We're doing something a little different this time around on WTKM. I'd be willing to bet that most of you have never heard the word nystagmus before, so let me break things down a little. Nystagmus is an involuntary, rapid eye movement. It can be caused by several things, including drug overdoses and head injuries,… Continue reading Would this Kill Me in the 1800s: Nystagmus
Category: history
Women’s History Month: Queen Liliuokalani
I came to the realization recently that all of my historical profiles have been of white women, so for the month of March, in honor of Women's History Month, I'll be profiling women of diverse backgrounds. Obviously, I can't touch on every possible nationality or marginalization in the time I have, but I will be… Continue reading Women’s History Month: Queen Liliuokalani
The Black Hand in America
Before the mafia, there was the Black Hand, the deadliest secret society you've probably never heard of. Now, before we get started, I do want to clarify something. There are two groups known as "The Black Hand." The first is a proto-mafia group known for extortion, kidnapping, and bombings, particularly in New York, from the… Continue reading The Black Hand in America
Women’s History Month: Miné Okubo
I came to the realization recently that all of my historical profiles have been of white women, so for the month of March, in honor of Women's History Month, I'll be profiling women of diverse backgrounds. Obviously, I can't touch on every possible nationality or marginalization in the time I have, but I will be… Continue reading Women’s History Month: Miné Okubo
Women’s History Month: Nanye-hi
I came to the realization recently that all of my historical profiles have been of white women, so for the month of March, in honor of Women's History Month, I'll be profiling women of diverse backgrounds. Obviously, I can't touch on every possible nationality or marginalization in the time I have, but I will be… Continue reading Women’s History Month: Nanye-hi
Cotton in the Civil War
Many of us, particularly in the North, like to think that when America gets involved in a conflict, especially on its own terf, that it's a just war, a righteous conflict. But the truth is, most of the conflict we've fought in the past 243 years have been for economic reasons: tariffs and taxes, access… Continue reading Cotton in the Civil War
Would This Kill Me in the 1800s: Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is one of those "old timey" diseases I've been aware of since I was a kid--not just because I read a lot of historical fiction as a kid, but also because I grew up in mosquito country. But knowing it exists isn't the same as knowing what it does. So what is yellow… Continue reading Would This Kill Me in the 1800s: Yellow Fever
A Brief History of Elastic
We've all been living in our PJs for so long at this point, it's hard to imagine putting on normal jeans to go to the grocery store. How does anyone function without elastic waistbands, strech denim, elasticated socks, or the hundreds of other strechy, adjustable products we use on a daily basis? It starts with… Continue reading A Brief History of Elastic
The Monmouth Cap
It's the time of year when fuzzy hats, toques, beanies, and other headgear are getting a workout for those of use that still have to be outside (or are just sick of being inside for so many months). Every winter seems to see a new trend. A few years back it was bun hats (Ravelry… Continue reading The Monmouth Cap
The First Female (Acting) President of the U.S.
If you've been over to my reading blog, then you probably know I am not a big fan of Woodrow Wilson. In fact, I would go so far as to rank him in my top five worst presidents we've ever had, and that is a pretty competitive list. But I'm not here to talk politics,… Continue reading The First Female (Acting) President of the U.S.
