I love reading about the history of America and some of the best critiques come from outside our country. Two of my favorite quotes comes from the idea of the “Tyranny of the Majority”.  That is when the majority in our country tends to deny basic civil rights to various minority groups. Of course the most glaring one is slavery but there is also the murder of millions of native Americans during the conquest of their native lands. The term “Tyranny of the Majority” was widely employed in mid-nineteenth-century America in conjunction with a series of moral questions (Sabbath, temperance, racial equality) that … Continue reading Perpetual Utterance of Self-Applause

The main crux of this post is about whether a company can remain innovative as it ages. I want to use Sears and Amazon as study points. Being a U.S. history buff I can’t help but draw a parallel between Sears in the early 20th century and Amazon a hundred years later. One of the striking things about Amazon beside their explosive product line is the speed at which they deliver their products. For $79/year you can get unlimited 2 day delivery at no cost.  I must admit I am a major customer who places orders probably 30+ times a year for … Continue reading Innovation…

I have been dreaming about  my April Disney World trip lately. One of the most spectacular shows was “Lion King”. With this post I am giving you a flavor of it. It is a massive production and well worth one of your “magic passes” if you ever go there. (as usual click on any of the pics above to see a larger slideshow) Continue reading Dreaming About “Lion King”

The Rapp-Owen Granary is just one of perhaps a hundred buildings that have survived from the two utopian communities that were established in New Harmony Indiana. The Rapp-Owen Granary is perhaps the largest and most elegant.  If you are ever near southern Indiana and have an interest in history, especially utopian communities New Harmony is well worth a visit. (click on any of the pictures above to see a larger slideshow) I enlarged some ofd the words  in one of pictures for easier reading here: Continue reading Rapp-Owen Granary

I am getting ready to hit the road again in an hour or so. This time I will be touring southern Illinois particularly along the Mississippi.  I thought it appropriate to leave you with some pictures of my Spring trip to Bridgeton Indiana.  It is in the middle of “covered bridge country” here in southern Indiana. Continue reading On The Road Again… The Mississippi

In the old days, during my college years that is, State Road 52 was the main route between Indianapolis and Lafayette Indiana. I know I traveled it several times going back and forth to Purdue. Since gas mileage was so poor back then it had many gas stations and such along the route. I recently took a trip that included that section of highway and came across this past gas station/diner combination that has probably been abandoned for years now. (click on any picture to see a larger slideshow) I’m sure it was open during my college years but I … Continue reading Diner/Gas Station from the Past…

   I had the pleasure of attending the Vincennes Indiana Rendezvous over the past weekend. I just love re-enactments with all the muskets blazing and this is an especially good one. All the vendors, food and otherwise, were selling things that were common for the period (early 1800s).   Continue reading Rendezvous – Vincennes

  The above scene it all too common on main street in rural America. Buildings which once housed thriving small businesses are now abandoned to the ravages of time.  I wonder what it would take to re-purpose these sites to bring them back into use. It takes a creative person to figure that out but it is being done in some small towns… Continue reading Re-Purpose…??

  Mail Pouch signs are part of Americana. They might be faded now but still show up on many rural buildings.  This one was recently found in the small town of Lyons in southern Indiana. But chewing tobacco is really a dirty messy habit..  :) Continue reading Part of Americana…