Fascinating People Fascinating Places

Coming in January I reflect on Romania 1989

Mobuto Sese Seko, once described by Ronald Reagan as “a voice of good sense and goodwill” was one of the most powerful and controversial figures of the post-colonial era in Africa. From humble roots, his charisma and intelligence propelled him from obscurity to power of halls of Kinshasa.

Music and sound:

Simon-Pierre Boka Di Mpasi Londi, "La Zaïroise" United States Navy Band, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Every year tens of thousands of young people descend on the small Christian community of Taize in Eastern France. Founded by a Swiss man, Roger Schütz, the ecumenical ministry provides a place of refuge where Christians and non-believers can reflect, pray, study, and engage with their contemporaries from around the globe...

On 1 April 527 AD, an extraordinary event unfolded in the ancient city of Constantinople -- known to the modern world as Instanbul. A 37 year old woman -- a former actress and prostitute dressed in the imperial regalia of Rome -- was crowned as empress of Byzantium -- the Eastern branch and largest remnant of the Roman Empire. But unlike many women who’ve been awarded such titles, Theodora wasn’t just a consort or wife of the Emperor...

On 28 June 1914, a young Serb named Gavrilo Princip sat outside a Delicatessen in Sarajevo, reflecting on his role in a botched assassination attempt on Archduke Ferdinand – heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire. To his surprise, the intended target suddenly came back into view. This time there would be no mistake. He calmly approached the car and fired two shots. One at Ferdinand, the other at his wife Sophie. Each proved fatal...