Who is the best-selling musician in American history?
The top spot wasn’t claimed by Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson. Continue reading Who is the best-selling musician in American history?
Tag: History
The first parade honoring St. Patrick wasn’t in Ireland
The modern tradition began over 3,000 miles from the Emerald Isle. Continue reading The first parade honoring St. Patrick wasn’t in Ireland
John Quincy Adams and the Journey to the Center of the Earth
The sixth President of the United States advocated for a polar expedition to reach the globe’s epicenter. Continue reading John Quincy Adams and the Journey to the Center of the Earth
How January got its name
The first month of the modern Gregorian calendar owes its name to a Roman god. Continue reading How January got its name
Joan of Arc never fought in battle
The French martyr of the Hundred Years’ War was not the fierce warrior most imagine today. Continue reading Joan of Arc never fought in battle
Worst year to be alive? Try 536 AD, not 2020
When asked which year was the worst in history to be alive, many historians are quick to mention 536 AD. It might seem surprising that these historians can pinpoint a specific year as a clear winner, considering how fraught human history is with suffering. Perhaps it is less surprising, however, when the events of 536 are described. Due to a heavy fog, many portions of … Continue reading Worst year to be alive? Try 536 AD, not 2020
George Washington, King of American whiskey
Settling into retirement, the Founding Father lived off the profits of an entirely different Spirit of ’76. Continue reading George Washington, King of American whiskey
When the brother of John Wilkes Booth saved Lincoln’s son
Both thespians, the Wilkes brothers played drastically different parts off-stage. Continue reading When the brother of John Wilkes Booth saved Lincoln’s son
President for one day: The David Atchison administration
As of July 11, 2020, there have officially been 45 U.S. presidents. Theories abound regarding the power held by figures such as Dick Cheney or Edith Wilson, but the official tally stands. Should it? The presidential line of succession is an important mechanism to ensure that, at any point in time, someone occupies the office. In 1849, the president pro tempore was third in that … Continue reading President for one day: The David Atchison administration
Welcome to Hell, Biagio da Cesena: Michelangelo’s spiteful addition to ‘The Last Judgment’
As most are aware, Michelangelo’s famous renderings on the Sistine Chapel, “The Last Judgment,” were highly controversial among Italian clergy for their depiction of nudity. Few were more aghast at Michelangelo’s sacrilege than Biagio da Cesena. The conservative Papal Master of Ceremonies expressed his distaste for Michelangelo’s work by stating that, due to the fresco depicting “all those nude figures, exposing themselves so shamefully,” it … Continue reading Welcome to Hell, Biagio da Cesena: Michelangelo’s spiteful addition to ‘The Last Judgment’
Pulp Sage 