Archive

Independence Hall, Philadelphia It seems appropriate that trying to visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia is an act of democracy in itself. This is, after all, the building in which the United States Declaration of Independence and Constitution were both signed. So it’s fitting that for those who want to see it, there’s an equality in ...

Philadelphia street art There’s something cool about street art at the best of times, but especially when you’re a tourist. There’s something about the installations in public areas that says a lot about a city. The artwork represents the thoughts of the inspired, using symbols to tell the true tale of the place. And it’s ...

The genius of Thomas Jefferson There’s no doubt what the finest creation of Thomas Jefferson was. It’s the thing with the words. You know… these words: “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, ...

The National Security Agency Being a spy is supposed to be cool. If it’s not tuxedos, cocktails and casinos, then it should at least be safehouses, martial arts and a mysterious bank account in Switzerland. Surely being a spy means having a secret cabinet of weapons and gadgets hidden behind your bookshelf at home, a ...

The duel in the town The idea of a duel seems somewhat strange, doesn’t it? It seems so final, so uncompromising, and so unjust. It doesn’t leave room for mediation, for discussion of alternative solutions, or acceptance that there might be more to a situation than a simple right versus wrong dichotomy. And I wonder ...

The United States Naval Academy “You can’t park here,” the man with the crisp uniform and shaved head tells me. “This is for official naval vehicles only.” It’s about as strict and direct as the guards get here. I leave the car in a nearby street and walk back in. An officer takes a cursory ...

The National Museum of Health and Medicine It’s not large like Mount Rushmore, iconic like the Statue of Liberty, or symbolic like The White House. It’s small and virtually hidden from view. Most locals don’t know it still exists and most tourists wouldn’t know where to find it… even if they knew to look for ...

Gram’s Place at Tampa, Florida tribute |ˈtribyoōt| (noun) An act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration It was exactly two decades ago that a young man built a tribute in Florida to a musician he revered. It was no statue, though – no lifeless representation of what had once ...

Deep South civil rights When it comes to civil rights and racial equality, there’s a lot of food for thought during a trip through the Deep South of the United States (and I’m not talking about the fried chicken!). Everywhere you go you’re confronted with overt signs of the gap between black and white. Sometimes ...

Crime in New Orleans Just a block or two from where I was out drinking one night, two people were shot dead and several more injured in altercations that escalated quickly. The next day the local newspaper had a big article about the murders, filled with the usual fist-shaking condemnations of police and politicians. Next ...