Stories: Old West & Beyond 05.27.25
“Always try to keep a patch of sky above your life.” —Marcel Proust, Swann’s Way.
_____________________________________
Good morning. Today is Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The other day, while mindlessly surfing the internet, I ran across a few articles on hitchhiking that brought back a few memories. Have you ever hitchhiked? I’m not sure if it’s as popular these days as it was years ago. I used to hitchhike quite a bit when I lived in England before I got a car.
Hitchhiking was a necessity for me. No car. Spotty public transportation in the area. Cabs too pricey for the distance I had to travel. I met some fascinating individuals and several shady characters in my travels. For the most part, I had pretty good luck getting rides. The most difficult time to hitch a ride was in the dark or when it rained. And it rained a lot in the UK.
Once, when standing in the dark trying to get a ride, it started thundering. Bolts of lightning crisscrossed the sky, and I braced for a downpour and didn’t have to wait long. So I stood on the curb, arm stretched out, and tried to assume a look of desperation. Finally, a car inched along and flashed its lights. I smiled and gave a little wave. The driver slowed down as he approached, and then “flipped me the bird” (a V sign that’s the Brit version of the middle finger). He laughed and drove off.
I suppose drivers are pretty much the same, regardless of where you live.
Enjoy today’s stories.
_____________________________________
1. THE OLD WEST: SEIZED WITHOUT GUNFIRE
John Clum captured Indian warrior Geronimo in April 1877 without a shot being fired. But his disputes with the Army over the treatment of Indians led to his resignation. “Capturing Geronimo.”
_____________________________________
2. THE OLD WEST: BATTLING FOR FREEDOM
Apache leader Geronimo spent three decades resisting attempts by the American government to confine his followers to a reservation. During that span, he avoided death and capture for many years.
_____________________________________
3. A BILLION FIREFLIES GLOWING AT THE SAME TIME
Fireflies gather for a light show every spring at a tiger reserve in India. Thanks to the publication Moss & Fog, we have photographs and a video.
_____________________________________
4. YOU COULD BE LIVING IN ABSAROKA OR TRANSYLVANIA
On the way to establishing America’s 50 states, a dozen territories were rejected for statehood. If approved, you may have lived in the states of Nickajack or Westsylvania.
_____________________________________
5. SHOW OUR SKIN SOME RESPECT
According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s not possible to block 100% of the sun, regardless of the SPF rating of sunscreen. Here are the top 10 myths about sunscreens.
_____________________________________
6. IF YOU FIND SMALL TALK DIFFICULT, TRY THE 30-SECOND RULE Most great conversationalists don’t necessarily have the “gift of gab.” They do have a strategy. It starts with the 30-second rule.
_____________________________________
7. NO NEED TO WEAR SPECIAL GOGGLES TO SLICE ONIONS
Unwanted tears in the kitchen usually happen when we’re cutting onions. I’ve often envied those chefs on TV who can slice onions swiftly. But speed has nothing to do with avoiding the tears. Sharper blades help, too.
_____________________________________
8. NOT EVERY COUNTRY HAS NATIONAL PARKS
More than 100 countries across the globe have designated national parks, but some countries haven’t. Here are eight countries that do not have a national park.
____________________________________
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” —Joseph Addison
_____________________________________