Parks, Presidents and Parks

To Anacreon in Heaven / Defence of Fort M'Henry

Over 200 years ago in September, an American composed one of our most famous poems, and set it to the music of a British drinking song - To Anacreon in Heaven.

In 1931 it was named our national anthem.

Howard TanzmanSeptember 18, 2023Comment

Union of England and Scotland

King James VI of Scotland became KIng James I of England, but the countries remained separate.

Howard TanzmanAugust 16, 2023 Comment

Great Britain's Greatest Monarch

This Queen was one of, if not the greatest Monarch.

Howard TanzmanAugust 6, 2023 Comments

British Monarchy Part XI

Ever wonder about the origin of the Bloody Mary. Queen Mary I of England was known as ‘Bloody Mary.’ Was the cocktail named after her?

Howard TanzmanJuly 30, 2023 Comment

July 4, 1863

July 4, 1863 was a milestone date for the Union during the Civil War

Howard TanzmanJuly 4, 2023Comment

The British Monarchy, Part X

King Henry VIII, his six wives, and the English Religious Reformation.

Howard TanzmanMay 7, 2023Comment

The Last Portrait

Franklin Delano Roosevelt died while an artist was painting his portrait

Howard TanzmanApril 17, 2023 Comment

Passover in Challenging Times

The Pandemic has made in-person Passover Seders challenging; but nothing like some of the difficult circumstances of the past.

Howard TanzmanApril 4, 2023Potpourri, Holidays Comments

Hope Springs Eternal

Spring training - when you are free to dream about your team for the upcoming season.

Howard TanzmanMarch 18, 2023Sports Comments

The British Monarchy, Part IX

With the end of the the 100 years war against France, English fell into an internal Civil War - the War of the Roses

Howard TanzmanMarch 6, 2023 Comment

The British Monarchy, Part VIII

Led by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, King Henry V was put on trial for the murder of French prisoners after the battle of Agincourt. Was he found guilty?

Howard TanzmanFebruary 19, 2023 Comment

The British Monarch, Part VII

Shakespeare wrote two plays about King Henry IV. A major character in those was his son, who the heir, not the spare.

Howard TanzmanFebruary 6, 2023 Comment

The British Monarchy - Part VI

Shakespeare covers the reign of King Richard II, whose was deposed and murdered

Howard TanzmanJanuary 23, 2023 Comments

The British Monarchy - Part V

If you think the current spat between Prince’s William and Henry is bad, consider King Edward III who started the 100 Years war over royal disputes. (And, his mistress became the subject of historical fiction)

Howard TanzmanJanuary 8, 2023 Comments

What do the Pope, Frank Sinatra and Alcides Ghiggia have in common?

Guest Blogger Simon Tanzman tells the story of Uruguay's upset win over Brazil in the 1950 World Cup, considered by some to be the Biggest Upset in World Cup History and yes, the Pope, Frank Sinatra and Alcides Ghiggia are part of the tale.

Howard TanzmanDecember 25, 2022Potpourri, Parks, Sports Comments

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