Parks, Presidents and Parks

Shakespeare covers the reign of King Richard II, whose was deposed and murdered

Howard TanzmanJanuary 23, 2023 Comments

The British Monarchy - Part V

If you think the current spat between Prince’s William and Henry is bad, consider King Edward III who started the 100 Years war over royal disputes. (And, his mistress became the subject of historical fiction)

Howard TanzmanJanuary 8, 2023 Comments

What do the Pope, Frank Sinatra and Alcides Ghiggia have in common?

Guest Blogger Simon Tanzman tells the story of Uruguay's upset win over Brazil in the 1950 World Cup, considered by some to be the Biggest Upset in World Cup History and yes, the Pope, Frank Sinatra and Alcides Ghiggia are part of the tale.

Howard TanzmanDecember 25, 2022Potpourri, Parks, Sports Comments

Congress Honors 23 Historical Figures

Twenty-three marble relief portraits are displayed over the U.S. House of Representatives' gallery doors. These depict historical figures noted for their work establishing principles that underlie American law.

Howard TanzmanDecember 5, 2022 Comment

Holy Toledo! – When the Ohio-Michigan rivalry spilled over from the Gridiron to the Battlefield

All college football fans know that the Michigan-Ohio State football rivalry is intense. But in 1836 the states of Michigan and Ohio nearly went into actual battle over a boundary dispute.

Howard TanzmanNovember 27, 2022Potpourri, Sports Comments

Happy "Franksgiving"

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the Fourth Thursday of November. That was not always the case.

Howard TanzmanNovember 23, 2022Potpourri, Holidays Comments

The British Monarchy - Part IV

In part 4 of the British Monarchy series, we look at King Edward II. He was betrayed by his wife, forced to abdicate, and most likely murdered.

Howard TanzmanNovember 13, 2022Comment

The President Addresses Racism in the Deep South

101 Years ago this week, the President traveled to the deep south and gave a Civil Rights speech.

Howard TanzmanOctober 30, 2022Presidents Comment

Fall

Can science explain fall colors?

Howard TanzmanOctober 23, 2022Potpourri Comments

The British Monarchy, Part III

In part 3 of the British Monarchy series, we look at King Edward I, also known as LongShanks and Hammer of the Scots. During his reign, he worked with Parliament.

Howard TanzmanOctober 9, 2022PotpourriComment

The British Monarchy - Part II

In part 2 of the British Monarchy series, we look at a Civil War in the 1200s. This war temporarily overthrew the British Monarch and resulted in the creation of the House of Commons.

Howard TanzmanSeptember 25, 2022Potpourri Comments

The British Monarchy - Part I

King Charles III of Great Britain is a constitutional monarch with limited powers. Hundreds of years ago, the monarch was an absolute ruler. In the first of a multi-part series, we look at this evolution

Howard TanzmanSeptember 18, 2022Potpourri Comment

Bedtime for Bonzo Wins the Cold War

During their 1986 summit meeting, President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev discussed nuclear disarmament. They also discussed movies. Within a few years, the Soviet Union collapsed, and the cold war was over. Is it possible that the Reagan film 'Bedtime for Bonzo' was a factor?

Howard TanzmanSeptember 8, 2022PresidentsComment

Peace in Our Time - Part 10

Comparing Hitler’s justification for annexing the Sudetenland from Czechslovakia in 1939 to Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Both dictators used similar rationales.

Howard TanzmanAugust 14, 2022Military Comments

Peace in Our Time - Part 9

Putin’s justification for invading Ukraine echo some of Hitler’s rationale for annexing the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia in 1938.

Howard TanzmanJuly 31, 2022MilitaryComment

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