“It was as though a friend had suddenly turned into a homicidal maniac,” The Spectator of London reported in what has to be the most colorful description of storm surges published in the English language. That homicidal maniac was the Thames River, whose banks had overflowed on January 6, 1928, a week before the article … Continue reading
Are there any American historical figures more endearing than Ben Franklin? Who else could pull off kite-flying in thunderstorms, pithy suggestions about pennies and early bedtimes, and “diplomacy” with the French (ladies), yet still appear affable and erudite? Even today, Franklin seems to be winking out of portraits, encouraging the viewer to tick off some … Continue reading
Let’s open with a game. The following quote recommends appropriate attire for seaweed collecting. (Stay with me, people.) Who do you think wrote it, and when? “Feel all the luxury of not having to be afraid of your boots; neither of wetting nor destroying them. Feel all the comfort of walking steadily forward, the very … Continue reading
UNder the C 