The Great Experiment

The date was January 16, 1919, and the Eighteenth Amendment had just become a reality.

Prohibition -- the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution -- legally banned the manufacture, transportation, and sale of intoxicating liquors. Often referred to as "The Great Experiment," it had its roots in the previous century, championed by the Anti-Saloon League (an Ohio organization founded in 1893). The League had their work cut out for them: in 1909, there was one saloon for every three hundred Americans. There were more saloons than schools, libraries, hospitals, theaters, parks, or churches. (Location was a factor, however; the city of Chicago had more saloons than the entirety of the South.) Interestingly enough, the Anti-Saloon League consisted of members who, generally speaking, favored progressive politics such as votes for women, an end to monopolies, better working conditions, and immigration aid.

Before Prohibition, there was the Webb-Kenyon Act, which was passed in February 1913. Overriding a veto from President Taft, the law regulated the transportation of liquor from "wet states" to "dry states" (that is, no transporting liquor from the states that sold it to the states that did not). Four years later, Congress passed the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; by January 1919, forty-six of the forty-eight states had ratified the amendment (Rhode Island and Connecticut being the two hold-outs). Despite ratification, however, many states failed to actually adopt state Prohibition, including Pennsylvania (as well as California, Illinois, New York, and others).

From the beginning, Prohibition had its work cut out. Many large cities outright rejected state or municipal liquor bans. The states where Prohibition proved unpopular often decided that the federal law was a federal matter, and so left the law's enforcement to the federal government. And while Prohibition did not prove costly (about a quarter of what states were spending on their parks department), it had the side effect of cutting funding in its own way -- in 1914, before the Amendment had been passed, one-third of the federal government's revenue came from liquor licenses and taxes on domestic liquor sales.

Then, too, were other (unexpected) side effects. Bootlegging, the illegal manufacturing and selling of liquor, became a booming business. As it was also an illegal business, it was organized crime who benefited from bootlegging the most; it's estimated that Chicago's Al Capone earned $60 million a year alone, thanks to the bootlegging operations and speakeasies he controlled. Those living in large cities were generally the most vehement protestors of Prohibition, and law enforcement and politicians alike were bribed there to look the other way. Once the Great Depression took hold, the popularity of Prohibition slipped even further. When Franklin D. Roosevelt ran for presidential office in 1932, his campaign included the repealing of the 18th Amendment. (Roosevelt won the election).

Ultimately, Prohibition was reversed with the 21st Amendment, proposed and enacted in 1933. The Great Experiment was at an end.

More on the History of Prohibition:

-- The 18th and 21st Amendments - Complete with scans of the original amendment, newspaper articles, and more.

-- Prohibition: Facts and Summary - From the History Channel.


From the Catalog:

-- Last Call: The Rise And Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent.

-- The Prohibition Hangover: Alcohol in America from Demon Rum to Cult Cabernet by Garrett Peck.

-- Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition by Karen Blumenthal. For YA readers.

-- Prohibition: A Ken Burns Documentary [DVD]


Other Reads (from the Catalog):

-- Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol by Iain Gately.

-- Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol by Ann Dowsett Johnston.

-- Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp



-- Post by Ms. B 

Come Fly With Me

This July 2nd marks the 77th anniversary of one of the biggest unsolved mysteries of all time: the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, a pilot attempting to make history as the first woman to fly around the world. But while we remain primarily fascinated with her today due to the unanswered questions surrounding her disappearance, it's worth noting that she was considered a heroic figure long before her final flight.

Amelia Earhart spent her childhood sledding, climbing trees, and hunting rats with a .22 rifle. She also, from an early age, admired women who defied the conventions of the time, even putting together a scrapbook of newspaper clippings about women who had succeeded in male-dominated fields like film directing, law, management, and engineering.

At age 23, she took her first piloting lesson, and she purchased her very own, second-hand plane a scant six months later with money she's saved from her job as a social worker in Boston. She promptly used her new ride to set her first record: the first woman to fly to an altitude of 14,000 feet.

Earhart would set many other records, such as becoming the first woman (and the second person, ever, after Charles Lindbergh) to fly solo across the Atlantic ocean. Her dangerous, and daring, accomplishment resulted in President Herbert Hoover awarding her a gold medal from the National Geographic Society, while Congress made history by giving Earhart the Distinguished Flying Cross -- the first time the Cross had ever been awarded to a woman. Later, in 1935, she became the first person (of either gender) to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean, from Honolulu to California.

On the cusp of her 40th birthday, Earhart decided to try for one final record: to become the first woman to fly around the world. When she set off with navigator Fred Noonan on June 1, 1937, it was actually her second attempt to make the trip; the first, earlier that spring, had failed when her plane had undergone severe damage.

