September 22, 1888: The first issue of National Geographic Magazine is published.

National Geographic is known for taking that in depth look into our world, our cultures, and nature that is necessary for a well balanced perspective. For me Antarctica is a perfect representation of this. To see what one of UNP’s authors have come to know about the continent, take a look at The Entire Earth and Sky: Views on Antarctica,by Leslie Carol Roberts.

September 23, 1886: Lewis and Clark return to St. Louis after exploring the Pacific Northwest of the  United States.

Oh, Lewis and Clark! However did they make it without Sacagawea? To find out please check out Why Sacagawea Deserves the Day Off and Other Lessons from the Lewis & Clark Trail, by Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs.

September 24, 1991: Theodore Geisel aka Dr. Seuss dies today.

I think we can all agree that Dr. Seuss was a real lover of children. For another UNP author who can say the same, please check out Against Joie de Vivre by Phillip Lopate.

September 25, 1951: Mark Hamil, American Actor is born today.

There can, perhaps, be no better representative of science fiction than Star Wars. For a look at what came before this brilliant trilogy have a look at The Man with the Strange Head and other Early Science Fiction Stories by Miles J. Breuer.

September 26, 1774: Johnny Appleseed, American Environmentalist is born.

In the age of Global Warming, we have grown used to the conflict between progressing as a society at the possible risk of nature and protecting the environment at the possible risk of progression. As Midwesterners we are privileged to have a large part of this threatened landscape in our own backyards. You can see this beautifully outlined in The Wide Open: Prose, Poetry, and Photographs of the Prairie, by Annick Smith and Susan O’Conner

Well readers, have a great weekend. Join us again Tuesday for some Tuesday Trivia!