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“Great grace and small gifts are better than great gifts and no grace.” —John Bunyan

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— DISPATCHES FROM THE OLD WEST — 

(1) George Maledon, a thin man in a dark suit with deep dark eyes, served as the high executioner for Judge Isaac Parker at Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Prince of Hangmen became known for his efficiency in executing as many as 60 criminals in his career. "HAND ‘EM HIGH, HANG ‘EM QUICK.”

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(2) A. G. Byler, the first sheriff of Baxter County, Arkansas, served four consecutive terms. At age 63, the popular lawman and legislator was shot to death by a 26-year old gunman who went on the run for five years. "MANHUNT."

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— DISPATCHES FROM HERE & THERE —  

(3) Now that the Winter Olympics are history, did you know that dog grooming used to be an Olympic sport? Here are five unusual events that used to be part of the Games.

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(4) Some of the best movies of all time were filmed in the USA. A Brit ranks the best movies produced in each state.

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(5) Photographs don’t always tell the truth. Image manipulation is much easier today, largely thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). But take a look at photographic trickery from the 19th and 20th centuries. 

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(6) Want to know more about yourself? According to Growth in Echoes, you can do so by answering these three questions.

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(7) The Crooked Forest, the Plain of Jars, and the Devil’s Kettle have something in common. They’re considered among the most mysterious places on earth. 

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(8) It costs a bundle to fly these days. But price takes a back seat at “The Residence,” a private three-room suite in the air. 

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“No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.” —Gideon J. Tucker, New York State judge (1865)

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