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January 19, 1809 –It’s the birthday of the poet and short-story writer Edgar Allan Poe, born in Boston on this date. He was the son of two actors, but since he was Edgar Allan Poe, both his parents died of tuberculosis when he was just a boy. He was taken in by a wealthy ScotchContinue reading “Lord, help my poor soul.”

Demand Euphoria!

If you were ever an altar boy or ever took Latin, I don’t need to tell you what jacta alea est means. But if you’re like most Americans, to whom Latin is about as familiar as Urdu, let me translate: it means the die is cast. At least that’s how it’s usually translated. Back inContinue reading “The die is cast (or something like that.)”

Harry Gordon Selfridge was born on January 11, 1864. Though American-born, he is best known as the founder of the British store Selfridge and Co., Ltd (think Macy’s, for those of you unfamiliar with the store). He receives little or no attention here in the United States. His name does not appear in any textbooks,Continue reading “The Customer is always right (unless they’re not.)”

Elvis the King (who was born in 1935,) (As I always say – lay your hand upon the screen and feel his healing power pulsate through your nether regions.) and Davy Jones, who was born in 1947, were both born on this date – (you may lay your hand upon the screen and feel theContinue reading “May their light shine on your path!”

It’s the Feast of the Three Kings (Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar), Little Christmas, the Epiphany etc. If you’re playing the home version of the game – the Gifts of the Magi were Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh (or the watch fob and a set of combs, or more obscurely, cigar box and soap dish would haveContinue reading “An unseen, steady process towards understanding”

It’s the eve of the Epiphany (Twelfth Night) You may begin to put your decorations away. Before I let you go: What were the gifts of the Magi (what were the names of the Magi?) Bonus question: There was a fourth gift – what was it and who was it from?

The only reason you’re reading this is probably because you’ve been redirected here I’m trying to increase the type of posting I can do on Facebook since they’ve removed the notes function.

December 18, 1626 –Christina (Kristina), Queen of Sweden, later known as Maria Christina Alexandra, Minerva of the North, Protectress of the Jews at Rome and sometimes Count Dohna, was born on this date. Like most royalty and some presidents, Christina did not have to carry money, a passport or consistently spell her name the sameContinue reading “Yes, but she never became the Queen of Naples”