DAVID BYRNE, AMERICAN OPTIMIST
Reeling from the news, David Byrne began compiling “reasons to be cheerful.” His website now shines a light on innovation, progress, and what works.
THE NEWS IN WHITE AND BLACK
When Jim Crow whitened American newspapers, the Chicago Defender spread news about “the Race.”
TABASCO -- THE LITTLE SAUCE THAT SPICED UP AMERICA
American food was bland until Edward McIlhenny mashed peppers with vinegar and salt. And an American icon was served.
"BIRTH OF A NATION" AND THE BIRTH OF BLACK HISTORY
When the first blockbuster movie spread dangerous myths, one man rose to challenge them. And seeds were sown.
THE MOTHER, THE DAUGHTER, THE "LITTLE HOUSE"
Laura Ingalls Wilder grew up in the “little house” but her daughter, Rose, became the story’s midwife.
MLK'S EPIC LETTER
From behind bars, King wrote an amazing letter with all the power of his dream.
THE ADS THAT TICKLED THE WASTELAND
Madison Avenue had statistics and selling points but one Mad Man dared to think different.
THE TOWN THAT SECEDED TO SUCCEED
Denied government aid for a water project, Kinney, MN (pop. 325) and its “little old lady” mayor got a radical idea.
WINIFRED REMBERT -- LEATHER SOUL
When the horror surfaced, Winfred Rembert carved his stories into leather. And a survivor became an artist.
WHEN 'WE SHALL OVERCOME' WENT VIRAL
When voting rights hinged on Selma, LBJ stunned the nation with a single phrase.
STUDS TERKEL -- TO HEAR AMERICA TALKING
On radio he interviewed the famous but in his spare time Studs Terkel listened to “the etceteras” of history. And he heard America talking.
MENCKEN GIVES OUR 'TONGUE' A TWIST
First there was Webster, then Twain. But it took Mencken to celebrate how Americans really talk.
THE ATTIC READS. . . "THE PEOPLE'S TONGUE"
From “Who’s on First” to “A Hard Rain’s a’ Gonna Fall,” from “The Gettysburg Address” to “Green Eggs and Ham,” this delightful anthology lets you hear America talking.
FIGHTIN' WORDS -- WEBSTER AND THE DICTIONARY WARS
Webster had his dictionary but it took an ugly war of words to win its place in American life.
HOW TO SPEAK AMERICAN -- THE BASICS
From denunciation to celebration, The Attic explores the unique language called American.
THE CHRYSLER BUILDING AND THE RACE TO THE SKY
Topping Manhattan’s soaring skyline took money, ego, and an architect’s secret plan.