Category Archives: History

History at all levels, not just not my past or nostalgic musings.

Italian(s) #8: Tom & Ray Magliozzi

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Steve

I thought I had turned the corner on my monthly feature but I was wiped out Monday and on Tuesday I was invited to attend the Roger Daltrey concert (waiting for a photo). But today is officially Columbus Day so … Continue reading →

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Italian #7: Sylvia Poggioli

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Steve

Sylvia has been (and remains) a staple of NPR news for 29 years with Europe as her territory. However she is memorable due to how her last name is said. To my ears, it sounds like it begins with “Boo” … Continue reading →

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Italian #6: Dan Castellaneta

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Steve

I’ve been following the general news about New Corp’s demand to have The Simpsons voice actors take huge pay cuts because the show has become unprofitable. Really? Somehow Murdoch and his flunkies must think anyone with an IQ over 85 has no … Continue reading →

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Italian #5: Dick Giordano

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Steve

I don’t want to repeat myself and I think I covered the man’s great career over a year go with my obituary. I will add this about him. The man took inking to a new level. Normally in comic books, … Continue reading →

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Italian #4: Isabella Rosellini

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Steve

I want to kick with a big thank you from my friends Helen and Peter. I actually received a heartwarming comment via Helen regarding my last entry about A. P. Giannini so this means at least one person is reading … Continue reading →

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Italian #3: A. P. Giannini

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Steve

This man brought banking to the middle and lower-class masses but if he were alive today, modern financing would turn his stomach or maybe he’d be too busy working in the Third World promoting micro-lending to the poor. Much of … Continue reading →

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Italian #2: Johnette Napolitano

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Steve

I’ve been out sick obviously. I was feeling well enough last night to write down my immediate thoughts regarding the death Mr. Steve Jobs, my boss and indirectly the guy who helped me choose a more lucrative career over broadcasting. … Continue reading →

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Italian #1: Enrico Fermi

Posted on October 2, 2011 by Steve

As per my promise (or threat?), I’m kicking off my blather about Italy’s contribution to the world with a scientist. His name may sound familiar in the Chicago area and/or if you follow Science stories on NPR because a particle … Continue reading →

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October is Italian Heritage month

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Steve

I didn’t want to go with the easy ploy of Halloween so as I searched online for other possible significant ideas, I stumbled upon this. Then it gave me an idea on what I could write briefly every day about, … Continue reading →

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RIP: Dr. John Grams, very belatedly

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Steve

I was very saddened to discover that one of my favorite professors passed away this Spring. Not being very patriotic, I tend to be annoyed by Marquette’s alumnus magazine: it blathers on about Catholicism, shows the school gentrifying Milwaukee as … Continue reading →

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Too bad for Canada in my opinion

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Steve

It’s sad to see that our Northern neighbors making a hard Right turn with the majority government given to Stephen Harper, they’ll be sorry in the long run and yesterday he made another move to appease the candy-asses in their … Continue reading →

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1911: Lucille Ball’s centennial

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Steve

To millions, Lucy was the Queen of Comedy through her film, stage and television career. You could say she was a precursor to Tina Fey without the writing element. When I was in college, I learned that her sitcom I … Continue reading →

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1986-1991: Hello and Goodbye Milwaukee

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Steve

August is both a joyous and bittersweet anniversary month as the title implies (or maybe fails to). The header photo is the main public library which gave me great memories, especially when I was underemployed during the Reagan-Bush Recession. Twenty-five … Continue reading →

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1986: The Birthday of Anticipation II (Escape to Milwaukee)

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Steve

As I endured four rather mixed years of high school, I didn’t need much incentive to pursue college. It was probably in my DNA since both parents and one grandparent had degrees. However, working two crappy, minimum-wage service jobs that … Continue reading →

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1976: The Birthday of Anticipation

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Steve

I’ve been boring Somara lately with my reminiscing over 1976. It was a significant time because it was the first time my parents took Brian and me with them on a major vacation. When I mean major, I’m describing a … Continue reading →

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