history

history / iPhone / journalism / links / photo / things to read / Thursday — Comments Off on A sign teaches us the history of veganism
11
Sep 14

A sign teaches us the history of veganism

Enjoying Catember? A photo of the cat every day, what a great gimmick, eh? Today’s features a recent night where she judged me worthy of a lap visit. I reached for my phone to try to take a picture and she leaned right in. She has never been phased by my DSLR. Point the phone at her, though, and she protests, moves or leaves. Or bonks the phone, ruining the shot. She’s uncanny that way.

And she’s as feisty as ever, too.

I did not realize we had such a think in the 1940s.

Milos

You would think our old family members, in the peak of life, would have thought “The war is over and I am alive. I am eating a steak. Later, I’ll have a pork chop, and possibly a meat soup. Tomorrow we’ll try that new Milo’s place.”

Actually, a 2008 Time article says the word was coined in 1944. Wikipedia says Englishman Donald Watson came up with it in Leicester. They were bombed in the Blitz in 1940 and more than 100 were killed, hundreds more injured and more than 250 homes destroyed, but they weren’t in the front lines otherwise and was considered something of a sanctuary for around 30,000 people. The area was important for air training and uniform production and, later holding Axis POWs. And, less famous for the man that was inspired by his time on the farm to become an animal rights activist.

Did you know there is a World Vegan Day? November first. Steak? Pork chop? Or meat soup?

I kid, I kid. I eat less meat than I used to, most of the time. But, occasionally you just need to use your canines.

Things to read … because reading puts meat on your bones.

Zach Brown is a former student of mine. He was the editor of The Samford Crimson. Now he’s a Fulbright scholar traveling in far-flung regions of the world bring English and pop culture coolness to people in different, dusty places. This is part of his journey: Mountain passes to Gharm, Khujand, and Panjakent.

Elsewhere in the wide world … The ongoing Damage to the Venezuelan Economy:

Venezuela’s annual inflation rate has risen to 63.4%, the highest in Latin America, according to official figures published on Tuesday.

The figures are the first released by the central bank since May, which has led critics to accuse the government of withholding data for political reasons.

This is going to be important, and I don’t want you to be caught unawares.

Also important … Ebola is ‘devouring everything in its path.’ Could it lead to Liberia’s collapse?

Here is a collection of Sept. 12, 2001 newspaper front pages. The thing I find interesting is how they are all different. With so many hub-and-spoke operations in place today that wouldn’t be the case with a huge national story today. There would be a great deal more homogeny.

Closer to home … Professional football returning to Birmingham:

The new North American Football League says the Birmingham Freedom will begin play next spring, along with franchises in Columbus (Flight), Hartford (Merchantmen), Kentucky (Thoroughbreds), Memphis (Kings), North Carolina (Redwolves), Orlando (Sentinels) and Virginia (Crusaders).

We’re number five! We’re number five! Alabama ranks as one of the most tax-friendly states in the U.S.

And now for some quick links on various media subjects of the day:

Is Virtual Reality The Future Of Journalism?
5 charts: The shifting landscape of digital video consumption
Seeking to bolster websites, TV stations hire newspaper journalists
Looking for new photo, video, audio, multimedia or FTP apps?
How to Setup the NPR App Template for You and Your News Org

Finally, there is this piece, which is pretty great … ESPN3 grows its offerings with student productions:

On Saturday, the Mercer Bears from Macon, Georgia, will play their first Southern Conference football game against Furman. Fans can watch it on the ESPN3 Web stream, even though the Bears football program is only one year old. Mercer decided to take advantage of an ESPN3 initiative that allows schools to join the network.

“We’re one of the first in football to pick that up and run with it and self-produce an event for ESPN,” said Mercer Athletic director Jim Cole.

It took an investment of $150,000 to upgrade the university’s TV production studio, get some high-grade cameras and pull fiber cable throughout campus. But, Cole says, joining the ESPN network is money well spent — even if it’s only their Web stream.

“I’m looking for name ID for Mercer,” Cole said, to showcase Mercer to potential students around the country. “Kids understand what ESPN means, so we view this as a recruiting advantage as well,” he said.

ESPN gets inexpensive programming, students get experience and exposure, teams get airtime, schools can use it to recruit. There’s a lot of win-win in that setup. I wonder about the details behind the line, “ESPN3 has different deals with each school,” but if that works out for a Mercer or whomever, more the better.

history / journalism / links / things to read / Tuesday — Comments Off on Just a few quick things on history, and today
26
Aug 14

Just a few quick things on history, and today

As I worked, I had this playing in the background. A movie you’ve seen a few dozen times is good for noise. And it was kind of fitting. I’ll talk about some World War II examples in class tomorrow.

Patton

I wonder what Patton would be like if they made that movie today.

And as I wondered that, I found this evening’s most interesting story, Longtime Opelika resident Bennie Adkins to receive Medal of Honor:

Retired Command Sgt. Major Bennie G. Adkins was recently named the latest recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States. He will be awarded by President Barack Obama Sept. 15 in Washington D.C.

