A Parallel Too High

On this day in America in 1865, Congress approved the 13th amendment, abolishing slavery throughout the United States. Also on this day in America in 1958, the United States Army launched Explorer I into earth's orbit to study cosmic rays. Also on this day in America in 1919, superb second baseman, and the first African-American baseball player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia. Also on this day in American history in 1990, with the collapse of the Soviet Union American companies flocked to invest in Russia, and this day saw the rise of the McDonald's golden arches in Moscow with the opening of its first location in Russia. Also on this day in America in 1734, patriot, capitalist, financier of the American Revolution, and signatory of the Deceleration of Independence, Robert Morris was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lastly on this day in America in 1950, President Harry S. Truman announced that the arms race

Franklin D. Roosevelt On this day in American history in 1991, United States and Iraqi soldiers fought the first major ground battle of the Persian Gulf War in the Saudi Arabian border town of Kaufji; resuliting in a decisive repulsion of the Iraqi forces' advancement by U.S. Marines and a boost to morale for Saudi and Qatari forces. Also on this day in America in 1882, the second most progressive President in United States history, right in front of Woodrow Wilson and behind current President Barack Obama, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York. Also on this day in America in 1885, senior advocate and pioneer of naval aviation, the first naval aviator to achieve the flag rank, a veteran of World War I, and a veteran of World War II as Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics and commander of carrier task forces in the Pacific Theater, John Henry Towers was born in Rome, Georgia. Lastly on this day in America in 1912, world famous historian, and author of The Guns

While Tuesday night's State of the Union Address was not worth watching, since it was the same political talking points and optimism that is always prevalent in Washington D.C., for they seem determined to remain completely unhinged from reality. With the best example of this from last night's speech being when Barack Obama laughed at the millions of Americans who have lost or are about to lose their health insurance because of Obamacare, and saying "kids, call your mom and walk her through the application. It will giver he some peace of mind - plus, she'll appreciate hearing from you." As if first of all we don't love our mother's enough to call them, and second of all as if a mother hearing from her kids will more than make up for the fact that she just got screwed by Obamacare. Especially since if she is a mother who needs help from her kids to acquire new health insurance she is most likely older and on a fixed income, which means she can't affo

On this day in America in 1845, the New York Evening Mirror published Edgar Alan Poe's world famous poem, The Raven. Also on this day in American history in 1891, Lili'uokalani became Queen of Hawaii, and would be the last monarch to rule the Kingdom of Hawaii with her overthrow in 1893. Also on this day in America in 1843, the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio. Also on this day in America in 1990, Joseph Hazelwood went on trial for his role as Captain of the oil tanker Exon Valdez, which had crashed into Prince William Sound's Bligh Reef in Alaska, resulting in the largest oil spill in American history. Also on this day in 1737, one of the greatest essayists of the American Revolution, patriot, and author of the most influential pamphlet, Common Sense, which first laid out the systematic reasoning behind America needing to gain its independence, Thomas Paine was born in Thetford, England. Lastly on this day in America in 1936,

On this day in America in 1915, Congress created the Coast Guard as the fifth branch of the Armed Forces. Also on this day in American history in 1973, United States' involvement in Vietnam officially came to a close, as the Paris Peace Accords went into effect; with Henry Kissinger winning the Nobel Peace Prize for having negotiated the settlement. Lastly on this day in America in 1986, NASA's space shuttle Challenger exploded after only 73 seconds of flight, killing all seven crew members.     Canadian Nile Voyageurs On this day in Canadian history in 1980, Kenneth Taylor, Canada's Ambassador to Iran, from the Canadian Embassy in Tehran, engineers the escape of 6 U.S. diplomats who had fled to the Canadian Embassy after the American Embassy had been overrun and 66 American hostages taken on November 22, 1979 during the Iranian Revolution. Also on this day in Canadian history in 1822, Canada's second Prime Minister, Alexander Mackenzie was born in Dunkeld, Per

