A Brief History On September 20, 1911, the RMS Olympic, the first of three enormous British luxury liners of the Olympic-class, collided with the British cruiser HMS Hawke. Digging Deeper Olympic, commissioned in 1911 as the largest ship in the world at that point, was later followed by the slightly larger RMS Titanic. Of course, the Titanic sank in 1912 on its maiden voyage in one of the most famous incidents of a ship sinking, and the third sister ship of the class, the HMHS Britannic, was sunk when she hit a mine in 1916 during World War I. The Olympic…
Author: Major Dan
Major Dan
Major Daniel Zar is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Cold War and has traveled to many countries around the world. Prior to his military service, he graduated from Cleveland State University, having majored in sociology. Following his military service, he worked as a police officer eventually earning the rank of captain prior to his retirement.
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A Brief History On September 19, 2022, the United Kingdom and all of the Commonwealth will pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by conducting her Royal funeral. Having reigning for a record 70 years, 214 days, she made her mark on British history, but was she the greatest queen in British history? Digging Deeper We ask you for your opinion, and we list a few other possible choices to pick from: Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni tribe of Celtic Britons from an unknown date until 61, fought against Roman occupiers and inspires British people, especially women, to this day. Eleanor…
A Brief History On September 19, 1692, Giles Corey, age 81, became a footnote in the history of America by becoming the first and only man to be “pressed” to death during the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Today, we ask our readers and viewers, “What is the Most Horrible Way to be Executed?” Digging Deeper We list a few possible answers, but feel free to name your own: Boiling Alive Brazen Bull Burning at the Stake Crucifixion Drawing and Quartering Drowning Eaten by critters (such as rats, ants, lions, etc.) Pressing Skinned Alive (or Flaying) Stoning Suffocation Question for students…
A Brief History On September 18, 1990, the tiny European Principality of Liechtenstein was admitted to the United Nations. Incredibly, Liechtenstein is only the 4th smallest country in Europe, behind Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino. Digging Deeper A monarchy, Liechtenstein is ruled by the Prince of Liechtenstein, though under a national constitution. With barely over 38,000 residents, this German speaking country lies between Switzerland and Austria and occupies a miniscule 62 square miles. While the national wealth of Liechtenstein as measured by GDP ranks a mere 149th in the world, the individual wealth of the population is a staggering…
A Brief History On September 17, 1983, Syracuse University student Vanessa Williams was crowned Miss America, the first African American woman to win the coveted title. In a bizarre nod to the future, her birth announcement included the line, “Here she is: Miss America”! Digging Deeper Sadly, less than a year later, a scandal involving Penthouse Magazine announcing they were going to publish nude photos of Vanessa led to her resigning her “office.” In another twist of fate, her successor, the “First Runner Up” in the 1983 contest to name “Miss America 1984” was Suzette Charles, also of African descent.…