[ [ [ !! WARNING !! ] ] ] Posts consist of the irate rantings of a former graduate student who has spent the past several years studying philosophy, religions, ethics, public health, and environmental issues. Now working as a clinical researcher and trying to remain sane between the hours of 9-5. Topics will generally involve cycling, food, design, cool gear, and whatever else might come to mind. Enjoy.
Attack on Pearl Harbor
In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Japan unleashed a devastating surprise attack throughout the Pacific. The worst blow came at Hawaii, site of the giant Pearl Harbor naval base and other American military installations. In just two hours, Japanese bombers destroyed or damaged 21 American naval vessels and over 300 aircraft. The attacks killed 2403 military personnel and civilians, and shattered the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The top image shows the wreckage-strewn Naval Air Station at Pearl Harbor following the Japanese attack.
Below is a photo of Japanese carrier planes taking off for the attack: Japanese sailors cheer as planes take off from a carrier deck for the attack on Pearl Harbor. Sailors cheer as Japanese planes take off from the deck of a carrier one-by-one under the “Z” flag for the attack on Pearl Harbor. Historian John Toland determined the time of this photograph to be 7:49 a.m. Honolulu time.
My grandfather remembered being on Miami Beach when the events of Dec. 7, 1941 transpired. He had only moved to Florida from New England a year earlier. As he and my grandmother were relaxing on the beach, the Boston Pops were interrupted with the news of the attack. He would join the Army Air Corps, and would work building bombers in FL for the duration of the war, despite being deployed to other bases several times. (This is to the best of my recollection, having heard the story from my father).
(via npr)
“The Beast of Boston Harbor”
A handsome 11 x 17 print that is suitable for framing. Comes with this description: “European artist Franz Xaver Habermann created this engraving sometime in the early 1770s. It shows the early days of Boston Harbor and is designed to emulate the feel of a typical European city and create sympathy for the colonies. Adding to a viewer’s feelings of empathy is the appearance of the Beast of Boston Harbor, who regularly ravaged the residents of the town. The Beast was eventually dispatched with the dumping of hundreds of pounds of tea into the harbor by intrepid citizens who correctly surmised that the bitterness of the leaves would drive the creature away. Unfortunately this “Tea Party” was seen as a revolutionary act by the British troops, which led to some degree of unpleasantness.”
Not going to lie. I think I need this print for my new apartment. Sadly I don’t think C cares for it much. I guess I’m just the one who’s really into history.
(Click through for the Etsy link to “Alternate History” prints. Spotted via Uncrate)
This weekend will be the 76th anniversary of the Social Security Act
On August 14, 1935 legislators and advisors crowded into the White House Cabinet Room to witness the signing of the Social Security Act. News photographers and film crews recorded the moment for history as FDR put his signature on the bill. Standing directly behind the President was the person most responsible for it - Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins. The headline in that day’s Washington Post read “New Deal’s Most Important Act.”
I wonder what other monumental changes FDR would have made if he had lived longer. Universal health care? A push towards equal rights? Either way, he certainly did a lot of good for this country. Maybe we can learn a lesson from the New Deal and find ways to put people back to work, focusing on improving our country, and the lives of everyone who lives here.
