François Rabelais, the great French writer of the 1500s, was a master of creative thinking. He had an unconventional view of the world and was thus able to wring fortunate outcomes from adverse circumstances. Once, for instance, far from his … Continue reading →

It is easy to talk about ‘the good old days.’ Unfortunately those memories are only about the ‘good’ times. There’s not a lot of romance in ugly memories. During the Alaska Gold Rush, for instance, 95% of the stampeders arrived … Continue reading →

This is a portrait of Bass Reeves. He was the first black Deputy United States Marshal west of the Mississippi.  During his career – ALONE – he arrested more than 3,000 felons and killed 14 people in self-defense. He died … Continue reading →

Money. We all want it. But, in fact, it does not exist. Don’t believe me? OK, go down to your bank and ask to see the $850 in your checking account. The teller will laugh. Because that money does not … Continue reading →

One of the givens in the United States is the USPS, United States Postal Service.  It is not Democrat or Republican, rich or poor, liberal or conservative, city or farm, black or white, male or female.  It serves all of … Continue reading →

This Labor Day let’s remember – and thank – Francis Perkins. She was the longest serving United States Secretary of Labor, 12 years, 1933 to 1945, from the depths of the Depression through World War II. Because of her leadership … Continue reading →

In America, we solve problems by making them profitable. Here is an excellent example. Used tires being recycled into art.  Some artist made money with trash. Glass is crushed and mixed with asphalt which reduces the cost of road repair. … Continue reading →

OK, history buffs, tell me.  What are the cones on top of the heads of these women? Actually, we now know. Egyptians would shave their heads and wear wigs.  At gatherings, women – and presumably men – would sack cones … Continue reading →

100 years ago women – last month – women did not have the right to vote, to work if they were pregnant, to inherit property if they were married and if they did work, their husbands got their paycheck. Pregnancy, … Continue reading →

This is one of those “Really?!” photographs. This is actually an excellent representation of our brains in an election year. Nothing is organized, everything is chaos and all we know for sure is the end of the trip is coming … Continue reading →