Tag: history
Stella Rimington: The real woman behind James Bond's M
When the British government first decided to reveal the person behind their MI5 spy agency, many were surprised to find that the person was a she, not a he. That woman was Stella Rimington, who's become the basis of James Bond's M -- and a fiction writer in her own right....
Historian reflects on George McGovern's enduring impact on presidential politics
George McGovern, in 1972, lost his bid to be elected president in a landslide. But four years earlier, he led a commission that totally changed how presidential party nominees are chosen. That system remains in place to day and is, perhaps, one of McGovern's most enduring legacies. He died this weekend, at age 90....
Tourists flock to see botched Jesus painting restoration in Spain
Earlier this year, a well-meaning parishioner took it on herself to try and restore a 19th-century fresco of Jesus Christ at a church in northeastern Spain. But she botched the painting restoration and created an image so comical, now known as the Monkey Boy of Borja, tourists are flocking....
Monks, scientists partner to reveal hidden messages beneath centuries-old texts
In the Sinai Peninsula, there's a Christian monastery with a history dating back centuries. In their library, they have well-preserved ancient texts that scientists are now hoping contain more than, literally, meets the eye. The two groups are working together to find out....
Barcelona bar tries to bring back long-gone musical style
Luis Diaz owns a bar in Barcelona, where he's appealing to a specific clientele. Upstairs, once a week, he turns his bar into a Copla club -- a place where people nostalgic for a bygone era can gather and appreciate a long-ago departed musical style....
Preservationists worry economic growth may endanger Myanmar's historic buildings
Because of Myanmar's economic stagnation over the past decades, very little development has taken place -- which has allowed the country's historic colonial buildings to endure. But as the country loosens up, some preservationists are worried it may lead to destruction of relatively rundown, but still historic, buildings....
Haiti on brink of becoming latest member of African Union
If all goes as planned, Haiti, yes North America's Haiti, will become the latest member of the African Union sometime in January. Haiti and Africa share a sense of history, and African countries stepped up in the wake of Haiti's earthquake, which has led some to conclude the time is right to formalize their ties....
New details paint stark picture of dangerous situation 50 years ago during Cuban Missile Crisis
The Soviet Union and the United States came close to World War III some 50 years ago when, on Oct. 16, 1962, the United States discovered that the Soviet Union had installed nuclear missiles in Cuba....
On eve of Cuban Missile Crisis anniversary, Mad Men creator reflects on incident's influence
The Cuban Missile Crisis has been the subject of countless books, movies and TV episodes. One of the most acclaimed shows on TV right now, Mad Men, dealt with the crisis early in its run and series creator Matthew Weiner reflects on how the crisis influenced the characters in his TV show on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the crisis....
Mother of deceased lead singer from Thin Lizzy discusses musician's early life
You may or may not recognize the band Thin Lizzy, but you probably recognize their song "The Boys are Back in Town." The lead singer of the band, Phil Lynott, died more than 25 years ago, but now his mom is speaking about the singer's early years....
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