by Leo Hohmann, Leo Hohmann: ABC News and multiple other media outlets are reporting today that former Vice President Mike Pence, who did not endorse or support President-elect Donald Trump during the 2024 election cycle, has come out in opposition to Trump’s choice of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human […]

In December of 2022, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Northern California, destroying homes, damaging infrastructure, killing two people and leaving tens of thousands of households and businesses without electricity.  Typically, when power goes out in America, diesel generators come on to provide ad-hoc, dirty and expensive electricity while the grid is down. But that’s not what happened on the reservation of the Blue Lake Rancheria, a tribe comprising Wiyot, Yurok and Hupa Indians, after the quake. The reservation had a different solution. They simply turned on the grid — that is, their own. A microgrid is a small-scale energy system that can operate either independently or as part of the larger electric grid. Microgrids consist of generation devices along with management systems that control voltage and distribution of power. Their technology allows for cleaner, more efficient and more reliable power to buildings and communities in the event of greater grid failures. And with climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, such resilience is increasingly important. Workers installing the racking for the Blue Lake Rancheria’s 500-kilowatt solar system in June 2016. Credit: U.S. Department of Energy The Rancheria sits at the junction of three tectonic plates and is prone to numerous natural disasters — rainstorms, forest fires and earthquakes — and the outages they bring. In tandem with the Schatz Energy Research Center at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the California Energy Commission, the Rancheria installed its first microgrid in 2016 as part of a project to increase tribal sovereignty and energy stability, and reduce their carbon footprint. The $6.3 million “low-carbon community microgrid” was powered by a 500 kilowatt solar array paired with battery storage and connected to water systems, food storage, electric vehicle chargers, communications facilities and other essential infrastructure in the community. The system provides electricity cost savings of 25 percent and reduces the Rancheria’s carbon footprint by hundreds of tons of carbon annually.  “With this microgrid, we have improved resilience across the Rancheria,” Jana Ganion, director of sustainability and government affairs for Blue Lake Rancheria from 2012 to 2024, said upon the project’s completion. “We started with energy because we need quality power to support the other lifeline sectors,” like health care and other social services. Now, Blue Lake Rancheria is set to greatly expand its microgrid system through the Tribal Energy Resilience and Sovereignty project, a $177 million initiative that will add 20,000 kilowatts of solar capacity and will connect Blue Lake to the land of three other communities — comprising Hoopa, Yurok and Karuk Indians — with a 142-mile-long distribution circuit to increase regional resiliency between the tribes. Moreover, the expanded grid system will enable staff to choose between five priority levels for energy usage, allowing the operators to turn off non-essential power during outages — which will in turn allow the system to operate indefinitely during extended emergencies. Altogether, the expanded microgrid will “radically expand” the capacity of microgrids to “provide energy reliability in high-risk locations,” says Schatz Center director Arne Jacobson. “These tribes are already leading the field in dam removal, healthy fire on the land, middle and last-mile telecommunications access, and renewable energy systems deployment — and will now support development of what we hope will be a game-changing climate resilience solution.”

  Colorado is the birthplace of adventure tourism, home to iconic destinations like Pikes Peak and the Maroon Bells, and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Historically, Colorado played a pivotal role during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush of 1858–1862, which spurred significant westward expansion. The subsequent Colorado Silver Boom further cemented its status as a mining powerhouse. Achieving statehood in 1876, precisely a century after the Declaration of Independence, Colorado earned the nickname the “Centennial State.” Scattered across the state are historic towns that don’t just preserve the past; they let you experience it. Think Victorian main streets, gold mines you can walk through, and railroads still chugging through mountain passes. We’re taking you off the beaten path to ten of Colorado’s most remarkable historic towns. Each one is a destination, a story, and a memory waiting to happen. Let’s explore!   1. Georgetown Georgetown, Colorado. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Georgetown, established in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, is a historic town nestled in the Rockies. It blossomed into a prominent silver mining hub, earning the moniker “Silver Queen of Colorado.”   Today, it forms part of the Georgetown–Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District, showcasing well-preserved Victorian architecture and rich mining heritage.   You can explore the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a restored narrow-gauge railway offering scenic rides between Georgetown and Silver Plume, complete with guided tours of the historic Lebanon Silver Mine.   The Hotel de Paris Museum, once a luxurious 19th-century inn, provides insights into the town’s opulent past. