New Orleans Avoided Catastrophe in 1973 March 31, 2010

This Date in History:  When we hear of  flooding on the Mississippi River, most people think of the recent big events in 1993 and 1997.  They were huge for the plains states…record levels.  But, in 1997, the lower Mississippi River was above flood stage for just 69 days.  I say “just” because  the Lower Mississippi [...]

Transatlantic Cable Led To Bargain AKA The Alaska Purchase March 30, 2010

On This Date in History:  In Antebellum America of  the mid 19th Century, a message could be sent from New Orleans to Maine in a matter of minutes.  But,  that same message might take two weeks to get to London as it was unthinkable to be able to lay a cable all the way across the [...]

The Man Who Saved Millions is Now Held in Contempt March 29, 2010

On this date in History:  When America entered World War I,  President Woodrow Wilson decided to manage the war effort by creating a bureaucracy of four administrators.  There was the Secretary of War, the War Industries Board, the Committee of Public Information and the Food Administration.    While we can understand the Secretary of War working [...]

Battle of Glorieta Pass the Gettysburg of the West? March 28, 2010

On This Date in History:  When we speak of the US Civil War, one thinks of great battles in the eastern and southern parts of the country.  There were however battles on the high seas and in areas far from the main battle fields.  The last battle fought on land was the Battle of Palmetto [...]

The Tornado They Called “A Demon” Is Forgotten By Most March 27, 2010

Main street between 11th and 12th street after 1890 tornado…note railroad bridge over river in background. On This Date in History: The Courier Journal headline said a Demon visted Louisville.  Snow White and I visited Cave Hill Cemetery yesterday and saw the results of that Demon.  Several years ago, we were wandering around the cemetery [...]

WWF Schedules Earth Hour During NCAA Basketball Tournament March 26, 2010

Earth Hour?  We’ve all heard of Earth Day as it’s been around for about 40 years.   But now, there is Earth Hour.  This is brought to you by the WWF.  Before you go looking for a picture of Hulk Hogan carrying the earth on his shoulders like Atlas, it’s not the World Wrestling Federation.  Remember a [...]

Two Criminal New York Fires, Justice Served Just Once March 25, 2010

On This Date in History:  In the early 20th century, the industrial revolution was in full swing but social and business response natually lagged behind as the rapid growth of industry presented new challenges.  As corporations grew, new accounting and management techniques had to be developed and, in response to those needs, colleges and universities [...]

The King Should’ve Asked The People First March 24, 2010

On This Date in History:  Following the French and Indian War, Britain was left with a huge war debt.  That particular conflict began in 1754 but got folded into  a larger scale European  war between the French and English that became known as the Seven Years War that concluded in 1763.  Londoners were getting tired paying higher taxes [...]

The Cry For Liberty That Echoes For the Ages March 23, 2010

On This Date in History:  When one visits Colonial Williamsburg, a popular and common person you find wandering the streets is Patrick Henry.  Henry was born on May 29, 1736 in Hanover County in the Virginia Colony.   He was home-schooled and later studied the law on his own.   One of the homes that is prominent [...]

Iceland Volcano Not Necessarily Precursor to Global Calamity March 22, 2010

Several weeks ago, I spoke of the threat of a volcanic eruption in Iceland. Correct headline, correct country, wrong volcano. I was speaking of news regarding Mt. Hekla and how some observations had been made that the summit was absent of snow and that there was speculation that may have indicated an impending eruption. I [...]