Remember Gayland?

Ellen Degeneres announced she was gay to 42 million viewers on this date in 1997. I can’t say that it’s hurt her ratings any, and J.C Penney’s still adores her as a spokesperson. Personally, I don’t give a diddly damn about a person’s sexual orientation. But I’ll...

Batter Up!

Once again, I’m writing about life lessons as viewed through baseball statistics. Must be something in the air—like the smell of peanuts, and popcorn, and Cracker Jacks. Since 1947, today has been hailed as “Babe Ruth Day,” celebrating the Babe’s many achievements in...

All things bright and shiny

The first thing my golden tabby cat Alvin did when he moved in with me in early January was to knock all the silver balls off the Christmas tree. (Yes, it was January, but I always leave the tree up until after the Epiphany.) I figured at the time he only knocked the...

It Happened at the World’s Fair

Fifty years ago today, (Yes, that’s 50 years ago!!) “The Century 21 Exposition,” also referred to as the “Seattle World’s Fair,” opened for a six month run. (April 21 to October 21, 21st Century, see the pattern?) With paint colors named Orbital Olive for the body,...

Hats off to William Dawes!

As a US History teacher for many years, I always sought to give my students a fair and accurate accounting of the major events that altered the course of our country. One fine April day in 2006, I told them I’d give a free pass on homework for a week for the first...