In the late 19th century, tales of frontier life often captured the imagination of American readers, blending elements of peril, heroism, and the untamed wilderness. Yellowstone National Park, then a relatively new and mysterious wonder, served as a backdrop for many such stories, where everyday workers like mail carriers faced extraordinary dangers from wildlife. This 1881 newspaper article recounts a thrilling encounter between a mail carrier named Stephen Hall and a massive cougar in the park’s rugged terrain. Drawing from a Montana paper and reprinted in a South Carolina publication, it highlights the raw, adventurous spirit of the era’s pioneers, complete with vivid details of a life-or-death struggle.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/man-vs-beast-a-mail-carriers-epic
In an era when rapid industrialization was transforming American society, many young men grappled with notions of dignity, class, and career paths. This 1881 article from a South Carolina newspaper captures a timeless debate: the value of learning a skilled trade versus pursuing white-collar clerical work. Originally published in The Abbeville Press and Banner and reprinted from Waverly Magazine, it uses a real-life anecdote to challenge the “false pride” that deterred boys from manual labor. Over a century later, its message resonates amid discussions on vocational education, economic mobility, and the gig economy, reminding us that practical skills often provide a more secure foundation than prestige alone.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/why-learning-a-trade-trumps-clerical
Dive back into the basement with Wayne and Garth in this totally excellent 1992 cult classic! In this rewatch review, I break down why Mike Myers and Dana Carvey's iconic chemistry, the rocking soundtrack (hello, Bohemian Rhapsody headbanging!), killer cameos, quotable lines, and fourth-wall-breaking humor still make it a bodacious time capsule of '90s slacker vibes—earning a solid 4 brains even in 2026. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this comedy gem is party-on worthy...Schwing!
