Category: history

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7 Interesting Facts About Harriet Tubman

The movie Harriet recently came out at the U.S. box office, and (for most viewers) the movie is going to tell stories about this American historical figure that were previously unknown.

If you haven’t had time to get to the theatre yet, or you’re wanting to share details about a great American legend with your kids who are too young to view it, we’ve got you covered: here are 7 facts about Harriet Tubman that every American should know.

7. She never stopped serving others.

After the war, Tubman continued to push for women’s suffrage. She never had much, financially, but used what she had until the end, even donating some of her property to establish a Home for the Aged for elderly African Americans.

6. Harriet Tubman is not her given name.

She was born Araminta Ross (“Minty” as a girl), but changed her name in her teens to honor her mother.

5. She was tiny.

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#harriettubman #harriettubmanmuseum

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Tubman might have been larger than life – she had a reputation for being forceful – but she stood under 5 feet tall.

4. She suffered a debilitating head injury as a child.

Tubman was struck in the head with a weight thrown at another slave, and nearly died as a young girl as a result. She suffered from headaches, seizures, and visions her entire adult life, but none of that stopped her from undertaking hundreds of arduous, dangerous journeys.

3. She was the first woman to lead a U.S. military raid.

Tubman worked as a cook, nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War, and was given $200 for her trouble. She also led a raid that freed 750 slaves from bondage in South Carolina.

2. She led her own family to freedom.

Tubman escaped, and then immediately began work with the Underground Railroad. She returned to Maryland’s eastern shore for her siblings, and led them, along with 70 other people, to freedom.

1. She lived an extremely long life, especially considering the circumstances of hers.

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HONOR THE ANCESTORS! Lately I've noticed people making jokes about Harriet Tubman's hair. I cannot understand why any black person would dishonor such a fierce warrior in the fight for liberation of black people. When you disrespect the ancestors you disresect yourself. You are your ancestors. We were brainwashed to hate orselves. Now it is time to wake up. HONOR ALL BLACK WOMEN. Hold black women in the highest regard no matter their background or level of awakening. HONOR ALL BLACK MEN. Hold black men in high regard no matter their background or level of awakening.The black woman and man are one. #harriettubman . . . There is a reason the black woman is hated on. Follow to read my upcoming blogs for @reflectionmag that reveal the truth that dates back hundreds and even thousands of years. IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND! . .⁣ . Click link in bio to read my latest article. Comment, follow, share! #blackwomenareaforce #blackwomenwillneverbeerased #blackwomen #blackgirls #diaspora #africandiaspora #africa #african #africanamerican #caribbean #blackpride #blackbeauty #blackpower #blackpeople #blacklivesmatter #blackgirlrock #blackgirlmagic #blacklove #blackunity #panafrican #panafricanism #africanstyle #africanbeauty #africanfashion #africanculture

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Harriet Tubman lived to around 93, which is made all the more astonishing considering all she endured during her lifetime.

 

Me, I’m still itching to see the film.

Are you going to see it? Please say yes!

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These Interesting Facts Might Make You Say ‘Wait, What?’

WOW.

These facts are good. Damn good, if I do say so myself.

I think you’ll agree.

Go ahead and see for yourself…

1. There’s something out there…

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2. That sounds nice right about now.

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3. I’m in big trouble.

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4. They are definitely real.

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5. Gotta pay your dues.

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6. Yes! More of this!

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7. A legend.

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8. Gettin’ it on!

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9. That makes perfect sense.

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10. Does this pertain to you?

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Are you wowed? Like, majorly wowed?

I think you are…thanks for stopping by!

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Centuries of French Wine Harvests Show the Hard Truth of Climate Change

This is very interesting…

Climate scientists often warn that citing events from a single location as evidence of changes (or not) across the entire globe isn’t helpful (or accurate). That said, when data from single locations begin to add small tales to a much larger story, it might be (past) time to take note.

In this case, it’s six and a half centuries worth of grape harvest records that are telling a chilling (but not-so-chilly) tale about how temperatures, weather events, and harvests have rarely varied from a path that all but confirms climate change is happening.

And since those records tell a story about late spring through summer that coincide with what the cherry blossoms in Japan are telling us about spring – and what a Scandinavian river is screaming about winter – the “oh it’s just one place” argument gets pretty darn thin.

Back to France, though, where the good people take their Burgundy seriously.

Dr. Thomas Labbe is the academic who spent years digging through centuries of harvest records that date back to 1354. To understand the significance of the findings, you’ll need to be aware that grape harvests take place earlier after hot, dry summers and later after cool, wet ones (a fact he confirmed after comparing harvest dates with temperature records).

