Every moment of the day, in virtually every corner of the world, people of all cultures employ various hand and body gestures to elucidate an idea, emphasize information, or substitute for human speech. A wave of the hand, a raised middle finger, a “thumbs up” or “peace sign” are among the many universally-understood physical gesticulations […]
The Surprising History of Sign Language and Body Gestures Read More »
Few historians would disagree that the 1960s was the most culturally significant decade in American history—particularly in terms of American Pop culture. From the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to Woodstock (the biggest music festival in history, held in 1969), the 60s were a veritable roller-coaster ride of cultural evolution and revolution.
Paper Caper: The History of the Paper Dress Read More »
In 1962, Brendon Grimshaw, a 37-year-old British newspaper editor working in Kenya, decided to go on holiday in the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 (mostly uninhabited) islands in the Indian Ocean. More than just a change of scenery, Grimshaw was looking for a change of life. As editor of some of the largest newspapers
In June of 1970, journalist Hunter S. Thompson was sent to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, to cover the highlights of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, for Scanlan’s Monthly. The result was a now infamous article entitled, “The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved.” Virtually ignoring the race itself, Thompson focused instead on the orgy-like atmosphere–
The Life and Strange Times of Writer Hunter S. Thompson Read More »
Saint Augustine is credited by many to be the greatest thinker of Christian antiquity. Today, he is credited with synthesizing the religious principles of the Bible and prevailing Greek philosophy. He then presented it in a manner comprehensible to both medieval Roman Catholics and Renaissance Protestants. Ironically, however, in his time, Saint Augustine was considered
Saint Augustine and His Treatise On Grace and Free Will Read More »
In 1905, 37-year-old Sarah Breedlove, the first free-born child from a family of Civil War era slaves, moved to Denver, Colorado. She had just $1.05 in her pocket and was intent on starting a business selling hair-care products that she created, primarily for Black women. Breedlove sold her products door-to-door. She would teach other Black
Sarah Breedlove Walker: The First Self-made Female Millionaire in America Read More »
They were first formed as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearance. However, because of their unique way of dancing to show worship, along with their actions when they prayed, they simply became known over time as “The Shakers.” They were also known for singing in tongues, whirling, and shouting during services. The
The Rise and Decline of Religious Group, the Shakers Read More »
In the realm of American folk music, no name is more significant than Woody Guthrie. He embodies the American spirit and epitomizes the struggle of the common man in the most trying of times. Songs like, “This Land Is Your Land,” “Don’t Kill My Baby & My Son,” and “I’m Blowing Down That Old Dusty
The Controversial Life of Outspoken Folk Icon, Woody Guthrie Read More »
At the age of 59, Nancy Hayes-Green made her debut as “Aunt Jemima” at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, Illinois. She became the first Black corporate model in American history hired to promote a nationally distributed product. In character, “Aunt Jemima” stood beside what was touted as the “world’s largest flour barrel”
The Exploitation of “Aunt Jemima”: The Nancy Green Story Read More »
In the final scene of the final episode of the 1979–80 season of the phenomenally popular TV show Dallas, arch-villain J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) hears a noise outside his office. He walks out to the hall to investigate. He is then shot twice by an unseen assailant–and collapses to the floor. This episode was broadcast
The Making of a Superstar: The Life and Time of Larry Hagman Read More »
