Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer (Father of the atomic bomb)
Truly the face of a haunted man.
Possibly the most poignant sound byte ever.
Seriously, listen to the sound byte
why did I decide to watch Ken Burns “Dust Bowl” holy shit this depressing
History meme: Giulia “la bella" Farnese (1474-1524)
After becoming mistress of Pope Alexander VI in 1493, Giulia lived with Adriana de Mila and the Pope’s daughter Lucrezia Borgia in a palace built next to the Vatican, where the Pope could easily make his clandestine visits. The affair was widely known, and Giulia was referred to as “the Pope’s whore" and, (sarcastically) “the bride of Christ.“ Giulia and Lucrezia became close friends.
Through her good favour with the Pope, Giulia influenced his decision to make her brother Alessandro a cardinal.
Giulia had a daughter, Laura, who she claimed was the daughter of the Pope. In 1494 in the midst of a war between Italy and France, Giulia visited her brother, Angelo, as he lay dying outside Rome. While returning to Rome she was captured by a French general, who demanded a ransom for her safe return, which the Pope paid in full.
Giulia remained the Pope’s mistress until 1500. In 1506, she became the governor of Carbognano, where she took up residence in the castle of the region. The chronicle of the castle states that Giulia was an “able administrator, who governed in a firm and energetic manner.”
In 1522, she returned to Rome, and died in the house of her brother, Cardinal Alessandro – cause of death unknown. 10 years following her death, Alessandro ascended to the papal throne as Pope Paul III – a position he would never have gained without his sister’s aid.
03/? historical otps ✧ john & abigail adams
John Adams → Paul Giamatti
Abigail Adams → Laura LinneyAlthough she lived at a time when many women were not educated, Abigail Adams learned to read, developing an appreciation of current events. Her intellect attracted her to a young lawyer, John Adams, and they were married in 1764.
It was an intellectual and romantic relationship that would last for more than 50 years. The intimacy of their courtship remained throughout their marriage, as did their copious letters.
The Revolutionary War and other events often forced Adams to be away from home for long periods of time, so they wrote each other over a thousand of long, affectionate letters. He often addressed his letters to his “Miss Adorable” or “My dear Diana” -after the Roman goddess – and Abigail addressed her letters to “My Dearest Friend”.
When she did join her husband, on diplomatic missions to Paris and London, and later in Washington, DC, Abigail was an esteemed partner, entertaining with style and observing people with interest, John valuing her advice above all others. She advocated an expanded role for women in public affairs during the formative days of the United States.
Abigail died of typhoid fever on October 28, 1818. Her last words were, “Do not grieve, my friend, my dearest friend. I am ready to go. And John, it will not be long.”
John and Abigail are buried side by side in a crypt located in Massachusetts.