Category: History

Lexington and Concord at 250: Can We Still Hear the ‘Shot Heard Round the World’?

Big Revolutionary War anniversaries lie ahead—and bring reminders of our messy, surprising history…

April 19, 2025, marked the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War’s inception, highlighting significant historical reflections and events tied to this milestone. The article delves into the implications of such anniversaries, suggesting they serve as a reminder of the complex and often surprising nature of history. Additionally, it questions whether the essence of the conflict, encapsulated in the phrase “the shot heard round the world,” still resonates in today’s society. Through this lens, the article encourages contemplation on the ongoing relevance of the Revolutionary War and its legacy in contemporary America.

Source: Lexington and Concord at 250: Can We Still Hear the ‘Shot Heard Round the World’?

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You’re in a War (and You Don’t Even Know It)

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Hitler and the Habsburgs: The Führer’s Vendetta Against the Austrian Royals

I love history and this book is the best history book I have read in the past year or more. I wonder what would have happened if Hitler had been accepted by the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts and become an artist instead of an ‘arsonist’…

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Paul Revere’s Ride

“Paul Revere’s Ride” is a narrative poem written by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, first published in 1861 in the Atlantic Monthly. The poem is inspired by the historical events surrounding the American Revolution and specifically recounts the midnight ride of Paul Revere on April 18, 1775, as he warned the American colonists of the approaching British forces.

Longfellow aimed to create a patriotic piece that would evoke a sense of national pride and unity during a time of crisis in America, as the country was on the brink of the Civil War. The poem romanticizes Revere’s ride and portrays him as a heroic figure in the fight for independence. Longfellow’s use of rhythmic structure and vivid imagery helped popularize the story of Paul Revere, making it a staple of American folklore.

Though artistic liberties were taken in the narrative, the poem’s legacy endured, and it remains one of Longfellow’s most celebrated works. It has continued to influence American literature and culture, serving as a symbol of the spirit of resistance and the quest for freedom. And so it begins…

Listen, my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five:
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year…

Source: Paul Revere’s Ride, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – The Atlantic

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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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