Every new beginning

While I would not have said this about myself 10 years ago, I apparently am flexible and optimistic. I find joy in the toil of life (Ecc. 2 & 3) and in keeping on keeping on. Life is short, and what is better than being helpful and productive?

“We Don’t Surrender Much”

A number of Michigan infantry regiments participated in the battle of Stones River, but this post is about the First Regiment of Michigan Engineers and Mechanics who happened to take an active role in combat on January 01, 1863, at Lavergne, Tennessee.

Some sligh history

It is sobering to consider that a Scottish immigrant family paid such a high cost for the Union.

Fort Sumter Photo Gallery

It seems fitting to post these pictures in April.

My eccentric guide to Final Four rooting interests

You will enjoy the most eccentric guide to Final Four rooting interests that you’ll see this week.

10 painfully bad Abraham Lincoln jokes

I don’t know why I thought of these today. I do know that the world does not need them. Nevertheless, for my amusement, here are 10 painfully bad Abraham Lincoln jokes.

What is the lost cause to a black man?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like for a black man to visit the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library?

James Garfield versus the slavers

I recently purchased The Early Life and Public Career of James A. Garfield from a used bookstore in Grand Rapids. Flipping through it, I found a fascinating story about James Garfield facing down slavers in Kentucky during the Civil War. Before you read the story, it’s helpful to get a little background. James Garfield was […]

Celebrate our national parks

I love the idea of preserving our natural and historical treasures for public benefit. Our national parks instill pride and foster community. I’m glad that we have the parks, and I would support even more funding to expand the museums, displays, and preservation efforts of our National Park Service. The federal government does all sorts of silly and harmful things, but spend money on national parks is not one them.