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway presents breathtaking mountain vistas and is renowned for its spectacular autumn colors during aspen color change from September 10 through October 10 each year.   Additionally, the Alpine Hose No. 2 Firefighter Museum offers a glimpse into the town’s firefighting history. Strolling through downtown Georgetown reveals charming shops, art galleries, and eateries housed in historic buildings.   2. Central City Central City Opera House in Central City, Colorado. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Founded in 1859, Central City is a historic town that played a pivotal role in Colorado’s gold rush. Known as the “Richest Square Mile on Earth,” it quickly became a hub for mining and commerce, attracting people from all over the country.   One of the town’s highlights is the Central City Opera House, a cultural landmark built by miners in 1878. It remains operational today, hosting an annual summer festival. For those interested in delving deeper into the town’s mining history, the Gilpin History Museum features exhibits that showcase artifacts and stories from the 19th century.   Central City also offers a unique blend of preserved Victorian architecture and modern gaming venues, with casinos occupying many of the original buildings. Nature lovers can enjoy nearby hiking trails or take a scenic drive on the Central City Parkway, which provides stunning mountain views.   3. Leadville Remains of a structure that was likely part of the Ibex Mine, in Leadville, Colorado. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Leadville was founded in 1877 and is the highest incorporated city in the United States, situated at an elevation of 10,152 feet.   The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the Rockies,” provides an in-depth look into the mining industry’s history and its significance to the region.   For a scenic experience, the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad offers train rides through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, showcasing the area’s natural beauty and mining history.   Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail, an 11.6-mile loop around Leadville that passes through historic mining districts, offering opportunities for biking, walking, and, in winter, Nordic skiing.   Additionally, the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway provides stunning views of Colorado’s highest peaks, including Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, both accessible from trailheads near Leadville.   Visitors can also take a historic walking tour of downtown Leadville, where 70 square blocks have been designated a National Historic Landmark, featuring notable structures such as the Healy House, Heritage Museum, Delaware Hotel, and Tabor Home.   4. Crested Butte The town of Crested Butte with Mt. Crested Butte behind it, Colorado. Source: Wikimedia Commons   This former coal mining town that was founded in 1880 has transformed into a vibrant destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history aficionados. It’s also a great historic town if you’re looking to retire in Colorado.   The town’s rich past is preserved within the Crested Butte National Historic District, where visitors can explore well-maintained false-front buildings that harken back to its mining days.   For those interested in delving deeper into local history, the Crested Butte Museum offers exhibits detailing the area’s evolution from a mining hub to a recreational haven.   The Crested Butte Mountain Resort provides skiing opportunities in the winter and mountain biking trails during the summer months.   Additionally, the town is renowned for its wildflower displays, earning it the nickname “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.”   Those who are visiting can also enjoy the Crested Butte Adventure Park, which offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a bungee jump trampoline and rock climbing wall.   5. Silverton The town of Silverton, Colorado,as seen from U.S. Route 550. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Silverton, founded in 1874, is a historic mining town set amidst the majestic San Juan Mountains. Once a booming center during Colorado’s silver mining era, the town has preserved its heritage while becoming a haven for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. It’s also famous for being one of the most charming historic ski towns in the US.   A key attraction is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic train that has operated for over a century, offering scenic rides through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Visitors can also explore the Old Hundred Gold Mine, an underground tour that provides a firsthand look at the life of a miner during the late 19th century. The Mayflower Gold Mill, a National Historic Landmark, showcases the intricate processes of mining and milling that shaped the region’s economy.   For nature lovers, the Ice Lakes Trail offers an exhilarating hike to stunning alpine lakes, while the Million Dollar Highway provides a spectacular scenic drive connecting Silverton to nearby Ouray. Those interested in cultural heritage can visit the Christ of the Mines Shrine or the San Juan County Historical Society for an in-depth look at Silverton’s past.   6. Durango Clear blue winter skies in downtown historic Durango, Colorado. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Established in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, Durango has evolved from a mining hub into a vibrant city rich with history and culture.   A cornerstone of Durango’s heritage is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark that has been in continuous operation since 1881. This historic train offers scenic journeys through the San Juan Mountains, providing passengers with a glimpse into the region’s rich mining past.   