March 17th, 2017: The biggest news stories from the past week
• Syrian Civil War extends into 7th year
• Trump proposes 2018 US Budget
• Change candidate Geert Wilders comes close in Dutch election
• Brexit bill passes in UK parliament
• Sierra Leonean pastor unearths 706-carat diamond
On this day
Today marks the Christian feast of St. Patrick, who was a 5th-Century Romano-British missionary to Ireland. Patrick almost single-handedly converted the pagan Irish to Christianity. Although the feast was primarily celebrated by the Irish diaspora in the United States in the past, the feast has grown in popularity around the world with each passing year. As part of festivities to mark this global cultural phenomenon, many famous landmarks are illuminated with green lights, and revelers around the world consume alcoholic beverages that have been colored green to mark the occasion.
1. Syrian Civil War extends into seventh year
Six years have come and gone since the Syrian Civil War broke out. It has claimed almost half a million lives to date, as well as seen millions of Syrians leave their homeland in droves.
2. President Trump proposes 2018 US Federal Budget
The US President has proposed an increase in defense spending, but slashed the Environmental Protection Agency’s and State Department’s budgets by almost a third.
3. Insurgent candidate Geert Wilders comes close in Dutch election
Wilders’ party, the PVV, won 20 seats in the Dutch parliament. Liberal Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, was elected for an historic third term in office, with his VVD party winning 33 seats.
4. Brexit bill passes in UK parliament
Prime Minister Theresa May now has the go-ahead to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will start the process of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
To share this news clip click here
5. Sierra Leonean pastor unearths 706-carat diamond
The largest diamond to be found in the country in over four decades is said to be worth some $60 million. It was discovered by the pastor in the small village of Yakudu.
Devastating Italy Earthquake: View Before & After Pictures
The Italian town of Amatrice and surrounding towns were hit by a devastating earthquake on August 24th. View the before and after pictures here.
In 2014, There Were Some Magical Moments...
Some amazing moments from 2014 caught on camera.
The 11 Best Places to Retire to in 2024
Before you is a list of recommended places to retire to in 2024, all of which offer mix of affordable living, quality healthcare, vibrant communities, and diverse cultural experiences.
You Won't Believe the Amazing Things 2017 Is Set to Bring!
If you thought 2016 was fun, 2017 will blow your mind! There is so much happening next year, you'll hardly believe it.
These Maps Illustrate Little-Known Facts About America
These maps explain the United States in the most fascinating ways.
Eating Out? How to Pick the Healthier Meals
If you're looking to stay on a healthy diet, we have compiled some recommendations for you regarding what to look out for in various international cuisines.
A Few Things We Bet You Never Knew About the USA!
The USA is an enormous and diverse place, but when you look at it from a numerical point of view, things get even more curious. Take a look.
The Most Notorious Man-Eating Lions in History
Do you know the strange history of the man-eating lions of Tsavo?
This Is What $300,000 Will Buy In 15 Different Countries
If you dream of living overseas, you should know your dream is more attainable than you think. This is what $300,000 would buy you in 15 different countries.
It’s a Shame We Stopped Using These 17 Old English Words
These 17 old words are definitely missing in our modern vocabularies and deserve to be brought back into day-to-day speech
Step Back In Time: A Glimpse Into '50s and '60s New York
New York City was a vastly different places in the 1950s and 60s. These black and white photos by Vivian Maier captured it perfectly.
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
I Just Wanted to Remind You: You're the BEST!
Do you know someone who ought to be given some appreciation? Make their day today by congratulating them with a sweet compliment!
18 Films That Remind Us How Brutal Winter Can Be
Winter isn’t as cozy as you might think. These cold-weather survival movies will make you long for summer days.
20 Unforgettable Last Words Spoken By Famous People
There’s something poignaant about reading famous last words.
The True Story of Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb
Before you head to the theaters to watch Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, find out the real story of the “father of the atomic bomb”.
14 Movie Recommendations You Won’t Want to Miss
Which films deserve to be added to your watch list? Here are 14 suggestions (with trailers) that are sure to inspire and emote you.
