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A Sampler of Courage, Part 2
On September 4, 2019 by ElyseBefore reading, fortify yourself with Part 1. Already read it? Full speed ahead! Whether you’re a roaring lion or a scaredy cat, welcome back to our survey of courageous people we admire and/or hope we don’t have to emulate anytime soon. Allow me to introduce you to a man who checks both of the above
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A Sampler of Courage, Part 1
On August 21, 2019 by ElyseCourage, n. Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. – The Merriam-Webster Dictionary Courage—and the feats humanity achieves because of it—have been on my mind recently. In the face of fear and oftentimes, commonsense, we slay monsters, we venture into uncharted territory, and we rescue kittens from trees. Don’t
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Swiss Misc.
On August 7, 2019 by ElyseSecond Glance History strives to present as much of the truth of any story as possible, and as a service to my vast readership, I’m currently in Switzerland to investigate the veracity of the Swiss Federal Railroads’ audacious claims. Most picturesque playground in the world? Unparalleled scenic beauty? Inexpensive rail service? I’ll report back. While
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Five Signs Your Relationship is Impawsible
On July 24, 2019 by ElyseHere at Second Glance History, we’ve come across our share of unusual divorces but never one with quite so much furor. (I’d apologize for the cat pun, but I’m just getting started.) Inspired by the release of the nightmare-inducing trailer for “Cats,” let’s look at someone else’s version of feline purrgatory—I promise there’s no singing
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Summer of ’69
On July 10, 2019 by Elyse. . . 1769, that is. Sorry, Bryan Adams. If the Enlightenment-era botanist Sir Joseph Banks had a LinkedIn profile, he’d be the connection we’d block from our newsfeeds. This distinguished-looking Englishman served as president of the United Kingdom’s Royal Society for over four decades, was an influential proponent of settlement in Australia, sailed the
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Just What the Pediatrician Ordered
On June 26, 2019 by ElyseWhile I would no doubt enjoy living in an era that considers beer a health food and bread boxes a threat to public morality, when it comes to well-being and safety, the 21st century can’t be beat. Not only do we have cat memes, but we also benefit from modern medicine and robust public health
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History’s Forgotten Fashion Fad
On June 12, 2019 by ElyseAmericans living in the early 20th century had much to be concerned about: a world war, an influenza pandemic and most frightening of all, women neglecting their homes in pursuit of the vote. However, alongside these worries was another terror that could strike anywhere at any time: You’d think an army of pickpockets was mounting
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Life Lessons from a Centenarian
On May 29, 2019 by ElyseAs Abner and Mary Hammond taught us last year, the early 20th century press was obsessed with stories about the elderly doing anything besides sitting in rocking chairs. That press had a field day with Electa Kennedy. Starting in 1905 with an article anticipating her 100th birthday—in four years’ time—newspapers from California and Montana to
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Canine Clickbait
On May 15, 2019 by ElyseIn a shameless ploy to increase blog traffic, I’m giving the internet what it wants: cute puppies. I’ve scoured the usual sources to bring you the most adorable and amusing puppy anecdotes and photos history can provide. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it. You’re welcome. Before the Gosselins and their