In the year A. D. 1066 William of Normandy invaded England to claim the throne, which he believed had been promised to him. He defeated a defending Saxon army at the Battle of Hastings in October of that same year … Continue reading
From parades to political rallies, brass bands have long played a major part in public social gatherings. Some suggest that they arose from the French Revolution, as egalitarian-minded leaders organized musical extravaganzas for their citizens. Orchestras of wind instruments were … Continue reading
A Spicy Swap Unlike Anything Else in History In the early 1600s, Great Britain and Holland were vying for control over the very valuable Spice Islands in the East Indies. All but forgotten today, these tiny islands were at one … Continue reading
“This is the beverage of the friends of God.” In Praise of Coffee Arabic Poem 1511 A. D. When you drink your morning cup of coffee tomorrow, say thanks to the … Continue reading
How a thirst for beer played a role in the colonizing of America The Mayflower was headed for Virginia when heavy storms and high winds blew it off course. The ship ended up hitting the shore of Massachusetts. Rather than … Continue reading
One of the great lessons of life that my father taught me as a young teenager was the importance of me finding and reading Good Books as well as The Good Book (The Holy Bible). I am so grateful that … Continue reading
In September of 1945 World War II ended with the unconditional surrender of the Empire of Japan. Germany had preceded the Japanese surrender the previous May. Multiple thousands of soldiers, sailors, and airmen came victoriously marching home to their own … Continue reading
Bjarni Herjulfson could have become one of the most famous explorers in all of history, if only he would have gotten out of his own boat! The year was 986 A.D. Bjarni Herjulfson was actually lost at sea. On his … Continue reading
A bevy of kings who had a real problem with sports Way back in the year 1314 A. D. English King Edward II issued a royal edict banning the game of soccer. The sport bore little resemblance to the game … Continue reading
It is the barbarians that the world has to thank for the birth and the creating of a legendary city of the world. It was a scene of rape and pillage. Houses torched, crops stolen or burned, and hasty graves … Continue reading
