I’m taking the summer off from blogging and hope to get in some quality reading time. I generally read books that make history come alive. I would appreciate any recommendations for mystery or suspense authors. I am left cold by today’s leading suspense writers including, David Baldacci, and John … Read more about Summer Reading
Joanne Rowling’s Extraordinary Adventures
On June 21, 2003, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, the fifth book in J K Rowling’s series was published. The novel broke the record set by “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” as the fastest-selling book in history. Rowling would eventually publish two more Harry Potter … Read more about Joanne Rowling’s Extraordinary Adventures
No Ordinary Betsy
On June 14, 1777, the First Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the national flag. In 1873, almost one century later, “Harper’s New Monthly Magazine” credited the previously unknown Betsy Ross with the design of the flag and she quickly became part of our nation’s folklore. … Read more about No Ordinary Betsy
Guitar Heroes
Blues guitar virtuoso Derek Trucks turns 40 on Saturday, June 8. His birthday coincides with my college reunion, establishing a great starting place for resurrecting lively midnight dorm discussions of the world’s greatest guitar players. Just because Derek Trucks was the nephew of longtime Allman … Read more about Guitar Heroes
A Tale of Two Cities
When you think of all the great professional sports cities it’s amazing to note that Boston and St. Louis are the only opposing cities to have played each other in the finals of all four major sports.In 1946 The Cardinals deprived Ted Williams of his one opportunity to win a World Series ring. The … Read more about A Tale of Two Cities
Freewheelin Thoughts on Bob Dylan
Today is the 77th birthday of Robert Allen Zimmerman better known as Bob Dylan. It’s difficult to write a short composition about someone who has had such a profound effect on music and the world. It’s especially challenging when the subject is somebody who went from high school rebel to … Read more about Freewheelin Thoughts on Bob Dylan
Celebrating Dracula
On May 18, 1897 Bram Stoker's first and most famous novel, “Dracula” was published. Folklore about vampires and the undead had circulated for centuries but modern vampire stories may have originated with some of the literary giants of the early 19th century. While vacationing with friends on … Read more about Celebrating Dracula
More Useless Trivia
Entrepreneur extraordinaire and global adventurer Victor Colantanio recently sent me a list of factoids that I would like to share:In the old west a cartridge for a six-gun cost 12 cents and so did a glass of whiskey. If a cowhand was low on cash, he would give the bartender a cartridge in exchange … Read more about More Useless Trivia
Great Comebacks
College friend and scratch golfer, Peter Lyons sent me a link to some of the wittiest comebacks in history. Here are some of my favorites.A woman approached the notoriously taciturn President Calvin Coolidge AKA Silent Cal at a White House Dinner. She Said: "Mr. Coolidge, I've made a bet against a … Read more about Great Comebacks
Who Needs College?
We were having lunch at Five Guys recently when I was struck by the urge to know more about these guys. Why is their business model and food so much better than other burger chains?In 1986, the first of Jerry and Janie Murrell's five sons was preparing to head off to college but his parents sensed … Read more about Who Needs College?
The Midnight Rider
On April 19, 1775 American colonists battled the British army in Lexington and Concord and the American Revolutionary War was underway. The British troops had set out from Boston to capture rebel leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock and to destroy the Colonists’ repository of weapons and ammunition … Read more about The Midnight Rider