Author: Dr. Zar

A Brief History We have covered numerous tragedies that have occurred at schools around the world.  This article presents a chronological timeline of the most infamous such incidents in our world’s history. Digging Deeper On May 18, 1927, Andrew Kehoe committed the worst mass murder in an American school ever, proving that this is not just something started recently.  On June 11, 1964, World War II veteran Walter Seifert went on a rampage at a Catholic elementary school outside of Cologne, Germany.  He did not have a gun, but he did have a home-made flamethrower, a mace and a lance! On May 4, 1970, the…

A Brief History This article presents a timeline of the history of Mormonism. Digging Deeper On October 27, 1838, Missouri’s governor issued an order for all Mormons to leave the state or face extermination! On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), was shot to death by a mob with blackened faces in a Carthage, Illinois jail while awaiting trial for treason. On June 9, 1856, 500 Mormons left Iowa and headed for Salt Lake City, Utah.  So eager to leave the religious persecution behind them, they started their trek on foot…

A Brief History On April 28, 1192, the Hashshashin (Assassins) assassinated Conrad of Montferrat (Conrad I), King of Jerusalem, in Tyre, just two days after his title to the throne was confirmed by election.  The incident was one of many bizarre and violent episodes to occur during the Crusades.  These wars rank among the longest religious conflicts in human history.  This article presents a timeline of some of the most bizarre incidents to occur in the roughly two hundred years long conflict between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land. Digging Deeper In late April 637, Jerusalem was…

A Brief History The French Revolution was easily one of the most significant political revolutions in history and Napoleon was one of the greatest military leaders of all time.  Their era in history is not surprisingly full of bizarre moments as captured in the following timeline. Prologue On September 29, 1758 (New Style Calendar), one of the greatest naval heroes of all time was born, Horatio Nelson, the man that would become Vice Admiral and 1st Viscount Nelson, the hero of Trafalgar. On August 15, 1769, Napoleon Bonaparte was born.  He would later go on to be known for many things,…

A Brief History Leon Russell was born on April 2, 1942 as Claude Russell Bridges.  He is but one of a number of rock and rollers to have changed their names!  This article celebrates thirteen great performances in rock and roll history by stars who changed their names! Digging Deeper 13. Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz) 12. Freddy Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara) 11. Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian) 10. Leon Russell (born Claude Russell Bridges) 9. Ringo Starr (born Richard Starkey) 8. Madonna (born Madonna Louise Ciccone) 7. Conway Twitty (born Harold Lloyd Jenkins) 6. Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier)…