Thinks I find along the way
In this episode of Prof G Conversations, host Scott Galloway interviews author, New York Times veteran, and Atlantic writer David Brooks. The discussion centers around what Brooks views as a deep-seated human and moral crisis in modern America, rather than a purely political one…
โI 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,โ 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 themโit belongs to the community and the future generations who will continue the steady march of change.
“On November 17, 1968, the Oakland Raiders score two touchdowns in nine seconds to beat the New York Jetsโand no one sees it, because theyโre 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 childrenโs 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 theyโll never forget: โWhatever you do,โ one said, โyou better not leave an NFL football game.โ
Continue reading “TV viewers become outraged as football game is cut off to air โHeidiโ #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.
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 Mehmedbaลกiฤ, Vaso ฤubriloviฤ, Nedeljko ฤabrinoviฤ, Cvjetko Popoviฤ and Trifko Grabeลพ coordinated by Danilo Iliฤ; 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 Dimitrijeviฤ, chief of the military intelligence section of the Serbian general staff, as well as from Major Vojislav Tankosiฤ and Rade Malobabiฤ, a Serbian intelligence agent. Tankosiฤ 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 Malobabiฤ 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…
Since you won’t find Hitler plaques and signs in Vienna here is your covert guide to learning about the Nazi Fuhrer when in Wien.
“In 1908, Adolf Hitler shared a small room in a flat in Stumpergasse 31 in Mariahilf (sixth district) with his childhood friend August Kubizek. After Hitler had used up his family inheritance he was forced to leave the flat and became temporarily homeless. Every now and then he would use the homeless shelter in the 12th district of Meidling before renting an inexpensive room in a large B&B for males (Mรคnnerheim).
While you can’t access the flat it’s worth visiting the area to get an idea of the place Hitler once called home. On a pragmatic note, combine it with a visit to the Imperial Furniture Collection (aka Hapsburgs Museum of Furniture), at 20-25 min walking distance.” Source: Hitler in Vienna: Uncovering The Fรผhrer And Nazi Vienna
Did you know that there were German POWs all over the United States during WWII? It’s true — there was even a famous German literary movement called Die Gruppe 47 that started in the camps. I regret you have to click the link and go to YouTube to listen…
During World War II, approximately 425,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) were held in the United States. These POWs were housed in various camps across the country, often in rural areas. Conditions in the camps were generally humane, with POWs receiving food, shelter, and work opportunities. Many participated in agricultural labor, helping to alleviate labor shortages on American farms.
While in captivity, some German POWs engaged in cultural activities, leading to movements like Die Gruppe 47, which fostered literary and artistic expression among inmates. The presence of these POWs highlighted the complexities of wartime experiences, as they formed a unique part of American history, bridging cultural exchanges between captors and captives. Their stories reflect themes of resilience, adaptation, and the human spirit during tumultuous times.
Here’s a Wikipedia list of camps across the United States.
In the early hours of the morning on December 21 something magical happens in an Irish field, the rising sun aligns perfectly with an ancient passage tomb, travels down the long corridor and illuminates the inner chamber. Go to the source to read the backstory: 5,000yo Irish tombโs winter solstice magic to be livestreamed (VIDEO) โ RT World News
Watch here:
The Irish fighting legend Michael Collins also had a marvelous way with words. Here are his 10 most memorable quotes. Source: Legendary Irish hero Michael Collins was assassinated 93 years ago today | IrishCentral.comย
The Battles of Saratoga (September 19 and October 7, 1777) marked the climax of the Saratoga campaign, giving a decisive victory to the Americans over the British in the American Revolutionary War. Continue reading “Battles of Saratoga”
Tara Brach writes:
Einstein says the most important question we will ever ask ourselves is, “Is this universe a friendly place.” Do we trust that there is something essentially benevolent or good about this universe? That we are essentially good? These two talks explore what it means to trust basic goodness, and how this trust naturally emerges through cultivating a meditative presence…
“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s bloodand probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon be beauty. Think big.”
Daniel Burnham, Chicago architect. (1846-1912)
If you’re not familiar with the name Daniel Burnham, you can find him in the Wikipedia;
Daniel Hudson Burnham, FAIA (September 4, 1846 โ June 1, 1912) was an American architect and urban designer. He was the Director of Works for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He took a leading role in the creation of master plans for the development of a number of cities, including Chicago and downtown Washington, D.C. He also designed several famous buildings, including the Flatiron Building in New York City and Union Station in Washington D.C.