The city’s downtown area is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Notable establishments include the Strater Hotel, referred to as Durango’s Living History Museum, which has been a staple since 1887.   Durango’s history extends further back, with the region once inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans over 2,500 years ago. Nearby archaeological sites, such as Mesa Verde National Park, offer insights into these ancient civilizations.   For those interested in more recent history, the Animas Museum provides exhibits detailing Durango’s development from a railroad town to a modern city.   7. Ouray Ouray, Colorado looking north from Highway 550. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Ouray, often referred to as the “Switzerland of America,” is a picturesque town nestled in the San Juan Mountains. Established in the late 19th century, Ouray boasts a rich history deeply rooted in Colorado’s mining heritage.   A unique attraction in Ouray is the Ouray Alchemist Museum, Colorado’s largest pharmacy museum. You will have the chance to explore exceptionally restored fixtures gathered from historic Colorado mining towns and artifacts dating back to the 16th century and even 350 BC.   For those interested in performing arts, the Wright Opera House, built in the late 1800s, offers a historic venue for live performances, providing a glimpse into the town’s cultural past.   Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Ouray Perimeter Trail, a 5.6-mile loop offering panoramic views of waterfalls and canyons, showcasing the town’s natural beauty.   Additionally, the Ouray County Historical Museum, housed in the historic St. Joseph’s Miners’ Hospital, offers exhibits detailing the area’s rich history, including mining, ranching, and railroad artifacts.   8. Manitou Springs First Congregational Church, Manitou Springs, Colorado. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs has long been celebrated for its mineral springs, which were considered sacred by Native American tribes for their healing properties.   The town was established in 1872, and one of its most notable attractions is the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a museum featuring replica Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Established in 1907, these structures offer visitors a glimpse into the architectural styles of the ancient Pueblo peoples.   The Miramont Castle, built in 1895, is another significant landmark. This Victorian-era castle showcases a variety of architectural styles and houses a museum that delves into the region’s history.   If you want to learn about Manitou Springs’ unique geology, the Cave of the Winds offers guided tours through a complex of caves, providing insights into the area’s natural history.   You can also visit the Manitou Springs Heritage Center, which offers exhibits on the town’s history, including its early days as a health resort and its development over the years.   The town’s historic district is home to numerous art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, all set against the backdrop of its charming, well-preserved architecture. Additionally, the nearby Garden of the Gods park features stunning red rock formations and offers opportunities for hiking and rock climbing.   9. Cripple Creek Town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Cripple Creek was founded in 1892 during the last major gold rush in the United States. Located in the Pikes Peak region, the town quickly became a hub for mining, with more than 500 mines producing over $300 million in gold by the early 20th century. Today, Cripple Creek remains a key destination for those interested in Colorado’s mining history.   The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine offers guided tours that take visitors 1,000 feet underground to see firsthand how miners worked. The Cripple Creek District Museum provides additional context with artifacts, photographs, and exhibits housed in historic buildings that were central to the town’s development.   The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a scenic ride through historic mining areas, giving visitors a closer look at the remnants of the town’s industrial past. Another unique feature is the Cripple Creek Donkeys, a herd that freely roams the town, descended from animals once used in the mines.   Modern additions, such as casinos and restored venues like the Butte Theater, provide entertainment while maintaining the town’s historical character.   10. Fairplay The Fairplay Hotel, located at 500 Main Street in Fairplay, Colorado. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Unlike many boomtowns that quickly vanished, Fairplay established itself as a lasting center of mining activity in Park County. Situated at nearly 10,000 feet, this small town became a key destination for prospectors looking to strike it rich in the surrounding South Park Valley. Founded in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, Fairplay emerged as a hub for those seeking fortunes in gold and other valuable minerals.   Today, Fairplay’s history is preserved and celebrated in South Park City, an open-air museum that authentically recreates a 19th-century mining town. With over 40 restored buildings and thousands of artifacts, it offers visitors a chance to step directly into the past, exploring life as it was during Colorado’s gold rush era.   The town’s heritage comes to life every summer during the annual Burro Days Festival, a unique event featuring burro races, parades, and community activities that pay tribute to the donkeys that supported miners during the gold rush.   Fairplay’s location also makes it a gateway to Colorado’s natural beauty. Nearby Kenosha Pass is a favorite destination for hikers and photographers, especially during the fall when its aspen groves burst into vibrant color.

