Where I've been and what I've learned along the way…
With America “at war” on several fronts, I was stimulated to recall this wonderful and important book by the eminent historian Barbara Tuchman. The first line says it all…
A phenomenon noticeable throughout history regardless of place or period is the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests.
While vacationing on the Mississippi River we noticed this small steam-powered riverboat called the Julia Belle Swain. That name seemed very familiar. Then I recalled a John Hartford song by the same name (from his 1976 album Mark Twang). Sure enough, this was the very boat he piloted and sang about!
Mark Twain published his description of Life on the Mississippi in 1883.
I’ve been a big fan of Kurt Andersen’s Studio360 over the years, and the American Icons series includes some of his best work. His musings on Moby-Dick, (check out Moby-Dude!), The Wizard of Oz, Appalachian Spring, and Emily Dickinson are my favorites.