Latest blog entries
The Voice of the Enlightenment
On Nov. 21, 1694, Voltaire, the name that François-Marie Arouet published under, was born in Paris. He rejected the law for a chance to write, and became one of the most successful, and influential authors in history.
The Gettysburg Address
On Nov. 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln consecrated the Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg, where 3,155 Union soldiers died in a three-day battle, with one of America’s most memorable speeches.
Return to Sender
Today I received the fourth envelope of holiday return address labels from a worthy (I guess) charity begging a donation. Other organizations send out calendars, key chains -- even coins -- knowing guilt is a great motivator. That might work if I needed the labels. But one batch is more ...
Blood of Patriots
“We petition the Obama administration to: Peacefully grant the State of Tennessee to withdraw from the United States of America and create its own NEW government.”
'An Army Marches on Its Stomach'
On Nov. 17, 1749, Nicolas Appert was born in Châlons-en-Champagne, Marne, France; he invented “canning” as a way to preserve food.
Chilly Pipe Dreams
On Nov. 16, 1973, President Richard Nixon authorized the construction of the 800-mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline from the North Slope of Alaska to Port Valdez.
Reuben's 2012 High School Football Predictions -- Third Round Playoffs
Well, as the days get shorter, so do the number of games. Last week, only seven games to pick from as I picked seven out of seven winners correctly for a perfect mark of 100%. The season now stands at 143-28 (83.6%). This week, there are only three games to ...
The Cyclone Strikes 'Em Out
Denton True Young earned the moniker Cyclone in 1890, and when he retired 21 years later he left baseball records in a shambles.
Robert Fulton Was an Artist, Inventor and Entrepreneur
On Nov. 14, 1765, American inventor Robert Fulton was born on a farm in Pennsylvania; he built the first workable submarine, the Nautilus, for Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800, and built the early warship.
Why I Have No Heroes
People are people. Profound, I know, but it explains why I have no heroes. I don't mean to pick on General David Petraeus, but he's a good -- and latest example. The general and, until last week, CIA director, was by all measures and accounts a good and honorable man. ...
You May Sit Where You Please
On Nov. 13, 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down laws in Alabama that segregated buses, and heralded the end of “separate but equal” as legal segregation.
Our Future Workforce is Hungry
Last week, I was invited to participate in the annual career fair held in the gym at West Pine Middle School. Since this is my daughter's school, I jumped at the opportunity to see her in her "native environment" and do my level best either to impress or embarrass her. ...
Passing Through the Gates of Hell
On Nov. 12, 1840, François-Auguste-René Rodin was born in Paris; his sculptures were initially unappreciated, but wrought change and presaged a modern era in art.
A Little Thawing on the 'Fiscal Cliff' is Welcomed
Rhetorical bombs are for pundits, and policy-makers should ignore the recommendations of taking a plunge over the “fiscal cliff.”
No Middle Name, but Very Popular
On Nov. 10, 1871, American author Winston Churchill was born in St. Louis, Missouri. At the height of his fame he quit writing and retired from public life.
The Pen Succumbs to the Pistol
On Nov. 9, 1908, Robin Cooper shot and killed former Sen. Edward W. Carmack, editor of the Tennessean.
Reuben's 2012 High School Football Predictions -- Second Round Playoffs
Another sub-par week is in the books. Went 9-3 (75%) bringing the season mark to 136-28 (82.9%). North Rowan, Douglas Byrd and Western Alamance kept me from achieving a perfect mark. Looking at various scores through out the state, there were a few blowouts, including a few in our backyard, ...
Solving the “Tyranny of Numbers” and Changing the World
On Nov. 8, 1923, Jack Kilby was born in Jefferson City, Mo. His 1958 invention of the integrated circuit made possible the incredible devices we use everyday.
Rankin Fought For Women’s Suffrage and Against War
On Nov. 7, 1916, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to serve in Congress. She represented the at-large district in Montana.
Mind, Body, Spirit: Basketball
On Nov. 6, 1861, James Naismith was born in Almonte, Canada. He made a ministry of teaching young men athletics, and invented basketball along the way. The college basketball season starts Friday.