  Music of all genres has garnered fans and attention the world over. Musicians have become the center of media attention, adored by thousands, sometimes millions, of fans. Even with all this time in the spotlight, enduring mysteries have found their way into the world of music. Despite all of the focus on famous bandleaders, some puzzles remain unsolved. What are some of history’s most persistent unsolved historical enigmas?   1. Who Shot Bob Marley? A sketch of Bob Marley. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Ironically, Reggae legend Bob Marley was practicing his iconic “I Shot the Sheriff” with his band when a group of masked gunmen entered his home and tried to kill him. On December 3, 1976, seven unknown assailants drove into the gates of Marley’s home studio. Marley’s wife Rita was shot in the head as she sat in her car in the driveway on her way to run an errand (she survived the scalp wound).   The gunmen entered the building and fired at Marley, who was pulled down to the floor by his manager and a band employee. Marley was hit in the arms, his manager in the legs, and employee Louise Taylor in the torso. The gunmen fled immediately, leaving four injured individuals who would all survive.   The shooters were apprehended, tried, and executed. However, Marley himself stated in later interviews that the men who shot him were never caught or tried by “a court or police.” Before his execution, one of the shooters claimed that the CIA had hired the group to kill Marley in exchange for drugs and weapons. Jamaica was in political upheaval at the time, with high poverty rates and strife abound. Marley was a controversial figure in both Jamaica and the US, supporting left-wing politics, marijuana use, and other divisive topics. It came as no surprise that he would be a potential target for assassination, but just who was out to get him remains a mystery.   2. What Is The “Last Mystery” of Elvis? Elvis signing autographs in LA in 1956. Source: Wikimedia Commons   In 1954, Elvis Presley was nineteen years old and on the cusp of an incredibly successful music career. Getting his start at Sun Records under producer Sam Phillips, Elvis began recording and garnering lots of attention from adoring fans. One of his early tracks was a cover of a song called “Without You,” a song that Phillips had acquired, thinking it would be perfect for his soon-to-be superstar. Elvis sang the track but marveled at the original singer’s golden voice, stating, “I hate him—why can’t I sing like that?”   Just who was the owner of those smooth vocals? To this day, it remains a mystery.   In fact, Elvis fans deem it “the last mystery” in the Elvis canon. Phillips claimed he purchased the track from another record company, Nashville Peer-Southern Music. However, the songwriters of “Without You” claimed that this was not the case and it may have come from the Nashville State Penitentiary. Phillips had been working there with a group of inmates who sang, calling themselves the Prisonaires. Was the voice of “Without You” that of a convict who had more potential than The King himself?   3. What Happened to Richey Edwards? Richey Edwards embodied the rock star lifestyle. Source: Western Mail   The Manic Street Preachers was a Welsh rock band that came onto the scene in the late 1980s. Formed by a group of students at Oakdale Comprehensive School, the group soon added guitarist Richard “Richey” Edwards to their lineup.   The band released two albums in the early 1990s that charted in the top 20s in the UK, but despite this success, Edwards struggled with his mental health. He spent time in a psychiatric institution in 1994, and struggled with an eating disorder and alcoholism. Edwards often dealt with his private turmoil publicly, with his struggles inspiring songs and discussed openly in interviews.   On February 1, 1995, due to fly to the US for a promotional tour with the band, Edwards checked out of his hotel at 7 AM, taking his wallet, keys, passport, and medication with him. He was never seen again.   Two weeks after his disappearance, his car was recovered, abandoned at a service station. The station was close to the Severn Bridge, a location heavily associated with suicide. Some assumed that the troubled star had taken his own life, but soon, sightings of Edwards began coming in from all over the world.   While these might be simply dismissed as wishful thinking, another event adds a twist to the case. Richey’s uncle went “off the grid” in the 1960s and 1970s, only to reappear. This interested Richey as a child, and some wondered if he had followed in his uncle’s footsteps. Is Edwards traveling the world? Or did he indeed succumb to his demons?   4. Where Is Jim Sullivan? Jim Sullivan and his prized guitar. Source: Jim Sullivan Estate via the New York Times   Known as “Sully” to his friends, Jim Sullivan was a classic Californian folk singer of the psychedelic era. He released two albums, one in 1969 and one in 1972, and ran with the Hollywood social circle, including Dennis Hopper. Still, his album sales were mediocre, and he headed east to Nashville in 1975 in hopes of more promising opportunities before sending his family to join him.   Four days after he left, his car was discovered just south of Santa Rosa, New Mexico. His beloved twelve-string guitar was in the passenger seat, which clearly indicated to Sullivan’s family that something was wrong. They knew Jim would never leave his guitar behind and feared foul play. No sign of Sullivan or his body was ever located despite an extensive search by his family and volunteers. Theories abounded, including an alien abduction, Mafia hit, suicide, or murder by the police.   5. Did Brian Jones Drown? Brian Jones playing in London in 1964. Source: John “Hoppy” Hopkins via The Guardian   Called “The Original Ringleader” of the Rolling Stones by some, Brian Jones lived rock & roll. A flashy dresser who partied hard and rocked harder, Jones believed in the band from the start. Despite his incredible contributions as guitarist and founding member, Jones departed from the Stones in 1969.   Though the official explanation was that he wanted to make his own music, increasing struggles with drugs and alcohol had begun to impact his performance and reliability. Just months after his departure from the band, 27-year-old Jones was found lifeless in a swimming pool at his home, Cotchford Farm, in East Sussex, UK.   