Many people who would like religion taught in public schools often cite the fact that the First Amendment does not actually use the words “separation of church… Read more “The Jefferson Bible”
Author: dhoing
Historical Counting Errors, Popes and Kings
Papal trivia: Although the last Pope named John was number XXIII (23), there have actually only been 21 Popes named John. John XVI (16) was an antipope… Read more “Historical Counting Errors, Popes and Kings”
A History of the “Star-Spangled Banner”
Everyone knows that Francis Scott key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was on September 14, 1814, to be exact, during the War of 1812 while awaiting the… Read more “A History of the “Star-Spangled Banner””
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THREE TRADITIONAL ENGLISH BALLADS
I’ve written original musical arrangements of three traditional ballads, “Greensleeves,” “Scarborough Fair,” and “Auld Lang Syne.” Those scores, if you’re interested, may be found by clicking on… Read more “A BRIEF HISTORY OF THREE TRADITIONAL ENGLISH BALLADS”
HISTORY IN PERSPECTIVE, PART II
The world didn’t end with the first millennium, and alas for my readers, neither did this blog entry. The second thousand years are easier than the first,… Read more “HISTORY IN PERSPECTIVE, PART II”
I STILL DON’T KNOW JACK, BUT I KNOW ABOUT PEOPLE WHO DID
In a previous blog I posted a composite picture of what Jack the Ripper might have looked like, based on witness descriptions. Society has a morbid interest… Read more “I STILL DON’T KNOW JACK, BUT I KNOW ABOUT PEOPLE WHO DID”
“I Ain’t Got No Money,” Part Two: So Much Negativity!
Before launching into the topic of this blog, I want to establish two things: 1) The sole purpose of language is communication—that is, the conveyance of meaning… Read more ““I Ain’t Got No Money,” Part Two: So Much Negativity!”
“I Ain’t Got No Money,” Part One: “Ain’t” Ain’t a Word–or Is It?
Okay, I can feel you cringing. “Ain’t” isn’t a word and “ain’t got no” is a double negative, and neither is grammatically correct, right? Not so fast,… Read more ““I Ain’t Got No Money,” Part One: “Ain’t” Ain’t a Word–or Is It?”
Souls of the Harvest, Flash Fiction Online, and YouTube
One of the finest editors I’ve ever worked with is Jake Frievald. In 2008 Jake was publisher of the excellent ezine Flash Fiction Online. He ran my… Read more “Souls of the Harvest, Flash Fiction Online, and YouTube”
I Don’t Know Jack (But I Know What He Looked Like)
Those of you who know me know that I have a bit of an obsession with figuring out who Jack the Ripper was. Everyone has heard of… Read more “I Don’t Know Jack (But I Know What He Looked Like)”