“Mr. Adkins is a true American hero who served his country in Vietnam,” Congressman Mike Rogers said in a written statement. “His acts of heroism during his tour of duty earned him our nation’s highest honor, which he has long deserved. I congratulate Mr. Adkins on this honor and thank him for his bravery, sacrifice and service to our nation.”

He was in the Special Forces in Vietnam. After he retired he received three degrees from Troy, taught at Southern Union and Auburn University, ran an accounting firm for two decades and, with his wife, raised five children.

The three-day battle for which he is justly being honored is a rich read of heroism, pain and the best attitude we could ask for from service members.

During 38 hours of close-combat fighting he was frequently in and under enemy fire and manning a mortar position. That was when he wasn’t continually exposing himself to the enemy to treat and save wounded men and retrieve the bodies of the fallen. When the mortar was spent, he changed weapons. When he had exhausted his ammunition, he sought out more, again under fire. Ultimately, when he’d fired every weapon they had at Camp A Shau, he led the survivors out with just an M-16. They’d fought for a day-and-a-half. He would led men through another two days of evasion before they were picked up by the good guys.

From the battle narrative:

“Approximately 200 of the camp defenders were killed in action, with 100 wounded. The enemy suffered an estimated 500 to 800 casualties. It is estimated that Adkins killed between 135 and 175 of the enemy, while suffering 18 different wounds.”

You wonder why it took so long.

Things to read … And these won’t take too long.

Turner Broadcasting to offer voluntary buyouts, layoffs also expected

Here’s a rapidly evoloving topic. Why public relations and media relations don’t mean the same thing anymore

Harassment Charges for Student Who… Told Joke [Gasp!]

Student Activists Keep Pressure On Campus Sexual Assault

And that, I think, will do for one night.

cycling / family / food / history / iPhone / journalism / links / photo / things to read / Twitter / Wednesday — 1 Comment
13
Aug 14

A 60 year-old ad, a new sign, a race and food

Last night’s adventures in insomnia included this guy.

Jim

That’s my great-great grandfather, Jim. He was born in the winter of 1871, a year when the crops didn’t come in and the cotton caterpillars ravaged what was there. Jim married Sarah in 1904 and and they lived on a farm that her grandfather bought in 1854. They had 11 children. He died in 1953, his wife in 1970. So while I don’t know them, I did meet one of their kid’s, my great-grandfather. But I don’t remember him. My grandmother remembers her grandparents well, but I don’t know much more than what you find in this paragraph beyond where he’s buried. I do like that bicycle, though. So I found some old newspapers online and I’m looking for mentions, but turn up nothing.

I did find this, though:

In 1953 the church ads told you what the evening’s sermon was going to be about. This one wasn’t about Old Hickory Bourbon, or temperance. The topic was “A Methodist sermon by a Baptist preacher.” A different church had an ad in the next day’s paper, the preacher had promised to answer the question of a generation, “Should a woman wear a hat to church?”

The pressing stuff of their time.

I guess that branch of my family didn’t believe in obituaries, or care for the local paper. I don’t find a mention of him there. Otherwise, he must have been the quiet type. You don’t get in the paper until you do something wrong or something bad happens. Maybe that’s a good sign for the couple.

On my bike ride today, something of a casual ride around the greater neighborhood just to get in a few miles, I passed one of the better church signs I know. They’ve got personality here, as noted by most any previous message, one of the best in recent memory suggesting that you bring your sin and “drop it like it’s hot.”

This week’s note:

sign

It is a quiet little church, a lovely little place:

church

I also learned during this ride that I was on one of the local segments that the cycling apps chart as races. Without knowing it, I currently have the eighth fastest time on it for the year. I’ll have to try it again tomorrow to see if I can go any faster.

For dinner, we grilled pork chops and had beans which we discovered a few weeks ago:

dinner

I said to the lady that made them, a family friend, “You must give me your recipe or — ” which was the moment a look of embarrassment crossed her face. ” — or tell me what brand they are, because they are just about the best beans I’ve ever had.”

And they were. And they are. Also, they are from a can — Margaret Holmes. We discovered we didn’t necessarily need the lard — which is fine. The lady that made them, she’s a retired school teacher. She told me that her father, a man I knew a bit, was so old-fashioned the type that would not allow anything in his home that involved shortcuts. In this case that meant no canned foods. He made an exception for Margaret Holmes.

That’s an endorsement.

Things to read … because there’s probably something worth endorsing in here somewhere.

First, the journalism stuff:

How digital retailing could roil local media

Solving the Journalism Riddle — Somehow

Radio Disney Moving Off Air to Digital

If Disney is making that move …

Closer to home, 108 immigrant children relocated to Alabama in last 3 weeks:

Included among the children are those from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador who have crossed into the U.S. as part of a massive wave of immigration that has set off a humanitarian crisis and political firestorm.

The data does not include information on where the children were placed or whether they are residing with family members or foster care. The children will remain with the sponsors until a judge orders they be deported; until they turn 18 and are transferred back to DHS; or they are given permission to stay by immigrantion courts.