It was a highly dangerous trip to make in 1937. Still, by July, Earhart had only 7,000 miles remaining to complete the trip and set her record. But the next leg of the journey -- a 2,500-mile stretch from New Guinea to Howland Island -- was by far the hardest to navigate. Howland Island is only a mile and a half long and a half-mile wide, and frequently changing weather conditions add to the difficulty. Though the weather reports promised ideal conditions, the sky quickly turned cloudy, and navigator Noonan apparently lost his bearings. Earhart radioed for assistance from a U.S. Coast Guard cutter, stationed just offshore of the island, but her radio signal was breaking up. Earhart, Noonan, and the plane all ultimately disappeared.

A rescue attempt was launched. The U.S. government spent $4 million to search 250,000 square miles of ocean (the most extensive air and sea search in the history of the navy). Ultimately, no clue was found as to precisely what became of her, her navigator, or her plane.

To this day, no one can say with certainty what happened to Amelia Earhart. (Though theories abound ... and abound and abound.) While freshly-examined evidence points to the possibility that Earhart may have made it to a small island and survived for days or even weeks, the results are still inconclusive. (See our links below for more information.)

What is certain, however, is the Amelia Earhart will always be remembered for her courage, skill, intelligence, and decided love of adventure.

"Please know I am quite aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others."

Find Out More 

-- The Official Website of Amelia Earhart

Includes quotes, photos, and a timeline of Earhart's life.

-- Will We Ever ... Discover What Happened to Amelia Earhart? - from BBC.com

A look at the compelling, if not conclusive, evidence surrounding the mystery of Earhart's disappearance. Includes discussion on the artifacts that may point to Earhart surviving for weeks on a deserted island.

-- Amelia Earhart Reenactment Flight

Named after the legendary pilot (though she's of no relation), the 31-year-old Amelia Rose Earhart is attempting this summer to complete her namesake's goal of flying around the world. Track her progress here.



From the Catalog:

-- The Fun of It: Random Records of My Own Flying and of Women in Aviation by Amelia Earhart

-- 20 hrs, 40 min -- Our Flight in the Friendship: The American Girl, First Across the Atlantic by Air, Tells Her Story by Amelia Earhart

-- Amelia Earhart: The Mystery Solved by Elgen M. Long and Marie K. Long

-- Amelia Earhart: The Thrill of It by Susan Wels

-- Where's Amelia Earhart? [DVD] - a National Geographic special

-- Amelia [DVD] - a 2009 film starring Hilary Swank in the title role

-- Post by Ms. B

A Walk on the Wild Side

It runs more than 2,100 miles along the eastern half of the U.S., crossing over a total of fourteen states (from Georgia to Maine). It's maintained entirely by volunteers; in fact, it's said to be the largest volunteer-run undertaking on earth.

And if you decide to travel it end to end, you'll be traveling it on foot.

Welcome to the Appalachian Trail.

This hiking trail started life as the brainchild of Benton MacKaye. He first published the details of his idea in the pages of Journal of the American Institute of Architects, edited by his friend Charles Harris Whitaker. MacKaye actually envisioned the "AT" as much more than a hiking trail. It was to be less a simple walking path and more a network of self-sustaining communities, filled with hostels, inns, work camps, and farming villages.

While MacKaye's plans were published in 1921, it wasn't until 1930 that real progress was made. That was when Myron Avery, an admiralty lawyer and hiking enthusiast, took over the development of the AT. Avery's aim was to produce not a multi-state nature commune, but a simple (if ambitious) hiking trail.

Despite falling out with MacKaye, it was Avery who mapped out the pathways, enlisted the assistance of volunteer crews, and supervised the construction of hundreds of miles of trail. Formally completed on August 14, 1937, the AT actually received little attention or fanfare for the first years of existence. It wasn't until 1948 that Earl V. Shaffer became the first person to hike the AT from start to finish in a single summer -- bringing the AT back under the spotlight for the first time since its inception.

There are almost as many ways to hike the Appalachian Trail as there are hikers. Some hikers break the journey up into chunks, hiking a section and then leaving the woods entirely for weeks or months, returning to pick up the trip from where they left off. Others are "thru-hikers," marching their way straight through from start to finish. Regardless of how you hike, you need to carry all of your supplies with you -- and that includes water, food, clothes, a tent (for when there isn't one of the AT's handy wooden shelters), sleeping bag, cooking supplies, and a plethora of other camping equipment. (Most hikers are lucky if they manage to condense their supplies down to a 40-pound pack slung over their back.)

You can start at either end, but it's most commonly agreed upon that the sensible choice is to start in Georgia in spring (early March to late April) and make your way north, trying as hard as you can to stay ahead of the worst of the summer heat. Every year, close to 2,000 people set off from Springer, Georgia, with the intention of reaching the end at Katahdin, Maine. About ten percent make the full attempt; 20 percent drop out before the first week's up.