First Issue of the National Geographic - Printed 1888 On this day in America in 1967, a fire broke out during a test on the Apollo I space craft, killing astronauts Gus Grissom, Edward White, and Roger Chaffee. Also on this day in America in 2006, it was the end of the telegram, with the last telegram being delivered by Western Union. Also on this day in American history in 1900, American Admiral and father of the atomic sumbarine and the nuclear navy, Hyman Rickover was born in Makow Mazowiecki, Poland. Lastly on this day in America in 1888, the National Geographic Society was founded in Washington D.C. by 33 men; including geographers, explorers, teachers, lawyers, cartographers, military officers, and financiers. On this day in Canada in 1859, George-Etienne Cartier proclaims Ottawa the official capital of the Canadas; lobbying hard as co-premier against other front runners such as Kingston, Toronto and Montreal, because it was a place that both the French and English cou

Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman On this day in America in 1988, the curtain went up on the Phantom of the Opera, the longest running musical in  Broadway history. Also on this day in America in 1892, the first female pilot of African-American decent and the first African-American to obtain an international pilot license, Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas. Also on this day in America in 1880, one of only five men to ever rise to the rank of General in the U.S. army, Chief of Staff of the United States Army in the 1930's, including leading the Philippines Campaign against the Japanese in WWII and much of the war in the Pacific theater, and the only son to make his old man proud by making them the only father, son duo to both be awarded the Medal of Honor, General Douglas MacArthur was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Lastly on this day in America in 2005, Condoleezza Rice was sworn in as the first African American Woman to be named Secretary of

On this day in America in 1961, President John F. Kennedy held the first presidential news conference to be carried live on radio and television. William McDougall On this day in Canada in 1932, Governor General, the Earl of Bessborough speaks to the Lieutenant Governor of each province to inaugurate the Trans-Canada telephone system. Also on this day in Canada in 1822, one of the father's of confederation, hockey player, founder of the Toronto Newspaper, the North American, and Lieutenant Governor of the Northwest Territories, William McDougall was born in York County, Ontario. Lastly on this day in Canada in 1870, Louis Riel begins a two week convention to consider the Canadian proposals put forward by Donald Alexander regarding Manitoba's and the Northwest Territories' acceptance into the Confederation of Canada. "A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."                                      

On this day in America in 1986, NASA's Voyager 2 made its closest approach to Planet Uranus; discovering 10 new moons and sending back pictures of the planet's unusual atmosphere and ring system. Also on this day in America in  2003, the Department of Homeland Security officially opened, with Tom Ridge sworn in as it's first secretary; and the totalitarian state in America officially began. Lastly on this day in America in 1935, the Krueger Brewing Company released the first ever tin can of beer to consumers; a smashing success with sales increasing over 550%, and inspiring over 37 other breweries to follow their lead. On this day in Canada in 1978, Nuclear Powered USSR satellite Kosmos 954 re-enters the Earth's atmosphere and disintegrates over the North-West Territories; both scattering radiation, and resulting in the Canadian Armed Forces launching a massive operation to recover the intelligence sensitive debris. Also on this day in Canada in 1984, ABC pays

On this day in America in 1789, the oldest Jesuit and Catholic University in the United States, Georgetown University is established in modern day Washington D.C. Also on this day in America in 1899, Hollywood superstar, who in 1999 was ranked the greatest male star in the history of American cinema by the American Film Institute, Humphrey Bogart was born in New York City, New York. Also on this day in America in 1973, President Nixon announced that an end to the Vietnam War had been reached. Lastly on this day in America in 1957, the Wham-O toy company released the first ever Frisbee; based off the practice by Connecticut College Students who threw around empty pie plates from the Frisbee Baking Company, Wham-O bought the patent for the pie plates and released the iconic Frisbee. John C. Polanyi On this day in Canada in 1995, Defence Minister David Collenette disbands the Canadian Airborne Regiment, after it was discovered that they were responsible for the death of a Somali

