Category: History

The Roman Way to Trash a Republic

When you’re the emperor Augustus, they let you do it…

In “The Roman Way to Trash a Republic,” the author discusses how Augustus, the first Roman emperor, adeptly dismantled the Roman Republic, showcasing the shift from a system of shared power to one dominated by autocratic rule. The piece examines the tactics and strategies employed by Augustus to consolidate power and ultimately reshape governance in Rome.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

George Santayana

For those interested in understanding the dynamics of political change and the historical implications of Augustus’s reign, I encourage you to read the full article here. It’s a compelling exploration of how leadership can transform a polity.

Source: The Roman Way to Trash a Republic

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Good bye, Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer, a remarkable actor whose talent transcended the screen, left an indelible mark on Hollywood and in the hearts of fans worldwide. With his captivating performances in iconic films such as Top Gun, The Doors, and Tombstone, he brought to life complex characters with charisma and depth.

Beyond his roles, Kilmer was known for his dedication to his craft and his unique approach to embodying every character. His portrayal of Jim Morrison showcased not only his acting prowess but also his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.

Val’s journey has been as inspiring as his performances. He faced personal challenges with courage and resilience, reminding us all of the power of determination and strength in the face of adversity.

As we celebrate Val Kilmer’s legacy, we honor a true artist whose contributions to film and theater will forever resonate. His spirit and artistry will continue to inspire generations to come. Thank you, Val, for sharing your remarkable gift with the world.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy: The 2025 60 Minutes Interview

9 children killed by a Russian missile. How long will this continue?

Bonus…

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It Ain’t Me Babe

Can’t say I really like Bob Dylan (or Timothy Chalomet for that matter) but I really liked A Complete Unknown, the newish Bob Dylan biopic…

“You’re kind of an asshole, Bob” says the Joan Baez character in the movie and I don’t think she’s wrong. Still, as a musical period piece for someone interested in the sixties, it’s worth the cost of watching which is free on Hulu at the moment…

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Photographing the Final Days of World War II in Germany

Archival images from the last weeks of World War II, taken by an American Army combat photographer during a push across eastern France into southern Germany.

Source: Photographing the Final Days of World War II in Germany

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George S. Patton: American Achilles

I have been interested in the life and times of General George S. Patton since I saw the movie Patton in 1970. Who can forget this beginning?

I read this book in 7th grade (which I still consider remarkable):

Why am I posting this now? I just came across this brief but excellent documentary produced by Lucasfilm on his life…

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Saint Patrick dies, March 17, 461

Saint Patrick, Christian missionary, bishop and apostle of Ireland (and namesake for St. Patrick’s Day) dies in Ireland.

Source: Saint Patrick dies | March 17, 461 | HISTORY

Read about the man, the myth and the legend here: https://brightshinyobjects.net/2012/03/17/the-confessio-of-st-patrick-and-lessons-for-today/

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Bucha massacre

The Bucha massacre (Ukrainian: Бучанська різанина, romanized: Buchanska rizanyna; Russian: Резня в Буче, romanized: Reznya v Buche) was the mass murder of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war[12] by the Russian Armed Forces during the fight for and occupation of the city of Bucha as part of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photographic and video evidence of the massacre emerged on 1 April 2022 after Russian forces withdrew from the city.[13][14]

Source: Bucha massacre – Wikipedia

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How the Elite rigged Society (and why it’s falling apart)

“Put moral formation at the centre of your society”

David Brooks

“Put moral formation at the centre of your society” David Brooks’ speech was challenging and thought provoking, calling for us to reassess what we think cultural renewal looks like and to reconnect to our spiritual roots.

“They constantly try to escape
From the darkness outside and within
By dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good.
But the man that is will shadow
The man that pretends to be.”

