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!

Unbelievably long-lived creature

A whale killed in the 2000s with a 19th-century harpoon stuck in it?
Check it out!