Notes • June 10, 2025by johnataylor on TwosFun Fact: June 10, 1752 is traditionally accepted by many historians as the date that Benjamin "Sparky" Franklin famously flew a kite during a thunderstorm, leading to his discovery that lightning was a form of electricity. Bonus: Enjoy this AI-generated tale of a day in the life of Benjamin and William Franklin.Benjamin "Sparky" Franklin's Electrifying Adventure It was a dreary Tuesday afternoon in Philadelphia, not unlike today's date some 273 years later, when Benjamin "Sparky" Franklin decided it was the perfect time to conduct what would become history's most shocking experiment. "William, my boy," Franklin called to his son while adjusting his bifocals, "I've got a brilliant idea that will either revolutionize science or give me a rather impressive new hairstyle!" Young William rolled his eyes. His father's "brilliant ideas" typically resulted in singed eyebrows and apologetic letters to the neighbors. "What is it this time, Father? Another attempt to prove turkeys should be the national bird?" "No, no," Franklin chuckled, rummaging through a drawer. "Today, we're going to fly a kite... during a thunderstorm!" William stared blankly. "Have you been drinking your own beer experiments again?" "Nonsense! This is SCIENCE!" Franklin proclaimed, already fashioning a silk kite. "I have a theory that lightning is electrical in nature, and I intend to prove it with this kite, some string, and this metal key." As dark clouds gathered overhead, Franklin dragged his reluctant son to an open field. Neighbors peeked through their windows, whispering, "There goes crazy Ben again." "Now, William," Franklin instructed, "hold this silk ribbon. It will insulate you from the... well, from whatever happens to me." As the kite soared into the stormy sky, Franklin stood proudly, key dangling from the string, his expression somewhere between scientific determination and what modern psychologists would call "a complete lack of self-preservation instinct." When the first electrical charge traveled down the string, Franklin's eyes widened. "EUREKA!" he shouted, before immediately regretting his wet hand's proximity to the key. The resulting spark sent his wig flying backward. "Father!" William cried. "Are you alright?" Franklin, hair standing on end and sporting a goofy, electrified grin, turned to his son. "Absolutely! Though I believe I've just invented a new dance move." He proceeded to demonstrate what would later be known as "The Electric Slide." Later that evening, as Franklin scribbled notes by candlelight, his wife entered with a concerned look. "Benjamin, the neighbors are complaining about flashes coming from our house again." "Tell them," Franklin said without looking up, "that I was merely catching lightning in bottles. Soon we'll sell it as 'Franklin's Electrifying Tonic: Guaranteed to Put a Spark in Your Step!'" William sighed from the corner. "No one will ever believe this happened." Franklin winked. "Perhaps not, but just wait until I tell them about my idea for swimming across the Atlantic. Now THAT will be a tale!" And thus, "Sparky" Franklin cemented his place in history – though the nickname, thankfully, did not.Source: Perplexity AI