But, as they say: it's about the journey, not the destination. After all -- you don't have to hike all 2,100 miles to appreciate the beauty, grandeur, and adventure of the Appalachian Trail.

An afternoon stroll will do just as nicely.

Recommended Reading

Road Trip USA: Appalachian Trail by Jamie Jensen -- A brief overview of the sights, stops, and landmarks of the AT, divided by state.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson-- A hilarious (and informative) tale of two friends' attempt to hike the AT.

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King -- This unusual King novel tells the story of nine-year-old girl who has only her wits and her Walkman to find her way through the woods of the Appalachian Trail.

-- Post by Ms. B 

Birthday Bard

This year, April 23rd marked the 450th birthday of William Shakespeare -- or, at least, marked the day when the world chose to celebrate it. (The Bard was born in 1564, but his exact day of birth remains a mystery.)

We don't know much about William Shakespeare. (I recommend Bill Bryson's excellent biography Shakespeare: The World as Stage, for as comprehensive a look as one can take at the famous playwright.) One thing, however, we can be certain about: his stories, characters, and poetry remain as popular, relatable, and relevant today as they did over four centuries ago.

So in honor of the Bard's big day, I'm here to recommend some personal Shakespearean favorites.



Comedy: Much Ado About Nothing

"There is a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick and [Beatrice]: they never meet but there's a skirmish of wit between them."

In Shakespeare's time, the word "nothing" -- pronounced as noting -- was also used to refer to gossip and hearsay. It's an appropriate reference for a story that follows the paths of two couples who have their worlds turned upside-down by the power of rumor. But it happens in two very different ways: while young Claudio is tricked into leaving his beloved Hero standing at the alter, the more worldly Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into the discovery that their feelings for one another run more deeply than expected.  For both couples, however, happiness is an obtainable goal -- but it will take work, wit, and some outside help for everyone to find their way.


One of the most recent versions of the play was directed by Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, as well as the director of Marvel's blockbuster film The Avengers). But I'll always be partial to Kenneth Branagh's 1993 release, in which Branagh (who directs the film) plays Benedick opposite Emma Thompson's Beatrice.

-- Request Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing
-- Request Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing


Runner-Up: The Tempest

Try this 2010 production, which stars Helen Mirren in the traditionally male role of Prospero. A sorcerer, Prospero uses magic (and some old-fashioned manipulation) to conjure a storm and bring about the downfall of Antonio (Prospero's treacherous brother) -- while restoring Prospero's daughter, Miranda, to her rightful inheritance.

-- Request The Tempest



History: Henry IV, Part 1

"I'll so offend, to make offence a skill;

Redeeming time when men think least I will."

Coming-of-age stories are particular favorites of mine. So I was bound to enjoy 1 Henry IV -- which, despite its name, is the first of three Shakespearean plays that focus on the character of Prince Hal (who will himself go on to become King Henry V of England).

The first part of Henry IV shows us a prince who has gained a reputation for himself as a bungling slacker (his father, King Henry IV, informs his court that he rather desperately wishes Prince Hal was not actually his son). But Hal always has the intention of shaping up once the chips are down -- despite the machinations of Falstaff, Hal's mentor, who hopes to keep the prince exactly as he is.

Hal joins his father on the battlefield in the play's final act, the two fighting to defeat a challenge to Henry IV's throne (a throne that will, after all, one day be Hal's). For some great battle sequences -- and truly fine acting -- look no further than this 2012 release from the Hollow Crown series, featuring Jeremy Irons, Tom Hiddleston, and Simon Russell Beale.

-- Request Henry IV, Part 1


Runner-Up: Richard II

I'm partial to last year's staged version from the Royal Shakespeare Company, starring David Tennant (of Doctor Who fame) in the title role. It'll be released to DVD next month; in the meantime, try the version from the Hollow Crown set, starring Ben Whishaw as the vain, selfish king whose overthrow and downfall is as necessary as it is heartbreaking.

-- Request Richard II

Tragedy: Othello

"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; 

it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on."

I've got a soft spot for Othello, my first-ever Shakespeare play. Othello is a general in the Venetian army; Iago is one of his trusted soldiers and a right-hand man. But not quite "right-hand" enough to suit Iago himself -- and when Othello promotes Cassio over Iago as his new lieutenant, Iago decides then and there to take his revenge.

What follows is a story spinning out from the machinations of one of the most evil villains in all of literature. What makes Iago so chilling (and so undeniably brilliant) is his skill in using half-truths to spin the worst lies imaginable -- lies which come to sound all the more convincing and plausible.

Jealous himself of Cassio's promotion, Iago turns jealousy into a weapon wielded against those around him. Iago may be the catalyst, but what makes the play a tragedy is that Othello ultimately becomes his own worst enemy, allowing jealousy to manipulate him as deftly as Iago himself does. The 1995 version, starring Laurence Fishburne and Kenneth Branagh, remains my favorite adaptation.

