The failure of one is often ignored when it is the inspiration of another.  Such is the case with John Jacob Loud.  Graduating from Harvard as a lawyer in 1871 and admitted to the Suffolk County Bar on February 2, 1872, Loud chose to work with his father as assistant cashier of the Union National… Read More »

In preparation for today’s devotional, I watched a bit of educational programming from 1934. It was nearly eight minutes well spent. The program appeared in theaters and featured the debut of a character who is now 92 years old.  The educational film was The Wise Little Hen and making his first appearance was none other… Read More »

Henry Judah Heimlich is a name that is familiar, specifically because of his last name.  Let’s get to know him a little bit better. Heimlich was of Jewish descent.  Born on February 3, 1920, his paternal grandparents were Hungarian Jewish immigrants, and his maternal grandparents were Russian Jews.  His parents were Mary and Philip, and he was born… Read More »

It is projected that in 2026, approximately 2,114,850 people will hear words that send a shock wave through your soul.  You have cancer.  It is also projected that there will be 626,140 cancer deaths.1  Even though the cancer mortality rate continues to decline, the numbers are still way too high. In this year, the cancer… Read More »

If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.  Do you remember being taught this as a child?  Once the words have escaped the lips, there’s no getting them back.  They are out there and are hard forgotten. Monday, June 1 was National Say Something Nice Day.  The day was established in 2006… Read More »

“Beethoven’s early tutor once remarked of him that, “as a composer he is hopeless.” Beethoven ploughed on regardless, and most would agree that this worked out pretty well for lovers of classical music. “Michael Jordan, perhaps one of the greatest sportsmen of all time, was cut from his high school basketball team. He also decided… Read More »

From the Bible, Greece, Rome, England, and the Victorian era, we have a term that has been used and adjusted for the need:  maid.  Genesis 16:2 gives the first reference. “And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that… Read More »

Charles Caleb Colton is credited with originating a familiar phrase in 1820.  In his book Lacon: or, Many things in few words (sic), he used the phrase, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”  I don’t think most siblings would agree! The older sister isn’t impressed when the younger sister dresses like her. The older… Read More »

Ken Griffey is a name baseball fans recognize quickly.  Senior was a player I followed during my childhood.  He was a part of the Big Red Machine with the likes of Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, and Cesar Geronimo.  Junior was drafted on this day in 1987 by… Read More »

June 1st is a day that provides us with many historical and national celebrations.  Let’s consider one of historical significance.  On this day in 1926, Norma Jeane Mortenson was born.  Her mother’s name was Gladys.  However, the proven identity of her father was never known.  Thus began a life that no child should have to… Read More »