TodayzHistory

 The United States emerged as a superpower as the world wars drew to a close.  On cue, as the universe tried to strike a balance, Russia (then called the USSR or Soviet Union), emerged as our superpower nemesis, the Joker to our Batman.  The histories of both countries are inundated with modest beginnings, great achievements and terrible tragedies, but the history of Russia is much more secretive and eccentric.  Even among the many fantastic stories that strained credibility, the events surrounding Czar Nicholas II and Rasputin stand out.       The origins of the country we know as Russia can be traced back to 862 AD (according to History.com), and the first czar (or tzar, or csar, or tsar) is listed as Ivan IV, or Ivan the Terrible in 1547.  The title of czar, like kaiser, originates from Caesar, and the history of Russia is a long tale of authoritarian rule.  But, it’s also a history of terrible winters, vodka, and secre...

        I’m sure every small town has some claim to fame, especially in the form of graduates who have moved on to greatness.  My hometown of Uxbridge (the Spartans) has its own examples of alumni who have distinguished themselves from the pack, some to incredible levels. Brian Skerry (UHS Class of 1979) is considered by many to be the best underwater photographer in the world and works for National Geographic. Jeannine Oppewall (Whitinsville Christian Class of 1961) has been nominated for four Oscars for best Art Direction/Set Direction for movies like L.A. Confidential.  Tim Fortugno (UHS Class of 1980) pitched in the major leagues for years. Diane Becker (UHS Class of 1987) was nominated for an Emmy this year as a producer of the HBO documentary, Tina .  Greatness usually brings a large amount of attention, but if you were to poll every resident of Uxbridge, I’m not sure how many would be aware of any of these people, never mind all o...