-- Request Othello


Runner-Up: Hamlet

If it wasn't for Othello, there's no question in my mind that Hamlet would be my favorite of the tragedies. The world seems to agree: it's probably the most popular of all of Shakespeare's plays, and definitely one of the most-often performed. Take your pick!

-- Request a version of Hamlet


Sonnet: Number Eighteen (Listen to it read online here)



Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? 
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date: 
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd; 
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature's changing course, untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st; 
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee. 

Click here to hear Joss Whedon's version of "Sigh No More," 

a song from the pages of "Much Ado About Nothing."

-- Post by Ms. B 

Keep Calm and Don't Lose Your Head!

The Cast of Sleepy Hollow

Last summer I decided I was only going to start watching one new show for the upcoming television season and that was going to be Almost Human. My DVR is getting pushed to the limit of its capacity because I hate to delete shows that I really love.  Plus, I've had my heart broken way too often by falling in love with a show, just to have the network cancel it.

That all changed when I found out that John Noble, who played Walter Bishop on Fringe, would be making a guest appearance on Sleepy Hollow (FOX). I had read a bit about the show and it did sound interesting, but since I had promised myself only one new show I stayed away! But since it was John Noble from my most favorite show I had to watch. And I'm so glad I did!

John Noble as Henry Parish

The show is very loosely based on the story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. And when I say loosely, I really mean loosely. The original tells the story of schoolmaster Ichabod Crane's pursuit of lovely Katrina Van Tassel. After failing to secure Katrina's affection, Crane is chased by the legendary Headless Horseman. Crane is never seen again and Katrina marries Crane's rival, Brom Bones.

Other than the characters of Ichabod Crane, Katrina and the Headless Horseman, there are no other similarities. The creators took the original story and completely turned it on its head. This Crane is a Revolutionary War hero who was killed in battle, but wakes up from a grave 250 years later to discover that his wife (who was a witch) cast a spell upon him to protect him from the forces of evil surrounding Sleepy Hollow and Crane. He meets young Abbie Mills, a lieutenant in the Sleepy Hollow Sherrif's Office who has just found the decapitated body of her friend and mentor, Sherrif Corbin.

Everyone believes that Crane is delusional, but when more and more strange things begin happening in the town they come to believe his story. Now Abbie, Crane and an assortment of other people are trying to stop the coming apocalypse.

I know this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like supernatural stories along with some quirky and appealing characters, then this might be the show for you. Unfortunately, season one has not been released on DVD yet. So until it does you might want to check out some of these other versions of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

-- The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

This animated classic from Disney is one of the best adaptations of Irving's story. Bing Crosby provides the narration.

-- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1988)

Here is another animated telling, with narration from Glenn Close.


-- Shelly Duvall's Tall Tales & Legends: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1985)

This series made many of America's legends accessible to all ages. This series also includes episodes of Annie Oakley, John Henry and Davey Crockett among others.

-- Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Johnny Depp stars as Ichabod Crane in this adaptation from director Tim Burton. In this version Crane is a constable sent from New York City to investigate the mysterious decapitation of three townspeople. The main suspect? The Headless Horseman, of course!


And remember ...

--Post by Tracy

The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show - 50th Anniversary

Ed Sullivan with the Beatles

On February 9th, 1964, one of the most defining moments in the history of American television occurred. That was the night that the Beatles made there first appearance on U.S. television. Teenagers, and their parents, were never the same again.

Two days earlier, the Beatles made their triumphant arrival in the United States. They were already huge stars in their native England, but they were only starting to become known in the U.S. They had just released their first U.S. album, Introducing ... The Beatles, in January. With the success of their first single, I Want To Hold Your Hand, U.S. television could no longer ignore the mop-top group anymore.

In 1964, The Ed Sullivan Show was the most popular show on television. It was the show to be on as an entertainer. There wasn't a better place for The Beatles to make their American debut.

Read on to find out more about this eventful night:

-- How Ed Sullivan met The Beatles: 5 things to know about Beatlemania - from CNN. Some basic facts about Ed Sullivan and how he helped make the Beatles famous.

-- The Beatles' most memorable moments in NYC include 'Ed Sullivan' Show, landing at JFK - From The New York Daily News. Lists The Beatles' most memorable moments of all time in New York City.

-- The Beatles: Backstage at "The Ed Sullivan Show"- from CBS News. A slideshow of photos from The Beatles' appearance in 1964.

-- The Beatles American Debut on The Ed Sullivan Show 1964 - From The Official Ed Sullivan Site. A short synopsis of that eventful broadcast, plus a very short clip from their performance.

-- Watch Rare Beatles Footage From 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in 1964 - From Rolling Stone. This includes the original performances of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" from the February 9th, 1964 show in New York.

