Magellan never sailed around the world
Today marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Ferdinand Magellan, who was killed before he could complete the world’s first circumnavigation. Continue reading Magellan never sailed around the world
Category: Trivia
King George III on General George Washington: Greatest man in the world?
Anyone with a passing understanding of the American Revolution can identify two titular figures in the world-altering American struggle against colonial rule: George Washington, the Commanding General of the Continental Army; and King George III, King of Great Britain. Most would also intuit mutual dislike between the two figures. However, there is considerable evidence that King George III held high regard for the talisman of … Continue reading King George III on General George Washington: Greatest man in the world?
Who is the best-selling musician in American history?
The top spot wasn’t claimed by Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson. Continue reading Who is the best-selling musician in American history?
The time the Catholic Church declared cats satanic
Not everyone is a fan of cats. Some might even joke that they are Luciferian in nature. There was a point at which the Catholic Church fueled this belief. Pope Gregory IX has not left a positive image of himself to posterity. The institution of the Papal Inquisition is generally considered the defining feature of his tenure. In fact, it was his zealous pursuit of … Continue reading The time the Catholic Church declared cats satanic
The flower that can hear
While not possessing ears, the evening primrose can still detect certain sound frequencies that vibrate their petals. Continue reading The flower that can hear
The first parade honoring St. Patrick wasn’t in Ireland
The modern tradition began over 3,000 miles from the Emerald Isle. Continue reading The first parade honoring St. Patrick wasn’t in Ireland
The best way to ensure a coyote population increase is by killing them
When people outside North America imagine the habitat of coyotes, it is possible that they concoct a picture painted by the Road Runner and Wil E. Coyote cartoons. This would lead to an impression that the animal is relegated mainly to the western part of the United States, particularly in the Southwestern deserts. At the time those animated cartoons were created, that was a fairly … Continue reading The best way to ensure a coyote population increase is by killing them
In one year, Russians bought half a million baseball bats but almost no baseballs
Russia seems to have a different national pastime. Continue reading In one year, Russians bought half a million baseball bats but almost no baseballs
Henry Clay: The Illegitimate Senator?
Henry Clay is one of the most revered figures in American political history. The storied “Great Compromiser,” who, in addition to being a vaunted attorney, served as a U.S. Senator from Kentucky, Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, a lead negotiator of the Treaty of Ghent, and in many other roles. Clay had a head-spinning political resume. Famously, the only political position he couldn’t … Continue reading Henry Clay: The Illegitimate Senator?
John Quincy Adams and the Journey to the Center of the Earth
The sixth President of the United States advocated for a polar expedition to reach the globe’s epicenter. Continue reading John Quincy Adams and the Journey to the Center of the Earth
