tidbits cross time

The Pope visited Venice once, while they were settling a dispute between him and others. Legends arose: that he had snuck in, and was found sleeping in the doorway of a church, and for their generous hospitality, he did many things, like inaugurate the tradition of Venice marrying the sea (which was, in fact, older).

After Arminius -- or Hermann -- stopped the Roman advance by slaughtering Varus and his legions, he was both assassinated for declaring himself king and made a great folk hero of the Germans.

When the French first arrived at Newport during the American Revolution, the British were out to evict them. Their forces were under way when they found plans for a major attack on New York. Call back the force, hunker down -- and after the French have entrenched, realize that you've been suckered.
( Read more... )