His cause of death was attributed to drowning, likely as a result of a drug-induced stupor and accidentally falling into the pool. He had hosted a party the night before that had featured alcohol and hashish, and the coroner found that his liver was twice the weight of a normal one, indicating ongoing alcohol issues. The case of Jones’ death was seen as open and shut by the authorities, but it didn’t take long for Jones’ friends and acquaintances to start murmuring otherwise.   Cotchford Farm today. Source: Cotchford Farm   Some believed that Jones had been murdered. A construction worker who was renovating Jones’ estate at the time had a financial dispute with the guitarist the day he died and was postulated as a potential suspect. Thomas Keylock, Jones’ manager, was considered a possible suspect but was never questioned by authorities. He was among the first to arrive on the scene as Jones was pulled from the pool.   Allegedly, the construction worker, Frank Thoroughgood, made a deathbed confession in 1993, “it was me that did Brian, I just finally snapped.” Though this statement cannot be verified, it is featured in a 1994 book by author Terry Rawlings that presents the theory of Jones’ murder.   Though Brian Jones’ death has never been looked at as a murder case, the circumstances of his death have been reviewed by the Sussex Police in 1984, 1994, and 2009. They maintain that through the years, no new evidence has emerged to suggest that the original coroner’s ruling was incorrect. Still, in addition to Rawlings’s book, documentaries, investigative reporting, and other novels believe otherwise.   6. Who Was Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved”? Beethoven with the Manuscript of the Missa Solemnis by Joseph Karl Sieler, 1820. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the most influential composers of the 18th and early 19th centuries. As he began to suffer symptoms of impending deafness at age 26, the musician began furiously creating as much music as he could, impacting his contemporaries and the history of music at large. Among his most famous works are the Fifth Piano Concerto, his Ninth Symphony, and Symphony No. 3.   Beethoven died in 1826, leaving his home of Vienna shut down as the populace mourned his loss. An enigmatic individual who never married and had interesting quirks, Beethoven continued to fascinate music fans in the centuries after his death.   Not only did he elevate instrumental music in world culture, he was an intriguing and interesting character. A letter came to light after Beethoven died, and it has remained one of the most persistent mysteries relating to man. A love letter addressing the receiver as his “Immortal Beloved” has left fans scratching their heads as to just who this person could be.   The letter begins “My angel, my all” and is very clearly romantic in nature. There were no known lovers in Beethoven’s life at the time the letter was written, and the identity of the intended receiver remains a mystery. The story even inspired a 1994 movie, Immortal Beloved, starring Gary Oldman as Beethoven. The movie suggests that Beethoven’s sister-in-law, Joanna, was the object of his affections, but the documented dislike between the pair in reality leaves the mystery’s status firmly unsolved in most minds.

  When the Black Death hit London, England in 1348 CE, it began to affect the English language. Due to the class struggle imposed on England by the Norman Conquest in 1066 CE, the linguistic makeup of the country in the early 14th century festered tensions between the Anglo-Saxon English and the Norman French. Politically restricted by the Norman feudal system, the Saxons were taken for granted. But during the staggering death toll of the Black Plague, the Saxons became more valuable as their labor became more valuable. Thus the English language shifted in power as well.   Setting the Scene: Political Context An original page from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, 10th century. Source: The British Library   From about 410 to 1066 CE, the Anglo-Saxons ruled (or fought over) England. Having driven out the Romano-Celts, the Anglo-Saxons dominated the country. Enter William I of Normandy who brought the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Having disputed King Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne of England, William invaded England. In the ensuing battle, Harold died and William conquered the Saxons, as did the French Norman language.   To maintain power, William I implemented the Norman feudal system, wherein he took over all English land, and then for all intents and purposes, rented out the land to his noblemen and clergy. They, in turn, managed agriculture, livestock, and commerce through keeping control of the peasants, or serfs. The catch was that William only gave Normans the right to be in charge of the land.   Between the Battle of Hastings and the start of the Black Death, England had seen such historical and political upheavals as the signing of the Magna Carta, famine, and the on-again off-again stirrings of the Hundred Years’ War. England had already gone through a lot in the 1300s even before the Black Death struck.   Setting the Scene: Linguistic Context Portraits of Geoffrey Chaucer, from The Canterbury Tales, Ellesmere Manuscript, 1410. Source: Luminarium     As mentioned above, before William sailed over to take over England, the people predominantly spoke and wrote in Anglo-Saxon. More syntactically flexible, Anglo-Saxon (or Old English) mixed Germanic tribal languages. Far from being a crude, savage tongue, King Alfred’s Renaissance helped it flourish, monks helped preserve and document it, and Anglo-Saxon became a well-developed language of art and culture.   However, the influx of Norman French instigated the linguistic shift from Anglo-Saxon to Middle English. Stemming from the Romantic language family (closely connected to Latin), Norman French caused Anglo-Saxon to lose many of its Germanic attributes. A couple of centuries later, it all mixed together to become Middle English, which is more recognizable to us today as Modern English readers.   