History Shorts: Muslims invade Spain (711 A.D.)

Islam expanded dramatically after Muhammad’s death. Eventually, their empire ran from Afghanistan to Portugal and Spain. During the first century of the religion’s existence, Muslims conquered Arabia, the Middle East, parts of India, Afghanistan, parts of Africa, and invaded Spain. The invasion of the Iberian Peninsula marked Islam’s attempt to convert the world by sword. They eventually conquered most of modern Spain. The Spanish did not liberate themselves until 1492.

The first link is a brief overview of the Muslim occupation of Spain. The second is a NBC News report on modern Spanish Muslims.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91-NpyEKXWU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJMw0RBCFOM

Bill Scherrer: 1984 Detroit Tigers timeline

Born: January 20, 1958

1976: Drafted by Cleveland Indians (Did not sign)

1977: Drafted by Cincinnati Reds #1 overall

Debut: September 7, 1982 (Reds)

1984: Traded to Detroit Tigers

1984: Tigers win World Series

1987: Signed with Reds

1988: Signed with Orioles, Phillies, and Cubs

Post-retirement: Served in various positions with clubs such as the Marlins and White Sox

2006: Elected to Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:

1984 World Champion

8-10 record

4.08 ERA

11 saves

228 games

311.1 innings

207 strikeouts

1.436 WHIP

Quotes of the Month: May 2013

Quote of the Month: “I was a pimp."

-James Lipton

Stupid Quote of the Month:

“I’m not good at math.”

-IRS official Lois Lerner

And the rest…

“I always knew is that it would have to be a black president who was approved by the elites and the media because anybody that they didn’t agree with, they would take apart.”

-Clarence Thomas on President Obama

 “Kaaaahn!”

-Spock

"On advice of my counsel, I am invoking my right under the fifth amendment so as not to incriminate myself."

-Lois Lerner IRS

"Aren't your 15 minutes up?"

-Nikki Sixx to Kim Kardashian

"The law is irrelevant."

 -Obama spokesman Dan Pfeiffer

History Shorts: Islam takes Jerusalem (638 A.D.)

Muhammad died in 632. He created Islam, expanded the religion, and left its future to his followers. Muslims continued to spread their doctrine by the sword. In 636, Umar the Great laid siege to Jerusalem after defeating the Byzantine Empire at the Battle of Yarmouk. The city fell and became part of the Caliphate in 638. Four centuries later, European Christians marched to the Holy Land to reclaim the city. In the meantime, Islam continued its violent expansion into Africa and Europe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFt5feDQo-s

Sci-Fi History: Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959

Aliens try to stop mankind from building a doomsday weapon and initiate “Plan 9” to resurrect all of Earth’s dead thereby creating a zombie army. It is generally considered the Worst Movie ever made (Twilight might have a say in this). The film has since become a cult classic, inspired Tim Burton’s Ed Wood in 1994, and is remembered as the great Bela Lugosi’s last film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHRq80QNnJM

Rod Allen: Timeline

Born: October 5, 1959

1977: Drafted by Chicago White Sox

1981: Traded to Seattle Mariners

Debut: April 7, 1983 (Mariners)

1984: Signed with Detroit Tigers

1984: Tigers win World Series

1985: Traded to Baltimore Orioles

1986: Signed by Cleveland Indians

1988. Released

1989-91: Played with Hiroshima Carp

c.1989-91: Sometime during his time in Japan, he chased a pitcher all over the field after being HBP

1991: Hit four home runs in four consecutive at bats

1991: Hit 2 home runs in Japanese World Series

1992-95: Hitting instructor in Marlins system

1994-5: Hitting coach for Kane County Cougars

1998-2002: Broadcaster for Diamondbacks

2001: Broadcast World Series

2002-present: Broadcaster for Detroit Tigers

2006: Won Michigan Emmy Award

2007: Won Michigan Emmy Award

2004: Son, Rod Jr., drafted by Yankees

2007: Son, Andrew, drafted by Diamondbacks

Accomplishments:

1984 World Champion

.220 career average

0 HR

3 RBI

.524 OPS

Sci-Fi History: The Twilight Zone (1959-64)

Rod Serling created the first great Sci-Fi television series in 1959. The anthology series ran for five seasons and depicted unusual, or strange events, that generally ended with some sort of morality tale. Serling wrote or co-wrote 60% of the shows 156 episodes. On top of this, the guest stars featured either establish Hollywood types such as Burgess Meredith or up and coming actors like William Shatner, Robert Redford, and Robert Duvall. Two episodes, “To Serve Man” and “It’s A Good Life” rated in the TV Guide’s Top 100 Episodes of All Time. Several other episodes could have made the list. The show also featured a creepy theme song which automatically alerted viewers they were leaving this dimension. There were attempts to revive the series in 1985 and 2002.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b5aW08ivHU