-- CBS News marking Beatles anniversary with live multimedia event - From CBS News. This symposium will be streamed live from The Ed Sullivan Theatre the CBS News website.

-- The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles - From CBS. A celebration of the Beatles' 50th anniversary appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" will be broadcast on CBS this Sunday, February 9th at 8PM.

-- How Well Do You Know The Beatles? Take the Quiz! -- From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. A multi-level quiz of Beatles trivia.

From the Catalog:

-- "The 4 Complete Ed Sullivan Shows Starring the Beatles" [DVD] -- The complete and uncut shows of The Beatles' first appearance, along with their three other appearances.

-- "The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit" [DVD] -- A day-by-day account of the group's first U.S. tour, including the Ed Sullivan appearances.

-- "Ed Sullivan's Rock 'n' Roll Classics" [DVD] -- A collection of early rock and roll legends performing on the Ed Sullivan Show, which includes performances by The Beatles.

-- "Please Please Me" [CD] -- The Beatles' first album released in the U.K. in 1963 (many of these same songs would be released on the album "Introducing...The Beatles" in the U.S. in 1964).

-- "Rubber Soul" [CD] -- This 1965 release shows a much more mature-sounding band. Includes hits such as Michelle, Norwegian Wood, and Nowhere Man.

-- "Abbey Road" [CD] -- This was the final Beatles album to be recorded (although not the final album to be released). It includes more songwriting from George Harrison (Here Comes the Sun and Something) and is considered by many to be The Beatles' best album.


Click here for other CDs from the Collection.

Click here for other DVDs from the Collection.

Click here for books from the collection.



--Post by Tracy

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

The American Old West has a reputation of being a dangerous and hard time in history. Compared to our lives today, it was a very hard life for those people who chose to live on the frontier. It also was a dangerous time, with outlaws and thieves terrorizing ranchers and townsfolk alike. But some of the stories we know today didn't exactly happen as we think they did. Most of that misinformation comes from books and then films and television shows.

One of the most famous stories from the Old West is about the gunfight, on October 26, 1881, at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. The myth of this event has grown larger than the actual event itself (although it was a big deal at the time). The fact, that the Earp brothers faced off against the Clanton brothers, is not in dispute. However, the reasons for and the magnitude of the fighting are.

Wyatt Earp

The Earp brothers (Wyatt, Virgil, James and Morgan) were a part of a family that had been wandering around for years. In 1879 the brothers ended up in Tombstone where they hoped to establish themselves as businessmen. James opened a saloon and Virgil hoped to be a silver prospector. Morgan and Wyatt, however, were looking to make money through the burgeoning gambling houses. Virgil was sidetracked from his goal when he was offered the position of city marshal. Also joining them in Tombstone was Wyatt's good friend John "Doc" Holliday.

The Clanton brothers, on the other hand were ranchers who were also cattle rustlers and stage coach robbers. The Clanton family had been in Arizona for almost 10 years by 1881 and their ranch was doing well due to the growth of government contracts and the mining camps nearby. Even though the Clantons had been in Tombstone longer than many others, they, and other "country" people were quickly becoming the outsiders.

There was bad blood between the two almost from the very beginning. There were accusations, on both sides, of robbery and thievery, including the theft of Wyatt Earp's horse. A failed stage robbery seemed to be the final straw. Holliday, the Earp's friend, had been arrested by the county sheriff, a crony of the Clanton's, for the attempt. Even worse, the Earps were accused of being the masterminds behind the robbery. Holliday was released but the Earps did not forget, especially Wyatt.

Tombstone, AZ 1891

A few months later, the feud came to a head. On October 25, 1881 Ike Clanton, along with Tom McLaury (another family feuding with the Earps) arrived in Tombstone to spend the night visiting the many saloons in town. After a brief, but angry encounter with Holliday, Ike Clanton headed off to an all night poker game. The next morning, lacking sleep, Ike, still fuming about the previous evening was itching for a fight with the Earps.

At that point, Virgil, the city marshal, arrested Ike for carrying firearms. The anger on all sides did not subside then, they only escalated. By the time Ike's guns were confiscated and he paid his fine, more Clanton and McLaury brothers had arrived in town. As the day wore on, Ike became more determined to have it out with the Earps.

Finally, the Earps and the Clantons had their showdown. Whether they were just planning on arresting the gang or not is a little uncertain. The Earps were all armed, but not all of the Clanton gang were. The Earps approached their rivals and had them backed into a corner. In just minutes, three men were dead and three were wounded. The dead were Tom and Frank McLaury and Billy Clanton.

The Earps were charged with murder, but the judge decided that they were justified. But the Clantons were not done with their form of justice. In December of 1881, Virgil Wyatt was seriously wounded after an ambush and in March of 1882 Morgan Earp was killed in the local billiards parlor. Wyatt Earp, then sought his own justice killing four cowboys before leaving Arizona for good.

