17 Apr

Ukraine

Ukraine Україна (Ukrainian) Flag Coat of arms Anthem: Державний Гімн України Derzhavnyi Himn Ukrainy “State Anthem of Ukraine” Show globeShow map of EuropeTopographic map of Ukraine, with borders, cities and townsShow all Territory of Ukraine shown in dark green Capital and largest city Kyiv 49°N 32°E Official language and national language Ukrainian Ethnic groups (2001) 78% Ukrainians 17% Russians 4.9% other Religion (2018) 87.3% Christianity 11.0% no religion 0.8% other 0.9% unanswered Demonym(s) Ukrainian Government Unitary semi-presidential republic • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy • Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal • Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk Legislature Verkhovna Rada Formation • Kievan Rus’ 882 • Galicia–Volhynia 1199 • Cossack Hetmanate 18 August 1649 • People’s Republic 20 November 1917 • Soviet Republic 10 March 1919 • UN membership 24 October 1945 • Independence declared 24 August 1991 • Current constitution 28 June 1996 Area • Total 603,628 km2 (233,062 sq mi) (45th) • Water (%) 3.8 Population • 2024 estimate 33,365,000 (36th) • Density 60.9/km2 (157.7/sq mi) (126th) GDP (PPP) 2024 estimate • Total $515.947 billion (49th) • Per capita $15,464 (102nd) GDP (nominal) 2024 estimate • Total $188.943 billion (58th) • Per capita $5,663 (111st) Gini (2020) 25.6 low HDI (2022) 0.734 high (100th) Currency Hryvnia (₴) (UAH) Time zone UTC+2 (EET) • Summer (DST) UTC+3 (EEST) Date [...]

10 Apr

Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) Boxing Champ

Muhammad Ali Ali in 1967 Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. January 17, 1942 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Died June 3, 2016 (aged 74) Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. Resting place Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville Monuments Muhammad Ali Boulevard Muhammad Ali Center Muhammad Ali International Airport Citizenship United States Education Central High School (1958) Spouses Sonji Roi (m. 1964; div. 1966) Belinda Boyd (m. 1967; div. 1977) Veronica Porché (m. 1977; div. 1986) Yolanda “Lonnie” Williams (m. 1986) Children 9, including Laila (see below) Parents Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. Odessa Grady Clay Relatives Rahaman Ali (brother) Archer Alexander (great-great-great grandfather) Nico Ali Walsh (grandson) Awards Full list Boxing career Other names The Greatest The People’s Champion The Louisville Lip Statistics Weight(s) Heavyweight Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)[1] Reach 78 in (198 cm)[1] Stance Orthodox Boxing record Total fights 61 Wins 56 Wins by KO 37 Losses 5 hide Medal record Men’s amateur boxing Representing United States Olympic Games 1960 [...]

26 Mar

Maude E. Callen: Nurse Midwife – The Angel of Hell Hole

Maude E. Callen (November 8, 1898[1] in Quincy, Florida – January 23, 1990[1] in Pineville, South Carolina[2]) was a nurse-midwife in the South Carolina Lowcountry for over 60 years. Her work was brought to national attention in W. Eugene Smith’s photo essay “Nurse Midwife,” published in Life on December 3, 1951.[2][3] Early life and education Maude E. Callen was born in Quincy, Florida in 1898. She had twelve sisters and was orphaned by the age of six. She was brought up in the home of her uncle Dr. William J. Gunn, a physician [...]

12 Mar

Exploration of the Moon

The physical exploration of the Moon began when Luna 2, a space probe launched by the Soviet Union, made an impact on the surface of the Moon on September 14, 1959. Prior to that the only available means of exploration of the Moon had been observation from Earth. The invention of the optical telescope brought about the first leap in the quality of lunar observations. Galileo Galilei is generally credited as the first person to use a telescope for astronomical purposes; having made his own telescope in 1609, the mountains [...]

06 Mar

The Outer Space Treaty – January 27, 1967

The Outer Space Treaty, formally the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, is a multilateral treaty that forms the basis of international space law. Negotiated and drafted under the auspices of the United Nations, it was opened for signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union on 27 January 1967, entering into force on 10 October 1967. As of August 2023, 114 countries are parties to the treaty—including all major spacefaring [...]

28 Feb

The History of Elvis Presley’s Military Career

(1958)Elvis Presley taken during a medical examination by a military doctorCredit: 1958 DC/Black Star Featured in the April 7, 1958 issue of LIFE Magazine, American singer and actor Elvis Presley served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. At the time of his enlistment, he was widely regarded as the most well-known name in the world of entertainment. Before entering the Army, Presley had caused national outrage with his rock and roll music. Many parents, religious leaders, and teachers’ groups welcomed his draft into the military. Despite [...]