“The record is clearly divided into two parts,” he said in a statement. “For more than 600 years average harvest date was September 28 – early ones were the exception. Since 1988 the average date has shifted to September 15, indicating much hotter conditions.”

So, the summers prior to the harvest have been steadily hotter and drier since 1988.

“We did not anticipate that the accelerated warming trend since the mid-1980s would stand out so clearly in the series,” added Professor Christian Pfister, who co-authored the analysis of Labbe’s data. “The transition to a rapid global warming period after 1988 stands out very clearly. The exceptional character of the last 30 years becomes apparent to everybody.”

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Fidwald European Vacation Day 36. Bordeaux, France. Headed into town to visit a wine museum and enjoy a tasting. Afterwards briefly visited Point De Pierre, the well known bridge of Bordeaux as well as the “Water Mirror” (reflecting pool) however it was a little windy as the weather was turning so wasn’t reflecting so well. quick salad lunch (to balance all the baguettes & croissants) then headed back. We stopped briefly at a supermarket for dinner supplies and miscommunication resulted in security thinking we were going to leave without paying ? (Still easier than communication in many U.S. establishments!) Back in time for a tour of the De Lassalle winery where we are staying, our guide is so gorgeous and we thoroughly enjoyed the tasting, all so delicious! The rain introduced such an impressive rainbow with a view! Finished up having such a fun evening, Jemma busied herself putting together a dinner of mixed goodies to plate, the girls then enjoyed the jacuzzi whilst Matt & I enjoyed the wine but all 4 of us playing a game. (Was a version of guess that song, brought us all a few giggles!) We are thoroughly loving it here! #fidwalds #europeanvacation #holidayroad #familyroadtrip #roadtripwithteens #griswaldsgotnothingonus #frenchwinery #bordeauxfrance #delassallewine

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At least, it should become apparent to everybody.

There are, of course, longer-term climatic records that range across the globe, offered by tree rings, ice cores, and stalagmites (among other sources), but none of those are as precise as Labbe’s data.

The evidence is stacked up so high it’s practically a mountain, and I think that, for the younger generations at least, more and more people are listening.

If wine can’t get people’s attention, maybe it really is too late.

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10 Facts for You to Sit Back and Think About

Here’s another set of quality facts. We’re talking about the good stuff here, people.

Facts that will make you think long and hard.

Let’s get to the facts, shall we?

1. Read with your kids!

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2. A great idea!

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3. That worked out pretty well.

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4. Wall of Axe.

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5. That’s kind of depressing.

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6. The bigger the better.

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7. Sad, but true.

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8. That is insane!

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9. Weed does a body good!

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10. What’s your purpose?

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Now go back through those facts again and let it all soak in…

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The Taj Mahal Installed Air Purifiers to Defend Against Choking Smog

Unhealthy air pollution in India has hit record levels, and India’s most iconic and most visited attraction is attempting something to make tourists more comfortable.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal sits in Agra in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state, around 130 miles (210 kilometers) south of New Delhi. Approximately eight million people tour this UNESCO World Heritage site every year.

 

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According to authorities in Uttar Pradesh, a “private firm” has provided several air purification vans for the city to use wherever and however they want. Officials chose to place two of these vans at the Taj Mahal. Few details on how the vans work or how long they would be there were given.

Bhuvan Prakash Yadav, a representative from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) told CNN, “This is on a trial basis for 10 days, but we are trying to get [the private firm] to continue it for some more time.”

Although the identity of the private firm was never confirmed, ads for telecom giant, Vodafone, are featured on the side of a few of the vans.

According to CNN, Yadav also said that each van is able to purify 1.5 million cubic meters (53 million cubic feet) of air in eight hours. Yet, the vans don’t have sensors, so verification of these numbers isn’t possible.

It may be the vans are more for public relations purposes than actually cleaning air.

India’s high court challenged the government to take better care of the site in 2018. Much recent damage to the Taj Mahal has come from pollution in the air and contamination in the nearby Yamuna River. Since then, crowd control in the form of a visitor time limit and hiked ticket prices have been implemented.

Air pollution has been an ongoing and serious problem in India, home to 22 of the 30 most polluted cities on the planet. New Delhi, India’s capital city is the number one most polluted city in the world. Lately, pollution levels reached a record high of approximately 9x more than the World Health Organization’s recommended “safe” level – the problem is rated “severe.”

Fossil fuel usage, crop burning and vehicle exhaust have all contributed to the problem.

Planes are even getting diverted from landing at New Delhi’s airport. Authorities say control measures are in place, but they will not be enough to stop the damage to Indian property and lives – the damage is already being done.