Finally, Ferguson:

history / music / video / weekend — Comments Off on Nixon on the subway
9
Aug 14

Nixon on the subway

I was raised in a suburban and exurban lifestyle. It was grand. And, like so many Americans, that involved cars. Many cars. A lot of miles. A great deal of time on interstates and highways.

So, when I was however old I was, when I spent time on a mass transit bus and subway systems I noticed something. Everyone on board the thing would rather be somewhere else. Anywhere else. It is an energy-sapping experience and you can see it on everyone’s faces.

I make the joke, which my beautiful wife hates, that it is like “Lord of the Flies.” She hates it because she’s spent plenty of times on the subway, so she always rolls her eyes, which means the jokes continue until someone inevitably brings up the conch shell.

Well. I’m going to take this video as a piece of evidence for my side of the joke. The Broadway cast from “The Lion King” delivered a performance on the subway. Watch the commuters:

In contrast, when the Australian cast did it earlier this year, people actually enjoyed themselves. And they were on a plane:

Which brings up a good idea. If you’re organizing a flash mob — and why are you doing that, again? — you might want to have four or five people who have the very important job of acting shocked and amazed.

If you’re organizing a flash mob, be sure you top this one, which is perhaps the best one ever:

OK, one more video. This was 40 years ago, today, Richard Nixon had resigned amid the Watergate investigations, and was addressing the White House staff. It remains a fine speech lost in all of the important things that were happening.

He was wrong about one thing, well a few things, in that speech. There was a book written about his mother.

I wonder if Nixon would have liked The Lion King. I wonder what he would have been like on the the subway.

Something like this. Thanks, Internet.

Auburn / history / photo / Wednesday — Comments Off on A return to 1898
23
Jul 14

A return to 1898

Last year I published this photograph:

Van Ness

It was the second in a series of posts about photos I found in my 1898 Glomerata, which is Auburn’s yearbook, of which I have a humble collection. The first post was here. (I have three more from that book that I scanned to share here, but I’d forgotten about them until just now.)

I say all of this to mention an email I received today. A nice lady from Wisconsin is doing genealogical research on some of her in-laws and one of the guys in this picture is her man, Franklin Waters Van Ness, and did I know which one he might be.

He’s the guy who is sitting. He was the captain of the API track team. At an inter-mural field day against six other schools he won the half mile, running it in two minutes and five seconds. But, I said, that was all the yearbook had on him. This was both a surprise and not surprising. They never really seem perfectly complete, but, also, the school was so small back then, and so many names pop up more than once, that you imagine he’d been in there somewhere, but I can’t find him.

So I asked what she knew about F.W. Van Ness. My previous post had some information that I’d read from research that she’d posted on findagrave.com. She wrote back right away:

He and his brother moved to Chicago where they were engineers. Franklin was also an efficiency expert. Franklin met Jennie Sullivan there. She was a teacher. They married in Chicago and the three children were born there. The family then moved to Milwaukee where Jennie was instrumental in developing playgrounds at the schools. They then moved to East Orange, New Jersey. Franklin is on the 1920 census twice. I think he was also in Cincinnati, as well as East Orange, but he traveled for his work.

Being a southerner, he loved the south, and bought that cotton mill (in North Carolina), which went bust during the Depression. They had lived very wealthy lives until that point.

[…]

(H)e ended up in Richmond, Virginia, and I don’t know why or what he did until his death.

[…]

He was certainly a smart guy and very motivated until the Depression took the steam out of him.

One of his daughters became a success in the hospitality industry, writing a book and giving college lectures on hotel work. Another daughter married an admiral and an ambassador. Franklin’s wife, Jenny, a suffragist and prohibitionist, was one of the first two female legislators in New Jersey. This is an interesting family.

Where Franklin Waters Van Ness is buried is a mystery, so I started Googling the man once more. Where I once again came up empty.

But I did find out something about Franklin’s brother, Graham Van Ness, that she didn’t know. She knew he’d served in the 2nd Missouri during the Spanish American War, but her trail went cold. Here’s the actual muster roster with his name on it. His unit only made it as far as Georgia, where another guy in the 2nd Missouri was famous for being Jesse James’ son. The story goes that people would often visit his unit to take pictures of him. This gives us a small world moment. I’m apparently related to Jesse James, so my relative would have known my new email friend’s relative. Except not. Apparently, the essay notes, this was a trick played by one of the jokers in that unit. But small world!

I found all that because I found a mention of Franklin as F.W. Van Ness in the story covering the suicide or murder of Graham. They were brothers and, the Burlington Daily News explains, Graham had witnessed the murder of Jack Lingle. This was a huge story in Chicago and Graham was apparently on the run from hitmen. Lingle was a well-to-do reporter … and a friend of Al Capone.

van ness

She said another of Franklin’s brothers was murdered in Texas. And another part of the family features a man who made his money in oil and natural gas before branching out into shipping, real estate and S&Ls and buying the Dallas Cowboys. Some family tree.

All of that, and more, I learned today because of a 115 year-old-photo I published last year.

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