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World Footprints was present at the White House when President Barack Obama bestowed upon sixteen recipients the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
From a dead cow to a bathtub, the list of strange things people have tried to smuggle onto planes is full of surprises. Virgin Atlantic recently shared a compilation of the most bizarre items passengers attempted to bring onboard their flights. Among the top offenders: a tarantula, a dead cow wrapped in plastic, and, yes, even a full-sized bathtub.
Drinking champagne, tossing confetti, or blowing loud horns may be the go-to ways to ring in the New Year for many, but around the world, cultures have developed some unique and fascinating traditions to celebrate the occasion.
Archaeologists working at 700-year-old Drum Castle near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, discovered an ancient toilet inside a hidden chamber within one of the structure’s towers.
On August 15, 1483, the first mass was held in the newly constructed Sistine Chapel, marking a significant moment in the history of the Vatican and the broader Catholic Church. This inaugural ceremony was held to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, a key feast day that honors the Virgin Mary’s ascent into heaven. The mass also served as the chapel's consecration, officially dedicating this sacred space to the Virgin Mary.
On August 13, 1899, Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, one of the most influential filmmakers in history, was born. Known for revolutionizing the psychological thriller and murder mystery genres, Hitchcock's innovative techniques continue to shape modern cinema.
On August 15, 1248, the cornerstone of the Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom as it is known in German, was ceremoniously laid, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most ambitious and enduring architectural projects in European history. The cathedral's construction, spanning over 600 years, was driven by a deeply religious purpose: to create a grand home for the relics of the Three Kings (the Magi), which had come into the possession of the Archbishop of Cologne. These relics, believed to be the bones of the biblical magi, were of immense religious significance, attracting pilgrims from across Europe and elevating Cologne to a major religious center.
In 1864, the Swiss government, driven by a humanitarian vision, extended an invitation to the governments of Europe and the United States to participate in a diplomatic conference in Geneva. This historic gathering was convened against the backdrop of increasing concern over the horrors and brutalities of war, particularly the suffering of wounded soldiers who were often left unattended on battlefields. On August 22, 1864, this assembly of nations reached a groundbreaking agreement that would forever change the conduct of warfare: the adoption of the first Geneva Convention, officially titled "Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field."
On this day, the world welcomed Mary Wollstonecraft (Godwin) Shelley, born in London, England. Better known as Mary Shelley, she was an English novelist, short story writer, and dramatist. She is most famous for her novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," which she wrote when she was just 18 years old. The novel, published in 1818, is considered one of the earliest examples of science fiction and remains a classic of Gothic literature.
When we asked a few people to guess which state was the last in the union to officially recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday, many pointed to states in the South or out West. But if you had three chances, would you be able to name the final holdout? The answer might surprise you.
A long standing tradition in Spain is the celebration of New Year's with grapes. We're not talking about grapes that have been stomped and processed into a delicious libation. We're referring to grapes pulled directly off the vine.
Tony the Tiger and the Grinch share an unexpected but fascinating connection through the legendary voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft. Ravenscroft is the man behind two of the most iconic vocal performances in popular culture: the deep, resonant voice of Tony the Tiger, known for his enthusiastic exclamation, "They're Grrrreat!" in Kellogg's Frosted Flakes commercials, and the unforgettable baritone that sings "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" in the beloved Christmas classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