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This Is Why Germans See David Hasselhoff as a Symbol of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

It’s been 30 years…

1989 seems like a long time ago, but this year is still recent in the memories of the people of Berlin, Germany. Until 1989, the Berlin Wall divided the city and its citizens, with those on the east living in Communism, and those on the west in Capitalism. The wall was was heavily policed, and attempting to cross was a deadly act of courage.

Thankfully the city (and the country) was eventually reunited. Many factors contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and, weirdly, to some Germans David Hasselhoff is a symbol of its removal.

Yes, the guy we best remember for a being the hot 1980s super-stud from Baywatch has a special place in modern German history.

We may know Hasselhoff best for being a fake lifeguard, but Germans associate him with their freedom.

That’s because, in addition to acting, Hasselhoff also sings. His first album, 1985’s Night Rocker, was pretty successful when it was came out, but he became iconic in Germany in 1988 when he released a song called “Looking for Freedom,” in an album with the same name.

Though it was released in June 1989, many Germans were still listening to it when the wall came down several months later, on November 9, 1989.

To be clear, the star insists that he’s not responsible for the fall of the Berlin Wall in any way.

But it’s logical that some German fans at the time associate his song with the momentous event in history because of its timing.

Hasselhoff has spoken to various media about his memories of this era. He told TIME he was moved by his experience touring in Germany in 1989. When he was asked to perform, he said, he’d only do it if he would be allowed to perform at the wall, WHICH HE DID.

Of the experience, he said,

“I remember it like it was yesterday. There was a camera on the crane, and I wasn’t playing to the camera. Usually you play to the camera. I just kept bending over and playing to the crowd because I was so moved by the experience.”

No matter what Hasselhoff says about his connection to the Berlin Wall, it’s clear his German fans will always have a special place for him in their hearts because he was the man who sang about freedom.

Is there anything that surprised you about David Hasselhoff and his special place as a pop culture icon in Germany? Let us know here!

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Teenagers Are Using Social Media to Make History More Exciting, and It Is Definitely Working

Kids today…

TikTok isn’t history class (it’s probably not allowed in most history classes), but teenagers all over are using the newish social media platform to prove the adults around them wrong (again).

Many of the commentaries are a bit simple, but hey – you have to remember that some people are hearing about these events for the first time.

And simple or complicated, this is a way more fun way to study for a test than reading a textbook or actually paying attention to a lecture.

There are some that tackle tougher historical events, like the Vietnam War and the truth about colonization of the Americas.

Here are some of the best ones!

10. The Monroe Doctrine (1823).

9. The German occupation of Belgium (1914).

8. The colonization of Africa (1400s).

7. The establishment of the League of Nations (1919).

6. The assassination of Abraham Lincoln (1865).

5. The attack on Pearl Harbor (1941)

4. The Black Death (1347-1351).

3. The U.S. exit from Vietnam (1975).

2. The Boston Tea Party (1773).

1. The European age of exploration/invasion (1405-)

I love these, and would totally have been on board as a teenager!

Do you have a favorite? What would you like to see next? Share with us!

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This Tiny Yorkie Dog Was a Hero Who Saved Soldiers During WWII

The dog’s name was Smoky, and she was a wee little Yorkshire terrier who, after her heroic performance in WWII, became the world’s first therapy dog.

Photo Credit: Flickr

Found in an empty jungle foxhole in New Guinea, she was first thought to be the pet of one of the Japanese soldiers. The soldiers took her to a nearby POW camp and discovered she couldn’t understand either English or Japanese. So, her origins remained a mystery.

Still, she ended up in the American soldiers’ camp, where Corporal William (Bill) A. Wynne of Cleveland, Ohio, bought her off of another soldier, distracted by his poker game, for about $7.

That lucky seven bucks ended up saving Corporal Wynne’s life.

Wynne credited Smoky with leading him through heavy shelling coming from a transport ship. She warned him of the attack, and while eight other men around them were hit, Wynne made it to safety.

For the next two years, Smoky never left Wynne’s side, sleeping with him in his tent in the harsh conditions of the jungle and eating from his rations. Since she was there in an unofficial capacity, she didn’t get her own special food like the other war dogs received. Eventually, the 5th Air Force made her a member, and she saw 12 combat missions and was even awarded eight battle stars for bravery.

Photo Credit: Aphillcsa

Her most notable mission was crawling through narrow pipes filled with soil to run telegraph wire for an airbase crewman were building. She saved the soldiers from a three-day, danger-filled task of digging up a heavily used runway, as she took only minutes to squeeze through pipes with the wire, wiggling through a space of about 4 inches in some places.

She also loved to entertain soldiers recovering from their wounds in hospitals with her tricks. She would go on rounds with the nurses, visiting the wounded and lifting their spirits, and she actually continued to do this well after WWII ended (therapy dog!).

