Советский Союз все еще жив!

Apparently, some people in Russia would like to see the reconstitution of the Soviet Union... or rather, recognition that it was never legally dissolved. In 2014, 33-year-old Dmitry Tretyakov filed a petition with the Russian Supreme Court seeking recognition that the USSR is still a legal entity and has never been dissolved. The Court refused to consider the question, saying it did not affect the rights and freedoms or legitimate interests of the applicant....

Google-Translated to English

No, Not That Socrates...

While looking up Socrates recently as I was writing, all of a sudden I had a flashback to an educational video game console I had as a kid. Thanks to the magic of Wikipedia, I was able to track it down again!

It was called VTech Socrates, and was released in 1988. It featured a wireless (infrared) keyboard and a console that connected to the TV. According to Wikipedia it was quite expensive when it came out, selling for about $130.

I had many, many hours of enjoyment from this and I remember learning math-type stuff from the games. Hey, thanks mom and dad! :-)

Supercentenarians

As of right now there are two living people in the world left who are verified to have been born in the 19th century. The link will be valid only while they're alive, after which some committed Wikipedian will no doubt update the entry within minutes.

Sioux Indians refuse to accept $1 billion on principle

In 1876, the US government seized the Black Hills of South Dakota from the Sioux Native American tribe, in violation of an 1868 treaty. (The famous "Custer's Last Stand" was a battle in a bid to take the land by force. The US lost the battle but won the war.)

In 1920, Congress authorized the Sioux to seek redress by suing the government (which may not be sued except by consent of Congress). The case worked its way through the court system for an incredible 60 years, until damages with full retroactive interest were awarded in 1980. The money has sat in a Bureau of Indian Affairs bank account since then, collecting interest. In 2011 it was worth an estimated one billion dollars. The Sioux refuse to take the money, as that would legally terminate their claim to the Black Hills, which they consider priceless!

Story here on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Sioux_Nation_of_Indians

Chief Rain-in-the-Face, a Lakota Sioux war chief who fought against General Custer.

Wikipedia search leaves something to be desired...

Parliamentary Shenanigans

It is uncouth to put your hands in your pockets during parliamentary debate in the UK. This is from a transcript of the House of Commons, 12/19/1994:

Mr. Robathan: Has my right hon. Friend seen a report- [Interruption.] I am sorry, Madam Speaker, I cannot hear what is being shrieked at me by Opposition Members

Madam Speaker: I can hear very well. Other hon. Members are suggesting that the hon. Gentleman removes his hands from his pockets when he stands to ask a question.

Mr. Robathan: Thank you for your assistance, Madam Speaker. Should I require any advice on deportment or sartorial elegance I shall come to you because you are an example to us all, but I will not take advice from the scruffy yobbos on the Labour Benches.

Madam Speaker: I have no pockets in which to put my hands. That is why my deportment is so good.

Rabbi Dr. Bernard Illowy

An Orthodox Rabbi, Ph.D and talmid of the Chasam Sofer who knew 7 languages and fought for religious observance in America in the middle of the 19th century. Awesome.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Illowy
http://www.jewish-history.com/Illoway/biography.html

Bruno Kreisky

Bruno Kreisky, former Chancellor of Austria, was the epitome of a self-hating Jew (see here).

He hated the Israeli right and used to call Menachem Begin a terrorist. Ironically, he had a penniless brother, Shaul Kreisky, who lived in Israel and was a huge admirer of Begin.

Don't steal trees for Christmas!