Commentary When Constantinople finally fell to the Ottomans on Tuesday, May 29, 1453, the Byzantine Empire and its capital had up to that point survived for 1,000 years beyond the fall of the Western Empire at Rome. Always outnumbered in a sea of enemies, the Byzantines’ survival had depended on its realist diplomacy of dividing…

This film is unavailable in Switzerland, San Marino, Italy, and Holy See (Vatican City State) because of territorial licensing. Boracay Island is a small sandy island in the Philippines that is probably famous for one resounding decision. It has been suspended! In just 25 years, this small island has carried the burden of popularity and,…

Commentary Everyone knows the song “Waterloo” by the pop band ABBA. The tune is captivating, and it is pleasant to listen to the melodious music. Most people would also have enjoyed the song in Mama Mia, the musical based on ABBA’s music. But few people would remember that ABBA, representing Sweden, won the Eurovision Song…