Topic: U.S. History

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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
20 most obscure team nicknames in pro sports

Most pro team nicknames make sense at some level. But there are a fair number of head-scratching nicknames. Here are 20 with explanations on their selection:
Top 5 bull markets since 1929

The bull market that started in 2009 is currently the fifth most spectacular rise in stock prices since at least 1929. Can you guess which bull markets have been even more impressive?
10 reasons NOT to love books (compliments of H.L. Mencken)

Books may seem universally beloved, but these historical persons, from Martin Luther to Woodrow Wilson, weren't such big fans.
Thomas Jefferson: 16 quotes on his birthday

Here are 16 quotes to mark the birthday of American founding father Thomas Jefferson.

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The Vote Who coined the name 'United States of America'? Mystery gets new twist.

Historians continue to debate who came up with the formulation 'United States of America' as the name for the new nation. A new discovery could shift the discussion.
Decoder Wire Poll: Obama wins if likely nonvoters show up

Some 82 million Americans are eligible to vote but typically don't. If they did vote this fall, Obama would cruise to victory, according to new poll. Top two reasons for staying home on Election Day: too busy to vote and my vote won't count.
'Shiloh 1862' and 'The Long Road to Antietam'

Writer Winston Groom illuminates the personal side of a battle in 'Shiloh,' while Richard Slotkin's 'Antietam' is an eye-opening view of an engagement and a war.
Chapter & Verse 'Why Nations Fail': Can the eurozone hang together?

'Why Nations Fail' author Daron Acemoglu compares the EU to the 13 American states pre-Constitution.
Opinion: 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' denies origin and legacy of slavery

The film wishes away responsibility for America’s most horrific events, because no one is to blame for these tragedies but vampires. America should examine its appetite for this fantasy, when Hollywood transforms the most eloquent statesmen into an axe-wielding action hero.
Tax VOX Mitt Romney's tax plan doesn't add up

Mitt Romney's tax plan may not hike taxes for the middle class, as the Obamam camp claims. Still, the plan is so full of contradictions that Mitt Romney won't be able to do everything he promises.
A literary road trip through New England

Take a trip through historic New England and visit the homesteads of famous literary figures.
Where They Stand

When it comes to picking presidents, voters may do as well as academics.
Culture Cafe Robin Williams will play Eisenhower, according to report

Robin Williams will reportedly play the president for Lee Daniels' upcoming film 'The Butler.'
Former President Bush (41) reflects on his legacy, including 'Read my lips'

In a Parade Magazine interview former president George H. W. Bush talks about what he learned from Ronald Reagan, his surprisingly close relationship with Bill Clinton, and – oh, yes – his infamous tax pledge.
Henry David Thoreau: 12 quotes on his birthday

Here are 12 quotes to mark the birthday of American poet, author, naturalist, philosopher, and abolitionist Henry David Thoreau.
Bestselling books the week of 7/12/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.
Snow-Storm in August

In 'Snow-Storm,' author Jefferson Morley intensely captures the tension-filled 1830s and draws historical figures of the time in subtle shadings.
Keep Calm Good Reads: on Afghan wars, German spies, and the 'American Spring'

This week's best stories look at lessons we should have learned from a decade of war in Afghanistan, from intelligence failures, and from press accounts of the American Revolution.
Decoder Wire Obama speaks at troop naturalization ceremony. Can immigrants join US military?

The President welcomed 26 members of the armed forces after they took the naturalization oath. Service in the military can expedite the citizenship process.
Decoder Wire It's Malia Obama's birthday! Where's the party?

Today the eldest First Daughter turns 14. But it's not easy sharing a birthday with the United States.
Nathaniel Hawthorne: 10 quotes on his birthday

Nathaniel Hawthorne is considered one of the fathers of the American literary cannon. Here are 10 memorable quotes to commemorate his July 4 birthday.
Why is Mitt Romney going to Israel?

The Republican candidate for president, Mitt Romney, aims to attract Jewish voters by traveling to Israel and meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in July.
Bestselling books the week of 7/5/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.
Robert Reich Game changer: Justice Roberts switches teams

The Court’s majority, made possible by Chief Justice Roberts' surprise decision, has given a huge victory to the Obama administration and, arguably, the American people. The Affordable Care Act is still flawed, but it is also a milestone.
Emancipation Proclamation fetches $2.1 million at auction

Emancipation Proclamation original copy, signed by Abraham Lincoln, sold at a New York auction for $2.1 million Wednesday. It's onlt the second highest priced Emancipation Proclamation copy.
Decoder Wire Alien attack! Americans pick Obama over Romney to battle invasion from space

A strong majority of Americans say President Obama would do a better job than Mitt Romney handling an alien invasion, according to a new survey.
Bestselling books the week of 6/28/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.
The Passage of Power

In Volume IV of “The Years of Lyndon Johnson,” biographer Robert A. Caro concentrates on the succession of political triumphs and defeats that accompanied LBJ to the Oval Office.
Chapter & Verse 88 books that shaped America

The 88-book list published by the Library of Congress includes titles like 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and 'Little Women.'