World Briefs
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.
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.
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, 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 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a bold and controversial decision to move Thanksgiving up by a week, from the last Thursday in November to the second-to-last.
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.
On August 20, 1940, Russian revolutionary and Marxist theorist Leon Trotsky was assassinated in Mexico City. A key leader of the October Revolution and second only to Lenin in the early Soviet Union, Trotsky played a pivotal role in shaping the Communist Party.
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."
Mozambique, known for its stunning coastline and growing tourism industry, has seen a steady flow of visitors from South Africa and beyond in recent years. In 2012, tourism contributed 6% of the country’s economy, with just over two million travelers enjoying its pristine beaches and vibrant culture. However, recent attacks by Renamo, an opposition group with roots in the country’s Civil War, have sparked concerns over safety, causing some tourists to reconsider their plans.
According to a study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the happiest place to live in the world is Australia.
Despite their larger populations, Russia and the United States are far surpassed by Norway in Winter Olympic success.
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!
