Tag Archives: American history
What’s the Difference? Inauguration Posted by Gary Locke on Jan 19, 2017
With a new administration taking office, it seems a good time to remind ourselves that the words of our leaders can have real significance. The misuse of a word, even selecting one simile when another would have been more appropriate, could lead to misunderstandings. And misunderstandings may have consequences. It may not lead to…
Winter Weather in the United States Posted by Gary Locke on Jan 6, 2017
January is typically the coldest month in the northern hemisphere, and therefore is likely to give us some extreme winter weather. Different areas in the United States experience winter storms which are unique to their regions. Each type of storm also has its own meteorological term. Let’s take a look at the different names of…
Thanksgiving History and Customs Posted by sasha on Nov 24, 2016
Today is an important, traditional holiday in the United States – Thanksgiving. This national holiday is celebrated every year on the 4th Thursday in November. Let’s learn a bit about the history and customs of this special day. History Back in the 1600s, European settlers were traveling to and settling in America. One group of…
A Corny Thanksgiving Posted by Gary Locke on Nov 23, 2016
Corn. The history of the United States is uniquely tied to this one crop. So, too, is our language. When the first English settlers arrived in what became Jamestown, Virginia in 1607 the colonists, unused to the rigors of agriculture, faced years of near starvation. They attempted to trade with the local natives for their…
U.S. Election Vocabulary Posted by Gary Locke on Nov 4, 2016
We’ve talked about the U.S. presidential election, but you may still find yourself hearing certain terms which you don’t fully understand. Here’s a handy vocabulary guide to words and phrases which take on greater significance in the United States every four years. Absentee ballot: A ballot which is filled out and usually mailed in by…
A Uniquely American Treat – Indian Pudding Posted by Gary Locke on Oct 6, 2016
The most distinctly American recipe may well be for Indian Pudding. I have a group of friends that I share meals with four times a year. The eight of us, four couples, gather at the home of one couple and enjoy laughs, catch up on what’s happening in each other’s lives, and indulge in lengthy…
Great American Cities – Philadelphia Posted by sasha on Jan 19, 2015
After visiting the Big Apple, it’s time to head to one of America’s most historic cities. This is the place where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 – Philadelphia. Name: Way back in 1681, William Penn was given a large amount of land from King Charles II for what would become…