The Greatest War never fired a shot

The Great Pig War (aka the San Juan Boundary Dispute) between the US and UK/Canada, begun in June of 1859, lasted 12 whole years and was started over a very hungry pig. At maximum belligerence, the order of battle included 2,600 ground troops, five powerful ships of the line, and nearly a hundred cannon. ButContinue reading “The Greatest War never fired a shot”

It’s the start of Holy Week

Happy Palm Sunday The name Palm Sunday comes from the tradition for worshippers being given palm fronds which they use to participate in the reenactment of Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem. As always, we here at ACME wish to quote that great theologian, my mother, during this holiday season: “I swear to God if you kidsContinue reading “It’s the start of Holy Week”

Poems a lovely as a tree

March 27, 1912 –Washington DC is in the middle of it’s annual celebration of National Cherry Blossom Festival (even though we are still supposed to be practicing social distancing,) commemorating the gift of Japanese cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo City to the city of Washington on this date. The gift of 3,020Continue reading “Poems a lovely as a tree”

Some days it’s not good to be the king

March 26, 1199 –All seemed right with the Medieval world. Richard the Lionheart was taking an evening stroll around the castle perimeter without his chain mail, investigating the progress of soldiers trying to destroy the fortress in which he was seeking refuge. Arrows were occasionally fired from the castle walls, but these were given littleContinue reading “Some days it’s not good to be the king”

… R, E, S, P, E, C, T

March 25, 1942 –The late great Aretha Louise Franklin (The Queen of Soul,) born in Memphis, Tennessee, on this date, was a singer, songwriter and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings, Franklin is adept at jazz, blues, R&B and gospel music. Franklin has won eighteen Grammy Awards in total during her nearly half-century longContinue reading “… R, E, S, P, E, C, T”

It’s the Feast of the Annunciation

Now a days known as The Solemnity of the Annunciation, I’m not even going to try to explain this one to you. While you’re in church this afternoon, ask one of the old lady in the back saying her decades of rosary to explain it to you. (This is for extra credit,) today is alsoContinue reading “It’s the Feast of the Annunciation”