O.K. Corral 1882

The myth of this event has different sides. Some people think that the Earps were representing law enforcement and trying to tame the ever-increasing lawlessness of the frontier. Others saw the Clantons as victims of cold-blooded murder. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Also, most of the action took place on the main street of town, not at the O.K. Corral.

While the story made headlines across the country, Wyatt Earp also contributed to this myth many years later. Late in his life he worked with a young journalist name Stuart N. Lake. Lake wrote Earp's biography, Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal which was published in 1931, two years after Earp's death. It made Earp out to be an heroic lawman of the frontier. This book was then used as the basis for the 1939 film Frontier Marshal.

The myth would be continued through numerous films and television shows for the next sixty years. Two of the most well known films are My Darling Clementine (1946) and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957). The story has even made an appearance in two of televisions most famous science fiction shows - Doctor Who (1966) and Star Trek (1968). The most recent depictions were Tombstone (1993) and Wyatt Earp (1994).

Maybe it's time for another re-telling!

-- Post by Tracy

A Suspicious Character

On the morning of August 31, 1888, the body of Mary Ann "Polly" Nichols was discovered in the district of London known as Whitechapel. Suffering from alcoholism, Nichols was estranged from her husband and had been supporting herself through employment at workhouses as well as through prostitution. Her brutal murder remains unsolved to this day.

Yet despite that, you've heard of her killer: Nichols is considered the first victim of the infamous Jack the Ripper.

For having so utterly captured the attention and imagination of so many historians, writers, investigators, actors, and audience members worldwide, there's little we really know about Jack the Ripper. Four other victims were ascribed to the Ripper -- Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly, all impoverished prostitutes -- whose murders occurred over a three-month period. (There may have been other victims as well, a possibility historians still debate to this day.) 

The press referred to the killer as "Leather Apron," until a letter was sent to the police that described details only the murderer would be aware of. The letter was signed "Jack the Ripper."

Jack the Ripper horrified London with his brutal mutilating of his victims' bodies after their deaths. The apparent inability of the police to do anything about him fueled the city's panic (while the newspapers filled their headlines with revulsion and horror). The killings eventually stopped, but the identity of the Ripper was never discovered. (It hasn't stopped people from trying to guess; there are over 100 theories about the Ripper's real identity.)

For better or worse, Jack the Ripper remains an iconic figure in history -- and in the public's imagination -- to this day. Countless history books have been written about the Ripper, as well as fictionalized accounts in novels, television shows, films, and even graphic novels.

Here are five of the most noteworthy works about Jack the Ripper:

 

1. Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson by Lyndsay Faye [historical fiction]

There are hundreds of fictionalized novels about Jack the Ripper. Perhaps it's unsurprising that, of those hundreds, dozens of them are devoted to an irresistible idea for fans of the Victorian era: what if you combined history's most infamous serial killer with the world's most famous fictional detective?

Though Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle never pitted his fictional character against the real-life murderer Jack the Ripper, it hasn't stopped dozens of later authors from doing just that. I've read a fair few Holmes-vs.-the-Ripper stories and novels, and I can tell you that Lyndsay Faye's offering, while one of the most recent attempts, is also easily the best.

Thoroughly researching both the known facts behind Jack the Ripper -- as well as keeping her Sherlock Holmes canon straight -- Faye delivers a historical mystery that perfectly blends the factual with the fictional. As Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson face off against a darker evil than any they've encountered before, Faye infuses her story with wit, horror, honor, and friendship. (Just what any Sherlockian fan hopes for in a Holmes pastiche!) Faye even delivers a truly plausible theory on who the Ripper might have been.

Also try:

* A Study in Terror - a 1965 thriller film pitting Holmes against the Ripper.
* Murder by Decree - starring Christopher Plummer as Sherlock Holmes and James Mason as Dr. Watson.

2. From Hell: Being a Melodrama in Sixteen Parts by Alan Moore, Eddie Campbell, and Pete Mullins [graphic novel]

Alongside such names as Neil Gaiman and Grant Morrison, Alan Moore is considered by comic book aficionados to be one of the all-time great comics authors. And while Moore has written plenty of superhero stories, he also has written comic miniseries and graphic novels that blend aspects of classic literature and historical fiction.

Here, Moore delves into Victorian London with his own take on the Jake the Ripper legend. Published in the early 90s, the graphic novel takes its title from one of the letters sent by Jack the Ripper to the authorities. The series itself takes the tack that the Ripper murders actually had a sinister political motive behind them, and that a member of the Royal Family was even involved. (Moore did point out that he did not think this was factually likely; rather, it made for an intriguing story to tell.) Moore's writing is usually, to put it mildly, dark and gritty -- and the violence and gore of From Hell is no exception.

