Alexandra Paskhaver: America 250: Ben Franklin, Poor Richard, and All that Jazz

America 250: Ben Franklin, Poor Richard, and all that jazz

Editor’s note: Humor columnist Alexandra Paskhaver is also a big history buff, and is diving into the rich life of Benjamin Franklin for a series of columns tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

America at 250: Love, doubt, and the debts we haven't paid

Birthday anniversaries are meant for celebration. When it is USA's 250th year of existence, it becomes problematic to overlook some not-so-popular policy decisions. As a Pakistani, and that too devoid of diplomatic education and vocabulary, I too face a mixed bag of emotions and reflections. To me, this is an occasion that should also invite an honest accounting: of what a nation represents, what it still has not branded, and what it owes to tho…

Alexandra Paskhaver: America 250: Ben Franklin, poor Richard, and all that jazz

In 1732, Benjamin Franklin began publishing “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” which “contained the wisdom of many ages and nations,” such as “it is hard for an empty sack to stand upright.” Brilliant! Profound! Yeah, I don’t understand it either. Probably due to the low level of literacy in the colonies, the almanac was a smash hit, selling better than “Twilight.” Franklin also had a newspaper, and he made good money by including free advice in it, too…

Living the Dream: 250 Years as America

Living the Dream: 250 Years as America News Staff Wed, 07/29/2026

How the 2026 Acadia Wind Ensemble performance will pay tribute to America turning 250

The annual event is made up of music educators from around Maine. The group has less than 24 hours to rehearse together for the performance.

First Selectman's Update: America 250, JazzFest & Safety

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