Exploring Mind, Culture, History, and Technology—with Curiosity.
Popular government requires virtue, and public opinion must be enlightened.
George Washington
This is one of the central assumptions behind the Founders’ idea of republican government: a republic could not be sustained by a good constitution alone. It required citizens capable of governing themselves—both morally and intellectually. That theme also fits the broader Revolutionary-era framework we’ve been building.
Continue reading “The Role of Virtue and Education in the American Experiment”
HISTORICAL MAP | The Battle of Long Island and of Brooklyn Heights, New York on August 27, 1776
If most Americans know what happened 250 years ago today, it might be because of this song from the music Hamilton:
Hoewever, celebrating 250 years of America has nothing to do with Hamilton, UFC matches or Indy car races: it has to do with being mindful of the courage of real Americans who put everything on the line for us.
The Battle of Long Island, fought in August 1776, was a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War. It marked the largest battle of the conflict in terms of troop strength, as British forces sought to seize control of New York City from the Continental Army. The battle showcased the tactical superiority of the British army and resulted in a decisive victory for them, forcing the Continental Army to retreat. This encounter set the stage for subsequent struggles throughout the war, highlighting both the challenges faced by the American forces and their resilience in the face of adversity.
For a more in-depth look at the strategies, key figures, and aftermath of this pivotal battle, be sure to read the full article on Wikipedia — I think you’ll be amazed! This is what it means to celebrate America; to pause and reflect on moments like this…
If you’re an American, you owe your ‘freedom’ to these 400 men who fought and died 250 years ago on August 27.
Zeus’ Law factors directly into the plot of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, but there’s a little more to it than you may realize.
Zeus’ Law is a pivotal concept in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey, serving as a guiding principle that shapes character decisions and interactions throughout the narrative. It emphasizes the tension between fate and free will, illustrating how the characters are influenced by predetermined forces while simultaneously navigating their personal choices. This interplay not only drives the plot forward but also deepens the thematic exploration of destiny and individual agency within the story, highlighting the complexity of human experience in the face of uncontrollable circumstances.
Go to the source and read the whole article: The Odyssey: Zeus’ Law Explained – SlashFilm
Bonus
Yesterday, my mom gave me this program from Ken Holtzman’s 1969 no hitter. I was 11 and my dad and I sat in the upper deck behind home plate for what turned out to be one of the most unique games in Cubs’ history. The program is signed by Ken Holtzman, Ron Santo (who hit the game winning homer), Billy Williams (whose catch preserved the no hitter) and Fergie Jenkins. Ken Holtzman’s no-hitter on August 19, 1969, is one of the strangest and most memorable pitching performances in Chicago Cubs history—not because he overpowered hitters, but because he didn’t strike out a single batter.
The 23-year-old left-hander faced the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field and won 3–0, allowing no hits, three walks, and no runs. Every one of the Braves’ 27 outs came on a ball put into play—grounders, fly balls, or line drives. A no-hitter without a strikeout is extraordinarily rare, and Holtzman remains the most recent major-league pitcher to accomplish it. (SABR)
Continue reading “Ken Holtzman’s first no-hitter”
An unfinished ode from 1876 offers a lesson for America’s 250th. Open this link in incognito or private mode: What This Fourth of July Is Really About
George Washington’s “Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation” is a collection of 110 maxims that emphasize proper conduct and etiquette in social interactions. Originally derived from a set of French rules, Washington adopted and translated them in his youth. The rules cover various aspects of behavior, including:
Collectively, these maxims provide insight into the social expectations of Washington’s time and reflect timeless principles of civility that are still relevant today.
Could you imagine what our current president’s book would look like?
“The United States is in a strange position. Even as we prepare to celebrate our 250th anniversary we are dissatisfied with how things stand. A recent Pew Poll indicated that 69% of Americans don’t like the way things are going right now but that may have always been true in this country; historians believe that only 30-40% of American Colonists actively supported the Revolutionary War, with 20% remaining loyal to the crown, and the remainder being neutral or disengaged.”
Go to the source and read the whole article if you’re interested: Media, Technology, and Stress At America’s 250th
“I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is and remind us what we can achieve when we embrace our shared responsibilities as citizens,” Obama told the crowd.
In this NBC Chicago video, former President Barack Obama delivers a heartfelt and stirring keynote address at the grand opening ceremony of the new Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago.
Barack Obama explains that despite the current feelings of uncertainty and division in the country, the majority of Americans are not seeking perpetual anger or conflict. Instead, he states that people are looking for:
He emphasizes that, deep down, citizens want to find a way to turn toward one another rather than pulling further apart (25:10 – 25:30).
You can read the entire transcript here.
The video you are currently watching features Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivering a deeply moving and inspirational speech at the grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side of Chicago.
