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Clip of the Week: May 4, 2022
On May 4, 2022 by ElyseSir Robert Ball, the astronomer, is fond of telling an amusing story against himself. He is a round-faced, jovial-looking man in appearance, not resembling in the least the ordinary conception of a famous scientist. Once he was engaged to lecture in a remote part of Ireland, and found no vehicle waiting for him at 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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Clip of the Week: April 20, 2022
On April 20, 2022 by ElyseA court-house in a certain provincial town stands near a common. During one of the cases that were being tried there counsel was in the middle of his speech for the defence, when a donkey outside began to bray. The judge, who was notorious for his wit, put up his hand at this juncture, and
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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
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Clip of the Week: April 6, 2022
On April 6, 2022 by ElyseSomebody never learned the Golden Rule: “Mark Twain insists [in his 1909 book Is Shakespeare Dead?] that [Sir Francis] Bacon wrote Shakespeare,” says the Youngstown Telegram. A hundred years or so from now somebody may be insisting that George Bernard Shaw wrote “Huckleberry Finn;” and we know Mark would not relish that idea. – The
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The Perfect Foot
On March 30, 2022 by ElyseFolks, put on your comically oversized nightcap—or pour yourself one—because this week, I have another Cinderella-esque fairy tale to read you. Since this blog is not yet available in podcast form, you’ll have to imagine my dulcet tones and/or high-pitched squeaks as you go along. Once upon a time, in the not-so-faraway land of Chicago,
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Clip of the Week: March 23, 2022
On March 23, 2022 by ElyseIt was worth a shot: F. M. Orchard’s home has been robbed many times. Published a “want ad:” “Mr. Burglar, please write. State what you want, and we will prepare it, but don’t muss up the house.” – The Day Book, January 18, 1913 Sounds like somebody could use one of these:
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Bearbnb
On March 16, 2022 by ElyseWhether it’s a thief running through the hallway in his underwear or a night spent inside a whale, everyone has a hotel horror story. For me, it was the giant, unidentified insect I found crawling around the bathtub in a rural South Dakota motel. I may or may not have screamed. However, with some hindsight,
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Clip of the Week: March 9, 2022
On March 9, 2022 by ElyseDear readers, it’s your lucky day: You get TWO bad puns for the price of one! You’re welcome. Governess, why should people always select the serpent as the symbol of evil and badness? Resourceful Governess: Well, you see, the poor thing hasn’t a leg to stand on. Does your daughter play on the piano? Old