Bumbling My Way into Another Year of History Nerdery

Back in 2015, I started the year with a post sharing what I expected to think about in the coming year.  I have no idea what inspired it, but I’ve opened each year since then with a similar post. I’ve always found it a useful way to get my thoughts in order, the writing equivalent…

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Lighting a (Metaphorical) Candle Against the Darkness

Shortly after Thanksgiving the song “We Need a little Christmas Now”[1] began to run through my head on constant repeat. It was, quite frankly, annoying. I don’t know about you, but we felt a little subdued going into the holiday season[2] this year, for reasons external and internal. I did not need Angela Lansbury being…

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Word with a Past: Maverick

The word “maverick” has always had overtones of the American West in my head—or at least the American West of a childhood spent watching shows like Gun Smoke, Bonanza, and, of course, Maverick.[1] Imagine my surprise when I recently learned that the word in fact has its roots in nineteenth century Texas. Samuel A Maverick…

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