Adventures in History!

John Quincy Adams was the 6th US President.  He was the son of John Adams, the 2nd US President.  Much of his childhood was spent in Europe while his father served as US ambassador there during and after the American Revolution.  He served as US ambassador to the Netherlands and Russia.  He served as US Secretary of State and in Congress.  His big mistake was accepting the US Presidency in 1824 when Andrew Jackson had the most popular votes and electoral votes but not enough to win by law.  Henry Clay pledged political support which helped Adams win then accepted the Secretary of State position.  This arrangement hurt both of Adams and Clay politically very much.  John Quincy Adams was the only former US President to serve in the US House of Representatives.  He became the most outspoken opponent of slavery and served as lawyer for the slaves in the famous Amistad case which reached the US Supreme Court.  Adams loved politics and intellectual pursuit.  His two brothers and two sons both died of alcoholism and he suffered from depression.  He lived a life of noble national service.  God bless John Quincy Adams, a man who served his country well!  

James Monroe was the 5th US President.  August, 1814 was a dark time in American history.  During the War of 1812, a war which lasted into early 1815, the British army had marched into Washington DC and set fire to the White House, the Capitol and other important buildings.  The morale of the country was low.  There was talk of secession in New England, breaking up the Union.  The British were planning to attack and take New Orleans, Louisiana, the gate way for the Mississippi River system.  President James Madison was depressed.  He turned to James Monroe who took on the dual roles of Secretary of State and War.   Monroe rallied the country in the successful defense of Baltimore, immortalized in the song "The Star Spangled Banner" and more importantly the defense of New Orleans.  James Monroe played a major role in American victories in Baltimore and New Orleans.  As a result, the US earned British respect, talk of secession ended and Americans felt a sense of pride and optimism for the future.  God bless James Monroe, a man who served his country well!  

James Madison was the 4th US President!  As a young man, Madison decided that government was important and so he dedicated himself to learning everything he could about government from history.  That body of knowledge became the foundation for the US Constitution when the 13 independent countries in North America became one country, the United States of America when the US Constitution was adopted and ratified by the states in 1787.  James Madison was the mover and shaker behind the Constitutional Convention when the US Constitution was created in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He worked tirelessly to persuade George Washington to attend the Convention because he knew Washington's presence would give the gathering credibility.  James Madison was an enormous help for the presidencies of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.  God bless James Madison, a man who served his country well!  

Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd US President.  Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.  July 4, 1776, the day this document was approved by the Continental Congress, is considered the birthday of the United States.  It was the point of no return in the American Revolution, the war of independence of the 13 North American colonies against Great Britain.  Jefferson's words in the Declaration,  "All men are created equal" changed the world.  They challenged the ideas of the superiority of the nobility and implied equality of all before the law and equality of opportunity.  Opportunity became a key feature in American success.  Jefferson promoted religious freedom in the United States and this was another key element in American greatness.  As a result, talented people, tired of religious conflict in their home countries, moved to the US and contributed.  Americans didn't waste time and energy in religious conflict.  Jefferson is considered the father of the Democratic party.  Thomas Jefferson was a life long lover of learning and a wonderful inspiring example of the power of education.  God bless Thomas Jefferson, a man who served his country well.  

John Adams was the 2nd US President.  John Adams believed that a war of independence should be fought by the 13 North American British colonies.  He believed this war could be won against the greatest empire in world history.  He spoke and wrote endlessly on this topic and helped sway public opinion to favor the American Revolution.   Adams argued that therefore the 13 colonies turning into states needed to write state constitutions so that they could govern themselves.  Although Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he called Adams "the colossus of independence."  During the war, Adams spent time in France working for French support and French naval support, both of which were critical in winning the war.  He spent time in Holland securing necessary loans to finance the war.  John Adams lived a noble life of selfless service.  God bless John Adams, a man who served his country well.  

George Washington was the first President of the United States of America.  He was the great military leader in the American Revolution, the eight year war of independence of the 13 North American colonies against the mightiest empire in history, Great Britain, from 1775 - 1783.  Washington had a humble beginning, started work as a surveyor at age 15 and had a military career as a young mn in the Virginia militia during British colonial days fighting the French and their Indian allies in what became western Pennsylvania.  His primary occupation was that of farmer on his plantation in Virginia by his famous home of Mount Vernon.  During the American Revolution, the American military force, the Continental Army, experienced horrific hardship, including starvation, freezing to death, literal nakedness and not being paid.  Washington's character kept the army from disintegrating.  His courage, humility, perseverance, kindness, patience and strength were critical.  George Washington is rightly considered the father of the United States of America and, like any good, father, his example of good character has been inspirational and continues to inspire up to the present.  God bless George Washington!  First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, to quote the eulogy of Light Horse Harry Lee, the father of Robert E. Lee. 

