Thinks I find along the way
I’m preparing for a trip to Vienna, Austria next week and as a ‘historian’ and a ‘philosopher’ I am interested in exploring Hitler’s ‘roots’ in the city while I am there. It all started with this book…
…and it’s continuing with this video:
Someone did an amazing amount of work on the video to seamlessly line up the images! I don’t know why I find this so fascinating, but I do.
Inside the unhappy reign of Sisi, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary: The Tragic Austrian Empress Who Was Murdered by Anarchists | HISTORY
After the assassination, the grief-stricken artist painted the president’s image obsessively; finally saying she caught only “a glimpse” of him: Why Elaine de Kooning’s Portrait of JFK Broke All the Rules
One of the most crucial aspects in World War II was the employment and performance of newly created weaponry. Military tactics and intelligence services were important, but in the heat of combat, the quality and amount of weaponry were the most important. As a result, the world’s most powerful countries were designing and manufacturing military systems and platforms on an unprecedented scale. Fighter aircraft were among the most formidable vehicles of the war produced. They proved to completely alter the battlefield. Although the fighters had been around for a while, they were nothing like as sophisticated as the revolutionary fighters deployed in the Second World War. Skilled pilots in these new aircraft could pose a significant threat to the whole opposing fleets. They not only changed the course of the war, but also became the legends of the aerial battle. Let’s take a look at the 10 most proficient and successful WWII fighter aircraft.
As a lifelong fan of the Beatles, I’ve always wanted to see a Beatles tribute band. Last night I saw one of the best and I was not disappointed!
If you’re a fan and you have a chance to see them, do it! Read more about Rain here: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles – Wikipedia
To me, this is one of the funniest things he ever did…
Two new biographies take on the different sides of the longtime Notre Dame president’s complicated legacy: The complicated legacy of Father Hesburgh
And…
The Impact of Father Ted Hesburgh
Father Theodore Hesburgh, also known as Father Ted, was a influential figure known for his impact on education, civil rights, and public service. As the president of the University of Notre Dame for 35 years, Father Hesburgh played a pivotal role in transforming the university into a renowned educational institution.
Continue reading “Hesburgh”
Friends Good Will is a replica of a top sail merchant sloop that plied the waters of the Great Lakes in the early 19th century. She is the Museum’s flagship and sails from her home port of South Haven daily in the height of summer. Staff and volunteer crew, dressed in period clothes, offer passengers a glimpse into the life and operations of a Great Lakes sailor. Passengers may even have the opportunity to assist the crew as they set off on a traditional tall ship adventure on Lake Michigan.
Friends Good Will offers historical sails, pirate chaser sails, sunset sails, and even acts as a classroom for school groups to learn about early Michigan history and the Great Lakes. Occasionally, she will voyage to other ports for festivals and events. She makes an annual trip to Holland, Michigan during Tulip Time to offer dockside tours above and below decks to visitors: Friends Good Will
Here are some pictures from my ‘birthday cruise’…
In this episode, I talk about a New York Times article I came across that tries to answer the question if Taylor Swift is as popular as some of the biggest artists in the past.
On June 6, 1944, the British found themselves suddenly and irrevocably overtaken by their former colony. Source: On D-Day, the U.S. Conquered the British Empire
The Lewis and Clark expedition leaves St. Louis, Missouri, on a mission to explore the Northwest from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Source: Lewis and Clark depart to explore the Northwest | May 14, 1804 | HISTORY
Great Britain, the United States and several other countries celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Cities put out flags and banners, rejoicing in the defeat of the Nazis during World War II. Source: Allied nations worldwide celebrate V-E Day | May 8, 1945 | HISTORY
On Easter Monday in Dublin, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a secret organization of Irish nationalists led by Patrick Pearse, launches the Easter Rebellion, an armed uprising against British rule. Source: Easter Rising begins | April 24, 1916 | HISTORY
Ben Franklin is becoming popular once again. Did you know amongst the many pieces of wisdom he shared was the things he said about the benefits of ‘dating’ an older woman. Old Mistresses Apologue, 25 June 1745. Source: Founders Online: Old Mistresses Apologue, 25 June 1745
April 19, 1775: At about 5 a.m., 700 British troops, on a mission to capture Patriot leaders and seize a Patriot arsenal, march into Lexington to find 77 armed minutemen under Captain John Parker waiting for them on the town’s common green. British Major John Pitcairn ordered the outnumbered Patriots to disperse, and after a moment’s hesitation, the Americans began to drift off the green. Suddenly, a shot was fired from an undetermined gun, and a cloud of musket smoke soon covered the green. When the brief Battle of Lexington ended, eight Americans lay dead or dying and 10 others were wounded. Only one British soldier was injured, but the American Revolution had begun. Source: American Revolution begins at Battle of Lexington | April 19, 1775 | HISTORY
As Franklin, starring Michael Douglas, dramatises statesman Benjamin Franklin’s 1770s mission to secure French support for America’s independence struggle, Jonny Wilkes takes a closer look at the true history. Source: Is Franklin a true story? The real story of Benjamin Franklin and the Franco-American Alliance
Differing views of world history. Source: Hitler? “We Thought He Was Terrific!”
In “Franklin,” Michael Douglas portrays the iconic founding father as an 18th-century rock star with a dash of Gordon Gekko swagger. Source: Michael Douglas as Ben Franklin? You bet your britches.
This is going to be good…
Jim Croce, a cherished singer-songwriter, left an indelible mark on the music industry despite his tragically brief career. Born on January 10, 1943, in South Philadelphia, Croce’s soulful voice and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Croce’s music effortlessly blended folk, rock, and blues, captivating listeners with heartfelt storytelling and melodic tunes. Songs like “Time in a Bottle,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” and “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” showcased his exceptional songwriting prowess and vocal talent. His music remains timeless, retaining its emotional impact decades after his passing.
Tragically, on September 20, 1973, at the age of 30, Jim Croce’s promising career was cut short in a plane crash, leaving a void in the music world. His sudden departure left fans mourning the loss of a remarkable artist who had so much more to offer. It surprises me to learn his entire career including 3 albums and multiple tours only lasted 18 month.
Despite his untimely death, Jim Croce’s legacy endures. His poetic lyrics and soul-stirring melodies continue to inspire musicians and fans alike. His son, AJ Croce, has admirably carried on his father’s musical heritage, captivating audiences with his own talent while honoring his father’s remarkable legacy.
As we remember Jim Croce, his timeless music serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend time and touch the hearts of generations. Though his flame was extinguished too soon, his music continues to illuminate the world, and his spirit lives on through the melodies that made him an unforgettable musical icon.
So, as AJ Croce tours the country, he not only celebrates his own musical journey but also pays homage to the incredible legacy of his father, Jim Croce.
Here’s a recording of the entire show his son puts on…
Bright, shiny objects! 
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