The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 660 - President Benjamin Franklin - Part One
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Nov 19, 2024 Get ready for a hilarious dive into the life of Benjamin Franklin! Discover his quirky early years, from comedy in his family dynamics to absurd experiences as an indentured servant. The discussion playfully touches on his culinary choices, including vegetarian struggles at sea. Laugh along as the hosts explore his entrepreneurial spirit, misadventures with pigs, and eccentric electrical experiments that blend science and humor. It's a perfect mix of history and comedy that'll keep you entertained from the start!
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Franklin's Swimming Inventions
- Young Ben Franklin taught himself to swim and invented wooden paddles for his hands.
- This invention, however, proved impractical due to wrist pain, and a similar attempt with foot paddles failed.
Indentured Servitude
- At 12, Franklin's father signed him into a nine-year indentured servitude contract with his half-brother, James.
- This contract stipulated wages only in the final year, akin to a modern-day exploitative sports contract.
Vegetarian Struggles
- At 16, Franklin became a vegetarian for philosophical reasons, but faced ridicule at his boarding house.
- Consequently, he learned to cook for himself, highlighting his independent spirit.
