The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong Christmas Secrets
Dec 17, 2024
Delve into the wild chaos of the Eggnog Riot at West Point, where cadets subverted Christmas drinking bans, leading to boozy mayhem and a court-martial aftermath. Explore how a miscommunication escalated into a near-outdoor battle. Transition to the poignant legacy of Apollo 8's Christmas Eve broadcast, with the crew reading Genesis from lunar orbit amidst the turbulence of 1968. Discover the emotional impact of the Earthrise photo and its place in the cultural consciousness, wrapping up with heartwarming holiday reflections.
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Washington's Questionable Eggnog Recipe
- Mark Chrysler reads a famous George Washington eggnog recipe and critiques its provenance and contents.
- He contrasts it with Mount Vernon's more plausible recipe and warns against letting one version sit for days.
Eggnog's Long, Boozy Evolution
- Eggnog traces back to medieval posset and has shifted over centuries from heated curdled drinks to chilled, eggy cocktails.
- It was historically much stronger and likely peaked in proof by the early 19th century.
Punishment Versus Institutional Survival
- Thayer faced a dilemma: mass expulsions would cripple West Point, so he tried only 19 court-martials and expelled 11.
- Institutional survival shaped punishment choices more than pure justice did.