewhere.

January 26

THE LANGUAGE OF INDIA

Hindi was recognised as the first official language of India in 1965.