THE GREAT EMU WAR

                One of the most unusual wars in history occurred in Australia in 1932.  And the bad guys won.  If you can call birds bad guys, that is.  When Australian soldiers returned from the Great War, they were rewarded with farm land.  Surprise, the government screwed them.  The free land Read more…

THE BOMBARDMENT OF ELLWOOD

                The first enemy attack on American soil since the British attacked Washington during the War of 1812 occurred on Feb. 23, 1942.  In the period after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese sent seven subs to roam the California coastline in search of warships and merchant ships.  They sank two merchant Read more…

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…

“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…