In June of 1970, journalist Hunter S. Thompson was sent to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, to cover the highlights of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, for Scanlan’s Monthly. The result was a now infamous article entitled, “The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved.” Virtually ignoring the race itself, Thompson focused instead on the orgy-like atmosphere– […]
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Saint Augustine is credited by many to be the greatest thinker of Christian antiquity. Today, he is credited with synthesizing the religious principles of the Bible and prevailing Greek philosophy. He then presented it in a manner comprehensible to both medieval Roman Catholics and Renaissance Protestants. Ironically, however, in his time, Saint Augustine was considered
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In 1905, 37-year-old Sarah Breedlove, the first free-born child from a family of Civil War era slaves, moved to Denver, Colorado. She had just $1.05 in her pocket and was intent on starting a business selling hair-care products that she created, primarily for Black women. Breedlove sold her products door-to-door. She would teach other Black
Sarah Breedlove Walker: The First Self-made Female Millionaire in America Read More »
They were first formed as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearance. However, because of their unique way of dancing to show worship, along with their actions when they prayed, they simply became known over time as “The Shakers.” They were also known for singing in tongues, whirling, and shouting during services. The
The Rise and Decline of Religious Group, the Shakers Read More »
In the realm of American folk music, no name is more significant than Woody Guthrie. He embodies the American spirit and epitomizes the struggle of the common man in the most trying of times. Songs like, “This Land Is Your Land,” “Don’t Kill My Baby & My Son,” and “I’m Blowing Down That Old Dusty
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At the age of 59, Nancy Hayes-Green made her debut as “Aunt Jemima” at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, Illinois. She became the first Black corporate model in American history hired to promote a nationally distributed product. In character, “Aunt Jemima” stood beside what was touted as the “world’s largest flour barrel”
The Exploitation of “Aunt Jemima”: The Nancy Green Story Read More »
In the final scene of the final episode of the 1979–80 season of the phenomenally popular TV show Dallas, arch-villain J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) hears a noise outside his office. He walks out to the hall to investigate. He is then shot twice by an unseen assailant–and collapses to the floor. This episode was broadcast
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In 1891 it was announced that Chicago, Illinois, had been chosen to host the World’s Columbian Exposition. This was a cultural and social event celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America. It would take place from May to October of 1893, and likely attract millions of people from all around the world. As
The Dark and Disturbing Life of H.H. Holmes: America’s First Documented Serial Killer Read More »
In the world of academia, there is a principle called “Occam’s Razor” (also referred to as the “Principle/Law of Parsimony”). It is the philosophy that when presented with competing hypotheses about the same prediction, one should always choose the one that requires the fewest assumptions. (This is not meant to be a method of choosing
The Man Behind Occam’s Razor: William of Ockham Read More »
For over a century now, the name Albert Einstein has been synonymous with “genius.” The epitome of super-intelligence. Every grade school student knows his name and millions of aspiring scientists study his theories hoping to discover a flicker of his brilliance in themselves. Einstein is credited with presenting seven theories that literally changed our understanding
Albert Einstein: Women, Wars, and the Atomic Bomb Read More »