Here is a concise summary of the key themes from her address:
She concludes by reminding the audience that the center is grounded in their stories, but it has never been about them—it belongs to the community and the future generations who will continue the steady march of change.
An author writes about writing about the Lewis & Clark expedition. Personally I think this expedition was an as great or greater adventure than man landing on the moon and I can’t wait to read this new take…
Source: The Hardest Part Of History To Tell Is How It Felt | Defector
On the original 1970 concept album of Jesus Christ Superstar—which served as the “original cast” recording before the show ever hit the stage—the lead guitar duties were shared by two primary musicians, both of whom were members of Joe Cocker’s backing group, The Grease Band:
While both contributed heavily to the rock-opera’s gritty sound, McCullough is frequently credited with many of the more prominent, bluesy lead lines.
Continue reading “Jesus Christ Superstar Guitarists”
I love documentaries, especially ones that explore the latter part of the last century and this one is exceptional…
Ed Sullivan was a prominent television host and entertainment figure known for his iconic variety show, “The Ed Sullivan Show,” which aired from 1948 to 1971. His unique ability to showcase a diverse range of talent helped launch the careers of many famous artists, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Broadway stars. Sullivan’s show became a cultural phenomenon, known for its live performances and innovative programming that captivated millions of viewers across the United States. His influence extended beyond television, as he played a significant role in shaping popular culture and the entertainment industry during a transformative period in American history. Combining humor, music, and special guest appearances, Sullivan’s legacy remains a defining element of mid-20th-century entertainment.
This is his story:
This documentary is currently available on Netflix.
I love this Christina Perri cover of the Beatles classic:
Thanks to a cool app called Likewise, I uncovered a period miniseries produced by Tom Hanks two years before Band of Brothers. The drama is called From the Earth to the Moon and it covered the space race from the 60’s in an exquisite manner. It’s available on HBO Max and Prime Video. Here’s the trailer…
Death by Lightning is a gripping crime drama that intricately weaves together elements of suspense and emotional depth. The film follows the harrowing journey of its protagonist as they navigate a series of unexpected challenges and moral dilemmas. The cinematography is striking, capturing the raw beauty of the wilderness juxtaposed with the dark undertones of the story.
The performances are commendable, with the lead actor delivering a poignant portrayal of desperation and resilience. The screenplay effectively combines tension and introspection, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats while also provoking thoughtful reflection on themes of survival and justice.
Overall, Death by Lightning successfully blends thriller and character study, resulting in a thought-provoking cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
Additional perspectives…
I was born in 1958. The first band I remember seeing was The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. They have been the soundtrack for my entire life and now their story is being told by them in the way it deserves to be told…
“On November 17, 1968, the Oakland Raiders score two touchdowns in nine seconds to beat the New York Jets—and no one sees it, because they’re watching the movie Heidi instead. With just 65 seconds left to play, NBC switched off the game in favor of its previously scheduled programming, a made-for-TV version of the children’s story about a young girl and her grandfather in the Alps. Viewers were outraged, and they complained so vociferously that network execs learned a lesson they’ll never forget: “Whatever you do,” one said, “you better not leave an NFL football game.”
Continue reading “TV viewers become outraged as football game is cut off to air “Heidi” #today #history”
When I was in college, I was shocked to learn there were actually German POWs in the United States. This video (which you must watch on YouTube) goes into great detail on the topic.
During World War II, the United States held over 425,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) in various camps across the country. Following the capture of German soldiers, they were transported to the U.S. as part of an agreement with the Allies. The conditions in these camps varied; some were well-kept, with prisoners allowed to work on local farms or in factories, while others were stricter. Many German POWs formed friendships with their American captors, and some even chose to remain in the U.S. after the war ended. The legacy of these POWs includes a complex interplay of wartime policies, cultural exchange, and post-war integration.
It’s a sad day in American history…
On September 4, 1886, Apache leader Geronimo surrenders to U.S. government troops. For 30 years, the Native American warrior had battled to protect his tribe’s homeland; however, by 1886 the Apaches were exhausted and outnumbered. General Nelson Miles accepted Geronimo’s surrender, making him the last Native American warrior to formally give in to U.S. forces and signaling the end of the Indian Wars in the Southwest.
Geronimo was born in 1829 and grew up in what is present-day Arizona and Mexico. His tribe, the Chiricahua Apaches, clashed with non-Native settlers trying to take their land. In 1858, Geronimo’s family was murdered by Mexicans. Seeking revenge, he later led raids against Mexican and American settlers. In 1874, the U.S. government moved Geronimo and his people from their land to a reservation in east-central Arizona. Conditions on the reservation were restrictive and harsh and Geronimo and some of his followers escaped.
Go to the source article: Geronimo surrenders | September 4, 1886 | HISTORY
Bright, Shiny Objects! 
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