On this day in America in 1970, the first ever Boeing 747 went into service, the Clipper Victor, christened by FLOTUS Pat Nixon at Dulles International Airport, and making its first flight along one of Pan Am's most prestigious routes from New York to London. Also on this day in America in 1973, the Supreme Court handed down the now infamous Roe v. Wade decision, which struck down most anti-abortion laws as unconstitutional. Also on this day in America in 1906, an influential African-American aviator and educator who fought for equality and especially the integration of black pilots into the segregated Army Air Corps and Civilian Pilot Training Program, Willa Beatrice Brown was born in Glasgow, Kentucky. Lastly on this day in America in 1998, Theodore Kaczynski, better known as the 'Unabomber', after being turned in by his brother and in a Sacramento courtroom confessed to his crimes; a 17-year campaign of package bombings of mostly universities and homes of professors a

While a recent report out of Florida, in which a man by the name of Curtis Reeves shot someone in a theater for texting, may have some of us thinking: "man, if only pot was legal in Florida, for if Curtis had a dubbie then things wouldn't have become so heated, and instead of the other guy throwing the bag of popcorn at him they would have just wolfed it down together and asked for another." Yet, despite the calming effect that marijuana has on its users as well as the limited health risks associated with its recreational use, though as marijuana use has become more prevalent more health risks are being discovered to be associated with its use, including schizophrenia; many still oppose the legalization of marijuana. So the question becomes, should the use of marijuana be decriminalized?

Over the weekend an interesting audio clip surfaced of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, speaking ill of certain people within society. Namely those of us who adhere to the Constitution, and who applaud and understand the founding father's and what they were trying to accomplish in America. Those of us who cling to our God and our guns, just as the founder's did when the British colonial government was attempting to enslave them. Yet, while this comment is perhaps nothing new in the trenches that is the political war of words between the Left and the Right, it does serve to highlight and interesting dynamic emerging between states and between Americans.

General Thomas Jonathan 'Stonewall' Jackson On this day in America in 1954, the world's first and largest (97 meters long) nuclear powered submarine was launched by the U.S. navy, the USS Nautilus. Also on this day in America in 2004, the record industry sues computer users for illegally distributing its music over the internet. Also on this day in America in 1737, American Revolutionary Commander and founding father of Vermont, Ethan Allen was born in Litchfield, Connecticut. Also on this day in America in 1824, one of the most skilled and feared Confederate general's whose death in 1863 reversed the fortunes of the Confederacy during the Civil War, General Thomas Jonathan 'Stonewall' Jackson was born in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). Lastly on this day in America in 1977, President Jimmy Carter demonstrates why he was unfit to ever be considered Commander in Chief, by unconditionally pardoning American draft evaders, both those who did not regis

  On this day in America in 1887, the U.S. Senate approves the leasing of Hawaii's Pearl Harbor Island as an American forces naval base, establishing the first permanent presence for the Americans in the Pacific. Also on this day in America in 1937, Franklin D. Roosevelt took his oath of office to begin his second term as President, beginning the tradition of January 20th being the official inauguration day for American Presidents. Also on this day in America in 1986, the federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, was officially recognized and celebrated by most states across the country. Also on this day in America in 1981, 52 American hostages came back home to freedom with their release and the end of the Iranian hostage crises. Also on this day in America in 1930, the second man to walk on the moon Dr. Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Lastly on this day in America in 1732, American Revolutionary, patriot, President of the Second Continental

