HOTUS

History of the U.S.: Al Gore Really Did "Take the Initiative in Creating the Internet"

While it was a bold claim, “took the initiative in creating” is not the same as “invented.” The latter summons up images of Gore writing equations in a white lab coat, laying fiberoptic cable in a hardhat, and sharing a cup of tea with a house wife while

History of the World: Cable TV On, Women’s Shirts Off

Before the Internet became a limitless font of pornography just a mouse click away, late-night premium cable TV was pretty much the best thing ever invented, as far as teenage boys were concerned. And, okay, all those hundreds of other cable channels were

History of the U.S.: The Wizard of OSS

At FDR’s request, Major General William Joseph Donovan formed the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) at the height of World War II. Prior to WWII, American intelligence work was conducted by a number of different organizations that didn’t coordinate their

History of the U.S.: A Chip Off of the Old Potato

In 1853, Saratoga Springs was a fashionable resort destination in upstate New York, providing recuperation and relaxation for rich folks fleeing the filthy, squalid city. Today, however, the Springs are equally famous for being the birthplace of the potat

History of the U.S.: Libation Nation

The most popular drink in the nineteenth century was whiskey—an “all-American” liquor borrowed from Scotland and Ireland which replaced rum during the British blockades in the American Revolution and War of 1812. So how much alcohol did Americans actually

History of the U.S.: A Ridiculously Long and Incomplete List of Things Ben Franklin Invented

We all remember Ben Franklin as a pretty bright guy who discovered some pretty important stuff. The real question is, what didn’t this polymath genius

History of the U.S.: Benedict Arnold: He Coulda Been a Contender

His name instantly summons images of betrayal by candlelight. But what exactly did Benedict Arnold