Even though Anglo-Saxon became obsolete as it changed etymologically into Middle English, pure French remained the language of the upper class. People spoke French, wrote in French, and prayed in French. In fact, historians have commented on this linguistic injustice:   “Children in school, contrary to the usage and custom of other nations, are compelled to drop their own language and to construe their lessons and other tasks in French and have done so since the Normans first came to England. Also, gentlemen’s children are taught to speak French from the time that they are rocked in their cradles and can talk and play with a child’s toy; and provincial men want to liken themselves to gentlemen, and try with great effort to speak French, so as to be more thought of” (Lumby, 1965).   Detail from the Bayeux Tapestry, 11th century, which depicts the Norman conquest of England. Source: Le Musée de la Tapisserie à Bayeux   The lower class people, the Saxon serfs under the feudal system, used Middle English. If people could not afford to learn French, they stayed ignorant and could not be perceived as higher class, nor were they as able to change their circumstances to reach a higher class.   Roughly Three Centuries After the Battle of Hastings Anglo-Normans in their respective costumes, 1000-1100, from The Costumes of All Nations, 1882. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Although the French language irrevocably changed English, and Anglo-Saxon became Middle English due to the French influence, the class struggles between Normans and Saxons persisted. Even if war was not brewing, the Saxons were still a conquered people who were bound to work the land, without as much agency or ability to build a better life for themselves, even though some circumstances had improved their conditions.   Triumph of Death, by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, 1562. Source: The Museo del Prado, Madrid   Starting in or around 1347, the Black Death (also known as the Black Plague or bubonic plague) ravaged the known world. Spreading through cargo ports and travelers, because of rats, flies, bacteria, and the less than pristine hygiene of many people at the time, the Black Death thrived in cramped conditions where people could readily transmit it to each other.   Sending between 25 and 50 million people living in England to their graves, the Black Death upset the apple cart of the English social and political system. Because one-third of England’s population was now dead, and since it was the English who were the lower classes—and the lower classes were the labor classes—there was now a huge shortage of laborers. With so many vacant job openings after the pandemic, the people realized they could charge more for their labor because their labor was more valuable.   The Aftermath of the Black Death: The Peasants Revolt “Prowess, Idleness, David, Labor,” from Somme le Roy, by Frere Laurent, 13th century. Source: The British Library   Because their labor was more valuable, the Saxons as people became more valuable. Slowly realizing this and also fed up with the over-taxation that  Richard II was inflicting on them, they finally made a stand. Known as the Peasants’ Revolt, peasants argued with the authorities to reduce the poll tax, and they partially got their way.   Because of the labor shortage caused by the sheer amount of deaths in the previous decades, the leaders of England were forced to give the people more money. Furthermore, because the people were more valuable, the language they spoke became more prevalent.   Looking Ahead: The Printing Press in England Drawing of a printing press, 1770, via Wikimedia Commons   Once French subsided in England, the English language itself was able to take its place as the predominant spoken language. To peek ahead into further implications of this waterfall chain of events, let’s look at London in the late 15th century – to William Claxton and the printing press.   Although the more famous inventor of the printing press, Johannes Gutenberg, was German, Claxton was instrumental in bringing the printing press to England. He “imported and set up England’s first printing press in 1476. However, the major impact of printing on the language was to be felt in the following centuries” (Millward, 2011). This was a critical moment in the history of the English language and it affected the rest of the development of Early Modern English, as well as other literary and political movements. This critical moment in the history of the English language affected the rest of the development of Early Modern English, as well as other literary and political movements.   The Black Death and English Danse Macabre, by Bernt Notke, 1475. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The inhabitants of England spoke Anglo-Saxon English until the conquest of 1066, when William the Conqueror from Normandy invaded England and sparked the morphological changes that created Middle English. William and his people spoke French. Since they were now the ruling class, English was relegated mostly to the laboring classes.   However, during the Black Death, millions of English (and Norman French) people died. This meant that the lower laboring classes could demand more for their labor. During the political and economic tensions that caused the Peasants’ Revolt, the poorer people attempted to earn more rights. This in turn led to their predominant language, English, becoming more popular and widely used.   Because English now had more social clout, by the time printing presses were being developed, Londoners were speaking English and printing in English, which contributed to the English language’s continued prominence.   If the Black Death hadn’t wiped out so much of the laboring class, then they might not have been able to bargain for higher wages. If they hadn’t been successful in reestablishing themselves as important to the functioning of the British Isles, their language, English, might not have been what Claxton used in London when printing presses were being invented. So really, this stage of linguistic development should really be called “The Life the Black Death Gave English.”   Bibliography   Polychronicon Ranulphi Higden monachi Cestrensis . . . ed. Rev. Joseph Rawson Lumby, [Liechtenstein] Krause Reprint, 1965 [Widener: Br 98.86.1].)   Millward, C. M, Mary Hayes, Biography of the English Language, 3rd edition, Cengage Learning, 2011.   “Middle English,” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, 4th edition, W. W. Norton and Company, Inc., 1962.