T. S. Elliot
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At Least Now We Know the Truth

It’s ugly, but necessary to face. Source: At Least Now We Know the Truth

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Bernice King Shares Wise Advice For Navigating The Trump Era

My friend RJ shared this with me…

Bernice King is dedicated to the fight. In a recent Facebook post, she shared some very valuable advice as we try to navigate forward in the “45” era:

1. Don’t use his name; EVER (45 will do)
2. Remember this is a regime and he’s not acting alone;
3. Do not argue with those who support him–it doesn’t work;
4. Focus on his policies, not his orange-ness and mental state;
5. Keep your message positive; they want the country to be angry and fearful because this is the soil from which their darkest policies will grow;
6. No more helpless/hopeless talk;
7. Support artists and the arts;
8. Be careful not to spread fake news. Check it;
9. Take care of yourselves; and
10. Resist!

Source: Bernice King Shares Wise Advice For Navigating The Trump Era

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Is It Time to Rethink the American Dream?

Young adults face financial instability, disillusionment, and mental health struggles as the traditional American Dream feels out of reach, requiring new definitions of success.

Source: Is It Time to Rethink the American Dream?

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‘Herr Hitler, Do You Really Believe Me Capable of Such a Dirty Trick?’

The chancellor rewarded loyalty with loyalty. Until he didn’t.

Source: ‘Herr Hitler, Do You Really Believe Me Capable of Such a Dirty Trick?’

#historyisrepeatingitself

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How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days

“What luck, for governments, that the people are stupid!”

Adolf Hitler

He used the constitution to shatter the constitution. Source: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days

#historyisrepeatingitself

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How to Make America Great: A Visionary Manifesto from the Woman Who Ran for President in 1872

In 1872, half a century before American women could vote, Victoria Woodhull (September 23, 1838–June 9, 1927) ran for President, with Frederick Douglass as her running mate.

Papers declared her candidacy “a brazen imposture, to be extinguished by laughter rather than by law.”

People — working-class people, people of color, people relegated to the margins of their time and place — clamored to hear her speak, rose up in standing ovation by the thousands, cried and cheered.

Source: How to Make America Great: A Visionary Manifesto from the Woman Who Ran for President in 1872

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Did Lincoln Say ‘America Will Never Be Destroyed From the Outside’?

Widely shared memes contained a quotation that is commonly attributed to the Great Emancipator…

So. Not exactly ‘real’ but still true. Source: Did Lincoln Say ‘America Will Never Be Destroyed From the Outside’?

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Powder Keg: Europe 1900 to 1914

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand[a] was one of the key events that led to World War I. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were assassinated on 28 June 1914 by Bosnian Serb student Gavrilo Princip. They were shot at close range while being driven through Sarajevo, the provincial capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, formally annexed by Austria-Hungary in 1908. Princip was part of a group of six Bosnian assassins together with Muhamed Mehmedbašić, Vaso Čubrilović, Nedeljko Čabrinović, Cvjetko Popović and Trifko Grabež coordinated by Danilo Ilić; all but one were Bosnian Serbs and members of a student revolutionary group that later became known as Young Bosnia. The political objective of the assassination was to free Bosnia and Herzegovina of Austria-Hungarian rule and establish a common South Slav (“Yugoslav”) state. The assassination precipitated the July Crisis which led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia and the start of World War I. The assassination team was helped by the Black Hand, a Serbian secret nationalist group; support came from Dragutin Dimitrijević, chief of the military intelligence section of the Serbian general staff, as well as from Major Vojislav Tankosić and Rade Malobabić, a Serbian intelligence agent. Tankosić provided bombs and pistols to the assassins and trained them in their use. The assassins were given access to the same clandestine network of safe-houses and agents that Malobabić used for the infiltration of weapons and operatives into Austria-Hungary.” Source: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand – Wikipedia

If you find this interesting, you might like this book…

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The Real Life and Tragic End of Captain Herbert Sobel

