Euphemism (eu•phe•mism ˈyo͞ofəˌmizəm) use seems to have exploded in the Guilded Age of political correctness. We are so concerned about offending anyone by our speech, that we resort to tortuous, oblique, and awkward phrases. In addition to being nonoffensive, we seek to remove all unpleasantries from our conversation. To be sure the litigiousness of American… Continue reading
535 Pope John II (died) (born 470) 685 Pope Benedict II (died) (born 635) 1326 Joan I, Countess of Auvergne (born) (died 1360) 1450 Jack Cade’s Rebellion: Kentishmen revolt against King Henry VI. 1541 Hernando de Soto reaches the Mississippi River and names it Río de Espíritu Santo. 1788 Giovanni Antonio Scopoli (died), Italian physician… Continue reading
351 The Jewish revolt against Gallus breaks out. After his arrival at Antioch, the Jews begin a rebellion in Palestine. 558 In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses. Justinian I immediately orders that the dome be rebuilt. 973 Otto I (died), Holy Roman Emperor (born 912) 1274 In France, the Second Council of… Continue reading
147 Swiss Guards, including their commander, die fighting the forces of Charles V in order to allow Pope Clement VII to escape into Castel Sant’Angelo. 1527 Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. 1536 King Henry VIII orders English language Bibles be placed in every church. 1536 The Siege… Continue reading
867 Emperor Uda (born) of Japan (died 931) 1194 Casimir II the Just (died), Polish son of Bolesław III Wrymouth (born 1138) 1215 Rebel barons renounce their allegiance to King John of England — part of a chain of events leading to the signing of the Magna Carta. 1260 Kublai Khan becomes ruler of the… Continue reading