 Nikola Tesla, scientist, inventor, the smartest man they claim ever to live. Celebrating a birthday today, he passed away in 1943. Is it Nikola? Nikola. Nikola. Tesla. He didn't invent the Tesla. No, he didn't. On this day in history, 2001. So it was July 9th, 2001. Okay. The TV show The Office aired its first episode. My favorite. One of my classic favorites.