On this day in America in 1937, aviator Howard Hughes set a new trans-continental flight speed record, flying from Los-Angeles, California to Newark, New Jersey in less than 7 1/2 hours. Also on this day in America in 2006, Nasa launched a spacecraft on a 3 billion mile journey to the distant then planet (now moon) Pluto. Also on this day in America in 1809, world-famous poet Edgar Allan Poe was born in  Boston, Massachusetts. Lastly, on this day in American history in 1981, President Ronald Reagan secures the release of American hostages in Algiers from the grip of Iran. On this day in Canada in 1870, Donald Alexander Smith (Lord Strathcona) meets with the Metis and Scottish settlers in Winnipeg to discuss Canada's position on the issue of Manitoba's admittance into the confederation of Canada. Also on this day in Canada in 1943, the eternal bond between Canada and the Netherlands was forever cemented as Princess Margriet of the House of Orange was born to Crown Prince

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams On this day in American history in 1778, British Captain James Cook became the first European explorer to visit the Hawaii Islands. Also on this day in America in 1813, inventor of the barbed wire that forever altered the development of the American West, Joseph F. Glidden was born in Charlestown, New Hampshire. Also on this day in America in 1856, the first MD to preform open heart surgery successfully, African-American Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Lastly on this day in American history in 1919, the Paris Peace Conference began, leading to the formation of President Woodrow Wilson's post-war dream, the League of Nations. On this day in Canada in 1967, Yellowknife becomes the official political capitol of the North West Territories. Also on this day in Canada in 1961, hockey legend second in all-time career points, playoff points and regular season games played, and winner of 6 Stanley Cups and 2 Hart Trophies,

Earlier this week an interesting story emerged of another unprecedented Human Rights case, to be heard by the Ontario Human Rights Commission. This time over the intrinsic evil that is, not banning dairy products, from eggs, to yogurt, to pizza, to pasta and on and on it goes, by Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Elementary School; when one, count them one girl, is so allergic to dairy products that if she comes into external contact with them, not just ingests them, but just comes into external contact with them, her life will be threatened. In other words, the mother wants the school to be forced by the government to give her child the same protection that schools have given children with tree nut and nut allergies; by, just as they have banned all foods containing nuts, banning all dairy products from the premises. So does she have a point?

Yesterday in Chicago Rev. Jeremiah Wright, one of the premier proponents of the social-gospel and the left's brand of social justice, and the one famous for making President Obama sweat during the 2008 elections, delivered another contentious speech at a breakfast co-hosted by the Chicago Teacher's Union. Yet, while you would think that calling President Lincoln, the one who sent hundreds of the thousands of white boys to die to end slavery during the Civil War, a racist would be the most fiery and intriguing comments from the speech, but no.

On this day in America in 1961, President Eisenhower warned the nation against the rise of the military-industrial complex in his farewell address to the nation. Also on this day in America in 1950, the almost perfect crime was committed by eleven thieves who broke into Boston's Brinks Armored Company and stole just under 3 million dollars without leaving any clues. However, after pulling off the perfect crime the thieves began arguing amongst themselves over how to divide their booty and began ratting each other out, resulting in all eleven eventually being convicted. Also on this day in America in 1942, "The Greatest," who is the only three-time heavyweight champion, Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Lastly, on this day in America in 1706, one of the greatest founding fathers ever and co-drafter of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts. On this day in Canada in 1974, Pauline McGibbon take

If you aren't sure what GOProud is, it is organization associated with the Republican Party that was founded by Jimmy LaSalvia, a lifelong Republican and gay man, who wanted to create within the establishment a more conservative and mainstream alternative to the Log Cabin Republicans. Yet, now Jimmy LaSalvia is not only disassociating himself from the organization that he founded, but he is also leaving the Republican party altogether and registering as an independent. Yet, why is even more intriguing?

Ninjas were some of the best assassins in the world, always remembering their targets and striking with deadly force when the opportunity was ripe for the picking. That is why when word came earlier this week of reports of Hilary Clinton keeping a secret list of traitors and enemies to be punished when she takes the Presidency in 2016, I thought this would be an open an shut case with the conservative media, heck even the liberal media, since even they seem to be coming around lately. However, after listening to Megyn Kelly from Fox New's new show The Kelly File speak about it, I had to write on this.

