Julius Caesar and the Pirates

When Caesar was about 25 years old he was kidnapped by pirates and held for ransom. He was kept for 38 days while his servants raised the 50 talents of silver for his release. Almost immediately after gaining his freedom, he returned with a small army to capture the pirates and crucify them all.

Summer Olympics

With the announcement that Rio de Janeiro would be the first South American country to host an Olympic Games, it is worth noting that there have been only two Summer Olympics held in the Southern Hemisphere...both in Australia - Sydney (2000) and Melbourne (1956). Besides those cities, the southernmost Olympic city is Mexico City (1968).

Roquefort Cheese

Legend has it that a young man, distracted by a beautiful woman left his cheese in a cave. When he returned weeks later, it was covered with a mold that improved the taste. Today Roquefort cheese can only be produced in a few locations in France and is made only with the milk from a certain type of sheep.

The Republic of California

On June 14, 1846, a group of Americans living in what is now the state of California but belonging to Mexico declared independence. They were inspired by the events that took place in Texas. Their first and only leader was William B. Ide who led for 25 days. The republic was forgotten in the midst of the War with Mexico.

Mongolia vs. Monaco

Mongolia is the most sparsly populated country on Earth with only 4.4 people/square mile. Monaco (pictured above) by comparison has 52,500 people/square mile.

First Men on the Moon

As you probably know Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon. Buzz Aldrin was second and Pete Conrad was third. (Pete was 5 months after the first 2) According to the book Rocket Men. The choice that made Armstrong the first was discussed and debated for months before.

George Mallory

The greatest mystery mountain climbing is the story of Mallory and Irvine. Were they the first to reach the top of Everest before dying in 1924? The evidence is inconclusive but after reading Paths of Glory by Jeffery Archer I've decided that they made it. If so, they beat Hillary and Norgay to the top by 29 years.

The Ancient City of Hasankeyf

The City of Hasankeyf in present day Turkey is one of the oldest cities in the world. At various times it has been controlled by the Syrians, Romans, Mongols, Ottomans, Arabs and Byzantines. A dam has been proposed by the Turkish government that would flood the city and all its history.

U.S. Vice Presidents

Of the 47 men who have served as U.S. Vice President, only 14 never ran for the Presidency. There are currently five former vice presidents that are alive: Mondale, Bush Sr., Quayle, Gore and Chenney. Of those, only Chenney never ran for president.

Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia

Following the Russian Revolution and fall of Czar Nicholas and Alexandria (Anastasia's Parents) thousands of Russians left for America, Europe and Asia. When the Russian Orthodox Church accepted the communist leadership, those members on the outside started their own group called the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia or ROCOR. Their headquarters are in New York City.