Janet Morrison's Blog, page 16

#OnThisDay: Ramifications of Backgrounds of US Supreme Court Justices

When I read that today is the anniversary of the 1777 birth of Roger Brooke Taney, I wondered why his birthday appeared on any lists. When I learned that Mr. Taney was a US Supreme Court Chief Justice when the landmark Dred Scott decision was made, I knew there was a story behind the story. … Continue reading #OnThisDay: Ramifications of Backgrounds of US Supreme Court Justices →

An Historical & Current Look at “America First”

It is sad that many Americans do not know history. I blame the results of the 2024 US Presidential election on that along with today’s popular mindset that is only concerned with how something affects “me” instead of being concerned with “the common good.” A policy of isolationism has never turned out well for the … Continue reading An Historical & Current Look at “America First” →

Books I Read in February 2025 & Hurricane Helene Update

I read three books last month that I want to share with you today. The three are very different from each other, so perhaps at least one of them with pique your interest. I recommend each of them. After my comments about the books I read, I have my weekly update on Hurricane Helene recovery … Continue reading Books I Read in February 2025 & Hurricane Helene Update →

The Importance of Marbury v. Madison Today

This is a timely anniversary date that landed in my lap! The US Supreme Court heard the arguments for the Marbury v. Madison case on February 11, 1803, and handed down its decision 222 years ago today on February 24, 1803. That’s a quick turn around compared to today’s Supreme Court! It isn’t often that … Continue reading The Importance of Marbury v. Madison Today →

The Amazing Dr. Nicholas E. Lubchenko

Plan A:  The Ida Nicholson I wanted to blog about the sinking of the Ida Nicholson, a schooner that sank off Ocracoke Island, North Carolina in 1870, but I was unable to find sufficient information about the incident. It was hauling 101,600 of the one million bricks needed for the construction of the Hatteras Lighthouse … Continue reading The Amazing Dr. Nicholas E. Lubchenko →

25th Amendment Ratified, 1967

Is that date correct? Yes, it was 1967. Since this is the US Constitutional Amendment about presidential succession, it begs the question, “What procedure was in place before February 10, 1967?” Prior to Enactment of the 25th Amendment Prior to the enactment of the 25th Amendment, it was up to each presidential administration to set … Continue reading 25th Amendment Ratified, 1967 →

Books Read in January and Hurricane Helene Update

January turned out to be a good reading month for me, and I have much to report on Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina. I’ll jump right in and tell you about some of the books I read. The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon My sister recommended that I read this historical novel. Finally, … Continue reading Books Read in January and Hurricane Helene Update →

One Decision Changed the Course of History

Perhaps you need to be of a certain age to recognize the name of Hyman G. Rickover. Or perhaps you are not aware that he was born in Russia on this date in the year 1900. His parents made the decision to leave Russia and settle their family in Chicago in 1906. When I read … Continue reading One Decision Changed the Course of History →

Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Sometimes what I want to say in a blog post flows smoothly from my brain, through my fingers, and onto the keyboard. Other times, I struggle. I have struggled with today’s post. I have lost track of how many edits and rewrites I’ve done over the last couple of weeks. Today’s post is a bit … Continue reading Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday →

What I read in December 2024

After not reading a single book in its entirety in November, I hit the ground running in December. Last month I read a variety of genres and book lengths. The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust, by Francis S. Collins To refresh your memory, Dr. Francis S. Collins is a geneticist who … Continue reading What I read in December 2024 →