After the war, Smoky appeared on TV where she performed tricks like riding a scooter. She was a natural entertainer who delighted audiences with her intelligence and is credited for making the then obscure Yorkshire terrier one of the most popular and adored breeds today.

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18 Times People Shared Interesting Things They Found in Secondhand Books

People buy secondhand books for a lot of reasons: maybe they don’t live near a library, or they read too fast to buy them full price, or they enjoy a good deal. But one of those reasons will always be that reading someone else’s book can be like a little glimpse into their life.

And for these 18 people, that peek turned out to be more than they bargained for…in the best way possible.

18. How utterly charming.

I found this in a 1949 children’s book I bought today from ForgottenBookmarks

17. I hope she had an extra pair lying around at home.

16. Nope, she’s not giving you the code word!

I found this in a random book on the shelves of a cafe. from funny

15. Really lovely work.

14. Someone is definitely missing this!

13. Well I mean, money is always a nice surprise.

Found a Little Surprise in the Library Book I Borrowed from pics

12. People are so careless with those things!

used bookstore has a wall of forgotten bookmarks from ForgottenBookmarks

11. Honestly, probably worth more then than now.

In a vintage Hemingway from FoundPaper

10. I want to know the story of their trip.

A 1970’s plane ticket from ForgottenBookmarks

9. Aw, I remember when my grandpa gave me one of these.

Found a cool surprise in my library book. from pics

8. Kind of makes you feel like you won the lottery!

Nothing like picking up a book and finding a photo (and autograph) of the author inside from ForgottenBookmarks

7. Oh you guys my heart.

6. I bet they’re so sorry they lost these.

Found tucked between the pages of a secondhand textbook I bought. from FoundPaper

5. I wish I had found this.

My mother found a 108 year old ticket to a fair in an old book being used as a book mark. from mildlyinteresting

4. How utterly adorable.

A message, and a coin. from ForgottenBookmarks

3. I hope they’re as lucky for you as they were for the first person!

This 4 and 5 leaf clover I found in this nearly 200 year old book from mildlyinteresting

2. A little piece of history.

My son found a report card from nearly 100 years ago in his library book from mildlyinteresting

1. This one is definitely not as charming as the others.

Dried lizard between my book from mildlyinteresting

 

I can’t wait for my next trip to the used book store…but also I need to go through my own books and make sure there’s nothing embarrassing in there before I donate.

Just in case.

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18 Times People Shared Interesting Things They Found in Secondhand Books

People buy secondhand books for a lot of reasons: maybe they don’t live near a library, or they read too fast to buy them full price, or they enjoy a good deal. But one of those reasons will always be that reading someone else’s book can be like a little glimpse into their life.

And for these 18 people, that peek turned out to be more than they bargained for…in the best way possible.

18. How utterly charming.

I found this in a 1949 children’s book I bought today from ForgottenBookmarks

17. I hope she had an extra pair lying around at home.

16. Nope, she’s not giving you the code word!

I found this in a random book on the shelves of a cafe. from funny

15. Really lovely work.

14. Someone is definitely missing this!

13. Well I mean, money is always a nice surprise.

Found a Little Surprise in the Library Book I Borrowed from pics

12. People are so careless with those things!

used bookstore has a wall of forgotten bookmarks from ForgottenBookmarks

11. Honestly, probably worth more then than now.

In a vintage Hemingway from FoundPaper

10. I want to know the story of their trip.

A 1970’s plane ticket from ForgottenBookmarks

9. Aw, I remember when my grandpa gave me one of these.

Found a cool surprise in my library book. from pics

8. Kind of makes you feel like you won the lottery!

Nothing like picking up a book and finding a photo (and autograph) of the author inside from ForgottenBookmarks

7. Oh you guys my heart.

6. I bet they’re so sorry they lost these.

Found tucked between the pages of a secondhand textbook I bought. from FoundPaper

5. I wish I had found this.

My mother found a 108 year old ticket to a fair in an old book being used as a book mark. from mildlyinteresting

4. How utterly adorable.

A message, and a coin. from ForgottenBookmarks

3. I hope they’re as lucky for you as they were for the first person!

This 4 and 5 leaf clover I found in this nearly 200 year old book from mildlyinteresting

2. A little piece of history.

My son found a report card from nearly 100 years ago in his library book from mildlyinteresting

1. This one is definitely not as charming as the others.

Dried lizard between my book from mildlyinteresting

 

I can’t wait for my next trip to the used book store…but also I need to go through my own books and make sure there’s nothing embarrassing in there before I donate.

Just in case.

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