Captain Herbert Sobel, portrayed by David Schwimmer, is the commanding officer of Easy Company in “Band of Brothers” and is depicted as a petty tyrant. The paratroopers in the series, including Dick Winters (Damian Lewis), develop a deep hatred of Captain Sobel, but is the series’ portrayal of Sobel during WWII historically accurate? We explain why HBO’s “Band of Brothers” presents a one-sided and exaggerated view of the real Herbert Sobel. We reveal what some of the Easy Company veterans had to say about his depiction in both the Stephen Ambrose book and the HBO miniseries, which deviate somewhat from the true story. We also explain what happened to Herbert Sobel after WWII, including the tragic ending to his life. #bandofbrothers #herbertsobel #ww2 #dickwinters #easycompany #wwii

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Photos of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair

Visitors at the fair were introduced to everything from Cracker Jack and Juicy Fruit gum to large-scale electric lighting and the Ferris wheel.

Source: Photos of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair

Those who are interested in the fair would do well to research the great planner of the fair, Daniel Burnham. Not only did he successfully manage this event which was a huge pivot in Chicago history but he also designed the Mall in Washington from Congress to the Lincoln Memorial and everything in between…

https://www.amazon.com/Plan-Chicago-Remaking-American-Revisions-ebook/dp/B002SN9LXE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3C6AK8J0QW4WR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lUFrQ-CghRfOqr_vdOGPTR3mXLwJUHytFtxIoOEt3Wwcq7TUiE3Ad3qqV2VCEOS_shGzf9qt4aM1F_njYdcWeWBtoLUgWUjv5m5gT6_UJoAXHu2qJBjJKdIuzM9A6b5ujsxQ4ZTHHlGw14hB7YHodbUP2lwtGk_jz_hRpxnz1XKQuEdbPkywN3vmJ6Pyksl3.NEZ5ua05ewqfqcoePB7FwjwxaoJcOAfqs602FmUGhv4&dib_tag=se&keywords=daniel+burnham&qid=1730131386&sprefix=daniel+burnham%2Caps%2C315&sr=8-1
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The Giant Ferris Wheel in Vienna: A Timeless Landmark

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that beautifully marries history and modernity. Among its many attractions, the Giant Ferris Wheel, or “Wiener Riesenrad,” stands out as an iconic symbol of the city. This magnificent wheel not only offers breathtaking views of the Vienna skyline but also carries with it a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.

A Historical Marvel

The Wiener Riesenrad was constructed in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. Designed by the engineer Walter B. Bassett, the Ferris wheel was initially a part of the 1898 Vienna World’s Fair, where it quickly became a popular attraction. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, standing at an impressive 65 meters (approximately 213 feet). Its prominence attracted tourists and locals alike, making it a significant part of Vienna’s cultural landscape.

As you step into one of the 15 wooden cabins, you not only experience the thrill of the ride but also embark on a journey through time. Each cabin can hold up to 15 people, and a full rotation lasts about 20 minutes, giving riders ample time to soak in the stunning views of the Wiener Prater park and the city beyond.

Continue reading “The Giant Ferris Wheel in Vienna: A Timeless Landmark” →
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Exploring the Majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stefansdom) in Vienna, Austria

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city rich in history and culture, and one of its most iconic landmarks is the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, known locally as Stefansdom. This stunning Gothic structure is not only a symbol of the city but also a remarkable piece of architecture that tells the story of Vienna’s past.

A Historical Overview

St. Stephen’s Cathedral stands tall in the heart of Vienna, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. The cathedral has seen numerous transformations over the centuries, evolving from a Romanesque church to the magnificent Gothic edifice we admire today. The most significant changes occurred in the 15th century when the cathedral was remodeled to feature intricate stone carvings and expansive stained glass windows.

Throughout its history, Stefansdom has witnessed various crucial events, including royal weddings, funerals, and even battles. It survived near destruction during World War II, and restoration efforts have ensured that it continues to stand as a testament to Vienna’s resilience.

Continue reading “Exploring the Majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stefansdom) in Vienna, Austria” →
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