When Big Government Tries to Help On this day in American history in 1945, the Americans had done such a good job for the allies since arriving in Europe in 1943, that Hitler was forced to retreat to his bunker below the streets of Berlin; where he would remain until his suicide 105 days later. Also on this day in American history in 1945, the U.S. First and Third armies link up after taking Houffalize, effectively ending the Battle of the Bulge. Also on this day in America in 1908, Ethel Merman was born in Queens, New York, and would grow up to become the undisputed "First Lady/Queen of Broadway." Also on this day in America in 1757, Samuel McIntire was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and would grow up to become a world famous "Genius in Architechture." Lastly on this day in America in 1919/20, America passed the 18th amendment to the Constitution, which prohibited the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes,"

As you may have heard, in our society today, being a pure anti-government free-market capitalist is nearly akin to being a Nazi, as far as the way one will be treated if they were. Why? because of our apparent greed. Yet, as Milton Friedman so adequately and deftly explains in less than 2 minutes, history has taught us that greed is the name of the game, it is inescapable. Moreover, history has taught us, that despite what we in society think today, political self-interest is the worst kind of greed imaginable; and that only under a capitalist system where the common man is free to pursue his own self-interest out of greed, that the great advancements of the ages have come and will continue to come. While under the systems that protect and expand political self-interest (communism, socialism, fascism, authoritarianism) greed is not only palpable, it is so great that is has led to the greatest setbacks and tragedies of history and will continue to lead to many more as long as they e

On this day in America in 1870, cartoonist Thomas Nast drew a Donkey as the symbol for the Democrat Party, making its first appearance in Harper's Weekly. Also on this day in America in 1943, the Pentagon was completed as the new headquarters for the Department of Defense. Also on this day in America in 1976, Sara Jane Moore was sentenced to life, for her assassination attempt on President Gerald Ford; being released from prison after serving 32 years on December 31, 2007. Lastly on this day in America in 1967, 60 million Americans had the pleasure of watching the very first super bowl, with the Green Bay Packers, led by their coach Vince Lombardi, destroying the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10. On this day in Canadian history in 1541, French King Francois I appoints Jean-Francois de La Roque de Roberval first viceroy of Canada, Newfoundland, and Labrador. Also on this day in Canada in 1835, Upper Canada, in an attempt to aid natives, bans the sale of liquor to all natives; effect

Every week, or so it seems, President Obama is caught doing something less than savoury. A constant that has led to what has now become an age-old question in the 21st century; is Obama simply so un-experienced and naive and thus simply blindly walks into these situations free from intent, or does Obama know exactly what he is doing and thus is responsible for it all? A question that arises in part, because not only does it seem to be Obama's nature to end up in even deeper trouble than the week before, but also because he governs and views America and the Presidency in a very different way than even the most progressive President's in our history viewed it, making it difficult for Americans to grasp exactly what the President's motivations are when he does most everything. As for the answer to the question, well I think that depends largely on the context of the situation/action, but either way, whether out of naivety or intent, Obama is the President and the buck stops

On this day in America in 1784, the American Revolutionary War officially ended with Congress' signing of the Treaty of Paris. Also on this day in America in 1973, the Miami Dolphins beat the Washington Red Skins to win Superbowl VII and become the first and so far only team to record an undefeated season (including playoffs) in the NFL. On this day in Canada in 1968, an ice storm in Toronto, Ontario, damages the silver maple at 62 Laing Street that inspired Canadian Alexander Muir to write the song The Maple Leaf Forever. Also on this day in 1902, the Canadian Mounted Rifles set sail from Halifax, Nova Scotia for Capetown, South Africa, to fight in the Boer War; which was a corporate war against the people of South Africa known as the Boers. Lastly on this day in Canada in 1942, Canada officially orders Japanese Canadians to leave their homes in British Columbia; designating the region as a 'protected area'. "A people without knowledge of their past history,

