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Ambling around Amsterdam
On July 26, 2023 by ElyseOne of the most misunderstood cities in Europe is Amsterdam. For some reason or other this bright capital of the cut diamond has failed to make a vivid impression on the consciousness of the tourist world, yet it has an extraordinary beauty and variety all its own. – The Evening Post, April 11, 1935 Having
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Crêpe and Punishcake
On June 28, 2023 by ElyseWhat’s better for defending your home than an assault rifle? Why, a-syrup rifle, of course! A Paris message says: An elderly lady, Mme. Mouillebois, was engaged in frying pancakes in her rooms in the Rue de la Maison Blance on Saturday, when she was alarmed by hearing the door of her flat open. A man
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CSI: Valencia
On June 14, 2023 by ElyseSunscreen? ✔ Duolingo app for Spanish? ✔ The song “O Valencia!” on repeat? ✔ Crime scene investigation kit? X Doh, I knew I was forgetting to pack something. Fortunately for me, I’m in good hands, er, paws on my weekend jaunt with the Valencian Lassie. The sagacity of a dog has brought to justice a
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The Danish Deadhead
On May 3, 2023 by ElyseOn a recent visit to Copenhagen, I fell in love with the scenic waterfront, the pastries, the castles and gardens, the pastries, the attractive men, and did I mention the pastries? While none of these are fodder for a history blog, they did send me scurrying to the historical newspapers. There, I stumbled across a
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Two Arms Are Better Than One: A Play in One Act
On April 19, 2023 by ElyseSecond Glance History’s brand-new, ripped-from-the-headlines production has as much nail-biting suspense as 2019’s “Behind Enemy Lines” and as much heart as 2020’s “Letters from the Front Lines.” Five out of five stars! – A totally real and not at all imaginary theater critic Special thanks to the Stark Country Democrat (July 29, 1880) for the
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Romeo Gone Wrong
On February 8, 2023 by ElyseIt’s that time of year again: cliché greeting cards, overpriced supermarket chocolate and for Second Glance History readers, cringeworthy tales of all the ways love can turn sour. History teaches us that all it takes is a misplaced coffin, one small yawn at your wedding or a passing resemblance to your mother, and you might
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The Marathon Musician
On January 11, 2023 by ElyseDo you remember last year’s epic story about our friend James Waterbury, the champion piano torturer? It turns out there’s a spinoff starring one of his chief adversaries, Charles Wright: After practicing on a piano for twenty-seven consecutive hours, a Michigan near-Paderewski was removed to a sanatorium, and will probably die. What happened to the
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Brussels Bonanza
On April 27, 2022 by ElyseDear readers, I have good news or bad news, depending on whether you read this blog for entertainment or out of obligation: Second Glance History is going on a semi-hiatus. Life has taken a surprising turn, and I was unexpectedly offered a position abroad. Can you guess where? Jumping through bureaucratic hoops and moving across
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Eggnog Eggcess
On April 13, 2022 by ElyseAh, the sweet signs of spring: birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and eggnog consumption is soaring. As we learned last year, with this boozy beverage in hand, your Easter celebrations can be just as merry as your Christmas festivities. Sadly, no matter what time of year you indulge, there’s always somebody out there trying