Thanksgiving is intended to be a day for gratitude. It is a time to take a break from the frenetic pace of life and reflect on the blessings we have received from […]
The Year of Two Thanksgivings
When History Hung on a Minor League Baseball Career
David loved athletics of all kinds, but it was football and baseball that really drove him. Later in life, he would be remembered for other things. In those formative years, however, it […]
White House Blows Up Death Star Initiative
When the White House launched a website to encourage citizen participation in government, it is doubtful that many thought to protect against undue influence by the dark side of The Force. Nevertheless, […]
That Day Elvis Showed Up at the White House
Not just anyone can walk up to the gates of the White House, ask to see the President and be taken seriously. Of course, the man who did that on December 21, […]
Steve McQueen’s Less-Than-Cool Beginning with the Marines
Steve McQueen (1930-1980) may have been known as the “King of Cool” during the height of his Hollywood popularity, but before that, he had a less than stellar career with the U.S. […]
When the Lincolns Turned Down an Invitation to a Party
Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln received many invitations to parties during their lives. They also had to decline many an invitation. When they declined the invitation to one particular party, however, they […]
Reagan’s Distinction Between Government and Drunken Sailors
Ronald Reagan was an outspoken critic of excessive taxation. He once summed up his concern about the practice by saying, “The difference in spending habits between government and a drunken sailor is, […]
USS William D. Porter: The Navy’s Unluckiest Ship
When a new ship is commissioned, those associated with the vessel always have high hopes that it will be remembered. For those connected with the USS William D. Porter, that goal was […]
The Coolidge Principle of Family Privilege
President Calvin Coolidge was known for his strong work ethic and his disdain of expectations of privilege. His son, Calvin, Jr., clearly understood his father’s philosophy. On the morning after his father […]
Nixon and the Desired Kennedy Speech
Despite a hard-fought campaign and a narrow loss to John F. Kennedy in the 1960 Presidential election, Richard Nixon was able to maintain some sense of good humor. In congratulating the newly-inaugurated […]
Reagan On Irresponsible Government
President Ronald Reagan spent his entire political life warning against the dangers of ever-growing federal government. He once summed up his philosophy about government, saying, “Government is like a baby. An alimentary […]
Lincoln’s Funeral Procession and the Boys Who Saw It
The journey of Abraham Lincoln‘s body from Washington, DC to Springfield, Illinois took 13 days and was witnessed by hundreds of thousands of mourners. Solemn observers lined the tracks as the funeral […]
Did George Washington’s Glasses Save American Democracy?
It is impossible to overstate the impact of George Washington. His willingness to give up power when he resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and his decision to step […]
JFK’s Jestful Jabs Jar Journalists
During the 1960 presidential campaign, Richard Nixon was hospitalized with phlebitis. John Kennedy called a moratorium on criticizing his opponent as long as he remained in the hospital. Kennedy was questioned about […]
Can You Solve Theodore Roosevelt’s Favorite Brain Teaser?
Theodore Roosevelt loved anything that challenged the body or the mind. He had a fondness for brain teasers. This one was his favorite: I talk, but I do not speak my mind. […]