With Biden out, the rift widens between D.C. and the Vatican. The post Trump More Catholic than the Pope? appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

Military sites are located all around America, and even the world. Many of these are easily accessible and can be found with a simple online search. However, some military sites remain very secretive to this day. Many of these secret sites are located well behind barbed-wire fencing or deep underground. It’s tough to locate these […] The post 10 Mysterious Military Sites in America appeared first on Listverse.

Over the course of the last four years, MSNBC has stood alone as the exemplar of what it means to be “Regime Media” during the Biden administration- no one comes close. In the waning days of President Joe Biden’s term, we get one last example of the network’s sycophancy. Lawrence O’Donnell, host of the 10 P.M. hour, sat down with Biden in the Oval Office and had a broad-ranging discussion on a broad variety of issues. And by broad discussion, I mean that Biden would string together an assortment of incoherencies that had nothing to do with whatever O’Donnell may have asked at that time. The interview opened with, as is the left’s custom, a “feelings” question. A layup, if you will. But Biden found a way. (Click “expand” to view transcript) An amazing open to Biden's interview with MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell. And by amazing I mean horrifying. A simple question, "how did you feel after the speech", is met with an addled word salad pic.twitter.com/R1g8LoE340 — Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) January 17, 2025 LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: When you got up from that desk last night, that was really the final big public moment in a 50-year political career. Yeah, that's how long it was. The- you've served in government longer than any person who's ever served in this job. What did that feel like at the end of that- that speech? I- we were pushed out of the room as people were surrounding you, hugging you, and as that emotion was filling the room. But was there, was there a sense of the release of a burden getting up from that desk? JOE BIDEN: No, but there was a sense that- of serious concern. You've known me a long time, I, I really am concerned about how fragile democracy is. That sounds corny, but I mean, I really- I really am concerned because you've heard me say it a hundred times. I really think we're at an inflection point in history here where, unrelated to any particular leader, things are going to change drastically, and that it occurs every 5 or 6 generations, and it usually is generated by technology, usually generated by- I mean, for example, if Gutenberg didn't invent the printing press, how would Europe ever have gotten united in any way to understand what each country is thinking? I mean, it sounds stupid, but it really matters. And what I realize is that…look. I got involved and then think about it this way, but I got involved in public life because of the abuse of power. I mean, my dad would say, “you know, the greatest sin of all is the abuse of power.” And I was raised in a circumstance where, like I used to always talk about how the worst thing that ever happened to me was I used to stutter when I was a kid. And you really get made fun of when you tt-t-t-t-t-t-t-talk like that. And but I realized that maybe it was the greatest gift I ever got, because there's so many people who are in circumstances where they have something dealing- that they're dealing with that's beyond their immediate control. And, and, and I watched how I was a runt when I was a kid. I was a small kid. I was a pretty good athlete all the time. But I was. And, you know, I learned how to fight when I didn't want to fight. But when you get made fun of, you learn to step up. But what it did was it made me realize that there's so damn many bullies around. And I now extrapolate that all the way to democracy, the reason for all the safeguards out there is, in a very trite way to say, keep the bullies from taking advantage of everybody else. There are basic guardrails. And I think that this concentration of enormous wealth and power, in a circumstance where everything is changing and the biggest thing is changin is how we communicate with one another. I mean, all kidding aside, did you ever think at the point where you weren't sure who the editors were? Who's out there saying, “no, you can't print that?” You can't say it's not true? I mean, it's like… And when- and when the mully(sic) and when people don't- aren't participating in paying their fair share. I have no problem with people making millions of dollars. But for God's sake, pay your fair share. And in taxes and participation. And so, I don't know, I just think things are at a point where it's awful hard to… I've had four of your colleagues the last four years tell me they're worried they're going to be in real- serious players like you. Not you, but your caliber. Worried about whether or not they're going to be held accountable for telling the truth. When the hell does that ever happen in America? I mean, a long time. So I guess what I'm worried about is that the thing that keeps it on track are the guardrails. That’s a good- that- there's a Supreme Court that's independent, but not but accountable. There is a Congress that you speak your mind, but you're held accountable to basic standards. There's a presidency that says you have really limited powers. I mean, you’re the top dog but you can’t dictate everything. There was no followup or probing of any portion of this ramble, which hearkens back to some of Biden’s friendly interviews while he was still a candidate for re-election, where he’d make sure to get his talking point out regardless of what the question actually was. This is how we went from feelings to fragility to the Gutenberg Press to a stutter. O’Donnell simply absorbed that and moved on to the next question. Sensing that there were certain set things that Biden wanted to get off his chest, O’Donnell asked the “Oligarchy” question. Here, again, Biden veers off topic