Despite being historically unlikely in terms of the Ripper's identity, Moore and artist Campbell still did their research to try to get the details as accurate as possible. There are also "cameos" from a variety of Victorian and Edwardian celebrities, from Oscar Wilde and Aleister Crowley to William Morris and Joseph Merrick (the Elephant Man).

Also try:

* From Hell -- the 2001 film adaptation starring Johnny Depp.

3. Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper, Case Closed by Patricia Cornwell [non-fiction]

Patricia Cornwell is best known for her Kay Scarpetta mystery novels. But in 2002, Cornwell -- a former computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia -- embarked on a different sort of project. Self-financing her efforts, Cornwell went out to research, examine, and uncover the identity of Jack the Ripper.

Familiar as she was with forensic techniques, Cornwell's intentions were to solve the 19th-century case using 21st-century methods. She gained access to original evidence (including the letters sent by the Ripper to the police), as well as documents and records from the time. She included scientific and law-enforcement experts in her efforts, contacting FBI profilers and forensic scientists, and cumulated her search with an attempt to recover DNA samples from the Ripper himself.

Her conclusion as to the identity of the killer is compelling, though not conclusive enough to stop the endless debates on how accurate her theory may be. Regardless, her study and resultant theory make for a compelling read -- and offer a new possibility as to the Ripper's identity.

Also try:

* The Complete History of Jack the Ripper - by Philip Sugden
* Jack the Ripper: The Definitive History - by Paul Begg
* The Complete Jack the Ripper - by Donald Rumbelow

4. Ripper Street [BBC series]

Set in London's East End six months after the last of the Ripper murders, this BBC television series follows two detectives who are still trying to uncover some answers.

Though it's been six months since the Ripper's last appearance, the killings appear to have started again. Detective Inspector Edmund Reid and Detective Sergeant Bennet Drake join forces with Homer Jackson (a former surgeon and Pinkerton agent) in their quest to find Jack the Ripper and bring him to justice once and for all. Meanwhile, they must deal with the crime and dark secrets of Victorian London.

While each episode of the series features a stand-alone mystery to be solved, there are long-running story arcs that keep the characters' lives -- professional and personal -- tied together. There will be a second season of the show, making now a great time to catch up on what you've missed so far.

Also try:

* The New Exhibit - An episode of The Twilight Zone.
* Wolf in the Fold - An episode of Star Trek: The Original Series.
* Comes the Inquisitor - An episode of Babylon 5.

5. The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog [silent film]

While Hitchcock will always be remembered primarily for his talkies, his early silent films should not be overlooked. This 1927 film, directed by Hitchcock, was based on the work of Marie Belloc Lowndes, who wrote the original story (and later co-authored the play adapted from it).

While the villain of the title is not Jack the Ripper, the character was certainly inspired by him. Known as "the Avenger," the killer targets young blonde women as his victims. While the newspapers are awash with the latest news about the Avenger, the killer himself seems impossible to track down.

The blonde-haired Daisy finds her friends' fears laughable (she decides, for instance, not to wear one of the wigs that her friends are using to camouflage their hair color). Then a mysterious new tenant shows up at Daisy's parents', with his unusual mannerisms and quirks all pointing to an undeniable warning sign. But when Daisy fails to see the danger, those around her become determined to protect her.

It all sounds fairly predictable -- but this is Hitchcock, after all. Things are not all as they seem to be, and the ending is bittersweet and sweet. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled during the newsroom scene for Hitchcock's classic director's cameo.

Also try:

* The Lodger - a similar film released in 1944, directed by John Brahm.



-- Post by Ms. B

Animated Animals

Odie, from the Garfield comic strip

I love my superhero comic books, but I also love a good comic strip -- those laugh-out-loud stories told through text and art that appear in the pages of the newspapers (and, increasingly, online).

In honor of the anniversary of Odie (who first appeared in newspaper pages on August 8, 1978), I thought I'd take a look at five of the most famous, influential, and unforgettable cartoon creatures to grace the pages of the funny pages:



5. Pogo Possum

He's served as inspiration to a generation of comic artist heavy hitters -- and found time to become the official "state 'possum" of Georgia. The star of the comic strip Pogo, this 'possum is the creation of cartoonist Walt Kelly, whose strip ran in newspapers for nearly 30 years.

Kelly, who was both strongly interested in politics and liberal, often wove his political philosophies into the fabric of his strip, using wit and humor to lighten the results. (Pogo's picture popped up on buttons during the 1952 presidential election, along with the motto, "I go Pogo.")

Pogo Possum lives in the marshes, along with such friends and neighbors as Albert the Alligator, Howland Owl, and Porky Pine. Amiable and good-natured -- and desiring to stay out of trouble -- Pogo's pals often get him into trouble for him, not in the least in continually pestering him to run for president. (Hey, it's an allegory.)