Amazing! 7 Facts That Have Changed Since Your School Days!
Over time, facts we consider to be completely true can change. Here are 7 facts that have changed since your school days.
Life in Japan is so Interesting! Want to Know About It?
Japan has a number of cultural differences. Here are 15 intriguing facts about this countries.
Listen to 7 of History's Most Famous Speeches
This article brings you the words of 7 of the most famous and impassioned speeches in history.
11 of the Most Insanely Useful Websites on the Web
Believe it or not, there are tons of sites that offer useful free stuff. Here’s a look at a few of them.
How We Came to Play: The Origins of Playground Games
The fun games we played in our childhood had some interesting origins.
Learn Something New Today With These Mind-Blowing Facts
These intriguing facts will teach you something new today.
Love is Beautifully Captured in These Historic Photos...
While much has changed over the last century, there is one thing that has always remained the same, and that is love. Take a look at this photo collection.
8 Honest-to-God Facts that Are Just too Weird to Believe
A list of bizarre yet true facts
These 14 Photos Are All Remarkable For Different Reasons
There are some photos we come across that just compel us to take a second look, and these 14 are no exception. Take a look!
10 Incredible Magic Tricks You Didn't Know You Could Do
Time to try out some really cool magic tricks using just your hands...
A Fascinating History of Clothing in the Ancient World
Ever wondered what fashion was like in the ancient world?
50 Years On, Looking Back at the Great Train Robbery
The Great Train Robbery was one of the greatest heists in British history. This documentary could be the last chance to find out the answers everyone wants...
7 Downsides to Being Highly Intelligent
Everyone thinks that being blessed with a very high IQ can only be positive, but there are also downsides. Here are 7 downsides to being highly intelligent.
13 of Napoleon Bonaparte's Most Famous Quotes
In this post, you'll find 13 of the French Emperor's most famous quotes, as well as more biographical information about the famous conqueror as you scroll down.
The Epic Battle of Stalingrad Comes to Life
One of the most epic battles in history, and the biggest of WWII comes to life and explored in this in-depth video.
God Thought Long & Hard Before Creating the Dog...
They do say dogs are our best friend, and there is a reason for that.
These 11 Alcoholic Drinks Have a Fascinating History!
In this article, we’ll tell you about the truly fascinating origins of 11 time-honored cocktails!
After Reading This, You'll Want to Move to Finland!
This article takes a look at how the Finnish government makes ordinary life extremely comfortable for its citizens.
Incredible Maps: The World of Second Languages!
We all know the main languages, but these maps of second languages really surprised me!
15 Latin Phrases We Use to This Day Without Even Realizing
As an English, speaker you likely know more Latin than you ever thought you did. Just look at these 15 Latin phrases and see if you know what they mean...
Smart Synonyms for 16 Words That Will Elevate Your Speech
Sound smarter and enrich your lexicon with these 16 clever alternatives to ordinary English words
When an Ancient Egyptian Tomb Was Opened, This Was Inside
Finding Tutankhamun's tomb was one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history. These recolored photos capture those incredible days.
12 of the Most Inexplicably Weird Things Ever Discovered
In the world, a lot of discoveries often raise more questions than they answer. Here are 12 of the most inexplicably weird things and places ever found.
14 Senior Graduates Prove It’s Never Too Late To Learn
Here are 14 inspiring examples of people who pursued education and knowledge in their senior years.
Wow! I Had No Idea That Whales Could Show Gratitude!
One whale was so grateful for the man who saved his life, he showed his appreciation - by dancing!
24 Classic Books That Give You Important Life Lessons
Here is a look at ten great classic books that have some deep underlying moral lessons for all of us.
This Swiss Brown Ox is a Guinness Record Holder
Meet Tommy, a gigantic Swiss Brown Ox who has registered his name in the Guinness World Records.
These Couples Show Us That You're Never Too Old to Find Love
It’s never too late to find true love. These inspiring couples show one that love has no age limit.
17 Inventive Wedding Invitations No One Would Say No To
Some wedding invitations are pretty bland, but not these genius creations. Here are 17 invitations that no one would ever turn down.