Read more here…
Bill Federer writes:
“There she blows!” cried the lookout, sighting Moby Dick.
Captain Ahab, driven by revenge, sailed the seas to capture this great white whale, who had bitten off his leg in a previous encounter.
The crew of the ship Pequod included Quaker chief mate Starbuck, second mate Stubb, Captain Boomer, a tattooed Polynesian harpooner named Queequeg, and Ishmael, the teller of the tale.
Ahab finally caught up with Moby Dick in the Pacific Ocean.
As fate would have it, when the harpoon struck Moby Dick, the rope flew out so fast it entangled Ahab, pulling him under.
This classic was written by Herman Melville, born AUGUST 1, 1819.
Continue reading: William J Federer’s American Minute for August 1st.
I read Melville’s classic during a vacation on the east coast where I visited places from the story like the Seamen’s Bethel in New Bedford and the island of Nantucket. If you’ve never read this classic story, give Netflix a rest this weekend and get a copy. The book is in the public domain so you can download it at no cost and read it on the very device you’re using now via Kindle software…
Have you ever heard this one?
About a dozen years before the Revolutionary War, tensions increased in America between the British and the French with their Indian allies, resulting in battles.
The most notable period of the French and Indian Wars lasted from 1754 to 1763. It is considered the first global war, as allies of the French and English fought all around the world.
On July 9, 1755, about 1,400 British troops marched over the Appalachian Mountains to seize French Fort Duquesne, near present day Pittsburgh. As they marched through a deep wooded ravine along the Monongahela River eight miles from the fort, they were ambushed by French regulars, Canadians, and Potawatomi and Ottawa Indians.
Not accustomed to fighting unless in an open field, over 900 British soldiers were annihilated.
It was known as the Battle of the Wilderness or Battle of Monongahela.
23-year-old Virginia Colonel George Washington rode back and forth during the battle delivering orders for General Edward Braddock, the Commander-in-Chief of British forces in America.
Eventually, Braddock was killed and every officer on horseback was shot, except Washington.
Washington carried Braddock from the field.
Braddock’s field desk was captured, revealing all of the British military plans, enabling the French to surprise and defeat British forces in succeeding battles at Fort Oswego, Fort William Henry, Fort Duquesne, and Carillon. The Iroquois tribes of Senecas and Cayugas decided to switch their allegiance to the French.
Before he died, Braddock gave Washington his battle uniform sash, which Washington reportedly carried with him while serving as Commander-in-Chief and as President.
Washington presided at the burial service for General Braddock, as the chaplain was wounded. Braddockโs body was buried in the middle of the road so as to prevent his body from being found and desecrated.
Shortly thereafter, writing from Fort Cumberland, George Washington described the Battle of Monongahela to his younger brother, John Augustine Washington, JULY 18, 1755:
“As I have heard, since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first, and of assuring you, that I have not as yet composed the latter.
But by the All-Powerful Dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!”
An Indian warrior later declared:
“Washington was never born to be killed by a bullet! I had seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle and after all could not bring him to the ground!”
Bill Federer writes:
The Liberty Bell got its name from being rung JULY 8, 1776, to call the citizens of Philadelphia together to hear the Declaration of Independence read out loud for the first time.
The Liberty Bell, weighing over 2,000 pounds, was cast in England in August of 1752.
The Pennsylvania Assembly ordered it to commemorate the 50th anniversary of William Penn founding the Colony in 1701, writing his Charter of Privileges.
In 1751, the colony’s Assembly declared a “Year of Jubilee” and commissioned a bell to be put in the Philadelphia State House.
Isaac Norris, Speaker of Pennsylvania’s Assembly, read Leviticus chapter 25 verse 10:
“And ye shall make hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; it shall be a jubilee.”
Inscribed on the Liberty Bell is:
“Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”
…and the declaration itself as you have never heard it:
I’m thinking, ‘Damn, this is good!’ Duh! I guess I have to have a bunch of actors read it to me…
“He was a dreamer, a thinker, a speculative philosopherโฆ or, as his wife would have it, an idiot.โ ~Douglas Adams
Bright, shiny objects! 
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