March 4 is the Feast of Saladin, who died 825 years ago at Damascus, Syria. Saladin was a military and political leader who as sultan led Islamic forces against European Crusaders. His victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1187… Continue Reading
Today is the 143rd anniversary of the birth of Jeanne Calment, a French woman who had the longest confirmed human lifespan, 122 years and 164 days. She was born February 21, 1875 and died August 4, 1997, in Arles, France. She… Continue Reading
What can we learn from the Kinsey Report 70 years later? Was sex research always political? What do researchers need to ask? In an interview with Deutsche Welle, sex researcher Jakob Pastötter answers these and other questions on the 70th… Continue Reading
February is Black History Month, which the History Channel describes as “an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. The event grew out of ‘Negro History Week,’… Continue Reading
One hundred sixty-seven years ago today, 1 February 1851, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley died of brain cancer. Born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin 1 August 1797 in London, England, Shelley is best known for her novel, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, and for… Continue Reading
Sunday, 28 January is the Feast of Saint Carolus Magnus, also known Charlemagne, Karl der Grosse, and Carl the Great. While he is famous for his contributions to the Roman Catholic Church — he is Blessed, which is one step below… Continue Reading
Tonight is Burns Night, a celebration of the life and poetry of the Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns. Born 25 January 1759, Burns is widely considered to be the national poet of Scotland. He is known for “Auld Lang Syne,” “Scots Wha… Continue Reading
Today, January 23, is National Pie Day in the United States, not to be confused with Pi Day, which is March 14. According to one story, school teacher named Charlie Papazian declared National Pie Day for the first time in… Continue Reading
Today, January 16, is National Fig Newton Day in the United States. Magically, figs are believed to enhance fertility, strength, energy, and health, and are pleasing to Venus. Some sources imply that men can eat fresh figs to increase their potency… Continue Reading
Today, January 11, is National Milk Day in the United States. It is also the 144th anniversary of the death of Gail Borden, Jr., the inventor of condensed milk. Borden’s invention in 1853 meant that milk could be kept without refrigeration… Continue Reading