Baked Goods To Die For — The Ridiculous Pasty War of 1838

“Known as Guerra de los pasteles to the Mexicans or Guerre des Pâtisseries to the French, the origins of the little-known 1838 dust-up go back to the previous decade.” IF ANY NATION in the world would pick a fight on…

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From Football Cleats to Army Boots – How the 1942 Rose Bowl Marked the End of Innocence for a Group of Young Athletes

“More than 70 of the players and coaches from the 1942 Rose Bowl would put on U.S. military uniforms, with many distinguishing themselves in battle.” By Brian Curtis ON JANUARY 1, 1942, as President Franklin…

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Junipero Serra — The Missionary Who Fought to End the Abuse of Native Americans by Spanish Soldiers

“In the struggle between the soldier and priest, the latter had won.” By George Yagi Jr. EUROPEAN ARMIES of the 18th century were built on the same rigid class system that defined civilian life of…

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Battle of the Brushes – Comparing the Paintings of Churchill and Hitler

“Art was a much-needed diversion for Churchill during the war’s darkest days, while Hitler once remarked that upon securing Germany’s future, he’d leave politics and live out his days painting.” DESPITE THEIR MANY differences (not to mention…

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Lusitania Down — Survivor Recalls Torpedoed Ocean Liner’s Terrifying Final Minutes

“Only my training from boyhood up, in the water and under it, gave me the courage to jump.” ON MAY 7, 1915, the German U-boat U-20 fired a torpedo into the side of the passenger liner RMS Lusitania as it…

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Uncommon Valour — Nine Decorated War Heroes Who Never Fired a Shot

“An astonishingly diverse number of individuals have earned decorations for non-violence in wartime. Here are some of them.” AFTER NEARLY A decade of exile from the spotlight, Mel Gibson is making headlines once again –…

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