It’s no surprise when a famous athlete ends up in the papers for a sex scandal, or drugs, or dog fighting….yet how often do we investigate the events leading up to these very public falls from grace? New this month from the University of Nebraska Press is Sports Heroes Fallen Idols: How Star Athletes Pursue Self-Destructive Paths and Jeopardize their Careers, by Stanley H. Teitelbaum.  Using his background in psychotherapy, he takes a serious look at how society props up our athletic heroes and then revels in their demise. In this week’s Tuesday Trivia we’re going to take a look … Continue reading Tuesday Trivia: June 24, 2008

What do Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, Abraham Lincoln, and Juliano Belletti all have in common? Well, other than This Week in History, not a whole lot. They are all, however, very significant to our humble blog as their endeavors give us reason to exist. So in honor of their efforts, we will proceed with another session of This Week in History. June 16, 1859: Abraham Lincoln gives his famous speech House Divided in Springfield, Illinois. Whether you are a fan or not, the legacy President Lincoln has left on this country has been considerable to say the least. For a … Continue reading This Week in History: June 16-10, 2008

New this month from the University of Nebraska Press is, Green Plans by Huey D. Johnson.  By studying the Green Plans in place around the world, Johnson provides a detailed and accessible examination of their theory, implementation, and performance across the globe, highlighting the challenges and successes of green plans in the Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, the rest of the European Community, and Singapore. This week Linking in Lincoln is taking the hint, and proposing a few ways you can go green yourself. Curious just how far the eco situation has escalated?  Then check … Continue reading Linking in Lincoln: June 19, 2008

New from the University of Nebraska Press is, Bad Fruits of the Civilized Tree by Izumi Ishii. This book “examines the role of alcohol among the Cherokees through more than two hundred years, from contact with white traders.”  Chronicling the socially destructive aspects of the beverage, Ishii how the brew was integrated into the native community and how this event impacted their economic escalation. This week Tuesday Trivia is going to take a look at this wonder we call alcohol, and see if we can determine just why its history is so pervasive. 1.    True or False: Almost all … Continue reading Tuesday Trivia: June 16, 2008

Well bloggers we have survived a long week of rain, tornadoes, and otherwise grim weather and can all breathe a sigh of relief. In fact, just to keep our minds at rest TWIH will make no mention of mother earth or her foul temper. Perhaps this will appease her? Instead we will focus on Judy Garland, Anne Frank, and Tom Cheek. Curious what little tidbits I might have about these fascinating people, and how they tie to UNP? Well join me and find out! June 10, 68:  Roman Emperor Nero commits suicide by beseeching his secretary to slit his throat … Continue reading This Week in History: June 9-13, 2008