Category Archives: Uncategorized

August 7, 2019 – Dick Gregory died two years ago this month in a Washington, D.C. hospital. He was 84. The anniversary of his passing – especially at a time in our history when we sorely miss his prophetic voice … Continue reading →

August 17, 2022 – Davy Crockett was born 236 years today. His birthday was the first historical date I committed to memory, thanks entirely to Walt Disney’s 1954 miniseries, Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier. The historical Crockett was … Continue reading →

“Not since the Civil War has our country been more divided.” That exaggerated claim appears occasionally in social media. It’s not true, of course, because we are not forming factional armies and going to war with one another. At least … Continue reading →

July 6, 2019. Martha, Will, Beny, and I visited the Franklin D. Roosevelt presidential library in Hyde Park, N.Y. this weekend. The artifact I wanted most to see again was Eleanor Roosevelt’s personal typewriter, now protected in a Plexiglas case … Continue reading →

My mother imagined great things for all five of her children and her support knew no bounds. In high school my younger sibs showed great promise for careers in architecture, medicine, health care, and engineering. My only talent was cartooning … Continue reading →

As Independence Day approaches, our hearts and minds turn to holy writ. At least, it sounds like holy writ. Immigrant Irving Berlin writ it as a fervent prayer, and Kate Smith belted it out: God Bless America, Land that I … Continue reading →