THE HISTORY OF MARDI GRAS

                Some historians believe Mardi Gras can be traced back to two Roman celebrations.  Lupercalia was a wild day where nude young men ran around and struck women with thongs.  Saturnalia also had a party atmosphere.  Masters served their slave banquets.  Gifts were given, mostly gag gifts.  Beans were baked Read more

THE CHICAGO SEVEN

                The Democratic Convention of 1968 took place in Chicago.  It took place in a year when the anti-Vietnam War movement and the counterculture were peaking.  The event attracted 10,000 anti-war protesters.  Chaos ensued as police clashed with demonstrators.  Mayor Daley was determined to crush the demonstrators.  On August 25, Read more

William Henry Harrison

Today is the anniversary of the birth of the President with the shortest tenure.  Here is the information on him that appears on this web site. NAME –  William Henry Harrison NICKNAME(S) – Old Tippecanoe  /  Old Granny BIRTH / DEATH – Feb. 9, 1773  Berkeley, Va.  /  1841  Washington, Read more

THE STORY OF “LOUIE LOUIE”

                  I would like to start by apologizing to all Baby Boomers for putting this ear worm in your head, especially if you are remembering the X-rated lyrics.  And I also am going to apologize for this post because it’s about a song that had no X-rated lyrics.                   Read more

“TAKE HER DOWN!”

                Howard Gilmore was born on September 29, 1902.  He enlisted in the Navy at age 18.  In 1922, he enrolled in the Naval Academy.  He graduated in 1926 and was posted to the battleship USS Mississippi.  In 1930, he transferred to submarines.  He survived a throat cutting from locals Read more

THE HISTORY OF MONOPOLY

            Lizzie Magie was a woman ahead of her time.  She was a feminist and a socialist.  In fact, she was an anti-monopolist at a time when the Robber Barons reigned.   She wrote poetry.  She also designed games.  In 1904, she came up with a game she called “The Landlord’s Read more

THE FIRST MISS AMERICA

                  The first woman titled “Miss America” was Edith Macartney.  She was crowned on Feb. 1, 1919 in a pageant held in New York City.  This pageant did not go on to become the famous Miss America Pageant.   Atlantic City was a popular destination for families wanting to enjoy a Read more