and away from answering the question (click expand” to view transcript”): Lawrence tees up the "oligarchy" and "tech-industrial complex" question for Biden, who goes off on another ramble tangent. pic.twitter.com/m6pJ1KlLrZ — Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) January 17, 2025 O’DONNELL: Last night you issued the warning about the power of the tech-industrial complex, an echo of President Eisenhower in this very room. In his farewell address, the warning about the military-industrial complex. And you said that an oligarchy is taking shape that threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead. How does this oligarchy affect people out there who've never used the word oligarchy? The people who you're saying might not get a fair shot because of the way this is going? BIDEN: Well, look. If the decision is made that the multi-billionaires, the super, super wealthy, the wealthiest people in the world began to control all the apparatuses from the media to the economy. Then who do I get to fight back for me? Who do I get to? I mean, look, I think everybody deserves just a shot. Not not a guarantee, just a shot. How the hell can you make it in society today if you don't have access to an education, you don't have access to adequate health care. You don't have access to the opportunity to have a job that you can handle, where you can make- you can make ends meet? I mean, one of the things I think I there's two things I'm proud of so far. I know they'll last. We changed the basic formula of how to make an economy work. The trickle down stuff about, well, let the people go out and make a lot of money and the benefits will flow from that will trickle down to middle class and working class people. My dad, used say not a whole lot ever trickle down on his kitchen table. And so, you know, what I did was I when I got I admit to you, I didn't know. I, Pat Moynihan, been around. I could have just asked him. He could’ve told me. But that- back in the early 30s, when Roosevelt was trying to protect unions from being overrun by corporate America, they passed a law that said that when a president is given money by the Congress, he should spend that money hiring American people to do whatever is needed to be done and use American products. It's been honored in the breach. So we focused on that. That's why I worked so damn hard to give unions more power, to give. unions the ability to negotiate. And I think that what we did is we invested more in America. That's why the Chips and Science Act. Well, hell, we invented the damn things. We modernized them. We used to have 40% of the market. But what happened? Corporate America and a lot of politicians decided that. Let's find the cheapest labor we can find in the world to build these little chips. About the size of the tip of my finger and then import them. So we'll pay a hell of a lot less to have them made, and then we'll import them, and we import them. We make more money because we're paying a hell of a lot less for them. Well guess what? Now this thing called supply chains. When pandemic hit, it hit the whole world and hit it hit everyone from Taiwan to Asia to all all across the Japan. All the places where they make these chips are starting to make these chips. Korea. And guess what? We found out you need about 300in to build a new car. Well, you can't build new cars now. So guess what? The price of automobiles went through the roof. The cell phone you have, you know, needs a chip. You need a chip for a weapon. You need a chip for everything. And so I just thought we weren't fighting to get in the game again. To be the leader in the world on economic initiatives. And not that we weren't going to share with anybody, but that we were not going to allow people to cut us off. And so when that happened, everything I did, I made sure that we were making sure that we were spending the money hiring. If we're going to build a bridge, hire American workers. You're going to build a bridge, use American steel, use the things that grow the American economy. We weren't growing the economy. So when I talk about what's going on in terms of these, you know, what's the investments that are being made, the investments are made. Find the cheapest labor anywhere in the world, bring it home. Find the cheapest way to spend it to engage it and make the most money you can. Well guess what? It just it- really damages America’s- really, any country’s ability to compete. There was nothing in what Biden offered that would’ve come close to answering the question. Nonetheless, O’Donnell moves on to the next series of questions on Ukraine, and on inflation.  Biden claims "inflation is down almost to 2%", while O'Donnell lovingly gazes at him. December CPI came in at 2.9% pic.twitter.com/xWIFDvy73D — Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) January 17, 2025 BIDEN: Nothing works unless- if you conclude that the only way to deal with inflation is to create unemployment and another recession, because you had- to you had to make sure that we- that we lost jobs. That's the only way you're going to keep the inflation down. But guess what? I was absolutely convinced. Give the American people half a shot. They'll step up and get the job done. If you give them the opportunity. Look what they did. They stepped up in every major endeavor and the idea- and I never believed we couldn’t have a soft landing. We’re in a soft landing. Inflation. In fact, inflation is not down to almost 2%. Per the latest CPI report, it’s at 2.9, which is a lot closer to 3 than to 2. But O’Donnell let that one go as well. So much for not spreading disinformation. It would’ve been interesting were O’Donnell to have asked questions about Afghanistan, Iran, or any other number of issues that might have helped arrive at an honest accounting of the Biden presidency. But that appears to be too heavy of a lift. Instead, we get the pro-Biden host on the pro-Biden network doing pro-Biden things even as he’s three days away from leaving the presidency. Regime Media, indeed.  

Are You Kidding? Scott Jennings Reacts to Hilarious Axios ‘How to Lead Like Biden’ Headline