Random Learnings #61
China's history of censorship and book burnings goes back over 2000 years, when Qin Shihuang, the first emperor, supposedly issued an edict to destroy works he deemed politically dangerous. Today's…
Martha Would Be Horrified
Madison, perhaps I'm missing humor or some ulterior intent, but believe the correct term for your article should be heat wave.
What Is Democracy?
The victorious allies met in Potsdam, Germany in July 1945 to discuss the substance and procedures of the peace settlements in Europe after V-E day. Stalin was the sole remaining…
Hulu Husband
Last weekend's start to the NFL season means Sundays are consumed with all things football, partners and children and friends and work and everything else be damned. Just what the…
But Can I Park My Non-Volkswagen Car?
Cuteness from the German-American Institute. Just one question: how old must one be to recognize the quintessential German Car, the Beetle?
Citizenship
Citizenship [is a] relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection. Citizenship implies the status of freedom with accompanying responsibilities. Citizens…
Random Learnings #60
I knew that the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact split Poland between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. I knew that post-war Poland's eastern borders moved west, the Soviet Union demanding the…
Polish Brand of Communism
In February 1977 Tomasz Strzyżewski, censor no C-36 of the Kraków Main Office for Control of Press, Publications and Public Performances, boarded the ferry to Sweden at Świnoujście, Poland, for…
When Name Recognition Is Not Good
The Netflix show Five Came Back: The Reference Films consists of twelve government-sponsored propaganda films. The first episode is Nazi Concentration Camps is about the well-known and appalling conditions the…
Give It A Rest!
Joe DiMaggio demanded he be introduced as The Greatest Living Ballplayer at all public appearances, such as Yankee Old-Timers' Day. Billy Crystal claims that DiMaggio punched him when Crystal did…