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.

A Brief History On August 28, 632, Fatimah bint Muhammad, the youngest and possibly the only daughter of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, beloved by Muhammad and by Muslims throughout the world, died under disputed circumstances.  Sunni Muslims claim Fatimah died because of the death of her father and her sorrow at that death, while Shia Muslims contend that Fatimah was killed due to the actions of Abu Bakr, the heir to Muhammad’s empire. Digging Deeper Fatimah is the most common name in the Islamic world for females, a considerable tribute to the daughter of the Prophet.  Fatimah, married to Ali…

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A Brief History On August 27, 1859, Colonel Edwin Drake of the Seneca Oil Company drilled a successful oil well just outside Titusville, Pennsylvania, the discovery of the first commercially viable oil well.  An oil rush developed in Pennsylvania, and uses for natural petroleum products were invented left and right, with kerosene distilled from crude oil becoming the replacement for increasingly expensive whale oil for lamps.  Throughout history discoveries have been made that changed the course of human events either locally or across the globe.  Some of these discoveries captured the imagination of the public rather than changing lifestyles or…

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A Brief History NOTE:  Prior to the game on August 26, 2017, all Browns players and coaches stood for the National Anthem, the players arm in arm.  Apparently Browns great Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown had spoken to the team and implored the players to honor the flag and our country by standing during the National Anthem.  Is standing arm in arm good enough for you?  Is this gesture enough to cause you to forgive and forget?  Should fans still be irate over the previous political display?  Please give us your thoughts on this subject. On August 26,…

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A Brief History On August 26, 1346, at the Battle of Crecy, the English longbow reigned supreme, and ever since the longbow has been closely associated with England.  Here we list 10 such weapons that are famous for representing the country that either invented or perfected the weapon.  Some countries are quickly identified with more than one iconic weapon. Digging Deeper 1. Longbow, England. At Crecy and at Agincourt (1415) the English Longbow reigned supreme and made its mark as the quintessential English weapon.  An effective range of 250 yards and the ability to pierce armor at close range allowed the…

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A Brief History On August 25, 1904, our greatest ice cream sundae was born, the invention of pharmacist apprentice David Strickler in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.  Only 23 years old at the time, Strickler was experimenting with the soda and ice cream counter at the pharmacy he worked at (Tassel Pharmacy), and came up with the greatest of all ice cream treats, the mighty Banana Split. On this day each year we celebrate National Banana Split Day, a solemn occasion for this hungry author! Digging Deeper Normally made of 3 scoops of ice cream, 1 vanilla, 1 chocolate, and 1 strawberry, covered…

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