Category: History

One of the greatest science fiction magazines is now available for free online – The Verge

I love that all these great magazines are finding new homes online (that said, I do own several of the original copies, including the three part series of Bester’s The Demolished Man). I’ve even noted it before, specifically when IF magazine, Galaxy’s sister publication, went live online and when Omni hit the digital archives.

So now, most of Galaxy is available online for you to read and enjoy. I suggest you do.

Source: One of the greatest science fiction magazines is now available for free online – The Verge

Cinema’s greatest scene: ‘Casablanca’ and ‘La Marseillaise’

Casablanca is widely remembered as one of the greatest films of all time, coming in at #2 on the AFI’s top 100 list and similarly regarded by many other critics. You can quibble with its exact rank, but it’s at least undeniable how iconic Casablanca remains. Even now, more than 70 years after its 1942 release, few movies have ever produced as many enduring quotes. Continue reading “Cinema’s greatest scene: ‘Casablanca’ and ‘La Marseillaise’” →

This Is the Best Dinosaur Fossil of Its Kind Ever Found

The 110 million-year-old fossil of a nodosaur preserves the animal’s armor, skin, and what may have been its final meal. The 5-year-old in me, who wanted to be a paleontologist, is thrilled beyond measure. The 49-year-old me is almost as stoked.

And here’s another piece, from Gizmodo, looking at how it “still has it’s skin.“

Rabbi Abraham Zacuto and the Astrolabe | David Magazine

15731830_1394489910585063_3400966232016091909_oMy boss, the publisher of David Magazine, has this wonderful way of working. If I happen to be traveling somewhere, he knows something about the history and sends me on an adventure to write a story for an upcoming issue. This time, I was in Portugal, so he sent me in search of Portuguese Jewish history. The result is at the link below. Enjoy!

The Age of Discovery of the Portuguese Jews

Source: Rabbi Abraham Zacuto and the Astrolabe | David Magazine

1978/2017 Spider-Man Calendar Desktop Wallpapers – Andertoons Cartoon Blog

Mark Anderson, who is a great cartoonist and prime level geek, realizing the cyclical nature of calendars decided to scan his old superhero yearly markers for everyone to enjoy. This year, it’s the 1978 Amazing Spider-Man edition he’s gracing us with. In the past, it’s been the 20th anniversary of Marvel and DC Super Powers (and then there were the amazing superhero Valentine’s day cards). Anyway… enjoy. And when you get a chance, thank Mr. Anderson for what he’s doing!

Staten Island Ferry Disaster Memorial Museum – http://sioctopusdisaster.com

The Staten Island Ferry Disaster Memorial Museum hopes to preserving the memory of those lost in this tragedy and educate the public about the truth behind the only known giant octopus ferry attack in the tri-state area.

Source: Staten Island Ferry Disaster Memorial Museum – http://sioctopusdisaster.com

Continue reading “Staten Island Ferry Disaster Memorial Museum – http://sioctopusdisaster.com” →

What Makes a Hero and the True Measure of the Human Spirit: Walter Lippmann’s Stunning Tribute to Amelia Earhart – Brain Pickings

“The world is a better place to live in because it contains human beings who will give up ease and security and stake their own lives in order to do what they themselves think worth doing.…

Source: What Makes a Hero and the True Measure of the Human Spirit: Walter Lippmann’s Stunning Tribute to Amelia Earhart – Brain Pickings

DAVID • Think: The Riot of Spring

13062137_1170115859689137_4571689121878955011_nOne of the great things about my job is I get to learn all sorts of new things. Had no idea that Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” was so controversial when it was first produced.

What? You didn’t know either? Well read my latest David article to find out what all the fuss was about!

Celebrating the 103 Year Anniversary of the Stravinsky Ballet that Caused all the Fuss

Source: DAVID • Think: The Riot of Spring

Belgium 2016 Day 3 – Opening Locks in Antwerpen

Big HandOnce again, the boys from Jersey had their alarms set. They had overslept yesterday and missed Amsterdam so were trying it again today. The night before, when I’d gotten in, I mentioned the double alarm and gave my permission for one of their number to hit the guy who hadn’t woken with his alarm the day before if he did it again. I figured that was fair. This time, though, I was ready. I realized I had basically six days in Belgium and had spent two in Brussels. I also knew I had a hostel waiting for me for two nights in Antwerp and in Ghent but that I could arrive whenever so it was a flexible plan. But it was cold in Brussels and I kinda wanted to see what else this fair country had to offer. Continue reading “Belgium 2016 Day 3 – Opening Locks in Antwerpen” →