1513 Thomas Smith (born), English diplomat and scholar (died 1577) 1783 George Washington resigns as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland. 1805 Joseph Smith (born), American religious leader, founder and leader of the Latter Day Saint movement (died 1844) 1805 Pehr Osbeck (died), Swedish explorer (born 1723) 1823 … Continue reading
Culture is an important determinant of human behavior, and pushes us to do things that make no sense, put us at serious risk, are expensive and non-utilitarian, or are just plain idiotic. The absurdity to which humans will go to gain prestige, express their inner child, or be the center of attention knows no bounds. … Continue reading
Most people are not particularly good at anything. Those with low self-esteem probably earned it. George Carlin It is all Al Franken’s fault. If Franken had not come up with the character Stuart Smiley from his days on Saturday Night Live, we would not have this problem. “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and… Continue reading
It’s a habit of mine now, noticing labels, logos, shoes. Michael Jordan Recruiting promising athletes for collegiate programs is big business. Basketball and football are proven moneymakers for almost any college or university. Alumni contribute generously to their alma mater when they have a winning record. Applications for enrollment go up, and on and… Continue reading
Clocks determine so much of daily life. Businesses open at the same time every day, schools start at the same time every day, we commute to work at the same time every day, and we leave work at the same time every day. All of this sounds perfectly reasonable for an industrialized society and it… Continue reading