Never heard of the strip before?  You probably know one of the quotes. In 1970, Kelly designed a Pogo poster for Earth Day. It read, "We have met the enemy -- and he is us."

-- Read some sample strips here

-- Request collections of Pogo



4. Snowy 

Created in 1929, The Adventures of Tintin is the work of a Belgian artist who went by the pen name Hergé. The artist modeled Tintin on a previous character he'd created (Totor, an adventurous Boy Scout, who had been the subject of his own comic strip when Hergé was in high school). A former reporter, Tintin is a detective who is something of an Indiana Jones -- touring the globe to foil criminals, recover treasure and artifacts, and occasionally save the world. Many of Tintin's adventures were based on real-world events (like space exploration and international politics).

While Tintin is surrounded by a large cast, his most faithful companion is Snowy, a fox terrier dog. Smart, heroic, and definitely still doglike, Snowy accompanies his master on all of his adventures, and saves Tintin's life on more than one occasion. (He's only got one real fear: spiders!)  And, like many comic strip animal creations, Snowy can talk -- though often he only speaks to Tintin.

The character was named after Hergé's first girlfriend (her nickname was "Milou," which was Snowy's name in the original French versions of the comic).

-- Read more about Tintin at the official website

-- Request collections of The Adventures of Tintin

-- Request The Adventures of Tintin animated series on DVD

-- Request Stephen Spielberg's animated film The Adventures of Tintin on DVD or Blu-ray



3. Hobbes

If this were a more subjective list, Hobbes would've claimed the Number One spot on this list for me!  Named for the seventeenth-century philosopher Thomas Hobbes, this talking tiger is one half of the duo that make up Bill Watterson's wholly-awesome comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes. Premiering in 1985 and running for ten years, the strip gained a devoted fan following for its stories about childhood, friendship, and the magic of the imagination.

Hobbes himself is a plush toy, owned by six-year-old Calvin. When Calvin and Hobbes are on their own, Hobbes is drawn as a walking, talking tiger; when other characters enter the room, however, Hobbes is drawn as an ordinary plush toy. The nature of exactly what Hobbes is, is something the strip is always careful not to resolve. As explained by Watterson: Calvin sees his stuffed toy one way, and the rest of the world sees Hobbes another way. Hobbes's nature is, plainly put, a subjective look at reality.

Hobbes himself -- as seen by Calvin -- is smart, sharp, witty, and terribly proud of not being human. (He's decidedly a "wild animal," with one of his favorite activities being sneaking up on Calvin and pouncing on him.) With his wry, quiet wisdom, he's also a good compliment to Calvin's zany and mischievous personality -- making him the best friend and tiger a kid could hope for.

Hobbes: As seen by Calvin, and by the rest of the world

-- Request collections of Calvin and Hobbes

-- Request the book Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and His Revolutionary Comic Strip by Nevin Martell



2. Garfield

He's lazy, hates Mondays, and loves lasagna. You don't have to read Jim Davis's comic strip to know about Garfield, the fat and lazy orange cat belonging to one Jon Arbuckle.

First appearing in 1978, the strip has been in circulation ever since. The strip was a quick success, going on to become the most syndicated strip in the world (appearing in over 2,500 newspapers across the world). Inspiring Saturday morning cartoon series and even movies, Garfield also reigns supreme in merchandizing, appearing on everything from notebooks and t-shirts to coffee mugs and plush toys hanging in car windows. Not bad for a "lazy" cat!

(You can also check out the truly unusual website Garfield Minus Garfield, which offers a unique, post-modern take on the comic strip -- and the weirdly philosophical misadventures of Jon Arbuckle.)

-- Request collections of Garfield

-- Request Garfield the animated series on DVD

-- Request the live-action/animated films Garfield starring Bill Murray on DVD or Blu-ray



1. Snoopy

We've talked before about the appeal of Charles Schulz's Peanuts strip, and no where is that more evident than in the strip's most popular character: Snoopy. A beagle dog owned by the hapless Charlie Brown, Snoopy has a love for writing, his bird-pal Woodstock, and, most of all, dinnertime.

While not as "talkative" as Snowy, Snoopy -- like Garfield -- speaks at least to the audience, courtesy of some handy thought bubbles. (Woodstock seems to be able to understand him most of the time, too.) Of course, this authorial canine doesn't really need the spoken word to communicate: parading up to Charlie Brown with his own dinner bowl in his teeth seems to get the message across pretty clearly.

The character was inspired, in part, by Schulz's childhood dog, Spike (which happens to be the name of Snoopy's brother). Like Hobbes and Calvin, Snoopy serves as a good counterpart to his anxious, somewhat sad owner, with Snoopy always cheerful, confident, and ready to enjoy life -- particularly when snoozing atop his red dog house.

-- Request collections of Peanuts

-- Request Peanuts cartoons on DVD



-- Post by Ms. B