History Schmistory: August 24. More Gospels Omitted!

1456:  The Gutenberg Bible, the first major book produced on a moveable-type printing press, is complete.

By NYC Wanderer (Kevin Eng) (originally posted to Flickr as Gutenberg Bible) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

By NYC Wanderer (Kevin Eng) (originally posted to Flickr as Gutenberg Bible) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Tales of Tourists Walking Around Aimlessly: Florence, Italy


Ah, beautiful Florence Italy. Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, this one time medieval colossus thrives today as a mecca for tourists, students, and artists. Home to Renaissance superstars such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Giotto, and Botticelli. Does the world’s next great artist walk these streets today, disguised as an unsuspecting tourist? Only posterity can know, next time on TALES OF TOURISTS WALKING AROUND AIMLESSLY!

Deadword of the Day: Sandillions

Sandillions: Numbers like grains of sand on the shore.

As in: Sandillions of  poor helpless rubber duckies are abandoned every day

GO THERE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The most insanely gothic cathedral you’re likely to ever see, Sagrada Familia (Gaudi’s Cathedral) is one of many awe inspiring structures in Barcelona by genius architect, Antoni Gaudi. Now if they can just get those cranes out of the way already!

Are You For Real?

What’s the fastest way to walk 10,000ft up a mountain?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a tightrope! Duh! …This guy actually did just that. And he plans to do more.

History Schmistory: August 23. Silence! The Mad King Speaks!

1775: King George III declares that the American colonies exist in a state of open and avowed rebellion. And that his teacup has turned the sugar against him.
tea-153067_1280

History Schmistory: August 22. “My kingdom for a horse!”

1485: Richard III is killed in the Battle of Bosworth Field. Sadly, no horse arrived in time to take advantage of the swingin’ deal.

See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Deadword of the Day: Farded

Farded: Painted, embellished with color or decor.

As in: Somebody farded in here. 

Michelangelo farded this one on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

GO THERE!


The Underwater Sculpture Park in Cancun, Mexico. Another great reason to learn how to snorkel.

History Schmistory: August 21. Mona Lisa Smuggle

1911: Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is stolen from the Louvre during business hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The culprit: Vincenzo Peruggia

See page for author [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

See page for author [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

His motive was to return the piece to Italy as a long overdue retaliation against France, whose former leader, Napoleon, stole boatloads of priceless art from Italy and sent it to Paris. A noble cause, but Leonardo actually brought the Mona Lisa to Paris himself in 1516, and it has been there ever since. Oh well, it’s the thought that counts. Vinny was arrested trying to sell it out of his closet.

Sister Windy would be ashamed!

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