Appreciating all that makes America special

Most Recent Articles

Food: Dairy Queen

Posted by on May 3, 2011 in Food | 1 comment

I apologize to those currently on a diet for the pictures in this post. Dairy Queen makes the best milkshakes of any chain I’m aware...

Read More

Americana: Navy SEALs

Posted by on May 2, 2011 in Americana | 2 comments

There’s an old saying, “Don’t send a boy to do a man’s job.” Since their creation in 1961, the Navy SEALs...

Read More

History: The Berlin Airlift

Posted by on Apr 29, 2011 in History | Comments Off on History: The Berlin Airlift

At the conclusion of World War II, both the western Allies and the Soviet Union wanted Germany under their sphere of influence. The...

Read More

TV Show: Mad Men

Posted by on Apr 28, 2011 in TV Show | Comments Off on TV Show: Mad Men

What was it like to work in an advertising agency in the early 1960s? Chances are, it’s a lot like the environment portrayed at...

Read More

Americana: Soda Fountains

Posted by on Apr 27, 2011 in Americana | Comments Off on Americana: Soda Fountains

Okay, those of you under 30 bear with me for a few moments. Long, long ago, before a Walgreens or CVS occupied every corner, communities...

Read More

Americana: The Plaza Hotel

Posted by on Apr 26, 2011 in Americana, Travel | Comments Off on Americana: The Plaza Hotel

When I made my first visit to New York City as an adult, I had a list of the sights I wanted to see as a first-timer. Like most people, I...

Read More

Music: Doo-Wop

Posted by on Apr 25, 2011 in Music | Comments Off on Music: Doo-Wop

While some say the origin of doo-wop goes back as far as The Mills Brothers (Great American Things, December 13, 2009) and The Ink Spots,...

Read More

Sports: Sam Snead

Posted by on Apr 22, 2011 in Sports | Comments Off on Sports: Sam Snead

“Slammin’ Sammy” Snead is one of the sub-class of professional golfers whose personality almost eclipses their talent. He...

Read More

Film: Raging Bull

Posted by on Apr 21, 2011 in Film | Comments Off on Film: Raging Bull

It’s a tough film to watch. The book from which its adapted, Raging Bull: My Story by Jake LaMotta wasn’t particularly good....

Read More

Song: "Forever and Ever, Amen"

Posted by on Apr 19, 2011 in Songs | Comments Off on Song: "Forever and Ever, Amen"

There’s a genuineness to Randy Travis that draws people to him. That sincerity, combined with a terrific country voice and some...

Read More