In this episode, the listener enjoys two poetic tours, through the American Presidents, from George Washington to Donald Trump and a poetic tour of the many historical sites in Washington DC.  The experience is educational and entertaining.  The tour through the 45 American Presidents is a grand gallop through American history.  It is interesting, enjoyable and humorous.  Heretofore obscure and unknown presidents become more real.  The sites in the US capital all tell different national stories and come to life here.  Dull education and mindless entertainment, step aside!  The future belongs to entertaining education!  Edutainment!  Surely we can learn and be entertained at the same time!  

The 2010's was a memorable decade for the Indians.  The team reached the playoffs four times, winning a wild card spot once and three AL East titles.  The big years were 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018.  2016 was a magical year as the Indians went all the way to the World Series and reached Game 7 with the game tied in the 9th inning.  Some years were tough developmental ones but it was enjoyable to watch young players improve.  Star players for the Tribe in the decade included:  Matt LaPorta, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jhonny Peralta, Trevor Crowe, Jason Donald, Shelley Duncan (Dave Duncan's son), Andy Marte, Tony Sipp, Chris Perez, Carlos Santana, Jack Hannahan, Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall, Jim Thome, Corey Kluber, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Kipnis, Johnny Damon, Ezequiel Carrera, Josh Tomlin, Zach McAllister, Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn, Jason Giambi, Mike Aviles, Yan Gomes, Kelly Shoppach, Danny Salazar, Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco, Bryan Shaw, David Murphy, Jose Ramirez, Roberto Perez, John Axford, Cody Allen, Francisco Lindor, Gio Urshela, Abraham Almonte, Mike Napoli (Party at Napoli's), Rajai Davis, Tyler Naquin, Coco Crisp, Mike Clevinger, Andrew Miller, Dan Otero, Bradley Zimmer, Jay Bruce, Edwin Encarnacion, Brandon Guyer, Greg Allen, Yonder Alonso, Melky Cabrera, Josh Donaldson, Shane Bieber, Brad Hand, Adam Cimber, Oscar Mercado, Fanmil Reyes, Yasiel Puig, Bobby Bradley, Aaron Civale, Oliver Perez and many more!  

The Tribe reached the playoffs in 2001 and 2007.  In the latter year, the team made it to the ALCS and had a 3-1 series lead before being eliminated.  Close to the World Series, but no cigar!  The team had exciting contention years during this decade along with painful rebuilding ones.  Top performers included:  David Segui, Ricky Ledee, John McDonald, Chuck Finley, Steve Karsay, Bob Wickman, Jason Bere, Marty Cordova, Juan Gonzales, Ellis Burks, Karim Garcia, Milton Bradley, CC Sabathia, Jake Westbrook, David Riske, John Rocker, Ryan Drese, Ricky Gutierrez, Matt Lawton, Chris Magruder, Lee Stevens, Coco Crisp, Ben Broussard, Brady Anderson, Josh Bard, Greg LaRocca, Brandon Phillips, Victor Martinez, Cliff Lee, Mark Wohlers, Jhonny Peralta, Casey Blake, Jody Gerut, Travis Hafner, Shane Spencer, Ryan Ludwick, Ronnie Belliard, Grady Sizemore, Aaron Boone, Ryan Garko, Andy Marte, Shin Soo Choo, Paul Byrd, Fausto Carmona (Roberto Hernandez), Josh Barfield, Trot Nixon, Asdrubal Cabrera, Ben Francisco, Joe Borowski, Jensen Lewis, Matt LaPorta, Carl Pavano, Kerry Wood, Justin Masterson and many more!  

The 1990's was the end of the Cleveland Municipal Stadium era and the beginning of the time at Jacob's Field.  The Tribe won American League titles in 1995 and 1997 and played in the World Series those two years.  In 1996, 1998 and 1999 the team made the playoffs as well.  It was a glorious time for Tribe fans.  Exciting players from the 1990's include:  Rod Nichols, Charles Nagy, Al Nipper, Alex Cole, Keith Hernandez, Chris James, Dion James, Candy Maldonado, Mitch Webster, Beau Allred, Carlos Baerga, Sandy Alomar, Jr., Glenallen Hill, Wayne Kirby, Jim Thome, Mark Whiten, Jose Mesa, Eric Plunk, Mark Lewis, Paul Sorrento, Mark Clark, Alvaro Espinoza, Sam Horn, Lance Parrish, Manny Ramirez, Jeff Treadway, Dennis Martinez, Jack Morris, Eddie Murray, Omar Vizquel, Herbert Perry, Paul Assenmacher, Orel Hershiser, Chad Ogea, Eric Plunk, Brian Giles, Tony Pena, Billy Ripken, Dave Winfield, Julian Tavarez, Einar Diaz, Jeff Kent, Kevin Seitzer, Bartolo Colon, Mike Jackson, Jaret Wright, Tony Fernandez, David Justice, Bip Roberts, Matt Williams, Dave Burba, Dwight Gooden, Russell Branyan, Jolbert Cabrera, Cecil Fielder, Travis Fryman, Richie Sexson, Ricardo Rincon, Roberto Alomar, Harold Baines, Dave Roberts, Wil Cordero and many more!