How we see history

The Pew Research Center has a fascinating study of how we see historical events, by age, race, ethnicity, gender, politicaly party. Here are some of the charts: By age: By race/ethnicity: You can read more at the link above.

History for conservative kids

Enjoy this piece from Professor Betty Bowers, America’s Best Christian®..

Can a feminist vote for a man?

Is this even a question? Lately, some old-school feminists — some of whom I deeply admire — have been quoted as “chiding” young feminists who support Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Because Bernie’s a man, and Hillary’s a woman, and, well, if you’re a girl, you need to vote for a …

If you’ve nothing better to do…

I’m speaking at the Lebanon Historical Society at 3 p.m. on Sunday. I love Lebanon. The green is huge and it’s surrounded by history and farmlands. When I lived in the area, I would drive there just to walk around the green. Come early! Heckle!

File this under “de-criminalize poverty.”

A so-called “right to rest” bill is winding its way through the California legislature, and some city officials are nervous. The bill, from that previous link: would allow homeless individuals to sit, stand, eat or rest without it being a criminal offense. Business owners often oppose such a bill, for fear that public loitering by …

If you’ve nothing better to do…

…I have a story running on WNPR’s “Where We Live” starting around 9:30 a.m. Thursday. You can listen here. The story is the second in a series of four stories on Greater Hartford’s 100-day challenge to reduce chronic homelessness, and explores the rather surprising (and recent) history of homelessness in Connecticut, and catches listeners up …

Drop what you’re doing and read this now.

The fabulous Ta-Nehisi Coates takes down the folks who took umbrage at Pres. Obama’s  speech at last week’s National Prayer Breakfast last week, in which he had the gall to quote history. And thanks, Jenipher, for the link.

Penn and Teller on vaccinations (NSFW)

Here’s a fascinating history of the anti-vax movement. Note the role that religion has played (which is why this YouTube video has been deemed DatingJesus-worthy). The discussion has heated up since more than 70 cases of measles were traced to Disneyland H/t to KevinMD.

It’s Labor Day! Time for a picnic!

But even more, it’s time to remember the history of Labor Day, which didn’t begin as a heavy-travel day, or a time when we stretch out summer by 24 hours, or a good day to shop the sales. If you’re doing any of those things, good on you, but make sure you take the time …