Author: Christopher Warner

Winston Churchill once referred to Russia as “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” However, the notoriously-quotable British leader could just as easily have been describing Howard Hughes — the record-setting aviator, filmmaker and drug-addled recluse who became the world’s wealthiest man. Although many aspects of Hughes’ well-publicized life are well known (opiate…

Beginning in 1947, a high stakes geopolitical game of chess kicked off between the United States and its “superpower” adversaries, China and the Soviet Union (aka USSR). Although no direct battles were fought, a steady series of proxy wars, threats, and bickering all contributed to defining the Cold War.   Following World War II, U.S.…

Originating on the remote island of Crete, and surrounded by other ancient empires in the Mediterranean, it’s easy to see why the Minoan Civilization is overlooked. Its influence, however, would leave behind a far-reaching and enduring legacy that included the arts, navigation and the first written European language. Also, as a point of distinction, they…

Since its inception as a country, America has produced a relentless fighting spirit, resulting in astonishing acts of valor on all corners of the globe. The task of quantifying courage, however, can be a difficult assignment that involves several factors, including different branches of military, date of the commendation, discontinued and/or upgraded medals, and the…

It’s often been said that songs are largely driven by emotion rather than meaning or complexity of the music. This certainly would explain why a scant three chords and a groovy haircut goes a long way and can help to sell a ton of records. Conversely, sometimes the lyrics can evoke equally powerful feelings —…

Conflict. An essential ingredient for any drama to succeed. A good cast, nuanced script, and capable director also helps. And while a likable character often serves as a reliable vehicle to drive the plot, a great movie can still excel with a wide range of character flaws. Several classic films have benefitted from fictional anti-hero…

Separating fact from fiction can be challenging when examining the lives of historical leaders — especially American presidents, who have, well, history on their side. After all, school children are taught all about presidential exploits and achievements, instilling national pride at an early age. However, as John Adams famously once said, “Facts can be stubborn…