AS I PASS through my incarnations in every age and race, I make my proper prostrations to the Gods of the Market Place. Peering through reverent fingers I watch them flourish and fall, And the Gods of the Copybook Headings, I notice, outlast them all. We were living in trees when they met us. They showed us each in turn That Water would certainly wet us, as Fire would certainly burn: But we found them lacking in Uplift, Vision and Breadth of Mind, So we left them to teach the Gorillas while we followed the March of Mankind. We moved as the Spirit listed. They never altered their pace, Being neither cloud nor wind-borne like the Gods of the Market Place, But they always caught up with our progress, and presently word would come That a tribe had been wiped off its icefield, or the light had gone out in Rome. With the Hopes that our World is built on they were utterly out of touch, They denied that the Moon was Stilton; they denied she was even Dutch; They denied that Wis

Sad new out of Israel this past weekend, with the reports of Ariel Sharon's death on Friday January 11th at 2pm. Yet, while the media will center our attention on the greatness of Ariel Sharon revolving around his consistent efforts to bring peace between Israel and Palestine, including the removal of Israel's quote on quote 'occupation' of the Gaza Strip and his commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state with the Oslo Accords. As a result this small tribute to the man will focus on neither, and instead focus on Sharon's top 10 achievements chronologically, outside of brokering peace with Palestine. Since Sharon was more than a Prime Minister, he was a self-made man, one who was born in 1928 into nothing, and from nothing would fight and come to create everything for himself and his people, the Jewish people of the state of Israel.

On this day in America in 1794, President George Washington approved adding two stars to the American flag when Vermont and Kentucky joined the union, beginning the tradition of adding a star to the flag for each new state that joined the Union. Also on this day in America in 1968, Johnny Cash became a country-music legend with his recording of a concert at Folsom Prison in California. Lastly on this day in America in 1990, L. Douglas Wilder was sworn in as Governor of Virginia; becoming the first African-American Governor in the history of the United States. On this day in Canadian history in 1947, Britian's Privy Council rules that Canada is within its rights in passing legislation, making the Supreme Court of Canada the highest and final court of appeal. Also on this day in Canadian history in 1943, the Royal Canadian Navy Corvette Ville de Quebec sinks a U-boat off the coast of Italy during World War II, the Royal Canadian Navy's first U-boat kill. "A people

On this day in America in 1932, Hattie Wyatt Caraway was elected the senator of Arkansas, marking the first time a women was elected to the Senate. Also on this day in America in 1986, the Columbia shuttle rocket launched today, piloted by the first African-American shuttle pilot, Charles Bolden; and carried the first Hispanic-American into space, Franklin Chang Diaz. Also on this day in 1991, Congress gave approval for the go ahead of the First Gulf War, to push Iraqi troops out of Kuwait. Lastly on this day in 1926, the entertainment duo Amos N' Andy debuted on the radio in Chicago, Illinois. On this day in Canada in 1819,  western Canada's oldest post-secondary institution, St. Boniface College (College St. Boniface) was founded in the Red River colony of St. Boniface, Manitoba. Also on this day in Canadian history in 1995, Toronto-born rock superstar Neil Young was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. "A people without knowledg

On this day in America in 1935, aviator Amelia Earhart made the first solo flight from Hawaii to California. Also on this day in American in 1984, Michael Jackson was nominated for 12 Grammy Awards for his hit album Thriller; later winning 8 of the 12. Lastly, on this day in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt officially declared the Grand Canyon a national treasure and monument; with today over 5 million people a year exploring the canyon's mysteries. On this day in Canada in 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14 year old Canadian, is the first person to have his diabetes treated successfully, thanks to Banting and Best's new discovery, insulin. Also on this day in Canadian history in 1815, Sir John Alexander Macdonald was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and grew up to become the first Prime Minister of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Also on this day in Canada in 1934, Jean Chretien was born in Shawinigan, Quebec, and grew up to become Canada's 20th Prime Minister from 1993-2003