History Schmistory: April 6. After 1500 Years…Boring Sports are Back!

1896. Athens, Greece–The Olympics are back for the first time since 369 AD when Emperor Theodosius abolished the Games as he considered them pagan. Finally, sports so boring that you’re only willing to watch them every four years are back!

Ludicrous Latin: Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

History Schmistory: April 5. Harvard weeps.

1649. Elihu Yale, the English philanthropist for whom Yale University is named, was born in Boston. Dave Harvard, in the next crib, is immediately jealous.

Team Marco Polo Presents: History Schmistory

Culture Buzz: Savage Easter

In the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary it is an Easter tradition to torment women for the day. This typically includes dousing them with water and/or lightly spanking them. Seriously. Somehow, symbolically the ritual is meant to keep them young and fertile, derived from an old medieval tradition that probably should’ve stayed just that. Though most observe the tradition playfully, there are always a few who ruin it for everyone. So, to be safe, many ladies of Central Europe will justifiably choose to stay in this Sunday.

GO THERE! Easter has an Island?

Easter Island is named so because Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen landed there on Easter Sunday in 1722. That’s all. Natives actually call this mysterious and isolated island Rapa Nui. But, we still think it would be a great place to go for an Eater egg hunt!

Today’s Latin Phrase: Utinam barbari spatium proprium tuum invadant!

May barbarians invade your personal space!

History Schmistory, March 29: Beethoven Rolls Over!

1795 – Beethoven (age 24) debuts as pianist in Vienna.

History Schmistory, March 28: Mona Winks!

1794 – The Louvre Museum in Paris opens to the public.
Leonardo Da Viinci's Masterpiece.  Not.

Viral Marco: Euronerds rule!

More Paris travel tips from Euronerd, Steve Ricks!

History Schmistory, March 27: Diss in Venice

1309 – Pope Clement V excommunicates Venice and all its population.
Venice

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