John Adams

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John Adams Wanted Independence Day on July 2nd

The day congress voted for independence, not the Declaration of Independence

(Newser) - Maybe it was just John Adams' favorite number, but America's second president was a big proponent of a different Independence Day: Specifically, July 2nd, the day that the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, reports CBS News in a bit of an Independence Day history primer. July 4th...

America Is Home to 1,513 George Washingtons

But he's not even close to claiming top spot for most popular founding father name

(Newser) - George Washington, America's first president, can claim 1,513 namesakes alive in the US today, according to a new WhitePages analysis , but that actually ranks fourth on the list of most popular Founding Father names. Second president John Adams tops the list with 9,893, while Revolutionary War financier...

(Some) HBO Shows Headed to Amazon Prime

Sorry, no 'Game of Thrones'

(Newser) - Soon, Amazon Prime customers will be able to stream HBO shows—but before you get too excited, be warned that the announcement mostly applies to older programs. Game of Thrones isn't part of the exclusive deal, though seasons of shows like Girls and Veep will appear some three years...

Top US Political Dynasties
 Top US Political Dynasties 

Top US Political Dynasties

Kennedys, Rockefellers, and Harrisons sit at the top, while newer Bushes rank 6th

(Newser) - The Constitution states "no title of nobility shall be granted by the United States," but political dynasties are "as American as apple pie," writes Stephen Hess, who ranks America's top political families in the Washington Post. With one president, three senators, four reps, and a cabinet...

Americans Read Over President's Shoulder

Obama's vacation book list drives leaps in Amazon sales rankings

(Newser) - President Obama’s poll numbers are faltering, but his summer reading choices are getting rave reviews, Politico reports. A survey of the Amazon.com standings of the five books the White House announced he would take with him on his Martha’s Vineyard vacation show a drastic improvement in sales....

US Composer Says Feds Are After Him

John Adams claims agents have targeted him for his politics

(Newser) - One of the most famous composers in America insists that Homeland Security has targeted him for his liberal views, the Guardian reports. John Adams, who achieved fame with his Nixon in China opera 20 years ago, says airport immigration grills him whenever he comes home. "I'm perfectly aware that...

'The Oracle' Forgot One Thing: We're Greedy
'The Oracle' Forgot One Thing: We're Greedy
OPINION

'The Oracle' Forgot One Thing: We're Greedy

Founding fathers quickly figured out people couldn't be trusted to be selfless

(Newser) - If those who ignore history repeat it, Alan Greenspan must have slept through a few Constitutional history classes. In promoting the risky derivatives market, the former Federal Reserve chairman was depending on individuals' restraint and care for the greater good. But Americans just aren't that altruistic, as the Founding Fathers...

Mudslingers Today No Match for Jefferson
Mudslingers Today No Match for Jefferson
ANALYSIS

Mudslingers Today No Match for Jefferson

Dirty campaigning has always been a feature of American democracy

(Newser) - The 2008 presidential race is getting rough, but the combatants look well-mannered compared to mudslingers of the 19th century. Thomas Jefferson was called an “infidel” and an “unbeliever,” while John Adams was accused of possessing a “hideous hermaphroditical character.” Although “everybody always assumes there...

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