I was thinking about…

I Was Thinking About...John Wesley By Andy Lee When I reflect on pivotal figures in 18th century Christianity, the name John Wesley stands out. Wesley's tireless efforts to revive faith and scriptural holiness within the Anglican Church directly birthed the Methodist movement. Despite intense opposition, he championed taking the gospel to marginalized groups neglected by … Continue reading John Wesley

In October 1983, rescuers probe the wreckage of the U.S. Marine command building near the Beirut airport, a day after a terrorist attack killed 241 U.S. service members.Zouki/AP I Was Thinking About...The Beirut Barracks Bombing By Andy Lee It was October 23, 1983. A seemingly normal Sunday morning in Beirut, Lebanon suddenly exploded into chaos … Continue reading The 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing

I was thinking about...The Walt Disney Story By Andy Lee Walt Disney, renowned worldwide for creating iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, pioneered the American animation industry and built an unrivaled entertainment empire. As The Walt Disney Company celebrates its 100th anniversary, we reflect on the creative genius who started it all. Born … Continue reading Walt Disney

I was thinking about...The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald By Andy Lee I was thinking about the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in a storm on Lake Superior in 1975, taking all 29 crew members aboard to their deaths. Even now, nearly 50 years later, the cause of the infamous ship’s sudden sinking … Continue reading The Edmund Fitzgerald

Bodie was once a booming gold-mining town, known for brawling and gunfighting. The Ghost Towns of the American West: Echoes of the Gold Rush By Andy Lee Scattered across the American West lie the eerie remains of once-bustling mining towns. Abandoned over a century ago, these ghost towns offer a haunting glimpse into the frenzied … Continue reading Ghost Towns of the American West

T.H. Matteson, Examination of a Witch, 1853 Public domain via Wikimedia Commons I was thinking about...The Salem Witch Trials By Andy Lee In colonial Massachusetts, a series of bizarre accusations led to a period of paranoia, false convictions, and the execution of innocent people accused of witchcraft. This disturbing chapter in early American history has become synonymous … Continue reading Salem Witch Trials, Fear and Hysteria in 1692

I was thinking about...the albatross. By Andy Lee I was thinking about the albatross the other day. I'm intrigued by these large seabirds and their incredible abilities. With wingspans up to 11 feet across, albatrosses are built for gliding long distances over the open ocean. Albatrosses can be found across the southern hemisphere, from the … Continue reading The Albatross

Portrait of Vivien Thomas, whose innovations in pediatric cardiac surgery revolutionized infant mortality rates though his genius went unrecognized at the time. I Was Thinking About…Vivien Thomas, Pioneering Black Surgical Scientist By Andy Lee In an era of legal segregation and rampant discrimination, one man broke boundaries and barriers to become an influential pioneer in … Continue reading Vivien Thomas

I was thinking about...The Michelin Star Rating System By Andy Lee The Michelin star rating system is one of the most prestigious honors a restaurant can receive. Michelin stars signify outstanding cuisine and are a hallmark of fine dining excellence. But where did this iconic rating system come from, and what exactly do the stars … Continue reading Michelin Star Rating System

I was thinking about…Shave and a haircut, two bits. By Andy Lee The familiar tune “a shave and a haircut, two bits” has its origins in early 20th century American barbershop culture. While its exact origins are unclear, the tune developed as a way for barbers to call out to potential customers that their services … Continue reading Shave and a haircut, two bits.